#but romance is not Chapel's only thing | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

dreamwritesimagines · 11 months

Text

Garden of Secrets [27] - Wolfsbane

A.N: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and support my loves, it made my whole week, you’re amazing!❤ I hope you’ll like this chapter as well, and please don’t forget to tell me what you think, thank you! ❤

Thanks so much to @theskytraveler for helping me with the chapter!

Summary: Some surprises carry bad news.

Warnings: Regency era society and social rules, some gender specific language and terms, mentions of sex, slow burn.

Word Count: 3300

Series Masterlist

To be completely honest, you weren’t the biggest admirer of weddings.

Up until very recently, they had only served as a reminder that you would have go through the same thing one day, and that always managed to make you feel breathless, tension filling your whole system.

But ever since you married Benedict, you had been surprising even yourself.

“My lady?”

You could tell Benedict was grinning from the tone of his voice and you jumped on your feet to steal a look at the closed door, then turned to Paula.

“You may leave Paula thank you—Come in Benedict!”

Paula opened the door to step outside and Benedict entered the room, stopping dead in his tracks the moment his gaze fell on you. You blinked a couple of times, trying to pull yourself together to not gawk at how handsome he looked, and he let out a breath, staring at you in silence for a couple of seconds.

“You are a vision,” he said softly and you tilted your head, shooting him a mischievous smile.

“I suppose it’s a good thing you’re an artist then,” you said airily and sat back down in front of your vanity, still smiling. “You look very handsome yourself.”

He gave you that lopsided grin. “Ready for the wedding?”

“Almost,” you said, holding up a pair of earrings before putting them down to grab another pair. “So the chapel first, then the breakfast?”

“Mm hm. But I’m guessing the breakfast will take some time.”

“I could always pass out if we get too bored,” you joked, your eyes finding his in the mirror. “That was what cut our wedding breakfast rather short for other guests.”

“I’m not opposed to that idea at all,” Benedict joked back and you turned to him, holding the bracelet over your wrist.

“Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” he said quickly and came closer to you to take the bracelet from you, then crouched down to get to your level. He clasped it over your wrist, his fingertips waking fire underneath your skin before he pulled his hand back as you nibbled on your lip.

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

A smile warmed your face, excitement rushing through you and without so much as a thought you reached out to fix his cravat, your heart skipping a beat as soon as your gaze met his.

“It was um— it looks better now,” you stammered, retrieving your hand and shifting your weight. “Do you like weddings?”

Benedict paused, then shrugged. “I don’t really care for them.”

“Really?”

“Why do you sound so surprised?”

“Because everyone says weddings are a celebration of love,” you said, motioning at him. “And I’ve never met anyone who worships love more than you. I mean you could compete with Bess and win, that’s saying something.”

“That’s interesting, Josie doesn’t strike me as a romantic person.”

“She’s not,” you said with a scoff. “Bess is romantic enough for both of them.”

“Hate for romance runs in the family then?”

You pulled your brows together. “I don’t hate romance.”

“Heavily dislike romance?” he tried again and you shot him a look.

“I’ll have you know, I’ve recently realized I don’t necessarily mind it,” you admitted with your nose in the air. “On certain, special and very, very, very rare occasions.”

Benedict leaned in slightly, tilting his head to pretend he couldn’t hear you. “Just so I’m clear, how rare?”

“Very rare!”

His laughter was like a melody in your ears but you scrunched up your nose at him, painfully aware of the smile curling your lips as well.

“We should go,” you said with a sigh. “We can’t be late to…celebrate love and all that nonsense.”

“Very romantic.”

“Always am,” you joked back and he straightened his back, then offered you his hand. You took it, your stomach doing a happy flip as you looked up at him.

“Well then,” you said. “Let’s go and celebrate.”

As usual, only the family was in the chapel and Daphne looked very happy, albeit nervous. When you and the rest of the family went back to the Bridgerton House, both she and Simon were surrounded by many guests who were incredibly eager to offer them their congratulations. Out of the corner of your eye, you could see Daphne frowning at something her mother said before following her out of the room and you raised your brows.

Ah.

The wedding night talk.

At least you were certain Daphne and Simon were going to consummate their wedding, unlike you and Benedict. At first you were very glad about that but now…

Well, you’d had a change of heart on that issue.

“…I just remember being absolutely famished,” your uncle’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts and you tried to pay attention to the conversation. “Everyone except the groom and the bride eats at these things.”

“Probably because they’re busy thanking everyone for their good wishes,” Josie pointed out while Teddy ran around with Gregory, Hyacinth and Lottie’s siblings, giggling. “I’m so glad I didn’t go through this to be honest.”

“Because you eloped, Josie,” your aunt said and pressed a hand on her chest. “I wish we could have been there.”

“I’m sure we could throw a dinner party on your anniversary?” your uncle joked and Josie shook her head fervently.

“I’m not the biggest admirer of the ton uncle, you know that.”

“What, with your cheerful attitude? I do not believe it.”

You let out a laugh and turned your head when you heard your name being called, Lottie waving at you.

“Excuse me for a moment,” you said and walked to her, giving her a smile. “Hello Lottie.”

“Hey!” she said. “I could barely talk to you at the chapel.”

“Because Anthony has been hoarding you like a dragon with his treasure,” you pointed out, making her giggle.

“Well he is with Benny and Colin now,” she said. “And I’m sorry.”

“You have no reason to apologize, I promise,” you said. “So I take it this is a nice practice for you?”

“Hm?”

“For when you and Anthony get married?”

“Oh I—” she stammered, a happy smiling curling her lips. “I do not want to assume—”

“Lottie. Please,” you said. “You know it as well as I do that he’s more than ready, considering he has been in love with you for a while.”

An excited giggle escaped from her.

“I still cannot believe it,” she whispered. “I fear I’m in a dream.”

“The possibility of spending the rest of my life with Anthony would be my nightmare but I suppose it’s different for you,” you deadpanned and she bit on her lip.

“Nothing would make me happier,” she admitted, making you smile and roll your eyes playfully. “No really! I only wish he feels the same.”

“He does,” you said. “He’s only waiting for things to get calmer I guess, you know first Benedict’s marriage, now Daphne’s…”

“Oh I would wait for him for a hundred years,” Charlotte said. “I do not mind as long as he loves me.”

You made a face. “In love people never fail to surprise me.”

“You’re in love with Benny!”

“Why does everyone keep reminding me that?” you asked back, making her laugh. “I’ve been nothing but nice to all of you—”

“Y/N?” you heard Daphne’s voice interrupting you and both you and Charlotte turned to her.

“Hello Daph,” you said. “Congratulations again.”

“I’m so happy for you Daphne!”

“Thank you, both of you,” she said with a nervous smile. “Lottie, do you mind if I steal her for a moment?”

“Oh not at all,” she said. “I’ll go and find my siblings, they’re all over the house, I need to make sure they don’t break anything.”

“It’s alright if they did,” Daphne assured her and pulled you towards the foyer so that you and she could walk out of the house and into the yard.

“What’s happening?” you asked, confusion apparent in your tone and she took a deep breath, then turned to you.

“I must ask you a question.”

“Sure.”

“About the wedding night.”

Oh God damn it.

On one hand, it made sense that she would ask you, considering you two were friends and you had married into her family, not to mention everyone was convinced you and Benedict were madly in love.

On the other hand, unlike her wedding night, yours wasn’t happening in the foreseeable future.

Daphne seemed to have interpreted the look of fright on your face as discomfort because she quickly flailed her hands, shaking her head.

“I know you’re married to my brother,” she said. “And it must be very uncomfortable for you and trust me, it is for me as well, I recognize how unconventional it is.”

“…Right,” you said. “Uh huh. That’s the—that’s the reason, yes.”

“But my mama talked to me,” she said. “Not in a detailed way, she merely…she got embarrassed and I’m not quite certain I understood it all and you’re the only person in here who is both married and my friend.”

You blinked a couple of times and offered her a soft smile.

“What is it?”

She took a deep breath and looked around, then leaned in closer.

“Simon and I…we kissed before,” she whispered and you repressed a laugh.

“Oh really?”

“And before you judge me—”

“I couldn’t judge you if I tried, it would be quite hypocritical of me,” you said. “Considering I did the same.”

Her eyes widened. “Wait, you and Benedict kissed before your wedding?”

The memory was more than enough to send a fire through your veins, desire clouding your mind for a moment before you cleared your throat, then nodded.

“Mm hm.”

Daphne’s cheeks reddened.

“So when Simon kisses me, I really—I really like it,” she said and you tilted your head.

“That’s a good sign.”

“But after this conversation I just had, I must at least have an idea of…” she trailed off and looked you in the eye. “Please be honest with me. Is it pleasant?”

Oh, that—

Well, you’d had the same worries, and to be honest you still had your doubts about that but you couldn’t just tell her that. Your aunt had assured you it was pleasant, and that conversation you had with Benedict in the art room in this very house echoed in your ears;

“All poets say it’s perfection with the person you love.”

“And what do the artists say?”

You bit down on your lip, trying to focus.

“It’s…” you trailed off and took a deep breath. “Are you in love with him?”

“With my whole heart.”

You offered her a small smile.

“Then it won’t be just pleasant, Daph,” you said. “It’s going to be divine.”

She let out a relieved breath and pulled you into a tight hug.

“Thank you,” she said as she pulled back. “You’re a true friend.”

You waved a hand in the air.

“Don’t mention it,” you said and paused for a moment. “I mean it. I don’t want your mother to think badly of me, so don’t.”

She laughed and nodded her head. “Cross my heart.”

“Daphne!”

“That’s your cue,” you said as you stole a look at the wedding guests in the yard, one of them waving at her. She heaved a sigh.

“I will see you later?”

“Absolutely,” you said and watched her walk away from you to the guests. You smiled to yourself, then went back to the house, looking around for Teddy but he was nowhere to be seen. You frowned slightly, then made your way to Benedict who was in a conversation with Lucy and Henry.

“Hello there,” you said, smiling at them and turning to Benedict. “Have you seen Teddy?”

“Uh yeah, he’s in the kitchens with Hyacinth and Greg and Charlie’s siblings.”

“In the kitchens?” you asked and he nodded.

“Yeah there’s more cake there.”

You blinked a couple of times. “He already had two slices.”

Benedict looked almost abashed for a moment and cleared his throat.

“He asked me if he could have another slice and I said yes.”

Your jaw dropped. “Benedict!”

“In my defense, he said please—”

“You do realize that he’s going to have a stomachache and not going to eat lunch after this?”

“Darling I don’t think you’re listening to me, he said please.”

“You two are going to make fun parents,” Henry said with a laugh and both you and Benedict turned to look at him, your eyes widening. Lucy elbowed Henry with a smile.

“Don’t.”

“What? They’re already acting like parents and it’s only a matter of time.” he said, still grinning and you and Benedict exchanged glances, then averted your eyes from each other.

“I’m just— I’ll go and find him to check if he’s alright,” you stammered and Benedict nodded fervently.

“Yeah I’ll help you,” he said and quickly followed you as you walked away from them. You cleared your throat and made your way to the stairs with Benedict who let out a chuckle, making you look at him.

“What?”

“Nothing, it’s just—” he trailed off. “To think they believe that…”

“Not that surprising,” you pointed out. “You know what the ton is like, at least Henry is actually saying it rather than implying it.”

“Seriously?”

“I’d say we have like a couple of months until people start throwing us baby names—” you paused for a moment, tension making your stomach flip. “Benedict, should we talk about this?”

His eyes searched your face, and he seemed to have noticed the look of absolute nervousness on your face before he took a deep breath.

“About baby names?�� he joked and you felt a smile curl your lips.

Alright then, maybe you wouldn’t talk about it just yet.

You were fine with that.

“Yeah,” you said. “About baby names, obviously.”

“Not really,” he said. “I mean if someone tries to give us suggestions, we can just tell them we already have an idea.”

“Do we?”

He nodded.

“Yeah,” he said. “I for one think it’s quite clear that we should name the baby Nonexistent.”

You stared up at him for a second before a laugh escaped from your lips and you pushed at his arm.

“No?” he said, grinning. “Come on, it’s a family name.”

“Nonexistent Bridgerton,” you mused and looked over your shoulder as you made your way down the stairs. “Yeah, it has a nice ring to it.”

“See?” he asked with a laugh as he followed you. “I knew you would like it.”

Benedict was rather busy in his studio the next day throughout the morning, so you decided not to disturb him and instead meet with Josie to pay a visit to your uncle and aunt. It had been a while you dropped by the house, and you wanted to see what your garden was doing as well.

You were beginning to think that perhaps you could start working on your garden back home as well.

And perhaps you could even go into the greenhouse to see what was in it and work on it as well.

“Anyway, Andrew keeps talking about Felix,” Josie said as the carriage went down the road, the noises of the busy streets reaching inside. “And he seems rather sweet.”

“He is,” you said. “I always have much more fun at the parties if he’s attending as well.”

“Not with your husband?” Josie shot you a grin and you rolled your eyes at her.

“My husband is too talented,” you said, slightly aware of the proud tone in your voice. “So he keeps getting dragged away from me, by one person or another. Considering all the people attending the parties is the art circle…”

Josie hummed. “And how bizarre are they?”

“The parties or the people?”

“Both.”

You thought for a moment.

“Mostly very much fun and nice,” you said. “There are some…bizarre ones though. Why? Do you want to attend as well?”

“God no,” she said. “That’s not my crowd, sounds like too many people. Perhaps I might attend when you host one though.”

You pulled your brows together. “What?”

“Yeah I mean, will you not?” she asked. “You and Benedict are married, you get along well with his friends, not to mention you’ve just said you have fun in those. It only makes sense if you eventually hosted a party for that art circle as well.”

You blinked a couple of times, deep in thought.

“The idea hadn’t struck me until you mentioned it,” you admitted. “But yes, I suppose I could.”

“There you go,” she said when the carriage came to a stop, and you stepped outside after her, the coachman helping you both.

“Thank you.”

“Of course ma’am.”

You could hear Teddy’s happy chattering as you approached the house, so you went straight to backyard, passing by the house with Josie and Teddy let out a happy squeal the minute he saw you.

“Y/N! Josie!”

“Hello my sweet,” you said, crouching down as he started running to you, then flung himself into your arms. “How are you?”

“I’m well!” he said as he hugged Josie as well while you straightened your back. “I was just telling Mary how I’m going to be a sculptor!”

You smiled at the maid. “Hello Marry.”

“Hello ma’am.”

“Where is auntie, Teddy?”

“Um—she sent me outside to play,” he said, making you frown slightly. “Grown up business with uncle, she said.”

You and Josie exchanged glances and you turned to Mary.

“Do you know what it’s about?”

“I do not, ma’am,” Mary said, “Lord and Lady Thorne seemed in haste.”

“Josie, did I show you my sculpture? The one I made with Benedict?”

Josie managed to smile at him. “Not at all dearest, where is it?”

“Over here, come!” he grabbed her by the hand to pull her towards the picnic cloth under the tree, and you could already see a bunch of toys along with the small sculpture there.

“I’ll just see what this is about,” you told Josie and walked to the house to climb up the marble stairs, and passed through the front door. You walked into the foyer, trying to hear your aunt’s or uncle’s voice but all you could pick up was the occasional conversations of the maids as they walked in the upstairs hallway.

You hummed to yourself and decided to check your uncle’s study, but as you were passing by the small table in the foyer, a half-ripped envelope caught your eye and you stopped dead in your tracks, tilting your head to the left.

Your uncle never left envelopes around, he always opened them in his study or the drawing room.

You reached out to grab the envelope and turned it over to see who it was from but the second your eyes fell on the name, your breath got caught in your throat, the whole foyer spinning around you. You stared at the empty envelope, -no doubt the letter was with your uncle-, trying to fix your breathing, that familiar panic poisoning your system, running through your veins.

“You couldn’t find them?” Teddy’s voice reached you along with Josie’s heels echoing in the foyer but you couldn’t even raise your head from the envelope in your hands, fear gripping your heart so tight that your chest started to hurt.

“Y/N?” you heard Josie’s voice as you dug your fingernails into your palm, tears of absolute terror burning your eyes but you tried to blink them back, clenching your teeth.

“They are probably in uncle’s study, I will get them!” Teddy said, still too excited to notice how frozen you were and ran past you to uncle’s study while Josie touched your arm.

“Hey,” she said, “Are you alright? What is that?”

You swallowed thickly and looked up at her, trying to ignore the pain throbbing in your wrist.

“It’s a letter,” you managed to say, “From father.”

Chapter 28

#benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton x reader #bridgerton #bridgerton x reader #regency fic #garden of secrets

792 notes · View notes

asbealthgn · 1 year

Text

Eddie loves funerals.

Despite what some may think, it has nothing to do with an interest in death or the supernatural—though he does have that—and it has nothing to do with loving seeing everyone dressed in black—though that is always a plus. It doesn’t even have anything to do with that phase he went through in elementary school where he got obsessed with learning about burial rituals from different cultures and recreating them with his stuffed animals (that eventually ended when his teacher called Wayne to say that Eddie really needed to stop trying to embalm his friends).

No, Eddie’s affinity for funerals has everything to do with the fact that they’re a guaranteed source of free food.

It’s become a bonafide pastime. He keeps an eye out in the paper for obituaries and makes note of when the funerals will be. He reads through the obituary and may do a little extra research if necessary so he has an answer ready if anyone asks him about the dearly departed. When in doubt, he can always fall back on “He was such a fixture in the community” or “She always reminded me of my grandma.”

Of course, he only goes to funerals for old people. Anything else would be too depressing. But for old people he can show up and hang in the back while some priest or family member makes a few remarks and then hit up the buffet without raising too many eyebrows.

Eddie strikes metaphorical gold when he cracks open the obit section of the paper and sees the name Maureen Harrington—apparently, one of those Harringtons, someone’s great aunt or something. She’d been living in Chicago but she’s getting buried in Hawkins next to her parents. The name alone is a good sign; the Harringtons are rich as shit so they’re definitely gonna swing for a good spread at the memorial. Eddie’s not even worried that she was from Chicago so he shouldn’t have any reason to know who she was, because the obituary says she was a romance novelist. He’s just gotta skim one of her books so he can pass himself off as a fan.

The day of the funeral is nice and overcast. Those are the best funerals. So atmospheric. He rolls up to the funeral home with his best mourning outfit—dark button-down shirt tucked into black slacks under his most serious black coat that just so happens to have plenty of deep pockets that are great for stashing food in. He claims an empty seat at the back of the funeral home chapel so he can listen to the service.

As memorials go, this one is remarkably formal. Guess the Harringtons are all about appearances even in death. Eddie’s favorite remarks are from Elaine Harrington, wife of infamous businessman James Harrington, who manages to both artfully brush away nonexistent tears and work in that Maureen was never married and has a bastard son. God, Eddie loves rich people.

After the service, Eddie lingers in the chapel for a few minutes so it doesn’t seem like he’s only interested in the food. Then he falls in behind a couple of old men as they head for the buffet. Decent spread—there’s some sandwiches on croissants, overly fancy crackers with spinach artichoke, a frankly bizarre amount of shrimp cocktail. The dessert is the real star of the show with multiple overflowing tables. Eddie dishes up a little of everything, surreptitiously slipping things into his coat when no one’s looking.

“Munson,” a voice says. Shit, did someone see him shoving all those brownies into his pockets? He turns and finds himself looking into the disconcertingly beautiful honey eyes of Steve Harrington. He doesn’t actually know Steve that well—they went to high school together but they didn’t run in the same circles. He just knows of Steve because he was the most popular kid in school, the King. And Steve probably only knows of Eddie because he was the weird fucker who climbed on lunch tables to yell at people. They haven’t ever spoken.

Eddie’s not gonna pretend like he’s never lusted after the King though.

“There’s no way you knew my great aunt,” Steve says. There’s no suspicion in his voice, which is a good sign, just confusion.

“On the contrary,” Eddie says, “I was a big fan of her work.” It’s actually not even that much of a lie anymore. He tracked down a few of Maureen Harrington’s novels and they were surprisingly good for pulpy romances with shirtless dudes riding horses on the cover.

“You were a fan of her work,” Steve repeats, clearly disbelieving. “I’m pretty sure the target audience for those books was ‘middle-aged women in loveless marriages.’”

Eddie grins. “Okay, first of all, how dare you insult middle-aged women in loveless marriages. Second of all—” He reaches into one of his coat pockets and pulls out the book he brought. “See?” he says, tapping the cover. “I like this one because the guy looks like me.”

He doesn’t. The only resemblance is that they both have long dark hair. But cracking half a smile, Steve nods. “It’s uncanny,” he says.

“And the girl looks like you,” Eddie says. Weirdly, she really does. She has the same slightly droopy brown eyes and pouty pink lips. Her hair’s even the same color, her bangs swooping like Steve’s do.

“Nah, she looks like Maureen,” Steve says, “And Maureen looked like a Harrington.” He points over to where there’s a display of pictures of the deceased, including one where she’s probably in her thirties. Sure enough, she looks a lot like the woman on the book cover. Looking around the room, Eddie realizes that he’s able to pick out who the family is because they all have those same eyes. Weird.

Eddie turns back to Steve. “My point still stands.”

He shrugs. “Actually though, what are you doing here?” he asks, “Funerals are the worst.”

“I couldn’t disagree more,” Eddie says, tucking the book back into his coat pocket. “Funerals are a great place to meet people.”

Steve lifts his eyebrows. “Not sure I agree with that.”

“That hurts, Harrington,” Eddie says, clutching his hands to his heart. “Here I thought we were really hitting it off.”

That makes Steve laugh. “You’re right,” he says, “I was just gearing up to ask if you wanted to come to my dad’s old business partner’s funeral next weekend.”

Whistling, Eddie takes a step closer, resting his hand lightly on Steve’s arm. “Second date already? You move fast.”

“What can I say?” Steve spreads his hands out to encompass the funeral around them. “Life is short.”

#idk what this is actually #i wrote this instead of the other two fics i'm supposed to be working on #steddie #steve x eddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #stranger things

861 notes · View notes

onedaughterofman · 7 months

Text

“Little mouse” Copia x G/N reader

Summary: Copia calls you his little mouse, and it knocks the air out of your lungs.

Tags: Dark Copia, light horror maybe? I wrote this in one sitting after working for 13 hours so don’t look at this too closely.

A/N: By the power of the Unholy One, behold my return from the land of the damned.

He calls you “his little mouse”.

It’s endearing. You can’t help but to swoon when he smiles warmly at you, a gloved hand stretched out in your direction.

“Come here, my little mouse,” Copia says, and the warmth spreads all over your chest and stomach. The Italian accent is thick, but the air inside your lungs is even thicker.

When Copia calls you his little mouse, you feel like a teen experiencing their first love, their initial crush. Copia’s eyes are dark, but his gaze is tender and the leather of his gloves is warm, so you obey and let yourself fall into his embrace.

Between his arms, the air is knocked out of your body. There’s no oxygen in your blood, only the intoxicating love you feel for him, only the romance and lust pumping out of your heart.

“Will you join me this evening, my little mouse?” Copia asks when the sun sets, and only the golden glow of a few old lamps falls on his face. The shadows are deep, but deeper is the rumbling of your throbbing heart. “Will you come with me, stay with me forever?”

You say yes, breathless, almost speechless. Copia continues placing tender kisses on your neck, on the back of your palm. His fingers trace patterns over your clothes, hold onto you with the tenderness of a man madly in love.

Maybe you’re madly in love, too.

That’s why you follow him through the maze of corridors, deeper and deeper under the Ministry’s chapel. It’s a secret place, Copia said, a sheltered room away from everyone, from everything. You know the Ministry is full of mysteries, of hidden truths and now you wonder if Copia is going to reveal some of them to you.

It doesn’t matter, in the end. For as long as he holds onto you, as long as he kisses your lips with passion, you’ll follow him forever.

At the end of the hallway, behind a heavy wooden door, there’s a studio. It’s not a bedroom, like you had been hoping. There’s not even a bed.

No. Blinded by the darkness, your eyes struggled to recognise the shapes that lay in front of you. And when your pupils manage to focus on anything, the air freezes inside your throat.

There are mouses everywhere. Immobile, lifeless eyes stare in your direction. There must be dozens of corpses, well preserved in jars or embalmed, displayed on the walls.

“I always loved mouses,” Copia says behind your back, and the weight of his hand is oppressive on your shoulder. “When I was a teen, the Ministry’s playground was full of them. An infestation, they said. A bad one.”

In the silence of the room, the beating of your heart sounds like drums. Copia gently pushes you forward, and your feet obey without resistance.

“I used to play with them all the time. I would grab them by their tails, hold them under the water fountain and watch them wiggle and struggle.”

This time, a sigh escapes the confines of your lips. “You used to drown them?” You whisper, not daring to look back at him. From the corner of your eyes, you notice there’s a smile on his face.

“At the beginning, yes. I was inexperienced, didn’t know when to stop. Then I got wiser,” Copia states, leaning closer. “But you see, little mouses are so fragile, so ephemeral. They are incredibly cute, but they don’t last much. Sooner or later, they go away. I don’t like it when things leave me. Specially things I love.”

One step back is all you manage before your back collides with his chest. Copia’s hand is heavy, so heavy on you. His grip is unforgiving, impossible to get rid of, but it’s still weaker than the fear that clings to your ankles, slowly climbing up your legs.

“But don’t worry,” he continues, and his smile offers no comfort. “Years ago I found a solution to that. Now they are with me forever. Their beauty doesn’t fade.”

The dozen of small, lifeless black orbs burn on your skin. You swallow once, then twice, but nothing undoes the knot in your throat.

“Get comfortable,” Copia whispers into your ear, both hands pushing down on your shoulders as he guides you to an old, wooden chair. The stares grow heavier, colder. “This is going to be a long night. But I’ll be with you now and forever. You’re my favourite little mouse, after all.”

A/N: based on a guy I kind hooked up with

#papa emeritus iv #ghost bc #ghost band #ghost band fanfic #the band ghost #ghost band fanfiction #cardinal copia #papa emeritus x reader #cardinal copia x reader #my fics #hello tumblr

198 notes · View notes

kithtaehyung · 1 year

Text

🎶 Composition of the Century (The Collab Masterlist!) 🎶

Hello, everyone! Welcome to the concert hall.

Take your seats and silence your phones, we have the genius Min Yoongi himself to celebrate on his thirtieth birthday!

Isi (@raplinesmoon), Ryen (@kithtaehyung) and Mars (@joheunsaram) are stoked to announce the masterlist for our second BTS 30 for 30 collab. For this collaboration, we have gathered 30 fantastic writers to showcase 30 musical pieces celebrating Yoongi's brilliant mind during his birth month.

🎼 All details/ratings of the upcoming lineup are under the cut. These fics are slated to go on tour by March 15th, so get ready to be moved (and don’t forget to come back and give them a listen!)

by the time i've figured out what it's worth (m) by @ugh-yoongi ⤷ Guitar 🤍 Yoongi x Reader(f) 🎶 est. relationship, marriage au | angst, smut

🎼 You used to find comfort in it—listening to those old songs, an aural timeline of your and Yoongi’s relationship. The shy sounds of falling in love, the tinkling of a ring in a dish, the inevitable crash and burn. All those songs aren’t so comforting anymore, when you’d do anything to keep him and Yoongi’s got one foot out the door.

🎧 Listen Here!

The Eternal Prince (13+) by @phenomenalgirl9 ⤷ Accordion 🤍 Yoongi x Reader(f) 🎶 fantasy, reincarnation au | action

🎼 Everyone heard of the Prince who got cursed to be a beast for being too proud of his beauty, ever heard of the Prince who got cursed to have a frozen heart because he was cold? But, only one thing can thaw the ice in his heart, love. And only one person can give it to him, Y/n, will he be able to save her this time round? This time round, will his heart thaw?

🎧 Listen Here!

Seductress In Satin (M) by @daimyosjeon ⤷ Songwriting 🤍 Songwriter!Yoongi x Reader(f) 🎶 est. relationship au | smut

🎼 Yoongi has been ignoring you for a couple of weeks now because of his work. Finally, it's time to step up your game.

Pull On My Heart Strings (13+) by @cutest-bunny-writings ⤷ Harp 🤍 Yoongi x Reader(f) 🎶 angst, fluff

🎼 You've been waiting for this show for so long. To see award winning harpist Min Yoongi perform live, in a front row seat! What could possibly go wrong?

🎧 Listen Here!

Please Linger (M) by @matchy6812 ⤷ Synrix 🤍 Musician!Yoongi x Reader(f) 🎶 fantasy au | humor, smut

🎼 After terrorizing the villagers with one too many pranks, you’ve been locked away in The Tower to atone for your petty crimes. As far as you know, The Tower is impenetrable. Nobody can get in, and nobody can get out. It seems you’ll never escape—until one night, a man named Yoongi barges in…

🎧 Listen Here!

Floating Chapels (17+) by @persephonesorchid ⤷ Chimes 🤍 Yoongi x Reader 🎶 regency au, strangers to lovers | angst, fluff

🎼 You open a music school for underprivileged youth and since the beginning, you've had an anonymous doner: they provide your students with instruments and general funding. One day, Duke Min presents himself and a grand offer for you and your students.

The Departure (M) by @sugalaritae ⤷ Double Bass 🤍 Classical Musician!Yoongi x Classical Musician!Jungkook 🎶 rivals to lovers, exes to lovers, romance | angst, light fluff, smut

🎼 It's been 5 years since Jungkook's seen Yoongi play live. 5 years since he was in the same room as Yoongi. 5 long years and so much has changed. Now, on the evening of what looks like Yoongi's last concert, Jungkook watches from the audience. Every finger movement reminds him of what it felt like to be touched. Every bow movement pulls out an old memory tucked away reminding him how intoxicating it was to play with Yoongi and oh! how he aches for a chance once again. Except he's ruined everything, and nothing will ever be the way it was. Especially Yoongi.

🎧 Listen Here!

unrequited love (& other clichés) (m) by @hot-soop ⤷ Cello 🤍 Cellist!Yoongi x Violinist!Reader(f) 🎶 non idol au, friends with benefits | angst, smut

🎼 Namjoon thinks it’s almost funny how both of you were dumped a year apart to the day. (It’s not.) While you’re partial to ignoring your problems, Namjoon likes to analyse. He cries a lot. Has an existential crisis. Starts talking about how suffering breeds creativity. Quotes a bunch of arseholes like Huxley and Lennon, and apparently the validation from a few long dead greats is all he needs to get the ball rolling. So sure, you’ll go along with it - because he’s your friend and you’re feeling numb to everything anyway. Namjoon needs a way to process his pain. But when his community orchestra project takes off and becomes something bigger than either of you expected, you think maybe the distraction is something of a blessing - especially when it brings Min Yoongi, someone you knew from before, someone who’s going through a heartbreak of his own.

all that we wouldn’t say (m) by @effortandmore ⤷ Producer 🤍 Yoongi x Namjoon 🎶 canon-divergent (post-disbandment), exes to lovers | angst, smut

🎼 If Yoongi told someone that letting go of BTS and Namjoon at the same time was hard, it would be a gross understatement. It was, in fact, the worst year or so of his life, but he’s managed to somehow move on. He’s had time, therapy, and lots of friends, family, and work to distract him. Things are good now—the best they’ve ever been, maybe. But Yoongi knows better than anyone that good things don’t always last, and that point is proven when Namjoon shows back up in his life out of nowhere with an album that needs producing and questions Yoongi doesn’t have the answers to.

harder, better, faster, stronger (m) by @the-boy-meets-evil ⤷ Synth 🤍 Synth Player!Yoongi x Reader(f) 🎶 non-idol au | fluff, smut, probably not angst

🎼 Yoongi had it all. He was part of one of the most famous musical acts on the world. Sold out shows, endless opportunities to collaborate, everything he'd wanted. And he had a great personal life free from all that since so few people knew what he actually looked like. Enter you, the new person he's head over heels for. Only one problem - you have no idea he's part of the group and don't seem particularly fond of them. Will he tell you what he actually does for a living or chicken out after hearing another of your rants?

moonlight sonata (m) by @sugarwithtea ⤷ Piano 🤍 Pianist!Yoongi x Reader(f) 🎶 enemies to lovers | angst, fluff, smut

🎼 Passion is a fickle thing. It is a feeling that drives you to success, but if lost -- you can turn as stagnant as a pond. Min Yoongi has always took pride in his passion, his skill, his art. But what happens when slowly the flame dies inside him? He returns back home, to the place where he had started to love music. But, you are there. The bane of his existence. You hate him like a sweltering flame, bigger than his passion for music. And you, are not so thrilled with the news of his return. What happens when you both inevitably cross paths and start a saga of hate and love?

🎧 Teaser!

가연 (Ga-yeon) (m) by @raplinesmoon ⤷ Bassoon 🤍 Restaurant Owner!Yoongi x Nurse!Reader 🎶 fake dating au | angst, fluff, smut

🎼 Your younger sister is getting married at the end of the summer, and while everyone else in your family rejoices, you’re stuck without a date and picking up extra shifts, your previous failures coming back to haunt you. The only comfort you can find is in the tiny hole-in-the-wall Korean place that seems to stay open all night, and its handsome owner Yoongi. But what happens when your circumstances force you to rope Yoongi into a crazy plan? Will the lines between you begin to blur, or will the events of the summer bring some much needed clarity to your otherwise murky life?

A Love Supreme (M) by @gimmethatagustd ⤷ Saxophone 🤍 Musician!Yoongi x Author!Reader 🎶 cruise ship au, strangers to lovers | light angst, fluff, humor, smut

🎼 After your most recently published novel miserably flops, shipping yourself off to sea on a three-week cruise without reliable internet or cell phone service sounds like a great way to run from your problems (and your editor). You don’t expect to find the cure for writer’s block at the cruise ship’s jazz club in the form of an uptight saxophone player.

Dissonance (M) by @sailoryooons ⤷ Clarinet 🤍 Musician!Yoongi x Musician!Reader 🎶 enemies to lovers, idiots to lovers | a little angst, smut

🎼 You have worked endlessly for everything in your life. Your scholarship, your high standing at Juilliard, and most certainly trying to afford an apartment in New York while chasing your dreams in the legendary halls of musical geniuses. And then there’s Min Yoongi, who works hard at nothing, who doesn’t care to study, and who shows up late to everything. After three years of dealing with him, you are determined to take first chair from him during your final semester at Juilliard. Even if it kills you.

Standing Right Here (M) by @sweetestofchaos ⤷ Keyboard 🤍 Business Management Major!Yoongi x Business Management Major!Reader 🎶 college au, friends to lovers | angst, fluff, light smut

🎼 As the youngest son of the Min family, Yoongi is forced to follow in his father's footsteps to help take care of the family business. Yoongi goes about his college life with his head down, keeping to himself but one encounter outside with a classmate changes Yoongi's view about his life. When Yoongi's father catches wind, Yoongi is giving an ultimatum that will change his life forever. Will he make the right call or be left standing alone?

🎧 Listen Here!

Insatiable (M) by @mincursedarokster ⤷ Janggu Drum 🤍 Actor!Yoongi x Actor!Jimin 🎶 romantic comedy, rivals to lovers | fluff, some smut

🎼 When Yoongi loses his top spot in a recent poll to Jimin, the last thing he expect was to find himself on set with the younger male and having to take him under his mentorship as they work together in period piece where Jimin is the vocalist to Yoongi's Janggu playing. Whilst everyone around him see’s Jimin as the perfect little angel, a doting mentee, Yoongi knows differently. Can Yoongi keep his sanity and his composure on set dealing with the insatiable appetite of the devilish angel?

Hexed (T) by @minisugakoobies ⤷ Oboe 🤍 Witch!Yoongi x Vampire!Seokjin 🎶 supernatural, enemies to lovers, witch au | fluff, humor

🎼 Ancient vampire Jin really has it all - fame, fortune, and undying good looks. His immortal life is perfect... or it would be, if it weren't for that annoying(ly handsome) witch Yoongi and his unearthly desire to make Jin's world an unliving hell.

The Song of Us (PG) by @seokra 🤍 Yoongi x Reader(f) 🎶 contemporary romance | fluff

🎼 What was supposed to be a simple cafe date, turns into a night of adventure in a world of music you’ve never experienced before.

Gold (M) by @yoongimingyu ⤷ Vocals (Singing) 🤍 Yoongi x Reader(f) 🎶 est. relationship | fluff, smut

🎼 One thing your boyfriend isn’t shy about is his musical talent. He puts words together in a way that completely convinces you that that’s how they were supposed to be all along – strung next to each other just like that. The fact that he knows it too… It's pretty hot, honestly. You know he enjoys getting to show off a little – sit you down, share what he’s been working on and watch you light up with pride. All of this only makes it especially intriguing when he gets suddenly bashful about his most recent songwriting development.

🎧 Listen Here!

A Change of Rhythm (PG) by @min-yumniverse ⤷ Trumbone 🤍 Yoongi x Musician!Reader 🎶 contemporary romance, hurt/comfort, comedy | slight angst, fluff

🎼 Music doesn’t feel as powerful as it once has. The notes on the keyboard feel boring, and uninteresting. The guitar and drums feel likewise. Each day feels like it’s littered with laziness and unamusement. Which means; it’s time for a change of rhythm.

🎧 Teaser! | 🎧 Listen Here!

all about that bass (m) by @augustbutwinter ⤷ Bass 🤍 Yoongi x Reader 🎶 band au | crack, fluff, light smut

🎼 Yoongi’s band tries to get their grumpy bassist laid. Little do they know he has a secret.

Time Out (M) by @bangtanintotheroom ⤷ Vocals (Rap) 🤍 Underground Rapper!Yoongi x Underground Rapper!Reader(f) 🎶 non-idol au, not-quite lovers | angst, fluff, smut

🎼 What you and Yoongi had going on now was a far cry from the days when the two of you would be at each other’s throats with lyrics that cut sharp as a knife. But lately, you’ve been pulling back, busy with something that you didn’t want to divulge to Yoongi just yet. And now, he can’t help but wonder if you want to go back to those old days...

Beat of my Heart (M) by @joonminshua ⤷ Tambourine 🤍 Yoongi x Afab!Reader 🎶 college au, band au, strangers to lovers | fluff, humor, smut

🎼 'How hard can it be to play the tambourine? You just shake it around and smack it and then you have music, right?' That’s what you think until you’re holding the instrument in your hand and it sounds nothing like the way it does when Min Yoongi, your college’s musical prodigy, plays it during band practice. When he reluctantly decides to help you practice, you start to notice just how serious he is about the unassuming percussion instrument. You also start to notice just how passionate, kind, and undeniably handsome he is. Needless to say, you didn’t intend on picking up a crush alongside your new hobby.

Counting Time (M) by @mrworldwideshoulders ⤷ Xylophone 🤍 Percussionist!Yoongi x Flutist!Reader 🎶 college au, enemies to lovers (or so she thinks) | fluff, eventual smut

🎼 Min Yoongi only cares about two things. One: keeping his parents off his back. Two: finishing college on time so he can spend one last summer playing gigs with his band before he has to start working and join the rat race. Faced with losing out on his summer plans over a missing course credit or joining concert band, a guaranteed easy A, the choice is obvious. He knows how to count the beats. He just never counted on you.

Muffled Tones (21+) by @nabiolive ⤷ Drums 🤍 Drummer!Yoongi x Groupie!Reader(f) 🎶 glam rock au, strangers to lovers | angst, fluff, smut

🎼 To Yoongi, all that mattered was sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Then you came along, and although he couldn't stop thinking about you, his priorities remained the same.

dearly bereft. (nc-17) by @rkivian ⤷ Flute 🤍 Flutist!Yoongi x Duchess!Reader 🎶 forbidden romance, exes au, suggestive | angst

🎼 dearly bereft, you should be aware by now, that your words are only a product of your silly little heads - that which is also stubborn... that which puts your drivenness to perilous use. alternatively, yoongi's audacious company is to blame for your failure of ending your repetitive endeavours.

Inconvenient (M) by @v-hope-mins ⤷ French Horn 🤍 Jazz Lounge Owner!Yoongi x Heiress!Reader 🎶 marriage of convenience, friends to lovers | fluff, smut

🎼 While on a family vacation, your father delivers his ultimatum. He wishes you to be married before taking over more responsibilities in your family’s hotel chains. Either you choose someone, or he puts forward his own suitor. He admits he already has a suitor in mind - Kim Seokjin. Feeling betrayed you walk out of the lunch. Your walk leads you to an old acquaintance, Min Yoongi. The two of you get to talking, your conversation leading you to make a decision. A marriage of convenience. Yoongi obviously thinks it's a bad idea, but you convince him. However, Yoongi proves to be too good of a husband, and suddenly your growing feelings become inconvenient. How are you supposed to survive in a marriage of convenience when you're falling for your husband?

beguiling melody (m) by @ressjeon ⤷ Gayageum 🤍 Vampire!Yoongi x Seamstress!Reader 🎶 romantic suspense, strangers to lovers, historical fantasy, 1800s au, voyage au

🎼 Secretly boarding the ship in hopes of finding a better life had not been easy. Even more so when you witness something that could have put your life in danger. but the ominous yet captivating stranger sparks your curiosity when he began targeting your greatest desires - making you question if his intentions are to solely ensure that you will keep his secret.

———————————————————————

adagio (pg-15, nc-17) by @lveclouds ⤷ Violin 🤍 Violinist!Yoongi x Princess!Reader 🎶 forbidden love, strangers to lovers | heavy angst, fluff

🎼 In which Queen Mara’s only heir falls for a gorgeous violinist with a mysterious and shrouded past.

———————————————————————

Lasting Melody (R) by @joheunsaram ⤷ Conductor 🤍 Conductor!Yoongi x Violinist!Reader 🎶 exes to lovers | angst, fluff, smut

🎼 The flowers blooming always reminded you of the spring you spent in the arms of your program’s recluse. The man who was too shy to even raise his hand in class but bold enough to ask for your number. With years spent apart and your fame making it harder to build any connections, you thought about him sitting at his piano composing a melody you played when life got too hard. The same melody echoing through the empty theatre you stumbled onto to hide from the rain.

———————————————————————

to zanarkand (m) by @kithtaehyung ⤷ DJ 🤍 Yoongi x DJ!Reader(f) 🎶 marriage au, childhood friends to lovers | angst, fluff, smut

🎼 Your best friend has explicitly entrusted you to be in charge of all the music for his wedding. Which means you get a back row seat to watch the love of your life walk down the aisle. To the song that brought you together in the first place.

Thank you to all the participants and everyone showing love! If you would like to be tagged in any of these fics, go ahead and comment on this post so the writers that do tag readers are made aware :D (Or you can definitely drop a sweet message in their inboxes and/or check if they have a taglist form!)

Lastly, let's give a huge round of applause for these wonderful artists👏 They're working hard on these pieces for Yoongi Day, and even a little bit of support goes a long way💕

724 notes · View notes

hotchlove · 28 days

Text

New Addition(s) | Reader X Aaron Hotchner

• i take requests! plsss dm me or leave them here if u have anything fun you'd like me to write. it can be angst, any type of trope, smut, etc. • PLZ NOTE: i ONLY do oneshots. they differ from long to short depending on the character and story. i do not write series! • new addition(s) - 885 words • desc.: - dharma & greg but it's you and aaron <3 - fluff!!!

• • • • ~ ʚĭɞ ~ • • • • ~ ʚĭɞ ~• • • • ~ ʚĭɞ ~• • • • ~ ʚĭɞ ~ • • • •

you and aaron have been married for a year now. you met on a run in the park. well, he was running and you were teaching an outdoor yoga class cause' the building you usually teach in was under construction. it was like love at first sight, he saw you and immediately asked you out. you like a man with a little confidence, so you agreed. and it was the best first and last date ever. you took him to a baseball game where you listened to organ music, after he defended you against a tall, angry man you accidentally bumped into, you took him to get pie - in las vegas. he argued that there was pie in quantico too, which there was, but you counter-argued that no pie can beat the pie in vegas. after a 5h flight and first bite of the pie, he shut up. you were right - best pie ever. you talked about your future and how much you like him and how much he likes you - he told you all about his life and work. his late ex-wife, his little boy - jack, who you were estatic to meet. he also mentioned how he's a slight bum when it comes to romance, and how he wishes there was a way you could just skip the dating stage and just get married and live happily ever after.

and so you did. you went to a wedding chapel in vegas, which wasn't hard to find, and got eloped. when you mentioned the idea, he thought it crazy. how could he run off and get married after one single date? but he didn't take much convincing. one look at your puppy eyes and he melted. now, if it hasn't been clear already, you and aaron are complete opposites. he's a fbi agent, a profiler, who could kill with his stern expression - and you, you're a yoga teacher with a smile that radiates sunshine and a crave for spontaneous new things and change. your relationship wasn't easy at first, you had to adjust to aaron and his high priority job, and he had to adjust to you. your crazy lifestyle, your beliefs, your spontaneity. he's not really sure he's adjusted to that last one just yet.

he's sitting at home on the couch, cracking open a cold beer as he works through some files he brought home with him. it's already 10:45 pm, meaning jack was put to sleep about 10 minutes ago. i open the apartment door and get greeted by aaron and his lovely smile that just melts my heart every single time. "hey honey, where you been?" he chugs a sip of his beer as i hang my jacket and drop my bag infront of the door. "'kay, listen, you can't get mad at me." i sit down next to him on the couch as he gives me a kind of concerned look, "mad? what happened? are you okay?" i nod, "oh yeah, i'm fine, don't worry about me." "but worry about someone?" he chuckles, "no, i promise i didn't murder anyone just yet." he sighs out of relief, although he's quick to correct me about that last part of my sentence. "do you promise you won't get mad? you have to hear me out aaron, 'kay?" i say and sit with my legs criss cross, grabbing his hand and squeezing it. "i promise. now spit it out, you're making me worried. should i be worried?" "i might have gotten us a dog." i can't tell what his expression means. is he happy? furious? confused? "aaron?" "sorry i think i heard wrong - a dog?" he stares at me and i nod. "why- why did you get a dog, y/n." he drops his head into his palm and laughs, in a good and hopefully not manic way.

"i went to the shelter - just to look!" i smile and bite my lower lip, "and he was sitting there so sad and alone and i couldn't just leave him there, aaron. you know me, i'm better than that." he nods, "of course." his thumb brushes my cheek, "i know honey." he tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear. "so you're not mad?" "well i'm not exactly enthusiastic, i would definitely not have minded getting asked about this first before you got one," i gulp and whisper sorries. "but i trust you and your judgement." he hugs me and his hand rubs my back, "plus, jack won't mind having a furry friend around to chase." i giggle at the thought of that, "oh honey, i promise you'll love them."

it's quiet for a second, "honey?" his voice mutters. "yeah?" "them?" i move away from his embrace and bite my lower lip again, trying to surpress my laughter, "okay, i got two dogs." "y/n. please tell me your joking." "they looked so happy together, aaron! they reminded me of us!" i giggle and he sighs, his head dropping once again. "you will be the death of me, woman." "maybe one day, but not today, we've got dogs to take care of now!" we both get up from the couch as our fingers intertwine and i lead him to our bedroom, "oh also, i named them sherlock bones and butterball." "'course you did."

#aaron hotchner #hotch #thomas gibson #fluff #fanfic #fan fic #criminal minds #greg montgomery #dharma montgomery #jack hotchner #cute fanfic #bau

34 notes · View notes

anotheruserwithnoname · 10 months

Text

Star Trek SNW finally settles decades-old canon issues (spoiler commentary for S02E03)

(Image credit: Startrek.com)

I say spoiler right in the headline, and I mean it. Read no further if you have yet to see Star Trek: Strange New World’s latest episode, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. (The image above is a publicity image and is also in the trailer, so it’s not really a spoiler.)

The TL;DR is: one single line of dialogue fixed nearly 30 years of canon issues. I am not exaggerating. More under the break. And this will be a long one:

To “cross the streams” a moment, it is undeniable canon (not shipping wishful thinking) that not only did the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who have feelings for Clara Oswald, he even considered her not his companion, but his girlfriend. That was made undeniable canon in a couple lines in “Deep Breath” when the Twelfth Doctor said “Clara, I’m not your boyfriend,” Clara replied, “I never thought you were.” and Twelve said “I never said it was your mistake.” That was in stark fact. One line of canon dialogue confirmed what many speculated and the show hinted at. This is separate from what came after, any retcons later writers did, and all that.

Well, one line of dialogue from a guest character in last night’s episode of Strange New Worlds put into canon something I and many others have felt not only about SNW, but the current breed of Trek shows and indeed there were signs of this going back to both Star Trek DS9 and Star Trek Voyager in the 1990s.

The Romulan time agent, Sera, played by Adelaide Kane who some may remember from playing Mary Queen of Scots in Reign, states that the Eugenics war involving Khan was supposed to happen in 1992, but was delayed 30 years due to temporal wars and other interference from the future. (To be precise she’s likely referring to Khan’s birth since he was in his 30s or 40s by the 1990s, the time TOS established the Eugenics Wars took place; here he’s a kid - possibly even a Canadian kid! The war itself is still some years away.)

That explains a lot. Why since DS9 the Eugenics Wars were redated to the mid-21st century. Why SNW’s pilot episode last year confirmed the Eugenics Wars were part of WW3, not a separate conflict. Why the Voyager episode where they go back to Earth on 1996 featured no mention of the Eugenics Wars. Why Kirk and everyone else already knows the name Noonien-Singh (even if La’an hadn’t introduced herself by name to “Prime” Kirk at the end, he would have seen her testimony about being Khan’s descendant at Una’s trial. There is no way in this timeline that Kirk, Spock or anyone else would not recognize Khan’s name instantly when the events of Space Seed happen. Heck, even the fact the SNW Enterprise doesn’t match up with the 1960s designs that were also featured in TNG, DS9 and Star Trek: Enterprise. Or even stuff like people like Uhura knowing who T’Pring was years before they were supposedly first introduced to her in “Amok Time”. It even gives wiggle room for the fact this time-travel episode actually breaks canon with the time-travel-based episodes of Picard Season 2! (Laris would have known about Sera and stopped her, right? Sean at TrekCulture had a gripe about this in his Youtube review)

Sera basically admitted that because of people farting around with time and the temporal wars (recall that it was strongly implied in Enterprise that the Romulans were involved if not responsible for that) that the timeline has been changed.

It can’t be denied anymore and it’s such a liberating thing. Now, SNW is free to truly tell reimagined stories (like the retelling of Balance of Terror last season, albeit that was another alternate timeline), to make T’Pring a vital character and build her, to accelerate the Spock-Chapel romance that was only hinted at in TOS. To truly let Paul Wesley develop his own version of Kirk, not to mention Ethan Peck’s Spock and whoever next plays McCoy (you know they will bring him in eventually and if SNW avoids the fate of Prodigy and lasts a few years, they’re going to have to start getting lined up for a new TOS-era series). Hell, the door is now open for Kirk and La’an to establish a “prime-era” romance - imagine a retelling of Space Seed with La’an in the picture (or at least Kirk remembering her).

This will be a hot take for some. But my rebuttal comes from Doctor Who: “Time can be rewritten.” Finally, nearly 30 years after what was thought to be an erroneous dating of the Eugenics Wars in a throwaway line in an episode of DS9 (I believe the producers even said it was a goof back then), and 22 years of people griping about how the prequel series were not lining up with what came before, either esthetically or storyline-wise (Enterprise, Discovery, SNW, and Picard S2 to a degree), we have a firm, canonical explanation. People will still gripe about politics, general quality, casting, whatever, of shows - that’s a separate argument - but at least in terms of canon, this has changed everything. In a good way.

I only wish they hadn’t killed off Sera. I got very strong Sela vibes from her (Sela/Sera? Coincidence?) and I would have liked to see her become a recurring nemesis. Then again, as I just said, time can be rewritten.

#star trek: strange new worlds #tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow #star trek: strange new worlds spoilers

145 notes · View notes

copiousloverofcopia · 1 year

Note

The Copia I love reading about is how he's portrayed as odd, quiet, nervous...finally getting the chance to bed a sister of sin, only to ask afterwards shyly "was....was that good?". Dude....she can't catch her breath, her ears popped twice from the strength of her orgasms, and she can smell colors now....OBVIOUSLY! Turns out he's some sort of sex God with a magic dick.🤣

Lol sooooo I did a thing. I also made Copia a virgin in this so it's an even bigger 😳

Anyways ghestie here you go.

Okie Dokie

Also available here on AO3!

Definitely NSFW beneath the cut

Copia took in a cleansing deep breath, his palms clammy beneath the leather of his embellished gloves. The Cardinal stood alone in his office. The day was winding down into night and there was no more paperwork that couldn't wait until tomorrow. It's time, he thought, staring at himself in the full length mirror–practicing what he would say. He adjusted his biretta and fastened his pellegrina, the diamond encrusted grucifix sprayed proudly across his chest prepared to be on his way. Tonight was the night he would tell you.

He had a noted pep in his step as he passed the siblings as they loitered in the hallways. A warm smile worn well on his face, only the hint of unease in his demeanor as he made his way to the chapel. His footfalls echoed off the marble floor as he stopped just outside the chapel.

This was your meeting spot. A public space as to not lead you both to temptation. Copia was always careful to not be perceived as pushy or too forward in your quiet romance. Leaving both of you on edge, constantly wanting more, but neither making the first move.

You still found it romantic however, the hours spent under the cathedral ceilings painted a rich shade of blue—mimicking the night sky. It was wondrous to behold and coupled with the warm glow of the candles that would embrace you, the perfect setting—if only he’d make a move.

You turned towards the noise, met with the sight of your sweet awkward Cardinal closing up the doors behind him. Your heart began to pound in your chest. There was something about him that, despite what others said about his nervous disposition and “rat-like” appearance, made you ache inside. You watched, a smile on your face as Copia made his way down the nave.

You stood up to greet him. Breath held within your chest as he walked toward you, his eyes still on his feet. When he finally looked up at you he smiled, shaking his head. “Oh no amore, please don’t stand on my account.” he insisted, motioning for you to be seated.

Copia made the Sign of Sin, as he slipped into the pew beside you. A traditional self blessing and blasphemous display, as an affront to God, in respect of his Infernal Majesty. The sign itself, sending your eyes straight to the Cardinal’s groin, inspiring lascivious imagery and making your cheeks ignite.

“Ahem…So why did you ask me here?” you inquired, clearing your throat as you shifted in your seat. Copia placed his hand tenderly atop of your thigh, instantly heat began coursing through you. You were almost embarrassed at just how flustered you became at a mere touch.

“You see…I have been thinking cara mia. I have been thinking that we should…um…that we should—”

“Should what C? Just spit it out already?" You laughed.

“That we should c-commit ourselves to sin. To …ah…you know to um…consummate our devotion in his name.” Copia confessed, pulling the biretta from his head. He fidgeted with it in his lap, patiently waiting to hear what you'd have to say. At first you were unsure you’d heard him right. Both of you had been careful to not discuss this particular subject, straying far away from anything that may lead to its implication.

Now here he was telling you it was his deepest desire, his wish for you both to become one. Your heart pumped hard, so hard you felt it might break free of your chest. Your would-be lover's words made your blood rush, flooding your entire body, and culminating in the growing ache between your thighs.

“Oh…that.” You said, the words choked as you tried to speak them, your mouth dry and voice shaky.

“Sí…I…I have thought a lot about it…uh…in the past few weeks and well—I would like to try.” Copia explained, his eyes meeting with yours. The impact of his captivating and mismatched gaze, parting your lips and creating a throb felt between your legs.

“Are you sure, I mean I know that this will…would be your first–”

“I…think…no I know. I am sure. I can’t promise I will be any good amore, but I know that I want to be with you—in all ways. And this—this is something I truly desire. As a matter of fact. I–I have never wanted anything more.” He vowed, his hands taking hold of yours. Copia ran his thumb against the back of your hand, a soft and intimate gesture that only served to impassion you more.

“Ok.” You said, the only word you were able to form from your lips. Copia's eyes stared into you, growing hungry with each passing second. He removed his gloves, placing them beside you on the old wood pew, as he drew forth another smile. Suddenly he brought his mouth to yours, your face cradled within his hand, as he pressed his soft lips onto yours. A rush sent through you, his tongue slipping inside your mouth and dancing with yours as if he had done it a million times before.

You lost yourself almost instantly, the moment both of you had secretly been waiting for was upon you. Now you struggled to hold in the moaning that so desperately wanted to leave your lips. Feeling his bare hand slide up under your habit made you breathless and trembling. Copia and you both moaning, fully unable to hold back as his fingertips met with the wet fabric of your panties.

“Oh amore, I want you. Por favore…Touch me.” he begged, lifting his hips up to send your attention to the swell of his cock below his cassock.

“Oh C!” You moaned, running your hand along on the rigid thick bulge of his pants.Your eyes widened, he was surprisingly well endowed. Your cunt aching so badly with the knowledge that you longed to have him inside you even more.

“Il tuo tocco è inebriante. Oh cazzo spero di poter durare.” Copia mewled, biting down on his lower lip as he slid his fingers past your panties, slipping carefully to meet with the full wetness of your folds. The silky flesh, plump with blood and need, making his cock pulse as he pushed his fingers deep inside. You both moaned once more, Copia stroking you and pressing into your aching cunt with full fervor. You felt yourself gripping the edge of the pew, Your nails digging into the wood as your hips rose up on Copia's hand.

“Amore, I want to be inside you. I need you now please.” Copia whined, unable to stand how good your pussy felt on his fingers. There was no need to rest on ceremony, he couldn’t hold off any longer.

“Take me C, show me how devoted you are to the sin of lust. To our dark God.” You replied, where those particular words had come from you didn't know, as he pulled his fingers from you. The Cardinal dropped his pants and undid his excessive buttons on his cassock. Rushing to get at his heavy, leaking cock as you wiggled out of your panties and leaned over the back of the pew. He pulled up your habit, bent over and ready as you revealed your dripping folds to him.

"Oh sweet Lucifer." Copia said, sucking in his lower lip as he stared at you. “Are you ready cara?” his words, even more strained and overcome with the impulse to fill you.

“Yes! C, please I’m yours!” You cried, looking over your shoulder as you raised up your ass before him, an offering fit for Asmodeus himself. Copia licked his lips, his eyes never leaving your body, as he rubbed his cock through your folds. Once he gathered enough of your slick, the head of his pulsing red cock pushed through and he buried it deep inside you.

“Mmmm…cazzo amore, you feel so good.” Copia groaned, sucking in air through his clenched teeth as he spread you out inside. Thrusting and pumping his hard cock into your warm cunt. You pushed yourself back on to him, allowing him in deeper. He grabbed hold of your thighs, steadying you as he fucked you right there in the chapel. Both of you too overcome with the heated sensations, of him sliding in and out, to care about being caught.

The girth of his cock filled you so tightly. The pressure against your every bundle of nerves, setting you aflame. The way he moved, the feeling of him inside…it was so salacious and unlike anything you'd experienced before. You wondered how the two of you were ever able to abstain before.

Copia pulled you up a bit, your hands still holding on the back of the pew for dear life, as he re-positioned you. “C? Ahhh AHHH!” You screamed, as this new position had him hitting you in just the right spot. Your body, clenching down around his cock and holding tight to him with his every movement.

“I want to be deeper inside you, feel every part of you." Copia panted as he rolled back your hips. The tip of his cock was pressing hard against your ribbed flesh with each thrust. The spot before only you managed to find, somehow the virginal Cardinal had found it within moments. The way it felt to have his cock rubbing you there sent you floating, your soul transcending your body.

You came hard, seizing down on him. Tasting the colors as they flashed by—painted on your eyelids held closed tight. Your mind, completely awash in the sensations felt between you. The rat man had surpassed all expectations sending you to the heights of passion and lust never before imagined.

With each passing moment, things only deepened in intensity. Both of you, clambering for air and struggling to maintain your grip. Quickly losing the strength to keep going but still needing to meet that extremely satisfying and fulfilling end. Copia continued to pump himself into you, the drops of sweat felt as they rolled down the small of your backs.

“Mmm… How? C?” you asked, breathless. Your words, almost incomprehensible as Copia smiled. He pressed his lips to your shoulder and he pounded himself even deeper.

“You bring out the beast in me. I need to fill you. Por favore allow me to cum…I don’t think I can hold it any more.” he growled, his grip tightening as he dug his fingers into the flesh of your ass. Copia losing his coordination with each subsequent thrust, ever so close to letting go.

“Cum C! Make me cum again for you!” You screamed. All of a sudden Copia pulled out from you, the sudden shock the loss of his width inside you short lived as he whipped you around to sit on his lap. You sunk back down on his cock, this time facing him. It was even more intimate and intense, his eyes locked with yours as he began to thrust up inside you, rubbing your clit with his fingers.

Your mouth fell open with his gentle touch. Copia taking his time as you rode him, holding you to slow you down. Both of you delighting in the feeling of you rocking your hips as you slid up and down on his hard shaft.

“Ah…mmm...you feel so good amore. I—I'm cumming, now cum for me!” Copia's words acting as a command, feeling his cock swell inside you. Pressing just enough more to send you over. You saw sparkles in your vision as you felt him begin to cum, the hot ropes of his seed pouring deep inside you. Your cunt squeezing him tightly as he tried to keep moving.

You both let out a final yowl as you road out the fall from your heights of pleasure. When it was all said and done you collapsed into Copia's arms. Sweaty and satisfied, a wide smile pressed on your face. Never before had felt this way and you suddenly wondered where this sweet dorky man had been hiding all this animalistic lust.

Copia broke the quiet come between the two of you as he spoke. “Did…did I do alright?” he asked, his face still flush from release. You looked at him in pure disbelief. Surely this wasn’t a serious question. Was it?

“I don’t want to sound like im being disingenuous or like im making stuff up…” you began swallowing back as you prepared yourself to answer, “C…I—I saw the end of the universe with that orgasm.” you confessed. You felt the words may sound silly but your satisfied, yet sore body was a testament to their truth. The cosmos had opened up to you with his touch. The pleasure he made you feel renewed your soul in ways that only Lucifer himself would be able to put into words, words beyond what you could muster.

“Okie dokie. Thats good then?” he asked, still unsure of himself as he smiled up at you. You couldn't help but break out in laughter. How naive he could be to not realize this. How could he not realize what a sex god he was as you sat in his lap within the pews, covered in sweat and cum from the encounter. Surely he was only joking, but you responded anyway.

“Yes, C…that was definitely good.”

338 notes · View notes

depressedbagpipe · 2 months

Text

A Heartrender's Fire: ch. IV

Tolya Yul-Bataar x Lantsov!ofc

Words: 5205 Warnings: vasily lantsov, misogyny (mentioned), someone gets a hit to the head a couple of times, anxiety? i guess, david, netflix's poor pacing choices (what even is neshyenyer), made up ravkan A/N: and off we go! why on earth are these chapters so long like wtf am i writing💀 anyways, i think i suck at writing slowburn? or romance in general

Series Masterlist Previous chapter

IV: Every Monstrous Thing

“Why must you always play the diplomat, Nikolai?” Vasily spoke with disgust in his voice. “Grisha dining beside true Ravkan soldiers is a bit much for all our stomachs.”

“Wow, Vasily, I almost forgot how annoying your voice is,” Irina rolled her eyes.

“Really? I could never forget how stupidly insufferable you still are, dear sister,” he counter-attacked.

“Shut it, you two,” their Queen mother commanded lowly, smiling again for her fellow court members.

The lines on her face were a lot more prominent after Genya’s departure, and Irina almost frowned at the sight of her mother, looking old and frail. She had always known the constant alterations were only physical, but the Queen of Ravka had always made sure nobody would see her look anything other than perfect.

“We are all Ravkan here,” Alina spoke after a few seconds of silence, also wanting to defend herself against the heir to the throne.

The Sun Summoner sat next to Irina at the end of the table, the odd one out in the picture-perfect royal family. Nikolai and Irina had changed into proper garments as soon as they had arrived at the Spinning Wheel per their mother’s request, and seeing each other dressed in something other than their usual attire at sea was beyond baffling. It had been too long, and although both of them automatically knew how to behave as princes, Irina particularly felt she was playing a character.

“Doesn’t need to be us versus them,” Nikolai added, looking for conciliation.

“General Kirigan should’ve thought of that before he tried to murder my father and stage a coup,” he looked at the King, whose poor wealth was becoming more apparent with every passing second.

Nikolai and Irina shared a glance at their older brother’s words, never missing the double meaning Vasily always added when he spoke of his birthright. The King was leaning on his chair, barely touching his food, with his gaze lost somewhere in front of him. Irina almost felt bad for the man, yet he had barely shown any interest or affection in either of his lesser kids when they still lived in Os Alta. Deep down, he knew too.

“That said, absent their Darkling, the Grisha are rather easy to manage.”

“By ‘manage,’ do you mean ‘execute,’ moi tsarevich?” Alina asked with a fierce smile.

Irina repressed a smile, glad she had yet another person supporting her hatred for her older brother sitting next to her at the table.

“That fate is reserved for traitors to the Crown, Miss Starkov.”

“If the Second Army requires a leader loyal to the Crown to assure their fealty, then I will lead them.”

Irina gripped her goblet, suddenly interested in the dark and luxurious wine that she had been unwillingly drinking for the past hour. She certainly preferred the cheapest options in beverages, because those belonged at sea with Sturmhond and Ainthe.

Vasily laughed audibly, looking at their mother before turning again to face the Sun Summoner. “Why should I believe you have any loyalty to my family?”

Irina was already taking a big gulp of her drink when Nikolai stood up, his loud voice taking up the entire chapel they were having dinner at.

“Today marks the start of a new era of cooperation between Lantsovs and the Grisha,” silence filled the room as they stared at the second son, wondering. “I’m delighted to announce my engagement to Alina Starkov, the Sun Summoner and new leader of the Second Army. Together, we will build a better future for Ravka,” he concluded.

Irina quickly surveyed the room. All Grisha cheered, edged on by the twins presiding the table to the left. The rest of the court and soldiers weren’t as buoyant. They shared worried looks, some of them shaking their heads in disbelief, others frowning deeply, staring at the King and Vasily for guidance they wouldn’t ever get. Irina tried to remain impassive, showing no emotion. Princesses didn’t get to care about politics, according to her mother. That was only reserved for the King.

Nikolai sat down, yet his hand shook a little, drops spilling off his own goblet as he put it back down on the table.

“That was a bit much,” Alina commented, hiding behind her goblet. Her eyes were fixed on Mal, whose head had dropped in defeat.

“Understatement is overrated.”

Vasily didn’t take long to leave, either. His chair made a profound squeaking noise against the marble as he pushed his chair away, his meal forgotten.

“Thank Saints he’s gone,” Irina smiled, taking a big bite of her meal with a happy smirk, more animated than she had been since she had stepped foot into the dining room.

“Are you sure about this, Sobachka?” the Queen spoke to her son, her daughter forgotten. As usual. “I understand the political alignment, but is this what’s best for your long-term positioning?”

“This is what’s best for me and for Ravka, Madraya. Your other son is working hard to send this country into civil war. I aim to stand in his way,” Nikolai responded.

His mother sighed. “It’s best I’d better plan some sort of official celebration.”

“Now’s not the time for parties.”

“Back straight, shoulders back, elbows down. Smile,” Irina whispered to Alina, trying to fix the Sun Summoner’s posture. “If you’re about to become a princess, you need to start behaving like one.”

“You know I don’t plan on that,” she frowned, yet she followed the princess’s orders. Her attempt was almost comical with how she had been sitting before Irina’s comment, but she had to give it to Alina. It wasn’t easy pretending to be graceful and poised when all you would rather do was run free in the wild.

“I know. But they don’t,” Irina discreetly motioned to the people before them, soldiers from their royal guard, court members, and Grisha alike, staring at her with newfound expressions. “As long as you play the part, they’ll follow you.” She took another glance at her mother. “You want to be in her favor, too, at least for now.”

Both girls looked at the blonde woman, who, at the same time, was already setting the details for whatever celebration she wanted to throw in honor of her youngest son’s engagement.

“I’ll have my seamstress run you up something appropriate.”

Alina only smiled at her, taking another gulp.

Irina wanted to laugh, or cry, or both. When had life become so complicated?

–·–

“Sometimes I wonder,” Irina took a breath. “What would have happened if I had come clean since the start? Would Ravka be any different? A Grisha princess… maybe we wouldn’t be here now.”

Irina looked around, making sure to speak in hushed voices. Nikolai walked beside her, occasionally smiling at the many refugees that littered the Spinning Wheel. Tolya trailed after them, always vigilant, no doubt listening to their conversation, yet Irina didn’t mind. Tolya could always have access to the deepest parts of her soul, and she’d gladly allow him in every time. Nikolai had ordered Tamar to guard Alina while she remained under the Crown’s protection, knowing even in his own house she wouldn’t always be safe. Tolya, instead, guarded the siblings, becoming a safe shadow in every corner. Even though Irina hated having a bodyguard, she was glad it was Tolya trailing after her. She wouldn’t have felt safer had it been someone else.

“You know pretty damn well what would’ve happened, Irina. You would’ve become yet another pawn on Kirigan’s plan.”

“Would I?”

“Just think. The leader of the Second Army, betrothed to the princess of Ravka. It would only take him five seconds to get rid of his competition and sit himself on the throne.”

The girl frowned, stopping dead in her trail. “Is there any scenario where I don’t become a bargaining chip?”

Nikolai grimaced but didn’t need to say further. They both knew what the future for a princess always held, no matter the circumstances.

Her brother looked at her, almost pleading. “You would’ve left eventually, Irina. I know that. I know you. You were never meant to spend your days locked away in a palace.”

“Neither were you.” She jokingly punched his arm, eliciting a smirk from the prince.

“That’s why we have Vasily for,” Nikolai laughed.

“Thankfully.”

Nikolai smiled at two Summoners who bowed as they walked by them, and Irina stared after them longingly. Many Etherealki still wore their blue keftas, even though most of them rejected General Kirigan’s old status quo. Irina could understand them, anyway, wanting to at least feel like they had a place to belong. Wearing their keftas was the only thing tying most of them to their past –a past that had yet to be tarnished by civil wars.

“You know, blue doesn’t suit you,” Nikolai commented, quickly piecing the puzzle together after seeing what her sister had been staring at.

“Gold doesn’t either.”

Her golden apparel mirrored her brother’s. Both of them the vivid images of the golden Ravka. Even if there wasn’t anything left of it.

“I’d much rather see you in red.”

Irina and Nikolai had hidden their jackets, erasing any trace of Ainthe and Sturmhond. Nobody but them, save for the Heartrender twins and now Alina and Mal knew of their identities. Irina knew the day of the reveal was coming closer at a fast rate, but she wanted to hold on longer to her fiery red garment, a gift Sturmhond had gotten her after she joined his crew. It was only fit that his second-in-command would wear clothes worthy of a ship captain –especially if said captain could summon fire with just a thought.

Irina smiled a pained smirk. “You and me both.”

“When all of this is over, we’ll go back home. To the Volkvolny. To sea.”

The princess shook her head. “What about Alina?”

“What about her?”

She raised an eyebrow. “You like her.”

“And she likes Mal.”

“Besides,” she insisted. “We both know things are about to change forever. Doesn’t matter how much we want to go back, maybe we never will.”

They both frowned at the reality they had desperately tried not to think about. They both felt it deep in their souls –there was no turning back from this.

“Moi tsarevich!”

Both siblings turned their heads at the sight of Mal running after them, his eyes wild and angry. Tolya stood straighter despite Mal having proven over and over only to be loyal to his Saint.

“What’s wrong?” Nikolai asked, frowning.

“You better come see this.”

–·–

“David.”

Alina’s murderous glance was enough to make Irina shiver. Hers wasn’t the look of a powerful Grisha; hers were the eyes of utter betrayal. She arrived shortly with Tamar and Nadia, the Squaller that had welcomed her at the Spinning Wheel. Nikolai’s petite commitée had gathered at the same war room they had improvised the day before, only this time, David Kostyk, trusted Fabrikator back at the Darkling’s Little Palace, was pathetically standing by the center of the room, with both hands separated to prevent him from using the Small Science.

David awkwardly waved at the mention of his name, his eyes perking up slightly after seeing Alina.

“Oh, so you do know him,” Nikolai groaned, walking forward to stand next to Alina, which only angered Mal more. “He claims to have escaped from a very alive General Kirigan.”

If the situation wasn’t dire enough, Irina would have laughed. David was tall, yet Tolya, taller and bigger, seemed to loom over him completely. The princess was aware of the many separations the Grisha bore back at the Little Palace, yet she couldn’t understand how the Fabrikator before her could hold such power to attract the Darkling. Yet, she was one to talk. She had practically hidden herself away since she was born only to not give away her own strength. After Alina, the Stag, and the Sea Whip, Irina Lantsov was starting to believe anything could be possible.

“He gave himself up without a struggle. We found this on him,” Nikolai gave the crumpled diary to Alina. “He says it’s one of Morozova’s journals.” He turned back to David, speaking in a louder, boastful voice. “I, for one, am dying to know more, but he insisted he speak with you.”

“Alina,” David tried, yet Tolya’s firm hand on his chest prevented David from walking any further. The Heartrender didn’t even look at him, yet David recoiled, defeated, ready to fight his case.

Irina felt almost ashamed at how Tolya’s action had her warm up. He sat casually on the railing, almost bored, knowing he could take down the Fabrikator before the slimmer man even thought about it, should it be necessary. Irina was having a really hard time not to smile. She knew the Heartrender could be deadly, yet he barely chose violence if he could help it. But his appearance told otherwise, and that was enough for any enemy to think twice before attacking the half-Shu.

“I know I wronged you,” David began. “Please believe I regret my role in that deeply. I know you have reason to distrust me, but I have no loyalty to General Kirigan.”

“He survived the Volcra?” Alina asked.

“I’m afraid so. He also knows that you survived and that you’re in East Ravka.”

Mal intervened. “Tell us where he is.”

“No, no, no,” David shook his head. “Mm-mm, that would be a very bad idea–”

“You can’t expect us to trust you unless you’re willing to share information,” Alina pressed on.

Tolya readjusted on his seat, noticing the tension rise in the room. He discreetly looked at his sister, standing a little too close to Nadia. He saw Nikolai, standing in between Alina and Mal. And he stared at Irina, standing by herself, with squinted eyes and trembling hands.

“Confronting him would be suicide.” David sighed again, looking at every single person before finally giving in. “Kirigan used merzost to create something in the Fold. Creatures that do his bidding, the size of two men.” It was comical the way David moved his hands, trying to get his point across. “Formed of pure shadow. They have no breath to take, no heart to stop, no blood to drain. Yet they live.”

Irina felt her own heartbeat pick up at the thought of such monsters. She had only very recently come to terms with the fact that a living Saint was standing and breathing next to her, and now these creatures were freely roaming her homeland. That was a lot for the young princess to take.

“They live and they kill. They are nichevo’ya. Nothing. Bullets, blades, fire, all simply pass through. And they walk freely in sunlight.”

Everybody looked at David in silence, wrapping their heads around his words. Irina tried to share a look with her brother, as they usually did in every meeting back at the Volkvolny, but the blond prince was looking at Alina. The sudden lack of fraternal comfort only came with another wave of nervousness. The room suddenly seemed darker, colder, and heavier, and the many candles that surrounded the group weren’t enough for Irina’s mind. Despite the light that came from the skylight at the dome of the chapel, darkness seemed to creep around them at its mere mention.

David finished his deadly blow. “I fear that merzost may be the only way to kill them.”

“So how did you manage to get away?” Mal fired the question everybody was dying to know.

David’s face paled even more, looking Alina straight in the eye. “Genya.”

Even Nikolai and Irina perked up at the mention of their mother’s Tailor. Although Irina hadn’t seen much of her, due to their mother keeping her hidden away for her personal use, she could imagine the hatred she had harbored for her family for years. It made sense that she had worked alongside the Darkling to bring the Royal Family down, and even though Irina wasn’t a fan of them either, save for her older brother, she couldn’t help but feel the twinge of betrayal in her chest.

This time, Nikolai looked at his sister, yet Irina had her gaze lost somewhere in the darkness in front of her, already spiraling into a thousand different thoughts. It didn’t take a genius to recognize the pure terror on the princess’ face.

“We tried to escape together, but… the nichevo’ya. She sacrificed herself to get me out. I don’t know if she survived.”

Tolya then spoke, with one hand discreetly placed before him. “A smart spy will always play the victim.”

Irina didn’t have time to wonder what her friend was doing, for she immediately felt her heart slow. She looked down, unconsciously allowing the contactless source to apply pressure on her chest, effectively breaking her pattern of thoughts as the blood in her system flowed slow and steady, instead of the erratic speed it had just previously harbored.

Breathe. She felt his words inside her skull, almost enough to lull her to sleep. Her eyes unfocused for a second before the girl turned her attention back to the Fabrikator, still feeling the pressure in her chest, only the anxiety had seemed to evaporate with one last breath. Although she hated it when either of the twins used their power on her like that, unprompted and abruptly, she was now grateful that Tolya had seen her despair before it could get worse.

“No, no,” David shook his head.

“You make a valid point, Tolya,” Nikolai picked Tolya up. “As leader of the Second Army, this is your call,” he looked at Alina, who looked back at Nadia.

“You’ve known David the longest. What do you think?”

The Squaller had not stopped looking at David, but she still responded in a whisper. “Kirigan always kept him very close.”

“Take him to a holding cell,” Alina declared, looking at Tolya, whose hand was still aimed at his princess.

The giant nodded, slowly breaking the connection with Irina with a small nod in her direction, and quickly walked away with David, taking all of the tension with them.

–·–

Irina found Tolya a while later right by the small fountain inside the chapel. The dome stood directly above him, showering the room in light, which the Heartrender used to read his poetry. Some of the Grisha around him eyed him warily, almost afraid, and once again, Irina had to laugh. He wasn’t the deadliest person in the room.

She smirked, seeing as he hadn’t heard her coming yet. She tried blending in with the background as much as she could, sneaking up behind him and scaring him as she forcefully gripped his arms. The girl laughed at the little jump the giant did, congratulating herself on scaring the scariest man in the room. Good-natured Tolya didn’t have the heart to tell Irina that he could recognize her presence anywhere, even before she came into the opening.

“Thank you for earlier,” Irina said as she sat down next to him, fixing her attire after taking a big gulp of air to calm down.

Tolya smiled at her. “Anytime. I thought you were going to faint any minute.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

Irina thought about it for a second but decided against it. “I’d much rather forget all about it for now. What are you reading?” Although she knew Tolya would eventually ask again, she sighed in relief when she saw him pick his book up again, and open it up.

“Selected poems from Negu Kir-Tizur,” he leaned on the fountain, lowering his arms so Irina could see the poems better.

She frowned. “They’re in Shu.”

“You forget I am half-Shu,” he softly hit her with the book in her head, earning another giggle from her.

“I can’t read Shu, you dumbass” she laughed.

“Oh, I’m sorry, moi tsarevicha, I forgot to speak the language of the Saints,” he mocked her, feeling desperate all of a sudden to hear her laugh once again.

That’s exactly what he got. “Hey, that’s not fair!” she giggled again. “You know I always ask you to teach me and then you never do!”

“It’d take years! I don’t think you’d ever understand the complicated themes of the Shu verse,” he continued his teasing, which Irina adored.

“And why is that?” she crossed her arms, trying not to smile.

“You don’t have the patience for that.”

Irina was about to fight him, but she knew he was right. “Well.”

It was Tolya’s turn to laugh. The melodic sound was carried through the dome with its marble columns, and for a second, Irina thought about how that memory would always haunt her in her mind. How, for a few moments, she wasn’t the princess of a dying nation, but a normal girl, talking to the boy she was desperately trying not to like.

“But… I can translate it for you?” Tolya offered, his fingers skimming through the paper, looking for the one poem he knew his companion would like.

“Please,” Irina smiled innocently, using the book as an excuse to not stare into his eyes.

But their moment didn’t last long, because Malyen Oretsev always seemed to have the most perfect importunate timing.

“I was skimming this again for leads on the Firebird, then I remembered a legend about a sword from Shu Han.” Mal had taken it upon himself to read over and over the Istorii Sankt’ya. He claimed it was only to find another way to help Alina, but Irina knew Mal was looking for a way out in it.

Tolya resumed on turning pages of his poetry book, not yet ready to burst the little bubble Irina and he had accidentally summoned for themselves.

“Neshyenyer. The Relentless Blade.”

“You know of it?”

He shrugged. “Of course I do. It’s a folktale. The Fabrikator Kho created an unkillable army made of cogs and bone–”

“Until the Fabrikator Neyar forged Neshyenyer,” Mal finished for him. He showed Tolya and Irina the paintings in the book, reading the words. “‘When Neyar fought, her blade flashed so brightly that people watching swore she had lightning in her hands.’ A blade so sharp it could cut shadow.”

Tolya chuckled. “It’s a bedtime story. My culture has the best myths.”

Irina slapped him across the head, much in the same way he had done earlier with her, only harder. He could take it.

“Ouch.”

“The Sea Whip was a myth,” said Mal with a smirk at their interaction. “So was the Stag. And they were real. She killed an unkillable army. This could be the weapon we need against Kirigan’s monsters. And this book… says it’s in a temple in Ahmrat Jen.”

“No, I doubt that. The one on display is widely rumored to be fake.”

But that didn’t let Mal down. “Okay, how do we find the real one?”

“Who has the money and means to acquire valuable weapons?”

Mal looked at Irina, but she quickly raised her hands in innocence.

“Wrong sibling.”

–·–

“The blade in Ahmrat Jen is indeed a replica,” Nikolai sighed. He hadn’t left the improvised war room at all, and the exhaustion was evident in his voice. “And the original was stolen long ago. I suspect it’s never left Shu Han. If it turned up in the wider black market, Sturmhond would’ve heard about it.”

“This could be the only weapon able to kill Kirigan’s shadow creatures. We need to find it.”

“It’s a valuable old sword, sure. That doesn’t mean the story behind it is true.”

“Any chance is better than no chance,” Mal argued.

Nikolai grinned. “That’s a very Sturmhond thing to say. Were he here, he would surely commend you.”

“It’s a little bit unsettling how you talk about him like he’s someone else.”

“Get used to it,” Irina commented.

“And he would suggest that our mutual friends in Ketterdam might be the perfect crew for the job.”

“You’re really gonna trust the Crows with this?”

Irina trailed after him, right after they finished their meeting with Tolya and Mal. The giant had volunteered to find it, and rapidly Nikolai had issued a request for a Squaller to join him.

“Not just the Crows. I trust Tolya,” he said as he stepped into his room, turning around to face his sister as she closed the door behind her. “And I trust you.”

Irina froze. “Me?”

“You.”

“You’re sending me away for this?”

Nikolai could argue all he wanted about how he just wanted his best people to get the sword, but Irina knew better.

“Yeah. If anything the Durast said is true, I don’t want you anywhere near Ravka while the Darkling is still alive.”

“That’s not fair. You need every loyal person right here.”

“Irina.”

“Nikolai.”

“I do trust you and Tolya to get the sword. He’ll need an Inferni to cross the Fold, that’s where you come in. And even if this little mission didn’t succeed, I’d still feel better knowing you’re not within the Darkling’s range.”

She shook her head. “Do you think I feel any better knowing I’m leaving you here alone?”

“I’m not alone! I have the Sun Summoner!” He walked to his closet, pulled an army pack from it, and handed it to his sister. “Everything you need is already here. Including your coat.”

She stared at her brother for a few seconds before taking the bag from his hand. “You’re awfully prepared.”

“I always am.”

“Was this your plan since the beginning?”

He shrugged. “I have my own bag, too.”

She shook her head. “And what do I do? Am I supposed to be Irina or Ainthe?”

“Whatever feels right to you.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“You’ll know when the moment comes.”

“Nikolai.”

“Irina, do whatever you want. I’m not letting you live in my shadow forever. This is your time to make your own decisions.”

“I want to stay.”

“Except that one,” he tried to smile but failed. He stood before his sister, staring at her as if trying to remember the sight of her. “Look, I don’t know what’s going to happen here, but it doesn’t look good. Should anything happen to me or Vasily, you’ll know what to do. But please, just do me this one favor and step away, at least until we can defeat those shadow creatures. Please.”

It wasn’t like Nikolai Lantsov to beg. Irina knew right then just how much she meant to her brother. He was willing to send her away on a permanent vacation just so she wouldn’t have to face the horrors that roamed freely in Ravka.

You do what you have to do to protect the people you love. But how do I protect you?

But before Irina could ask, Nikolai was already shoving her out of his room.

“Get ready, you leave at three bells.”

The door was closed after her, leaving a confused and quite afraid young girl in an empty hall of the Spinning Wheel.

Almost automatically, Irina simply followed his instructions, changing into her old pirate’s clothes and keeping her mind as empty as possible. She didn’t have time to cry. It wasn’t the first time the girl left on a mission for a few days without her brother, but for some reason, she knew things would be much different once she came back.

Her red coat felt like a second skin on her, and for a split second, she grinned. The blood in her veins and the coat in her arms would always be something she shared with Nikolai.

It didn’t take her long to walk back onto the main entrance, where her small party was waiting, together with Mal and Tamar..

“If anyone can find Neshyenyer, I suspect it’s them,” Mal agreed. “Thick as thieves, those Crows. Clever too. Managed to cross the Fold on some sort of fortified train.”

“Last time I was in Ketterdam, I didn’t get to stop at the Kooperom for an omelet,” Tolya commented out loud.

Tamar groaned. “Oh, so that’s why you volunteered. Without me, who’ll stop you from following your stomach off the edge of a cliff?”

“That’d be me.” Irina stepped into the light, joining their conversation.

Tolya almost broke his neck at the sound of her voice, smiling a wide grin as he got his pistol ready. Tamar’s eyes twinkled at the prospect of her best friend and her brother on a mission together, and she would’ve made another smart remark at that had Zoya Nazyalensky not interrupted them.

“I thought we were leaving at three bells?”

Irina had yet to share a word with the Squaller, but her stiff posture and annoyed voice almost made her roll her eyes. She did recoil at the sight of the princess, but she still looked at Tolya with a questioning glance.

“Tolya’s trying to cram his entire poetry library into his pack,” Tamar smiled at his brother as he gave him his last book, which didn’t fit.

Zoya frowned, disgusted. “Poetry?”

Tolya began. “Long may the night whose dark–”

“No,” Zoya cut him off, making Tamar giggle and Tolya frown. “There’ll be none of that.”

Mal patted him on the back and whispered to the remaining party. “Bring back Neshyenyer for Alina, alright?”

“We will, don’t worry,” Irina said, taking the book from Tolya’s hand and shoving it into her backpack, not missing the appreciative grin the giant sent her way.

The three of them followed Zoya, who had already opened the door to the outside and was walking down the stairs.

“That was from Rabinov’s Cantos. A definitive work.”

Tamar trailed after them. “Yeah, now let’s go over the snacks you’ll bring back from Shu Han…”

“Guys? A word?” Nikolai suddenly called as they were about to exit.

The four of them stood at the entrance, looking at each other with fondness in their hearts.

“Take care of each other. I know I don’t have to worry about you two out there together, but be careful.”

Tolya nodded, with a solemn expression. “I’ll protect her with my life.”

Irina scoffed. “Don’t be dramatic.”

“Good.” Nikolai shook Tolya’s hand decisively, before bringing him closer for a quick hug.

“Your brother’s an idiot.” Irina looked at Tamar, who had watched the interaction with a smirk.

“I know.” She smiled. “Be careful, okay?” Tamar tightly hugged her friend, rubbing her back. “And don’t let Tolya eat all of Shu-Han’s sweets. He’s got to bring some back for me.”

Once they parted, Irina looked again at Nikolai. Whatever emotion wanted to escape through her eyes was quickly repressed, if only for a few seconds until her brother couldn’t see her anymore.

“Say goodbye to Madraya for me?” she offered a weak smile.

Nikolai nodded. “Try not to set anything on fire,” he joked, before crashing into her body and embracing his little sister tightly. “Stay safe.”

“You too,” she whispered as she closed her eyes, her heart cracking slightly at the finality of their words.

“Alright, c’mon, group hug,” Nikolai joked again, and Irina laughed loudly when she felt two pairs of arms embracing them, basking in their warmth for a few seconds before they parted once again. “Come back to us.”

“We will.”

Next chapter

#shadow and bone #tolya yul bataar #tolya yul bataar x reader #tamar kir bataar #nikolai lantsov #alina starkov #mal oretsev #the darkling #six of crows #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #jesper fahey #wylan van eck #nina zenik #matthias helvar #alexander morozova #general kirigan #siege and storm #shadow and bone season 2

23 notes · View notes

moonlightshaiku · 9 months

Text

Spock's "Type"

I feel like there's been a lot of... trying to please Spock fans, by adding romance (Uhura & Chapel) due to the popularity of Spock and abundance of fanfiction regarding him.

This isn't a bad thing (they should just have him date kirk lmao), though! The lines of one Spock to another have blurred, and we seem to have a Spock that... doesn't really have a type.

He's just hit by the "bus of love" on the regular, sitting on the bridge and suddenly making involuntary goo-goo eyes at some poor sap.

He'd work with someone completely unlike him (the running theme), but also someone just like him! He's flexable with partners, whether he have one or multiple at once, which is... logical.

The only needed component is communication. If you would like to date Spock, just wait for him to have a crush on you. If you communicate in the relationship, it'll be fine.

Whether you're male, female or anything else. Whether you're into sex or not, whether you want children or not. Literally anything will work with this man, it'll just take compromising and communication!

#aos spock #mr spock #spock x reader #tos spock #spock x you #spock x y/n

67 notes · View notes

suraemoon · 7 days

Note

Would I be able to request domestic hcs with Ken Lemmons? ⭐️

Ken Lemmons Headcanons

~ Domestic Edition ~

🍋: Of course you would, love. Here are some cute little Kenny things I came up with. This has been a busy weekend for me but I ended up more inspired than I thought! I hope you enjoy.

🛠️: Thank you to the most darling cheerleader @precious-little-scoundrel. Some of her ideas are sprinkled in here like pixie dust.

You and Ken Lemmons are true highschool sweethearts, meeting on the first day of freshman year and not mustering up the courage to admit your feelings for eachother until the last day of school before spring break

It was a beautiful day in the local park, only about an hour after the final bell rung, freeing you from responsibility for the next two weeks

You two walked hand in hand, a gesture that has become second nature as you have done it many plenty of times before, making your way down the rocky stone path

After sitting down on the grass together in a comfortable and beautiful silence, the only sounds being the noises of soft nature, Kenny tucks a piece of hair behind your ear

You noticed how his usually steady hands shook in nervousness while his finger glided down the side of your ear and as you contemplated the specific reason why that may be, his pretty face started to come closer to yours

His eyes flutter closed and he kisses you

It’s something both of you have dreamed about, a scenario rehearsed and repeated in both of your young minds hundreds of times while zoning out in class, your teacher droning on about a new math problem

The kiss was slow and gentle, his lips softer than the blanket of green grass sitting underneath your two bodies

A cute little nose rub led to a second kiss, followed by a third, then a fourth

You remember the way the birds chirped, the way the flowers looked more vibrant than usual as he walked you home that day

Upon arriving at your front porch, yet another soft kiss was exchanged and you watched curiously as he put something gently into your palm, wrapping your fingers around it as if to be kept with utmost care

It was a tiny but hopeful four leaf clover

One he found hiding among the luscious green grass right before the kiss

Ken’s mechanical skills bode well in his favor when it comes to impressing your father

At first your father wasn’t quite keen about his beloved daughter having a boyfriend but when the curly headed Lemmons boy comes over and fixes a car part that your father did not even know existed? That and Kenny’s transparent love for you helps get the paternal stamp of approval.

Now he always asks when Ken is coming over

Dad insists on talking all things mechanic on the front porch and you have to practically drag Ken inside the house in order to get alone time because your boyfriend is simply too polite to end the conversation

Your first date was the cutest picnic fathomable

You two watched the sunset together and then looked at the stars through Kenny’s new telescope

You become Mr. and Mrs. Ken Lemmons the summer after graduating highschool on a beautiful August day

A couple that made it through highschool, I know right?

Your wedding was straight out of the end of a romance film, but it was nothing but a new beginning for the two of you

It was a small chapel wedding full of nothing but family and friends

For the rest of your life, you fondly remember the way the sunlight shine through the stained glass windows as you walked down the aisle

Yes, he had tears in his eyes

You can recall the warmth and happiness in the air as the double doors opened to present the two of you to the world, Mr and Mrs. Lemmons walking hand-in-hand down flower-covered concrete steps

The wedding reception was held on your parent’s farm, surrounded by loved ones and open space

You two are each other's first time and it’s a beautiful virginity loss indeed

Ken has always been such a giver and the bedroom is included in that

Patience, devotion, enthusiasm, praise, love, love, love, and more love

^^^ Some words you thought up to describe the blissful experience after being cleaned up and cuddled, your white lace gown discarded on the floor after being replaced with white sheets and body heat

The first little Lemmons child was conceived that night, no doubt about it

Ken has always wanted children

and after spotting you (and your coworkers but his eyes were solely on you) lead a group of smiling toddlers across the street after a day in the park like a brood of ducklings during one of many daycare shifts, he knew that there was no other woman he’d want to be his children’s mother

Is it cheesy to say that you two planted a lemon tree in the backyard?

Maybe right after you got married and bought your first house in the sunny suburbs

It started off small, but just like your relationship it grew taller, developed stronger, and blossomed into an epitome of beauty

It takes six to nine months for a lemon to ripen

Nine months after first planting your tree, you get your first lemon, as yellow as the sun and picture perfect

You happen to notice it while looking out the window of the nursery, the same day you brought your firstborn home from the hospital

It isn’t long after you give birth when your Kenny goes off to England

His mind is on you and the baby 24/7, always sending long letters about how much he misses the two of you

You send back equally lengthy replies, along with numerous photos of your growing little one

Maybe a not-so-appropriate picture of you in a silk nightie, laying in your way-too-empty bed is slipped into photo pile

Where’d that come from? Hmmm I don't know. Unexpected behavior from sweet little Mrs. Lemmons but boy is it appreciated.

Even though he’s overseas and you’re still in Arkansas, you can practically feel his blushing cheeks.

Playing with the rambunctious children of Thorpe Abbotts reminds Ken of the smiley baby he has waiting for him back home in Arkansas

When he finally comes home, a spin in the air accompanied a long kiss the moment you’re back in his arms, the two of you are able to continue where you left off

Some nosy individuals had doubts on how such a young, newborn marriage would last due to such a long distance and so much time apart

Did the baby bird leave the nest too soon?

But in some unexpected way, the experience brought you even closer together

You two didn’t just fly, you soared

The family expands and something that becomes an essential to you Lemmons is nature and fresh air

Ken is the king of nature walks and picnics

He points out different birds to the kids while walking down trails, letting them hold onto his shoulders when their little legs get tired of walking

Giggles galore while splashing in the Ozark streams

Gardening is also key part of life in the Lemmons household

It takes the same amount of love, dedication, and hard work that reminds Kenny of his time in Thorpe Abbotts

Little Lemmon's children running around the yard with bouncing curls and dirty overalls

They all have his pretty smile and his unwavering determination

beautiful minds full of creativity and kindness

They’re natural born problem solvers and teamworkers, working together to create the most elaborate pillow forts and interesting inventions

He helps them with school projects. The school science fair? The Lemmons children win every year. Whether it be a homemade volcano or potato light bulb, a bunch of soft blue ribbons and shiny gold trophies collect over the years.

He also builds trains models for himself and the littles

Every December there is a train making its way around the Christmas tree, tracks sitting comfortably on the hem of the red and green skirt

Kenny also does all the yard work

Mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, you name it

Whenever he rakes leaves, he gathers them into a giant pile for the kids to jump in

It doesn’t matter one bit to him that he has to rake it all up again at the end of their activity, his children’s smiles make all the work worth it

You want a new shed? A greenhouse? A chicken coop? If you bring it up dismissively over breakfast, it will be built and completed by the end of the day

Imagine bringing him a glass of cold lemonade, your sundress flowing behind you as you walk over to him

You wipe his forehead with a cloth and then he kisses you lovingly and gratefully before getting back to work

He is sweaty and gorgeous as he walks through the back door, the setting sun behind him

The sight of pure effort personified makes you anticipate the children going to bed and it just being you and him alone

Giving him a bath?

Just imagine washing those curls, running your hands through them as his eyes are closed in pure bliss

Like I said earlier, Ken is a giver. If you do something for him, he wants to return it tenfold.

His fingers know the perfect pace, the perfect rhythm to keep you moaning and writhing from his touch

He loves putting his lips on yours

Making out in bed or a quick peck as he’s walking by you in the kitchen

He’ll stare in awe while you’re getting ready in the morning, admiring every inch of you

Rubbing his tired eyes to make sure he isn’t dreaming up the absolute goddess standing in front of him

He isn’t dreaming, definitely not

He is your greatest support system, your most devoted fan, your biggest advocate

The proudest husband ever and he isn’t ashamed about it

————————————————————————

Thank you for reading! I do take requests, if you are interested, there’s just no absolute guarantee I’ll get to them. xxxx

#masters of the air #ken lemmons #mota #mota fanfiction #mota fanfic #masters of the air fanfic #masters of the air fanfiction #mota headcanons #headcanons

16 notes · View notes

teabooksandsweets · 5 months

Note

Hi! I’ve started reading Brideshead Revisited—mostly because you seem to really like it and recommend it a lot! I like to annotate books and take notes; are there any themes you particularly like about it and recommend looking out for?

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhh......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....!!!

THE FLAME IS LIT IN THE CHAPEL

My dear friend, the flame is lit in the chapel!

Themes I like. Themes I – like? Everything. Perhaps nothing. Perhaps both. (Do I seem to like it? It is my favourite book in the world. I am not sure if I can say that I like it, but boy! does it belong to me. I wonder if it likes me – as far as a book could like a person. If it does, then in a David Eliot sort of way [by the way, if you have trouble with the ending of this book or see it as a sad ending, I recommend to you the novel The Bird in the Tree], inflicting pain as a good surgeon does.

A few notes in the beginning: it's an incredibly beautiful novel. In every way. And not only the first part, as some would like to claim, reducing it to a "dark-light academia fluffy gay-ish romance with strawberrries" and suchlike. All three parts, and the Prologue and Epilogue, are beautiful, important, and (though in some ways different) interconnected. If you want to watch an adaptation, go for the 1981 series, which is brilliant. Avoid the 2008 film, which is horrid.

Themes that stick out to me in particular – that simply happen to (come to mind to) me:

The flame is lit in the chapel (and Brideshead still standing) (and all that in the Age of Hooper)

Every single thing Cordelia says. Pay good attention to everything Cordelia says, especially later on!

The inexorable call of the Church, the inevietable pursuit of and by and through God

Love and all that is Good of it (and all the pain it can bring)

Choosing the Right thing against all odds, against all desires, against all expectations

Finding, having, and in some ways losing (yet somehow never truly losing) a home, as an outsider who is perhaps even more at home than everyone else, and coming back, physically, and spiritually, even when it is lost, when times have changed, when that place – and that sort of place – does not exist anymore, because its essence will never leave you (Sic transit gloria mundi)

Being a Catholic in the Diaspora – Being an imperfect Catholic in the Diaspora! (oh how much more perfect and pious and pure Catholics are expected to be in non-Catholic environments!) – Belonging to a deeply paradoxial culture, and truly belonging to the paradox more than to any plain and simple conventionality

More universal than that: being different at the same time as being not different at all, being different in the sense that the same life is experienced with a different sort of light; belonging (and not) and then elsewhere (and not that either)

~beautiful ideas~

The ultimate Paradox that Charles found what will truly be his way through those who appear more wayward than anyone else (and perhaps just because of that!)

SEBASTIAN [contra mundum]

Vocations, what Cordelia says about Vocations!

Friendship, loyalty, and when it's just that that goes wrong

SEBASTIAN

(Do not underestimate Julia. And do not judge Lady Marchmain too quickly)

The war, "the Age of Hooper", and the Time That Was

"homeless, childless, middle-aged, loveless"

EVERYTHING

I teared up writing this, but I also know that this list is incomplete and unbalanced, because I am not currently concentrating properly on the matter. I will come back to this if something else occurs to me, if you don't mind. In any case, it is a sublime book – and there is so much to it! I sincerely recommend to pay good attention, to all sorts of little bits! And to be open, to each and every one character, and part and chapter.

Oh, and let's not forget Aloysius! Not a theme but a Very Important Character.

And I would still also like to say that, though the setting of this book might appear distant and antiquated to a reader (I have read enough reviews to know that this is a common opinion) that everything this book is about is still (and, in a way again, these last few years) very, very relevant. (I do not think that contemporary relevance is a necessecity for an old book, but nevertheless it does simply happen to be so with this one.)

Oh, I do so love this book. (And I am so incredibly glad that my posts about it made you all the more interested!)

#brideshead revisited #literature #personal

28 notes · View notes

fadingreveries · 1 month

Text

The Royal Romance, Bk1 Ch1: Once Upon a Time (Pt. 7)

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Story Summary: In this novel-style retelling of TRR, beloved scenes with original commentary from the Choices stories including your favourite group of royals and friends will be expanded upon. Contains extended commentary and scenes from the original story, in-depth descriptions of bonus scenes, and premium choices and outfits.

Chapter Synopsis: Love awaits in the royal court of Cordonia as Riley competes for the Crown Prince! Will she accept his proposal, or will someone else win her heart?

Word Count: 1.6k

Disclaimer: All rights to original commentary, scenes, and characters from The Royal Romance series reserved to Choices and Pixelberry Studios. No copyright infringement intended.

~ ~ ~

A short time later, Riley and Liam were on their own private tour boat headed to the Statue of Liberty. While Riley pointed out other nearby monuments and attractions on land, Liam hung onto every word she said. There was something in the way she spoke so passionately and excitedly about all that she saw was truly admirable.

“Part of me didn’t think you’d pull this off,” Liam admitted with a grin, glancing back at the docks where the boat had just departed from.

“You didn’t think I could pull it off? You just don’t know me very well,” Riley playfully smiled, shrugging her shoulders.

“You’re right. But I’d like to fix that,” Liam commented, before his voice dropped to a hushed tone. “You’re fascinating, Riley. Why are you doing this for me?”

“I’m doing this because… you seemed like you needed it,” Riley confessed, glancing back at Liam with a shy smile.

“That’s… so sweet of you,” Liam thanked her, a slight blush on his cheeks. This was the most thoughtful gift he had been given in a long time. “To be honest, no one’s ever done anything like this for me before.”

For some reason, Riley found that hard to believe. She imagined everyone bending over backwards to do anything to please a prince. “Really? Come on, you’re a prince. I bet people do things for you all the time.”

“I do get all the perks that come with being royalty, but no one’s ever seen me as just… me,” Liam revealed, breathing a slow breath out almost like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He had never been able to put it into words before until now. “No one’s ever listened to me the way you do. No one’s ever come up with a spur-of-the-moment plan to make my dreams come true.”

Curious to learn more about this boy’s innermost thoughts and dreams, Riley gently asked, “Liam… what else do you dream about?”

Truthfully, there was very little time for Liam to think about himself when all eyes were on him every moment back home. But when he thought about her question, Liam answered, “Finding someone. Someone who can be the queen that Cordonia needs.”

It seemed like Liam wanted to say more when he opened his mouth and closed it quickly, so Riley added, “And… someone you fall in love with, right?”

“That’s never been part of the criteria that the Cordonian Council uses,” Liam wryly said, shaking his head. A future monarch was meant to have a partner who could rule their kingdom with stability. Love didn’t seem to fit in that equation.

Suddenly, the boat slowed and the foggy mists of the harbour parted in the middle. In the distance, they saw the Statue of Liberty appear.

“So? What do you think?” Riley asked, turning to Liam to see his reaction.

For a moment, Liam was speechless and could only stare in wonder. The deep midnight blue sky and twinkling stars provided the most majestic background for the Statue of Liberty. She looked proud and determined, raising her torch up high in the air as the flames glowed a light yellow matching the crown on her head.

“Magnificent. I’ve heard that art has meaning because of what it makes the viewer feel. Whether it’s ink splatters on a canvas or the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, it only matters if it moves you,” Liam commented, letting out a sigh of amazement.

“And?” Riley prodded, wanting to hear more of his thoughts seeing a monument he had only dreamed of visiting.

“And right now, looking at this view with you, I feel like anything is possible,” Liam confessed, gazing at her with hope. “Thank you for this moment, Riley. This feeling… this means more to me than you could ever know.”

“Liam…” Riley began, her eyes never leaving his gaze.

“I want you to know that I admire you. Your adventurous spirit. The way you follow your heart,” Liam revealed. He hadn’t known her for long and if this was the only night they had together, he wanted to at least tell her his honest opinion of her.

Touched by Liam’s words, Riley felt a swell of pride warming her chest. But when she realized he was echoing his own sentiments of wanting to be free and follow what his heart desired, Riley quietly spoke, “You can live that way too.”

With a sad smile, Liam replied, “If only. My whole life I’ve prepared myself to do what’s best for Cordonia.”

As they leaned in closer to each other, Riley whispered, “Well, we’re not in Cordonia now…”

Almost instinctively, their hands met and laced together, holding tight to the other as if they would never find the right time to let go. There was a sense of hope and magic intertwined in their fingers. Riley looked up into his eyes as he drew close to her. Liam pulled her in close to him, cupping her cheek as she leaned in. Meeting in the middle, they felt a warm feeling rush throughout their bodies that connected them as one. They pulled away, and he leaned his forehead against hers.

“You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” Liam chuckled, tucking a few strands of her hair behind her ear.

Riley laughed, placing her arm on Liam’s. “I try.”

As he brushed his finger on her cheek, Liam softly spoke, “I’m glad to have met you, Riley. I’ll never forget this night…”

__________

The next morning, Riley got ready for her day. Last night with Liam was fun, even more than she could have ever asked for. But as she dressed in her work attire, she knew it was only a distant memory to remember from now on. It was time to face the real world where she would continue on with her endless days of work at the restaurant.

Riley walked up to the doors of the bar where she worked, fishing her pockets for her name tag. She jumped in her spot when she heard a familiar voice call out from behind her. She wasn’t expecting to see Maxwell waving at her from the other side of the street.

“Riley! Glad I caught you,” Maxwell exclaimed, rushing up towards her. “We’re heading back to Cordonia so Liam can find someone to marry and all that jazz. But before I go, I wanted to officially extend to you an invitation to join us for the festivities in Cordonia.”

“Huh?” Riley asked, confused. Maybe she was still in a dream, dazed from her excursion with Liam last night.

“You wouldn’t usually be allowed to join… but I want to sponsor you!” Maxwell revealed,

Clearly, Maxwell needed to do some more explaining because everything he said was making her mind race. Riley echoed his words, “Sponsor me?”

“I’m from a noble house, but I don’t have any sisters, so we don’t have anyone in contention to marry the Prince. Instead, we can sponsor any girl we choose. And you’re my pick,” Maxwell explained.

Raising her eyebrows, Riley asked, “You want to sponsor me? Why me?”

“I’m not just doing it for you. I saw how Liam looked at you last night. I’ve never seen him so happy. Honestly? I don’t want him to lose that,” Maxwell explained. Liam hadn’t said anything once they had gone back to their hotel, but the love struck look in his eyes had given it all away. “We’re kinda crunched for time, though. I’ve got a plane leaving within the hour…”

This was too much information for a conversation that was only less than five minutes. Riley’s eyes widened. “Whoa. You’re moving a little fast, don’t you think?”

“No time to waste. The opening Masquerade is tonight! It’s the start of the… uh, I guess you could say, it’s the start of the competition,” Maxwell replied, shrugging his shoulders.

Everything Maxwell had revealed only prompted her to find out more about what exactly he meant. Riley questioned, “What do you mean?”

“There’s a whole horde of gorgeous, rich, noble women vying to become Cordonia’s next queen. And it’s not just about winning the Prince’s hand. You’ve also got to prove to the council that you can rule Cordonia with him,” Maxwell answered, but he gave a reassuring smile. “But I think you’ve got what it takes. You’re witty and charming,”

Riley was still confused. A masquerade? Winning over the Cordonian council? “Uh, thanks. So… a fancy Masquerade… and what else am I getting myself into?”

“Fun stuff, I promise! You’ll get to go yachting in the Mediterranean, skiing in the Alps, and dancing in the Royal Palace…” Maxwell stated, counting on his fingers before gesturing back to the restaurant. “Or y’know, you can stay here… and go back to your waitressing gig with your crappy boss. That’s probably about as good,” Maxwell said.

For a moment, Riley thought about everything that happened last night… The way she felt an instant connection to Liam at the bar. The way he came up to talk to her at the end of her shift. Climbing up the hill with him to see the view of the beach. Warming up by the bonfire with him. Talking for hours with Liam and sharing parts of each other. Seeing the Statue of Liberty together. Ending the night with one unforgettable kiss.

She was always looking for more adventure in her life. Why not take the opportunity she was being given? Then Riley slowly started to smile. She answered, “I’m in.”

“Yeah! Go pack your bags. This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime!” Maxwell whooped out, as the two headed back in the direction of her apartment ready to embark on their journey to Cordonia.

~ ~ ~

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Tag list: @kingliam2019 @princess-geek @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @tinkie1973 @tessa-liam

11 notes · View notes