Different Universe, Same Love 2023: Mafia AU
"I'm glad you could make it, Detective."
Arthur took off his hat, gazing cautiously at the pair before him. Sitting the chair was Dorothea Reid, daughter of the local mafia baron, wearing the finest silks and satin money could by.
Standing beside her was Theodorus van Gogh, also infamously known for his mafia ties, but his brother, Vincent, was far more famously known for his paintings. What the two of them were doing here together was unknown.
"Pleasure, Miss Reid." Arthur said.
"Have a seat, Mr. Doyle," Thea's gloved hand welcomed him to the opposite chair across from her. "We have much to discuss. And, please, call me Thea. No need to be formal here."
Arthur sat as told, the leather cool against his legs. He glanced one more time at Theodorus, who remained standing at Thea's side.
"Let's get down to business, then."
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Welcome back to Round 2 of Different Universe, Same Love, hosted once again by the lovely @xxsycamore and @queengiuliettafirstlady!
The main theme with this one was Mafia AU, but there is some bodyguard au hints with Theo standing with Thea sitting. Plus, it was an excuse to draw 1920s gangster attire, so that was fun.
Many thanks to Mo and Julie for hosting this event this year and I hope to see lots of new and fun things from other participants, both old and new!
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Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown - Gilbert Von Obsidian x Reader (Ikemen Prince)
Part of the event Spring Showers Spring Flowers hosted by @violettduchess and @aquagirl1978
Prompt(s): rainy days, a walk in the park
Pairing: Gilbert von Obsidian x Reader
Tags: angst
Word Count: 1400~
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Some time has passed since you were crowned empress of Obsidian. Initially It was as easy as saying 'yes' or 'no' to certain moral decisions. Easy as it goes, knowing Gilbert. Now you were finally getting a hand on administrative duties, delving deeper into obsidianite politics as a real empress would. "Some things take getting used to" you thought to yourself, reclined on the carriage window sill. Lonely droplets trickled paths across the crystal wall that kept you in and the world out, once so unfamiliar but that now felt like home. Spring in Rhodelite was a joyous time, floral aroma enveloped the streets mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread, when winter surrendered to the gentle rays of sun. Still, Obsidian wasn't such a desolate wasteland as one might imagine. As the nights grew shorter, the valleys saw their fair share of green. As you close your eyes, you could almost see it. Not as fragrant or floral as Jade or elegant as Rhodelitian fields in their full glory, but there was something endearing in the unassuming and straightforward nature of the daisies and wild flowers that crowned the country's mountainous range.It reminded you of its people.
The carriage swayed lightly bringing you abruptly back from your floral reverie. The view outside was a clear contrast to the your vivid vision. This year winter refused to recede a step. You sigh, forming a small cloud on the glass, as you pass another rank of austere birch trees your mind wanders to the inspection you were heading from, this time alone. You remember the first time Gilbert took you on a military inspection claiming something along the lines that to manage an empire, one must know every part of it well. Deep down it might have been an excuse to drag you along to brighten another rutinary outing, after all, you doubted this was part of an empress's duties. No matter, no one ever questioned the imperial family anyway. And it definitely was more than that; military was one of Obsidians stronger points, it made perfect sense for you to know it its workings in and out.
You clutch the documents in your hands a little tighter. With the recent commotion across the border, your days too would feel increased unrest. Doing logistics, surprisingly, made you feel in control.
The clatter of the wheels came to a stop.
Adjusting your ink black capelet coat, being more appreciative of its wormth than the intricate gossamer of golden embroidery, you alight the carriage. Instantly being greeted by the gray, hyetal weather outside, in the capital city. As much as you wished a feel of chelidonian winds, those that bring the promise of spring, or the last mercy of apricity on your chilled skin, spring was off to a slow, reluctant start.
–To think you'd know better than to let down your guard around me by now
–To think you'd use that cheesy line on me of all people– you turn towards the familiar voice to find Gilbert, merely seconds before losing all balance to a strong tug, familiar with his mannerisms you recognise being pulled for a hug and reluctantly accept your fate.
–How was the inspection?– his breath tickled your skin lightly. –You must be very sure of yourself to bring this little entourage– Gilbert gave a pointed nod in the direction of the small detachment of soldiers where your carriage was stationed. You weren't sure if what you caught in his pitch was the slightest hint of displeasure or amusement.
You wriggle enough in his arms to be able to look up, your eyes locking with his. Gilbert's usual smile is in place but his gaze is probing, as if searching for something. To Gilbert reading people akin to knowing what they were thinking. Some might call it genius, Gilbert preferred to call the process meticulous observation. People had ticks and tells when they lied, everyone was a product of their habits and what are habits if not patterns; something a so called genius had no problem detecting and exploiting.
–If you knew I was off to an inspection then maybe I wasn't as unprotected as you're implying.
Gilbert's smile only widened in response.
At this point you didn't have to ask how he knew, Gilbert had eyes on all sides, that was a given. And so did you at this point, to rule the vast that is Obsidian.
–Also Im pretty sure you already know how it went– You chuckle breaking free of the embrace to start walking along the dimly illuminated street matching his pace
–No idea what you might be refering to here, I would be delighted to hear your retelling– Gilbert gave a light-hearted laugh linking his hand with yours.
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It was Gilbert's idea to take a walk around the palace gardens. High above from where the obsidian palace overlooked the city, the air was so frigid you found yourself instinctively hugging his arm closer for some semblance of wormth.
– And that about sums it up. As usual, nothing unusual. You know we should probably head inside soon, the weather isn't looking any better.– you look around noting the dreary herbage and the unkempt weather-beaten hedge, the smell of petrichor still lingering in the air.
–just a little longer
For Gilbert of all people, to suggest staying out in this cold was very uncharacteristic. Did he like the idea of you clinging to him that much or... perhaps it's not the inspection he was trying to talk about. Had he cought onto your recent unease?
–Has something been troubling you?
You struggled to maintain a neutral face, your hesitation, however, gave you away almost instantly.
– Acroite, Tanzanite and Ruby have been acting rather suspiciously as of late, wouldn't you agree?– despite the gravity of what he said Gilbert sported his usual devil-may-care grin as if he had just hit the nail on the head. And he had.
He nodded his head knowingly.
–I'm sure you have a bad feeling about this.
–I had them on my mind for a while now but how did you know?
–People tend to have a sorrowful look when thinking about the past, like you when you remember Rhodelite– you looked at him but Gilbert only shrugged– and an anxious one when thinking about the future.
–Oh...– you avert your gaze to the dampened tiles on the ground. The 'clank' of the man's cane came to a halt.
–You couldn't have possibly thought I would fail to see the increase in your inspections lately.– He paused, sighing almost theatrically– It would do you no good to worry about things outside of your control, you know? Preparing would be a much better use of your time if anything.
Despite everything, Gilbert appeared to be genuinely worried about you. With the influx of duties on your plate, things became increasingly more challenging and there was no way he wouldn't catch on.
– surely... there must be something I can do
– In due time. We have to make sure to greet our guests properly.
You shot Gilbert a quizzical look.
–If they're really planning to attack as you might have come to suspect, someone is bound to come over to test the waters before the main event. We'll ask the questions then and look into the particulars after.
You felt as if the invisible veil that was weighing on you had suddenly been lifted, making it easier to breathe
–I... yes, you're right. Thank you.
–Ahaha would you say this concludes the interrogation then?– Gilbert chuckled breezily.
Way to ruin the moment. Gilbert always did this thing when after a good deed he'd try to downplay it somehow because, of course, how could he ever admit he was simply worried. You think to indulge him, just this once.
–Unbelievable, you seem a bit too fond of using interrogation techniques to make me open up– you cross your arms in fake disbelief. –this is the one where you use my mental fatigue knowing it uhh... hinders my cognitive information processing so I don't withhold anything from you, yes??
–I prefer your angry face to the sad one, it's full of determination
–you wanna go?
–on a date? Pretty much, Yes
You beam giving him a nudge on the arm.
As you wander through the forlorn gardens, hands intertwined, the shadow and light drawn by dusk weave a picture resembling silk satin damask, it's reflections slipping through the dampened tiles. You revel in the stillness, not unlike your own mind, knowing that even when adversity flooded your life, there was no tide you couldn't turn together.
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