#expect chapter 23 to come out in the next couple of weeks!

[team-heavenly]

And Now, An Interlude

I did coast through Blizzard Island pretty quick, but my next week or so is kind of insane. I'm out of state from 11/6-11/9 and I'm honestly not sure I can get the arc posted before then :(

But for every cloud, there's a silver lining. I definitely have time to share the nonsense I got into while I was stitching together the Sky Peak post. I really wanted to keep playing the game but without advancing the plot and getting ahead of the blog, so... I improvised.

This picture is basically the theme of the post so enjoy lol

(No, we did not recruit her unfortunately 😔)

First, I want to share some teammates I snagged... and some I lost.

LOOK AT THIS GOD TIER STARAPTOR. Literally the GOAT. I was so, so upset when our client Pidgeotto later got destroyed by a Monster House. I suppose I could have gone through with the defeat, but the risk of losing more than a few exclusive items just wasn't worth it.

But we did get to keep someone I'm pretty sure is Young Guildmaster Wigglytuff:

And HE COULD LEARN ROAR OF TIME. SO I SAID "SURE WHY NOT" AND GAVE HIM THE TM.

It's not a practical set of moves by any means (confusion from Petal Dance (which missed a whole ton anyway), 30% accuracy on Fissure, low PP and stall after using Roar of Time), but definitely fun to play with.

Andrea also tried learning Vine Whip upon level up, but... It wasn't very strong, so I passed on it. Honestly, unless she gets something incredible, I'm thinking her current move set is final.

...Yeah, I told you this was gonna be a common thread. Thankfully we dodged an encounter with the ancient god of the land because... *gestures to the stairs Being Right There*

After a few days of odd jobs, I realized I didn't want our duo getting too far along the experience curve. But how else could I satisfy my itch to keep playing this game? I could play as other Pokémon, sure, but most of them were far too weak for the average Bulletin Board request.

...And then I remembered: I hadn't tried a single dungeon from Poliwhirl's Dojo yet.

(Okay yeah I took these photos after completing all of them but shhhh)

This was our menu of offerings (loaded with affluence and laughter, apparently). Some were conquered on the first try. Some required a little bit of elbow grease. And some... well, they certainly put my patience to the test. I remember Affluent Turn, Hilarious Court, Prosperous Outback, and Hilarious Abyss being particularly troublesome.

"Wait, but aren't the dojo mazes only five floors-" Correct! But these dungeons are randomized like any other, meaning they have three things the mazes typically don't: traps, monster houses, and a whole lot of sticky items.

Granted, this was the squad:

But the traditional starters are well-boosted in the stats to begin with, so it wasn't too bad. And this is a randomizer, so...

I'msorryCharmanderlearnedWHAT?!

(I now want to watch an anime episode where a tiny Igglybuff and Charmander wreck Dialga's sh*t with Roar of Time.)

After enough tries, we were able to nudge the three starters towards evolution. And hilariously, they all insisted on learning OHKO moves (and Dig for some reason):

G-Grovyle, my beloved...

You Do Not See The Palkia, Grovyle Is Clearly Fighting Primal Dialga Here.

Yet the one thing that was consistent across these dungeons to the point of skepticism... was the sheer abundance of legendaries.

Like I honestly think it would be easier for me to list the legendaries NOT included. That's how many there were. Take a gander at this list (bold indicates the Pokémon sighted):

Kanto: Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo, Mew

Johto: Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi

Hoenn: Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys (multiple forms, all mirage)

Sinnoh: Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Heatran, Regigigas, Giratina (both forms), Cresselia, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin (both forms)

Most of these were in the Final Maze, too. No wonder it was called this instead:

In total, we only recruited two of these legends, which is pretty impressive when you remember you're forced into these places with an empty bag (so no items to help increase the recruitment rate). The first, as you can see above, was Uxie, one of the True Time Gear Guardians.

Not bad! Not bad at all.

And the second... the second is pretty special. I'm still giddy about it even all these days later:

😍 YEAH, THAT'S RIGHT. I RECRUITED THE LADY HERSELF!

I SCREECHED when I saw her in the dungeon to begin with, so you can imagine the commotion I made when she wanted to join the team!! When you talked to her in a dungeon, she even said the phrases. You know, stuff like hating the decay brought about by the world of darkness, and there being no need to worry because she can't ever be caught, of course!

I suppose she's a little confused by her displacement in time and space, but you know what? This really makes it feel like her... so I wouldn't have it any other way <3

She originally joined us at Level 38. I already knew, without a doubt, that she was gonna become a permanent fixture of the team. So I loaded her up with 3 Golden Seeds, every Gummi I had leftover from the mazes, and some Proteins.

Why Protein? Well, she originally knew... Tackle, Endeavor, Strength, and Meteor Mash lol. Her attack stat was also dreadfully low, so why not catch that up to the others when I happen to be swimming in Proteins?

I did also feed her some TMs to diversify the move set a little:

This shot is actually outdated already: presently she knows Super Fang instead of Rock Climb and Hidden Power instead of Defend Order.

There is one slightly unfortunate caveat to my sheer excitement:

Yeah... Normalize. So she can't benefit from the STAB on Giga Drain. But I suppose there are worse things.

Here's something I doubt many people have seen! You're technically not supposed to be able to speak with her in Rotom's Cafe, right? So of course I was dying to know what she said when you spoke to her there, and:

Forgive the desaturation and such, as you can see by the reflection I snapped this one with my phone 💀

Interesting, no? Read that again: Magneton. If you recall, that Pokémon was her replacement in the story! Funny to see it show up here, in what I can only presume is the title of her idle pose. For reasons unknown to me, sometimes she said "standby 2" instead.

Anyway, she and the Gabite you saw earlier were our tried and true teammates during our many, many attempts to conquer Massive Tomb. To skirt around the excess EXP problem, I simply reset whenever things went awry.

The thing with Massive Tomb is... It has 48 floors, right? (Which I found odd, why not make it 50 at that point?) And you're not allowed any items upon entry. So either you miraculously find a string of Secret Bazaars to replenish your belly until you find an Apple of some kind (lol) or you starved to death by floor 11. Oh, and basically every other floor was a Monster House. So it really came down to sheer luck.

There was one attempt where I got as far as 43F. But my string of good fortune turned sour: back-to-back Monster Houses slowly picked off my teammates and made Andrea run out of PP for Blizzard. So when we ran into yet another Monster House (this time mandatory), all it took was one Triple Kick from Persian before it's all over. That loss felt particularly devastating.

The one attempt that finally succeeded was the one where we didn't run into a single MH until we were over 2/3s of the way through. Although the one that did finally show up nearly ended me.

But finally... Finally!

YEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAW!

On the one hand: Can you imagine if the aura you got at the beginning was Brown? I would be so mad if I had two of the same color lol. Though on the other hand, aura color doesn't really matter? It only shows up in the flavor text and item sprite - the latter of which you only see if the item gets knocked off of you.

But hey, I'll take it. I'm just glad I finally got through the darn place!

Oh geez, this "mini update" was very close to 30 images somehow 😬 But I hope you enjoyed seeing this not-insignificant, optional part of the main world!

Bonus:

...Okay I guess I lied, we recruited three legends.

#pmd explorers #pokemon mystery dungeon #randomizer #post game #and now an interlude #expect chapter 23 to come out in the next couple of weeks!

[proxima-writes]

Title: cruel summer | chapter 1

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6

Pairing: Joel Miller/Female!Reader

Rating: Explicit (18+, MDNI)

Chapters: 6/6

Read on AO3 | Join the tag list

Summary:

Joel takes a contracting job renovating a master bedroom and bathroom while the homeowners are away for the summer on a cruise.

He wasn’t expecting their twenty-three year old daughter and the thoughts he’d have about her.

Author’s note: I’m playing fast and loose with ages and timelines here. Joel is 38, reader is 23, and Sarah is 5. No mushroom apocalypse here, y’all.

Additional tags/warnings: explicit sexual content, age gap (15 years), reader is 23 and Joel is 38, he’s a lil guilty about it anyways, pet names, dirty talk, lack of aftercare, oral (f receiving), fingering, begging, angst, drying humping. Let me know if I’m missing anything!

You hear the heavy footsteps of your dad and the contractor coming up the steps to the front door. You turn from the stove, spatula in hand just as your dad comes into view with a man you’ve never seen before.

He’s tall and broad, shoulders stretching the worn flannel he’s wearing to what must be near its breaking point. He’s got a strong nose and sharp jaw highlighted by his tan skin. His hair is brown that’s streaked with gray, messy curls sticking up in all directions.

Woah, you think. Your eyes meet warm brown ones that make your knees feel a little unsteady.

Your dad gives the man your name followed by, “My daughter. She’s home for the summer while she studies for the MCAT. I hope that’s not a problem that she’ll be here?”

“Not a problem for me. Noise might bother you, though, if you’re tryin’ to study,” the man says, deep voice making your mouth go a little dry. He holds a hand out to you. “I’m Joel, by the way. I’m doin’ the remodel on your parent’s room.”

That’s right. Your dad had mentioned that your mom had finally broken him down and made him get a contractor out to update their master bath. They scheduled it while they’re away on a six week cruise, leaving you to house sit while you studied for your exam.

“It won’t bother me,” you reply, shaking his hand. They’re calloused and warm and just the brief contact is enough to have you wondering what they would feel like trailing over other parts of your body. “I’ve got noise canceling headphones.”

He smiles, but it’s short lived. He sniffs the air, brows pinching together. “Is something burning?”

“Shit! My eggs!” You turn back to the stove and shut the burner off, moving the pan off the heat and trying to scrape your now burnt scrambled eggs from the surface.

“Come on, Joel, let me show you upstairs.”

________

Joel returns to the house a few times that week to take measurements and talk materials with your mom. Each time you’re there in the kitchen, books spread around you at the dining table and your head bobbing to music he can’t hear.

He can’t help the way his eyes linger when he comes inside, stomping his work boots against the mat inside the doorway as a courtesy and, if he’s honest with himself, to get your attention. And every time you glance up and smile at him, bright and beautiful.

As soon as he’s back upstairs and remembers he has a job to do, he berates himself for the thoughts he has. He has no goddamn right to be looking at a client’s daughter, much less one as young as you.

His presence in the house is sparing over the first couple weeks of the job, mostly just dropping by for measurements and to get an idea of a plan for demo day. He’s got orders in on tile placed, fixtures picked out, paint purchased. Everything’s in place to get started next week.

Satisfied, he heads downstairs to leave. He both hopes you’re in the kitchen and prays you’re not, if only to ease his guilty conscience.

But there you are, bent over in front of the fridge in shorts that hug your ass a bit too well. You straighten up with a can of beer in your hand, popping the tab and taking a sip.

“You even old enough to drink that?” Joel can’t help but ask, lingering in the doorway.

“I bought it. Why, you wanna see my ID? You moonlight as a cop or somethin’?” You roll your eyes.

Brat, Joel thinks, rolling his lips together. He turns to leave, he’s made enough of a fool of himself for one day.

“I’m twenty-three, in case you were wondering!” You call out as the door shuts behind him.

Fuck.

________

Joel’s been upstairs since early this morning, smashing things with a sledge hammer, prying things with a crowbar, and all sorts of other destruction that filters through your headphones.

It’s almost noon when you decide to give up and give into the temptation to go see what the man is doing. You head upstairs, stepping carefully into your parents room. There’s plastic tarp leading from the door of the bedroom to the door of the bathroom that crinkles beneath your feet as you move further inside.

You peek beyond the doorway of the bathroom and clutch the frame almost painfully when you catch a glimpse of a rather sweaty Joel, white t-shirt sticking to his chest and back as he wiggles a crowbar between the wall and vanity, leveraging his body weight against it to get the fixture to detach from the wall.

He repeats the process a few more times until the vanity is completely removed. He tosses the crowbar to the side and wipes the back of his hand across his dusty forehead. You clear your throat, his eyes shooting to the mirror to meet yours.

“Hey, uh. Hi. I’m about to make something for lunch…did you want anything?” You ask. His chest moves rapidly with his labored breathing.

“Sure,” he finally says.

_______

He shouldn’t be doing this. He shouldn’t be sitting at the kitchen table, watching you move around the kitchen like a picture of domesticity as you make two ham and turkey sandwiches for lunch.

You set the plate in front of him, along with a cold can of Coke, before sitting across from him with your own matching meal. He takes a bite, humming in satisfaction.

“Thank you,” he says when he’s swallowed. You nod, picking up your own sandwich and digging in.

The two of you eat in silence for a few minutes. Joel lets his eyes wander over you while you’re focused on your food. You’ve got a University of Texas tank top on, white with an orange Longhorn stretched across your chest, and another pair of shorts, giving him an eyeful of your long, smooth legs.

Tearing his eyes from you, his gaze lands on the stack of books on the table. “So, the MCAT. Must mean you’re pretty smart.”

“Not to brag, but I did finish organic chemistry without crying,” you reply, lips tilted in a smug grin. “I’m taking it at the end of August, before senior year starts. Dad said I didn’t have to get a summer job if I moved home and saved him some rent money.”

“What kind of doctor are you lookin’ to become?”

“Pediatrician. I love kids.”

Joel’s heart rate kicks up as he thinks about you chasing a toddler around a manicured lawn surrounded by a white picket fence. Or in the kitchen with a baby on your hip.

Jesus Christ. What the fuck is wrong with him?

“Joel?” You ask, breaking through his mental flagellation.

“Hm?”

“I asked if you have any kids,” you repeat.

He can feel his face go soft. “Yeah, Sarah. She just turned five. She starts kindergarten at the end of the summer.”

“How sweet,” you say. “I bet you and your wife are excited about that.”

“There’s, uh…there’s no wife,” Joel replies, clearing his throat uncomfortably. He stands, taking this empty plate to the dishwasher. “I better get back to work.”

Joel feels the weight of your stare on his back as he heads upstairs.

________

It goes on like that for two weeks. Joel gets to the house early and you study at the kitchen table until lunch time, when you ask him if he wants anything to eat. He should say no. It’s not your job to feed him, he’s got a stash of granola bars that’ll do just fine.

But each time he sees your hopeful doe eyed expression, his resolve crumbles to dust.

So he sits at the table each day, eating the sandwich you made him and drinking the Coke you gave him, learning tidbits of information about you.

Like how you weren’t sure about pursuing medicine at first, so you’re a bit behind schedule in taking your studies and will be graduating late. You changed your degree path when you volunteered in the pediatric oncology service at the medical school, sitting with young kids undergoing chemotherapy and making their days brighter. Your last roommate had a cat that always hid your keys, but you still liked him anyways. How your favorite color is yellow.

He tells you about Sarah. About how her mom left not long after she was born and how he’s gone at this parenting thing alone, save for the support of his brother, Tommy. He tells you about how only finished a semester in community college before dropping out to pursue construction. His favorite drink is whiskey, neat, and his favorite color is red.

One day, you’re not at the table when he lets himself into the house with the key your dad made for him. He finds he’s disappointed, not starting his day with your smile.

Upstairs, he’s working on laying the mud for the shower pan when he hears a splash from outside. He peeks out the window of the bedroom that overlooks the backyard.

His mouth goes dry and his pants get uncomfortably tight as he watches you lift yourself from the pool. You’ve got on the skimpiest red bikini he’s ever seen, the top barely containing your tits and doing nothing to hide the hard peaks of your nipples. You wring your hair out over your shoulder before moving to lay down on a nearby lounger. Your body glistens with drops of water that Joel wants to chase with his tongue.

You turn over on your stomach and Joel bites back a groan, greedily committing the view of your ass to memory. Jesus Christ, he’s never felt like a dirty old man more than in this moment.

He returns to his task and tries to chase his lustful thoughts away with manual labor.

_______

You can see him watching you from the window. Your sunglasses keep your own gaze hidden as you revel in the undivided attention of the man you’d been drooling over the last few weeks. You’d put on your tiniest bikini for the occasion, laying yourself out on the lounge like a meal you’d like him to dig into.

He stood there for a few minutes and you could practically hear his teeth cracking from how tense his jaw was. You could tell Joel really struggled with his attraction to you. He’s staring down the barrel of a fifteen year age gap, after all.

You didn’t see an issue with it. You’re an adult, he’s not abusing any sort of position of power, hell, all the man has done is check you out. He hasn’t even touched you. You don’t want him to feel guilty about being attracted to you because god knows you don’t feel guilty for wanting to climb him like a tree.

You don’t bother with a towel or changing when you go upstairs to tell Joel lunch is ready. When he sees you in the doorway he freezes, and you bite back at a laugh at the look of surprise on his face.

“Lunch is ready,” you tell him.

He clears his throat. “I uh…I think I’ll just eat a protein bar. Thank you, though.”

Your bottom lip pops out in a pout. “But I made pasta salad.”

“I got a lot to do,” he tries again. His jaw keeps clenching, his hand wrapping tightly around the tool he’s holding like he’s hoping it’ll anchor him in place.

“Please, Joel?”

That gets him. He sighs, standing with a groan.

“Fine.”

________

This was a bad idea. He should have held strong and insisted he’d eat by himself today.

You’re still in that goddamn bikini and he is fighting for his life sitting at the table as he watches you plate up pasta salad. Usually you would drink a Coke with lunch but today he’s surprised to see you pouring a glass of wine.

“It’s my day off from studying,” you say as you take your seat across from him, sipping from the glass. “I think I deserve a little treat. Don’t you?”

He has to be imagining the double meaning of your words. He gives you a tight nod in response before focusing all his energy in eating his pasta and avoiding your gaze.

“You okay, Joel?” you ask. Your sweet face is pinched in concern and goddamnit, Joel can’t take this.

“Fine,” he grunts. You give him another pout, the same one that broke his resolve upstairs.

You finish before him, sticking your bowl in the sink before picking up your wine glass from the table and refilling it. Instead of taking a seat, you lean your barely clothed hip against the table in front of him.

“You seem tense,” you comment. Joel swallows roughly, throat dry. You set your glass down and take a step closer.

“What are you doin’?” He asks, voice rough and low. He can barely breathe. This can’t possibly be happening.

You plant your hands on his shoulders for balance as you slide onto his lap, legs on either side of his waist and pussy dragging across his hard cock. He hisses, hands grabbing onto your waist before he can stop himself.

“Darlin’, you can’t be doin’ this,” he says, voice strained. “We can’t be doin’ this.”

“Why not? I see the way you look at me. I’ve been lookin’ the same way.”

“You’re young, baby. Too young for an old man like me.”

You loop your arms around his neck, pressing your chest to his and fuck, he can feel your tight little nipples as your tits press against him. “‘M not too young,” you murmur, dipping your head to mouth at his neck. His fingers flex against your ribs. “You’re not doin’ anything wrong, Joel.”

His head drops back as you keep pressing sweet little kisses to the stubbled skin. His hips flex beneath you and you gasp, arms tightening around him.

Joel is so fucked. So, so fucked. Has been from the moment he stepped into this goddamn house and saw you sitting at this very table.

Maybe…maybe just one time. One time should be enough, get it out of your systems, cut through the tension and move on.

You’re whimpering against his neck, squirming over his lap as his hands drag up your waist until his fingers find the edge of one of the pathetic triangles covering your breasts. He can feel your breath hitch as he pulls it to the side, exposing your tight little nipple to the cold air.

“God, baby,” he groans, dipping his head forward to wrap his lips around the little bud. You moan so loud and wanton as he licks you that he knows he’s fucking done for.

He digs his fingers into your still damp hair, tugging your head back so that he can finally drag your mouth to his. You taste like wine and sunshine and he’s never been much of a wine guy, but from your tongue he’ll taste anything.

You open up to him so sweetly, your hands clutching his shoulders and your hips moving against his painfully hard cock as he devours you, dragging his own hands over all that exposed skin like it’ll disappear if he doesn’t touch you everywhere at least once.

It’s still not nearly enough.

He stands and you squeak in surprise as he sits you on the edge of the table. “Holy shit,” you mutter. He glances at your face to make sure you’re okay.

Your hair is messy from his hands and lips swollen from his kisses, eyes wide and dark as you stare back at him. Your top is half off, and Joel can’t help but reach out and tug the other cup down to expose your other breast.

“Pretty as a goddamn picture, darlin’,” he murmurs. He presses a hand to your chest, urging you to lie back.

“You think I’m pretty?” You ask. He huffs a laugh.

“Don’t be a brat, fishin’ for compliments,” he admonishes. He plucks at the strings holding those little bottoms in place, the bows falling loose so that he can push the material aside. “Look at this pretty fuckin’ pussy. You’re drenched, baby.”

“Been like this every day,” you reply, voice all breathy as you squirm beneath his rapt attention.

“That right?” He asks, dragging his thumb through your wet folds. You moan, hips jumping from the table. He kneels, placing one arm around over your hips as he presses your legs apart with his free hand, spreading you for him.

You’re breathing so fast he’s almost worried you might pass out. “Shhh, pretty thing, let me take care of you.”

He licks a broad stripe over your core, his tongue swirling around your aching clit before dipping back down to your entrance. You fight against his hold, hips trying in vain to chase his mouth.

“Oh, god,” you cry out. Your hands find their way to his head, fingers scratching against his scalp as he feasts on your cunt. “Joel, more, please!”

He keeps his arm tight against you and uses his other hand to slip one finger into your wet heat, groaning at how tight you are. His tongue focuses on your clit while he slowly strokes his finger in and out, adding a second then a third when you start babbling about more more more.

“Fuck me, Joel, please,” you beg. He shakes his head against your cunt, the scrape of his beard against your sensitive flesh making you scream. “Please!”

He stands, continuing to stroke his fingers inside you as he uses his thumb on your clit to replace his tongue. “Can’t, baby girl, I don’t have a condom with me.”

“I’m clean, I’m on the pill, please, Joel, I need your cock so bad,” you plead. Joel groans. He’s already crossed a line but he can’t go there. He knows damn well that if he feels you clenching around him with nothing between your bodies, screaming his name as he pounds inside of you, he won’t ever leave.

“No, sweetheart, you’re going to come on my hand and my mouth or you’re not going to come at all,” he snaps, hand moving faster, curling against your front wall.

_______

Tears slip from the corners of your eyes as Joel continues to drive you higher and higher toward release, your muscles tightening painfully as his fingers curl inside you and his thumb circles your clit.

You don’t know what you expected from all this, but Joel Miller dirty talking and finger fucking you on your kitchen table was not on your deduction bingo card. He’s better than anything your brain has conjured up thus far and you just know this one time isn’t going to be enough to sate you, especially since he keeps calling you “good girl” and “darlin’” and “sweetheart” in his rough southern accent.

You want him to fuck you so bad, you’re desperate for it. But he’s staunchly refusing to cross that line despite the hundreds that have been crossed already.

You try to hold back your orgasm, not wanting this to end, but it crashes over you anyways, leaving you breathless and sobbing his name as his hand slows its pace.

Joel’s fingers slip from your body and he leans forward, pressing them to your lips. You open your mouth, licking and sucking at his offering.

“Goddamnit,” he groans. “That was gorgeous.”

You sit up, supporting yourself on shaky arms. He steps back, but you hook a leg around his waist to stop him.

“Wait, let me—“

“No, baby, I’m good,” he says, cutting you off and dodging your hands. “I gotta get back to work.”

You can feel your high leave you in an instant. “Oh…okay.”

“Thank you for…lunch,” he says awkwardly. “I’ll be upstairs. If you need me.”

You don’t say anything as he turns to leave.

————

Upstairs in the bathroom, the one not being remodeled that he presumes is yours due to the messy countertop and fluffy yellow towels, Joel takes his cock from his pants and fists his length, grip almost painful as payment for his transgressions.

He cums with the thought of your eyes screwed shut in ecstasy, shouting his name as you clenched around his fingers. Your name is on his lips in the softest whisper he can manage as he cums, hard and hot, into a tissue.

He slumps against the wall, breathless. And while he may have come faster than a teenager, he doesn’t feel an ounce of relief.

Fuck.

#joel x female reader #joel miller smut #joel miller x female reader #joel miller fic #joel miller x you #joel miller x reader #joel miller #joel is daddy #age difference #no minors allowed #no outbreak #tlou

[ladykailitha]

Royal Pain: Epilogue

I know I said I would hold off posting until the Christmas story was completed, but this one literally had one chapter left and it felt rude to make you wait for it.

Happy boys!

Pt 1 Pt 2 Pt 3 Pt 4 Pt 5 Pt 6 Pt 7 Pt 8 Pt 9 Pt 10 Pt 11 Pt 12 Pt 13 Pt 14 Pt 15 Pt 16 Pt 17 Pt 18 Pt 19 Pt 20 Pt 21 Meta Pt 22 Pt 23 Pt 24|Pt 25|Pt 26|Pt 27|Pt 28

****

Six months later:

They were having a holiday plus everyone celebrating something awesome party.

It was held at Steve and Eddie’s new house. Steve had decided to move out the apartment and buy a house now that the business was so successful. And on their six month anniversary, Steve asked Eddie to move in with him.

It had two studios. A music one for Eddie, where he could write songs and the boys could practice so that they no longer had to rent out that garage.

The second one was for Steve to get his art degree. He was still running Royal Pain, but wanted to learn new styles and techniques that would help him become a better tattoo artist.

Chrissy, Robin, and Vickie had also moved into together, but into a bigger apartment that had three rooms so that they could all have their own space, but still remain a committed polycule.

Argyle and Chrissy were both full time tattoo artists, leaving time for Steve to go back to school.

Robin was going back to school, too. To become a translator.

Eden and Argyle were still a couple and expecting their first child in the summer.

Nancy and Jonathan remained broken up, with Nancy in therapy and Jonathan dating a friend of Miranda’s.

Jeff and Miranda were getting married in February, the reception to be held at the Nightmare Holes.

Mike and Will were official now, too and were in talks to move in together. They were trying to decide to move to Will’s apartment, Mike’s, or a find another apartment all together. One that was both their space.

Erica had moved to New York to be with Max and Lucas. But all of them were in town for the party. Having planned it around when the Knicks would be in town.

Hopper was loving Eden as his apprentice, hers almost being up. He was eyeing the first of the year to promote her.

Brian came out as ace and that Cecil was his platonic life partner and had been for the last couple of years.

Gareth and Gethin were still sharing the apartment, but they were still single. Gethin was always looking for the next Mrs Hughes, but Gareth was content to find out more about himself before diving into a relationship.

Dustin and Suzie were also expecting, but they had just found earlier that week.

The Binghams were so excited that two of their daughters were pregnant and were planning to come up in the summer to help with Eden’s baby and help Suzie get ready for hers.

They were all gathered around in the kitchen with a package that Murray had sent over that morning.

“Come on, Ed,” Wayne said softly. “Open ‘er up.”

Eddie nodded and tore the brown paper off the gift. He let out a choked out sob.

Steve put his arm around Eddie’s shoulder.

“Oh sunshine,” Steve breathed. “Show everyone.”

Eddie nodded and lifted it over his head so everyone could see.

There in a black frame and nestled in a white background was a gold record for their song, Pretty Boy Under Bright Lights. The first love song Eddie ever wrote for Steve. And it had just sold its five hundred thousand copy.

They all started cheering.

Steve kissed Eddie’s cheek fiercely. “See? I knew you could do it on your terms, Eds. You are a rockstar now.”

Tears ran down his cheeks nodding his head. Then he was surrounded by his band. They were hugging him and cheering.

Sometimes it really does work out for everyone. Even if didn’t happen the way they thought it would.

Eddie thought back to that day so long ago when Max had called him to let him know that she was leaving. He never thought that losing a tattoo artist would change his life forever.

Later that night, he pulled her aside.

“I owe you big time, Red,” he said, wrapping his arm around her.

Max grinned. “Hell yeah you do.”

“Anything you want, you’ve got,” Eddie promised. “My left kidney. My first child.”

She laughed. “When you two get married, I want to do matching tattoos on both of you.”

Eddie blinked. “Deal!”

Steve wandered over just then. “What’s a deal?”

Max grinned up at him. “Eddie just promised me that I get to do wedding tats when you two get married.”

Steve looked at Eddie and then back to Max. “Yeah, that’s fair.”

Max nodded once. “Damn straight it is.”

“Oh, honey,” Eddie teased. “There ain’t nothing straight about this relationship.”

She smacked his arm.

But Eddie just giggled.

“Come on,” Max said. “I want to see it.”

Eddie rolled his eyes. “You saw it on my Insta.”

“It’s not the same and you know it,” she growled. “I want to see Steve’s masterpiece.”

Steve blushed. “Come on, Max...”

Eddie looked at his blush and then turned to Max. “Fine. But here and not out there where everyone can gawk.”

“Well, duh,” she said. “That’s why I asked now.”

Eddie took off his shirt and turned around.

“Oh shit,’ she hissed. “It’s even better than the pictures give it credit. Steve, this is incredible. There’s no way I could have done something like that.”

Steve ducked his head. “I really really like how it turned out.”

Eddie put his shirt back on. “Yeah. Me too. I just don’t like showing it off, because it’s so personal. Between me and Steve.”

Max nodded. “Yeah. Absolutely. Thanks for showing me.”

Eddie nodded back and wrapped his arms around, Steve. “Thanks for everything, Red.”

She waved them off. All she had done was leave. But they didn’t see it that way. So yeah, they owed everything to Max, for choosing to live her life on her own terms.

“Before we go back to the party,” Steve said. “I wanted to give you another present before we got to the main one later.”

Eddie’s shoulder sagged. “Babe you didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” Steve said scratching his cheek. “In fact it was something I’ve been meaning to give to you for a long time.”

He pulled out a brightly wrapped package the size of baseball.

“This isn’t a baseball, is it?” Eddie asked playfully.

Steve laughed. “No. It’s not that.”

Eddie removed the wrapping paper to find a small black velvet box. He opened it slowly.

“Babe, you can’t give this to me,” he begged. “This is the only thing you have left of your grandpa.”

Steve took it out and slid it on Eddie’s middle finger on his right hand. It fit perfectly. “I’ve been wanting you to have it since you gave me your lucky guitar pick. I wanted to give you something that was on the same level of importance to me that this was for you.” He tapped the pick gently that was under his shirt.

“It’s not–you’re not–”

Steve shook his head. “I will propose. Just not yet and not with that. You’ll get a ring on your left hand, sunshine. Make no mistake.”

Eddie nodded. “I love you, babe.”

“Steven Courtney Alexander Harrington you better not be making out in there!”

Eddie and Steve laughed and kissed deeply, then they walked back to the party, arms wrapped around each other.

“Right names, wrong order,” Eddie teased as they rejoined the group.

Robin blinked. “Wait, really?”

Steve nodded.

“I can’t believe you told him before you told me!” Robin hissed. “I was here first!”

“But I liked watching you guess,” he said laughing. Then he turned to the rest of the crowd. “Who told?”

Robin wiggled her shoulders smugly. “No one told me. I looked up your grandparents. They’re both pretty famous, after all.”

Steve sighed. “Again which of you told her to look it up?”

Robin’s jaw dropped and Vickie’s hand slowly went up.

“Traitor!” Robin said in mock outrage.

Eddie leaned down to see that Steve was pouting about her learning his middle name.

“Don’t worry about it, babe,” he said kissing Steve’s cheek. “We can make her guess my middle name.”

Steve immediately brightened up. “Oohhh. Yeah, okay. It’ll take her years to guess yours!”

“It’s Wayne,” Robin said confidently.

Wayne snorted from the corner. “You really think my deadbeat brother would name his son after me, the responsible one?”

She frowned.

Steve turned to Eddie gleefully. “You’re right, sunshine. Best game ever.”

Robin started shouting out names and it wasn’t even Eddie correcting her. It was Jeff, and Miranda, and Gareth, and Brian and everyone else who knew Eddie’s middle name.

And of course Steve knew it too, but he liked watching their friends and family laugh and try to guess. Because the truth was, Eddie didn’t have a middle name. Robin could guess forever and never get it right.

Steve curled up against Eddie’s side and sighed happily. It was his best year yet. And as long as he had Eddie by his side, they would all be great years to come.

END

****

Tag List: @spectrum-spectre @estrellami-1 @zerokrox-blog @artiststarme @swimmingbirdrunningrock @gregre369 @pyrohonk ​@bookworm0690 @chaosgremlinmunson @goodolefashionedloverboi @chaoticlovingdreamer @maya-custodios-dionach @messrs-weasley @val-from-lawrence @plyerice27 @thedragonsaunt @sapphirecobalt-1 @a-little-unsteddie @i-must-potato @danili666 @carlyv @rozzieroos @wonderland-girl143-blog @itsall-taken @justforthedead89 @emly03 @aizawa-emma @yikes-a-bee @redfreckledwolf @thesuninyaface @bookbinderbitch @archermightbegay @littlewildflowerkitten @scheodingers-muppet @hallucinatedjosten @ellietheasexylibrarian @anne-bennett-cosplayer @cinnamon-mushroomabomination @bestwifehaver @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx @oldwitcheshat @nightmareglitter @tinyplanet95 @novelnovella @jonesn4coffee @slowandsteddie @awkwardgravity1 @steaddie-on

#my writing #stranger things #steddie #ladykailtiha writes #tattoo artist steve #complete

[shai-manahan]

Hollowed Minds Progress Update 5/08/23

Hi! I know I failed at making a progress update last month, so first of all, apologies for that! Things have just been busy tbh and life has been too stressful that at some points I just couldn't write. It's why I've been a bit inactive here as well, and why I've been barely answering the asks I've been receiving.

I cannot report yet how many words I've written for the update so far because I haven't really taken a look at it myself, but I will do so at the end of the month if there's still no confirmed schedule by then. My eye health has just been very consistent at making my life harder as well until recently, and here's hoping I'll at least be able to function properly for a whole month🤞

Some things that will be in the next update:

For Chapter 2's Part 2:

Everything still goes as planned, except now both routes are expected to be fast-paced and action-oriented, though one is still more intense than the other.

This will be a massive one, not because of the word count but because of the variations that will play out. There won't be much issues in arranging the transitions to Chapter 3, so there's at least that, but your choices will matter a lot. So you might have to be careful with them.

One of the routes gets Alonzo actively involved, but please be assured that this doesn't mean you have to romance them. I actually encourage you all to check out both routes once they come because you'll gain more discoveries that way. 👀

Alonzo's route will be so memeworthy, I have to admit. Please try it.

There's an info dump in Chapter 2's Part 1 that I'm not really a fan of, so I'll be moving some of those to this part instead if needed.

For the overall IF:

Alex will now have a set skin tone if a lighter one is chosen for the Ripper. I will discuss this in detail soon, but I just wanted to emphasize that Alex and Ripper's mother are canonically PoC.

You will have options for your Ripper to wear contacts or glasses (or neither ofc).

You'll be able to bring a weapon with you in Chapter 2 depending on your choices so far.

You might remember a section of Chapter 1 where you can choose what your Ripper had been doing for the duration of the five months. I might reduce it to a few, just so I could have them properly recognized in the story.

There will be a couple of changes in the character descriptions in the game's stats page, with plans to make them shorter, too, for easier readability.

I will make sure you'll have saves at the end of this. So please don't be surprised if there'll be more page breaks in the future, as well as more choices (that are still as meaningful.)

In connection to above, I also plan to make the in-game descriptions snappier and easier to read while still maintaining the quality they should have. Your feedback will be very important for this, and this also applies to the beta testers (sorry I've been so silent. I swear I'll get back to you all soon lmao)

Not really too related here, but I also plan to be more consistent with my updates in the future. It's just that my irl schedule is still a huge mess, and it's very hard to be consistent when that happens.

Just a last piece of my mind. Some anons have been very aggressive with harassment the past few months, and I really have no interest for more drama right now. So if you have issues, if you think you can back your own words, send them through a DM or at least turn off anon so we could have a proper conversation.

It's honestly tiring. Being an Asian in this community can already be so tiring, so I am begging people to be mature and responsible with their words. After all, I've repeatedly said that you can always come to me with your concerns or whatever you have against me. As long as we can actually talk about it.

Anyway, that's all, and I hope the week will be good for everyone :) I have a few more things to post on Patreon tomorrow, so if you're a current patron, do look forward to that!

#hollowed minds series #interactive fiction #hollowed minds #wip #writing #hollowed minds book one #if wip #interactive novel #hollowed minds progress update #progress update #interactive game #if game #cyoa

[melodygatesauthor]

Weekly Update - 07/09/2023

There's a LOT to cover this week but it's all REALLY important so please read <3 (below the cut) ~

Announcements

~ Cruise ~

I'm going on a cruise from 07/15/2023-07/23/2023! I really shouldn't have, but my family peer pressured me into it and now I can't get my money back if I back out so I'm going anyway lol.

I paid extra to have WiFi in my cabin, however I don't know how good it will be. I refuse to pay the ridiculous amount of money to use the data on my phone out there. That being said, my online time will be limited.

If for any reason I cannot access my internet or have issues getting on Tumblr @whatthefishh will give you all an update letting you know. (She hasn't confirmed this with me yet but I assume she will lol)

I'm going to be trying to get some works written ahead of time and scheduled to post while I'm away so it will be like I never left! (except I won't be able to respond much).

~ Masterlist ~

My masterlist is ALMOST complete. Once I'm done with it this time I will NOT be changing it again (unless my aesthetic changes but that will only be a cosmetic update). I'm happy with the way it's organized right now and I don't think it can get any better than it is personally lol. (I'm very proud of it please praise me)

~ FAQs ~

I'm working on an FAQs list to hopefully mitigate some of the repeat questions I get, or so I can just link them instead of having to respond to each individual question.

~ Thank You ~

The biggest thank you possible to those who sent in tips this week. I can't thank you enough. I added the tip thing without the expectation that people would actually use it so to have so many of you this week blew my mind. I love you, and I appreciate you more than you can know.

Disclaimer - I never know which way the winds of inspiration will blow. Timeframes aren't a promise/guarantee, they're a goal.

Fic Updates Legend:

Blue - should be posted this week

Pink - In progress actively (working on but will not be posted this week)

Red - Backburner Fic (will work on later. See WIP list for status)

Long/Chaptered Fics Updates

A Bit Dodgy - This fic is currently on hiatus. The plan is for it to return 07/31/2023. Things may change and if they do I'll let you all know! Thank you for bearing with me. More detailed explanation here.

Always Yours, Never Mine - Chapter 2 is coming right up! Just a couple scenes to add and it will be good to go. I'm thinking I'll be able to churn out one chapter a week but don't hold your breath please haha, things are getting really busy, but this fic is at the front of my mind right now for sure. - New chapter this week

The Fractured Moon - currently working on These Fractured Knights (TFM Bonus Chapters) 🫣😏 - Hoping to have the next chapter out this week. This has been moved to "longfics" since it will be at over 40k words upon completion. - New chapter this week

Mini-series Updates

Feeling You Can't Fight - New chapter coming out this week.

Not a Doctor - Part 2 coming soon - not for a while though.

Worth the Risk - taking a small step back from this for now. It’s not at the top of my inspiration list so I’m moving it down the line temporarily. - will work on a later date

The Good Doctors - idea by @burnincrown - Dr. Marc Spector - It's going to be a long time in the works, and it will probably replace TFM when that one is done. In development - Work on it a different week

Requests Updates

There are 4 ficlets left for my 1k follower celebration. Finally getting them done (I'm almost at 2k now lmao but won't be doing a celebration until a different milestone).

As a reminder, once these requests are finished, my requests will be closed for good. You can see the post explaining that here. Thank you again for the support and understanding!

Moon Boys X f!Reader by @simpforbritgents

Asking for something like Feeling Flustered where the moon boys are doing guided phone sex.

Marc Spector X f!Reader by @blueflowerhat

Marc shower sex based on AI prompt.

Nathan Bateman X f!Reader by @campingwiththecharmings

This is the prompt that hit me like a Nathan-shaped mac truck! -> “if you don’t like my teasing why are you moaning”

Nathan Bateman X f!Reader by Anon

Cam girl reader x Nathan - Nathan turns to a cam girl, he's been kinda stalking her. (Excited hehe)

That's all for now guys! I love you all and thank you so much for all the support you continue to give no matter what. You're amazing <3

#melody gates updates #moon knight #across the spiderverse #miguel o'hara #marc spector #jake lockley #steven grant #santiago garcia #triple frontier #ex machina #nathan bateman

[random-mailbox]

Random-Mailbox's Favorite Sailor Moon Fics - Week 42 - Birthdays

It is Usagi / Chibi-Usa Birthday Week (on June 30th), so it seemed like a good time to do stories on this topic. Although after I finished looking through it, majority are for Mamoru’s birthday BUT it seemed fitting to include them as well.  Keep in mind that a lot of Usagi birthday fics are also tied to the birth of Chibi-Usa, which would be it’s own post down the road. 

Also, don't forget to check out the prompts for @usamamoweek2023!

As always, my apologies in advance for spoiling some of these for you (Fic Titles are linked to either FFN or AO3 entries).

Happy Birthday Mamoru! - @areptiledysfunction1107

While away at Harvard, Mamoru keeps waiting for a call that does not seem to be coming from Usagi on his birthday. His first one in a couple of years that he hasn't been either brainwashed or dead for. But maybe, just maybe she has a surprise for him.

Trouble Trying to Sleep - @sailormoonrewrite

In a post Galaxia world, Usagi is having trouble falling asleep - made that much worse by the fact that it is night before her birthday.

"Girl's" Night In - @uglygreenjacket

To do something extra special for Usagi’s birthday, Mamoru (with some help and guidance from the girls), plans a surprise slumber party for her at his place. Doing all the traditional “girly” things you would expect, much to her delight.

a space in the clouds - @idesofnovember

Written for Mamoru’s 40th birthday, this slice of life fic is based in an alternate timeline where Crystal Tokyo did not come to pass. We get a glimpse of what future would look like and how grateful he is for it.

A Week with Mamoru Chiba: Chapter 6: Birthday - @she-dreams-in-pink

In this pre-relationship fic, Mamoru is dreading his birthday that no one should know is even that day. Except Usagi decided that she would do something to change that. 

Tokens of Affection: Chapter 9: 1st U_M anniversary: Celebration - Lina_Natsudori (Jennifer Ellison)

A short ficlet about Mamoru appreciating everything his life has become with Usagi and the girls around him

---

That's it for June! Yes, we have made through another month and FOURTY-TWO weeks of posts (cue jokes about Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy).

Next week we start our July post schedule:

July 3 - Fluff

July 10 - First Kiss

July 17 - Reviving Shitennou

July 24 - @usamamoweek2023 - no fic rec post because you should be focusing on everything that creative people in this fandom are doing for that event!

July 31 - Tutoring

Here are the links to the previous Tumblr posts in these series to explore more amazing works based on different themes - make sure to check them out if you haven't had a chance! (Click on title name to go to the post) - I will keep updating the list every week as new posts come up:

Week 1 - Groundhog Day

Week 2 - Established Relationships

Week 3 - Sex Positivity

Week 4 - Unfinished Stories

Week 5 - Darker Stories

Week 6 - Potions 🧪

Week 7 - Reveals

Week 8 - 👻Halloween🎃

Week 9 - Wrong Perceptions

Week 10 - Non-Senshi AU

Week 11 - In-Progress Fics

Week 12 - Mutual Pining

Week 13 - Enemies to Lovers

Week 14 - Slow Burn

Week 15 - Christmas Part 1 - Ugly Christmas Sweaters and Santa!

Week 16 - Christmas Part 2

Week 17 - New Years

Week 18 - High School AU

Week 19 - Slice of Life

Week 20 - Coffee shop AU

Week 21 - Huddle for Warmth

Week 22 - Friends to Lovers

Week 23 - ❤️Valentines Day❤️

Week 24 - Do a Grouch a Favour Day (or Cheer Up Fics)

Week 25 - Soulmate AU

Week 26 - Amnesia Fics (and resources)

Week 27 - 🍀St Patrick's Day🍀

Week 28 - Fix it Fics

Week 29 - Prompt: Mug

Week 30 - Flowers

Week 31 - Traditions

Week 32 - Dreams

Week 33 - Friends

Week 34 - Body-Swap

Week 35 - Medical Assistance

Week 36 - Sex Pollen

Week 37 - Psychometry

Week 38 - What If

Week 39 - Missing Scenes Part I

Week 40 - Green Jacket

Week 41 - Dr Chiba

#sailor moon #usagi x mamoru #fic rec #fic list #birthday #birthdays #sailor moon fanfiction #forty two

[snowdice]

Big Bang Editing Story [Day 112]

I started writing this fic while editing my Big Bang story years ago, but am going to continue doing it for other things now that Kill Dear is out. I will write and publish 100 words of the story every time I finish doing whatever task I’m doing. If you’d like to block these proceedings, please feel free to block the tag ‘proofread stories.’ I will reblog this post with the parts of the story I do today. Edited chapters are linked; everything else I’ve done so far is under the cut.

My Master Post Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30 Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40 Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50 Part 51 Part 52 Part 53

I have a couple of things to do tonight, but probably won't be on very long.

Chapter 54 (Patton)

“I still can’t believe he’s allowing this,” King Thomas said from next to Patton. The two of them were standing at the edge of the arena outside the horse stable, watching from a safe distance.

“If he hadn’t tried to bite me earlier, I’d think he was a different horse,” Patton agreed.

“He doesn’t even let Logan ride him,” the king said. “At least not ride him and give him directions.”

Patton was very aware of that. Logan did on occasion choose to get up onto Mr. Apples’ saddle. However, Mr. Apples was always the once who got to decide where they went after that. Logan had no say.

With that in mind, Patton, Logan, and every stable hand who’d heard about the prospective riding lessons had tried to convince Virgil to learn to ride on a different horse. Virgil was just as stubborn as Mr. Apples however and had insisted. Logan, being the only one who could be around Mr. Apples without risking being kicked, had become his de facto tutor.

Not even Logan could have expected that within a week, Virgil would be able to control Mr. Apples. Though perhaps ‘control’ was the wrong word. Nothing could control Mr. Apples, but for some reason, Mr. Apples seemed willing to do as Virgil asked.

Even right now Mr. Apples was trotting around the training arena like he was a well-trained trick horse warming up with his rider.

“Logan told him we could go on an actual ride today if the lesson went well,” Patton told the king. The lesson seemed to be just getting over because Logan said something to Virgil and Virgil started to climb off. Mr. Apples was patient and still as he dismounted.

“Do you think he’d mind if I went with you?” King Thomas asked.

Patton shrugged. “Mr. Apples might.”

“Mr. Apples definitely will,” the king replied. “I’ll come anyway.”

Logan had walked over to where Patton and the king were standing while Virgil fed Mr. Apples some apple pieces as a reward.

“I hear you’re going to go riding today,” King Thomas said.

Logan nodded. “Mr. Apples seems to listen to him well enough,” he said.

“I might join you if that’s alright. Where are you kids going?” the king asked.

“I was thinking the main forest path,” Logan replied. “It’s not a particularly difficult route, but it’s also a part of the castle grounds Virgil hasn’t been able to see yet. Loraine told me it has been recently cleared after the winter.”

“That sounds like a good idea,” the king said. “Are you going now?”

“Once Patton and I saddle up our horses,” Logan said. “You can come.”

“Great,” the king said with a smile. “I’ll ask for Bella’s saddle to be brought out. I haven’t gone on a ride yet this week.”

He turned then to walk towards the stables leaving Patton and Logan alone.

“Do you think he’s been acting weird?” Logan asked, turning towards Patton.

Patton frowned. “No,” he said. “Not really.”

“I’m just wondering why he wants to go horseback riding with us.”

“He likes spending time with you?” Patton guessed.

“Yes,” Logan said, “but typically in a setting that doesn’t involve Mr. Apples.”

Well, that was fair.

“I mean, it’s not too weird,” Patton said, thinking back through the last couple of days. King Thomas had been a bit… clingy.

“He’s been hanging around a lot,” Logan said, echoing Patton’s thoughts with narrowed eyes. He glanced back at Virgil. “You don’t think Virgil let something slip, do you?”

“He didn’t say anything,” Patton said. “I think your dad would say something if Virgil let slip he was an assassin somehow.”

“Unless he let slip something that didn’t quite implicate himself but invited suspicion.”

“Your dad doesn’t seem suspicious,” Patton said. At least, Patton didn’t think he did. He hadn’t been acting mean in any way. In fact, he might have even been acting nicer.

Logan frowned. “We should keep an eye on him, especially around Virgil.”

Patton bit his lip.

“What?” Logan asked.

“Are we ever going to tell your dad about Virgil?” he asked.

Logan hesitated. “I don’t…” he trailed. “I’m not sure.”

“It just feels weird lying for so long,” Patton said. Patton didn’t lie a lot. Sure, maybe he’d pretend to not know what Mama was talking about when sweets went missing from the kitchens or he’d pretend to not know what Logan’s birthday gift was, but he’d never lied about anything serious before now.

“I know, but,” Logan glanced back at Virgil once again, “even if we did decide to tell, we’d have to convince Virgil everything would be alright beforehand. I don’t think we’re at that point yet. He was terrified of Father until a few months ago, and he’s still cautious around him sometimes.”

Logan was right, of course. Virgil was getting more and more comfortable around the king, but he figured any of the progress made would go down the drain as soon as they brought up telling King Thomas about where exactly Virgil had come from. Patton didn’t know if Virgil would ever be comfortable enough.

“We should go get our own horses,” Logan suggested, and Patton nodded.

Patton and Logan’s horses had already been saddled by the stable hands in anticipation of their ride and it didn’t take long for the king to saddle his own horse, Bella.

The forest path at this time of year was very pretty, Patton thought. The tree branches now had small green leaves on them after having been barren for the entire winter and flowers were starting to grow. In a few weeks’ time it would be even prettier, but it would also be harder for the groundskeeper to maintain as well as it was right now.

Virgil really did seem less anxious around King Thomas now. The path was only wide enough for two horses to go at once, and he didn’t seem to mind that he and the king ended up next to each other while Patton and Logan lagged behind. In fact, he and the king seemed to be having a nice conversation about the local wildlife.

However, if Patton looked close enough, he did sort of see what Logan meant. Virgil may not be anxious talking to the king now, but the king himself seemed just a little bit nervous at least at the beginning of the ride.

He seemed to relax a bit as they rode (even laughing when Mr. Apples tried to bite him when he got too close).

Logan had been teaching Virgil the basics about things like animals, but there was still a pretty big gap in his education when it came to anything that wasn’t about training to fight and kill. King Thomas seemed more than willing to answer any of his questions when it came to the animals and plants around them even if they were sometimes a bit silly.

He’d seen a bird that looked like a dove. (It may have even been a dove, but Patton hadn’t seen it.) This had been a source of endless confusion for him.

“But shouldn’t it live in the dovecote?” Virgil asked.

“Not all birds live in a dovecote,” the king explained again.

“But it’s a dove,” Virgil said with a frown.

“Not all doves live in a dovecote,” the king replied.

“But it’s a dovecote,” Virgil argued. “It’s for the doves.”

“Yes, but there are also wild doves,” the king said.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Virgil replied.

“What about it doesn’t make sense?” the king asked with a laugh in his tone.

“Doves go in the dovecote,” Virgil said.

Patton was starting to have trouble following this argument.

“Dovecotes are made for doves,” the king said, “but not all doves go in dovecotes.”

“Why?”

This seemed to stump the king momentarily, but he still answered after thinking for a bit. “Doves existed before people got to them,” the king explained. “People caught and trained some of them, but there was no way to catch all of them. So, some stayed in the wild and continued with their lives like they had been before humans. Plus, sometimes domesticated doves fly off and never come back. Sometimes they might die, but other times they may have just gotten lost and had to build a new life somewhere far away. Or maybe they even decided that being a trained dove working for humans wasn’t for them, so they decided to go off on their own.”

“You let them do that?” Virgil asked.

“We can’t really stop them in the end,” the king said. “People can try, but it never ends up working as long as they can fly.”

Virgil thought about this. “I still don’t understand,” he said, “but okay.”

“We should take you to the cliffs,” the king suggested.

“What are the cliffs?”

“The castle grounds were built for defense,” King Thomas explained. “The edge of the grounds to the North is a large river and overlooking it is a huge cliff. It’s a good place for picnics and for birdwatching. It’s a bit of a trip, but now would be a good time of year to go.”

He glanced over his shoulder back at Logan and Patton. “What do you boys think about going to the cliffs sometime? Maybe in about a week?”

Logan squinted at his father suspiciously. It wasn’t so much the fact that the king was asking them to go to the cliffs. They did that every so often. However, this time, it only supported Logan’s claims that the king was hanging out with them a lot recently.

“Sure,” Logan said, after a moment.

“Sounds fun!” Patton said cheerily right after, trying to cover for the lack of enthusiasm in Logan’s voice with his own. Judging by King Thomas’s expression and Logan’s tight-lipped scowl, he may have overcompensated.

“Great,” the king said. “”I’ll make sure to make arrangements when we get back to the castle.”

Chapter 55 (Logan)

            Virgil was beginning to be able to read some of the common instructions in magic books, but Logan still made sure to read out the instructions to him at least twice before setting him loose. He’d started to jot down notes to himself about things, though these notes were not words, but various symbols that only made sense to the boy himself.

            Logan had asked about their meaning at one point and received an answer that, while earnest, was unintelligible. The symbols were mostly just pictures of things to represent certain steps in spell casting, but they were filtered through Virgil’s rudimentary penmanship and often bizarre perception of the world.

Though, despite the fact that Logan could not often decipher his chicken scratch, it did seem to help him produce impressively quality charms even as Logan began to introduce more complicated processes to make them. He was a very good student even if he didn’t have the best foundation for learning.

“I add lavender for the next step, right?” Virgil asked, his finger on a word in Logan’s magic book.

“That is correct,” Logan confirmed.

Virgil looked back at the book and mouthed the word ‘lavender’ to himself before turning back to his potion. He grabbed a few sprigs of lavender and threw them into the cauldron.

The liquid popped and bubbled violently, but Virgil didn’t flinch as he once would have, prepared for it now.

After the lavender, Logan knew that it would have to simmer for 5 minutes. Virgil looked down at the boiling liquid, contemplating it for a long moment.

“Can I soak a knife in it?” he asked.

“What?” Logan asked.

“Can I soak a knife in the potion once it’s done?”

“In that potion?” Logan clarified. “In the emergency hand warmer potion?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I think a hot knife would be useful,” Virgil said.

“For what?”

Virgil shrugged. “Cooking food on the road,” he said, “burning wood, stabbing someone and immediately cauterizing the wound.”

“That is… not a standard use for this potion,” Logan said.

Virgil titled his head at him. “Would it work though?”

“Well, I don’t know,” Logan contemplated. “Perhaps. The potion can cause burns if one uses too much of it or if it is used without an appropriate layer between it and the skin. If one were to pick a knife with enough surface area and let it soak long enough, it could in theory get hot enough to do as desired. Hmm…” he thought about it. “There would perhaps be the problem of the potion not sticking to the knife very long as it is intended to soak into fabric. However, cardamom could solve that issue as long as it doesn’t interact with any other ingredients. Let me see that spell.”

Virgil stepped out of his way so he could study the page. “Yes,” Logan said after scanning through all of the ingredients. “I think coriander would work for something like that. Let me go find some.”

He turned to walk towards where he kept his supplies of potion ingredients. Virgil followed on his heals.

“Can we use a serrated knife?”

“Oh, that’s a good idea, Virgil,” Logan said, nodding as he searched through the cupboard that should hold the coriander. “The knife being serrated would help keep the potion stuck to the blade after many uses and would increase the surface area.”

“That was certainly my intentions,” Virgil said smoothly. There was something odd about the tone that had Logan turning to him and blinking at him. Virgil just smiled at him innocently and Logan turned back to the cabinet finally locating the coriander.

“So how are we going to use that?” Virgil asked.

“We’ll put it in right before the last step and let it sit for about 3 minutes,” Logan said. “If it doesn’t quite work, we may need to make another batch. There are options other than coriander, but that’s the first idea that comes to mind and it a lot simpler if it works.”

81310

He continued to speak of the many other options they could try as they returned to the caldron as well as how they could test the hot knife. It was already about time for the next step and Virgil did it without interrupting Logan’s rant.

Virgil listened to his suggestions with interest all while still making sure the potion he was making was progressing well.

Logan did eventually take over to finish the potion with the revised steps he’d come up with and they ended up with a potion that looked perfect except it was a few shades darker than the one they’d originally been planning to make.

#proofread stories #not writing

[silvertsundere]

Silver Talks AniManga (24/09/23)

I was gonna say no anime next week since pokemon is on break but then remember that we're still getting zom 9 (before it goes on break until god knows when) and the frieren 1h:30m premier on friday

blue - finale/completed green - new series/new to me

Anime

Pokemon Horizons Ep23

nice episode before the cour break, it's good to see riko get some time in the spotlight and help move the plot forward. seems like next time there should be a lot of plot too since they're finally meeting the grandma but show is gonna be on break for the next 2 weeks so we'll see eventually I guess

Zom 100 Ep8

good episode, it was p funny and we finally got the introduction of bea. the fanservice was good too, and the seeds of the akira and shizuka romance were good too

Manga

Ayakashi Triangle Ch144 (Finale)

aaaaaaaaaaah it's actually over 😭 it's gonna be sad not having yabuki on sundays for a while again but hopefully he'll come back soon enough but anyway ayakashi was a very fun series, ofc it's not an actual 10, but there's nothing else I could personally rate it as, it's just a good ecchi manga with a little bit of battle manga thrown here and there as yabuki is an expert in making. honestly I liked it even more than I would've if matsuri had stayed a boy cause I'm a slut for yuri, as is known, but it would've still been a 10. not really much more to say really, the art was top notch as you'd expect from yabuki, the story wasn't deep or complicated since it's an ecchi series, mostly just a way to bring up Situations to put our characters in, but it moved at a decent pace, and all the cast was likeable and fun to see, even the villains later turned allies. if I had any complaint it'd be that the final arc felt a bit rushed? I thought after the hotel stuff they'd get together and storm the exorcist hq and have 1v1 fights with all the main characters vs the baddies but that never happened but oh well I'll be impatiently waiting for yabuki's next work 🙏

Two on Ice Ch1

hey that was actually better than I expected since I didn't really have any interest in the theme. tho the art was pretty rough at some points, the characters are pretty decently written at least. we'll see how the next chaps for this and mamayuyu go tho cause I can easily see either of them getting axed in the near future, kagurabachi should be fine for at least a couple serialization rounds with how explosive it's debut was

Dandadan Ch121

I didn't expect the new baddie to show up so fast, let alone even meet our protagonists so that's surprising. I'm gonna assume that he's gonna take over the school with whatever power he's using here and our mcs are gonna be the only ones that notice it and they're gonna have to stop him at school without standing out too much. we'll see how right I am

Ice-Head Gill Ch13

gill got a powerup that goes along with the series name. I haven't talked about this series in ages cause.. there's no much to say, other than it getting axed on the next serialization round for sure, it's just not that interesting. the art's p decent but the previous chap it was really hard to follow, along with what the hell was going on with all the charas moving around

MamaYuyu Ch3

if chap 1 felt like a one shot or prologue this felt like the end of the actual first chapter. corleo is off to train and actually become capable of fighting all the creatures coming from other worlds, like I predicted 😏. I'm assuming there's gonna be a timeskip after this OR a training arc of sorts that's gonna introduce some other cast members and allies for the mc before we do get some timeskip. he might be the hero but I don't think he's just gonna be proficient in fighting instantly but we'll see I guess

Kagurabachi Ch2

nice ch2, went over what happened with the dad that they skipped on ch1 and set up the overarching plot with the mc having to retrieve his dad's 6 special swords and defeat the 3 baddies that killed him. nothing brand new or innovative but a serviceable starting point, it's the strongest out of these 3 new series easily that's for sure

#whoops had forgotten the series list I had a feeling I forgot something but couldn't tell what #silver talks animanga

[niobe-loreley]

Heaven Is In A Shortcake {vi}

have another chapter/appetizer~

disclaimer: The Gray Man and the characters are NOT MINE, even the reader. I only own the plot and the reader's character lol. pictures are NOT MINE, only the edited version of it for the fic (msg me if you're the owner), credits to the rightful owners and to weheartit + canva. additionally, i am not a subic/zambales native so my apologies for any wrong, locations, or languages.

Six x F!Reader / Courtland Gentry x Fem!Reader

warnings: moderate swear words. some filipino words. slow burn. fluff. comedy if you use a magnifying glass. trust issues. culture shock. check word count.

CHAPTER SELECTION in the ✨Masterlist✨ Chapter 5 - c'mon vamonos, find me in the masterlist Chapter 6 - this is it [next chapter link will be posted below for suspense & convenience hehe]

word count: 2.9k (N/N) = nickname *Kiara = Claire *Kurt = Court *cover names | reader doesn't know (except you do know #wreck the 4th wall)

⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜

It’s been a week since Claire furtively gave you a two-way portable radio. And because she had too much fun talking with you (verbatim), Claire has revised the schedule of your secret conversations.

[Mondays + Tuesdays] 15:00-15:30

[Wednesdays] 13:30-14:00

[Thursdays] 21:30-22:00

[Saturdays] 23:30-00:00

Claire has omitted the Friday schedule since that’s when they have dinner at the cafe. Except yesterday, which is Friday, the father-daughter duo didn’t arrive. You practically broke the rules and tried contacting Claire as soon as you got home from work, but to no avail. The girl was radio silent since Thursday, it made you quite worried— and you still are.

You glimpse down at your wristwatch, 21:58. Laughter erupts from the group of friends as they simultaneously rise from their booth, you instinctively regard them and then glance at the Betty Boop cat clock on the wall near the windows, still 21:58. The cat's permanent sneer appears to be mocking you, and you can hear it verbalizing its ridicule with every sideways tick of its eyes and tail—

Tick— why —tock— so —tick— wor —tock— ried?

Tick— you're —tock— just —tick— an —tock— acquaintance.

One of the customers catches your gaze just before you ignite the laser beam to destroy the feline clock. "Thank you!" she says, waving.

You stammer. "Oh, thank you! Come again!"

The rest of the group give their gratitude in scattered replies. You keep the toothy grin even as they exit out of the cafe, disappearing from view. 'They're probably the last customer this Saturday,' you sigh and immediately lift the corners of your mouth up. 'So what, right?'

You decide that by 22:15, if they aren't any customers yet, you'll close up shop. You grab a tray from its station, stride to the last customers' booth, and start cleaning up. Muro is in the kitchen with Mindy, he’s been there after the two of you served the customers’ order. You grimace bitterly and decide to intervene in the couple’s alone time. Opening your mouth, you’re about to holler for them, but something moves in your peripheral vision.

You turn, expecting the bells to chime as a customer enters, you’re startled to see icy blue orbs piercing into your eyes. “Kurt?” you hesitantly wave a hand up.

Court glances away for a full three second, scrutinizing something at the parking lot, he then sidles in. If it weren’t for the bells, you wouldn’t have heard him, because the way he enters is very discreet: no extra movements, light steps, and guarded posture. He’s like a ghost.

“Good evening,” you smile, eyes flickering behind him. “Where’s Kiara?”

“In the car, sleeping,” he replies quickly and stands beside the door, glancing out the windows, he adjusts the cap on his head. You notice it’s navy blue with gold outlines instead of the usual black or gray.

You carefully approach him. “So.. it’ll be take-out, huh?”

“Yeah, here’s our order.” he hands you a piece of paper, along with 500 pesos.

“Alright, this will take about fifteen minutes or so.”

“That’s fine.”

“I’ll have Muro help me in delivering it to your car.

“No!”

You recoil, astonished that his voice can raise two octaves higher, and glance over to the kitchen doors. But your co-workers don’t seem to have heard Court. “Okay..?” you watch him swearing under his breath as he lowers his gaze, “I’ll just wave at you from here?”

He nods. “You can tell me through the radio if it’s done.” and lifts his eyes to look at you, and you spot remnants of remorse.

You furrow your brows. “Radio?”

“The walkie-talkie that Cl— Kiara gave you,” he pauses, “I found out about it.”

“Oh..” you blink, "Did you ground her? Is that why you two weren't here yesterday?"

"Yes and no. I only grounded her for two days, and then we went on a 3-day trip."

"Really? But when did you find out?"

"Monday morning."

'Oh.. Kiara found a way to get another radio, for sure.'

With the way Court is sighing after he sees the look on your face, you're sure that he knows what you're thinking, which means that it's true— and he did nothing to stop his daughter.

"A three-day trip, huh?" you say, grinning.

"Yeah, nothing special. Just a gesture for reprimanding her," he replies and shortly gives a polite smile.

You want to ask about their trip, but with the way Court is avoiding your gaze, you know he doesn't want to indulge you. 

"That's sweet of you," you chuckle, glancing at the paper containing their orders. "I'll go ahead and cash this in now."

"Yeah, yeah.. find me on channel 15, privacy code 11. Make sure no one sees you using it, are we clear?"

"Crystal!"

As you swivel around to march towards the cashier like those toy soldiers from Toy Story, you swear that you heard Court breathing a laugh. But you stop yourself from looking over your shoulder. Maybe it was just the wind— even though the door is shut.

You hear him exit the cafe as you reach the cash register. After typing in the orders, you head into the kitchen to give the paper to Mindy. She’s about to ask where the father-daughter duo is, but you’re already out the swinging doors. You then type in the payment, and when the device automatically calculates the change, you press ‘ENTER’.

The receipt noisily effuses out while you prepare everything needed for the drinks: two iced strawberry green tea with chia seeds. You decide to make them once Mindy announces there’s ten minutes left before the food is ready.

“Uy?— Hoy!” Muro shouts when you’re about to pass by him in between the swinging kitchen doors, “Sa’n ka pupunta? Saka asan yung mag-ama?”

Where are you going? And where’s the father and daughter?

“Nag-hihintay sila sa labas. Huwag mo muna gawin yung drinks, matutunaw agad yung yelo!”

They’re waiting outside. Don’t make the drinks yet, the ice will immediately melt!

You weave through the kitchen, arriving in the staffroom in no time. You can practically go in and out of the cafe blindfolded. The locker door creaks when you swing it open, the keys attached to the padlock swings with a silly jingle. Rummaging through your bag, you pluck out the portable radio from the case you’ve hidden it in.

Once your locker is secured, you hastily proceed into the bathroom and lock yourself in. You power the transceiver on, switch to channel 15, and insert the privacy code. “Hello? Kurt, do you read me? Over,” you say to the device in a hushed tone and put your finger off the button.

There’s a slight crackle, signaling of a nearby transmission coming through.

“Why is a raven like a writing desk? Over.”

You blink. “Because it can produce a few notes.. though they are very flat,” and pause to chuckle, “and it is never put with the wrong end in front… Over.”

“So, you’re a Lewis Caroll fan, huh? Over.”

“Not really. I actually hated Alice in Wonderland when I was a kid. Over.”

“Seriously?— Over.”

“Uh-huh! I hated getting lost, which annoyed me ‘cuz I had no sense of direction at a young age. And it frustrated me when Alice kept going deeper into Wonderland. Over.”

Court chuckles. “Well, that is what the story is about. Alice is venturing through an unknown world like a child progressing into teenagehood. Over.”

“I know.” you reply matter-of-factly, gazing down at your Chucks, you snort. “I can relate to Alice on a molecular level.. except the blonde hair, blue eyes, and complexion. Over.”

“What about the accent?— Over.” Court prompts.

“I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, because I’m not myself, you see. Over.”

“I think I haven’t watched the animated movie in a while, because I think you sound just like Alice.” he snickers, “Over.”

“Well, then, I’ll take that as a compliment. Over.” you say, still with the British accent.

A moment of comfortable silence shrinks the distance between you two. You feel as though Court is right beside you, but when you turn, only your reflection in the mirror is with you. Clearing your throat, you push yourself off the wall, which you just realized that you were leaning against. 

“Hey, Kurt, I should go. I’ll keep the radio in my pocket, but it’ll be turned off. Over.” you say into the transceiver.

“Alright.. I’ll keep mine on, over,” he replies.

“Copy that. Over and out.”

You slip the walkie-talkie in the pocket of your shorts after powering it off. When you exit the bathroom, something flurries around your chest as though a swarm of butterflies have escaped your ribcage. Get it?— Joking aside, you shortly pat your chest in confusion and wonder about the funky feeling proliferating throughout it. 

You soon forget about the internal flutterings as you help Mindy with the meals. Before you and Muro whip up the drinks, you shortly excuse yourself to the bathroom and inform Court that their orders will be ready in ten minutes.

"Why are you getting that?" Muro loudly asks as he powers up the blender, mixing the green tea with ice.

After you put little strawberry slices in the bottom of the cups and spread whipped cream around the sides, you extract the strawberry shortcake from the display cabinet. "I wanna take one of the last slices of my cake!" you reply in the same volume, packaging a slice into one box while the remaining two in another.

Muro stops the blender. "What about the two last slices?"

"..." you murmur.

"What?"

"...for.."

"Anong sinasabi mo?" What are you saying?

"Basta…"

"Sabihin mo na kase!" he shouts.

Just say it!

You explode. "It's not for me, okay!? Bakit ba nangingialam ka?!" Why are you bothering me?!

Muro's face goes from shocked to teasing in 0.3 seconds. You ignore him completely as the two of you finish up the drinks, all the while the increased temperature of your face doesn't let up.

"Want me to help or do you wanna deliver it by yourself?" says Muro, grinning wolfishly.

You retaliate by making faces and mouthing incomprehensibly. Taking the cup carrier that holds the flavorful iced teas, the straws are taped on the side of each of the drinks, you grab the large paper bag and whisk away.

Muro jogs past you, chuckling all the way to the door, which he opens for you. As a thank you, you heavily step on his foot on the way out. You grin at the symphony of curses floating behind you.

Court climbs out of the gray SUV, and you quicken your gait, albeit carefully. "I told you to call me when it's ready, so I can pick it up myself." he says when you're two feet away.

"Sorry, but that's bad service for us." you sheepishly grin, handing him the cup carrier.

You nearly recoil. When his fingers brush yours, there's a momentary jolt through your arms as though you’ve touched an electric fence— which you have once.. twice.

Court quickly scans your face, taking the paper bag next, and you flush furiously, imagining ramming your head down through the sandy ground. Even though you only nearly recoiled from the brief contact of his skin, you believe it wasn’t obvious. 

‘Not to him, I guess..’ you mentally grumble.

“The change and receipt is in there,” you gesture at the paper bag, “I also put two slices of strawberry shortcake— on the house. I didn’t know what other flavors you two like.”

“Thanks.. but you didn’t have to,” he says with that typical, tight-lipped, polite smile.

You shrug. “After a sudden trip like that, I figured you two could use a taste of home.”

What?

Your ego is practically screeching at a corner, while your superego is shaking your id back and forth by the neck.

“Not that my strawberry shortcake tastes like home to you and Kiara,” you sputter, like you’re being framed for murder, but instead of blanching, your face brightens with scarlet. “It’s just that you two live here, or near here anyway— and I assumed the 3-day trip wasn’t in the vicinity of Zambales. But if you two went to Baguio, then the strawberry shortcake is just redundant—”

“(Y/N)!” Court cuts you off, laughing. “It’s okay. But to ease your anxiety, no, we didn’t go to Baguio. And once again, thank you.. you’re quite thoughtful. Which makes you sweeter than your strawberry shortcake.”

Whatdidhesay?!

You look away from Court’s calm face, coughing noisily, and you try not to pound your throat with a fist to knock your heart down back to where it should be.

But what you don’t know is that Court’s ego is digging his grave, while his superego is aiming a nuclear missile at his id, who’s tied up to the wall.

“T-The cup carrier and takeout containers are reusable. You can put your names on them if you wanna use them for future takeouts,” you say once you have the courage to turn back to him.

“That’s neat.” he glances down at the cup carrier.

“Yeah.. but we do advise to leave the takeout containers in Joy-infested waters for 5 hours. Or any dishwashing liquids or soaps. We can clean it again, too, on your next takeout.”

“Duly noted with much appreciation,” Court nods, like a cowboy tipping his hat.

You scratch behind your ear. “The food will be warm for up to 20 minutes. But if you’re going to have it for later, I suggest you leave it out open until it’s not even lukewarm before you refrigerate it.”

“Yeah, alright,” he glances at the SUV. “I’ll do that if Kiara isn’t hungry when we get home.”

“Okay.. oh! And I’m sorry for not telling you about the walkie-talkie.”

“It’s fine.”

“If you want it back, I have it here in my—”

“Just give it back next week. Maybe then, you can stop entertaining my daughter.”

You flinch at the chilling blast from his tone. It was rather abrupt, freezing you like Frozone’s swift, icy assaults. You manage to recover soon, the volcano of your short-temper bubbling, but you put a lid on it.

“Okay.. safe driving. Buh-bye.”

“Bye..”

You stride away, quite rigidly. And as you try to relax, Claire’s face when interacting with you swims up your eyes. The moments you have with her are genuine and precious, whether face-to-face or through radio waves, the budding relationship between you two is certainly not for either of your amusement.

That’s why putting a lid on a volcano is inadvisable. Because the magma will find its way to another opening , or even create numerous exhausts.

You find yourself staring at your reflection on the black-tinted windows of their SUV. The glass lowers, along with your mortified reflection, and you frown at Court with determination.

“What is it?” he asks, still looking straight ahead.

You quietly breathe in and out. “You may not know me well, Kurt, but I don’t make promises that I don’t want to keep.”

He looks at you now. “Shouldn’t it be ‘can’t keep’?” he quips with a scornful smirk.

“Well, if I say that and something happens that will inevitably make me not keep my promise.. then I would’ve dishonored myself and hurted the person I made a promise to.”

“That’s a first.” he remarks mirthlessly.

“You know what they say, there’s a first time for everything.” 

“So, what is it that you really want to say?”

You set your jaw tight. “I want you to know that I do want to exchange gifts with Kiara on Christmas.” you pause for a second, “You don’t have to tell me why you two look like you’re on a secret mission to chase after the Road Runner, only God knows why. But… If either of you find yourselves wanting someone to talk to, or you miss the food in the cafe.. leave me breadcrumbs and—”

“You’ll find us?”

“If you want me to find you.. then, yeah.”

“What makes you think we’re hiding?”

You snort. “You literally just said so.”

Court tightens his jaw, and even in the dim blackness of the car, you see the corner of his mouth twisting down. You realize the stubble adorning his jaw has thickened, he probably hasn’t shaved since last week. You dare a glance at Claire in the reclined passenger seat, she’s all cuddled up with a pillow between her and the door. 

The hum of the engine continues to fight against the tension in the air. A battle of vibration and reinforced stillness. You keep the anxiety in your teeth as you patiently wait for Court to speak. He's glaring at the windshield, probably imagining it's you, and briefly clenches the wheel before he expels out a sigh.

As if on cue, a cold gust drifts past you, making the bottom of your apron flap lightly. You’re glad that you have your hair in a dutch-braid, only a few short strands wave into your face as Court turns to look straight at you.

“I’m telling you this for your own good, (Y/N).” says Court, eyes as cold as its color and somehow colder than the sea breeze. “We’re not chasing after the Road Runner… Kiara and I are the Road Runner. So don’t go making promises you can’t keep.”

⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜

A/N: gosh, see that tension? it's so visible it slaps!

To proceed to Chapter 7, wait for the click this to enter the portal to open

✨TAGLIST✨

@kat-thepoet @queenofhellhasrisen

#the gray man #sierra six #courtland gentry #court gentry #the gray man fanfiction #reader insert #claire fitzroy #the gray man x reader #sierra six x reader #court gentry x reader #netflix #russo brothers #ryan gosling #ana de armas #chris evans #slow burn #trust issues #teenage girl needs a mama figure #filipino #subic bay

[inkribbon796]

Egotober 2023 Day 29: Scarier than Dark Himself

Summary: The heroes are trying to meet with Marvin when they get a lead they didn’t expect.

Prompt: Fright

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Mark and Wade were in Mark’s car, about ten miles out of Egoton and keeping an eye on the city. It couldn’t move on them if they kept their eyes on it. They didn’t want to get stranded out in the forest of Ohio.

The two of them were in just their masks because Mark didn’t want his car identified. They were supposed to be waiting for Marvin, who was going to drive up. This was risky, insanely risky. But they wanted to test something and Wade couldn’t leave town for the next week.

Silver turned to look at a car driving up to them as Wade kept his eye on Egoton.

Marvin got out and Mark let out a sigh of relief. “Sup, boys.”

“Hey,” Mark said. “Was getting worried.”

Marvin flipped him off. “Fuck you. That was a three hour flight and an hour drive.”

“Yeah, well we couldn’t fly you into Egoton,” Wade said. “So thanks for saving your life.”

“I’m dying to fight with him, so I won’t mind it,” Marvin said.

“Yeah well, you’re not the only person in Egoton, otherwise, sure, we can vacate the whole ass town so you two can fight out your problems.” Wade said.

“We’re not here for that, we’re here for magical lessons and to figure out what’s wrong with Dark.

“You know,” a voice interrupted as a man seemed to appear from the darkness.

All of the heroes flinched and braced for a fight.

It wasn’t a person they recognized but it was the face of one of Dark’s top lieutenants, Lynel Bargs, smiling at them with a grin of bad intentions and forbidden knowledge. “You could ask his Lieutenant. I don’t know, might be able to tell you something?”

“And what do you want for it?” Wade asked. “If you’re who you say you are.”

“Protection, I don’t want Dark to kill me for the things I say.” Bargs said. “Because I know when he’s planning on retiring someone and I’m not dying if I have anything to say about it.”

“So what, you come to say why Dark’s so afraid of me?” Marvin smiled.

Bargs laughed. “Oh no, it’s not you, I’ve had time to think about this.”

“What is it then, ass?” Marvin said.

“I want protection first,” Bargs said. “I want it or you get nothing.”

“Fine,” Wade said. “Gatling and I can escort you to your house and you can get what you want and we can go to the police because news flash: if you’re just living in your house he’s going to murder you.”

“Good,” Bargs said. “So, magic man, in short. Dark’s not afraid of you, he’s afraid of your contact list. We’ve got orders to report you and any other hero, except one. The time mage. We’ve been ordered to try and kill him on sight and report as we do it. Dark wants him dead on contact.”

“J.J?” Marvin said. “Why—”

The magician frowned and looked down. “What is he up to that makes him so nervous about Jay?”

“How far back can he time turn?” Wade asked.

“Only by like a week, maybe two tops if he has a power supply of some kind to draw from,” Marvin said.

“Does Dark know that?” Wade asked.

Marvin and Silver looked at him. Silver spoke up first. “I . . . Does he? I don’t think we’ve ever said that around him.”

Marvin hit his fist to the palm of his hand. “If he doesn’t know that then we have an advantage. We can use that against him.”

Wade made some noise. “Yeah, but he’s scared now? You all have come over like a couple of times. What’s he so frightened by? Did something happen recently?”

Lynel smiled, “Well, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say Dark is acting like a person afraid of their own death.”

“And I bet you know?” Silver said.

The Lieutenant had a look that Marvin just wanted to punch off his face. “Well, I’d be a little more cagey about this, but the brat’s in Florida and I’m finding myself a bit braver. Dark’s become a bit of a collector in the last fifteen years. He has his Lost Ones. They are perhaps the tightest secret he’s keeping.”

“Lost Ones?” Wade asked. “What is he? Some fucked up version of Peter Pan?”

“Well, one of them does have the codename “Curls”, so I guess,” Bargs said.

“Are they okay? Living with Dark must be awful.” Silver desperately hoped Wilford wasn’t involved anywhere in this mess.

“I’d think that, if they were human, but they’re not people anymore,” Lynel said. “That damn cowboy brought him actual children, and when I blinked they were not human anymore.”

“How young did he get them?” Silver asked.

Lynel shrugged. “I don’t know. Five? I can’t tell how old kids are.”

“But Dark can,” Silver can.

“Hmm?” Marvin said, looking at him instead of Bargs.

Silver turned to him. “Dark knew exactly how old Blank was, on sight.”

He turned back to Lynel, “How old are Dark’s wards, I guess that’s the word for it, right?”

“I don’t think that’s the word some of them use,” Lynel said. After Wade gave him a look, he added. “How should I know? One of them looks like he’s twenty, the girl looks twelve.”

“There’s two?” Silver asked, he looked over in the direction of Dark’s Manor.

“There’s at least five, I can’t tell how many there are when they blend together,” Lynel said. “Which is the idea.”

“How hard is it to count kids?” Marvin said, magic moving along his fingertips in an erratic pattern.

Lynel sighed, “Well, I hate saying this but it’s true because they were picked to be this way. They all kinda look the same. Dark had the cowboy bring him a bunch of Asian American kids. I don’t know where he got them from, I’ve never asked. As far as I know they were all orphans. With no families. Not the kinda kids the system would miss. A bunch of them were labeled “problem children” so no one would check on them.”

“And they didn’t?” Silver said. “How do you not check up on these kids?”

“Look, I just know about the kids, I don’t know anything else about them and I don’t want to know. They’re demons just like he is and I want my protection from the Author.”

“That one of the kids, what about Dark?” Marvin asked, his magic pausing.

Lynel shook his head. “No, He’s got three that are the worst. The rest are all just bratty children in suits.”

“And you’re worried about an Author, wouldn’t all of this guy’s kids be bad news?” Wade was trying to think of a way to help these kids. If they even wanted to be helped in the first place. “If Dark took them when they were little and the State didn’t want them. They’d be loyal to him. Is any one kid worse than the other?”

“No, Author’s different, he’s worse, Dark can keep the rest of them but Author needs to be five million miles away from me,” Bargs said. “He makes people disappear. Sometimes Dark will call the kid into one of our meetings and he just makes them disappear. Not the way Dark does. We’ll see them wandering around the warehouses, and he tortures them until he gets bored. Author is a demon. He’s a monster, and everytime I see him he frightens me so bad I swear I’m going to drop dead on the spot.”

“Alright, we’ll get you out of there, you help us, we help you,” Drowned said. “In fact we’re going now. I call Gatling and get into your car. You get a suitcase and we head to the station.”

“I don’t want to go to a place Dark owns,” Bargs said.

Wade walked over to Bargs and they began to organize a quick retreat.

Silver turned to Marvin. “Sorry tonight’s a wash.”

“Nah,” Marvin smiled, using magic to pick himself off the ground. “I’ll crash on your base’s couch.”

“Dark is gonna murder you,” Silver said, also picking himself up to start flying.

“We know why now and I can work with that,” Marvin said. “I’m not letting some two-bit, bad tempered imp scare me.”

“You get Blank hurt and I’ll put you in the ground,” Silver said.

“I got this, he’ll be fine, I’ll even put some enchantments on his suits,” Marvin said. “He’s overdue some proper protection. And Dark is due a good proper scare.”

Silver didn’t seem happy.

Marvin wouldn’t get to spend the night in Egoton. He’d stay on the edge of town in a hotel, but he’d get to meet Blank the next morning and start lessons.

As it turned out, Drowned was decent at magic but Blank had promise. He could already slightly see aura when he was invisible, Ethan just needed some pointers in figuring out what he was looking at.

And Marvin was itching for a fight. He’d get one from Dark before he left, Marvin promised himself that.

#Egotober 2023 #Superhero AU #Masks and Maladies #Silver Shepherd #Wade Barnes #marvin the magician #magic

[mell-eight]

2/26/23 I have some amazing news! Hunter, the second book in my Witch's Coven trilogy, has completed the editing process and has an official release date!  Look for it on May 9th! I haven't seen the cover yet, but that and reviewing the ARC are all that need to be completed before this story is ready for publishing.  Coven (book one) had such an amazing reception.  I can't wait for everyone to be able to read Hunter!  Also, we're aiming for August/September to release Witch, the final book in the series.  (Keeping in mind all release dates/time frames are subject to change without warning, Lol)  I think that's a doable target, but keep any eye on my blog as I'll update you as I learn more. I also have a release date for my mermaid short story, Water's Price!  NSP plans to release it June 27th. Water's Price is one step behind Hunter in the editing process--still waiting for the final proof--so June is a perfect date. More great news: Twin Elements, my fun story about a pair of twins forced to switch places when one is poisoned, was accepted for publishing with NSP!  The contract is signed and the book now in the editor's queue.  I am hopeful it will be available for purchase this time next year.  I will keep you posted as I learn more, but feel free to check out the tentative summary on my Coming Soon page. As promised, I pulled You Can't Sell A Dragon's Heart out of storage and gave it a final edit before submitting it to NSP for consideration.  Letting the story simmer and percolate for a couple of months helped a lot, so the manuscript looked really good (in my opinion).  I do think NSP will also enjoy my quirky sci-fi/fantasy crossover story.  However, this book is currently at the very bottom of their submission pile, and will likely take a while to be reviewed.  I will try to be patient while I wait.  Lol I promised some writing news.  The Chef, my quirky story about a chef being waylaid on his journey to a new job and the ensuing adventure, has crossed the 10k words mark!  I originally thought part one of the story would tap out at 30k, but it's leaning closer to 25k at the moment.  That said, the next chapter begins the build up to the fight scene.  The line that convinced me to start working on this book was when the character in my head said "don't drip blood in my oatmeal", however, this coming fight scene is the bit that has kept me writing eagerly.  It's the first place I get to fully explore the magic in this book, and I can't wait to write it.  I'm very hopeful the fight scene will help me meet my original word count hopes for part one, but either way this book is turning out to be awesome. It's been a busy few weeks, so I haven't been able to work on anything else.  My insurance company came through, but I have to follow up with the remediation company to get on their schedule.  The drama from the burst pipe will soon only be only an unpleasant memory.  I have also been extremely busy at work, so I'm collapsing on my couch in the evenings with very little brain left to make dinner, let alone write.  I do expect work to calm down again, so presumably I'll be able to return to my waiting stories very soon. 

[the-learning-bri]

My phones on 8 percent and I’m reclining in the family room.

Another good eh day.

I was going to call it unproductive but what do I need to be producing rn?

I feel mostly satisfied with myself.

There is still some tiny tiny mustard seed size nagging coming from the back left side of my brain though telling me I’m not doing enough.

Maybe I need to do some more planning?

Maybe actually working out will satisfy it?

I put up my bar today and knee raises or whatever they’re called are easier than I expected.

I keep looking at pictures where my core looks solid and I know it’s not that hard to get back there. I

just

have

to do

it…

I have to be intentional about it.

Like I was with my water drinking today.

*pats self on back*

There were so many bathroom trips though.

But when I’m in the bathroom upstairs I read Divergent.

I even read a couple of chapters in my bed today.

Tris pieced together Four is Tobias and their kinda cringey romance is evolving. I question the whole age thing but i guess its slightly different in the context of their world?

I beat my Ms. Pacman highscore on my first go today. My only full run today.

I ate a ham sandwich and a smoothie as my first meal. Pizza a crabcake and a salad as my second meal.

I channel surfed like Timmy. Preakness Breakfast Club Shrek The Office Shrek World Chase Tag Fresh Prince World Chase Tag Fresh Prince The Office World Chase Tag The Eastern Conference Finals Game 3.

The Heat won. Never lost their lead.

•

My phone’s on 6 percent.

5 percent.

Tomorrow we’re going to Nana’s for dinner and I’m excited. Especially to see what she made.

I’ll probably keep straightening up as its a never ending task.

I found my hdmi chord and adapter today so I’ll hook that up to my laptop at some point tomorrow.

I want to shave my underarms and probably trim the hedges a little.

I ordered the Mary Kay Microabrasian scrub thing. My skins been kinda rocky. Though that’s probably on me and not washing it when I should.

•

I need to figure out when we’ll be changing my cabin filter and plannnn accordingly.

Me and Mommy may be going to NY this week. We may be going to Aruba this summer or the whole family to Canada.

I need to deposit my checks this week.

Figure out how I want to spend money.

Am I serious about getting a camera? I feel like it could be a great creative outlet. But do I need it? The camera not the outlet lol. But I guess that answers the question. I would get it used and see if I’m really serious. Although there’s so much more research that I need to do.

But how much?

I’ve been doing these casual logs but should probably do a Type Out about waiting for the right time. Its definitely a motif in my life and I’m not the biggest fan of it. Idk if there ever has been a right time for something that I was waiting for the right time for.

•

Last night I dreamt I was working at Pizza Hut. The old Pizza Hut. But I was up front and there wasn’t enough space. I could feel the cheap, not thick enough, you can wash it as many times as you want but that back of the pizza hut smell will never come out of the material shirt on my skin. Or maybe my brain just filled that in. But I guess that’s just what a dream is anyway.

Will I work at Pizza Hut this summer? Will I work at all? Auntie Nichole suggests I dont. Am I really about my money? Find out next time on Bri [Will Never] Figures Out Their Life!

TIL: SNL has been out since the 70’s

05/21/22 23:50

[btsqualityy]

Fools Rush In: Chapter 3

Jungkook x Reader

Genre: Strangers-to-lovers, age gap!AU (reader is 30, Jungkook is 23), Angst, smut, fluff

Summary: You deliver the news to Jungkook and he makes his own decision.

Warnings: None to note.

WC: 2.1K

Two weeks later, you found yourself staring blankly at the large number “25″ that was on the front door of what you had recently found out was Jungkook’s apartment. 

You had come to Seoul to compete in the Korea Open so you decided to try and look Jungkook up. You had Yoongi get in touch with some of the organizers of the French Open in order to get his information and luckily, he lived in an apartment right in the city. 

Even though you had made the decision to keep the baby and raise them alone if you had to, you did feel as though Jungkook deserved to at least know so that he could make his own decision. That’s why you had been standing in front of his door for the better part of 10 minutes, trying to work up the courage to knock on the damn door. 

Just as you raised your hand to knock, the front door flew open, almost making your heart beat out of your chest. 

“Are you the delivery woman?” A tall, broad shoulder man asked and you shook your head as you lowered your hand.

“No. I’m actually looking for Jeon Jungkook,” you replied. 

“Ah, he’s inside,” the man told you. “Would you like to come in?”

“Yes, thank you,” you smiled, waiting until the man had stepped aside before you walked inside and slipped off your sandals. 

“I’m Jin, Jungkook’s roommate,” Jin introduced himself as he shut the front door. 

“I’m Y/N L/N,” you said. 

“Wait, you play tennis right?” 

“Yeah, that’s me,” you nodded.

“I though you looked familiar!” Jin exclaimed, making you laugh. “What are you doing here to see Jungkookie?”

“Uh, I’m just,-”

“Hey hyung, was that the food?” Jungkook asked as he strolled out of his bedroom, walking over to the front door before freezing in his spot when he saw you. “Y/N, hi.”

“Hi,” you smiled, lifting your hand and waving a little. 

“What are you doing here?” He wondered as he paced over to you. 

“I’m sorry for just popping up like this but I needed to talk to you,” you stated seriously as you looked at him and although you could tell from the raising of his brow that he was confused, he turned to look at Jin. 

“Can you give us a second hyung?” Jungkook requested and Jin nodded.

“It was nice meeting you Y/N,” Jin smiled and you nodded to him before he walked away and stepped into another room next to the one that Jungkook had come out of. Once the door closed behind him, Jungkook looked at you again. 

“Do you want to come sit down?” He offered, gesturing to the couch. 

“Sure, thanks,” you murmured as you walked over to the couch, sitting down on the edge and Jungkook sat himself down next to you. 

“So, how have you been?” He wondered. “It’s been like three months since the French Open right?”

“Yeah, and I’ve been ok,” you shrugged. “Just getting ready for the Korea Open.”

“Oh, you’re competing in that?” 

“Yep.”

“You’re gonna kill it,” he smiled and you couldn’t help the way that your cheeks warmed up at the praise.

“Thanks,” you chuckled. “What about you, how have you been?”

“Good, good, can’t complain,” he said. “Just been working a lot but that’s it really.”

“Still doing photography?”

“Yeah, that’s what helps pay my half of the bills,” Jungkook laughed. “I’m sure you didn’t come here just to ask me about photography though.”

“I didn’t,” you giggled awkwardly. “So, do you remember the night of the French Open, when we spent the night together?”

“Don’t I?” He smirked. “I was a little miffed that you left without saying goodbye but I figured that the whole “drunken one night stand” thing wasn’t typical for you.”

“It’s not and I’m sorry for that, by the way,” you apologized. “I kind of panicked when I woke up.”

“I get it, don’t worry about it,” he waved his hand dismissively. “But why are you asking if I remember that night?”

“Well, um, I kind of...maybe....might’ve gotten pregnant that night,” you revealed. 

“Yeah right,” he laughed loudly. “Be serious Y/N.”

“That’s the terrifying thing Jungkook, I am being serious,” you insisted. “I’m pregnant.” The smile slowly slipped off of Jungkook’s face as he realized that you weren’t joking, and you watched as he abruptly stood up from the couch and began to pace the length of the living room. 

“What the fuck?” He muttered. “We used a condom.”

“It had to have broken.”

“You’re a woman that plays sports, wouldn’t you be on birth control?”

“I haven’t been in a committed relationship in two years and I don’t do the whole “one night stand” thing, remember?” You explained. 

“You literally disappeared on me and had me wondering if the whole night that we spent together even fucking happened and then suddenly, you show up and tell me that you’re pregnant,” he huffed, pausing his pacing in order to look at you. “I’m just supposed to accept this?”

“I know it’s a lot to take in and it’s out of nowhere,” you began. “It only takes one time though. So yes, I am pregnant and you’re the father. I thought you deserved to know.”

“So does that mean you’re going to keep it?” He questioned and you nodded your head. 

“Yes, I am.”

“I don’t think I can be a father right now Y/N,” he sighed, resuming his pacing. “I just graduated from university and I’m up to my eyeballs in fucking debt that I only just started paying back and I’m only 23! I can’t be anyone’s father at 23!”

“Look, you don’t have to be involved,” you said and he stopped in his tracks. “I only came here to tell you. I can raise the baby on my own if I have to.”

“And what, I’m left to be the big bad guy who isn’t in his own kid’s life?” 

“Any decision that you make going forward is your own,” you told him. “I didn’t want you to find out somewhere else because I am going to have to go public with my pregnancy eventually, and I didn’t want to keep the baby from you if you did want to be involved. I just wanted to tell you so that you could make an informed decision, that’s all.”

Just then, a door opened and Jin walked back into the living room. 

“Hey Jungkook-ah, Taehyung said that he wants to go out for dinner so I canceled takeout, that ok?” Jin asked and it took Jungkook a few seconds to focus before he looked over at his hyung. 

“Yeah, that’s fine,” Jungkook agreed easily. 

“I should get going,” you suddenly said, getting up from the couch and reaching into your purse, pulling out a card before walking over to Jungkook and handing it to him. “This has my number and the address of where I’m staying for the next few weeks on it. Take all of the time that you need to think things through and then let me know.”

“Alright,” he replied and you gave him a small, closed mouthed smile before walking to the front door and letting yourself out. 

......................................

“Y/N’s pregnant,” Jungkook confessed, two bottles of soju deep into dinner, which caused both Jin’s and Taehyung’s eyes to widen. “And I’m the father.”

“Tennis legend Y/N L/N?” Taehyung asked for confirmation and Jungkook nodded. 

“That one.”

“How the hell did you hook up with her?” Jin laughed. 

“Met her at the French Open, we talked for a little bit, and then went back to my hotel room,” Jungkook replied. “I woke up the next morning and she was gone so I didn’t think much of it. It was just a one night stand, you know?”

“Is that why she showed up and why you’ve had a bottle of soju in your hands since we got here?” Jin wondered and Jungkook nodded again. 

“Yep.”

“Well, are you gonna be involved?” Jin asked. 

“I’m not sure,” he admitted, yelping when Jin reached over and smacked the back of his head.

“What the hell do you mean, you’re not sure?” Jin scoffed. “You can’t just have a child out in the world that you don’t know.”

“Wait hyung, just because Jungkook consented to sex doesn’t mean that he consented to having a baby,” Taehyung pointed out.

“He consented to the possibility of having a baby when he didn’t protect himself and wrap his dick up,” Jin shot back. 

“Actually, I did but it broke,” Jungkook muttered before taking another gulp of soju. “It’s not like I don’t want to be there though. In fact, my first instinct is to call her and tell her that I’ll be there for whatever she needs.”

“What’s stopping you then?” Taehyung questioned. 

“She’s just...she’s one of the biggest athletes in the world and she’s gonna go down in history as one of the greats while I’m just a 23 kid who doesn’t even know where my life is going. She has it all together and she doesn’t really need me. Hell, she might even be better off without me.”

“It’s not about if she needs you or not though, it’s about you being there for your child,” Jin told him. 

“She said that she could raise the baby alone if she had to,” Jungkook mentioned. 

“Just because she can, it doesn’t mean that she should have to,” Jin stated and for some reason, that sentence stuck with Jungkook as he swallowed down the rest of the soju that was in the bottle. 

......................................

A few days after you showed up to his apartment, Jungkook couldn’t get you or the baby out of his mind. He never expected to be in this situation at only 23 years old but the more that he thought about it, he realized that he wasn’t completely...afraid of it like he first thought he was. 

Sure, he somewhat freaked out when you first told him and then went into catatonic shock afterwards but the more that he thought about it, the easier it became for him to warm up to the idea. 

Jungkook always wanted kids and even though the two of you weren’t married and weren’t a traditional couple by any means, he knew that you could be a good mother. You were determined, hardworking, and passionate and those were all qualities that he admired in a person. He figured that if he were going to have an unexpected baby with anyone, then why not it be you? 

He was also a person that believed in fate and destiny. If he managed to get you pregnant despite the two of you using protection and you still chose the keep the baby even before knowing if Jungkook was going to be involved or not, it all had to be a part of some larger plan that neither of you were privy to. 

In the end, that was the thought that he decided to put trust in and that led to him finding the card that you had given him, dialing your number. 

“Hello?” You answered a little breathlessly.

“Y/N, it’s Jungkook,” he said. “Did I call at a bad time?”

“Not at all, I was hitting the ball around with my coach,” you chuckled. “That’s why I’m out of breath.”

“Ah ok,” he nodded. “Well, I just wanted to call you because I’ve been thinking a lot about you and the baby, and I’ve decided that I want to be involved in their life.”

“Really?” You gasped softly.

“Yeah. I mean, I can’t just let you raise them by yourself when you didn’t create them by yourself,” he sighed. 

“I don’t want you to feel forced though, Jungkook,” you explained. “I know that this is a weird situation but I don’t want you to resent me or worse, the baby. I meant it when I said that I can do this own my own if need be.”

“Just because you can do it on your own, doesn’t mean that you should,” Jungkook pointed out, echoing what Jin had told him and you just smiled softly to yourself. “You’re gonna have to be patient with me though, because I don’t have the slightest idea of how this whole parenting thing goes.”

“That makes two of us,” you giggled. “But we’ll figure it out together, ok?”

“Alright,” he agreed.

“I have my first doctor’s appointment in three days, on Thursday and you are welcome to come if you want,” you offered. 

“You haven’t had a doctor’s appointment yet?”

“I couldn’t get one in the States before I had to leave to come here for the Open so I just figured that I’d wait,” you told him. 

“Oh ok. Well, yeah,” he replied. “I’d love to come.”

“Cool. I’ll text you the details, ok?”

“Ok. Bye Y/N,” he said. 

“Bye Jungkook,” you smiled before hanging up the phone. As Jungkook pulled his phone away from his ear, he couldn’t help but to feel oddly at ease about the whole situation. He felt deep down that everything would be ok, and he just hoped that it actually turned out that way as well. 

......................................

Tag List:  @mwitsmejk @hey-youre-appreciated @bettyschwallocksyee @jaiuneamesolitaiire @knowlestaehyung @missseoulite @afangirllikeme-blog @fan-ati--c @d-noona @bang-bang-bangtxn @claricedelune @daydreambrliever @dunixxd @unicornbabylover @paperpurple @addictedtohobi @bbtsficrecs @bts-junseagull @eltrain80

#bts #bangtanarmynet #bts reactions #bts jungkook #jungkook x reader #jungkook angst #jungkook smut #jungkook fluff #bts x reader #bts smut #bts angst #bts fluff #bts imagines #bts scenarios

[kimnjss]

only you | jjk

⤑  series: cherry pickers

⤑ pairing: gamer(fuckboi)!jungkook x video vixen(virgin)!reader

⤑ genre: some angst :/... nd fluff!! (implied smut)

⤑ rating: explicit 

⤑ word count: 3.3K // unedited.

⤑ warnings: slight dry humping, groping, neck kissing, a lot of inner monologuing, yn turns her emotions on nd off (lowkey scary), there are some tears, jungkook shows up w a ponytail nd glasses (what the actual fuckkk), 

⤑ A/N: uhm!? i think there’s like one more chapter left ., hello??? this was wicked fast i didn’t expect it but yeah . pretty sure there’s one more after this one guys??? 

JUNE 15TH, 2020 | 23:43

Fighting Jimin. That's the only solution you can come up with for the way he's been acting the past few days. You had to fight him. Not only did he post, and tag!, you in an image of you and Jungkook... from a happier time, he has been 'accidentally' sending you alike pictures and even gone as far as to ask you to find a picture of the two of you for him to post.

What was his problem? It was like he was ignoring the fact that the two of you were on the rocks? All for what? To further this brand new interest in photography that really didn't have to include either you or Jungkook? 

It was annoying. The constant reminder of the good thing that you had, which was always directly followed by the worry of whether or not the two of you would be able to get back to the way you were. Of course, you wanted to be with Jungkook. You... had really strong feelings for him, but at the same time, you weren't sure if the Jungkook you fell for even existed.

What if it was all an act?

It didn't feel like one. Jungkook always seemed so genuine, so pure whenever he was with you. He took his time getting to know you, it really felt like he was himself around you. And he really has no given you any reason to doubt your relationship before, so why now? 

He explained himself, has given you the space that you asked for... so were you just being stubborn? Overreacting? Or reacting just the right amount? You couldn't tell, but the more you thought about it the stronger the urge to just go and see him grew. And Jimin's daily semi-hourly messages for couple shots of the two of you were not helping.

Now it seemed like every little thing reminded you of him. Had been doing such a great job at removing him from your thoughts, but with each scroll through your camera roll, you're hit with another memory and then swarmed with the countless memories you made in your own home.

You contemplated selling the place but ruled that as crazy. Maybe you'd just rent it out? Something. Anything so that everywhere you turn, you wouldn't be bombarded with all things Jungkook. The couch where the two of you spent nights cuddled up, kitchen where he'd cook for you, bedroom where you...

It was all becoming too much, a little bit overwhelming at times too. But bearable if you concentrated hard enough. You weren't really breaking until late one night. No text from Jimin, but you still found yourself scrolling through your camera roll. Smiling at a picture the two of you had taken.

Just of your fingers intertwined over the middle console of his car, nothing major but you find yourself missing how well his fingers fit in yours. The simple way you'd trace the tattoos printed on his knuckles. They were always so warm in yours and he never minded how cold you always were. Took it upon himself to warm you up. Oh! And the way he'd mindlessly reach for your hands whenever you were laying together, toying with them as he rambled about God knows what.

You missed him. So much, it hurt. All you wanted was to be near him, fuck everything else. Why did everything else have to be so complicated? Why did you have to ever find out about that stupid bet? Things were so much better when you had no idea what he and his ex-friends talked about. He'd still be in your arms right now, playing with your fingers if it wasn't for that.

Before you even have the chance to stop yourself, fresh tears are rolling down your cheeks. A sob breaking through your throat as salty droplets land on the screen of your phone. For the first time, in a very long time, you feel lonely. And the only person that you want to be with is Jungkook. Positive if you were in a room full of people and he wasn't there, this lonely feeling wouldn't go away.

You needed to call him. Hear his voice, his laugh, anything. You needed him.

The phone only rings once before he's picking up, sounding out of breath as if he had been working out. Little did you know, Jungkook had been waiting weeks for your call. Ready to run the moment your familiar ringtone was blaring through his phone speakers. His voice is breathy, but it still makes your heart skip a beat. “Hello?”

“Jungkook,” As soon as his name is leaving your lips, you're realizing how much you've missed saying it. And that thought alone has you crying harder. “Jungkook...” You repeat with a heavy sigh, head falling in your hand as you try to wipe the tears that just won't stop coming.

He shushes you on the other line, the sound of your cries has a crumbling feeling taking over his chest. He hated that he's the reason you sound like that, that he's the one that hurt you. All he wants to do is hold you and tell you that everything was going to be okay, but he wasn't sure if that would be the truth.

There was only one thing that he could tell you that he was sure of. So he's apologizing, over and over again. For what he did, for what he didn't do, for making you cry. The pained sound of his voice only has your sobs growing louder, because he's hurting too. None of this made sense, you wanted to be together. So why not just be together?

“C-can you come over... please?”

He's nearly rushing for the front door at the quiet sound of your voice. Had hoped to hear you say that, wanted nothing more than to be with you right now. Even if it was only for a little while. He missed you, all he wanted was to see you. Three weeks was too long for him to spend away from you.

Then again, this wasn't about him. “Are you sure?”

“No. I feel like I'm all broken up. And it's your fault... but only you can make me feel better. I know that.” You're huffing, obviously frustrated with yourself. Ruffling is heard from your end of the phone and he can only imagine you're roughly wiping at your face. One final sniffle sounding, followed by a sharp clear of your throat. Mentally deciding that that was enough. No more crying.

He can almost feel the wall going back up, shielding him from the emotions you had let slip. Locking them back up where they couldn't make you look weak. He can even hear the difference in your tone now as if you hadn't just been crying to him two seconds ago.

“Yeah, come over.”

JUNE 16TH, 2020 | 00:27

Jungkook shows up at your front door almost immediately. Did not need to be told twice, he was on his way as soon as the words were leaving your mouth. Handsome, like he always is. 

Long hair pulled out of his face, you had said it was cute once so he figured he'd try to appeal to you. His white long sleeve is clean, baggy gray sweats hanging low on his hips. He looks like your Jungkook. Despite the weeks you spent apart, he still looks the same. So inviting, you wanted to be in his arms.

A pair of glasses rest on the tip of his nose and through them, you can see the slight red of his pretty brown eyes, the puffiness that surrounds them. Jimin had mentioned a few times before how much he's cried in the past few weeks, you never thought it would be this obvious though. It makes your heart hurt.

He's closing the door behind him after you let him in, kicking his shoes off in the threshold and then staring at you. Neither of you sure what to do next, what to say. It's the first time that you feel awkward around each other and it kills you. Nothing was ever awkward with Jungkook, he was always so eager and obvious.

But now, it was like he didn't even know where to look.

“You can go sit down,” You say after a while of just standing there, silently competing to see who can avoid eye contact the longest. 

It's weird, normally he'd be kicking off his shoes and heading straight to the couch. Demanding that you sit too so he can put his head on your lap. Much different from the careful steps that he takes across the living room as if he's never been there before. He's sitting with his head bowed, hands clasped in front of him.

And you almost expect him to mumble out a: 'Nice place you got here,'. He doesn't. What he does do has you almost convinced that things aren't so bad between the two of you now. In the shyest, sweetest Jungkook voice, he's saying, “Come sit with me too,” It's quieter than you're used too, but still holds a certain familiarity to it that you can't mask your smile.

There's a lot you need to get off your chest, but you have no idea where to start. You don't have it in you to be mad at him anymore, it had you feeling heavy all this time and you just wanted to let it go. You just wanted to be with him, but you knew that in order for that to happen properly... the two of you needed to talk.

“You told me you loved me.” His words have been like a skipping record since he was rushing them out. Despite the undesirable nature, he was telling you, he had still told you and it hasn't left your mind since.

Jungkook's eyes are going wide, cheeks turning pink, caught off guard with the way you're able to just blurt it out. He had said it and meant it, never thought about taking it back. But wished he had done it differently. At the moment, he was panicked, worried that he was losing you so it came out.

If he had the chance to do it again, he'd come up with a speech, something that let you know how much you mean to him, how lucky he thought he was to get to be with you... and then he'd say it. Not in the midst of an argument as an attempt to get you to stay with him. That was fucked on his part, though.

And there was nothing he could do about it, the cat was already out of the bag. “Yes. I said that. And I meant it.” He's not sure where you're going with this conversation if you're preparing him for the clean break of your relationship or whatever, but he urges himself to be patient. You're the one in charge because he had hurt you.

This was your call.

“I know you have changed, Jungkook. You're so much different from when I first met you. I can see that. I just... the bet made me doubt whether or not the changes I saw were genuine. I didn't know what to believe, but now.” Weeks upon weeks, you spent thinking about this. Weighing your options, thinking, and rethinking the situation. You wanted to be right.

You wanted this to be right. “Now, I want to believe you, Jungkook. How you were when you were with me... I don't think someone can fake that. I kinda knew you loved me before you said it, you know? I could feel it or whatever. I don't think something like that could be all for pretend,” You're not even looking at him, but you can feel the way hope lifts his body.

He's all but jumping at the chance to assure you. “It wasn't pretend, I swear. Every last thing between us was all real. I fell in love with you, Yn. I love you.” He's reaching for your hands, lacing your fingers together. His are warm against yours and the warmth is quickly spreading throughout your entire body.

Warming your cheeks and coaxing fresh tears to pool at the brim of your eyes. “I love you too,” If you had held it in a second longer, you're positive you would've puked. Something like that needed to be said out loud. And from the way his face lights up from your slightly teary confession, it's worth it.

Jungkook moves before he can stop himself, leaning forward to cover your lips with his. It's a soft, quick kiss that doesn't last long before he's realizing what he's doing. Quick to pull away, that light pink dusting over his cheeks as he mumbles out an apology.

“It's okay. Just, uhm, one more thing.” He's leaning back to give you some space you don't exactly favor. Fingers pushing through his hair as he nods, teeth and tongue working over his lip. “Of course. What is it?”

He looks ready to fix any issue you might have with being him and you don't doubt that he'd work himself making sure that everything was all right. That's the thing, though. There weren't any real problems being with him, Jungkook was a good guy. You knew that and he showed you time and time again, just in case you forgot.

Being overwhelmed in the moment had you losing sight of that, doubting him in ways that he never gave you a reason to. He was always good to you, since the beginning. And that was something you found a little hard to understand. “Why me? I mean, it's no secret you've had a plethora of girls knocking on your door. So how come you chose me to fall in love with?” A tiny insecure thought that popped in your head from time to time, but a lot more in the past few weeks.

What made you so different?

The sound of his laugh is the last thing you expect to hear. His pretty smile rests on his lips as the sweet sound dies down, eyes shining as he looks at you. “I didn't choose you, baby. I got lucky and you chose me. And I have zero complaints. I don't know if you know this, Yn. But you have really high standards. You make me want to be better for you.” He's confident this time when he reaches for you, hands settling on your hips as he tugs you toward him.

A natural position between the two of you, sat up with your legs draped over his hips his stretched out behind you. Crazy how perfectly you fit in his arms. “No one has made me feel the way you have. Only you.” You're embarrassed with how dramatic your heart is for this man.

Fingers brush hair from your face as he leans closer to you, nose just barely brushing against yours. “Does that answer your question?” Using that deep voice of his that you only recently discovered. Eyes lifting to look at you through his long lashes, your entire body heats up from the look alone.

“Yes, it does.”

The corners of his lips lift into a smile, fingers tracing the side of your face to tip your chin up toward his. Gaze dropping to your lips, then back up to your eyes. “Can I kiss you now?” There's something about him asking that makes you want it more.

Paired with the patient way he sits awaiting your answer, holding you close but still giving you space. Subtle things that he did to make sure you were comfortable, make sure that he was never pushing too much. Jungkook was constantly proving to you that you could trust him, without a word.

And you do, trust him. With everything you do. So you don't even have to think twice about nodding your head, welcoming his lips onto yours. His fingers tangling in your hair to hold your head in place as his mouth moves over yours. Kissing you the way that he's dreamt of after all this time.

He's missed you. Being apart from you was something that he never wanted to do again and he was going to make sure that neither of you would have to experience that again. His warm tongue glides over your lower lip and you're sure he's going to push his way through.

But he doesn't, instead, he's dragging his teeth over your skin, dragging your lip back as you pull away. It's hot. The feeling of his teeth pressed into your skin, the look on his face as he does it. You can't help the soft moan that falls from your lips. A sound that goes straight to his pants.

“Tell me that thing again, you know? About how you feel about me...” There's a hint of blush on his cheeks. It makes you feel warm all over. Lifting your arms, you wrap them around his neck, scooting a bit lower on his lap. Hips pressed against his.

You think about teasing him, acting as if you have no idea what he's talking about. One look at the slightly nervous look on his face is stealing all of that way. As if you wouldn't say it again like the first time had been a fluke. Yeah, right.

Lips molded against his, you place a sweet kiss on them. Smiling brightly as you pull away, lifting your gaze to look him right in the eye. He needed to know that you meant business when you said what was coming next. “I love you, Jungkook. Only you.” He's kissing you again before the words can fully leave your lips, hand pressed firmly on your back as he holds you to him.

The slow lift of his hips, dragging a moan from you. “I just told you I love you. Why are you hard?” Your giggle vibrates against his lips. Jungkook does nothing to pull back, lips still sealed together as he murmurs.

“It's a love boner,” He groans softly, rolling his hips up. Using the grip he holds in your hair to tilt your head back, trailing his lips down toward your jawline. Sucking wet kisses into your skin, creating a path toward your collarbones.

Your laughter is interrupted by a moan, your own hips moving at their own accord into his. His cock dragging against your core through the fabric of your clothes, but you can still feel him as if you were bare. His freehand is traveling down your back to grip your ass, encouraging the movement of your hips.

Gruff grunts leave his lips from the friction and it takes everything in you to concentrate on your words. “S-shut up, those aren't real. All you think about is sex,” Ignoring the moans that lace your words and the insistent roll of your hips. He's the focus subject here.

Jungkook is shaking his head quickly, pulling back to get a good look at your face. Already flushed and he was just getting started. “Correction. All I think about is you. How my body reacts is not my fault,” You laugh to hide your blush, hand reaching out to shove at his shoulder.

“You're an idiot,” You're mumbling out, which he assumes is code for some term of endearment in your head. He'll take it, leaning down to press yet another soft kiss to your lips.

There was no way he'd grow tired of the feeling he got from kissing you. “And I love you. And you love me too. So let's make love,” It's corny, so you have no idea why your heart is screaming, fighting against your rib cage to get to him. But you've learned to not have everything figured out when it came to Jungkook. Things were the way they were and you liked them exactly that way.

You loved it.

— known for your body and surrounded by rumors about your sex life… rumors that he doesn’t think to doubt. until he’s meeting you… forced to realize there’s much more to you then the thonged shorts and lacy costumes.

⤪ masterlist ⤨

 taglist: @agustdef​ @smoljams​ @jaiuneamesolitaiire​ @hehehehahahohohuhu​ @houseofarmanto​ @preciouschimine​ @chocobetterknot​ @kookiesjoonies​ @ashleyjoyx​ @thia-aep​ @jinhitwhore​ @silentlyimpractical​ @acc3ssdenied​ @triviasjms​ @joonies-babyy​ @bangtansonyeondayyyum​ @bangtan-noona​ @mipetronella​ @lilacdreams-00​ @strawberryforever25​ @tae165​ @jikooksgirl19​ @dee-ehn​ @butterflylion​ @alterlovess​ @joontopia​ @my-odd-mix​ @yeontanie21​ @sw33tnight​ @kookiesdoe​ @daydreambrliever​ @elliemeetsevil​ @hellotherehoneybee​ @bangtansbun​ @taefect94​ @tricethecharm​ @pjmcth​ @0xmysticx0​ @samros95​ @codeinebelle​ @vmin-soulmate​ @bluewhale52​ @thecityrain​ @rageyoudamnednerd​ @kookoo-kachoo​ @diminieshoe​ @kelitt​ @soulstaes​ @ayyyocee​ @betysotelo18​

taglist: @elephantdoors @ratking101 @amour-quinn @gemad08 @yoooonie @ughtear @ambersaesthetics @peachy-tata @moonlitmyg @trinityxsope @diorhobii @miagracegrande @tom-hollands-wife @loveyoongles @seokjinslittledumpling @kerikaaria @ggukkieland @gwsyoongi @salty-for-suga @beeeb05 @dionysusrage @jungkookspromise @princecalpal @agustneeds @neverthefirstchoice  @agustdakasuga @veronawrites @omot7 @agirlintheparkjimin @wildly-lost-lantern @goldenkookietae @ephyraaaa @take-u-2-an0ther-w0r1d @sungieshines @embrace-themagic @kim-ji-hyeons-world  @mrksmrks @hyunjinhasmyheart @paddingtonrue @itsrapmonstanotdancemonsta​ @veryuniquenamegoeshere @niieceyy @lowlifeoeuvre​ @lee-karliah​ @angiexyoung​ @marifujioka​ @softlyjins​ @mochibabycakes​ @producerjk​ @hqtetsurou​ 

taglist: @heyitsbreeeeee @munkey888 @bbyjoonies @prdshobi @myworldisgone11 @kthvol6 @soloikeadates @illwritetomorrow @jiminbabyluv @parkjammys @mypurplelamp @hansolsrightnut​ @vanillabrightlightning @huhuehuey @jiminshibaby @rjsmochii​ @certifiedcrazycatlady​ @jayyayyy17​ @my-current-mood-is​ @bangpink123​ @btsbed​ @definitely-not-tina​ @jeonsbae01​ @metaethically​ @kb-bangtanenthusiast​ @ardenlovesyou​ @simplymemyself​ @jin-from-the-block​ @janieooo​ @xxstrangegirlxxx​ @pastelbleuet​ @pxjiminsi​ @ruinsofangels​ @ladyarmanto​ @bloopkook​ @hopiebabie​ @bigimpression​ @xinyourdreamsx​ @hisunshiine​ @uxwi​ @yayo-kittty​ @taejinminsu​ @miss-jupiter​ @btsbangtanbois​ @sugalou​ @pjminmin​ @yoongiofmine​ @94ser0da​ @kim-jias-den​ 

taglist: @imezz​ @itookallthejamsbruh​ @kimsouthjoon​ @ephyra1230​ @awhnamjoon​ @jkismyasmr​ @eyereen​ @gldnrecs​ @jiminddaeng​ @morndas​ @daebakrex​ @getmemyfries​ @v3nti​ @drippingguk​ @iridescentstories​ @cheesecakes-randomshitz​ @jakiki94​ @tatiquichi​ @tatajoonie​ @weasleyswizarding-wheezes​ @shadowhale​ @kuggnuj​ @cynicalitys​ @saymynamewithluv​ @kooafraid​ @milkteade​ @revehosh​ @gguksfilter​ @jai-namu​ @btsheartu​ @xxsunny-side-upxx​ @jeonkookiebangtan​ @scorpiostunner1027​

taglist: @squirrelandcrafts​ @sweetnight​ @trynavibewhileicry​ @eatjeanjin​ @nightapple4jk​ @localjisung​ @aureumjeon​ @kooknova​ @ardoren​ @diamonddia-mond​ @dammit-jjk​ @jwlmnbt​ @jiminsreads​ @poisoneveyyy​ @girlontheblock​ @bunny-on-crack​ @sweetestdreamssuga​ @tommasauras​ @cecedrake2217​ @bangtan-ology​ @hobiismyhopeu​ @subtlepjiminie​ @bangtangrl​ @kooks3uphoria​ @vampgguk​ @alpaca1612​ @gukkiecuddles​ @hazefilter​ @nochujjk97​ @smol1​ @mama-m0chi​ @blue1928​ @babelleerr​ @rlynotme​ @jaywalksalloverme​ @bansheehunteremissary​ @justmythings16​ @giadalin​ @ladyartemesia​ @xxunmeixsenpaixx​ @ot7always-main​ @msunnsstuff​ @tew-atx​ @lierr007​ @bishuthot​ @jaebeomsblackgf​ @taexmichi​​​​ @patpus​​​​

taglist: @anothershorthuman @izzyexe @letmebreathepls @okaysoplshelpme @chogiyeol-utopia @iforgotthemelody @kookiepout @sunshine-ybba @lovelyseomin​ @super-btstrash-posts @calikoocat  @richkookie @yoong-i​ @koochiekoo​ @thephotoend​ @heavenspidey​ @perseephony​ @secretlycrazyhummingbird​ @mina-bear​ @holdinbacksecrets​ @drumsofheaven​ @na-na-na-nanna​ @sunset-and-daydreams​ @luvtaeha​ @yoongipsychic​ @bipolarbeyotch​ @fanfics-for-fun​ @anoncutiw​ @stillphoria​ @lomeinchicks​ @anjcia​ @keenmedstudent​ @xtrataerrestrial​ @queengalathynius​ @sweetrenr​ @deeepvibes​ @somelazysundays​ @hyungaway​ @komoruarchives​ @junebug322​

A/N: timestamps make sense throughout the fic. if u want to be added to the tag list, send me an ask! + if you’ve asked to be on my permanent taglist, you do not need to ask to be added to this one !!

#jungkook #jungkook angst #jungkook fluff #bts angst #🍒 sm au #jungkook fic #jungkook sm au #jungkook imagine #jungkook smut #jeon jungkook #jungkook x reader #kim namjoon #kim seokjin #min yoongi #jung hoseok #park jimin #kim taehyung #namjoon #jin #yoongi #hoseok #jimin #taehyung #bts #bts imagine #bts sm au #sope

[silvertsundere]

Silver Talks AniManga (07/05/23)

jump is finally back baby let's go!!! next week marks the last week of this serialization round but very much looking forward to the tall girl

ended up not watching more anime like I said I would last week, there were still 4 more I wanted to check out, but currently watching 5 airing which I think is pretty good considering I hadn't watched anything in almost 4 years, plus all those other shows I wanted to check out are all manga adaptations so I'm putting no hope in them being fully adapted so I don't feel as bad putting them aside

I want to catch up on another manga next but, after that, I want to go through my "watching" list and clean it up of stuff that's been left hanging there for these years, and then make my way through stuff I wanted to see from seasons I missed in that time ANYWAY

blue - finale/completed green - new series/new to me

Anime

Uma Musume - Road to the Top Ep4 (Finale)

what can I say that I haven't already. I love it obviously. I rate things on my mal for personal enjoyment but I usually have a "real" rating for it (like I did for jigokuraku not that long ago), but I can't do it in this case, horses just got too much power over me. I think I teared up in all 4 episodes (maybe not 1 but). it's good, period. the art is good, the animation isn't that special most of the time, but it has a lot of little character acting moments that hit really good, and let's not forget that maenami cut I was gushing about. the music isn't memorable but it served it's purpose, and the voice acting was really good ofc, I especially loved tokui sora's performance as opera, it's nice to see her getting to flex her range instead of always being yazawa nico, but ofc ayabe and topro were really good too. anyway really good, left me really hungry for S3 coming later this year tho I still have to go and watch S2 and even finish S1 tehe

Megumin Ep5

honestly this ep felt a lot like a finale, tho there's still 7 more left anyway the explosion scene was pretty cool also megumin x yunyun is quite good, good to see they'll keep feeding me since they'll be goofing around together for a bit longer

Imas CG: U149 Ep5

good episode (ofc), was wondering where they'd take it with risa being such a daddy's girl but she surprised me also the insert song was beyond the starlight (deresute's 1st anni song) so I was losing my gourd as soond as I heard the first couple notes god bless

Mashle Ep5

decent episode, dot's explosion magic looked decent enough, tho speaking of him I didn't expect him to sound like this at ALL, I thought it was gonna be something more high pitched like bakugou. also they teased the lang baddies, which is when this starts shifting more into an action series with a sprinkle of comedy instead of the opposite, which is nice, even if they're all over the op lol

Pokemon Horizons Ep5

nice little ep, the roy scene before this pic was cute. next ep should be more exciting, including the appearance of a brand new mon, like riko's pendant turtle from before

Jigokuraku Ep6

good episode, was really nice to finally see sagiri's first time to shine, and now they're finally at the village, I forgot about the rokurouta fight so I thought they were getting here earlier tehe. it also ended on the gay sex scene so that was very nice I figured the village was gonna be the cliffhanger but that's a really good one too, they really went IN on animating the tongue-fu, anyway curious to see who'll voice mei, she's very cute

Manga

Do Retry Ch1

that line in the pic below is the title of the one shot for this btw anyway. nice first chapter, the art is really striking with it's thick outlines which makes sense since the author was an assistant to matsui too. it's also a period piece which would be funny if it was cause of matsui too. good solid first chap, no complaints for me, did it's job of setting up the story, the main character and his motivations without getting too distracted with other things. we haven't had a sports manga in a while (I don't count blue box as one) so we'll see how long it'll stay around, or how sportsy it'll be in the first place lol

Dandadan Ch104

the vamola backstory continues, I thought this was gonna be the last ch but I guess not. it's been decent tho it could've been shorter imo

Show-ha Shoten! Ch18

VERY good chap, one of the best so far tbh, it's nice to see azemichi making a stand for himself, even if he's stumbling a bit. next chap should be pretty exciting but waiting a whole month is painful

One Punch Man Ch181

just an aftermath chap of the saitama tatsu fight, not really much going on. however I did read the jp raws for the next chap and it has a buncha cute tatsumakis so that's very good

Pension Life Vampire Ch4 - 5

apparently I completely missed ch4 OOPS. anyway, cute chaps like usual, going even more in on the yuri cause of this new girl here. it's nice that eri's moving in, opens the door for a lot more Situations

Tokyo Underworld Ch39

ok chap tho not much happened, the action was p dece but that's about it. the ending cliffhanger is something tho

The Ichinose Family's Deadly Sins Ch23

another eh... chap, they show him waking up but considering the previous pages it's gotta be not real right? anyway it needs to hurry up and end already, feels like it's just dragging on on purpose now

Fabricant 100 Ch20

the final battle is finally here, not much more left now, prob just enough to finish filling a vol

Witch Watch Ch107

GREAT chap, I didn't expect them to continue straight from the last one, much less to go this far right away, very excited to see what happens next week with that ending

Kill Blue Ch3

nice chap overall, not much to say, good to see we'll have some more action next week too

Blue Box Ch99

TAIKI MY BOY they grow up so fast 😢, I was already hyped for ch100 but with them dropping this right at the end I'm even more pogged up now holy

Cipher Academy Ch22

as much as I like cipher this felt a lot like a final chap, and it's been doing badly in ratings lately, so there's probably no hope of it making a comeback like medaka did back in the day it's sad that jump readers can't appreciate nisio's work and we get things like roboco running for a billion years instead sigh

Mashle Ch154

good chap, had that good balance of action and comedy that mashle is really good at, still gonna be a handful more chaps of the final boss

Tenmaku Cinema Ch4

nice chap, it's always nice to see someone's passion for something be apparent in their work like it has been in tenmaku

Undead Unluck Ch157

nice chap, like I said last time it's good that not everything is going according to fuuko's plan and seeing her struggle and overcome these unexpected situations is good. looking forward to the (possible) addition of a milf to the cast

Sakamoto Days Ch117

good to see them learning from sakamoto's example tho this being a flashback arc is annoying cause we know rion dies so every time something happens I'm just expecting it to be now argh

The Elusive Samurai Ch108

very good chap, good to see tokiyuki make up with yorishige after that argument a couple chaps ago and in such a meaningful way too also the colour page is beautiful but I'll put it on it's own post

Akane-banashi Ch60

good chap as usual, I've been waiting a long time for the dad to come back into the fray since he's such a big deal for akane's whole character, excited to see where this goes and her growth from it

Ayakashi Triangle Ch129

good chap, especially with those plot complications at the end making things not as simple as they seemed at first

#silver talks animanga

[karahalloway]

(Un)Common Attraction: Chapter 23 - A Bitter Aftertaste

Series: TRR (following the events of Book 1, with some changes)

Pairing: Drake Walker x OC (Harper Gale)

Rights belong to Pixelberry, most characters and some dialogue belong to them.

Book Synopsis: Harper Gale is a small-town girl working as a waitress at a seedy New York dive bar. After a chance encounter with nobility sees her jetting halfway around the world to compete for the hand of the Prince of Cordonia, her dream of seeing the world starts to come true sooner than she expected. But as the completion heats up, Harper quickly learns that life at court is a lot more than just pretty dresses and fancy balls, and that the polished aristocratic smiles often hide deceit. Does she have what it takes to rise above the gossip and intrigue of the social season, and beat the nobles at their own games? And, more importantly, does she actually want to become the queen of a small European country? Or will her heart have other ideas?

Masterlist: (Un)Common Attraction

Chapter Summary: It’s the first day of the Apple Blossom Festival and Harper has some uncomfortable conversations... and makes a plan.

Word Count: 4,300

Rating/Warnings: M (swearing)

Please read: Author’s Note

Also available on Wattpad.

Chapter 23 - A Bitter Aftertaste

"Harper... Wake up!"

"...ngh..."

"We're here!"

Rousing myself with some difficulty from my nap, I squint blearily out the window of our customary limo.

The past week had been gruelling, and I had collapsed into bed after midnight each day, only be woken again at the crack of dawn the following morning to begin another seemingly never-ending round of lessons covering everything from the correct utensil to use during each course of a ten-course dinner to how to bake a delectable apple pie, Cordonian-style. To make matters worse, even though I ended up exhausted at the end of each day, both physically and mentally, I had still had trouble falling asleep, my mind running in circles about how to deal with Drake and Christian.

But as we draw up to where we would be spending the next couple of weeks, I cannot help but brighten slightly as I admire the romantic milieu of our surroundings. In contrast to the Royal Palace, which was stately and opulent, Applewood Manor was the definition of European country chic. The pale sandstone façade of the building was wreathed in climbing roses, curving elegantly around Tudor-style paned-glass windows. Manicured hedges lined the long gravel driveway, and on the hills overlooking the estate marched rows and rows of apple trees in perfectly straight lines.

"It's gorgeous..." I breathe as our car pulls to a stop. "This puts even Downton Abbey to shame."

"While I would not normally approve of references to tacky American television, I have looked into this Downton Abbey and I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised that you would choose to spend your time watching something so poignant and educational."

I scrape my jaw off the floor of the limo with some difficulty. "You...you do realise that it's just a story... not a documentary."

"Of course. But even fictional tales can serve as useful vehicles to convey important messages and information. Take the Greek myths, for instance. They teach us that you must respect your elders, control your emotions and do not try to escape your fate, all of which are valuable life-lessons."

"Now I know where you get your oh-so-modern value system from..." I mutter under my breath as I exit the limo.

"But enough chit-chat," declares Bertrand, stepping out of the vehicle as well. "The first event of the Apple Blossom Festival will start shortly, and we have preciously little time to get you settled in your room before making your presentable for the press. Do you have your outfit to hand?"

"Yes," I reply, grabbing my small wheely suitcase from the trunk. It held the clothes that I would be wearing for the day, together with a small bag of make-up essentials so I would not have to waste time rummaging through the entirety of my luggage when we arrived.

"In that case, you best hurry inside and get changed. Maxwell will escort you to the private part of the orchard for the apple tasting once you're ready. I will meet you there once all our belongings have been unloaded."

"Do we really need all this stuff?" I ask, watching a dozen valets hard at work carrying the million and one trunks and suitcases up to the manor house.

"As I said before, since we do not have the luxury of relying on the Palace boutique, or the well-stocked garment shops of the capital out here in the countryside, it is better that we come over-prepared than under."

"Yes, but did we really need to pack ten different ballgowns?" I insist. "When there is no actual ball planned?"

"It's always better to be safe than sorry..."

* * *

Thirty minutes later, I am making my way through in the Manor's private orchard, wearing the white off-the-shoulder sundress that I had picked up during my illicit outing with Drake a few weeks ago. Completing my country-inspired look were a pair of open-toed, caramel-coloured booties with a chunky heel and a wide leather belt with floral detailing which I had snagged from the boutique. I had also laid hands on a pair of dangly pearl earrings and a statement pendant necklace on a long chain.

"Hi, Harper," whispers Hana, as I join the other suitors, who are stood in the shade of an impressive apple tree. "I love your dress."

"Running unfashionably late, as always," snips Olivia by way of greeting.

"Hush!" warns Madeleine, silencing us with a wave of her hand.

Following her intent gaze, I spot the King and Queen making their way through the assembled crowd of nobles and journalists, each of them carrying a wicker-basket of shiny red apples.

"Welcome, one and all to the annual Apple Blossom Festival!" greets the King in his booming baritone. "I always enjoy our reprieve in Cordonia's beautiful countryside, and it seems that this year, especially, we will have a bumper crop of apples!"

His announcement is greeted with enthusiastic applause.

"And, as you very well know," adds the Queen, "in keeping with tradition, myself and the ladies of the court will sample the first apples of season. Ladies, if you'd please..."

We all reach into the baskets and select an apple while the press starts snapping photos. Turning it over in my hand, I can see that it is smaller than the apples that I am used to back in the States, but the skin is such a luscious shade of red that I actually rub my finger against it to see if it had been varnished.

"I get now why it's called the Cordonian Ruby," I remark quietly to Hana.

"They do look delicious," she agrees, lifting her apply up to her nose to give it a delicate sniff.

"Oh, they are..." confirms Olivia with a smirk. "I can't wait for you to both try it. The Ruby always leaves such a memorable aftertaste."

"Make sure you look this way, ladies!" calls one of the photographers. "We'd love to capture your reactions! It's something the public love seeing every year."

"Ladies..." indicates the Queen, lifting her own apple.

We all bite into our apples in unison and the cameras start flashing wildly.

"Oh!" exclaims Hana, covering her mouth with her hand as her eyes go wide in surprise.

"Mon dieu!" agrees Kiara, nearly dropping her apple.

"Delectable!" purrs Olivia, glancing at me slyly. "Don't you agree, Harper?"

"Definitely... memorable," I wheeze, forcing myself to swallow the nauseatingly acidic bite I had just taken, trying to fight back the tears that had formed in the corners of my eyes.

"How are you finding your Cordonian Ruby, Lady Harper?" calls a reporter.

"It certainly has...character!" I remark, drawing chuckles from the crowd.

"The first crop of the season always has a definite bite to it," smiles Madeleine. "I rather like the taste, personally," she adds, taking another bite, the cameras snapping eagerly.

"Well, it looks like our ladies enjoyed their applies," observes the King with a smile. "Before we all disperse, I'd like to extend a special thank you to our apple growers for preserving our venerable traditions, especially those who labour here on the Applewood estate. Your hard work and dedication helped put Cordonia on the apple farming map and I could not be more proud of your achievements this year!"

"And with that... Happy Apply Blossom Festival!" adds the Queen. "Please, feel free to pick as many apples as you would like. I can also heartily recommend a stroll through the Japanese gardens – the apple blossoms are truly magnificent this year."

The crowd starts to break up, but Olivia, Madeleine and I find ourselves surrounded by reporters, who want to know our thoughts about Applewood, the Cordonian Ruby and where we stand with Christian.

After what seems like an interminable length of time, during which the press corps seem more interested in my answers than those of the others, much to Olivia's and Madeleine's annoyance, the reporters finally disband.

"That was... certainly informative," muses Madeleine, studying me as we begin making our way across the orchard. "Lady Harper, for a commoner, you seem to have a real connection with the press."

"Oh," I blush, her comment catching me off-guard. "Thanks."

"I only hope you can keep it up without any mishaps," she replies with an angelic smile. "Some women simply can't handle the pressure of constantly keeping up appearances."

"Well, I certainly can," interjects Olivia imperiously. "So, I wouldn't get too comfortable, if I were you. The press can be so fickle in their affections, after all..."

"Oh, I agree," purrs Madeleine. "One's fortunes can change so quickly, especially given what's at stake. I just hope you can keep up, my dears."

She saunters off, leaving Olivia fuming.

"Bertrand was not kidding," I muse. "Angelic on the outside, Frank Underwood on the inside," referring to Kevin Spacey's character from House of Cards... not that Olivia probably had any idea of what I was talking about. These nobles were seriously missing out on some great TV, not to mention important pop-culture references...

"She has some nerve," she hisses. "Swanning in half-way through the season as if this competition was already decided in her favour. But if she thinks she can nab Christian from under my nose, she has another thing coming!"

"Does Christian even like her?" I ask. "I've only seen him talking to her once..."

Olivia scoffs. "Please... Madeleine is a cold, hard bitch."

"Whereas you're a warm and fuzzy one?"

"Let me put it this way," replies Olivia with a sly smile. "Christian likes women who have some passion... some fire to them, who challenge him. Madeleine is not his type, at all. He would not choose her in a million years."

"Then why are you so threatened by her?"

Olivia glares at me angrily. "Because she is a manipulative snake! She has been trying to get her grubby little hands onto the crown for years and she thought she had won when she was chosen at the end of last year's season. Oh, you should've seen the look on her face when Leo announced his abdication!"

"You have nothing to worry about then," I reply. "Christian told me that he was not interested in a marriage of convenience. He wants to spend his life with someone he actually cares about."

"He told you that, huh?" asks Olivia, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "You two... talk a lot then?"

"Not recently," I admit. "You kind of monopolised him in Lythikos, and I haven't actually seen that much of him over the past couple of weeks. But if you are serious about him, then go for it. I'm not going to stand if your way. I care about Christian, but I don't want to be queen."

"Hah! That is the biggest load of horse shite I've ever heard! Who doesn't want to be queen?"

"Maybe someone who just wants to live a normal life without the constant posturing and manoeuvrings of court life," I retort.

"Have we been spending a bit too much time with Drake?" She laughs when she catches my glare. "Oh, please... the two of you have hardly been subtle, sneaking off every chance you get. If anything, you two deserve each other!"

"We're not—"

"But I'm warning you..." she hisses, leaning in close. "If I find out that the two of you are just pretending to be all baby-eyed for each other in some kind of tasteless commoner plot to make Christian fall into your arms out of jealousy, then I will come down on you with all the wrath of House Nevrakis!"

Eyes glinting dangerously, she turns on her heel and stomps off, leaving me staring at her retreating back with my mouth hanging open.

"Harper!" cries Maxwell from behind me. "Err... you okay?"

"Honestly? I have no idea... Had a very strange conversation with Olivia just now..."

"In my experience, every encounter with Olivia is a strange one," admits Maxwell. "Most of the time I am not sure whether I will make it to the end of a conversation alive and in full possession of all my body parts."

"HBO definitely missed a casting opportunity with her in Game of Thrones..." I remark. "She would've made a great Cersei."

"No kidding! Anyway, Bertrand gave me strict instructions to escort you to the Japanese gardens so you could nab some time with Christian."

"Of course he did..." I sigh. "Lead the way then."

As we make our way through the orchard, I catch the sound of raised voices. Pulling to a stop, I scan the immediate vicinity and spot Bertrand, face livid, arguing with one of the reporters a few trees away.

"Hey, isn't that Ana de Luca from Trend magazine?" I ask Maxwell, grabbing the sleeve of his jacket to catch his attention.

"I-I guess so. I don't know the reporters as well as you do."

"But that's my point! What is Bertrand doing talking to a reporter in the first place? That's normally my job..."

"No idea," shrugs Maxwell. "Bertrand doesn't let me get involved with House Beaumont stuff. He thinks I'd just screw it up."

I watch Bertrand jab his finger accusingly at the reporter before stomping off, while Ana pulls a pack of cigarettes out of her purse and lights one up.

"Looks like she's alone," I observe. "Let's go find out what all that was about."

I had a sneaking suspicion, but I wanted to be certain.

"I'm not sure Bertrand would appreciate us nosing around in his affairs."

"Hey," I reply, fixing him with a serious look. "You're part of House Beaumont too, aren't you?"

"Yeah..."

"And so am I, technically. I know Bertrand likes to keep a tight handle on things, but what if Ana has discovered something about your brother or House Beaumont that is potentially significant...and damaging? Wouldn't you want to know what it is? So, you can help your brother through it?"

That last part was not 100% genuine on my part, but I was not going to pass up on this opportunity to go snooping around Bertrand's dirty laundry, especially if it would provide a lead on who was behind the bachelor party photos.

Maxwell eyes me uncertainly before letting out an explosive sigh. "You're right... We should at least try to talk to the reporter lady."

"That's the spirit!"

We make our way over to where Ana's stood, taking a long draw on her cigarette.

Catching sight of us, her perfectly plucked eyebrows rise above the rim of her Versace sunglasses. "Lady Harper... and Lord Maxwell. What a pleasant surprise... Did you want to add to your earlier comments?

"Not exactly..." I reply. "We couldn't help but overhear you and Bertrand just now and we were hoping you could shed some light on what the two of you were discussing so... passionately."

Ana's lips curve into a thin smile. "Straight to the point, as always. I do like that about you, Lady Harper." Taking another long pull on her cigarette, she crosses her arms over her Chanel suit. "Let's just say that certain information has come to my attention concerning House Beaumont that the Duke does not want publicised."

"And what information would that be?"

Ana looks at us in surprise. "Do you really not know?"

"I have a couple of ideas," I reply. "But I would love to hear it from you."

"It concerns House Beaumont's finances," she replies, tapping her cigarette with a manicured finger.

Damn... I was really hoping it would be the photos.

"Since you are one of the Prince's favourites," she continues, "and could very well become our next queen, the people have the right to know that your sponsors are so heavily in debt that I am surprised that they still have a roof over their heads."

"You can't!" exclaims Maxwell. "It would ruin our house's reputation."

"Well, the Duke should have managed his finances better then, don't you think?" shrugs Ana. "And anyway... the people love a good riches-to-rags story even more than a rags-to-riches one. I cannot afford not to print this piece."

"So much for journalistic integrity," I mutter.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You just admitted that you would be willing to destroy one of Cordonia's noble houses for the sake of good story! You are no better than those desperate paparazzi who will do anything to get a sleazy front-page feature, without giving a moment's thought to how people are going to be affected by the fall-out. You should be ashamed of yourself!"

Ana regards me for a long moment, her thoughts concealed behind her dark shades. "I suppose I can delay the piece until after the Prince has picked his bride."

Maxwell's eyes widen. "You... you mean it?"

"But you owe me one," she adds, finishing off her cigarette and extinguishing it on the trunk of a nearby tree.

"You can have an exclusive interview with me, if you want," I offer.

"I will consider it," she replies stiffly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a deadline to meet."

"Harper, I have no idea how to thank you!" gushes Maxwell as Ana saunters off.

He wraps me suddenly into a bone-crushing bear hug.

"Can't...breathe..." I gasp.

"Oh... sorry," he says with an apologetic smile, loosening his hold on me. "But I really am grateful. I...I don't think I would've been able to do what you just did."

"Isn't that what friends are for?"

"Not sure," he admits. "Never had anyone do something like that for me before."

"Really?" I ask in surprise. "I find that hard to believe..."

"I'm not having a go at Christian or Drake," clarifies Maxwell. "They're good friends and all, but I just... normally try to sort everything out by myself."

"Well, you shouldn't have to," I reply, laying a hand on his arm. "Friendship is a two-way street, after all."

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." He drops an arm around my shoulders and gives me an affectionate squeeze. "Now, let's get you to the gardens before Bertrand has my head!"

He leads me quickly through the rest of the orchard to a high stone wall. Opening the wooden gate, he ushers me inside, and I am transported to another world.

Someone had gone to great lengths (and expense!) to create an authentic-looking Japanese garden, complete with a dainty wooden bridge that spanned a bubbling brook.

"This... this is beautiful!" I breathe in wonder, watching the delicate apple blossoms sway in the breeze.

"I don't see Christian," notes Maxwell, scanning the procession of nobles who are making their leisurely way around the gardens.

"It's alright," I reply. "I'm sure he's just busy making his rounds."

"I'll take a look around."

As Maxwell walks off, I take the opportunity to explore the gardens on my own. Walking down one of the sunken stone paths that leads to an elegant gazebo, I close my eyes to breathe in the sweet scent of the thousands and thousands of apple blossoms and listen to the happy chirping of the birds as they hop from branch to branch.

Opening my eyes, I spot a familiar figure staring forlornly into the dark waters of a koi pond in the shadow of the gazebo.

I try to turn around without disturbing him, but he somehow senses my presence.

"Harper!" exclaims Christian, catching sight of me. "What a pleasant surprise! I thought I was quite alone here..."

"I... I didn't mean to disturb you," I reply, brushing my hair behind my ear. "You look like you have a lot on your mind."

"You could say that..." he sighs.

"The conversation with your dad didn't go so great?"

He smiles at me sadly. "It's not something I can talk about... at this time anyway. But trust me, if I could, you would be one of the first people I'd want to tell."

Taking a deep breath, I say, "Christian, there's someth—"

"Can I ask you something?" he asks suddenly, his green eyes intent.

"Err... sure."

"Do you... do you think you could handle being queen of Cordonia?"

I gulp. It's as if he had somehow read my mind... and it was a bit of a disturbing feeling.

"I need you to be honest with me."

"Are you sure you want to hear my answer?" I ask pointedly. "Because you are not going to like it."

"I'm sure."

I take a steadying breath. "Alright. In all honesty, I don't know... and this is something that I have been wrestling with since I joined this competition. On one hand, I agree with you that I probably have certain qualities that would make me a good queen. But, like I told you back in Lythikos, I am not sure whether I am cut out for life at court."

"But you've been performing so admirably!"

"That's exactly it!" I cry. "I'm performing! Constantly! For the Beaumonts, for the press, for the entire court. And honestly, it's exhausting... And I just know that it's only going to get worse once you become king. If I am chosen as your queen, I fear that I will cease to exist as a person... as an individual, and will simply become some kind of remote figurehead living in a lofty high castle."

"Harper," says Christian gently, closing the distance between us to take my hands in his. "I know you are a free spirit at heart – it's one of the things I love about you. And I appreciate that becoming queen would be a big change for you, especially since you didn't grow up in this life. But the very fact that you are an outsider is one of your strongest assets because it lets you see things that others do not – to think outside the box. I think Cordonia would be lucky to have you as their monarch... I would be lucky to have you."

"Thank you..." I mutter. "For having such unshakable faith in me. But I'm not sure I have that same faith in myself."

"I know you do... even if it may not feel like it now," he replies with a warm smile. "But I will not pressure you into a decision now. We agreed that we would wait until the end of the social season, and I will stand by our arrangement... in the unwavering hope that you may change your mind."

"I'm sorry..." I sigh. "I know this wasn't the answer you were hoping for."

His eyes search mine. "You know, I've been trying to make Drake into a duke... or at least a count since he got back from university. To give him some kind of official position at court and a seat on my Privy Council when I become King. But his answer has always been the same as yours. So even though I admit to feeling more than a bit disappointed, I cannot say that I am necessarily surprised. The two of you are more alike than you realise..."

"I—"

"And before you object," he continues with a wry smile, seeing the look on my face, "please know that I meant that last part as a compliment. There is no one I trust more than Drake, and your forthrightness is something that I treasure... given that many of my courtiers have a regrettable habit of being less than fully honest with me."

"Christian, I need to—"

"Harper!" cries Maxwell suddenly from behind me. "Hana said she saw you wander off this way... And I see you've found Christian!"

"I hope we didn't interrupt anything..." adds Hana, appearing behind Maxwell.

"Not at all," replies Christian with a gallant smile. "And in any case, I suppose we should head back to the main part of the garden. I've been hiding out here for too long and need to make my rounds before my next engagement."

"Oh? I didn't think anything else was happening after this," I say as we retrace our steps along the stone path. "But the Beaumonts do have an adorable habit of forgetting to tell me about the important things."

Maxwell has the good graces to blush as I fix him with a meaningful look.

"Don't worry, it's nothing official, but you're welcome to join me if you want. I'm meeting Drake after this for a drink... cheer him up a bit."

"Why? What's wrong with him?"

Christian glances around furtively, as if expecting his friend to jump out from behind one of the apple trees at any moment. "Please don't tell him that I told you – he'd never forgive me – but today is Drake's birthday."

"And he's... depressed about that?"

This was not the answer I was expecting, but I was not actually surprised that Drake would want to keep something like that a secret... Heck, he hadn't even wanted to tell me his surname!

"It's not something he particularly looks forward to. He usually spends the day hiding out in his room. If I'm lucky, I'm able to convince him to have a drink with me. But that's about as far as it goes."

"We tried throwing him a party once with cake, balloons, champagne tower, the whole shebang," adds Maxwell, "but that only made him grumpier."

"Well, I'm not surprised!" I exclaim. "Have you met the guy? What about him screams over-the-top birthday party?"

"Are you saying that you have a better idea?" asks Christian, raising a brow quizzically.

"Maybe," I reply, pulling out my phone and tapping on the internet browser icon. "He may not want a fancy party, but we cannot just let him mope around his room on his birthday, or drink alone. It's the one day of the year when everyone deserves to feel just a tiny bit special, so let's surprise him by doing something that he would actually enjoy."

"I'm all ears," grins Christian.

"You had me at 'surprise'" admits Maxwell.

"I'm in," nods Hana.

"Alright, here's the plan..."

The story continues in Chapter 24 - Cheap Tricks

Permatags (let me know if you want to be added!)

@twinkleallnight @lovingchoices14 @petiteboheme @aussiegurl1234 @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @tessa-liam @alyshak92 @secretaryunpaid @princessleac1 @walkerdrakewalker @choicesficwriterscreations @fictionloveevie

Photo by Julia Kirilova on Unsplash  

#uncommon attraction #harper gale #drake walker #drake x mc #maxwell beaumont #trr fanfic #the royal romance #choices fic writers creations