#frozen jewel wedding

[faatxma]

Meadow Garden

Pairing: King George III x Reader

Synopsis: With love crucial pain usually follows so with this couple

Warnings: Heartbreak

Part. II Part.III

What you didn’t expect was King George shirtless working next to your father shoving straw. Before you could even register everything, your father made eye contact with you waving you over to them.

'Hello Father' you said when you walked over to him quietly playing around with your fingers something you did when you got nervous.

'Your Majesty' you said curtsying to him getting his attention. His back was facing you, but when he turned around it seemed like he froze. George was never someone to get shocked over someone. But when he saw you standing there his breath hitched. You were gorgeous, a rare jewel in his eyes. He wonders why he has never seen you around. Someone like you would’ve gotten his attention in a second.

'Hello….' he said smiling to you, wiping his dirty hands on his linen shirt. He jumped of the carriage making his way to you.

'This is my daughter your Majesty' your father said motioning you to come closer.

'Well it’s nice to meet you' he said you blushed while looking at his very handsome face. But to be honest his chest was very distracting.

‘You as well your Maje-' he interrupted you before you could finish your sentence.

'Call me George. Just George'

You could say this encounter changed everything for the better but also for the worse.

It’s been six months since you guys met and something beautiful flourished in terms of your feelings for each other. He tried to meet you regularly portraying it as we wanted to work with your father. But your father could see through it easily with how often he mentioned you. It didn’t take long for him to ask you on a walk through the Meadow Garden. You happily accepted his invitation, and the time was also perfect since it was nearing sunset. You guys spoke for hours not noticing that is already became dark. You could see the stars clearly which left you in awe.

'Do you like stars?' He asked you grazing his arm with yours. All you could do was nod happily, this made him want to kiss you so bad. He tried to resist but he couldn’t.

'Can I kiss you?' he whispered, but you could hear him loud and clear.

'George' you muttered shockingly. It was dark but due to the moon you could see his face perfectly. The way his eyes were looking at you, made your heart quicken.

'Kiss me' you said and he didn’t waste any time and leaned down to you, pressing his lips to yours. This was your first kiss and he could feel it. The way you shyly responded, and you clenching your fists into his shirt spoke volume.

'Be my lover'

'I’d love to' you smiled hugging him.

Months passed and you couldn’t be happier, your studies were going along and you and George were as happy as you guys could be.

'George stop it what If someone sees us.' You said looking around you. He grabbed you by your waist pulling you behind the horse stable. Before you could react his warm lips were placed onto yours. You moaned grabbing his cheeks press yourself closer to him.

'I love you' he said pressing his forehead to yours, caressing your right cheek tenderly. All you could do was smile

'I love you more' you said pecking his nose 'thats impossible my beautiful jewel' he muttered placing gentle pecks along side your neckline. You moaned quietly trying to unbutton his shirt hastily. But you guys were interrupted by something you never thought you would hear.

'Have you heard about the King and his arranged marriage to the daughter of a German Duke' one of the voices said.

Your breathe hitched and it felt like you were frozen in time. You didn’t dare to look up to George hoping everything you heard was a bad dream or a rumor amongst the staff.

'That‘s what I also heard, and it seems like the wedding will go down in a couple of days.'

You released your hands slowly from George’s shirt, keeping your eyes to the floor.'

'It was good to be true.' You mumbled

'My lov-'

'Please do your duty Georgie be a good king to your people and a good husband to your wife.' You said trying to suppress your tears, after all you were just the Royal gardeners daughter.

'Stop, I won’t hear any of this' he yelled loudly, you didn’t flinch cause it wasn’t the first time. You knew it wasn’t towards you and all he wanted was you to finally let him love you with everything he had.

'I love you, I breathe for you, all I want is you and I won’t accept anything or anyone else.' He mumbled sadly.

'Don’t make it harder than it is George I beg you.'

'I’ll and I won’t stop, I can be myself when I’m near you. This arranged marriage won’t stop me from loving you.' He said intertwining your hands together.

'Is it really love? You kept this from me George. Is this between us really love?' you asked him pulling your out of his grasp.

'Please don’t say that, you don’t mean it.' Tears were running down his cheeks and all you could do was wipe them away.

'I think I should go your Majesty' you whispered sadly you placed a delicate kiss onto his forehead, curtsying before you left.

All you could hear were the cries of a broken man.

'Are you alright my child' your father asked concerned. Since the talk with George days ago you haven’t seen him. You basically refused to see him, he made sure to make Reynolds deliver his letters to you. But you couldn’t find the courage to open them.

'I’m fine father' you said while washing the laundry. Today was the royal wedding from what you heard, the queen was from northern Germany and only 17 years old.

'I know that you aren’t fine, and I know it has something to do with King George' you stopped what you were doing. You could never lie to your father he could see right through you.

'It hurts' you whispered.

'My heart hurts.' you said starting to cry, you couldn’t breath properly when he wasn’t near you. You sometime wished that you never meet him and kept your distance.

You felt your father pulling you up into his embrace, he didn’t say anything and you were thankful for that.

Why was it so hard to breathe when he was not near?'

#young king george #queen charlotte #bridgerton #king george bridgerton #king #king george x reader #king george iii

[surielstea]

No one, But you

Based on this request.

Pairing: Cassian x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader feels as if she isn’t cultivated enough, Cass comforts her.

Warnings: Slight insecurities | mention of a pregnant reader | pure fluff

2.1k words

The cold wind nipped at my cheeks as I walked along the cobble stones of Velaris.

My mates hand intertwined with mine, the only thing heating me up. Cassian and I were doing some last minute shopping for solstice presents, he had four bags on his right arm and in his left, his fingers were busy being intertwined with mine, refusing to let me carry anything.

Amren is the only person we have yet to buy anything for, so we had one more stop at the jewelers before going home.

It wasn't often the General of the Night Court roamed Velaris so casually, especially not with me. It was rare I went out at all, but with Cassian? That was once in a year. I was a quiet person, liked to mind my business and hated being approached by strangers. So I typically left the house with Azriel or Amren, civilians knowing better than to talk to them. But Cassian, he was a seven foot tall beacon of light practically calling people to gawk at him, and they did.

I was young, only a century or so years old and had nothing on Cassian. He'd had enough stories to fill a library, all before I was even born. We mated nearly a decade ago but still, people were lost on who I was or what I was to any of the Inner Circle. Even if I liked to keep my peace it had some negative sides too; for example, every girl I've ever met thinks Cassian is single.

Which has become glaringly obvious now that I've become attentive to it. The cashier that bagged our gifts wouldn't peel her eyes off of him, even when he was talking to me.

At another store we bumped into a gorgeous female who Cassian supposedly bedded for a few nights in his twenties.

We walked along the streets and people straight up ogled at him, ignoring me at his side. I didn't want the attention, but it'd be nice if I was at least noticed.

Palace of Thread and Jewels sat on the bank of the Sidra that was frozen over this time of the year. Cassian reached out and opened the door for me, letting go of my hand as I entered the toasty shop.

Neve, a dear friend of Rhysand's, stood behind the display of gems and jewels, she was one of the only people outside the Inner Circle who knew of me and Cassian.

"Neve, afternoon." I smile at her. "Hello you two, shopping for Amren I presume?" Her glowing eyes flash with knowing and I shyly smile. "Have the rest of them already been here then?" I tilt my head and she nods. "I'm certain it's your group that keeps my shop in business." She claims and I shake my head with a small breathy chuckle. "Though we did just get a new collection in, the delivery men were just here I have yet to even unpack the items." She admits and my brows shoot up. "We'd like to see those." Cassian's arm slings over my shoulders. She gives both of us a smile before going into the back room.

I look at the display while I wait for her to return, peering down at a pair of tear drop ruby earrings that reminded me of Cassian's siphons. They matched the wedding ring on my left hand, I twisted it subconsciously, fiddling with the red gem. Cassian seems to notice, his eyes trailing to what I was staring at.

Neve returns in a flurry of shadows, carrying a long display shelf filled with large rocks and gems, placing it on the counter in front of us. I take in the collection, eyes glancing over every glimmering stone, freshly polished and gleaming like a star. Then I halt when coming across a black diamond bigger than my fist and most likely more expensive than an entire months’ paycheck. But this is the one.

Cassian seems to get the hint. "We'll take this one." He gestures to it, learning from last time not to touch. "Splendid." Neve smiles and plucks the gem up with a gloved hand before wrapping it and placing it in an ornate box. "Anything else?" She arches a brow. "That's it—" I begin. "Those ruby earrings as well." Cassian interrupts, pointing towards the jewelry I wanted. "Cass, it's too much." I shake my head with creased brows but he only waves me off and nods his head at Neve. She smiles and fetches those from the display, placing them in their own box with a delicate white bow tying it all together.

Cassian paid without so much as a blink while I grimaced in the background, the price far more than I had in mind— and if Cassian is buying me stunning earrings just because I looked at them, it made me wonder what he got me for solstice.

I had yet to tell him I'm pregnant, planning it all out so the last gift he opens tomorrow night will be a small pink pacifier. I was nearly a month in, barely even showing so Cassian hadn't noticed. We had been trying for a child for a few months now. I've had my scent glamoured and Madja told me last week we're having a girl, I was so excited I nearly told him, nearly came home and attacked him onto the floor with the amount of pure joy I was overwhelmed with.

But I maintained it, telling the shadow singer instead— who was the only person I knew could keep their mouth shut, the spy-master happened to be awfully good at guarding secrets. Lucien found out as well, somehow able to see through the glamour on me with his whirring golden eye.

We left the shop with a farewell to Neve and I wrapped my hands around his bicep as I look up at him with a bright smile. "You didn't have to do that." I say and he shakes his head. "It's all worth it for that smile." He hums, not watching where he's going as he mindlessly stares into my eyes. "Thank you—" My words are cut off by Cassian's head whipping up and pulling me back from a group of girls who were about to run into me. "Sorry ladies," He nods, flashing them a polite smile that could easily be mistaken for something else. "We don't mind." A blonde blushes as they pass by us, giggling amongst each other. "That was weird." Cassian mumbled as he continued our walk home, pulling me along.

Was he really so oblivious to not notice that every single one of those girls were prepared to open their legs right then and there for him? So blinded that he didn't even notice the way any of them looked at him?

Something like dejection overwhelmed me, perhaps Cassian should be with girls like that, girls who radiated pure joy and high energy, not someone's who's social life consisted of a close circle of friends and occasionally a shopkeeper.

Every girl I've met who used to have a thing with my mate has always been the sheer opposite of me. Perhaps that's what he preferred, just settled on me because we're cauldron willed, mates. Sometimes I thought that fate got it wrong. He was too good, too fun and upbeat, the life of the party. I couldn't be further away from the Generals type. He needed someone who has just as much experience as him, someone who loves to go out and dance until daylight— not someone who cuddles into bed with a book and a cup of tea.

His hand squeezes mine and he tears me from my thoughts, looking up at him confused. "Did you hear me?" He asks and I curse myself. "I'm sorry," I shake my head no. "Don't be sorry. I said, do you want to grab food or are you ready to go home?" He raises a brow and I swallow. Wondering what he truly wanted.

"Is it okay if we go home? I'm tired." I admit and he nods. "Of course sweetheart." He smiles down at me, I was foolish to think he'd ever want something I didn't, foolish to think he'd ever want someone other than me, but still, those thoughts lingered in the back of my mind at a constant.

Once arriving back to The House of Mist, food is already on the table. The residence seemingly knowing my growing cravings because every dish on that table held breakfast food. "Pancakes for dinner then?" Cassian hummed and I blinked, then shrugged.

I sat myself at the table as Cassian went to our bedroom to put down the gifts. I quickly thanked the magic House for the meal and it replied by placing a plate in front of me, eager to help me in any way it can.

I stack a tower of pancakes onto my plate, then nearly drowned it in maple syrup sourced from the Autumn Court. My mouth watered at the meal and Cassian returned, freshly changed into lounge clothes before sliding into the seat beside me, plating his own meal.

"I wonder what sort of crazy gift Mor will get me this year," Cassian thought absentmindedly and I shrugged, still a little down from my lingering thoughts— though the pancakes helped. "What's got you down, my sweet?" His knee nudges mine and I glance to him, his eyes searching my features for any clue as to what's wrong.

"It's hard to explain," I shake my head, looking back to my plate. "I've got time." He excuses and a sad smile tugs at my lips. "You're just very, experienced." I try to simplify but his brows crease, clearly confused. "Forget it." I mumble, picking up my plate and carrying it into the kitchen, he's quick to chase after me.

"Talk to me sweetheart," He pleads as I place my dish in the sink. "Please." His words seem to kill any doubt I have and I turn to him, looking up, and up, into his warm, hazel eyes. "It's just, when we were out shopping today you got approached by ten different females." I explain and he blinks.

"Which is fine, I know that's not your fault but— I don't know, they all seemed so exotic and fun. Seemed like the kind of person for you." I shrug and his gaze softens. "Oh my love," He sighs, hands going to mine, guiding my palms to his jaw. "There's only one person for me," He shakes his head, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"Mates or not, I truly believe you were made for me, and I for you." He hums. "And there's something so attractive about the fact that I'm the only male you've been with." He purrs and I roll my eyes with a flush. "But if you think for even a second you're not the one for me then you've been lied to." He rules, finally pressing a kiss to my lips.

"Opposites attract right?" He arches a brow and I shake my head with a soft giggle. "You're awfully nice to me." I say with a meek voice and he presses another kiss to my lips, his mouth slotting over mine and fitting me like a puzzle piece. I smile against the action and pull back with a wide grin. "There's my pretty girl," He whispers, hands on my cheeks as his thumb brushes over my bottom lip.

"Solstice is tomorrow." He reminds and I nod. "Did you get me something special?" He flutters his lashes. My hand subconsciously goes to my stomach. "Maybe," I say evasively, twirling out of his grasp and walking down the hall. He whined and wrapped his arms around me, his heavy body being dragged along with my movements down the hall.

He’s been trying to coerce what I got for him for days now. "You're relentless." I roll my eyes. "Just tell me." He groans and I shake my head. I've held out about being with a child for a month now, he'd have to wait one more day.

"Sorry Cass," I shake my head, leading him into our bedroom as he continues to drape himself over me. "Why don't you distract yourself by preparing for your annual snowball fight?" I offer and his arms snap away from me, scowling as I recall his losing streak.

"Maybe you'll win this year, General." I wink at him with a smirk and he grumbles a curse, flopping down onto our large bed then opening his arms for me. I smile and crawl into his embrace, allowing his large muscular arms to twine around my body as I pulled a book from my nightstand and opened to the page I was on.

Perhaps I didn’t need to be fun or exotic, maybe he liked the tranquility of all this. He pressed a reassuring kiss to arch of my neck, peering over my shoulder as he read along with me.

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#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #fanfic #sarah j maas #x reader #bat boys #request #acomaf #cassian x fem!reader #cassian x reader #cassian #lord of bloodshed #x you #fluff #acotar fluff #suriels tea

[ghostofhyuck]

Taguan ng Anak series 1

CEO! Mark x former secretary! Reader

Summary: Years after you resigned as his secretary, Mark bumps into you once again, not knowing that something bloomed from your secret office love affair.

cw: mentions of pregnancy.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

It’s seldom for Mark to make time for himself.

Well to start, Mark excused himself that he’s in the mall to buy a gift, which is a surprising excuse for a CEO who’s such a workaholic. But in his defense, he wanted to buy a gift for his parent’s wedding anniversary and Mark wanted to make sure that he’ll be the one who’ll pick the gift personally.

That is why he’s in a well-known mall, wearing his casual clothes on a Saturday afternoon. The mall was pretty crowded given that it was a Saturday. Mark has been walking around thinking what to buy for his parents. It’s not like they’re hard to give presents, but Mark wanted to give them something special.

His feet dragged him to the mall’s department store, heading to the accessories section. Maybe his parents would like new sets of watches — that’s a bit common, Mark thinks. He had bought them watches many times. Mark ponders about it as he walks around the selections.

He didn’t notice that he’s in the jewellery section when a saleslady called his attention, offering him promos for a certain brand.

“You can be engraved in the ring! Are you going to buy it for someone special?” the saleslady asked.

As he stared at the display, Mark thought that it’ll be nice to buy his parents a new set of wedding rings, maybe they can even renew their vows. Thinking that it was a bright idea, Mark immediately asked for help from the saleslady who happily offered assistance for him.

Watching the jeweller engraved on his parent’s wedding anniversary date on the right, Mark couldn’t help but ponder at the thought of getting married. Seeing how happy his parents are and how their love created a strong and loving family, Mark wonders when it will be his turn.

But perhaps he’s passed his prime, all he can think about right now is the paperworks he left to his staff just because he decided to have a day-off.

“Thank you,” Mark mumbles as he grabs the paperbag from the saleslady. The paperbag felt light but Mark couldn’t help but feel lightened as he swayed the paperbag, excited for his parent’s reaction to his gift.

But just as he was about to walk away, a small figure bumped into him. It didn’t bother him a bit but the kid fell on the floor.

“Careful there!” he shouts. Helping the kid stand up. Mark then kneels down to check if the kid got any scratches but it seems like she wasn’t hurt at all.

“Sorry mister,” the kid apologises.

Mark looked at her and for a second, he felt something weird. The little girl looks eerily familiar that he can’t pinpoint it. For a minute, Mark thinks that he’s just seeing things so he gives her a smile, “it’s no worries, don’t run around okay? It’s dangerous.”

Looking left and right, it seems like the kid ran off from her parents. He stands up and offers his hand to the kid who immediately accepts it.

“What’s your name by the way? And where are your parents —”

“Minah!”

Mark wasn’t able to process everything when he heard a familiar voice and as he turned around, a familiar face welcomed him.

“It’s you,” Mark mumbled.

You stopped on your tracks, frozen to see your daughter with your former boss. You immediately bowed as an apology and snatched your daughter away from him.

“I’m really really sorry sir! I hope she didn’t disturb you,” you quickly said.

“Oh it’s nothing, and please, can we drop the sir? You’re no longer my secretary too,” he calmly said.

You only nod and as you felt that your daughter is now right beside you, you tried to walk away from the scene when Mark held your arms.

“It’s been a long time since I saw you,” Mark said quietly, as if he was trying to collect his words. “Can we talk?”

“What?” you asked.

His eyes landed on the child beside you, then as he looked at you, he gave you a meaningful smile. “I just wanna know how you have been.”

You thought that you could endure it. You thought that you could run away from everything — even from Minah’s father. From the very start, you always knew that it was forbidden. You were his secretary and he’s the head of the company. Everything was hidden, behind closed doors, and only hushed words that can be exchanged with you two alone together.

And damn it. It was Mark Lee. Mark Lee who’s loved by everyone, praised by his skills and nice personality. Mark Lee who Korea considers as one of their hottest bachelors. He was everything and then, there’s just you. His competent secretary who has to survive living in this world. Yet, you were willing to enter this kind of relationship. You were a fool to think that your romance with Mark will turn out right like the movies.

“So, how have you been?”

But it wasn’t. One day, you just woke up with an unexplained morning sickness and a trip to the hospital made you realise that your daydreams may not only ruin yours but also Mark’s future.

“I’m doing great, I found a better job with a better salary, I moved to a bigger apartment, and Kiwi’s still alive, still a grumpy cat you know?” you smiled, trying to brush off any topic that may land on the child next to you.

“I see,” Mark bitterly said. Grabbing the cup of coffee on his table. “So, who’s the little girl beside you?”

Your smile faded. You glanced at your daughter who innocently stared at you and your eyes wandered to the man in front of you.

“You know that there’s a possibility right?” Mark taunted, and you could only look at him with a guilty look. He still can read you after all.

“There’s no possibility Mark,” you told him. “She’s yours…I never entered a relationship after I gave birth.”

A beat of silence swallowed you too. You could only lower your head in shame.

“So why hide her from me? You think that I won’t take responsibility?” Mark’s tone turned full of anger and disappointment.

“No! It’s not like that, I just…I don’t want this to get into your way.”

You saw how Mark’s forehead creased, “what are you talking about?”

“Mark, we were young okay!? You have a long way to go as the head of the company, I don’t want a kid to get in your way.”

“And what, let you raise her without knowing her father?”

“You think it was an easy choice for me!?” you saw how surprised he was when you raised your tone. “You were my boss, you’re a CEO and I’m what!? I’m just your secretary Mark!”

“Don’t say that,” Mark calmly said, trying to reach out for you. “You know what we had was real.”

“Of course it was, but we’re just too different,” you mumbled.

Mark didn’t say a word. You could only lower your head out of guilt. It didn’t occur to you that Minah was trying to reach for your hand. Her small hands brushing to your arms making you look at her.

“Mama, are you crying?”

“What?” and before you could even touch your face, Mark already has wiped your tears away.

“You don’t know how much I was devastated when you left the company,” Mark confesses, gently wiping your tears away.

“It’s all my fault, I let our relationship be a secret, I shouldn’t have done that.”

“No Mark, it was okay for me.”

“I know, but it was better that I fought for you. Years of not seeing each other…I don’t even know what you’ve been through when you’re raising our child alone.”

You could only smile bitterly, “it’s okay Mark, I’m over it.”

“Maybe, you’ve always been brave and I’m…I’m just me. I’m sorry for everything and I just want to make it up for the years I wasn’t there,” he holds onto your hand even tighter. “Can we start all over again? I want to be there for both of you.”

His eyes were pleading, desperate to meet yours. Mark was begging to be part of your life again and although there were things that you two haven’t talked about, you couldn’t help but glance at your daughter who cluelessly watched the scene unfold.

Remembering her drawing in her daycare where she draws a complete family, maybe it was time for you to grant her wish.

And as you glance back at Mark, you could only give him a smile as you muttered, “yes.”

#nct #nct dream #nct fic #nct imagines #nct dream fic #nct fluff #nct x reader #nct dream imagine #nct scenarios #nct dream fluff #nct mark #nct mark fic #nct mark fluff #nct mark imagines #nct dream mark imagines #nct dream mark #nct 127 mark

[thewulf]

My Queen || Aragorn

Summary: Request - Can I pleeeease send you an idea where he finds a girl in the woods, hurt and not conscious but he feels the need to help her and be close to her. So he takes care of her wounds till she wakes up and it's like true love at first sight for both of them... Read Rest Here

A/N: OH WOW, this got out of hand QUICK but I had SO MUCH FUNNNN writing this way! It was a challenge but it felt invigorating to write. I am obsessed with Aragorn and I just love him. Margot Robbie is so right for her cinematic crush! Thank you for the request anon, hope you love it :)

Pairing: Aragorn x Reader

Word Count: 10,000 +

TW: Violence, orc violence, poison, death, blood, crying, angst, lotr warnings, Aragorn being hot af

Just a few more stumbling steps. You could do it. Glancing down you grimaced at the crimson coated and tattered dress that you’d been wearing for the last five or so days. It used to be so gorgeous, a gift from the man you were meant to wed. Truly it was the only exquisite gift you’d ever received in your entirety. However now it looked as if it’d seen a thousand lives, just like the elves had. It bore this resemblance due to the attack on your home. You ran. Running far away from everything you knew. It was tough to grasp just how much you’d been through in the five days since you had to flee your small village just outside of Eriador.

You’d had a good life. Good but rather simple. Almost too simple for your taste. You were engaged to be wed to the local jewelers son at your father’s doing. He had assured you over and over again that going through with the wedding would lead you to a life that he could not provide you. A life you were destined for. Your mother, Valar rest her soul, had been killed a few years prior in an attack on your village leaving you with your father and a small place to live. But it was home.

The local jeweler boy, Newall, had asked you to take a walk around the village right before the tragic events occurred. One moment you were giving him your kindest smile. The next he pushed you into the woods after hearing the screaming coming from the village center. Not making your most brilliant decision you decided to follow behind him only to come to the horrifying realization that your seemingly insignificant village was being brutalized by Orc’s. You stood there frozen in fear as you witnessed men, women and children being slain as if they meant nothing. 

It was only when you came face to face with one that you realized how much trouble you were in. Valar save you. He must’ve listened because the Orc simply look at you, growled and pushed you into the side of the house you were standing next to. But then it dawned on you that he wasn’t done. The creature walked to you terrifyingly slow, standing over you before driving it’s sword into your side. Before you could even yelp out in pain the orc vanished leaving you to die presumably. But it was a shallow wound. It didn’t seem like it was trying to do too much damage. Orcs knew one thing, killing. It was odd that one would have spared you.

When you finally came back to the reality of the situation you knew you had to go. Run to Bree. Your dad always instructed that’s where you needed to go. You had an uncle up there that could look after you. Deciding not to waste another second you rushed inside the house grabbing whatever clothing you could find. Tying a pair of Newall’s pants around your waste to hopefully stop the bleeding you only grabbed a little bit of food before you made for the forest. You’d have to find something along the way. The trek to Bree would take nearly a month on foot.

Using the stars as guidance you moved through the forest you knew very well. It started out fine. You were trained to do just this. Your father had made sure of it. What you hadn’t considered was the poison from the orc blade that was slowly taking its toll on your body. It was the fourth night that you realized you were in serious trouble. On the fifth day you decided you weren’t going to be able to go any further. No wonder the Orc didn’t just kill you there. He left you to suffer. What a vile creation. 

It didn’t take you long to decide on where you wanted to die. You found a nice tree under the shade of the leaved with a comfortable base. You were just going to go to sleep and hopefully never wake up. Hopefully the poison would just do what it wanted to and let you finally go. 

That did not happen though. You felt a light kick on your boot forcing your eyes to open. What you weren’t expecting was a rather handsome looking ranger with ice blue eyes to be staring right at you. Considering what to do.

“Miss,” He knelt down after whispering something to his horse, “Are you injured?” His surprisingly concerned eyes spotted the blood that coated your worn-down dress.

Taking a long breath, you mustered enough strength to answer the stranger, “Yea, Master Ranger.” You let your head lean back on the trunk of the tree relieving the strain it seemed to put on year mere consciousness.

“Forgive me, but you do not look it miss.” His head was level with yours as he moved closer to you. He didn’t dare touch you without your permission, but he wanted too, you were not all right like you so miserably tried to convince him.

A shallow breath escaped you, “I fear I have been stabbed by an Orc blade Ranger. I do not have much longer.” Your eyes flicked away from his in a pathetic attempt to rid him of the conversation. He would have no such thing though. Leave a fair maiden to perish on her own? Not on his accord.

“Strider.” He corrected you. It wasn’t often he’d give out his Ranger known name to strangers, but you seemed harmless enough. What could a human woman such as yourself have done to deserve such a fate he wondered before continuing on, “We are but a half days journey to a small town called Sarn Ford. Have you heard of it miss?” He asked in hopes of seeing your eyes open once more.

You did as he wished and looked at him again, “Sarn Ford? Oh dear. I’ve gone the wrong direction.” You grimaced in pain as you tried to sit up higher on the tree trunk.

“Where are traveling to miss? On your own?” He held out an open hand for you to take. He left the decision on if you’d accept the help up to you.

Eyeing his hand, you knew he was prying. But he seemed trustworthy. The Rangers of the North were meant to be. Strider as he called himself. Your eyes met his again and you caved right then and there. He looked genuine, like he thought he could actually help you. Like you were not too far gone. With all the strength you could muster in your quickly fading body you put your hand in his, “Aye. My village was attacked by orcs. Third time in the last five years. They got me this time.” You sighed trying your hardest to stay conscious, “I was meant to travel to Bree. But I must have taken to the wrong direction. I will be blaming the Orc poison for the misdirection.” You let out a pained laugh trying to lighten the tone of the conversation going on between the two of you.

“All right. Off we go. What is your name?” He asked you needing to know to continue.

He watched you intently sputter out the words you were trying to get out. His fear of orc poison was right, you truly did not have that much time left. With your permission he scooped you up in his arms, called his horse over and positioned you in front of him while he rode. He knew you did not have enough strength to hold on from behind. He knew It would be a challenge to keep you upright on the journey back to Sarn Ford. He was meeting Gandalf there, anyway, might as well help the woman who he had taken a fast liking towards. Even Strider could see the beauty in things, and you were mighty beautiful in his eyes. Even coated in layers of dirt and grime he knew you shined like a star above him.

“Y/N.” You admitted to the man not feeling up to lying to him. You would likely be dead before dawn anyway. You would have hoped he would find a way to let anybody surviving know of your unfortunate fate. But in reality you were just another causality of war. A human life cut far too short.

“Lovely name.” He smiled lowly as he held you into him. He could feel you were fading in and out of consciousness as he held onto your waist tightly.

You hummed in thanks not having the strength to reply to him.

“Hold on miss Y/N. We will be there soon.” He spoke into your ear startling you back onto the middle earth side of consciousness.

But as much as he tried you had succumbed to your own fate. Blackness took over before you reached the village of Sarn Ford.

Much to your own surprise your eyes opened once more. You peaked around seeing all sorts of supplies. You must have been in some sort of healers room you concluded quickly. Looking down you were not in your attire you had been found in but a simple dress that you were more accustomed too. Being so caught up in your own accord you had yet to see the two men. Well one man and one wizard standing off to the side conversing as you came back to reality.

“Welcome young one.” The wizard spoke. You had never seen one before. Thought they were the thing of legends. But sure, as it would be one stood before you. They were easy to spot. Had an aura about them.

Your eyes snapped back to Striders looking at him in surprise. He was more handsome than you remembered as the sun beat down on his features through the window in the hut you were in, “It is all right.” He nodded at you, “This is Gandalf the Grey, he is an old friend of mine.”

“Hello Gandalf.” You broke your eyes away from the stranger your somewhat knew and turned your head towards the wizard.

“How are you fairing?” He asked whilst leaning onto his cane.

“Fine now. Thank you.” You turned toward Strider who made his way closer, “Thank you Strider. For without you I fear I may have been dead by now.” A shiver of realization ripped down your spine as you admitted it out loud.

He bowed his head, “I am honored to have been of service miss Y/N.” You looked over to him giving him a bashful smile. He was really so handsome. More handsome than any of the boys or men in your small village.

“Are you well enough to travel?” Gandalf asked breaking the trance the two of you had been locked in for a moment too long to be just friendly glances. Gandalf was considered wise for a reason. He had an inkling feeling there was something budding between his usually broody friend and the pretty human girl he had found in the woods. Maybe you were his gift from Valar. Every great leader needed one. Who was Gandalf to question the gods.

“I believe so.” You sat you wincing only slightly as the wound in your side. Strider wanted nothing more than to push you back down and curse the wizard who suggested you move so soon.

“Miss Y/N. You need to rest a little longer.” He insisted placing a gentle hand on your shoulder preventing you from standing.

Gandalf grumbled, “You must get to the Prancing Pony Inn. I’m going to meet Frodo now. Time is of the essence Aragorn.”

Your eyes crumbled in confusion. Who was Aragorn?

He did not leave you time to question as he grabbed at your hand, “Come miss Y/N. We have a ride to take.”

You sat at the bar table with Strider who had hood of his robe covering his face. You grew more uneasy as the night wore on at the Prancing Pony. The horse ride was quick thankfully. And much to your delight the Hobbits Gandalf was speaking of finally appeared. Right on time.

Strider shot up from his seat, “Wait here miss Y/N. I must save the Hobbit.” He sighed before bounding off into the depths of the bar. You felt even more uneasy as the eyes around you made their way to your shaking frame. You were nervous.

After far too many moments alone he grabbed you by your arms, “Come Y/N. We must hide.” He directed you to another room than the ones you had planned on staying in.

“Strider?” You asked following him up a set of stairs you were unfamiliar with.

“Nazgul. I’ll explain later. For now, you must sleep. We have a long journey to Rivendell. Especially with the Hobbits.” He let a long breath while opening the door for you. Quickly, you were attacked by questions from the four little Hobbits. Happily, though you answered every single one before lying next to Strider who promised to keep watch.

“You should get some rest too.” You whispered hoping not to wake the sleeping Hobbits.

He nodded, “I shall. In due time. I fear we have something coming.”

Your frown was evident as he continued to try and comfort you, “Do not fret. I am keeping watch for a reason. We are safe.”

“I believe you Strider.” You yawned not being able to keep the tiredness away for much longer.

“Rest.” He commanded.

You were far too tired to argue that as the darkness crept in.

You were woken when the screeching next door commenced. The Hobbits must’ve had more sensitive ears as they were already up and staring at Strider who looked glum.

“What are they?” Frodo asked.

He sat at the window looking at the five of you, “They were once men. Great kings of men. The Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine rings of power.” You felt a shiver ripple across your body. You’d heard the legends and did not believe those either. Yet again, another thing coming true right before your eyes.

“We must move.” He commented seeing the Nazgul retreating away from the inn.

You must have walked for miles until Strider had the five of you rest at the old watchtower of Amon Sul. You stood there behind the Hobbits staring up the decaying rock structure before you. It must have been grand in its time.

Once you were seated next to the Hobbits he stood and tossed each of you a weapon, “These are for you. Keep them close. I’m going to have a look around. Miss Y/N, will this blade be too large for you?” He handed you a smaller sword for you to try.

“I fear you have too much faith in me Strider.” You unsheathed the sword holding onto it carefully, “But this will work.” You nodded towards him.

“You shall not have to use it. In case only.” He pointed at each of you, “I will be back. Rest. Make no noise or sound.” His command was easy to follow. A natural born leader it seemed.

You woke when you heard Frodo yelling from beside you, “What are you doing?” He yelled a little too loud. You rose from the ground you had managed to sleep on and watched the interaction unfold. You cursed when you saw the fire going. He had not explicitly said no fires, but the intention was there.

“Put it out you fools!” Frodo cried. You rose from your slumber and haphazardly helped him put it out.

The horrifying cry you heard from the Nazgul the night before rang out from outside the watch tower.

“Oh no.” You spotted them coming towards you, “No Strider?” You turned to Frodo with a horrifying realization.

He shook his head, “Go! Up!” You followed the Hobbits to the top of the tower and waited. You shivered when you saw them come from the shadows. You heard nothing but your hammering heart in your chest. This was it. This could be the end. You sword was shaking in your hand.

“Back you devils!” Sam screamed trying to shield them off. You blocked a shot but was stopped when Frodo pulled the ring out. You gasped when they all ran from him. To your horror when he put the ring on he disappeared.

Strider came out of nowhere blocking back the Nazgul from all of you. You ran to Frodo in horror seeing the man defend the five of you with ease. A few of them went up in flames as kept fighting them off. They had enough when he got another went up and flames and ran off. Strider quickly came over to the five of you surrounding Frodo. You had your hand on his horrifyingly black wound. You’d never seen poison like that before.

“Help him Strider!” You cried in a shaky voice once he kneeled down next to you.

He picked the sword up shaking his head slowly, “He’s been stabbed by a Morgul blade.” The blade vanished in his hand as Frodo writhed beneath you, “This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs Elvish medicine.”

You looked down at the Hobbit in pain and let a single tear fall, “We will get you the help you need mister Frodo. Rest assured.” He picked the Hobbit up and began running, “Let us go.”

The four of you trailed Strider in a daze. The Nazgul screams seemed to ring out from every direction as you ran, “Hurry!” he shouted at the four of you with Frodo crying in his arms.

“We are six days from Rivendell! He will never make it!” Sam cried sending a shuddering realization through you.

You simply heard a faint whisper come from Strider ahead of you, “Hold on, Frodo.” From Strider who kept running and did not acknowledge Sam. As tired as you were you had to keep moving for Frodo’s sake. You ran and ran until you could no more and then you ran some more.

He only stopped when he ran into three petrified trolls. He set Frodo down looking around frantically. You and Sam went over to look after him. Same placed a gentle hand to the despondent Hobbit.

Sam shuddered at the touch, “Mr. Frodo! He’s going cold.”

“Is he going to die?” Pippen chimed in. You stood back looking over the shivering Hobbit who long since stopped crying out in pain.

Strider turned to the five of you with a concerned look crossing over his features, “He’s passing into the Shadow World. He’ll soon become a Wraith like them.” He stated so calmly. Your face grimaced at the horrifying realization. Frodo becoming a Nazgul?

Strider continued, “Sam, do you know the Athlelas plant?” You listened in but bent down to hold Frodo’s hand hoping some comfort would help the gasping Hobbit. His eyes were glazing over with something of a blue sheen that sent shivers down your body.

“Athelas?” Sam asked confused by the question.

“Kingsfoil.” Strider tried a different name.

Sam nodded, “Kingsfoil, aye, it’s a weed!”

“It may help the poisoning. Hurry!” He pushed the Hobbit off, “Miss Y/N. Stay with Frodo. We will be back with help.” You nodded holding onto his hand dearly.

Not a few moments later you saw the help arriving. A beautiful elf strode over and down to the quickly fading Hobbit. You took a step back as she took a step towards him. You gaped at the beauty that she was leaning down to your newfound friend. An elf in real life. She was beyond your wildest imagination. You had been told of their beauty, but this was bordering on ethereal.

“I am Arwen. I have come to help you.” She whispered into his ear, “Hear my voice. Come back to the light.” She grabbed at his hand while Strider handed her the plant.

“Who is she?” Merry asked quietly as Frodo was tended to.

“Arwen, an elf.” You whispered repeating what you heard her speak to Frodo not seconds ago, “She’s going to save him.” You said out loud to convince yourself more so than the group of Hobbits.

“Frodo,” She whispered, “He’s fading.” She sounded concerned as she looked over to Strider, “He’s not going to last. We must get him to my father.” The two of them stood as Strider grabbed at Frodo, “I’ve been looking for you for two days.” She said to Strider. You watched as the scene unfolded before you not wanting to get in the way of whatever was occurring.

“Where are you taking him?” Sam asked confused and terribly concerned for his friend.

He was ignored as Arwen continued, “There are five Wraiths behind you. Where the other four are, I do not know.” You watched as Strider put Frodo onto the horse with ease.

Suddenly Strider started talking in what you assumed to be Sindarin as you could not understand what they were saying. They must have agreed upon something as Arwen hopped onto the horse and took off with Frodo. Your mind was sent into a spiral as you guessed where he was going and off so quickly.

“She is taking him to Rivendell. To Lord Elrond for him to be healed. She is the faster rider and will get him there sooner. Come, we must go.” He motioned for the group to keep moving, “Miss Y/N, will you walk with me?”

You nodded speeding up your pace to match his, “Master Strider.”

“Strider is fine.” He hummed as he led the group out of the forest somehow knowing exactly where to go.

“Is he going to make it?” You had to ask him. The thought of his passing was eating at you.

He nodded, “His best chance is with Arwen. The sooner we get to Rivendell the sooner we will find out.”

“Well then let us speed up our pace then.” You smiled up at him.

He chucked and nodded. The two of you walked in a comfortable silence as you occasionally made sure the chatty Hobbits behind you were faring all right.

“She is pretty.” You spoke after a while of not being able to get Arwen’s face out of your mind.

“Arwen?” He questioned you giving you a curious once over seeing that the statement seemingly came out of nowhere.

“Aye. She is beautiful.”

“She is. Most elves are.” He agreed with you, “She is wed to another healer. Her father set the marriage up ages ago before you great great grandmother was even a thought.”

“Oh, to have the lifespan of an elf!” You laughed feeling the weight of whatever tension you were holding onto about Arwen be lifted.

“I bet it is not all that it seems to be.” You nodded as the two of you continued on the trek to Rivendell occasionally chatting about random things back and forth. You were so caught up in him you failed to notice the Hobbits watching the two you of converse the entire journey back as if you were already a married couple just strolling the lands.

“Welcome to Rivendell miss Y/N.” Aragorn smiled when he saw your gaping face taking in all the scenery stretching beyond your wildest imagination. He too was struck in awe by its beauty the first time he had come across it all those years ago.

“This cannot be real.” You gasped as he took your hand, pulling you along to look along the city.

“Aye. It is. Come, I want to show you your living quarters for the time being.” He pulled you along knowing exactly where to go in Lord Elrond’s castle. He stopped in what you assumed to be the center seeing two people walking towards the two of you. The wizard and a dark-haired elf stopped just short of you.

“Ah, welcome young one.” Gandalf walked up with who you assumed to be Lord Elrond, “It is wonderful to see you in one piece. Unlike our young Frodo.” He chuckled not realizing what he had said sounded bad without knowing how he was.

Your face dropped, “Oh no, did he not make it?”

Gandalf shook his head hastily in realization of his error, “He is fine young one. A few more hours and he would not have made it.” Gandalf stepped forward, placing a hand on your shoulder in reassurance, “Aragorn here will show you to your chambers.”

You cocked your head to the side, “Aragorn? You said that back in Sarn Ford as well. Who is Aragorn?” This really was not your place to speak in front of so many important people. But you were always a curious one, so you had to ask. The worst they could do is refuse to elaborate any further and you would not press. You did understand boundaries even if you pushed them.

Strider looked at Gandalf with a question in his gaze. Gandalf always had a plan. He could see the feelings bubbling to the surface for Aragorn for his newfound human companion that had to be a gift from Valar himself. Gandalf knew the longer he kept his identity from you the harder the breach of trust would befall the two of you.

Gandalf nodded giving his friend a push towards you. He knew Aragorn had to admit this to you himself. You saw Lord Elrond cock his head in confusion watching the interaction go down. He must not have been privy to what had been going down in Gandalf’s mind.

“Ah, miss Y/N. Strider is my Ranger name. It is my identity. As is Aragorn. Son of Arathorn.” He spoke slowly watching as your face twisted from confusion to realization. You may have been from Eriabor, but you surely knew who Arathorn was.

He continued, “I am also called Elessar, the Elfstone, Dúnadan, the heir of Isildur Elendil's son of Gondor."

“A rightful King?” You asked him with widened eyes. You had no clue that you had been traveling with such a company. You had been so crass it made you want to run away right then and there, especially with Gandalf and Lord Elrond’s amused gazes watching the interaction between two humans.

He nodded, “You are correct.”

“Aragorn.” You spoke for the first time giving him a wide smile, “I do like it. It suits a King such as yourself. Would you mind if I continued to call you Strider though?” Bowing your head slightly you felt a rush of embarrassment pulsate through you. Why were you so unladylike? It was all so thoughtless when he was just a Ranger. Not a bloody King of Gondor.

He waited until your eyes met his again, “No need to bow miss Y/N. And thank you. You may call me either.”

A quick head nod was interrupted by Gandalf, “We must be off. Aragorn drop the young one off at her residence. You are free to explore the castle and Rivendell. But we will need you to meet us in the gardens. We have much to discuss before the Council of Elrond shows up in a few days.” Gandalf spoke directly to Strider who just nodded in agreement.

“Come miss Y/N.” He took your hand and pulled you along quickly, “You will enjoy your stay here. It is a wonderful place. There is quite a bit to do, and the elves are very kind.” He tried his best to reassure you knowing that Gandalf was right. You could not go on. You were not prepared for this kind of journey to any extent. Gandalf also revealed of Aragorn’s known feelings for you. You would be a distraction he could not have along the journey.

“It seems like it.” You grinned thankful you were able to do your own thing for the afternoon. You felt bad for Strider or Aragorn. He seemed to have quite a bit of business to attend to.

He stopped at a door letting you inside. It was small but quant and rather extravagant. Fine details laced every surface. You’d come to expect nothing less from the elves, “I will find you later. Enjoy your day miss Y/N.”

The days went by slowly as you got acquainted with Rivendell. You had the sneaking suspicion your journey was also stopping as Strider was not so keen on giving you any information even though he was gone for days on end.

It was on the day of the gathering of the Council of Elrond that you had all but given up. That was until there was a rapid knocking at your door. Thankfully your elf maiden Nimloth had made sure you were dressed as Strider stood before you with a smile on his face, “Come miss Y/N. The Council of Elrond is starting soon.”

“I am invited?” You were sure there was a dumb look on your face.

He nodded slowly, “Gandalf insisted. Lord Elrond relented.”

You followed him in silence to the gathering of the council. You sat behind Frodo closer to Lord Elrond and away from all of the action that was sure to go down.

It was not long after you took a seat that Lord Elrond stood gathering the council to begin, “Strangers from distant lands, friends of old and new,” His eyes met yours giving you a small wink before continuing on, “You’ve been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fail. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo.” A shiver ran down your spine at his straight to the point opening. This was not good.

You watched as Frodo stood and dropped the ring on the stump in the middle of the council.

You heard the man called Boromir speak up, “So it is true.” He looked at the ring with something of desire lacing it. You looked at Strider who was watching the man skeptically. He continued, “The doom of man. It is a gift.” Your heart raced at such a senseless statement. You watched as Strider grew angry at his arrogance.

Nevertheless, Boromir continued, “A gift of the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? Long has my father the Steward of Gondor kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against them.” He passionately spoke hoping to gain the agreement of the Council.

But Strider would have none of that false speak, “You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.” Your heart rate sped down at the sensible statement to the man you had grown quite fond of in your week or so of traveling. You had grown a strong liking to the handsome Ranger who saved your life without a second thought.

Boromir looked skeptically at Strider, “And what would a Ranger know of this matter?” He asked with a smug look to his face. You wanted to slap that look right off of his face for he had no clue who he was talking to! A king!

But the elf called Legolas stood quickly in his defense, “This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, Son of Arathon.” You watched as his face scrunched up in a minor irritation. He had tried so hard to keep that a secret and now it was out, “You owe him your allegiance.” He finished looking just as irritated as Strider did. It still felt weird to call him Aragorn. So, you kept up with Strider.

Boromir turned back to him, “Aragorn.” He spoke with a hint of shock in his tone, “This is Isildur’s heir?”

“An heir to the throne of Gondor.” Legolas spoke earning a glare from Strider who spoke to him in Elvish quickly. You wondered what he said because Boromir looked suddenly very angry.

Boromir nearly spat with vengeance while looking at the blond elf, “Gondor has no king.” He turned to look back at Strider and shook his head, “Gondor needs no king.”

Gandalf spoke up breaking the tension among men, “Aragorn is right. We cannot use it.”

Lord Elrond stood, “You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed.”

The dwarf called Gimli stood then, “What are we waiting for?” He grabbed his axe and sliced at it in attempt to shatter it. Of course, that did nothing but startle the entire council into submission.

“The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin... by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade.” Lord Elrond spoke matter of factly. You watched as Frodo nearly collapsed from the pain and realization. You laid a gentle hand on his shoulder hoping he would find some solace in the touch.

Lord Elrond continued, “It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came.” Your heart was hammering in your chest at the realization. This would be no easy task for anybody let alone a Hobbit and human group, “One of you, must do this.” Lord Elrond commanded sending your head into so many different directions. Would Strider go? Would the Hobbits? Surely you would never be able to go. No, Strider would never allow it. He had made that very clear.

Boromir sighed, “One does not simply walk into Mordor. It’s Black Gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland riddled with fire, and ash, and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with 10,000 men could you do this. It is folly.”

Legolas was angry now. He shot up from his seat spitting his words at the man, “Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed.”

Gimli spoke up next, “And I suppose you think you are the one to do it!” The tension grew in the air as everyone began to feel uneasy of the task at hand.

Boromir stood next, “And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?”

Gimli continued, “I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!” He shouted. Your eyes went wide as everything seemed to be going away from the goal at hand, “Never trust an Elf!”

The group erupted in bickering as you and Frodo sat back in fear of what was going to happen. All but suddenly you watched as Frodo stood. He shouted, “I will take it.” It took him a few attempts before the group heard him.

“I will take the Ring to Mordor.” He said again once everyone had quieted down. You gulped as you watched the scene unfold.

He spoke again, “Though, I do not know the way.”

Gandalf nodded, “I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins as long as it is yours to bear.”

You sat further back into your chair as you watched Strider stand, “If by my life or death I can protect you I will.” Your heart sunk at his words. He caught your forlorn gaze and gave you a simple smile. He walked to Frodo and knelt before the small Hobbit, “You have my sword.”

Legolas stepped forward, “And you have my bow.” Your heart raced seeing the elf walk forward. Thank goodness he volunteered. You had heard stories of the mighty elf warrior of Mirkwood.

“And my ax.” Gimli agreed as he walked towards the growing group. You stood from your spot away from the group, closer towards Lord Elrond. Almost as if you had already known your assigned fate.

Boromir joined slowly, “You carry the fates of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council then Gondor will see it done.” He stood by the group.

Suddenly the other hobbits joined in earning a hard-earned smile from Lord Elrond.

“Nine companions. So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring.” You watched as Elrond anointed the group complete. Your downcast eyes found Striders who looked at you with all the care in the world. You were more than nervous for the man you had grown so fond of so quickly. Dare you say you might actually have real genuine feelings for the man standing in the group of nine.

“The journey is no place for a lady.” Strider insisted as he pulled you away from the fellowship. He had conjured up a hundred scenarios in his mind and decided you could not come after seeking the guidance of Gandalf. It was far too dangerous for someone as delicate as you were. He shuddered at the thought of seeing you with a sword far too big for you trying your best to defend not only yourself but the Hobbits from the Nazgul. He never wanted to see or put you in such a situation as that ever again.

Your look broke his heart ten times over. It is not like he wanted to leave you in Rivendell with the elves. He would do anything to take you, but it was just far too dangerous. The encounter with the Nazgul did it in enough for him to hold firm on the decision, “I’m not a lady Aragorn, and you know it! But I understand.” You countered but admitted your faults. You were nothing but a lowly peasant from a tiny village near Eriador. You didn’t mean much to middle earth, a place holder for whatever Valar had planned.

He twisted his head to the side giving you a once over and a sly smile, “Not yet anyway.” He walked towards you, stopping right in front of you. Wanting to say the next word so all the elves and Hobbits behind him couldn’t hear. Having to turn your head up to make eye contact he leaned forward and whispered in your ear, “I have every intention of making you one, my lady.”

Your eyes growing wide and the rosiness that formed on your neck and cheeks made the elves behind him laugh in unison amongst themselves. You noticed the confusion lining the Hobbits faces, no doubt wonder what he had said to you to illicit such a reaction.

You looked back to him with the hint of smile dancing on your lips, “They can hear you Strider.”

He brushed the pads of his fingers along your jawline, “Let them.” He had yet to be so forthcoming with his feelings so far. Sure, you had only known him a little over a week but you had not left his side since you met him. It had already felt so long ago. And when the heart knew it knew. It knew it had feelings for the handsome man with the most beautiful blue eyes that looked at you so kindly standing before you.

“Please be safe.” Your eyes welled with unshed tears as you accepted his command. You could not go along with them. You’d be nothing but the burden you so desperately wanted to avoid. But you also did not want to stay in Rivendell. The elves seemed welcoming enough but who knew how long he would have to be gone. You would surely overstay your welcome.

A curt nod came from the man you’d grown to love in such a short amount of time, “As you wish.” He moved his fingers to your eyes brushing away the tears that had managed to spill over, “Do not cry. I will be back as soon as I can.” The moment felt far too intimate to have the whole company trying not to watching but paying close attention anyway, they were not being sly about like they thought they were. They had all grown to adore you in some capacity, more some than others. Pippen was especially sad your journey had ended there. He had quite enjoyed getting to know you along the short trek from The Shire to Rivendell. You were unlike any other mortal he had met.

“I know. But you will find me in Bree.” You answered him letting the tears fall even as you tried your best to stop them.

He shook his head quickly, “No, you will stay here. In Rivendell. You will be protected here. Lord Elrond has assured me of that.” That sounded more like Aragorn than the Strider you knew. It hit you that the rightful King of Gondor was standing right in front of you. No wonder he had seemed so effortless in leading the group to Rivendell. It was in his blood.

“I do not belong here Aragorn.” You spoke in a plea muttering his actual name for just the second time. It still felt foreign, but you welcomed it on your tongue. Aragon, King of Gondor.

His eyes piqued up in utter curiosity at the sudden name change. You had seemed so adamant on continuing to call him by his Ranger name despite finding his true identity through Gandalf, “You can find an identity here my lady. Lord Elrond will not let that falter. Do you not believe me?” He frowned not enjoying seeing you in such a distressed state. He too had grown to have deep feelings for you. You were kind and compassionate. Smarter than you knew. Made him smile more than he ever had in his life in the short time he had known you. You kept him on his toes, and he adored that about you. He grew to like maybe even love you in mere days.

“I am a burden here. Useless. They will get sick of me.” You were pleading to him now. If you knew better you would not be pushing somebody of such high stature.

He gulped not knowing what to say. He could pick up on your stress through your expression and the way you picked at your fingernails. A habit he’d seen both at the Inn and when the group was attacked by the Nazgul. Just as he was about to open his mouth he heard Elrond from behind him. And bless him he thought for he had no idea how to calm your racing mind.

“Have you not enjoyed your stay here at Rivendell? Do you not wish to stay?” Lord Elrond spoke up after hearing the concerns you had spoken in private to Aragorn. He knew he likely should have just stayed quiet and let Aragorn handle the situation. But his overly sensitive ears could pick up the frantic panic in your voice towards the man.

You shook your head quickly, “No my lord. I wish to not be a burden to your home. You see I… I do not have much to offer your city.” You hung your head in shame hoping you did not fully insult Elrond. He had already been so kind to you.

“A burden?” He shook his head walking over to the two of you. All eyes still watching the interaction with the utmost curiosity, “You would hardly be a burden. I will be honest with you. With many of the elves planning to take to the sea I will need some help preparing. You will have a place here. Rest assured.”

A small sigh let out from your chest. Aragorn watched you intently with a bright smile on his face seeing the Elf relax your mind in mere moments. Leave it to Elrond to calm you down so easily. He needed to take a page or two from his book.

“Are you sure Lord Elrond?” You asked timidly to the much, much taller elf. Why’d they have to be so beautiful and intimidating at the same time?

He gave you a quick nod before turning, “I have already made up my mind child. Now let us go. The Fellowship has much planning to do before they are off in a few days.” He motioned for you to follow him.

You turned back to Aragorn before you left, “I wish you luck. I will see you soon. Be safe.” Taking a risk, you grabbed for his hand giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Anything for you my lady.” You caught the brief wink he had given you before bowing his head.

You walked over to the rest of the group, “I wish you all nothing but the best. Please take care of each other. I want to see you all when this is over. Yea?” Your voice broke at the end.

The Hobbits crowded around you giving you one last hug, “We will take your word to heart Lady Y/N.” Pippen smiled as he hugged your side.

“I am no lady.” You laughed once more. Where had they all gotten this ridiculous notion from?

“That’s not what Legolas told us.” Frodo smirked while looking over at Aragorn was deep in conversation with Boromir not paying a lick of attention to the goodbyes you were giving. It hurt him just as much as it was hurting you so he distracted himself with the other man in the Fellowship.

Your eyes found the blonde elf who attempted to feign innocence for the second time that afternoon, “You are a rightful menace Legolas.” You muttered to him almost finding enjoyment out of his butting in.

He shrugged innocently, “I am not sure what you are talking about Lady Y/N.”

You smiled shaking your head while giving each Hobbit a quick squeeze, “Good luck Legolas. Please watch out for him?” Your request may have been too much for the elf and you knew it. A big ask that you would have never of done had you not fallen for him so quickly.

But he agreed, “You have my word, my lady.” He smirked sensing your aversion to the formality you so desperately tried to avoid.

A quick shake of the head and you went off to follow Elrond you was waiting for you patiently in the distance, “I will see you all soon.” You waved, not waiting for their response as it felt to be too much in the moment. It amazed you

“Thank you for your hospitality Lord Elrond.” You said quickly once you caught up to the dark-haired elf.

He gave you what you was sure was a genuine smile, “It brings me a great pleasure to host you Lady Y/N.”

Your mouth gaped, “Is he forcing you to say that?” Surely you were going to have to get used to the title if Elrond had agreed to it. It would be shameful to try and correct the ruler of the land. Even you had some semblance of sanity and preservation.

Elrond shook his head quickly. He gave you a serious expression, one that you were not used to seeing from elf, “Aragorn is the rightful heir to the Throne of Gondor. We recognize the title here in Rivendell. I respect what he wishes. If he has given you that title you should wear that as a badge of honor.”

“You think so?” You thought you might have been pressing your luck with the lord. But he had the patience of somebody you had never met before. He was like no human you knew even if he was half of it.

If he was offended at your questioning he hid it well. A small smile adorned his features as he led you down the path to an empty room in the castle he had placed you in earlier, “I know so. When you have been around as long as I. You tend to notice these small things.”

He stopped in front of a door you had not been privy too in your prior explorations, “Your quarters for the time being. I had Nimloth move your belongings from your previous room to here. I suspect you will find it adequate.”

Your eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets when he opened the massive wood doors. The most intricate carvings of wood was placated on every surface of the room. The detail and craftsmanship was beyond anything you had seen in your tiny little village. You ran your fingers along the different sets of furniture admiring the fine detail that was crafted into every surface, “More than adequate Lord Elrond. Thank Nimloth for me?” You asked after finding all your belongings neatly put away.

He bowed to you. An elf bowed to you! What had this life become? Once so lost now you were somebody a lord found pleasure in conversing with.

“I will see to it. She will fetch you for dinner as well. Welcome to Rivendell.” Without waiting for a response, he shut the doors behind him letting you be with your thoughts. And oh, were they racing beyond your wildest measure.

It had been 414 days since Aragorn and the Fellowship had set out to destroy the ring. You refused to give up any sort of hope as you heard bits and pieces of information from Lord Elrond. You had grown close to elf in your stay at Rivendell. He had given you sage life advice time and time again. You were there for him when Arwen and his sons went off to sea not to be seen again until he were to take his trip. You knew he was utterly lonely and wanting nothing more than to go be with his wife and children. But he had a duty to middle earth that he would see too. He would see that the age of man had a true leader in Aragorn to guide peace and prosperity forward. He knew the age of elf was done and good. Frodo just had to finish it by destroying the ring.

You were sitting in the study reading a text in Sindarin, Lord Elrond had taught you enough of the language to get by, when you heard the doors to the study open with a loud thud. You set the text down on the desk as you peaked your head towards the door.

“Lady Y/N?” Lord Elrond’s voice called out.

You stood from your chair, “Yes my lord?” You caught him smiling ear to ear at the front of the study. A giddy feeling of shock shot throughout your body in anticipation for what might come next.

“They are back.”

You felt like your heart might have actually stopped beating there for a second, “Aragorn?” You asked breathlessly.

“Alive and well. Come.” He motioned you to follow him just like he had all those days ago when you first got to Rivendell.

When you spotted him out in the courtyard you did not give a second thought about being a lady anymore. You all out sprinted to the man who had consumed you whole in his time away. He wrapped you in his arms once you ran right into his chest. Letting out a small grunt from the impact he started laughing. A full-on belly laugh rang out from the man as he held you in his arms once more.

“You came back.” You felt the tears forming in your eyes as you buried yourself in his chest.

He held you in his arms as tightly as he could relishing in the moment of just being there with you, “I gave you my word, my lady. Did I not?” He pulled you back so he could look at you. Ethereal. Rivendell had been nothing but good to you he concluded. He would have to thank Lord Elrond for being so hospitable towards the one he had loved.

“You did. Thank you.” You grasped him a little tighter as he clinged onto you just the same.

You gasped opening the letter from the Shire, “Sam and Rose!” You ran over to Aragorn with a gleeful smile on your face, “Look, they are to be wed in six months! Long after you are crowned King. I would like to go.”

“Ahh, finally.” Aragorn grabbed the letter from your hand with a smile on his face. You admired him as he read the joyous news of the union. He was so handsome. And he was soon to be crowned King of Gondor, Gandalf had shared with the group the night they came back. He was due to be crowned in two months’ time in Minas Tirith. It gave time for all parties to travel to the desired destination to see the rightful heir be crowned king.

“I was worried he would never go for it. We shall go if you will have me?” Aragorn noted as he smoothed out the robes for tomorrow’s crowning. He had felt more nervous of the thought of proposing to you than he was about being crowned King. Valar calm his nerves.

“Aye. I would love to go with you Aragorn. But is that so? Had he been shy about her?” You asked your love that you were almost afraid to admit to.

He nodded recalling all the time Samwise made comments about the Hobbit he had loved from afar, “He was never the most risk adverse. I think the journey changed him.”

“Yea.” You nodded, “It was good for him.”

He nodded his head. His soft expression hardening just a tinge as he took you in, “You are so beautiful. When I did not think that I was going to make it… the thought of you kept me going. I am so honored to have you by my side.”

You leaned your head back into his chest letting the sun beat down on the two of you as he had helped you prepare for the journey to his rightful home. He had been to Minas Tirith many times before, but never as the King. He was overjoyed at the thought of bringing you to his home. He was not lying before when he promise to make you his lady. He was planning to wed to you not too long after he was crowned King.

“It is my honor Aragorn.” You felt him squeeze his hand along your waist.

He had taken you to his new home by horse. Just the two of you heading to his Kingdom. He wanted to spend the time with you and get to know you. And he was more than glad he did. He did not think it to be possible, but he had fallen more deeply in love with you on the month-long trek to Gondor. It had solidified what he had planned to do, propose to you as soon as he was crowned King. He had gotten Lord Elrond in on the plan as well. Surely, you would be more than irritated at the public display, but he knew you would soon get over it.

Your eyes lit up in amazement at the city that had spring up before you once you had finally made it after a little over a month on the road. It was more massive than even Rivendell had been. You had no idea such structures existed within the human world and was slightly ashamed you knew so little about your very own brethren.

“Welcome to Minas Tirith my lady.” A breathy whisper in your ear he watched below as you took in the city.

“This is… incredible Aragon.” Your eyes traveled everywhere in awe as he rode up the main street on his horse. You were pleasantly surprised at all the greetings even you were getting from all the citizens that resided within the city.

He led you straight to the castle at the center of the city knowing you were probably more than overwhelmed. Sure, he had warned you but actually seeing it and doing it was entirely different thing. He bowed to his guards as he made his way to his, and soon to be your, chambers.

“You will sleep here tonight.” He said matter of factly as you explored his chambers.

You shook your head, “I cannot. This is your room. You need to rest before tomorrow! You are being crowned King. That does not happen every day Aragorn.” You protested but he simply shook his head.

“It is all right.” He led you to his bed, “I insist my lady. I have made up my mind and you will not be able to change it.” He grinned beautifully as you sat down on the bed, accepting defeat so easily.

“So stubborn you are.”  You mused at him with a delighted look on your face. It felt like a step was being taken as he insisted you stay in his quarters. Protected by the best of the best. He saw you as nothing but precious to him.

He chucked softly, “I must leave you to it. Feel free to explore. One of the guards can show you around if you would like. I must see to a few things before tomorrow. I will see you after the ceremony?” He asked watching you carefully. He wanted you to be comfortable before he left you. He knew it would be tough to go a night without each other after spending so much alone for the better part of a month.

“All right.” You nodded quickly, “I will see you tomorrow, my King.” You grinned right back at him knowing you would never tire of calling him that. It was a far cry from the Strider you had met so long ago now.

He brushed his hand along your jaw. Giving you a brief bow, he spoke once more, “My lady.” Before walking out his chambers and leaving you too it. A wave of exhaustion coupled by the softness of the mattress below you sent you into a slumber much sooner than you were expecting. Maybe you would get the grand tour another time. For now, sleep overtook you..

You watched in awe as Gandalf crowned Aragorn with amazement in his own eyes. You had truly never seen anything so grandeur in your life. All this for your Aragorn. Yet, you felt he had deserved this and so much more.

“Now come the days of the King.” Gandalf’s voice boomed throughout Minas Tirith as thousands stood to watch Aragorn be crowned. You felt your eyes well up with proud tears as the crown laid atop his head. He was so striking. So Kingly. Your breath was taken away as he turned to the crowd. He was your King.

“This day does not belong to one man… but to all.” His voice now boomed filling your chest with the utmost pride for the man you loved, “Let us together rebuild this world… that we may share in the days of peace.” He smiled as the crowd erupted in cheers for their newly crowned King. You joined in happily clapping and cheering along with the city folk.

He sang as the flower petals began to fall. You watched as his company and all those around him bowed to him as he walked amongst the crowd. Your heart sped up rapidly as he was moving along closer, and closer to you.

Elrond pulled you back behind a shield at your protest as Legolas stepped forward. Being none the wiser you shot your elder a precarious look as he told you to be quiet and wait a second and you would see what was going on. He did not lie to you. Lord Elrond never did.

The elf beside you pulled the shield away leaving you staring right into the icy blue eyes of the man you had loved so dearly. You gulped but stepped towards him. He looked just as entranced as you felt.

Feeling overwhelmed at the entirely of the situation you bowed your head to your King once you were mere inches in front of him. Never before had so many eyes been on you. Yet he had made it feel like it really was just the two of you at that moment.

He would have none of that though. He took his hand under your chin and pulled it up, so you were looking at him. He too forgot that thousands of people were watching. It felt like it was just you and him. You had that effect on him. Your doe eyes staring up at him so desperately is what did him in. He could simply wait no longer to have what he wanted… you.

When you smiled at him he did not care any longer. He went straight in for the kiss. You wrapped your arms around him as he spun you around, happier than ever before. He had let his intentions be known. You were his for forever, his forever.

You would be embarrassed later but now it was just you and him. A giggle erupted from you as you hugged him once more. He grabbed your hand and pulled you along as he went to search for the Hobbits.

You took a knee after Aragorn spoke, “My friends… you bow to no one.” A smile erupted on your face as you watched the kingdom take a knee for them. Frodo’s face told the story. Aragorn gently wiped off the tears that were streaming down your face.

“I love you, my Queen.” He whispered in your ear.

“Your Queen?” You gasped looking up to him. Surely you did not think you would take

“Are we to be wed no?” He asked curiously.

“Aye.” You nodded, “I just did not believe to have such a title.” You looked away from him as he directed everyone to stand once more.

“I am King. You are to be my Queen.” He said so matter of factly you could not believe you were questioning yourself.

“As you wish.” You smiled so gleefully not truly believing this was actually your life now.

He leaned in for one more gentle kiss to please the crowd, “My Queen.” He whispered letting you know he had every good intention in the world with you. For the first time in his already long life, he could not wait to get his life started with you.

Permanent Taglist (Message me or comment below if you want to be added!) : @loving-and-dreaming @kmc1989 @memeorydotcom @matisse556 @buckylov3r @taygrls @ah-blossom @hardballoonlove @rosiahills22 @djs8891

#aragorn x y/n #aragorn x reader #aragorn x you #aragorn x boromir #aragorn fluff #aragorn fanfiction #aragorn au #aragorn angst #aragorn imagine #the fellowship of the ring #the lord of the rings #aragorn elessar #aragorn son of arathorn #boromir #lord of the rings #gandalf #aragorn #aragorn one shot #aragorn blub #lord of the rings x reader #lord of the rings x you #lotr x reader #lotr x you #lotr x y/n #lotr rp #lotr rotk #lotr rings of power #lotr rop #lotr fluff #lotr

[moonshynecybin]

princess bride rosquez au you say....

omg yes deranged post incoming

hmm okay! so marc is like a farm boy/horse racer who falls HARD for charming fellow jockey/mild local celebrity valentino rossi until he dies tragically at sea at the hands of the evil dread pirate roberts. marc has to marry some nasty prince humperdinck in order to provide for his family but especially alex and is like. cartoonishly miserable about it… very pinched and wooden. frozen smile but brave face for alex... anyways he is out on one of his horse rides (the only time he doesn’t want to DIE.) and gets kidnapped by hmmm. see this is tough bc i think jorge/dani would make the most sense as the inigo montoya/fezzik role but the academy boys writ large would make me laugh the most as like a motley crew of unwitting ruffians. obvs not one-to-one so you decide!

anyways the dread pirate roberts (man with little earring and terrible sideburns. who could it be) comes after marc and rescues him (beats pecco, bezz, and cele’s ASS at swordplay all at once but is nice about it. coaching them on footwork lmaoo.) (max biaggi battle of wits poison goblet scene sorry to mr biaggi) but he’s is like. super pissy about marc’s decision to get married and stop riding. like kind of pointedly mean about it. VERY personal says some shit like i wonder if you were ever a fan of valentino rossi at all, if you gave it all up so easily, hmm?? anyways marc voice YOU MOCK MY PAIN. and then pushes vale down a hill. which is when he starts yelling AAAASS YOUUUU WISHHHH or some other cheeky inside joke equivalent and marc realizes he’s alive and throws himself down that hill after him zero hesitation.

but crucially!!!! i don’t think they reconcile instantly and perfectly like they do in the film. marc is really hurt vale didnt come back to him and vale is SAUR mad about marc “moving on.” like yes the mechanisms of the plot progress like they do in the movie with them risking it all for each other and marc getting sent back to humperdinck and being soooo despondent and vale breaking into the castle to rescue him (again, whichever mental image of pedrenzo or the academy boys with him you so choose here) but there’s a crazy undercurrent of tension that doesn’t get resolved until a bit later when they fuck NASTY with vale like. ripping marc’s light blue silk princey wedding outfit off of him and scattering his pretty jewels on the floor as he sucks on his tongue. and then they ride off into the sunset together :)

ALSO: the mental image of the academy boys/pedrenzo bringing vale’s post comical torture-machine dead body to a hermit miracle worker’s hut in the woods and it being casey stoner does just kill me. enea’s there the whole time he’s just vibing with his dog. cele has NO idea what’s going on.

#asks #motogp #callie speaks #rosquez

[theaskywalker]

My Masterlist

The Hobbit

Imagines

Great Eagles

Lake Town

Khuzdul Insults

Erebor

Thorin Oakenshield

A Heir

Gandalf's Apprentice

Silent Protector

Love Braids

Kili An Elven Lady

His Saviour

Archery Lessons

Storytellers

Fili

Wedding

Khuzdul

Storytellers

Unexpected Guest

Bofur

A Dwarven Toystore

A New Life

Bombur

A Dwarven Toystore

Bifur

Battlefield

A Dwarven Toystore

Bilbo Baggins

Afternoon Tea

Dinner at Bag End

Legolas Greenleaf

Silvan Elves

Human Friend

An Elvish Courtship

Dwalin

Prancing Pony

Radagast the Brown

Dol Guldur

Thranduil

Elven Warrior

Headcanons

Thorin & Company as Zodiac Signs (coming soon)

How would they react to a s/o of elvish heritage (coming soon)

Thorin Oakenshield

Thorin falling in love with Bilbo's twin sister (coming soon)

Kili

Being in a love triangle with Kili and Tauriel would include

Bofur

Sleeping in

Being Bofur's younger sister and joining him on the Quest

Fili

Having a crush on Fili would include

Chronicles of Narnia

Imagines

Peter Pevensie

His High Queen

Hurt

Close Friends

Edmund Pevensie

Nymph

Marriage Proposal

Close Friends

Lucy Pevensie

The Wardrobe

An Invitation for Tea

Close Friends

Susan Pevensie

Winter Fun

Midnight Masquerade

Close Friends

Caspian

Royal Child

Quest

Headcanons

Chronicles of Narnia Characters as Zodiac Signs

The Pevensie Siblings as Scents

House of the Dragon

Twilight

The Mummy

Imagines

A Desert Warrior (Ardeth Bay)

The Egyptian Priest (Imhotep)

Adopted Sister (Jonathan & Evelyn Carnahan)

Comrades (Rick O'Connell)

Horus (Ardeth Bay)

Egyptology (Evelyn Carnahan)

A Decade Apart (Ardeth Bay)

Night at the Museum

Imagines

Her King (Ahkmenrah)

The Golden Trio (Jedediah & Octavius)

A Lesson in History (Sacagawea)

A Song for Her (Ahkmenrah)

A Knight in Shining Armor (Lancelot)

Night to Remember

Great Royal Wife (Ahkmenrah)

The Secret of the Tablet

Nightmare Before Christmas

Imagines

Unlikely Friends (Sally)

Halloween Town (Jack Skellington)

A Lesson in Herbology (Sally)

Christmas (Jack Skellington)

Damsel in Distress (Sally)

Corpse Bride

Imagines

Mozart (Emily)

Her Faithful Governess (Victoria Everglot)

An Awkward Suitor (Victor Van Dort)

Family Jewels (Emily)

A Friend in Need (Victoria Everglot)

Fireflies (Victor Van Dort)

Studio Ghibli

Imagines

Witch's Apprentice (Zeniba)

Frozen Lemonade (Kiki)

Cat Bureau (Baron Humbert)

Bathhouse (Chihiro)

Her Sister's Helper (Sophie)

Spirit World (Haku)

Picnic (Howl)

Coquelicot Manor (Umi)

Dreams (Haku)

Whisper of her Heart (Shizuku)

A Sister's Duty (Pazu & Sheeta)

Savior (Howl)

Carte Postale (Kiki)

Harry Potter

Fantastic Beasts

Avatar

Imagines

Ilu (Lo'ak)

Chief's Daughter (Neteyam)

Spirit Tree (Tsireya)

Metkayina Way (Ronal)

Inkheart

Imagines

Dragon's Breath (Dustfinger)

1001 Nights (Farid)

#the hobbit #the chronicles of narnia #twilight #house of the dragon #the mummy #the mummy returns #night at the museum #nightmare before christmas #corpse bride #studio ghibli #spirited away #kiki's delivery service #howl's moving castle #whisper of the heart #from up on poppy hill #castle in the sky #harry potter #fantastic beasts #avatar #avatar the way of water #inkheart

[aphroditestempleimagines]

The Obsidianite Jewel

A fem!reader x Chevalier Michel Fanfiction

Chapter 18 -> Chapters Masterlist

Words: 3217

Warnings: language, violence, death, blood

Summary: It all started when your fiancé, Prince Gilbert, brought you to the palace of Rhodolite. He hoped he would find the secrets of the princes. Instead, he lost your heart to the brutal beast. However, Gilbert is not going to let your heart wander away easily

Chevalier stood alone outside the closed heavy door of the cathedral. He stared at its wood and iron frame, carved with depictions of mythology and built with the finest materials, befitting of the crown jewel of the Istidorian Church. His long white cape and usual robes were replaced by a black suit, roses elegantly embroidered on the chest with gold thread; he had not worn that thing in years. He took a deep breath. He had not known hesitation in his life, yet this feeling could be nothing but. He clenched the letter in his one hand, the white roses in the other. Everything would change once he crossed that doorstep. Everything would be real.

She would really be gone.

He pushed the door open. At the end of rows of cushioned benches laid the open coffin, filled with white flowers as if brought out from a fairytale. Yet this reality was the furthest thing from it, since the woman that rested inside was the light of his life, snuffed away too soon.

He manoeuvred his way among the crying people, held by guards in a row to bid their final farewell. James had placed Melville among them in order to let Chevalier approach from the family's seats. He thanked him with a nod, the guard returning a sorrowful look. It was strange how that single look of pity comforted him in his deep despair; perhaps it was another thing he had lacked when he had first needed it.

It had been a year since he had last seen her, so full of life and hope. The woman in the coffin looked nothing like it. Her skin was stuck on her frail bones, her eyes tired even in eternal sleep. All the makeup of the undertakers could not hide those things from him. She wore a white dress; he never attended her wedding so he could not tell if it was just a coincidence. Her hands held a bouquet of red roses. Chevalier reached for the petals. His breath caught. He would recognise that texture anywhere; they had been brought in from Rhodolite.

"How did she die?", he almost did not ask.

"Scarlet fever your Majesty", said Melville.

"That's a lie. There are no signs of that"

Melville lowered his head. "Broken heart", he finally confirmed Chevalier's fear.

It was the same. The same thing all over again. Had he truly become his father? Leading a good woman to die of this affliction? Yet the King had never loved his mother. He had loved y/n with all his heart's might.

He felt a tear slide down his cheek. Did he imagine it? People were staring. Irrelevant, they did not matter. But had he truly lost his composure? He tried to shake the tears away but only called forth more. His body was not responding. It was not that of a beast anymore, but that of a human. A human in pain. A human in loss. A human like her, like everyone else.

He leaned forward to place a kiss on her frozen forehead. He touched his own oh the same spot, his warmth never transferring as he had hoped.

"Come back", he whispered, "Come back"

He repeated those words again and again even as his eyes fluttered awake, the tears he had shed in his sleep watering his pillow. He brushed his fingers underneath his eyelid, gathering those peculiarities people called tears. He sat up on the bed and buried his face in his hands. He could not allow that dream to come true. He would not.

He walked to the main deck, where James chatted with Silvio, who manned the wheel.

"Wakey wakey sleeping beauty", James grinned, "I was just about to have Silvio here give you true love's kiss"

"Don't pull me into your weird fantasies, shithead", Silvio barked, "It's enough that I have to sail you all the way to bloody Istidor"

"If you did not want to owe me a favour you should had been better at playing cards", James smirked at him.

"We both know you cheated you bloody cod"

Chevalier let out a long sigh. It was a ridiculous idea to involve the Jangling fool to begin with. "How far are we from port?", he interrupted their continuing banter.

"Port?", James' face contorted in confusion, "We're not going to a port"

"Then well shall we-"

"Their castle has a beach enclosed between the walls", Silvio said, "And all this trouble because this crook is a criminal on multiple levels"

"Hey", James crossed his arms in front of his chest, "I'm starting to regret helping you set up the trade route"

"You didn't help jack squat!", Silvio fumed again.

Chevalier did not dally longer to listen to the rest of that pointless conversation. He climbed down and walked to the stern. In isolation he sat, his hands on the rail as he gazed at the trail of sea foam the ship left behind. Benitoite was long gone in the horizon on his right. They had sailed to the open sea instead of following the coast to avoid detection. It was crazy to think, but Chevalier had never been this far from Rhodolite before. It was like an invisible hand constantly quenched his heart as he was to far away to learn, let alone react, if disaster befell his people.

Did you ever feel that way? You must have. You have been the official heir to the throne from the moment you were born. Yet you travelled away from your homeland, to reside in what was basically the wolf's den.

Chevalier buried his face in his hands. Who was he to think he had any say in your actions? Who was he to claim he should be your saviour? Yet again, how could he stand on the sidelines? The thought of going against your choices made him more nauseous than the relentless sea. The thought of him even remotely resembling what disgusted him about your relationship with Gilbert...

Soon the ship turned and the horizon beyond which the land resided disappeared behind Chevalier. They must had reached their drop-off point. By nightfall, they were bidding Silvio goodbye as he and James boarded a boat to cross the small stretch of water to the shore below the Royal palace.

"Don't put your trust in him", Silvio grabbed Chevalier's arm before he boarded the rowboat, "He's not worthy of it. He always has another goal"

Chevalier did nothing but nod to Silvio's warning. The prince of Benitoite had not provided him with any new insight. He was well aware that both he and James were using each other; there was nothing else they could do when they had only met a few days ago. He trusted that he could help, but he never took as guaranteed that he would.

James rowed the boat inside a cave, hidden by unforgiving rocks underneath the cliff where the castle stood. They passed under a drawn iron gate, its spikes hanging menacingly above their heads. They docked in front of a small wooden door which James opened with a black iron key he wore around his neck. As he pulled it out, a small religious pendant was pulled with it; James was quick to tuck it back inside his black silk blouse. They climbed over a thousand steps to reach a network of tile-paved corridors. James lit a lantern on one of the walls and carried it along the way until they happened upon a glass wall, a large ballroom residing on the other side. James hung the lantern and pulled a small lever on the side, letting the glass door relax enough to push it open. They slipped on the other side and the young prince pushed closed the glass door, the ballroom's reflection concealing the path from which they came.

Chevalier's hand fell on the hilt of his sword. "Why did we come out here?", he asked.

"'Tis the only way out of that maze"

"I sincerely doubt that",

James let out a sigh. The low whistle of armour became louder and louder as the seconds passed. "Don't fight", James said simply before throwing his sword away and putting his hands behind his head. Soon after, a group of soldiers from the King's guard surrounded them. The eyepatched prince stood in shock on the steps behind them. "I caught an intruder", James said theatrically, "An enemy to the crown. Now isn't that worth reinstating me?". Gilbert smiled in satisfaction as the soldiers took Chevalier to the dungeons and James to the King's office.

Chevalier's blood was boiling as he restrained himself from annihilating his captors. He had not even let Clavis do something like that in his presence. He took a deep breath as the soldiers tossed him unceremoniously into one of the cells. After a while, Gilbert passed by to mock him. Chevalier looked at him with his icy blue eyes, never uttering a word to him. He looked around; perhaps he could escape. Maybe he could pick the lock like his idiot brother would and steal a sword from one of the guards. If he had a sword and he had his wits he would be as good as free. But such a thing would defeat the purpose of him coming all the way there.

"Pssst", a whisper was heard from behind him. Chevalier turned to see Melville's freckled face peak from the shadows that sheltered a hidden door on the back wall. Was this part of James' play?

He followed Melville inside another maze of corridors until they reached a wooden door. Melville pushed it open and they entered the King's study through a library. The guard gave a slight bow to the man sitting on a large armchair behind the book-ridden desk and returned to the hidden corridor.

"Take a sit", the man pointed at the chairs on the other side of the desk before returning to his paperwork.

So this was King Edward. He sat proudly, his back straightened, as he examined the papers in front of him with grace. His face was scared on the left. His great longsword was left on his side, always kept at arm's length. Chevalier looked around; all doors to the room were closed. He saw the chairs the King had offered him. They had no arms to them, as a King's chair should. This was a test like all the rest of his family liked to pull.

"I did not come here as a conversant of your Majesty", Chevalier dragged one of the chairs to sit next to the King, "I came here as Chevalier"

The King let out a light chuckle. "As Chevalier, huh?", he repeated, "And what could just-Chevalier dare request a King?"

"Your daughter's hand", he said.

"In case you didn't realise, the princess is already engaged", Edward dipped his feather quill in the ink and continued writing.

"I asked for your daughter", Chevalier said again.

"You did not ask for something different than what I said", the King lectured, "From what I've heard you're known to respect such things as duty and titles. My daughter is the crown princess. She will wed someone of her stature"

"From what I have heard, you, unlike me, do not hold titles and duty in the same importance when family is concerned"

King Edward let down his pen. He turned his serious gaze at Chevalier, the unwavering might of experience meeting the coldness of pride. "And what do you know about family?", he spat. He stood and walked closer to Chevalier. "Your father was a lecherous fool who prayed on women in response to his own hollow heart", he told him, "Your own mother resented you. You don't see the type to care about family"

"I care about your daughter"

"That is not enough"

The King took a step back, letting out a heavy sigh. He walked to the fireplace on the other side of the room. A portrait of a woman hung above it, recently brought to the room. She greatly resembled y/n but her hair was a different colour.

"Why did you call me up here then?", Chevalier asked, "You did not throw this charade in front of Gilbert's face to tell me to go back to where I came from"

King Edward placed his hand on the mantle. "You're here to be given a choice", he said, "If you want my daughter there are two ways to get to her. Either let Rhodolite become part of our Kingdom and marry her as the Earl of a prefecture or she forfeits her claim to the title and you marry her as a nobody"

"Neither is possible", Chevalier said, "But if you wish then I'll step down as King and travel here as my former self"

"I will not accept such a condition", said the King, "I gave you your options. Either choose or leave"

"Rhodolite is a nation that has been fighting against invaders for decades. I can't let it become a slave in the span of one night. I shall not."

"So you have chosen for y/n to come with you then"

"Let me be clear, I will NEVER ask that of her", Chevalier said determinedly, "Even if she agreed in the spur of a moment out of love for me she would ultimately regret it. I could never replace any of the things she's known her whole life. Not her home, not her family, not her birthright, not..."

"I know who you are Chevalier", the Istidorian King said, "I know you plan to go to war with the continent and unite the kingdoms in the name of peace". He turned to meet Chevalier's gaze. "I will not, do you hear me, I will NOT have you use Istidor in order to spread your tyrannical reign to the rest of the world"

Chevalier was regretting the place and time he had first uttered that plan. That damn plan. To his bleeding heart it appeared as a mere triviality. "Fuck that", he uttered for the first time in his life.

"Excuse me?"

Chevalier's brows furrowed as his eyes drilled into Edward's. "All I want is for me and y/n to be together", he clenched his fists, "I would not even care about proposing marriage or anything else if it weren't for our positions. I'd wait for her to feel free to move on. I would settle as her unnamed lover for a lifetime if it meant we would be an 'us'. But I understand who our ranks made us to be. I am aware of the barriers and the rules that have been placed to keep us in line with a standard. That is the only reason I'm here instead of her room asking her to stay with me"

King Edward's chuckle put a stopper on Chevalier's argument. "You really are a piece of work", he covered his face with his hand. He pulled up his chair and sat next to Chevalier once more. "I don't want y/n to marry Gilbert either"

Chevalier frowned. "What?"

"I know what Gilbert wants and that is to abolish the aristocracy and nobility from the world. Though a beautiful dream, I did not spend half of my life trying to convince the idiots in this country to let my daughter be the sovereign for Gilbert to come and dismantle her power"

Edward opened the drawer to his right. He searched between the papers and stamps and other trinkets he had shoved inside the small compartment instead of organising them until he found a small golden ring. "This is my House's seal", he handed the ring to Chevalier, "Not the King's, but my Family's". He stood and opened a cabinet between the library shelves. Unlike the rest of the room, the objects inside the cabinet were neatly organised and stored in small boxes. Edward took a blue velvet one in his hands and sat back down. Inside laid a gold medal on a blue ribbon. "This was my mother's", Edward said, "it is worn by the King's Consort or, in y/n's case, the Queen's consort. The ring I can give you with my blessing. But this, you have to earn in the eyes of the people's council"

"I'm assuming you have a plan for that", Chevalier's eyes narrowed,"Otherwise you wouldn't have brought me to see you"

Edward lifted the medal to eye level. He twirled it in his hand, his eyes glued to its shiny material. "I was not lying when I said that marrying you would cause problems.", he explained, "But in truth is the only solution I would accept is your abdication from the Rhodolitian throne and reinstatement as King Consort here"

Chevalier nodded his head. He was prepared to do this. A title, in the end, meant nothing in his eyes. "I simply request some time for a Belle to choose a new King before I leave", he said in earnestness.

The King of Istidor seemed enthralled by that answer. "You are a talented man", the King smiled, "It'd be a shame to clip your wings so soon". Chevalier responded with a frown to which Edward said "I'm not dead yet. You don't have to abdicate right now. Just in the future. Y/N would have to travel back quite frequently of course but other than that you are free to start your life together in peace"

"Would a mere promise like that be enough to convince them?"

"Which is why you need some back-up", Edward took a map from a small bin he kept next to his desk and spread it over the table. "Do you see that?", he pointed his finger at a mountainous region up north, "That is where my daughter is right now. A count that has a great dislike of me has organized a revolution. I want you to go there and help snuff it out, not by being a strategist but by being a leader."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"If you inspire the people then the people will follow you", the King said, "We keep pretend the nobles have all the power but in truth, especially in a Kingdom as large as this, they are merely ants compared to the number of lesser wealthy people. They are the true power in this country. If they want you here, the council will have to obey or be faced with widespread criticism and even violence"

Chevalier lifted his eyes from the map. "That is how you ensured y/n would be Queen isn't it?", he said, "You turned her into their hero"

"Now you're getting it", Edward gathered the map back into a neat roll before handing it over to Chevalier, "It's on you now, son"

Chevalier reached for the map. The moment he touched it he was pulled closer, close enough for the King to rest a fatherly hand on his shoulder.

"Do you know why I exiled my son?", asked the King. Chevalier shook his shoulders. "Because it makes men like Gilbert trust him", Edward said, "I don't worry about him betraying me. That is the kind of trust I expect from my family, and why I can never call Gilbert that. Question is...can I call you? I'd like to. My daughter loves you. You certainly don't lack in intelligence and capability. But I will not put you over her safety or her inheritance. So be careful not to stir up the wrong kind of trouble"

Chevalier nodded. He could do nothing else. And with that, the King led him to another path and gave him the directions to find his way out.

#ikepri #ikemen prince #chevalier michel #gilbert von obsidian #ikepri chevalier #ikepri gilbert #the obsidianite jewel #ikepri x reader

[jaehaeraxtargaryen]

setting: during the wedding feast of cedric tyrell and illya oakheart, after speeches and toasts have been given and the festivities are in full swing. @garrick-cargyll

the hall is a blur of color and candlelight. swirling skirts in jewel tones, houses of far and wide bedecked in their distinguished hues. food spills in waves off tables decorated with golden lanterns, rhoynish stars glowing down onto the rich food. spices familiar and not waft on the air, and there is dancing. one spilling into the next, and the next again in a cacophony of celebration. the whole of westeros in one place, dancing and eating and laughing.

in the playful chaos, she finds a bit of clarity -- a happy moment, nearly frozen in time. at the high table, she even sees the king and his new queen share a quiet smile. more than one rose in the garden, but roots reach like the fox's tongue, tail dipped in cream. and she is determined to hold onto this happiness, as the dancers swell and disband like the movements of flocks. but, surprisingly, she finds she has drifted from her brother's side. but it is safe here, they had said so -- and the rose-tinged air made the words feel true.

she all but floats over to him, where her stands off to the edge of the crowd, in that way that makes people step just out of her path with baffled expressions. a dance's melody is coming to an end. soon, the next song will begin. garrick's sword is not at his hip, and his clothing is formal -- the kingsguard are here, and he was not needed, but instead a guest.

"my lord," she says in greeting. normally, he is her knight. but that evening, his armor has been put away. it feels funny to say this title, instead of the other -- her nose scrunches in a laugh, dreamy lavender gaze moving from his eyes to the ever flowing stream of dancers.

"they could learn how to fly, if they tried." she sighs like a daydream. because all they would need is wings, and the dancers could very well take to the air. she has practiced these choreographies, alone in her old room to music from a far below courtyard. "they'd dance between the chandeliers." feather-light laughter, harmonized with the music.

#|| banter -- highgarden || #|| banter -- garrick 02 || #|| banter || #soft soft soft

[noctisvoces]

Free Write - Heartbeat

Inspired by [x]

A fresh sheet of snow had fallen that winter’s morning on the day the ice cracked and had frozen his heart. 

Years had passed since that unfaithful day. Since then, he avoided going near large bodies of water, not even a pond. He didn’t know what do with the life he had outside of the city. He kept the house still, barely a mile away from that lake. He used to take walks around that lake, contemplating on the musings he had throughout the day. A great many of them daydreams which he had quashed only to caress the golden reminder around his finger with his thumb. 

As he sat on his uncomfortable bed, he looked at window and barely caught a single ray of the sun peeking through the overcast skies. Morning’s light. He lowered his gaze to look at the golden ring around his finger, gently sliding the strangely cold piece of metal. But he never took it off. The ring just stayed on. 

Ren stood up, dragged himself across the room, checking the time on the wall clock, even though he knew the time would be sometime before ten in the morning. Sure enough, it was indeed a quarter till the hour. He pulled out a button-down shirt which didn’t seem very wrinkled and smelled somewhat clean and pair of pants to wear.  

After he put them on, he walked over to the bathroom across the hall and checked on his appearance. Stray strands of his blond hair stood every which way. With some water and his hands, he attempted to tame the wild hairs. Rather than fight with it, he accepted the few raised hairs and hoped no one would ridicule him or even care. 

Mundane as everything seemed, he had grown used to the sounds of people shouting and automobiles driving up and down the roads. No one knew him. He simply existed as another face in the city, not the widower who lived alone by the lake.  

He entered the jeweler’s, greeted by the owner, Mr. Price, a tall, thin man always well-kempt, from his mustache to the very buttons on his waistcoat. Though he knew his pieces stood no chance with the big names of the city, he still prided himself in his appearance and keeping things neat and tidy.  

“Mr. Walker,” called Mr. Price, who stopped wiping the glass case of his small collection, “you were due to be here by nine o’clock sharp! It’s nearly midday! And have some dignity, showing yourself like that. Why hasn’t your wife ironed your clothes properly?” 

A shadow of smile appeared on his face. “Said upon deaf ears, I suppose, sir,” he responded as he made his way to the back room, head lowered, hoping his employer wouldn’t see through his deceit. 

“Then maybe you should show her if she has the sight!” he bellowed from the front. 

“I will keep that in mind, sir.” 

He continued to work on the last piece of jewelry, a beautiful golden centerpiece necklace from an elderly woman, which she had planned to give to her granddaughter for her wedding. It was a simple fix but he had decided to take his time on it. Making sure to clean and polish the piece, restoring its brilliance.  

He fixed these pieces on daily, ignoring the squabbles of the husbands treating their wives or young gentlemen looking for something either a gift or even an apology for their misbehavior. Daily squabbles. But he remembered when he used to be the one who did something similar. When he had stood at the glass case to choose the right piece for his special someone. That special someone.  

A shiver came over him and then he heard a deep voice call out from the front. He never came out to the front as Mr. Price had focused on the business and charm; whereas he hid in the back from the rest of the world, working behind the scenes. Not sure what else to do, he peeked through the doorway to see a tall man with a broad build stood by the glass case, but wasn’t looking at any of the pieces. His black hair had been slicked with the sides, sprinkled with some snow, freshly trimmed. Though a shadow covered his square jaw. The shoulders of this man seemed to be at least Ren’s arm's length outstretched. His hardened gaze focused upon him but didn’t say anything.  

Ren just stared back at the dark brown eyes, almost appearing black, wordlessly telling him to come out from where he always hid and to approach him.  He didn’t know why but he obliged his unspoken command and just stepped in the main room. After wiping his hands on the apron and taking of his spectacles, he stood a little straighter, trying to remember the greeting Mr. Price always used on potential clients. 

“G-good afternoon, sir, and welcome to Sir Price’s Regalia, the--” 

He raised a meaty hand, which appeared to be the size of his face and Ren closed his mouth in response. “I’m not here to buy anything,” he spoke, his voice even deeper and gruff. “You must be the shopkeeper’s bench jeweler.” 

Ren blinked, a lump in his throat kept him from speaking, but still tried to muster the courage to speak. “Er, yes, that is me,” he blurted, knowing how idiotic he sounded. “I mean, yes. I repair the broken pieces brought by customers and restore them. Mr. Price isn’t here though to assist...” 

The gentleman took one giant step toward him. His stature towered over Ren by a head though built like brick house in comparison to, what his father used to say, his runner’s body. He reached into his coat, a holstered gun peeked through, making him nervous but tried keep himself from screaming or even making the attempt to escape. The brawny man placed a silver pocket watch on the counter between them. “I need this repaired,” he said simply.  

A nervous smile broke on his face, trying to read the man. Only found that permanent stern expression chiseled on his square face. With a single exhale, he took the silver pocket to examine it. The watch had been around, a dent to the body and even a scratch. Its chain had a bent link, possibly from getting caught on something. When he opened it, he was sad to see the watch had stopped at seven minutes passed twelve. He didn’t know what else to do except wind the pocket watch. Once he would it, he waited for it to tick away. Nothing.  

“Can you fix it?” 

“You will have to leave it here.” 

“How long do you need it for?” 

Ren clenched his teeth, unfamiliar with fixing pocket watches. He had only been doing simple repairs and restorations. Having to take apart a pocket watch and making sure each piece has been delicately placed back inside after fixing the issue. “It would take some time and won’t be ready until tomorrow morning,” he informed the gentleman.  

“I will come by tomorrow, midday.” 

And with that, the gentleman set off, leaving the pocket watch in his possession.  

He didn’t know what else to do except work on fixing this pocket watch for this gentleman. 

 Ren couldn’t disappoint this man nor did he want to find out what happened to those who failed on these tasks. The image of the gun’s hilt flashed in his head, acting as motivation to proceed with the repair. He took out the tools needed and got to work. Doing this seemed a little foreign to him. He ran a finger on the silver casing of the watch, smooth and still warm from being in the man’s jacket pocket. As he traced his finger on the scratch for a moment, he heard the bell of the door and shuddered out of fright. He pocketed the watch and turned to see Mr. Price appear at the doorway. 

Mr. Price gave a once over in the work room and tutted. “I bought you a sandwich from that one place you like in Ferry Street,” he said as he handed him the wrapped paper. “I saw Miss Elizabeth Rollins there again. She asked about you. I don’t know why she even bothers. Stupid girl. Barely eighteen. Knows nothing of the world.” 

A week ago, he did let it slip the ring was merely a farce in many ways. He didn’t know what he was thinking and avoided the place altogether as the place was next to the dressmaker’s shop she worked and her mother owned. Went as far as changing his commute just to avoid seeing and having to explain.  

“Thank you, sir.” 

“Eat up and finish whatever you’re doing. Make sure you’re out by six this evening. I don’t you staying here too late.” 

After his lunch, he went straight to working on the pocket watch. He carefully popped off the hands of the watch with the remover, setting them aside. He opened the back of the case and used his tiny screwdriver to take the case’s screws off. As he disassembled the watch, he carefully mapped each piece and noted how it was placed. Hour wheel, minute, canon pin, rachet wheel, balance cock and bridge. He just continued to map each piece, remembering a conversation with his uncle about watch repair. It was a remarkable watch and found the problem with a bent piece which was easily replaceable.  

Fortunate for him, he had several spare pieces for pocket watches in a different drawer across the room. It was then he realized how dark everything appeared. He checked the clock sitting counter by a box of goods which had been delivered to us by mistake. The clock read half passed seven.  

The problem had already been fixed and just needed to be reassembled. Instead of completing the task at this moment, he felt brave enough to chance the meeting with this gentleman having not reassembled on time. He grabbed his cap and turned out all of the lights. Very rare did Mr. Price let him leave last. He took that as a compliment. 

The very next day, he had woken up early and the day was just as overcast as the previous one. He had gotten ready for work, barely doing battle with his hair. Once he arrived to the jeweler’s, Mr. Price had to do a doubletake and remarked, “You’re very early, Lawrence.” 

It was the first time in quite awhile since he heard his name spoken aloud, especially from the man who shared the same parentage as his mother.  

He didn’t waste any more time and proceeded to put the watch together.  

To his own surprise, he had expected the gentleman to arrive, barreling through the door of the shop and demanding the watch to be returned to his possession. Midday came and no one came. By that time, the watched simply sat on top of an empty jewelry box. The day went on without his special appearance. No demands for the watch. Not even someone randomly pounding on the door or destroying the windows. It seemed farfetched to him, especially with his resolve in his voice.  

After locking up the shop, he made his trek back through the streets. He knew to avoid Ferry Street by the marina but needed to take cut through Bridgewater Street to get to his apartment instead which was another couple of streets over to loop around. He placed his hands in his pockets, feeling a cool breeze pick up, unusual for a summer evening. Part of him hoped Mr. Price wouldn’t find out he had stayed at the shop so late. 

When he turned the corner, he had seen an awful accident which kept him from taking the necessary street. People were gawking and whispering while those involved with the accident shouted at each other. In the crowd, he could none other than Miss Elizabeth. He quickened his pace to head to the next street and try to loop around at the end.  

His heart had raced, hoping she hadn’t seen him and figured out his route. He didn’t want to talk to her and explain. Talking about it or even thinking about that sent a chill down his spine and made his fingers feel cold. He thumbed at the golden reminded again, almost to soothe the painful reminder. 

As he hurried down this new street, he tried to avoid any unusual vagrants. It took him a moment to realize that he hadn’t gone this far from his usual route. Only kept to his normal route and the grocery store wasn’t too far. He did remember a bar called Wingman. Freddy Eaton, his downstairs neighbor, had told him a few seedy folks would come in and out of that bar and to avoid it all together.  

Not wanting to see or even experience trouble, he predominantly kept his head down and doubled his pace. The air smelled of rain which concerned him. Instead walking all the way down, he decided to cut through one of the alleys and hoped it would shorten his trek. He didn’t want to think about the rain pouring down upon him.  

Instead of simply walking at a fast pace, he realized his own feet had risen above the ground to a run. He ran quickly through the darkness of the alleyway, jumping over pieces of trash and even a sleeping beggar. The freedom of running. Feeling the air brush against his face and his lung breathing sharply. His heart pounding. The thrill of simply running.  

After he crossed the street without being hit by a single vehicle into the next, he slowed his pace to a stop. He watched an individual hunched over another man by a dumpster. His heart pounded against his chest, his breathing stifled. He knew he didn’t want to get involved. Before he could turn around and double, a cool drop of water fell on top of his head causing him to yelp.  

The individual standing over the man stood up straight and focused their gaze upon Ren. Only the light from the streetlight at the end giving off a faint glow.  

Something about this person had prevented him from retreating. He didn’t what else to do. The only thing he could think of was lessons of boxing with his father at fourteen when he received a black eye from Bobby Jameson. He raised his fists, ready to defend himself, until a darker whacked them with a wooden plank and sending them collapsing off to the side.  

Now standing in front of him was the gentleman from yesterday. He couldn’t believe it at first. His expression had the utmost clarity for just that moment until it dissolved. Slipping under his thick arm, the smell of body odor, cigaratte smoke and alcohol nearly knocked him out as it engulfed him. He tried his best to guide the wobbly-legged brawny gentleman. Not knowing what else to do, he decided to guide him back to his apartment. As they walked, the gentleman muttered unintelligible words to which Ren didn’t respond to nor did he even consider entertaining it. The heavy cloud of smoke and alcohol did remind him of the days his father indulged in those vices. His mother didn’t do or say anything about it.  

Once they crossed the street, the heavens heeded his concerns and began to downpour upon them. He grew agitated by the whole situation. The journey up the stairs to his unit was cumbersome but somehow managed to get up. Though they did have several breaks in between each step with Ren practically dragging the brawny man up.  

Finally, inside of his house, he closed the door and tried to guide the gentleman to a dining chair. In his stupor, the gentleman’s legs finally gave out and stumbled forward. His own hand had been grasping at one of Ren’s suspenders, pulling him with him. Half of him landed on the sofa and the rest of him was on the floor. 

Ren struggled to unlatch his suspender tried to pull it out of his meaty hand. It took several moments until he actually freed himself. After turning on the lights, he pulled off his wet shirt, ignored the sound that came next, and hung it on a chair. He slipped into a sleeveless tank top and a dry pair of pants in his bedroom. After pulled extra blankets and a towel from the closet, he returned to find the gentleman just sprawled on the couch, mouth agape, snoring loudly.  

Seeing the gentleman, though everything else about the situation seemed atrocious, he couldn’t help seeing some sense of peace, like he hadn’t relaxed. He recalled the exhaustion of his eyes and the sluggish movements.  

Not wanting to get a cold under his care, he approached the man and gulped. Unbuttoning and taking off the shirt proved some difficulty especially with an unwilling and unhelpful participant. Once he threw the shirt off to the side, he hesitantly touched the man’s thick thigh to check if the pants were drenched at all, as he didn’t feel like pulling off another man’s pants without permission. To his surprise, the pants didn’t feel wet at all. Though his pants did appear to be torn on some parts. 

Ren looked at the man again, whose snoring had lowered to very deep breathing though his straight nose. He didn’t know why but he admired him. Body a cross between muscular with some body fat. His bicep nearly crushed his head a few times.  

The urge to push back a few strands of the man’s dark hair. Almost possessed, he began reaching his hand until the man snatched his wrist and pulled him in so their noses were practically touching. Ren practically laid on top of the man, his face getting flushed. His eyes stared back into the dark eyes of the gentleman.  

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he asked slurring his words a little. 

Words had escaped him at that moment. He couldn’t think of anything other than what had occurred in the last couple of minutes. Though his mouth remained agape, only sounds came out without being intelligible. Then he felt it. A heartbeat. He heard his own in his ears, but this one was out sync and felt outside his ribcage. “I’m just trying to help,” he mustered out. “You were being attacked and I... I couldn’t just leave you.” 

The gentleman released his grip and then slumped back on the couch again. After Ren pushed himself off of the man, he watched him sit up on the couch.  

“I’m Ethan by the way, so what happened?” he asked aloud.  

Still flustered from having been so close to this man, having felt his body heat, heartbeat, and strength. He recalled this feeling before a few times, but only acted upon it once on that day. He had to leave because of the shame and humiliation. This was the first time he ran without looking back. 

The gentleman stood up, knees shaky under his weight and still under the influence, and approached Ren. He grabbed him by his arms. “Hey, are you okay?” he asked, his voice expressing genuine concern. “Are you hurt? Say something.” 

Despite feeling cold, not from still being wet, Ren felt the heat radiating from the man’s hands. He wanted to push himself against him and feel his warmth against his body. Something told him to stand on his tiptoes and make his lips meet Ethan’s lips. Feel his warm inside. Melting away the feelings of shame and disgust. The regrets.  

To be touched by such warmth. 

Feel his heart beat again. 

“What are you doing?” 

Ren couldn’t stop himself. “Please,” he whispered softly, placing his hands on his firm chest, “I just...” 

“You... I...,” Ethan barely mustered. 

#Spilled ink #short story #lgbt #Story

[ot5bymy1dheart]

Chapter 2 : Twin Rings

“Ok what’s next Bro?”

“All done” replied Louis.

“I guess we missed frozen beef” remained Zayn.

Louis told that he will fetch it so Zayn can go to the counter for billing. He was nervous as he didn’t know how to bring it up to Zayn, he wanted to but he has no idea how. He exhaled sharply thinking he has to improvise on the way. After billing they walked to the parking lot. Louis took his seat behind the wheels and started the car. He decided to bring up a conversation on Zayn’s art works to distract him from noticing the different route. Sadly, Zayn did.

“Lou you missed the turning now it’s an extra half an hour journey” stated Zayn.

“Oh Sorry, I forgot” replied Louis nonchalantly.

Zayn gave a questioning look and shook his head when Louis avoided reacting back.

“Music?” asked Zayn.

But Louis said nothing and remained silent. His head was pre occupied with the thoughts of proposal and he was stressed about telling Zayn. Zayn turned on the music anyway. And Jason Derulo’s ‘Marry Me’ was already playing.

“And if I lost everything In my heart it means nothing 'Cause I have you, girl I have you So get right down on bended knee Nothing else would ever be Better, better The day when I say

I'll say will you marry me I swear that I will mean it I'll say will you marry me

I'll say will you marry me I swear that I will mean it I'll say will you marry me

Ooh whoa ooh oh Ooh whoa ooh oh Ooh whoa ooh oh

Would you marry me baby?”

Zayn was enjoying the song but Louis wasn’t.

“Only if it was this easy” Louis breathed.

Zayn was done with Louis weird behaviour. He wanted to know what the hell was going inside Louis’ head. He turned to ask “Bro what’s-” but was cut by Louis saying, “We are here”.

Zayn looked out the window to see they were in front of “London Diamonds”. He beamed in happiness. Everyone knows how much Zayn is found of accessories. He hugged Louis by the side and said “Aw, you guys are finally getting me a wedding gift.”

Louis raised a brow and replied “Dude, we got you guys honeymoon tickets for a fishing trip to Iceland and your marriage was a year ago.”

Zayn withdrew himself from the hug with a long face.

Louis continued, “This is something different Zee and I have been meaning to tell you for a while now” he finished with his voice dropping into a low tone.

Zayn turned to face Louis to find his friend sitting tensed and nervously fidgeting the hem of his shirt.

“Lou? Babe, what’s going on?” Zayn asked being concerned if anything was bothering his friend.

Louis took a moment to collect his breath and said, “I am going to ask Harry to marry me”. He forced the words out of his mouth ‘cause telling Zayn is a step forward and there will be no backing from there. He knows Zayn will be by his side all the time and give him the strength to take the other steps. It scared him a bit but also made him happy. He felt like a weight as been lifted of his shoulders.

“Oh My God!”

“Yeah” replied Louis with a weak smile.

“This means I get to wear my best tuxedo again” Zayn gleamed.

“Yes- wait what? Bro big picture please” stated Louis.

“Sorry babe, I got carried away a little bit” said Zayn with a goofy smile on his face. “Who else did you tell the big news?” continued Zayn eagerly.

“Just the best man” smiled Louis with a look telling Zayn that’s him.

“Just like the 5th grade” laughed Zayn.

Louis laughed too he felt relieved and happy. Zayn knows how to lift the pressure off him and make him feel better. He can picture Zayn standing next to him during the wedding. Louis smiled widely and pulled Zayn into a tight hug. Zayn was not expecting a hug as they were still in the car but hugged back his best friend.

They got out of the car and walked into the shop.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen. How may I help you?” asked a man gently from behind the counter.

Louis was little nervous but when he felt Zayn placing his hand on his back he felt better, “We would like to see engagement rings, please” he requested.

The jeweller gave them a warm smile and led them to the ring section on the other side of counter. He selected few rings from the showcase and presented it to them. Zayn got interested in them and was questioning about their features and price. But Louis didn’t feel the attraction to any of them. His eyes wandered over them but soon lost interest. He started to look around to find something catchy, something which expresses his feelings. Every single piece of jewellery in the shop was fine and splendid but still none had the special bond he was looking for. He felt he will know the one when he sees one. Then something bright green did catch his eyes, he looked in the direction to see a ring displayed in an unusual way. It was worn by a glass hand which was safely kept in the showcase for view. Louis bends over the case to take a closer look at this ring. It was the one but he didn’t find any gem on it. He was sure something emerald like swift past his eyes.

He turned to find the jeweller being pre occupied by Zayn who was trying on a rose gold bracelet.

“Dude” called out Louis with his brows raised.

“Don’t they go with my tone?” asked Zayn almost showing all his teeth.

“Yeah they do and if you let the kind man help, me I will get them for your birthday.”

“That’s all you have to do” laughed Zayn.

Louis asked whether he can see the ring which caught his eyes.

The jeweller removed the ring out and handed it to Louis. Louis observed it carefully. The ring was different, it was a simple platinum band but inside it bore a small green gem. Louis has never seen a ring with a stone inside but he felt that it meant something special. And for him that something special was Harry.

The jeweller patiently waited for Louis to examine the ring and said “This ring is from the 1920’s. It’s a unique and rare design. Only two were made. The stone symbolises the undying love of two souls. The one you are holding in your hand is Verte and its twin is Bleu”.

“There are two of them!?” asked Zayn. He continued “Aw man, now I want to see the other one too” said Zayn sadly.

“That’s kind of not possible sir. The ring was sold from this very shop in the 60’s. It was mere luck that we had them both together then. Even if it’s possible to track it down no one will let go of an extraordinaire ring like this. It must probably run in their family by now” answered the jeweller gently.

“No problem, even if I see the other ring nothing is match to this. I would like this one to go, please” said Louis with a bright face. Something tells him this ring is perfect and fits right in. Every time the emerald twinkles he sees Harry’s eyes shine in front of him. Thinking of Harry, he turned to Zayn with a goofy smile and pink cheeks.

“You look like you just had your first kiss” laughed Zayn.

Louis laughed with Zayn and turned to the man, “Thank you for your kind service and also for putting up with my idiot friend” teased Louis.

“What do you know? I am a delight” Zayn sassed back.

Louis paid and they left. They whole way back they joked about random things. Louis felt good having his mind taken off the proposal. He still has to plan many things and also have to be careful so that Harry won’t get any doubts. But now all he needed was a good laugh and Zayn made sure he had it.

It was almost 5:30 when they reached back. Niall had arrived from his game and was helping Harry and Liam with the arrangements. Before getting out of the car Louis made Zayn promise not to tell about the proposal or the ring to anyone, not even Liam.

“Now I have to get him something for lying?” sighed Zayn.

“Technically it’s not lying. You just didn’t talk about it” stated Louis.

“That’s not how it works, but whatever you owe me again” pointed Zayn.

“That’s in the past, babe” laughed Louis. He added “So what’s it going to be? Liam likes roses, right? Or maybe a puppy? How about a pendent?”

“How about you paying?” teased Zayn.

They both laughed and went in to unpack the items bought. They took the needed things out and settled them on the patio furniture. Harry and Liam walked to their partners and greeted them with a kiss. They had a beautiful evening. The time spent was amazing. Subtle eye contacts were made between the future grooms and their respective best men but the secrets were left to be secrets, as promised.

.....

Chapter 1 : Care For A Barbeque? Maybe Even A Secret?

Chapter 3: Captain Aboard

#Louis #louis tomilson #Zayn #zayn malik #zouis #my zouis heart #zouis supremacy #Larry #larry stylinson #Larrymirroringeachother #twinflame #larrytwinflames #bluegreen #ziam #Niall #Nervouslouis #louis loves harry #harry loves louis #louis william tomlinson #harry #harry styles #harry edward styles #louis x harry #one direction #1dfanfiction #1d #one direction fanfiction #LARRY IS REAL #larry fanfiction #larry af

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Peitho (Kingdom of Ichor)

Nicknames- Teacher's Pet by The Graces

Sweet Lips by Hermes

Pinky by Ares

The Charmer of Hearts by the people of Olympius

Age- 17 (immortal)

Location- Chant du Cygne, New Olympus

Personality- Peitho is very sweet, flirtatious, charming, and is the master in the art of persuasion- sexual & political. She's known to be charming and manipulative when she's doing business, Aphrodite's bidding, or getting what she wants. Peitho is very sure of herself & her sexuality.

She has the standard abilities of a goddess- except shapeshifting. Being the goddess of persuasion & sensuality, her powers/abilities include limited amokinesis, inducing people to change their opinions, & she can (albeit not powerfully) manipulate some powers of the others in the pantheon.

Her mother is Dimósia (goddess of debate). Their relationship has always been a bit contentious, but they still love each other. She has an uncle named Neicus (god of debate & appeal) that she's not that close with.

Peitho lives in a fashionable condo in the Chant du Cygne neighborhood of New Olympus. It's wall-to-wall cream carpet with gold trim and is painted in shades of pink, red, white, and gold. She mostly gets around in her blush pink truck, but she also owns a hot pink sports car. Peitho has a pet white poodle- a girl named Fleur. 

Despite her moniker as "charmer of hearts", Peitho's been in close personal contact with one guy- Hermes. It started as a hookup after he broke up with his girlfriend Carmentis. Their physical relationship stopped when he started up a relationship with Chione (goddess of snow) & restarted when the two broke up. She secretly wants her relationship with him to be more serious.

She's also secretly jealous of The Graces' relationship with Aphrodite (goddess of love & beauty) and looks for ways to one-up and embarrass them. To show her thanks to Aphrodite, Peitho gave her a platinum choker necklace that was made with diamonds, pearls, and aquamarines.

Peitho's go-to drink is a frozen pink panty (a drink made with pink lemonade, gin, ice cream, & frozen strawberries). She also likes martinis, strawberry soda, cosmopolitans, & pink fruit cocktails (a drink made with tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, triple sec, lemon-lime soda, and angostura). Her usuals from The Roasted Bean is a medium caramel latte & a large fruit punch splash.

After receiving a start-up loan from Aphrodite, She has her own fashion empire, her brand Persuasions is very successful- being number four in popularity by the female population in Olympius after Aphrodite, The Graces, and Hera (goddess of women & marriage). She eventually wants her brand to expand into cosmetics, fragrances, & jewelry. For other work, Peitho also models for La Petit Amour, Swimsilk, Bow + Arrow, Paloma, and she's a frequent writer for Aphrodite's magazine Kythereia as well as writing for Glamgerous.

Some of Peitho's favorite beauty products include the La Petit Amour plumping lip oil in "Exposed," a shimmery champagne pink color, the Olmorfia gel powder in "Peach Quartz", the Glory's Crown melonberry line of products, & La Petit Amour pearl candy fragrance spray.

Even though she views Aphrodite as her "mega BFF", Peitho is also friends with Hemera (goddess of the day), Eos (Titaness of dawn), Apollo (god of the sun, music, poetry, healing, medicine, archery, plague, light, & knowledge), Phaenna (goddess of jewels), Ditus (god of bisexuality, effeminacy, & fertility), Himeros (god of impetuous love), Philyra (goddess of perfume, paper, & beauty), Zephyrus (god of the west wind), Panacea (goddess of universal remedy), Hymenaeus (Naeus) (god of weddings), Aoide (goddess of voice & song), Pandaisia (Sia) (goddess of banquets), Cleta (goddess of whispers), Pannychis (Chi) (goddess of nightlife festivities), Ailuros (goddess of cats & warfare), Polyhymnia (muse of hymns), and Erato (muse of love poetry). She's also good friends with Paregoros (Rae) (goddess of soothing words) & Móda (goddess of fashion). Peitho views Hedylogos (god of sweet talk & flattery) as a little brother. She was mentored by Philotes (goddess of sex, friendship, & affection).

Her favorite meal is the coq au vin, coquilles saint-jacques, and a soupe a' l'signon- washing it down with a glass of rosé wine.

The only thing she can cook successfully is something called pink macaroni- which is macaroni layered with ketchup, mayo, and cream cheese. She got the recipe from Dione.

Her favorite desserts from Hollyhock's Bakery are the strawberry cheesecake macarons as well as a slice of strawberry shortcake. She also enjoys getting a pound of sparkling rosé flavored gummy bears from The Luxe!

She even got her own glamour doll collectibles!

In her free time, Peitho likes to work on her designs, do yoga, visit art galleries and museums, and most of all- shopping. She & Aphrodite cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Mall of Olympius shopping center. They spent over ten million drachmas!

"You can convince someone of anything- with a smile and a push up bra."

#my oc #peitho #my oc character #my character #oc character #oc intro #character intro #oc introduction #character introduction #modern greek gods #modern greek mythology #greek myth retellings #greek goddess #greek goddesses #greek mythology #greek pantheon

[cmrjewellery]

What is the culture of jewellery in India?

India, with its diverse cultural tapestry, boasts a jewellery tradition as vibrant and varied as its people. From elaborate wedding jewellery for brides to exquisite regional pieces, Indian jewellery is a reflection of the country's rich heritage. Let's take a closer look at the culture of jewellery in India.

Traditional Roots: A Glimpse into India's Past

Indian jewellery traditions trace their roots back to ancient civilisations. These jewels weren't just adornments; they were symbols of status, protection, and cultural identity. Every region in India has its distinct jewellery styles, making it a treasure trove of design diversity.

Wedding Jewellery for Brides: A Grand Affair

Keywords: wedding jewellery for bride, south Indian wedding jewellery set

Indian weddings are grand affairs, celebrated with much pomp and splendour. The bride takes centre stage, adorned in resplendent wedding jewellery. This includes intricate necklaces, elaborate earrings, ornate bangles, and even elaborate waistbands. South Indian wedding jewellery sets, in particular, are renowned for their opulence, featuring exquisite temple designs and rich use of gold and precious gemstones.

Symbolism in Jewellery: More Than Meets the Eye

Indian jewellery goes beyond aesthetics; it's laden with symbolism. For example, the Mangalsutra, a sacred necklace, symbolises marital status and commitment. The toe ring, worn by married women, is believed to have health benefits. These pieces aren't just accessories; they carry the weight of traditions and cultural beliefs.

Regional Diversity: A Jewellery Kaleidoscope

India's cultural diversity is mirrored in its jewellery. From the Kundan and Meenakari work of Rajasthan to the temple jewellery of South India, each region contributes its unique style to the tapestry of Indian jewellery. The intricate filigree work of Odisha, the lacquer jewellery of West Bengal, and the tribal jewellery of the northeastern states showcase the nation's diversity.

Craftsmanship Beyond Compare: The Artisans

Behind every stunning piece of Indian jewellery are skilled artisans who have honed their craft for generations. These craftsmen painstakingly create each piece, paying meticulous attention to detail. It's a testament to the artistry and dedication that goes into crafting Indian jewellery.

Evolution in Modern Times: Fusion and Contemporary Styles

Indian jewellery isn't frozen in time; it evolves with the times. Today, we see a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. Lightweight designs suitable for everyday wear are gaining popularity, alongside bold statement pieces fit for special occasions. Jewellery designers are pushing boundaries, experimenting with materials, and creating pieces that appeal to modern sensibilities.

Preserving Heritage: A Cultural Responsibility

Preserving the legacy of Indian jewellery is not just about aesthetics; it's about safeguarding cultural heritage. Institutions and artisans are working tirelessly to ensure traditional craftsmanship thrives while adapting to changing tastes. Government recognition and support have also helped in the preservation of this invaluable heritage.

In conclusion, the culture of jewellery in India is a kaleidoscope of traditions, symbolism, and craftsmanship. Whether it's the grandeur of wedding jewellery or the everyday elegance of regional designs, Indian jewellery continues to capture hearts and minds worldwide. It's a testament to the enduring legacy and timeless beauty of this cultural treasure.fv

#cmrjewellery #goldbracelets #goldbraceletsforladies #goldearrings #goldbracelet #bracelets #gold chains #gold jewellery designs #gold jewelry #gold chain

[apreciousheart]

✨My love had been frozen Deep blue, but you painted me golden💙💫 #diamond #gold #jewelry #diamonds #jewellery #ring #fashion #diamondring #love #luxury #necklace #silver #k #rings #earrings #wedding #jewelrydesigner #engagementring #jewels #finejewelry #style #bracelet #jewelrydesign #emerald #jewelryaddict #berlian #handmade #cincinberlian #accessories #weddingring (at Beamish Hall) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfoTqRbjDYD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#diamond #gold #jewelry #diamonds #jewellery #ring #fashion #diamondring #love #luxury #necklace #silver #k #rings #earrings #wedding #jewelrydesigner #engagementring #jewels #finejewelry #style #bracelet #jewelrydesign #emerald #jewelryaddict #berlian #handmade #cincinberlian #accessories #weddingring

[hookedonapirate]

A Helping Hand

Summary: My girlfriend just dumped me and I’ve gotten piss drunk and somehow managed to get into your apartment instead of my own. I’m trying to masturbate my feelings away and boy were you surprised. Based on a Tumblr prompt that spiraled out of control.

A/N: Here it is, the last chapter before the epilogue! I'm so sad to finish this story and still completely baffled by the reception this story has had, but I am so grateful. Thank you all so much!

A huge thank you goes to @ilovemesomekillianjones​ for not only beta reading so quickly, but for putting up with all my typos. She is truly the best! Thank you for @onceuponaprincessworld​ because without her I probably would not have finished this fic. I also want to thank the Anon who had sent me this prompt in the first place; without her, this fic would not exist. And thank you for the lovely pm you sent me a while back to let me know who you are so I could thank you properly! This was supposed to be a one-shot and turned into so much more than either of us had ever imagined. I would also like to thank @daeneryskairipa​ for the gorgeous gif set she made for this story as my 2017 CS Secret Santa. If you haven’t seen it, check out the link below! 

AHH Graphic 

Rated: Mature for sex and salty language.

Also available: AO3 I FF.N

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 9 Ch 10 Ch 11 Ch 12 Ch 13 Ch 14 Ch 15 Ch 16 Ch 17 Ch 18 Ch 19

Chapter 20: Happy Beginnings

After breakfast, the group split up for the day. Emma and Mary Margaret had planned for the ladies to spend the day along the Royal Mile, the heart of Edinburgh, for Elsa’s bachelor party. The bridesmaids gave her a sash that said Mrs. Captain Jones on the front, and she giggled when she saw it, and put it on before they left. They began at an extinct volcano and continued down a slope that was formed by the retreat of an ice age millions of years ago and was now the main street of the adjoining burghs of Edinburgh and Canongate. They visited a few of the significant landmarks, including the Edinburgh Castle, a world-famous attraction, and the Scottish Parliament for a tour of the building and its art collection, and to see parliament in debate. They had lunch in one of the restaurants down the Royal Mile and visited a few museums and shops, all while enjoying beautiful views across the city to the Firth of Forth, the estuary of several Scottish rivers.

 Meanwhile, the men, including Leo, spent the afternoon competing in mini highland games. The group reconvened at the Lighthouse Hotel for the rehearsal dinner and afterward, Liam and Elsa said their goodbyes for the night with parting kisses, both of them giddy with excitement for the big day tomorrow. The ladies threw Elsa a small party in the hotel suite where the bridesmaids were wearing matching royal blue robes with their title for the wedding in pink letters on the back, and they drank wine and showered the bride with gifts and played some silly games.

 The wedding day finally dawned, bringing a pandemonium of excitement through the hotel, and also a few minor hiccups along the way. But it was nothing a cool-headed bride, an over-exuberant wedding planner and eager to please groom could not handle, even if he were a bit of groomzilla. The soon to be married couple complemented each other, and usually, Elsa was the one talking Liam down or putting him in his place. He was the worry wart and she was the levelheaded of the two, the one who always had a way of calming him down to a normal, human level. However, even Elsa had a breaking point.

 Emma ran frantically through the hall in her high heels and royal blue maid of honor dress, holding up the fabric so it didn't drag along the floor as she headed for the groom's suite, bursting through the door with one hand covering her eyes. She scrambled into the room shouting, “Where’s Mary Margaret?” while trying to catch her breath.

 Liam and his groomsmen were startled, grumbling in complaint from the female intrusion. “Bloody hell, Emma, don’t you know how to knock?” Liam asked curtly.

 Emma scoffed. “You're one to talk. You wouldn’t know how to knock if there was a sign on the door that had instructions on how to knock.” When she thought it was safe to do so, she peeked through a narrow slit between her fingers to see that everyone was decent - Liam was buttoning up his shirt and David tying the bow of Leo’s tux—and removed her hand.

 “Aunt Em Em!” Leo shouted and ran over to Emma jumping into her arms as she scooped him up. “Hey, kiddo.” She gave her nephew a small smile and a peck on the cheek, but she knew she still looked anxious; she was afraid her friend would have a nervous breakdown before the wedding.

 Killian was buttoning up his vest as he approached her, and of course, he looked adorable and handsome as always, with his black tux and blue vest that matched his mesmerizing eyes, his hair a bit untidy from running his hand through it over and over. And of course he was not opposed to her presence in the dressing room, but his smile fell when he saw the frantic look on her face. “What’s wrong, love?”

 “There’s a wedding dress emergency,” Emma replied, setting Leo down. He was growing like a weed and getting heavy; soon he’d be too big for Emma to carry. “The zipper broke, so Elsa can’t zip up her dress at all, and she’s freaking out, afraid she’s going to have to walk down the aisle with her butt hanging out.” As she looked around the room, she could see the little smirk on Liam’s face; he was not opposed to the idea. “We need Mary Margaret, she will know what to do.”

 “I’m not sure where she is, did you check our room?” David asked her.

 "Yes, but she's not there." Emma let out an exasperated sigh. “Great, the wedding dress is defective, the bride’s a wreck and the wedding planner’s missing, what else could possibly go wrong? Not even her own sister can calm her down.” Emma placed her fingertips to her temple, rubbing them slowly to ease the headache blooming over her.

 “Hey,” Killian murmured in a soothing tone as he came behind her and kissed the tip of her ear, massaging her shoulder with his one good hand, switching from one side to the other. Emma melted into his touch, able to calm down a bit. “Relax, we’ll find Mary Margaret, I’m sure she has a sewing kit.”

 Emma shot David a questioning glance.

 “Knowing my wife, she’s fully prepared for situations like this.” He extended his hand to his son. “Come on, Leo, let’s find your mother.” Leo took his hand and they headed for the door.

 “Thank you,” Emma said appreciatively.

 “Don’t worry, we’ll find her.” He flashed her a reassuring smile, somehow easing her nerves a bit, and left the room.

 Emma's back slumped into Killian's chest as he wrapped his arms around her, reveling in the warmth he offered. Killian always knew how to calm her down, and right now the whole atmosphere of the wedding needed calmness.

 “Come on, Killian, you can help me calm the bride down.” She took his hand and headed for the door.

 “Oi, what about me?” Liam asked with a frown. “I am the groom.”

 “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” Emma told him and pulled Killian out of the room.

 “But, love, if her own sister can’t calm her then what makes you think I can?” Killian asked in confusion.

 Emma paused and turned around, cupping one of his cheeks in the hand which was not entwined with his. “Because, baby, you may only have one hand, but it works wonders.”

 Killian didn’t bother to argue any further as he flashed a smug grin and allowed Emma to lead him to the bridal suite.

 When they rushed through the door, Elsa was still in panic mode as she sat in her chair while Anna’s arm was around her sister’s shoulder as she planted a kiss to her temple, trying to calm her as Ruby applied Elsa’s makeup. Although, neither Ruby's nor Anna’s attempts were working very well. Elsa could not sit still and was squirming in her seat as Ruby sighed in frustration trying to hold her chin where she needed it in order to not fuck up her makeup.

 Elsa moved her head away, her makeup only partly done as she looked at Killian and Emma. “Did you find Mary Margaret?”

 “No, David went to look for her, but in the meantime, I brought the Best Man to help you relax.”

 Elsa arched a brow, not in the mood to smile. “As much as I like you, Killian, I don't like you that much.”

 Killian chuckled. “She didn’t mean it like that.” He went around and started massaging her shoulders.

 Elsa’s tense body seemed to melt at Killian’s touch. His hand was magic like that. “Oooh, that is very relaxing,” she murmured and closed her eyes. Elsa was able to relax enough to allow Ruby to continue with applying her makeup. She added some final touches before handing the bride a hand mirror so she could study her reflection.

 Elsa frowned, panic washing over her features. She had blood red lips and her face looked even paler than her normal complexion. “What did you do?"

 Ruby frowned in confusion. "What do you mean? I made you look like a Queen, just like you wanted."

 Elsa's eyes widened at her. "I said Ice Queen, not the White Queen!"

 Ruby’s face flashed with apology. “Oh, sorry, I just thought the dark lips was what you wanted.”

 “No, I wanted cool tones for my eyes and lips, like pale pinks and blues, not warm colors!” Elsa closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.

 “Alright, alright, I’ll redo it, it will be fine.” Ruby cleaned off Elsa’s makeup and retrieved some lighter colors from her cosmetic case.

 Elsa kept looking into the mirror to make sure Ruby was doing her makeup to her satisfaction, critiquing every step and blurting out comments like, “Too much blush," “Not enough eyeshadow," and "Why are you using that color? It's too dark."

 Ruby sighed and rolled her eyes. "Keep telling me how to do my job and I’ll make you look like a drag queen,” she warned with a sweet smile.

 “Did someone ask for a sewing kit?” Mary Margaret's voice pulled their attention as the cheerful Nolan woman entered the room with a bright smile.

 Elsa’s eyes widened when she saw the kit in her hands. “You have one?”

 “Well of course. What kind of Wedding Planner would I be if I didn’t have a sewing kit handy?”

 Elsa sighed in relief. “Thank you, you're a lifesaver.”

 Killian stepped away, letting Mary Margaret stand behind the bride as she stood up, allowing Mary Margaret to assess the damage as she pursed her lips together. She tinkered with the zipper a little before concluding, “Well the bad news is there’s nothing I can do about the zipper…”

 “And the good news?” Elsa asked impatiently in a panicked tone.

 “The good news is I can sew the dress together but it won’t be very easy to get out of. You’ll have to cut the thread to get the dress off.”

 Elsa sighed. “Fine, do what you need to do to so my ass isn’t hanging out of my dress when I walk down the aisle,” Elsa bit out in frustration.

 Emma took her friend's hand to soothe her. “Don’t worry, MM knows what she’s doing, just relax," she said in a calming tone as her hand soothed Elsa’s.

 Ruby snickered and everyone glanced at her, wondering what was so funny. "I’m sure getting out of the dress will be no problem for Elsa, Liam could just rip the dress off himself. He has strong hands."

 That remark earned a scowl from Elsa. "Talk about my groom's hands again and you won't have any,” she shot back.

 Ruby frowned. “At least spare one of my hands, I can still work with that.” She shot Killian a mischievous smirk. “Lord knows Killian has learned to work with what he’s got.”

 “Alright, enough of the offhanded comments,” Mary Margaret interjected, and the other women snickered.

 Killian groaned. “That's enough hand jokes, aye?” Then his frown turned into a smirk as he pulled Emma into his arms and kissed her cheek. “Besides, I don’t have to try very hard, do I, sweetheart?”

 Emma shook her head and blushed as a small laugh tumbled from her lips. “No, you don’t.”

 Ruby returned to her task of working on a grumpy Elsa’s makeup. “Just relax, Elsa, I don’t feel like losing my hands today. Besides, if I had no hands then who would do your makeup? Believe me, with your attitude, you're going to have a hard time finding anyone else.”

 Elsa closed her eyes in regret. ”I’m sorry, I’m just very tense, and normally Liam knows how to calm me down.”

 “Why don’t I get him for you, lass?” Killian offered.

 Elsa's eyes flipped open in surprise. “Yes, please,” she sighed in relief. “Thank you.”

 “No!” the other women all shouted at once.

 “It’s bad luck-”

 “Then cover his eyes with a blindfold, I don’t care, just bring him to me!” Elsa shouted, and no one bothered to argue with her. Very seldom, Elsa raised her voice. So when she did, everyone knew not to mess with her.

 “I’ll get him,” Emma offered and left the room in a flash to fetch the groom. She dashed into the men’s dressing room as Liam flashed her a questioning look. “Were you able to find Mary Margaret?”

 “Yeah, she’s going to sew Elsa into the dress.”

 Liam sighed in relief, and without any preamble, Emma undid his tie and started wrapping it around his head. He stepped back, putting his hands up in a defensive pose. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, what are you doing lass?”

 “Elsa asked for you,” Emma replied without any further explanation.

 Still, he allowed her to tie the fabric around his eyes. “I always knew you were kinky.”

 Emma rolled her eyes. “You have no idea,” she mumbled.

 “What?” he asked, dragging the blindfold from his eyes.

 She laughed. “The blindfold is supposed to affect your vision, not your hearing. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”

 “Well, can I at least see on the way to the bridal suite?”

 Emma sighed and grabbed his hand, pulling him out of the room. “Fine, but before we reach the door, it goes back on.”

 “Such a demanding thing, aren’t you?”

 Emma scoffed at that. “Again, the pot calling the kettle black,” she teased and rushed him to the Bridal Suite.

 Emma opened the door and peeked her head through. “The groom’s here, can you turn Elsa around, please?” She pulled the blindfold over Liam’s eyes and pulled him into the room when Elsa was facing away from them. Ruby pulled the train of Elsa’s dress to the side so Mary Margaret could have room to work on the back opening of the gown without worrying about stepping on the gorgeous skirts of Elsa’s dress.

 “Liam?” Elsa called to her groom.

 “I’m here, darling,” he said in a soothing tone as Emma led him to her.

 “Can someone hold the dress together?” Mary Margaret asked.

 “I’ll do it,” Liam replied quickly and Emma guided his hands to the material, and he held the opening of her dress closed while Mary Margaret sewed. With his finger and thumb securing the fabric together, he raised his other hand to Elsa’s lace covered shoulder and offered soft endearments to her. Elsa instantly relaxed and placed her hand on top of his.

 “Everything’s going to be alright, love,” he assured her, taking her hand in his. We are going to be married by the end of the day, and none of this is going to matter.”

 The women swooned as he continued to ease Elsa’s worries with his soft, encouraging words, and in no time Mary Margaret was finished with the dress.

 “There, all done.”

 Elsa visibly sighed in relief, as though a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders. “Thank you.”

 Mary Margaret moved out of the way with her supplies, and Liam wrapped his arms around his bride, planting a kiss to her shoulder blade.

 “I love you, Elsa.”

 “I love you, too.”

 It was a beautiful sight to behold as he held his bride in his arms, melting all of her fears and worries away.

 “Oh hell, let them see each other before the wedding,” Mary Margaret said. “We’ll give you two some privacy.” Emma agreed, and the bride and groom did not appear to be opposed, so Emma removed the blindfold.

 His eyes widened, a big smile taking over his lips as Elsa turned around, also flashing him a grin. She took his breath away as his eyes scanned her beautiful form. The dress was not the traditional white and instead was a pale blue, but she looked no less gorgeous in it.

 The others left to give them some privacy, and Mary Margaret went off to check on the current status of things, making sure everything was in order for the wedding.

 Killian pulled Emma in his arms once they were left alone. “Finally, we have a quiet moment,” he said with a smirk. Emma blushed and smiled as he kissed her lips, reveling in her taste. “Have I told you how exquisite you look in that dress?”

 She ran her hands down the lapels of his tuxedo jacket with devilry in her eyes. “No, but maybe you could show me later?” she offered with a lascivious grin.

 Killian arched a brow, intrigued by her proposal. “I can’t wait, love.” He pulled her to him and buried his face in the crook of her shoulder, peppering soft kisses to her neck. Emma laughed, his trimmed beard tickling her skin.

 Ten minutes later, the women were back in the room when the minister knocked on the door to announce the ceremony was about to begin. The bridesmaids and maid of honor gathered around the bride, hugging her and wiping the tears from their eyes.

 Soon, Anna and Elsa’s Aunt Ingrid entered the room. She gathered her nieces into a hug before cupping the bride’s cheeks in her hands, a look of pride in her eyes. “So beautiful, just like your mother,” she commented, her eyes welling up with tears. “Are you ready to be walked down the aisle?”

 Elsa had a smile on her face and nodded without hesitation, finally ready to walk down the aisle; there was nothing that could bring her down now. And since Elsa’s parents passed away long ago, Ingrid had always been more like a parent than an aunt, so they only saw it fitting for Ingrid to walk Elsa down the aisle.

 ~*~

 “Are you ready, brother?” Killian asked an anxious Liam, patting him on the shoulder.

 Liam inhaled deeply, his shoulders rising as he adjusted his tie. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” He turned and looked at his brother. “How do I look?”

 Killian rested his hands on Liam’s shoulders. “Relax, you look fine, Liam.”

 Liam frowned. “Just fine?”

 “You look like you’re ready to get on with this shindig,” Killian clarified with a laugh. “And also handsome,” he smirked and added, “but not as devilishly handsome as me.”

 Liam rolled his eyes. “How did I know you were going to say that?” He took another deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. “I can’t wait for this day to be over with. Does that make me a bad groom?”

 Killian shook his head, another chuckle leaving his lips. “No, it just means you can’t wait for your’s and Elsa’s lives to begin.”

 Liam grinned from ear to ear at the idea, his blue eyes lighting up. “Exactly.” He drew Killian into a bear hug. “Thank you, brother, for being here with me every step of the way… even if I have been a royal pain in the arse.”

 Another laugh tore through Killian’s throat as the two men patted each other on the back. “I’d take my royal pain in the arse brother over no brother at all,” he murmured sincerely. “I love you, Liam”

 “I love you too, brother.”

 They broke apart, and soon it was time for them to enter the ceremony from the side and join the minister at the altar as Liam waited for his bride in heightened anticipation.

 The ceremony was an enchanting affair for an enchanting couple, beginning with the bridal party walking down the aisle in pairs. The chairs were square, each one adorned with a silver cover and royal blue ribbon which wrapped around and tied in the back with silver and light blue roses. There was an archway made of silver leaves and a mixture of light blue and royal blue flowers. Bouquets of royal blue and light blue accented with crystals, stephanotis and blue Picasso Calla Lilies were set out on the ends of each aisle in long, tall vases made from real crystal, and there was a pianist in the corner playing live music.

 Emma entered the room, carrying her bouquet as she walked down the aisle alone, following behind Anna and Kristoff with a brilliant smile that showed off those pearly white teeth as she made eye contact with Killian.

 Gods, she looked gorgeous, he thought to himself, and even more so when he winked at her, making her cheeks flush with an adorable shade of pink.

 She never tore her eyes away from him though, only smirked when she reached the other side of the altar. Leo wandered down the aisle with a ring bearer pillow holding the rings and then the flower girl, who was a second cousin of Elsa and Anna’s threw one blue petal at a time, and everyone laughed as she dumped the rest of the petals at the end of the aisle. The bridal party stood in their positions, the bridesmaids holding their bouquets. The bridal chorus cued and all the guests stood and turned to watch as Elsa entered with her Aunt Ingrid. Killian glanced at Liam, and the look on his face was priceless. Even though Liam had seen her prewedding, he was still blown away and waited for his bride with bated breath. When Liam had seen her before the wedding, Elsa was a nervous wreck, but now… now she had a giddy, carefree smile on her face as she locked eyes with her groom. The spark between them was undeniable, and Killian’s heart warmed knowing his brother had picked the most perfect woman to spend the rest of his life with. She was stunning, and looked like an exquisite ice queen.

 Elsa kissed Ingrid's cheek and joined her groom at the altar still donning a bright smile as they exchanged the vows they had written for each other, telling everyone how they had met and how they had fallen in love, not leaving a dry eye in the place by the time they said their I do’s .

 Through a watery gaze, Killian looked over at Emma, who was wiping tears from her eyes, and he could hear the sniffles of the guests throughout the room. When the rings were exchanged and the minister announced them, husband and wife, Liam kissed his bride as everyone cheered, and off the happy couple went down the aisle.

 The day was bright and clear when the bridal party made it outside for photos, and even though it was a little chilly, it was nothing to deter them from having the photos taken out on the edge of the cliff with the beautiful mountains as their backdrop as well as at the top of the lighthouse.

 The reception was held in the banquet hall with an open bar, raided by the guests before they sat at their assigned tables. The bridal party sat at the Head Table and Killian took the microphone and stood to give his speech.

 "For those of you who don’t know me, I am the more devilishly handsome and wittier Jones brother,” he quipped, and immediately received a playful eye roll from Liam. “What can I say about Liam?" he asked and then held up a finger as though an idea struck him suddenly. "Ah, yes…" He reached inside his suit jacket and retrieved a folded piece of paper, which was blank, but he pretended to read from it. “Liam Jones is a great man, he is selfless, he's kind... he’s honorable." Killian paused and looked at Liam pointing at the piece of paper. "Liam, you spelled handsome wrong," he spoke loudly, “you forgot the d,” and everyone laughed, including Liam who shook his head. Killian returned his attention to the guests. "And apparently he can't spell correctly, even when writing about himself."

 "Haha, very funny," Liam teased with a bashful grin.

 Killian cleared his throat as he tucked the paper away and looked at his brother, lifting his hand to his shoulder. "No, but seriously, Mum would have been so proud of you if she were alive today,” he said sincerely and looked toward the audience again. “Ever since we were kids, Liam has always been there for me… when we lost our mum, when our dad walked out on us, when we were in the navy together, when I lost my hand, and even when we weren't on such great terms." He looked at Emma and smiled. "There was a time, believe it or not when I did not have great taste in women, unlike my brother here." Killian gestured to Emma, "I’m clearly not speaking of my lovely girlfriend, Emma."

 Emma smiled and blushed, and Liam nodded, not willing to argue with him there.

 "He warned me about this other lass, who shall remain nameless. Tried to tell me she wasn't good enough for me, and I should've listened… but alas, I was a stubborn arse, just like my brother here, and so I got my heart stomped on by said woman. To make matters worse, I was an alcoholic at the time, so I tried to drink my sorrows away, and then one day I decided to get out of bed and pick my pride up off the floor to call Liam. After I told him what had happened, he could’ve said he’d told me so or he could've just hung up on me, but he didn’t. Instead, he told me to pack my bloody things, get my arse on a plane and fly as far away from that devil of a woman as I possibly could. And I said to him, where am I gonna go? You're all I've got, brother. And that's when I knew those were the magic words to Liam's heart, because after he so lovingly told me to go to hell," Killian paused, allowing the guests to laugh before continuing, “he said, you're staying with me, whether you like it or not. So that's exactly what I did. I got on a plane and literally stumbled through my brother's door. I dropped my luggage off before stumbling over to a bar and then, later on, I stumbled into my neighbor’s apartment and one of the occupants came home,” he added with a smirk, “boy was she surprised." He winked at Emma while the audience laughed.

 “I ended up making said occupant my girlfriend, but that's a story for a different time. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, when I was at my worst," Killian held up his prosthetic hand, "and yes, it was worse than getting my hand blown off in the Navy…" he joked, prompting another spur of laughs from the crowd, "Liam offered me his home, got me a job and helped me get on my feet again. He has always taken care of me, despite how angry we were with each other or how much more handsome I’ve always been than him" he said, emphasizing the d, "and how much I beat him at arm wrestling, even with one hand."

 Liam rolled his eyes but was smiling at the same time.

 "And Elsa, well… I don't think it needs to be said, but I'll say it anyway… Elsa, I am so glad Liam found someone to put the royal pain in the butt in his place. I could not have chosen a better sister-in-law if I had picked her myself." Killian went over to Elsa and they exchanged chaste kisses on the cheek.

 "Thank you, Killian," she smiled.

 "Liam… Elsa…” Liam took the microphone, holding it up for Killian so he could raise his glass. “To a lifetime of love and happiness.”

 "Thank you, brother," Liam said appreciatively, patting his brother on the back.

 Everyone drank to the toast, and Liam passed the microphone to Emma as she stood up.

 “Hi, I am Emma, the Maid of Honor and also one of Elsa’s best friends. So, the story of how I met Elsa is pretty ordinary,” Emma began. “Elsa was looking for a place to live, I was looking for a roommate and the rest is history. But little did I know at the time, our friendship would be so much more than ordinary. I can’t tell you how many days we have known each other, but I can tell you, there was never a day when Elsa wasn't there for me. She is like the sister I never had and while we were roommates, we borrowed each other’s things without asking, we got after each other for borrowing each other’s things, I would break into her boyfriend’s apartment to borrow things from him—you know the typical sisterly stuff," she quipped before adding, "but then I didn't have to break in because I started dating his brother." She looked at Elsa and Liam who were both laughing and offered a sweet smile. "But before that, I had the advantage of witnessing these two fall in love. I remember how Elsa would come home with a great big smile on her face after running into our British neighbor who had moved in across the hall, and I remember how he came to me one day to ask for advice about how to ask Elsa out. If it were any other guy, I probably would've told Elsa to run away and never come back," Emma laughed, "but I knew Liam was different and I'm so glad I trusted my instincts. It was such a privilege to be there for them every step of the way while they slowly fell in love with one another.” Emma’s eyes welled up with tears as Liam took Elsa’s hand, and she could tell they were also on the verge of tears.

 “And now they're both moving out and getting a place of their own. But I'm not worried because there is no distance that could keep us apart." She looked over at Elsa who was smiling back at her. "You will always be like a sister to me," Emma said sincerely and turned her attention to the audience. "And if there is one thing I have learned about my good friend, Elsa… it's to never keep a secret from her because you’ll regret it. Elsa will never judge you, she is warm and kind and forgiving… and no, she did not tell me to say these things,” she joked with a small smile. “She is really perfect for Liam because for those of you who don’t know him very well, I will be the first to say it—he is an OCD control freak.” Emma paused as everyone burst into laughter. “Elsa is the only one on God’s green earth who can sweeten his bitter ways. That's why he takes his coffee black and why we never hear him complain about Elsa hogging the blankets, even though we know she does… it's because she's sweeter than any creamer and she's warmer than any blanket he would need. He's the whiskey to our glass and she's the Coke with the cherry garnish. He's the peanut butter to our bread and she's the strawberry jam. Alone they can be a bit overbearing—well Liam can be at least," she corrected with a smirk, and Liam scowled playfully, "but together they are the perfect combination. In fact, being friends with these two is like going skydiving… only instead of jumping off the plane when you’re ready, Liam throws you the parachute and pushes you off when you refuse to jump.” Everyone cracked up, and Emma continued when the laughter died down. “And Elsa is the parachute that softens the landing.”

 The audience cheered and clapped as Elsa looked up at Emma with tears in her eyes.

 “I love you both, and it is with great honor that I raise my glass to you...” Emma lifted her glass to Elsa and then to Liam, “to you...” before raising her glass higher to both of them, “to your happy beginning… and to happily ever after.” They clinked their glasses and drank, and Emma handed off the microphone to the announcer as Elsa stood to hug her.

 “Thank you, Emma, that was very sweet.”

 “It was only the truth,” Emma assured her.

 Liam took his turn and drew Emma into a hug, kissing her cheek as Killian looked over at her with pride in his eyes. “Great speech, Emma.”

 “Aye, you nailed it, love,” Killian added

 Emma smirked and kissed her boyfriend's cheek. “I know.”

 After they all had their turn at the buffet, it was time for the cake, which looked way too good to eat. It had three tiers and royal blue frosting, decorated with silver sugar pearls to make it look like it was frosted with snow. Liam and Elsa cut the cake before shoving it in each other’s faces. They had their first dance as husband and wife before everyone else joined in. The group took turns dancing with each other in pairs, and Leo got to dance with Aunt Em Em, and finally, Emma got a chance to dance with her boyfriend. He spun her around and dipped her, spurring on a gale of giggles. The reception was a blast, and soon, it was time for Elsa to toss the bouquet, which Emma caught. Killian made sure to snag the garter belt after Liam flung it in the air, and he promptly slid it up Emma’s leg.

 They sent the bride and groom off in a decorated limousine. And from there, the newly married couple would head to the airport and leave for their honeymoon in Bali. Emma and Killian went back to their hotel in Glasgow that night, and were so exhausted they went straight to bed and fell asleep in each other’s arms. While the rest of the group had to get back to the States, Emma and Killian spent a few more days in Scotland before they headed home. Luckily they had a different flight attendant who didn't hit on Emma’s boyfriend.

 ~*~

 The next couple of months flew by, probably because they were very eventful, with Elsa and Liam moving into their new home, Killian and Emma moving his things into her place, both couples buying new furniture and of course the holidays they all spent together. Because Elsa and Liam were still in the process of unpacking at the time, the group spent Christmas at the Nolan’s, and then Liam and Elsa hopped on a plane to visit Anna and Kristoff for New Years, while Emma and Killian spent the days leading up to it painting their bedroom, which had been Emma’s when she had lived with Elsa, but they both decided pink wasn’t the best color, just like the pink, fluffy pillows and pink furniture needed to go as well.

 They both wanted to make their new home theirs. And since they moved Emma’s bed into Elsa’s old room, and since Killian’s bed frame was so old they literally broke the bed, they were waiting to get a new frame once they were done painting their room (although they started playing around when Killian told her she missed a spot on the wall and they ended up getting more paint on themselves than they did on the wall that day and cleaned off together in the shower). They spent New Year’s Eve in Times Square watching the ball drop since Killian had never experienced anything like it before. As fun as it was, the weather was bitter cold and they spent a lot of time waiting for the ball to drop since they had to arrive very early to retain their spot, they agreed to spend the next New Year's Eve at home.

 Superbowl Sunday was at Liam and Elsa’s house, and the couple was more than happy to host their first party after they had made the desired changes and redecorated the home to their liking. Liam, of course, wasted no time to make sure the house was picture perfect. Although it was nowhere near finished, for he planned on fixing up the basement and garage and planned on building a backyard deck in the spring.

 The next day, Emma had to drag herself out of bed; she felt like crap even though she and Killian had no alcohol. She had explained to the gang she was refraining from alcohol to support Killian’s sobriety, but what she didn't tell them was the other reason she hadn’t drank…

 Emma sat on the toilet seat, waiting in anticipation as she stared at the white stick in her hand, not able to peel her eyes away, as though the pregnancy test would catch on fire if she looked away. She couldn’t believe she forgot her birth control pills while she was in Scotland. She never forgot to take them and didn’t even realize she hadn’t until after she and Killian had arrived home. She didn't think she could get pregnant from going a few days without them until she ended up vomiting yesterday morning. And it couldn't have been the food she ate the night prior when she was babysitting Leo considering he didn't get sick, although he was recovering from the flu.

 When only one line remained, Emma breathed a sigh of relief. She and Killian had talked about having kids someday, but she knew they weren’t ready yet. They’d only been dating for eight months, she loved their life and didn’t want anything to change just yet. But a tiny part of her—okay maybe an even larger part of her—ached in disappointed at the fact that she was not pregnant. It turned out she'd gotten the flu from Leo.

 ~*~

 One week later

 “Okay, I can’t take it anymore, what’s the surprise?” Emma asked as Killian took her hand and led her through their apartment. “And why am I wearing my bathrobe for such a surprise?” Only moments ago, she was wearing a black dress and heels for her birthday dinner that she had carefully chosen when Killian told her he was taking her out to a nice dinner and dancing. Now she was in her bra and panties and a bathrobe per Killian’s request. She was also wearing a blindfold as he took her to his desired destination.

 “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, love.”

 Emma sighed, but allowed him to lead the way, and soon she felt the cold, tiled floor under her feet, which meant they were in the kitchen, because why would they be in the….

 Killian lifted the blindfold, and to her utter confusion, they were in their bathroom, and it was currently lit by scented candles which covered the bathroom countertop.

 Emma raised a brow as she looked at Killian, who was also in nothing but his bathrobe. “Why is this such a surprise?”

 Killian smirked at her with those smoldering blue eyes that told her he was up to no good, and he pulled at the belt of his robe, untying it. He let the cotton fabric fall to the floor and got into the tub naked. It wasn't even filled with water.

 “What are you doing?” Emma was even more perplexed

 Killian reclined back, leaning his head against the tiled wall as he waved his hand around him. “Doesn’t this look familiar to you?”

 Emma planted her hands on her hips and pursed her lips, thinking about his question for a moment. Killian was lying in the tub naked, which of course was how she had found him nine months ago. “This is how we met... sort of.” She crossed her arms and smirked. “Only you were jerking off if I do recall.”

 Killian nodded, blush coloring his cheeks as he gave a small smile. “I was, but that was a different time in my life. Milah had just broken up with me, and my brother and I were not on speaking terms. But you, my love, you found me in this exact spot.” His features grew serious as he continued. “I was a shattered mess... and you accepted me even when I was at my worst.”

 Emma smiled, her eyes pricking with tears. She climbed into the tub and straddled him in the cramped space. Killian sat up and wrapped his arms around her back as she cupped his cheeks in her hands.

 “You were adorable,” she laughed.

 “I was a hot mess,” he tried to correct her, his eyes clouding with regret and embarrassment as he lowered his eyes.

 “An adorable hot mess,” she added with a small smirk and lifted his face so she could gaze into those bright blue eyes she had swooned over even during their first encounter. “I can’t say I would have pictured us getting together at the time, you did throw up in my hair,” she reminded him.

 Killian blushed deeper, and his expression was still full of regret, but at least she got a small smile out of him. “Sorry, love, it wasn’t exactly my finest hour, was it?”

 Emma shook her head. “Nope.”

 Killian’s smile widened a bit. “And yet, you're still here with me.”

 She smiled brightly. “That's true, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

 “Me neither.” Killian bit his bottom, and he looked nervous about something, although she didn’t know why. “In fact, I always want you here with me, love, no matter what.”

 Emma arched a brow. “Here in the bathtub?”

 Killian chuckled and shook his head. “No, in my life.” He glanced above Emma, and she lifted her head to see what he was looking at. “Could you hand me that, love?”

 Her eyebrow only seemed to rise higher toward her hairline. “You mean the loofah?”

 “Aye.”

 “Okaaay,” she answered skittishly, studying him cautiously. “But if you plan on taking a bath, you kind of need water and soap to do that.” Emma grabbed the loop of the loofah and removed it from the hook it was hanging on. Glancing at it, she noticed something silver and shiny sitting at the bottom of the loop. Her mouth fell open as she stared at the large diamond.

 “No, I plan on asking you to marry me.”

 Emma was too stunned to speak as she gaped at the ring with wide eyes.

 Killian took the loofah from her hands and removed the engagement ring, holding it up for her. “Will you marry me, Emma?”

 She gazed at him in shock, seeing the glint in his eyes as he awaited her answer.

 “Love?” His face fell slightly in concern, and she knew what her answer was, she just didn't have the strength to say it at first.

 Finally, a smile blossomed over her lips and she blurted her answer out in a choked sob. “Yes.”

 “Really?”

 “Yes, I will marry you,” she laughed, a tear streaming down her cheek.

 Killian sighed in relief, a big smile spreading across his lips. His eyes were buzzing with excitement as he drew her in for a kiss, his hand sliding through her hair as he breathed her in. “Love, you scared me for a moment,” he murmured, resting his forehead against hers.

 “Sorry, I was just surprised.” She stuck out her hand, and he slipped the ring on her finger. “I love you, Killian, of course, my answer is yes.” She giggled and cupped his cheeks in her hands.

 “I love you, too, Emma.”

 Pure bliss took over them as she crushed his lips with hers and they kissed with everything they felt for each other. She would never grow tired of kissing this man’s lips, she never grew tired of how he smelled or how he tasted, how he bit her bottom lip and groaned in her mouth when she slipped her tongue against his. The kiss ignited a fiery spark between them and quickly intensified, similar to how a flame reacted to gasoline. Emma removed her robe, tossing it to the floor, along with her bra and panties, and they made love in the tub, both of them finding blissful release in each others’ arms before collapsing. Killian laid on his back, resting his head on the edge of the tub and Emma laid her head on his chest, their limbs entangled as they struggled to catch their breaths.

 It took a few minutes of calming her heart rate before she was able to speak again. “Can I ask you something?” she asked, running her fingers through his chest hair and taking his naval charms in her hand to admire them as she often enjoyed doing.

 “Of course, love.”

 She looked up at him, gazing warmly into his eyes. “You still don't remember anything from that night, do you?”

 Killian took a long breath as he thought about her question. “I remember being at the bar, but that’s it.”

 Emma nodded and bit her bottom lip. “It’s really strange because I was only gone for not even ten minutes. I left my apartment and headed downstairs. It’s amazing we didn’t see each other before I found you in the tub.”

 “You were only gone for ten minutes?”

 “Yeah, I was in a tank top and a pair of grey shorts, you know the shorts I always wear when I don’t plan on going out in public.”

 Killian grinned salaciously and ran his tongue over his lips as he skimmed his fingers up her arm. "Are you kidding? How could I forget those shorts? I'm just surprised I don't at least remember you wearing them that night."

 Emma nodded. "There are many little mysteries from that night I wonder about."

 "Like what, love?

 “Like why you decided to jerk off in the tub," Emma laughed.

 Killian shrugged. "Not sure, but if I had to guess, I'd say I took the elevator up to our floor and got a peek of you in those shorts as you took the stairs down to the laundry room without noticing me, and I decided to take matters into my own hand once I got home. This bathroom is where my bedroom was in Liam's apartment so I probably mistook the tub for my bed. Once I realized it was indeed not my bed, I was probably too trashed to care,” he mused with a solemn expression and a weak smile. “So, I thought of you in those lovely shorts to avoid thinking about my bleedin' heart."

 Emma nodded and smirked at the idea. "That sounds like a reasonable explanation. If only it were true."

 "I guess we'll never know."

 Emma shrugged. "Guess not."

 They were silent after that, and eventually, they moved to the bedroom and he scooped her in his arms under the covers with only the light of the moon aiding their vision.

 Her mind was frazzled with thoughts, and she decided to tell him about how she had thought she was pregnant a week ago, and how she didn’t tell him then because she didn’t want to get his hopes up before she knew for sure. Killian was shocked, but told her he’d love any baby they have. Emma agreed.

 “I have to say I was a little disappointed when I found out the test was negative,” she confessed.

 “Don’t worry, love, we’ll have babies when the time is right,” he assured with a small smile as he stroked her cheek.

 A thought occurred to her suddenly and she laughed as her face heated up with blush. "Just think, when we do have children someday we'll have to tell them the story of how we met, you know when they're old enough."

 "I suppose you're right," he chuckled.

 She looked at him to see him also blushing. "You wouldn't be too embarrassed to tell them?"

 "Perhaps a little, but, as long as I get to tell it with you, I’d be a very happy man.”

 Emma looked up at her sentimental fiance—wow, she'd have to get used to calling him that—with pride. She was so grateful she had met him, even if they did meet under less than ordinary circumstances. Now, nine months later, they lay in each other's arms, engaged to be married. Another unbidden thought occurred to Emma and she snorted out loud, clapping her hand over her mouth.

 Killian peered down at her with a raised brow. “Love? Care to share what's so funny?”

 Emma shook her head, her face beet red. “Sorry, I was thinking… we’ll have to tell our friends how you proposed bare ass naked. Liam will make fun of you, for sure.”

 Killian blushed profusely and scratched behind his ear. “Aye, I guess when I came up with such a brilliant idea, I clearly didn’t think it over thoroughly."

 Emma shook her head and laughed as she cupped his cheeks in her hands. “No, you didn’t. That’s okay, I love you anyway,” she teased with a wink.

 "I love you too, Emma, and I'd take endless joking and teasing from my brother than a lifetime without you," he professed sincerely, carressing her cheek. Emma's heart fluttered at his words, and she smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "As I've told you many times before… I never wanted just part of you, I want the whole thing. So if that means we have to tell our children how we met and our friends how I proposed, so be it.”

 Her smile broadened as she remembered fondly the first time he had told her that, when he had refused to take advantage of her for one night of passion. It still melted her heart, to this day. Emma nuzzled his nose softly with hers, whispering to him gently, “You'll always have the whole thing with me... I promise." She sealed her promise with a kiss.

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