#i couldn't even get my family to call me a far more feminine name than my birth name and now im gonna tell them im trans and it'll be okay?

[luxaryllis]

Is it okay to ask for a part 2 of the Vil sibling angst, I would prefer if it were more fluff cause the angst tore my heart into two and it desperately needs mending lmao 😭😭

Also it seems that you were kind of setting up for a part two with the Apple farm and all that, does that mean that if we do get a part 2 then Epel will be in it?

You don’t need to answer this ask if you aren’t comfortable answering it, please take your time and your writing is amazing like omg I don’t know how to put it into words lmao sorry if this part feels random I need to vocalize(??) this

Younger Sibling!Reader Who Doesn't Want To Be Like Him with Vil Schoenheit: Part 2

Note: HELLO!! And yes, you may request for Part 2!!

And yes, this will have fluff in it!! Fluff AND comfort, actually! But there still will be some angst, especially the end portion-

And I'm glad you liked my fics hehe

I really didn’t expect that people would want a part 2 and continuations and stuff, but here we are haha

Also, please note that Reader (in this series) is 4 years younger than Vil; so they’re 14 as Vil is 18. And Reader does NOT attend NRC (they attend another separate school, whose name will not be mentioned). Also, Rook’s nickname for Reader includes the term, “prince” (because as far as I know, French doesn’t have any gender-neutral royalty terms), but [Name] is still gender-neutral, though!

Part 1 | Part 2 (here) | Alternate Endings

Anyway, let’s get to it!!

Editor: @madasme-luxary

Beta-Reader(?): 🐍 anon

Warning/s: Chapter 5 Spoliers, Reader is given a vague appearance description (having similar face shape/eye shape as Vil), Reader is called/referred to as 'prince' (still interpreted as gender-neutral, though), Cussing, Possible OOC, Use of Japanese honorifics, Use of French nicknames, Tell me if I missed anything

---

After a while of crying and slightly calming down, [Name] slowly looks around.

Where were they?

…

How far are they from the shooting site?

…do they even want to go back?

They take a deep breath and shakily stand up.

Crack!

They suddenly hear a branch crack right behind them. [Name] jumps and looks at the source of the sound.

“Shit”, they hear a voice mutter.

“... Who’s there..?” They reluctantly call out, smoothing out and fixing their appearance.

A person slowly moves out from behind a tree and [Name] gets a good look at them.

The person had beautiful, slightly wavy purple hair and blue eyes. He had a short stature, and seemed to have a more feminine appearance. He was beyond beautiful. Vil would definitely have loved to meet him.

“Uhh.. sorry if I interrupted you but uhh… who are ya? Never seen you 'round here before.” The stranger asks. He had a strange country accent, though then again, the movie was shooting on the outskirts of the Land of Pyroxene.

Other than the stranger's accent, [Name] was also quite..intrigued. This was the first time someone hadn’t known them.

Though it did feel a bit relaxing; this person didn’t recognize them.

Perhaps it was the smudged and messy look they had?

Whatever it was, at least it was a slight moment of relief that the stranger didn't know them.

“My name is [Name]. And you are…?” [Name] asks the stranger after a while.

"Epel. Epel Felmier. Uhh... you okay? I... don't really know what 'appened, but ya don't look so good"

"Oh it's... nothing... my older brother and I just... got into an arguement... That’s all,'' You reply back.

"...ya wanna talk 'bout it?", Epel reluctantly asks. He really wanted to mind his own business, but something about this “[Name]” made him mind himself more than usual. 

"I... don't know... you're probably busy, aren't you?", [Name] asks. Though deep inside, they truly, truly wanted to talk to someone about it.

But they couldn't. Well, they shouldn't. It would ruin the public image of the Schoenheit family, especially Vil's.

"Nah, I'm not so busy", Epel replies as he lightly chuckles, walking up to [Name] and sitting down in front of the trees.

Hesitantly, [Name] does the same. They suppose doing this wouldn't hurt.

"You see.. my older brother is this world famous actor and model.. and nearly my entire life, he's been getting me to attend a bunch of harsh trainings and classes to 'mold me into a better version of myself! He's always forcing those kinds of things onto me, and I've always wanted to tell him off, but never did. “Today, I have had enough of his horrible treatment of me, so I... lashed out at him..." [Name] started to ramble on and on about their older brother, hands moving around in random gestures to emphasize their words.

Epel sat there, silently listening. He could relate. A lot. Vil Schoenheit, the dorm leader of Pomefiore (the dorm Epel was SOMEHOW sorted into), would ALWAYS get Epel to do some beauty stuff like etiquette and makeup, etc. He'd also always make Epel act all nice and prince-like and elegant. It's so annoying.

...

Now that he thinks about it, while listening to [Name] rant and ramble on about their older brother, Epel can't help but notice the similarities between [Name]'s older brother and his Dorm Leader.

[Name]'s older brother seems very similar to Vil; even the obsession with being the most beautiful matches. Not to mention the fact that [Name] seems to be quite identical to Vil. When compared, both their face and eye shape looked so alike with one another.

Also, [Name]'s mannerisms were eerily similar with Vil’s …

Epel's eyes widened. No way- Is... is [Name]...

VIL'S SIBLING?!?!

Epel had also heard Rook talking about a ‘Prince des Douleurs’, who was the one and only younger sibling of 'Roi du Poison' -  Vil.

He doesn't know much about French, but when he searched the title up, he was confused as to what it translated to.

‘Prince des Douleurs’ translates to Prince of Sorrows.

Rather a strange thing to call someone, aye?

But, looking at [Name], Epel starts to understand where Rook was coming from with the nickname. He was still a tad weirded out that Rook might know about this, though.

As [Name] finally stops talking and takes a deep breath to calm down, Epel snaps out of his thoughts and back into reality.

"Man... that sure is a tough life, huh?"

"Yeah..."

"Say.... does your brother happen to be Vil Schoenheit?"

Needless to say, [Name] was surprised. How did Epel know? Will he tell the public about this?!

“Please... don't tell anyone..." they pleaded to Epel. 

They didn't want the public knowing more than they already do.

Some things are meant to be kept away from the eyes and ears of outsiders.

‘Crap…’

‘They shouldn't have trusted Epel, afte-’

"Nah, don't worry. No offense, but I don't like Vil-senpai anyway."

[Name]'s thoughts were interrupted by Epel's words.

'E-eh...?'

"Y-you what...?"

"Yeah, I study at NRC with Vil-senpai. He's also my dorm leader. I don't really like him. He forces me to do all this training and etiquette stuff and it's annoying!! I wanna be a man and grow muscles and be all buff!! Not be some little weakling princess! Not only that- but he's always...", Epel goes on and on and on about Vil, leaving [Name] to listen carefully, just as he did for them.

While listening, [Name] notices how common both of them saw Vil. Along with their experiences with him. It makes them feel... not so alone as they thought.

After all, who would dare speak aloud, their distaste for someone like Vil Schoenheit, especially in front of his sibling.

But Epel... not only did he listen to [Name], he even shared his own feelings about Vil and  though he probably didn't know about it, it made [Name] feel very relieved to be understood.

After a while, [Name] and Epel continued to converse with each other. Moving from topic to topic. Never really staying on one for too long.

Epel invited [Name] to stay over when they noticed that the sun was setting. Reluctantly, [Name] agreed.

[Name] met Epel's grandparents and they welcomed [Name] with open arms. They allowed them to stay the night and even prepared food for them.

It made [Name] feel... at home. Which, to them, is quite strange. They don't know these people at all, and they didn’t know [Name] either. But they were still welcomed with open arms. 

It also gave them a lot of perspective. [Name] never really had an opinion on apples, but with the amount of apples around the place, especially those being served to them, they couldn’t help but find apples as a symbolism for the hospitality they received.

---

Meanwhile,  Vil is running around the place, calling out for his sibling.

He's been looking around for them since they ran away. Sweat messing up his hair and makeup.

But good looks be damned. He would care less about it all, if it meant he could find his sibling.

Vil wanted to talk to them and apologize. He wanted to make sure that they were doing okay. Who knows what could have happened to them?

Vil slows down as he pants and wipes away his sweat with a handkerchief.

Vil looks around to see if [Name] is anywhere near, but sees no sign of them. He sighs in exhaustion and worry.

His mind goes back to what they said to him.

"Okay, alright?! I get it!! You don't have to keep telling me this a million times! Don't you understand that I DON'T WANT TO BE LIKE YOU"

“Acting isn't what I want to do in life if it's YOU in there! Modelling is a 'no' for me if YOU are there. I'm sick and TIRED of having to put up with how you act! My life is NOT about you! It is NOT! Why can't you understand...?"

...

'I messed up... I really messed up... I... I truly THOUGHT that what I was doing was for [Name]'s good... but... look at where we are now…’

'Damn it... you strive to be like the Beautiful Queen, and to be the most beautiful of all. But you have shown such an unsightly and ugly side of you...'

'You strive to be the hero for once... but paint yourself as the villain in your own sibling's eyes in the process...'

'So ugly... so horrifying... so disgusting...'

Vil berates himself in his thoughts, guilt and shame breaking him apart.

He wishes that he could just turn back time to stop his past self from doing all of this. If he had, his sibling wouldn't have been hating him like this.

Vil continues berating and cursing himself as he continues to look for his sibling, even asking other people if they have seen them.

Vil didn't care that the public saw him like this. If his sibling could be in possible danger, everything, even his image, can be damned.

---

It's been a few weeks and days, and the Schoenheit family has asked the public to help find their youngest. The days go by, and no one seems to have any good news on where [Name] could be.

Everyone (including the Schoenheit family and their fans) have been actively searching for [Name], being very worried for the young teen.

All to no avail; no one has seen even a sign of them.

It's only a few days until the end of Winter break and Vil is currently pacing around worried.

Mr. Schoenheit is seated on one of the couches in the living room, his knee bouncing in anticipation.

Both men have worried frowns on their faces, thinking about the well-being of their child/sibling.

Vil has already told his father about what had happened. Vil received a scolding, but it didn't last long, as Mr. Schoenheit let it go quite easily. That doesn't mean he isn’t disappointed at Vil about it, but he decides to focus on his youngest child before dwelling on the past.

They both suddenly hear the doorbell and both rush to the door in a hurry.

Vil opens the door and the sight in front of him makes his eyes widen.

There stands his dear younger sibling, [Name], with Epel Felmier and an older woman next to them.

Vil doesn't mind the two, and focuses solely on his younger sibling.

Words move to his mouth, but no matter how much he wants to say it, it's as if something is keeping his mouth shut.

Vil opens the door wider and the moment Mr. Schoenheit sees [Name], he gasps and moves past Vil to embrace them.

[Name] softly yelps at the sudden embrace, but hugs their father back, finding his hug comforting.

"You're safe. Oh, thank the Sevens, you're safe. We were so, so worried about you, [Nickname].", Mr. Schoenheit says softly, burying his head to the crook of his child's neck, already crying.

"My grandson, Epel had found the child in our apple orchard and brought them to our home. We’ve been housing them ever since and they decided that it was about time they came home.”

“I’m truly sorry for not giving you any notice and potentially worrying you. [Name] said not to just yet and they still seemed pretty shaken up at the time so I refrained from contacting you.”

“No, it’s alright. I’m just glad that my child is alright. Thank you so much for taking care of them. Please, take this as compensation.”

“Oh dear, no, we can’t possibly take so much money!”

“Please, I insist. It’s the least I could do.”

---

Vil stands there, his hands slightly twitching, staring at [Name] after the father-child duo pull away from the hug.

He has so much he wants to say to them...

He truly, truly wants to hug them, but is afraid they might be uncomfortable with that.

The words exchanged by the other people go through one ear and out the other for both Vil and [Name] as they silently (and awkwardly) stare at each other.

[Name] takes a deep breath, oh dear... this will be one long day...

---

The family of three sit at the dinner table, silently eating dinner.

No one knows what to say, and if they do, they don't know how to say it.

[Name] takes another deep breath, and opens their mouth. It's now or never, they suppose.

"I... I am very sorry for running away and causing such a commotion. I... hope you can accept my apology...", [Name] says, catching the other two's attention.

"Oh... oh no, my child... your brother and I should be the ones apologizing."

"W-wha... but I-"

"No, [Name]. Dad is right. I forced so much on you, and neither of us noticed how much you were suffering. I hope you can allow us to try to be better."

[Name] was surprised at what Vil and their father said.

They take a deep breath, the two other at the table also taking a deep breath of anticipation.

'Am I ready to let it go, though...? I... I want to be on better terms with them but...'

"I... I... need some... time to uhh... think about that... I just... need some space and time to myself... if that’s... okay.. with you..."

[Name] slowly says to their dad and older brother.

Vil and Mr. Schoenheit nod in understanding. While they were quite saddened that [Name] didn’t want to try immediately, but they understood that it would take some time for them to come around.

The duo mentally decided to give the child some space and time for themselves, not without reminding them that they’re here for them, though.

The Winter Break ended like that.

Unfortunately, [Name] hasn’t gotten around to open up to Vil or their dad, but both are patient and are willing to wait however long.

Both [Name] and Vil leave for their respective schools, this time, with no hard feelings or anything.

---

Vil looks at his phone in contemplation. His group’s song, Absolutely Beautiful playing in the background as some members of the NRC Tribe continue practicing on their own.

“Roi du Poison? May I ask what on your phone has you looking so tentative?”, Rook’s voice calls out to him, making Vil look up at his vice.

“Hmm? Oh, it’s nothing. I was simply thinking if I should invite [Name] to the VDC or not.”, Vil replies as he looks back down on his phone, fingers hovering over the keyboard and eyes silently checking his message.

“Ah! I’m sure Prince des Douleurs would LOVE to watch their cher frère perform with his group!”, Rook encourages.

“Oh yeah!! My siblings are coming over to watch the VDC and they’re really excited to watch Jamil and I perform, right Jamil?”, Kalim speaks up from where he stood in the room.

“Kalim, please don’t barge into conversations you aren’t a part of; and don’t bring me into them either. *sigh* But I agree; Najma, my sister, is coming over to watch and she seemed pretty excited. Although you and your sibling’s relationship might not be the same as ours or Kalim’s with his.”, Jamil says, scolding Kalim before turning back to Vil as he continues dancing.

“...”, Epel stays quiet. He does know that [Name] might want to see their older brother as they still kept in contact through texting.

While he wants Vil to know that [Name] would gladly watch his performance, he wants to see what Vil would do.

During the time Epel has known [Name], he’s grown quite attached to them. Epel started to see them as a younger sibling figure for him. He wants to see them happy. Before, he thought Vil was being very unreasonable (with his treatment to both him and [Name]), but now that he sort of knows more and can vaguely see Vil’s point of view, Epel supposes that [Name] could try giving Vil a chance to explain.

While Epel doesn’t purely agree with Vil, Epel can see how much Vil cares about the wellbeing of others, especially [Name]. Though Epel does have a hard time still seeing Vil’s care for others sometimes; he does know that Vil really does. Vil has a sort of ‘tough love’ kind of attitude, and is really strict and harsh on others. Vil gives credit where credit is due, and will give criticism where criticism is due. And Epel respects that about Vil; he isn’t overly hard on everyone, but isn’t overly soft either.

“Not to mention, I would LOVE to see the Prince des Douleurs again. It’s been a while since I have seen them, after all.”

Rook knew about what had happened between the Schoenheit siblings; Epel even told him about it. While Rook sees the beauty in Vil’s work to try making [Name] the best self they can, he also sees the beauty in [Name]’s willingness to forgo their comfort and happiness for their older brother’s.

Nevertheless, he is aware that it isn’t very healthy for [Name], and is glad that Vil is trying to come to terms with [Name]. He is also very happy that the two aren’t making such a big fuss over it.

As the Chasseur d'Amour, Rook wants to find a way for his queen, Vil Schoenheit, to get the “happy ending” he deserves. Not to mention, the prince of sorrows, [Name] Schoenheit, has been suffering and in sorrow for quite a while.

So, Rook will try the best he can do to bring the Schoenheit family back together.

Vil hums and nods after a while. He takes Kalim’s, Jamil’s and Rook’s words into consideration and decides to send the message to his sibling.

---

A few days later, it's the date of the VDC, also known as the Vocal and Dance Competition.

[Name] looks at the entrance to the VDC venue.

The VDC is a world-famous tournament where each school’s best singers partake in. The performers usually come in groups, and have the audience vote for the winner. It’s also known for usually being a good place for a “debut” for aspiring singers and dancers.

They take a deep breath and walk towards the entrance.

Looking around they notice that the place does look pretty similar as it was last year, and the year before.

Nothing much is new, [Name] thinks to themselves as they walk around.

Their phone goes off and they take out the phone from their bag and check it.

A call from Vil.

They answer it and put their phone next to their ear.

"Hello?"

"[Name], hi."

"Hi."

[Name] tightens their lips together at their awkward response.

"Do you think it's alright if you can come visit us on the site? Rook, Epel and I would like to see how you are faring."

"Hmm? Oh. Yeah, sure. I'm heading towards the stage anyway."

"Ah, I see. Very well, you're free to come in at the dry run. We’d be happy to have you."

"Alright. Thank you, Vil."

"Of course. Stay safe, and enjoy the VDC."

Beep.

[Name] puts their phone back in their bag and continues their way over to the stage where the dry run will happen in hopes of getting a little glimpse.

They've done this the past 2 years and have been let in, so [Name] doesn't expect much disturbances.

---

As Vil looks around the stage, he sees the judges, the staff, and other contestants.

He looks back to the NRC Tribe, who are all preparing for the dry run, and takes a deep breath.

Then, at the corner of his eyes, he sees his younger sibling entering the venue.

[Name] nods at him and Vil nods back, and goes back to warming up.

"Whoa!! It's THE [Name] Schoenheit!!", a preppy voice shouts out, startling everyone in the vicinity.

Looking to the source, Vil is annoyed to see his "enemy" and "rival", Neige LeBlanche.

Neige smiles widely and moves to where [Name] is, gently grabbing their hand and shaking it quite rapidly.

"I am SUCH a big fan of you and your work!! I know we've both been on the same works multiple times, but I've never been able to actually approach you. But do you think I could get an autograph? A picture too! Waaa, this is a dream come true for me!", Neige excitedly says, still shaking [Name]'s hand.

[Name] blinks once. And twice. Then they snap back into reality. "A-ah. Yes, I am [Name] Schoenheit. And uhh... thank you, your works are also quite remarkable as well. And yes, you may have an autograph and picture."

Vil's eyes narrow at the sight before him. His sibling and enemy taking pictures and exchanging phone numbers, and even talking very well.

“Hmph... you can only smile for now. I will defeat you with my perfect performance, Neige.”, Vil says to himself.

Rook and Epel notice Vil's expression and look at each other in worry.

Kalim also jumps up and runs to [Name], also asking for a picture and autograph, which [Name] gladly does.

In Vil's head, there's a small seed of thought planted inside him. The thought saying, 'Even [Name] likes Neige more than me, their own brother...'

---

During the dry-run, Vil can't help but watch his sibling's reaction quite intently as Neige's group performs.

Vil is quite appalled to have seen his sibling gently bobbing their head to Neige and his little friends singing 'Heigh Ho'.

And while they did seem to enjoy the NRC Tribe's performance, Vil can't help but focus on that positive reaction they had to Neige.

The seed of thought and doubt quickly sprouts to even more.

And watching [Name] join in on the standing ovation that Neige's group was given made it grow faster.

"The familiarity of Neige-san's song makes for a good way to have everyone else enjoy and even bring up nostalgia for some.", [Name] says, voicing out their thoughts about the performance.

That was it.

Something in Vil snapped.

So...

Even his sibling preferred Neige over him, huh?

Well then...

So be it.

---

As they were drinking some water, [Name] suddenly felt that something was wrong.

They look around but see nothing wrong, except...

Vil and Neige were both gone...

[Name]'s eyes widen and think back to how much Vil dislikes (and possibly even hates) Neige.

Taking into account Vil’s expertise in poisons and potions, not to mention his Unique Magic, [Name] feels that something bad is going to happen.

Especially to Vil.

They quickly pack their bags and excuse themselves, trying to get backstage.

A staff worker blocks them from entering, however, “I’m so sorry, however only performers are allowed in the backstage halls.”

“A-ah... alright then... apologies...”, [Name] says, slowly backing away and bowing.

They turn around and leave. They look around for a secluded place and find a small corner nearby. They quickly close their eyes and envision one of the staff members working on stage.

“What you fear, I fear. What you like, I like. What you hate, I hate. We are both one and one in total. Now... {I Am You}.”, [Name] chants, taking a deep breath as their appearance slowly shifts into the staff member on their mind.

---

Yes, this was [Name]’s Unique Magic, {I Am You} allows [Name] to turn into someone else.

It allowed [Name] to be originally unoriginal. Shapeshifting seems like an important and useful skill and ability to have.

And [Name] would have agreed.

If it weren’t for the fact that it constantly reminded them how useless they are. How they only have to use their Unique Magic to be someone else.

Perhaps, they were being themselves, by being someone else.

A “copycat”, through and through.

Using their Unique Magic for longer than a certain amount of time was very taxing, though. Sometimes, it would accumulate more blot, other times, it would cause some other form of pain (sometimes even physical pain). Going past a certain time limit can cause pressure being exerted on [Name] or exhaustion, getting sick, etc..

After all, pain is beauty, and beauty is pain.

---

They open their eyes, taking in their new appearance, before quickly going back to the entrance of the backstage waiting room.

The staff member looks at them and lets them in. [Name] brisk walks and looks around for their older brother.

“I came here because I wanted to have a proper conversation with you.”

[Name] stops at the familiar voice, recognizing it as Vil.

“Yeah! I was thinking the same too!”

[Name]’s eyes widen at the sound of Neige.

Oh no...

They quickly deactivate their Unique Magic, as it was already going past the 2 minute mark they set for themselves. Their appearance slowly shifts back to their original one.

Silently sighing in relief of not having the pressure on them anymore, [Name] goes back to the conversation, peeking through a pillar to listen in.

“I wanted to give you a delicious apple juice. It’s my current favorite...”, Vil says, holding up a small bottle of those apple juices from Epel’s hometown, Harveston.

Oh right, Vil recently promoted Harveston’s apple juice on Magicam, didn’t he?

“Oh! It’s the one you uploaded on Magicam, right? I’ve always wanted to try it once, I’m so happy! Thank you, Vi-kun!!”, Neige excitedly thanked Vil for the apple juice.

[Name] looks closer at the bottle of apple juice. They silently mutter a spell that allows them to check any traces of magic on something or someone.

Focusing even more at the bottle, they notice some magic on it. Magic that was obviously Vil’s Unique Magic, {Fairest One Of All}.

[Name]’s eyes widened. Oh no. It’s poisoned!

“Here, please enjoy your drink.”, Vil says as he holds out the apple juice to Neige, a strangely smug and twisted smile on his face. Vil’s expression unfortunately goes unnoticed by Neige.

‘No! Neige don’t!’, [Name] shouts to Neige in their head, silently moving out of their hiding place.

“I will. Thanks!”, Neige says, about to take a sip.

[Name] opens their mouth to call for Vil, or Neige, but was interrupted by someone who seemed to have similar intentions.

“Neige-kun!”

[Name] stops at where they stood, silently hiding back behind the pillar, looking at who called out to Neige.

[Name] could barely hear the conversation, only little bits and pieces. From what they’re seeing, Rook is... GETTING THE APPLE JUICE FROM NEIGE?!

Oh.. okay... he’s... Rook is going to dispose of it, won’t he?

Yeah... phew. [Name] mentally sighs in relief at the Pomefiore Vice Dorm Leader’s intervention.

They still couldn’t hear much, but Rook’s expression seemed to be getting a bit more firm and harder.

Suddenly, Rook shouted, “NOW GO! HURRY UP!!”

[Name] flinches at the sudden increase in volume but quickly recovers.

They see Neige running away.

Okay... so now, Rook should get rid of that apple juice immediately!

[Name] sees Rook bringing the poisoned apple juice to his lips, about to take a sip.

"NO! ROOK!!"

“NO!”

[Name] doesn’t know what they did, but their body suddenly moved and then the apple juice is on the ground. And they're suddenly between Vil and Rook.

They look right next to them and see Kalim Al-Asim. The other boy who had asked for their autograph and stuff.

"Ah! Roi D-Or!! Prince des Douleurs!! And Grim and the prefect are here too!", Rook exclaims.

"Kalim, [Name], why did you both knock off the bottle Rook was holdin' just now?!"

Kalim pants, "I...made it on time..!"

[Name] looks at Kalim confused.

"What are you doing...?", Vil asks. To Rook, to Kalim, or to [Name], not even Vil himself knows.

Suddenly, a dark green, toxic substance starts bubbling and emitting gas. It was coming from the apple juice Vil poisoned.

"Fgnya!?! The apple juice that spilled on the ground is turning into a bubbly poisonous-looking green liquid!!", the monster shouts.

'Yeah... way to point out the obvious', [Name] silently sasses the monster in their head, bringing out a handkerchief and placing it to their mouth.

"This is the juice that you cast your Unique Magic on, right?", the white-haired boy asks, strangely serious.

Shouts of confusion and shock come from the managers of the NRC Tribe.

[Name] tunes out the conversation, opting to rummaging around their bag for something to cover up everyone else's mouths and noses.

Hearing Vil's rampage makes [Name] want to cry and get angry again. But they hold it in.

They finally find clean handkerchiefs and hand it to the others, not uttering a single word.

"Why? I wanted to become the most beautiful one in the world, but why am I so... ugly, ugly, ugly!?", Vil shouts, anguish in his voice.

[Name] flinches but steels themselves.

"Vil!! Please! You know what could happen if you go any further!! No one's hurt, everyone's okay! But if you go any further than this, we can't say the same anymore!!", [Name] shouts to their brother, making all attention snap back at them.

"I understand that you want to be beautiful, I really do!! But what you're doing right now isn't something a truly beautiful person would do!!", they continue, mouth slightly muffled from the handkerchief covering their mouth.

"No... that's right... that's what I want. If there is no one else in the world, I WILL BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ONE!!"

Ink gushes around Vil and [Name] is at a loss of what to do.

The ink slightly clears up and [Name] sees Vil in a different appearance.

No... Vil has actually gone into overblot...

"The pain won't last for a very long time. Your life is going to end soon. Your blood will freeze. And you won't wake up again. AHAHAHAHA!", Vil says, voice distorted and insane.

[Name] feels their body frozen from the shock, fear, and stress they're experiencing.

After all, overblots are a rare and dangerous phenomenon. There isn't a guarantee anyone would be alive at this point...

No... no, no, no...

'I'm scared... someone... anyone... please...'

[Name] was only 14 years old. Far too young to have been experiencing this much pain. Far too young to have to be experiencing so much at once.

There's too much going on. Everything and everyone's so loud.

Stop it, stop it please.

'Someone... someone help me...'

Everything goes black for [Name].

---

END!

Alright then!! Did I end in another cliffhanger? Yes, yes I did.

Like my other Younger Sibling!Reader fic, there will be alternative endings. 2 of which will be happy and 2 will be sad.

Apologies for the long wait!!

Thank you for all the support so far!

Comments and feedback are very much appreciated!! 💙

Also, thanks so much to my best friend, @madasme-luxary, who helped edit my work hehe. Also to 🐍 anon for helping me out! Thanks you guys!! 💙💙

#twst #twisted wonderland #twst sibling reader #twst angst #twst platonic #vil schoenheit #epel felmier

[octobergraves]

the thing that really put it all into perspective was when i told my friend i wasn’t sure if i was nonbinary or trans and she said “well if you woke up as a guy tomorrow how would you feel? do you think you’d still be nonbinary?” and i haven’t known peace since

#dismiss the bis #a part of me really doesn't want to be trans because i just. don't want to go through all the fucking hoops of getting meds and getting #surgery and coming out to people and etc etc #i literally can't even get meds for my 18 mental illnesses and now im gonna get hrt? in THIS neighborhood? #i couldn't even get my family to call me a far more feminine name than my birth name and now im gonna tell them im trans and it'll be okay? #unlikely #also my 'friend' group is super uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh bigoted so i doubt they'd be chill with it either #so it'd. definitely be easier to just live out the rest of my life as a woman. but god it Sucks lol #sorry i drank a like 20oz frozen mocha w/ brownie bits earlier and i think all the sugar broke my brain and is unlocking Extra Emotions #so tonite is Gender Night

[hollanderfangirl]

My Purpose |Harry Holland|

Warnings: angst, suicide attempt and mentions of death, please DON'T read if it's triggering for you

It was all too much. You couldn't take it anymore. First the breakup then your job. You had been holding on for so long, trying so hard, but it seemed as if there was nothing left to live for. You had no purpose left in this world. You had been feeling like this for months, you didn't tell anyone, just burying your feelings inside. 

You were walking home from your office, or what was your office, anyway. You were never going back there now. 

You see the crowded street, all the people who were in a hurry, chasing something, someone. You thought about all these people, who they were, why they were even holding on, what was their purpose? 

Don't they all see? Why are they so happy? You think. We're brought up to expect a happy ending. But there are no happy endings. There's only death waiting for us. We find love and happiness, and it's snatched away from us without any rhyme or reason. We're on a deserted spaceship careening mindlessly among the stars. 

You keep walking aimlessly, you took the train or bus every other day. But today you decide to walk home, or wherever you were going. You stop at a bridge on the way, usually you would come here to admire nature. You felt so peaceful hearing the roar of the river underneath, water hitting the rocks. You could hear the noise of the traffic far away and the birds chirping. The sun was setting behind you and the world seemed to come to a stop. 

You climb on the edge of the bridge, seeing the river below you. You wonder how it would be to fall into it, it'll be cold, you might hit your chest, you won't be able to breathe. You'll be struggling for life. And then poof. You'll be gone. Just like every single person on this earth eventually. 

You close your eyes, feeling the cold breeze, you try to stop your thoughts but you couldn't. In those last moments you had in this lifetime, you think about your family, your friends, your childhood, you try to think about only the good memories, your job- you loved it so much, all of your colleagues, your work you were so passionate about. 

And him. Who gave you so much love, who showed you what love actually is. Who gave you purpose, he was your purpose. But he was gone now, not literally but he turned out to be just like every other person in your life. You thought he was different. The man who showed you the world is such a beautiful place was the reason today you were thinking how cruel it actually is. You could still feel how his hands felt in yours, how his lips felt on yours. How his deep voice was music to your ears in the morning. His voice….. his voice…..you could still listen to his voice. Y/n...how he said your name, like it was the most- 

"Y/NNNN!!!" 

You get startled and slip on the bridge, you start to panic, even though you were planning on jumping from the bridge, you couldn't help but get scared when that was actually about to happen. 

A pair of hands grab you, and you realise what you were about to do, you immediately feel guilty, you were not even thinking clearly. 

"What the hell were you doing?!" Harry calls out from behind you. 

You were silent, it all happened so quickly, and you just tried to recall the last 30 seconds. You feel the goosebumps on your arms and even though you were sweating, you felt cold. So cold. 

"Y/n oh my god, oh my god. Are you okay?" he says again but you still couldn't say anything. "Come on, I'll take you home. Come with me," he picks you up and takes you to his car. 

You were silent all the way to his house. You didn't even have any thoughts to think about. You were still shocked and processing what happened. It was like you weren't even yourself for the past few hours, you didn't feel like yourself even now. Your mind was completely blank, you were feeling absolutely nothing when your ex boyfriend just saved you from killing yourself and was now driving you to his house. You weren't happy, you weren't mad, you weren't sad. Just nothing. 

You enter the house which you called your home for two whole years. Everything was still the same, except it was a little messier. You knew Harry couldn't take care of the house all by himself. The only feminine products you see were yours which you had left behind. So he hasn't been with anyone else ever since too, you think. 

You sit down on the bed which you both had shared and you feel a sense of belonging, like you were finally starting to feel emotions again. 

"Here…" Harry hands you his hoodie, careful not to touch you. "I'll just go and make dinner, pasta, right? It's- um it's your favourite" 

"I don't want to eat" 

"Okay" 

He sits down beside you, not saying another word. You look at the bedside table and see a framed photo of you both, you were smiling at the camera while Harry was kissing your cheek. He still kept this photo. 

"I lost my job," you say slowly. You finally spoke after who knows how many hours. 

"Oh…I- um.. I'm so sorry, y/n" 

"I didn't know what to do. I was… . so...and- " you break into tears and Harry takes you into his arms. With your head on his chest, you cry out all of the distress you had been feeling for the past few hours. Days. Months. Ever since you had left him. Every single moment was hard for you. 

"It's ok, it's ok. I'm here for you," he caresses your hair and kisses your forehead. "I'm so sorry, I'm so so sorry y/n. I was such a dick, I- I didn't even know what you were going through. I didn't even understand that you needed me" 

"It doesn't matter now. What we had is in the past" 

"It matters to me! It… matters ok?! I almost lost you today! I would have never forgiven myself if something happened to you!" 

He was also crying now, you didn't know you meant this much to him. You thought he wouldn't even care. 

"Please don't….don't ever scare me like that okay? I was fucking scared" 

"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking, Harry! You have no idea what these past few months have been for me, I try to forget you but I can't. I just can't! And now, the job that I loved so much is gone, it's gone!" 

"Then don't" 

"Don't what?" 

"Forget me. Don't forget me, you know it was a stupid argument. We should have never broken up because of it" 

"It wasn't the argument, Harry, it was what you said" 

"Well just like you said, I wasn't thinking at that time" 

You both sit in silence for the longest time, you felt relieved that you let your feelings out, you let everything out, even though you were crying and were sad or whatever now, you were just glad that you were feeling something. 

"Can we go back?" you whisper. 

"Where?"

"To us" 

"Yeah… god, yes, yeah. Yes please" 

"Okay"  

"And we'll find you another job, okay. Even better than this one, don't worry about that. And don't ever think of doing something like that, okay? You are more important than anything else" he was holding so tightly you felt like you would break, but you preferred this to anything else right now.

You slept in Harry's arms again after what felt like an eternity. You promised to yourself that night that no matter how hard life got, no matter what happened, you were going to live. You would find purpose again and live. Just live. 

We always think that being happy is all you need in life. That chasing happiness is life's ultimate goal, but you can't choose when you get to be happy. It's something that is not in your hands. But having a purpose will help you get through the darkest of days, the most hurtful sorrows.

You felt peaceful for the first time in a long, long time. You had found your purpose, he was your purpose.

___________

A/N: I'm not trying to glorify suicide or anything, it's a very serious topic and please know that whatever happens, nothing is more worth than your life. No matter what happens, there is always someone out there who will never ever forgive themselves if something happens to you. Please let your feelings out, talk to someone you trust, believe in yourself. Everything will be alright.

Taglist-

@mischiefmanaged011 @notsosmexy @perspectiveparker @justanothermarvelmaniac @missguidedlani @purpleskiesstorm @halfblood-princess-505 @spidey-reids-2003 @peterspideysstuff @musicalkeys @theliterarymess @ilarbu

#harry holland #harry holland angst #harry holland imagine #harry+holland+x+y/n #harry holland blurb #harry holland fic #tw:suicide attempt #talk about death #my purpose #fic

[alj4890]

Misfortune's Intentions

(Liam x OC*Elisse Millan) (Drake x Riley)

A/N A couple more months have gone by. Liam and Elisse have attended many of the same events in Cordonia, gradually getting closer to one another. In this chapter, they begin the necessary steps toward a more personal relationship. Liam also has an honest conversation to the two that he once trusted the most.

@gkittylove99​ @krsnlove​ @kingliam2019​ @texaskitten30�� @hopefulmoonobject​ @yourmajesty09​ @mom2000aggie​ @ofpixelsandscribbles​

Masterlist

Chapter 3 Heart’s Honesty

The Royal Palace, Cordonia...

Liam looked up when he heard the murmur of feminine voices passing by on their way to the solarium.

Creeping towards the cracked door, he peeped out to see who it was.

He caught just a glimpse of Olivia, Riley, and Madeleine turning toward the right.

Curious yet not wishing to get caught up in conversation with any of them, he settled back in his chair and continued to review a trade proposal Elisse had given him from Amalas.

Monterisso's queen was not going to wait around on Riley's baby in making inroads toward a strong, beneficial relationship between their two countries. Since the pregnancy had been announced a couple of months back, Liam and his close knit group of friends had spent numerous events speaking to pushy foreign monarchs.

The only bright side to meeting so often, were the moments he had with Elisse. They were few and far between and much too short to satisfy him. A dance shared, a few words spoken here and there, possibly a shared smile over a private joke. All ended up making her the first person he searched for when entering into a room.

"Would you like me to bring a tray in here, your majesty or would you prefer having lunch in the dining room?"

Liam looked up at one of the footmen. "A tray, please." He called the man back. "Is there some gathering this afternoon?"

"The Queen Mother is hosting some ladies for tea in the solarium." The footman replied.

"Ah." Liam tried to focus. "Do you know who she invited?"

"I know some, sir."

Liam cocked an eyebrow, trying not to be impatient.

"Duchess Riley is the honored guest." The footman began to go through the usual name of Cordonian ladies. "Queen Isabella and Queen Amalas have also arrived."

Liam grit his teeth at not hearing what he wanted to most. "Did Queen Amalas bring another lady with her, by chance?"

"I'm not sure, sir. Should I go inquire?"

"No." Liam muttered. "Just bring my lunch in here, please."

"At once, sir." He bowed and left the king alone.

"There you are."

Liam nearly cursed. "Drake. Join me, won't you?"

"Thanks." He sat down on the couch across from him. "Haven't seen much of you recently."

Liam held up the documents he was reading. "Kingdom business."

"Ah." Drake drummed his fingers on his pants.

Liam tried to tune him out.

"Riley's having a tea party with Regina and a few others."

"So I've heard."

"Did you know the Spy Queen has returned?"

"Yes." Liam responded. "So did Auvernal's queen."

Drake ran a hand through his hair. "So, uh, have you gotten anything out of the spy that has taken up residence nearby?"

Liam lowered the documents. "Spy? What are you talking about?"

"Your investigation with Queen Amalas’s cousin." Drake narrowed his eyes. "That is why you are spending so much time with her isn't it?"

"Lady Elisse is more of a messenger between me and Amalas." Liam bit out.

"I've never seen you make sure to share most of your dances with messengers before, much less spend anymore time than you have to."

"I am doing exactly what I promised." Liam informed him. "I am taking time to get to know her. All these new events have limited my chances to be alone with her."

"Alone with her?" Drake leaned forward. "Why are you wanting to be alone with her?"

At this moment, Liam did not want to admit to Drake that he believed he was ready to try and fall in love again. He had yet to actually have a real date with Elisse, much less kiss her. He also wasn't certain her own feelings about taking that next step.

She seems to like me, he thought. Is it more than a friend? Or am I simply fooling myself like I did with Riley?

"Li?" Drake waved a hand. "Still with me?"

Liam closed his eyes. "Yes, sorry." He cleared his throat. "If I am alone with her, then she will be more inclined to talk about things she would never feel comfortable doing at a crowded gathering."

Drake slowly nodded. "That's true. Sounds like a good plan."

A plan to test her and see if she feels as I do, Liam thought.

"Are you going to try and get her alone after the queen's tea?"

Liam's eyes widened. "Elisse is here?"

"Well, yeah." Drake tilted his head slightly. "Liam, you sure there isn't anything wr--"

"Positive." Liam excused himself. "I need to put these papers in the study. Feel free to call down to the kitchen for an extra tray for lunch."

***************

The Solarium, Royal Palace, Cordonia...

What would I do without all these pastries?

Elisse gratefully took another bite of a strawberry tart. If her mouth was full then she wouldn't be pressured to talk.

Which was a good thing considering how she felt about Lady Riley Walker.

It nearly turned her stomach at how everyone was complimenting the waitress turned duchess. There was only so much bowing and scraping for attention Elisse could stand.

Especially to someone who had hurt Liam so horribly.

It didn't take a mind reader to realize that the reason Cordonia's king was not actively courting or planning on having little princes and princesses of his own was sitting across from her, gushing about what kind of father Drake would be.

"He has already promised to take all the late night diaper changes." Riley giggled.

Elisse didn't bother to hide her eye roll, earning a slight kick from her cousin.

Amalas sent her the look that somehow conveyed the reminder that they were trying to gain favor with the woman carrying the royal heir so stop making faces at every little thing she says.

Feeling somewhat chastised for possibly letting her cousin down, Elisse averted her gaze and poured herself another cup of tea.

How much longer are we going to have to sit here?

"Bradshaw would have fainted dead away if I remotely asked him to change one of the twins diapers." Isabella's brittle smile formed with the mention of her husband and children.

Elisse's eyes narrowed somewhat as she studied Auvernal's queen. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something not quite right. She cut her eyes to Amalas, wondering if she too was seeing this.

Her cousin tucked a lock of her own hair behind her right ear and gently tugged on the earlobe.

Elisse returned her attention to the conversations, satisfied with that secret signal that Amalas not only saw it but was planning on investigating it further.

"What about you?" Riley asked.

Elisse glanced up and realized that all eyes were on her.

"I'm sorry." She stammered. "Did you ask me something?"

"Can you picture your husband changing diapers?" Riley prodded.

"I'm not married." Elisse forced a pleasant smile. "It's difficult enough imagining him doing so when I don't even know what he looks like."

"Oh!" Riley glared over at Madeleine. "I'm sorry. I was told you were married."

Madeleine chuckled softly. "Perhaps if you read the reports I give you, you wouldn't make a mistake like that."

Riley ignored her and focused once more on Elisse. She was determined to find out more about this woman who seemed to always find a way to be near Liam.

"Enough baby talk." She decided. "Let's talk romance."

"Zeke is taking me to Switzerland next week." Penelope shyly said. "A trip for just the two of us."

Kiara laughed. "He is so excited about it. It is all he talks of whenever one of us asks him something." She smiled at Penelope's blush. "Très romantique, non?"

"Very." Hana sighed. "You two are so sweet together."

"Anyone else have that special someone?" Riley asked. "Or needs a little help from Cupid to get them to act right?"

Olivia shook her head. "By Cupid, you mean you."

"I do." The duchess replied. "I know all about stubborn men trying their hardest to keep from being with the perfect person for them."

Elisse sat up a little straighter. "Is that how you and his grace got together?" She did her best to make her question sound like polite curiosity. "Did you have to convince him to be with you?"

Amalas stilled. She had been the one to tell Elisse all of what happened during Liam and Madeleine's engagement tour.

Riley had a dreamy expression on her face. "Drake Walker put up quite the fight. It took all my I had to get him to be with me."

"When did you realize he was worth it?" Elisse asked while turning in her chair so that Amalas couldn't kick her again. "Most would have focused on someone who seemed interested."

Olivia snorted in agreement. "I will never understand how you could choose Walker over Liam."

Riley's smile turned tender. "What can I say? He was a complete marshmallow whenever we were alone. I saw past his snark and knew he had to be mine."

"I think it's terribly romantic." Hana added. "He has shown over and over that you are the most important person in his life."

While Hana and Riley went through the list of things that made Drake perfect, Elisse tbought of Liam's actions in each scenario.

"He took a bullet for her." Hana explained to the visitors.

"I will begrudgingly give him credit for that." Olivia grumbled. "That and for helping take Anton down."

Elisse mentally countered that with Liam coming and facing Anton and his minions alone to rescue the couple.

"He sounds like he will be a protective father." Amalas interjected before they continued to extol his virtues. "One that knows the value of family."

Issabella narrowed her eyes at her. "I agree. Which is why I would love to have him as father-in-law to one of my," she took a gulp of tea, "darling twins."

While the two queens tried to sway Riley toward choosing their children, Liam stepped into the sunroom.

Regina looked up and smiled. "Liam dear, would you care to join us for a cup of tea?"

He shook his head. "Thank you, but I came in here for something else." His charming smile flashed to the ladies. "I do hate to interrupt, but I need to speak to Lady Elisse a moment."

She set her teacup down. "Yes, of course, your majesty."

When Liam noticed the curious looks, he explained that he needed her to clarify one of the requests in the document she had given him.

"Perhaps you need Queen Amalas too." Isabella smirked. "Since she is Monterisso's ruler. Plus, I'm certian Duchess Riley would enjoy hearing something other than Prince Josip's darling ways."

Amalas kept her cool and did not rise to the bait. "I would be more than happy to." She winked at her cousin. "But Elisse was such a help to me as I drafted it that she knows it as well as I do."

"We will only be a moment." Liam promised, setting Elisse's hand in the bend of his arm.

Riley, Olivia, and Hana all shared a knowing look.

Regina noticed their exchange and cleared her throat.

"Would anyone care for more tea?"

**************

Once they were out of earshot of the solarium, Elisse spoke up.

"What problem did you come across in the trade agreement?"

Liam's cheeks flushed. "Actually, I haven't seen any problem."

"Oh." She attempted to not let her imagination get away from her. "Then why did you take me away from the tea?"

Liam rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not--that is--I" he chuckled softly while turning to face her. "I guess I simply wanted to see you."

Elisse doubted that anyone could be more adorable than Liam was in this moment.

She smiled and lowered her eyes. "Would it be too forward to say that I had hoped to causally bump into you while here for the tea party?"

"Definitely. Much too forward." He responded in a serious tone.

Her head jerked up and she saw the humor in his eyes.

She playfully pushed him away. "That certainly cured me of ever doing so again."

He laughed out loud, took her hand, and pulled her along with him.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"To my study to look over the documents."

"But I thought you said there wasn't a problem."

Liam opened the door for her. "There isn't. But one must have their alibis in order, m'lady."

"What am I to do with you?" She teased once he shut the door.

Liam allowed his heated gaze to settle on her. Her question sparked his imagination. There were several things he would love for her to do with him.

"Is this where you spend most of your day?" She asked, exploring his bookshelves.

"For the most part."

Her eyes cut over to him. His casual stance as he leaned against the door was one she was noticing happened whenever they were near one another. His image he maintained to the rest of the world was one of proper, ram rod posture. There was rarely any softening or relaxed muscles.

Except with me, she thought.

Still highly curious and a touch nervous, Elisse sat down on a small couch.

"The Queen Mother told us about the ball you're hosting. How are the preparations going?"

Liam shrugged on his way to sit near her. "They must be going well. No one has come to me with any problems yet."

She turned towards him. "Is it for a special reason?"

You mean other than wanting a night where I can easily steal you away?

Liam kept that response to himself. "I suppose it is. Now that Lady Riley has gotten over most of the morning sickness, we can host a ball in honor of the royal heir."

Elisse was unable to control her facial expression. "I see."

Liam's eyebrows drew together. He had noticed that same irritated expression appear whenever the viscountess heard that particular name. "Elisse, do you not care for Riley?"

Her lips parted, ready to admit how she truly felt about the one that had hurt him, only to close shut. She knew she needed to be more diplomatic for Amalas’s sake.

She turned away from him and shook her head. "She seems pleasant."

Elisse was surprised she didn't choke on that word.

"Pleasant?" Liam's lips began to curve.

"Yes." She pointedly looked out the window, knowing he was amused at her answer.

If I look at him, it will all be over, she thought. She had to fight to keep her smile from appearing as he slid closer to her.

"You find Lady Riley pleasant?" He propped his elbow on the back of the couch and rested his head on his hand. "I don't think I have ever heard such a mild compliment toward her before."

Elisse was unable to resist and turned back toward him. He quirked an eyebrow in silent question when she simply stared at his face.

All she could think about was how generous he had been. Allowing Riley to live here to be near Drake. Giving her a title and a castle. Hosting their wedding. Standing as best man. Fighting to save their lives with little regard to his own safety. And now to naming their child as his heir.

Kindness barely scratchs the surface, she thought.

"Elisse?"

"Hmm?"

"What are you thinking so hard about?"

Without pausing to consider if she would end up embarrassed by her answer, she said exactly what was on her mind.

"You."

Liam didn't think any other answer could possibly top that one.

He slid his hand over hers. "I think of you often."

"You do?"

"No." He grinned at her frown. "It is more than often. You are rarely if ever far from my mind."

Her warm smile returned. "I suppose I am the same way."

Liam drummed up the courage to ask her out. "Elisse, would you--"

"Liam, I wanted to--" Riley's eyes widened at the pair on the couch. "Sorry. Drake told me he had seen you come in here. I didn't know you were still reviewing..."she noticed there wasn't one scrap of paper between them, "trade documents."

"We cleared that matter up quickly." Liam kept a hold on Elisse's hand. "Is there anything you need, Riley?"

"Yes, um, the ball. What exactly did you have planned?"

"Is there anything other than dancing, drinks, and food that Cordonians do at balls?" Elisse teased.

Liam chuckled. "Other than taking a moment to obsess over our apples, not really."

Riley narrowed her eyes. Their little jokes and touches were more serious than she thought.

"I wanted to come in and offer my help, if needed." She muttered.

"Thank you, but everything is under control."

Riley hesitated a moment. "Liam, Drake and I were hoping to speak with you," she glanced at Elisse, "privately."

Liam sighed softly. "I'll join you and Drake in the west drawing room in a moment."

"Okay." She couldn't think of a reason to stick around and see what was going to happen between him and the viscountess.

Once she shut the door, Elisse focused on Liam. "I suppose I should find Amalas."

"Not yet, please." He lowered his eyss to her hand in his. "Lady Elisse," he cleared his throat, "I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me one night."

"Of course. I know we should to discuss the terms--"

"Not for work." He quickly interrupted. "I'm asking you for a date."

Elisse wondered if he could hear her heart pounding. "I would love to."

Liam released the breath he had been holding. "Then I will call you this evening and we will discuss the details."

She stood up, suddenly more nervous than she had been. "I look forward to it."

Liam lifted her hand to his lips. "So do I."

***********

"Drake, they were definitely not talking about trade deals." Riley paced back and forth. "He was holding her hand!"

"Take it easy." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "You know stress isn't good for you and the baby."

"What if Liam starts insisting that we sign an arranged marriage between our baby and Queen Amalas's son?" She cradled her small belly. "What will we do then?"

"We'll fix this." Drake reassured her. "Aren't you the one to point out how we always find a way to defeat those that come at us?"

She slowly nodded.

"Then don't worry." He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "We got this, Brooks."

The couple looked up when Liam came into the room.

“You wished to speak to me.” He sat down in one of the chairs.

“Liam,” Drake began, “what were you speaking to Elisse about?”

“We were discussing dinner plans this week.”

"Dinner plans? You have a date with Elisse?" Riley asked.

"Yes." Liam didn't bother to hide his smile. "We've had dinner and lunches together numerous times, but..." His voice held a hint of the true happiness he felt. "It has always been work related. I thought it was time for us to be together for no other reason than because we want to."

"But she's the Spy queen's cousin!" Riley exclaimed.

Liam quirked an eyebrow at her. "I know who her family members are."

Riley motioned to Drake to say something.

He cleared his throat. "Li, you know we only want to see you happy." He shifted under Liam's piercing gaze. "But we don't know if we can trust Amalas or anyone associated with her."

"I know I can." Liam's tone held a warning to not push him on this. "Elisse has never brought up the subject of your child marrying Amalas's son."

"She is probably waiting until you get more comfortable around her." Riley grumbled. "Seems like something a secret agent would do. Seduce the target into agreeing--"

Liam's hand slammed down on the end table next to him, causing the couple to jump in surprise.

"That's enough!" He snapped. His kingly authority reverberated within the formal drawing room. "I won't hear another word against Elisse." His blue eyes sparked with fury. "What proof do you have?"

"None." Riley stepped back from his glare. "Liam, you're so trusting that anyone can take advantage of your kindness."

"Yes," his soft tone scared them even more than his shouting. "I can see where you would both think that, given that I trusted you."

"Liam, what are you talking about?" Riley asked.

"I'm talking about the fact that nearly three years ago I trusted you with my heart." His eyes went from one to the other. "I laid it at your feet, Riley, and asked Drake to guard you while I tried to help uncover this conspiracy against you." He folded his arms. "If anyone shouldn't be trusted in this kingdom at the moment, it would be the two who betrayed me in the worst possible way."

Tear slipped down Riley's cheeks. "Liam, I...I thought you understood." She swallowed. "You stood there as Drake's best man at our wedding. You named our child your heir."

"Just because I understood, forgave you, and accepted it; that does not necessarily mean that I have forgotten." He replied. “I still trust you, but I have become more cautious in doing so.”

"Liam," Drake's voice cracked with regret. "I'm sorry. I had no idea you still felt--"

"I don't." Liam interrupted. "I haven't for a while now." His stance relaxed with his next words. “Since meeting Elisse, I have realized that I am able to move on from the past.”

He thought of the excitement he felt just in anticipating seeing her again. That desire to touch her. Finally feel what her lips against his. Seeing her smile. Holding her close.

He focused again on two people he still considered his best friends. "Regardless of what her cousin does, Elisse is innocent. She is the woman I intend on knowing on a personal level. You either support me in that and treat her with every bit of friendship and courtesy she deserves or you can return to Valtoria until you are able to do so."

With that, Liam left the couple with jaws dropped.

**************

Pier at Cordonia’s Capital a few nights later...

"Elisse?" Liam called out when he finally reached The Semblance sailboat.

She popped up from the galley. "Liam?"

His smile formed when she came over.

She climbed up the side, held onto the various ropes, and leaned forward. "Ready to come aboard?"

"You know, I'm not exactly fond of boats." He admitted. "One too many bad experiences."

Her smile turned tender. "I know. That's why we aren't going sailing." She tilted her head to where she had a table set. "I just wanted a spot where I could have you to myself."

Liam grabbed the same ropes and pulled himself until he was face to face with her. His lips curved at her slight intake of breath. "I could be on board with that."

She rolled her eyes playfully while groaning. Gripping his blazer she tugged him onto the boat. "Only you are cute enough to get away with that awful pun."

"I try." He teased.

She slipped her arm around him. "I hope you like what I prepared." Her eyes darted around as if she was worried someone would overhear. "Felix has been trying his hardest to teach me how to cook."

"Elisse, you shouldn't have gone to so much trouble." Liam tucked her long dark hair over her shoulder. "Just having a moment with you away from court and our duties is enough for me."

"Liam," she slid her arms up his chest, "I have a confession."

He placed his hands on her waist. "Oh?"

"Years ago, Amalas began a file on you." Her eyes darted to his lips before lifting once more to his crystal clear blue eyes. "And I read it."

Liam grimaced. "It sounds like you're about to say something I'm not going to like."

Her tender smile caused him to pause in pulling away.

"On the contrary," she stepped closer to him, "everything I read, I liked." Her dark brown eyes held his. "That's why I hope you like everything I've done."

Unable to resist the temptation any longer, Liam captured her lips in a heated kiss.

Her fingers tangled in his hair as he continued the sweet exchange.

Their eyes met as they began to part, only for them both to rush forward in a more passionate kiss.

"Liam." She said in a breathless voice when his lips brushed her cheek. "I've been waiting on you to do that for months now."

He chuckled, cuddling her close. "You have no idea how often I wanted to shove everything off my desk and yank you on it."

Her eyes twinkled. "I might have had similar thoughts."

He thought his face was in danger of being set in a permanent goofy grin.

A breeze brought their attention back to the carefully set table.

"I don't want to let your dinner go to waste." He murmured, kissing her neck.

"It probably tasted horrible anyway." She smiled at hearing his laughter. "I would like to get a second date out of this. My dinner might have sent you running as far away from me as you can."

"It wouldn't." He pressed his forehead against hers. "I have no intention of running away from you, Elisse."

Her smile took his breath away. With a slight joyful squeal, she kissed him once more.

"Would you like to lay here and watch the stars appear?" She motioned toward another section of the boat she had piled with an air mattress, blankets, and pillows. A bucket with chilled champagne was on hand with two glasses.

"Love to." He let her go, watching as she retrieved some strawberries and set them nearby their pallet.

He popped the champagne and filled their glasses.

"What should we toast to?" He asked.

"To the longest waited first date ever." She tapped her glass against his. "And how happy I am to finally be here with you."

Liam held her gaze as he downed his glass. He set it to the side and pulled her back in his arms. "Nowhere near as happy as I am."

****************

A few ships over, Olivia lowered her binoculars. 

“The date seems to be going well.” She whispered.

“Do you think she can be trusted?” Hana asked. 

“There’s only one way to know for sure.” Olivia passed the binoculars to her accomplice. “We need to dig up all we can on the viscountess and queen from Monterisso as well as everything I can on Auvernal’s monarchs.”

“If Liam falls in love with her,” Hana took a deep breath, “it will hurt him horribly if we discover she is using him.”

“He’s already been through so much.” Olivia murmured. “I don’t want to be the one to deliver news like that to him.”

“But we promised Riley we would investigate Elisse.” Hana shifted. “Do you think she is wrong about suspecting her?”

“I--” For the first time, Olivia doubted they needed to spy on Elisse. “I honestly don’t know.” 

#misfortune's intentions #choices the royal heir #liam x oc #drake x riley #trh liam #choices trh #trh drake #choices olivia #choices hana

[sardonicnihilism]

A Biography of the Woman Who Never Was

Part 5 The Older Woman

Chapter 5

The rest of 2018 and 2019 passed in fairly unremarkable fashion. The kids kept seeing the counselor, Jerry's behavior and grades improved until he was one of his grades top students. Tabatha, likewise, did extremely well academically. Jerry joined the school soccer team and took up violin, and Tabatha took up piano, guitar, and drums. While life continued with its normal ups and downs, it really did seem like the worst was behind them.

Even when 2020 hit like a meteor, it still didn't affect Shannon and her family that much. Both Sam and Shannon were deemed essential workers, and therefore kept their jobs. The schools shut down, but Shannon did home lessons over the summer and the kids did remote learning in the fall. Jerry struggled, having a hard time staying focused, but Tabatha did exceptionally well.

It was November when things started to go to Hell for them personally. Shannon started noticing a pain in her right chest and shoulder. It would constantly ache, and if she moved too fast, bolts of sharp, white hot pain would shoot through her body. At first she thought it was just muscle strain from lifting too much (she had gotten back into weight training to lose weight), but when she had taken a week off and there was no improvement, she knew she had to see a doctor.

Here appointment was in December, the week after Christmas. The doctor checked her out and then chewed her out. She was 47 years old and had never had a mammogram. Shannon reluctantly agreed to have one and her doctor made the appointment.

Shannon got her mammogram the second week of January at 8:50 AM. By 3:30 PM, she had three messages saying she should contact them immediately. Shannon had breast cancer. More than that, it had already spread to other parts of her body. After a consultation with the entire family, they decided on an aggressive treatment plan. Unfortunately, it was too late.

Shannon's health declined rapidly. Most of her hair fell out and she shrank from 252 pounds to 110. She was week and tired all the time. She mostly laid in bed, only getting up to use the bathroom; usually to vomit. It was decided that she would enter the hospital for her final days.

Sam would visit everyday. At first he brought the kids with him every time, then every other day, and then they would only come once a week on Sundays. By the end of April, it was clear it was only a matter of days.

Sam's last visit was on a Sunday. It was a perfect spring day. It was so warm and sunny that it made Sam angry. It seemed like a cosmic insult to everything he and Shannon were going through. However, he had managed to purge himself of his bitterness by the time he had gotten to Shannon's room.

She was staring out the window, a contemplative smile gracing her gaunt face. Her hands were folded in her lap and she looked almost transcendent.

"How's the most beautiful woman in the world doing today?" he asked with forced happiness as he entered her room.

Shannon turned to him and smiled as happy a smile as she could. "I don't know. I haven't seen her today," she joked back in her weak, hoarse voice.

Sam grabbed a chair and sat beside her. "How're you sweetie?" he asked with a hushed sadness.

"I'm ok. Best as possible I suppose. I was just thinking I beat mom by a month. She passed in April, I made it all the way to May. Of course she beats me on years though." Shannon's sense of gallows humor was not only still there, but had become stronger than ever.

"I tried to get the kids to come out, but they just couldn't," Sam said apologetically.

Shannon just waved her hand. "It's ok, my family never did do death well."

She turned back to the window and started talking as much to herself as to Sam. "I was going to ask you to make a recording of me saying my farewells to the kids, but then I thought if I really wanted this to be the last and forever image of me; a sad, shriveled up husk of a human being - an image of sadness and loss? That just seems too cruel. I'd rather be forgotten if that is the case."

"You'll never be forgotten," Sam tried to reassure her.

She turned back to him, smiling even more. "We're all forgotten eventually darling." She then reached out and took his hand. "It's been a life, hasn't it?"

"It sure has," he said, trying to smile, but tears were already starting to run down his cheek. "And I thank you for being the love of mine."

"As you are with mine," she said in a peaceful voice.

"No, you don't have to say that. You don't have to pretend." He shook his head as he spoke. He didn't want their potentially last moments to be filled with lies.

"Who's pretending?" Shannon said, sounding almost happy, like he had just told her a joke. "What? You think because I'm not romantically or sexualy attracted to you, that means you're not the love of my life? People put so much emphasis on romantic love. Darling, you were far more than a lover. Being a lover is easy. You were a friend." She then brought his hand to her mouth and kissed it.

Sam was now weeping heavily. "The first time I met you in the library, I knew I loved you," he choked out.

"When I was a little girl, I asked my grandfather why he kept the dogs outside. He said because animals don't belong in the house. That night, my biological mother, left me in her car while she went into the bar. I was alone, freezing. I wondered if maybe I was an animal and that's why I was being left alone.

"My entire life I felt alone, unloved, unlovable. I was angry and bitter and I hurt anyone or thing I could so they would feel what I felt. I caused so much pain.

"Then I met Jen and I thought I found love. I loved her and I thought she loved me, but she only loved what she thought I was. When I turned out not to be that, she turned her back on me and I went off the deep end.

"And then there was you. You made me laugh. I could talk to you about anything. I felt safe around you; not physically, but emotionally. I became a better person because of you.

"Even when I came out to you, you didn't turn me away, throw me out, which I would have understood if you did. You never stopped being my rock, my shoulder to cry on, the clown to make me laugh when I was crying. You never stopped being my friend."

"And I never will," Sam barely choked out.

"And that is why you're the love of my life."

Sam got up and they embraced. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and she gave him one the cheek. They spent the next five hours just reminiscening and joking.

"I better get going, I suppose," Sam said reluctantly. "I can't leave the kids alone all day, but I don't want to leave you alone either. Not to die at least."

"We all die alone honey, even if we're surrounded by people," she said with a smile. "Go. You're a father and your kids need you. I'm already dead. The only thing the dead need is rest. Just, just tell the kids I love them."

"Always," he said tearfully.

A couple hours after he left, she began to feel really tired, her fingers and toes started going numb. She knew the time had come.

She started thinking about tombstones. A name, a dash, and another date. Everything she was, everything she had been, reduced to a small line, carved in a stone that would survive long after she had been forgotten. It seemed unfair, cruel even.

She then thought about something else, something she had learned back in college. She thought about quantum entanglement, how two atoms can become entangled, linked forever across time and space, eternal mirrors to each other.

Her mind then darted to the concept of the multiverse. How there might be infinite universes out, each with their own version of her. What if two versions could be linked somehow? Entangled? What if her mirror was out there? Could she reach her? Could her mind link across dimensions to one of her other selves to share her story?

*Please, please, if can hear me, please tell my story. Please don't let me be forgotten!*, she thought over and over to herself, trying to reach out to anyone who might hear until her brain ceased to function and she passed away.

**************************************

Shannon Brown was born on November 22, 1975 to a single, alcoholic mother. He was taken in by his grandparents and his aunt Mary who raised him as her own. It is Mary who he considers to be his real mother. His biological mother, Kathy, would have two other children, a girl named Tracy (1977) and Paul Jr. (1979).

By about 4 or 5, Shannon knew that he wasn't a he, but a she, but having no language to express this, she kept this to herself. Shannon grew up alone, morbidly obese for most of her life, she never really had any friends and was constantly bullied and picked on. This made her angry and she would often act out in horrible and usually, self destructive ways.

She did manage to lose weight and was thin from 19 to 24. It was at this time she met her future wife, Samantha Hopwood online. Samantha, an Australian citizen, eventually moved to the United States and they got married in 2001. In 2009, their first child, Joshua was born.

It was after that, Shannon came out to Samantha as transgender. It caused a lot of pain and anger in their marriage, but they were able to work through some of it so that they had their second child, Tara, in 2011. In 2020, after years of being partially closeted, Shannon came out to everyone on Facebook (much to the horror of her wife).

It was about this time that Shannon discovered an app called FaceApp. It could change your photo to look like a child, old person, even the opposite physical gender. Shannon took a picture of herself, femininized it, and then took that new picture and reaged it from a little girl to an old woman. As Shannon stared at the pictures, she couldn't help but marvel over how real they looked! These looked like real pictures of an actual person.

"Who are you?" she said to herself. "Who are you, what is your story?" The more she stared at the pictures, the more she could almost hear this stranger call out, "Please, please, tell my story." It was then Shannon knew what she had to do. She opened her Tumblr app, hit the write symbol, and began-

A Biography of the Woman Who Never Was

Part 1: The Girl

Chapter 1

*This story is dedicated to the memory of H.P. Lovecraft; a horrible man, but great world builder. This wouldn't exist without him.*

#fiction #dark #drama #queer stories #slice of life #sad #fantasy #lovecraft

[neraawritesxx]

Say I Do

anime: Inuyasha pairing: Sesshomaru x Kagome genre: Drama/Romance words: ~7,700 status: Ongoing

summary:  [au] ‘I vow to you today and a thousand times over that I will never let you leave my side.’ The man to whom she was vowing eternal love was supposed to be her fiance, not her brother-in-law.

a/n: So this is my first real attempt at writing fanfiction, especially positing it to tumblr. I figured what better way to break myself in then by writing a story with my first every OTP. Please let me know what you think!

this work could also be found on ff.net and ao3

next chapter

Never in her life had Kagome Higurashi ever felt so empty; so utterly alone.

Unease bubbled within her flip-flopping stomach, spreading a wave nausea throughout her petite form. Her porcelain skin was flushed, yet clammy; crystalline hues seeing nothing but red. Hushed whispers were shared behind her; the thrum of quiet chitchat bounced off the mosaic-covered walls. It was not hard to distinguish that she was the sole topic of discussion within the room.

The heat of their stares bore down on her back, and it was enough to make her want to squirm. She shifted slightly, her movement slow. The desire to wrap her arms around herself and shy away from the crowd was strong, though the mass of silk and lace she was dressed in restricted her movements. It was suffocating, constricting; she couldn't breathe. Her throat was dry, an uncomfortable lump forming, adding to her distress. The more she swallowed in an attempt to quell the feeling, the more prominent it became.

The stems of the lilies within her bouquet gave an audible cry under her vice-like grip, drawing her attention. Glancing downward, Kagome scrunched her nose and glared at the white flowers as if they were the sole cause of the pure embarrassment that was threatening to drown her.

She blamed herself for letting it get this far.

Kagome knew that this entire situation was not going to benefit any of the parties involved without some sacrifice. She was living in a dream world thinking that something like this would not be met with some type of resistance.

This was supposed to be a happy day, one where nothing could go wrong.

This was a day that most girls dreamed of from a young age.

This was supposed to be a celebration, one of happiness and life…of love.

But, here she stood, on her wedding day, groom-less.

Kagome rationalized that she should be more upset than she currently was. Most women at this point would have broken down and called everything off. She didn't feel the pinpricks of oncoming tears forming in her eyes; there was no wave of sadness crashing down on her. There was a myriad of emotions swirling around her, but despair was not one of them. No, she mostly felt empty and alone, a numbness pulsing through her with every breath she took. Embarrassment held her in a vice, whispering within that she should just run away. It was duty and stubbornness that kept her rooted to the spot she maintained at the altar.

She was not surprised that it came to this point. All stories like this came bubbling to a climax. Though, she sorely wished her situation was not one that would leave her in this utterly insignificant position. Nothing seemed to work out the way that she wanted it to within this relationship. The whole thing was a cruel twist of fate.

It was a political marriage; arranged.

An alliance of…sorts.

-o-

Kagome's father always had a knack for technology, ever since he and her mother had met back in high school. Her mother would tell Kagome stories of her father when he was a teen, about how he would lock himself away in his garage and invent little knick-knacks to impress her. He was always curious about things; he wanted to know what made them tick.

What gave them drive.

Over the years that curiosity developed to the point where he created his own firm. It was modest at first, a small technology company that would produce software for computers, but over time it grew within power. This was the modern era. Everything was run on some sort of software. There were plenty of other technology companies that competed with her father's, but there was only one that he ever deemed a rival: Taisho Inc.

Touga Taisho was an esteemed businessman, ruthless in his field. He ran his company with the utmost care; every product produced was carefully planned, every business deal was a strategic power-play. He conducted himself in the same manner and grace throughout his everyday life. There were no friendships, no bonds, no social gatherings he would attend that would not benefit his company. It was his lifeline; the fruit of his labor and he would not see its downfall. It was no surprise that Taisho Inc. was becoming world-renowned.

Kagome's father has crossed Touga's path early on at a business expo while showing off one of the new microchips that Higurashi Tech. put together. It immediately caught Touga's attention, who wished to directly buy it outright, including the patent to call it his own. Her father vehemently refused, much to Touga's frustration.

Thus, a rivalry was born.

It was never hostile or derogatory. There was no slander or dragging through the mud. The only thing these men attempted to do was one-up each other. They liked to push each other, gauge the reaction and see what the other would do next. It was a simple game among men; to see who would come out on top. Kagome assumed her father caught Touga's interest because he was the first person to deny him what he wanted. In a world where you were always in charge, who would stand up and tell you no?

It carried on for years, the push and pull. One man outdoing the other. Benefit galas were never dull when those two men were in attendance. The casual jibes and mocking undertones were always a source of amusement. The words they spoke were never hurtful; uncivil and full of dry humor, yes, but they were words of two men who grew to respect one another highly.

It was at one of those galas that she met him, the man that was to be her future husband.

Kagome was not prone to such events. She was seventeen at the time, young, and somewhat clueless. Pair a long dress with her naturally clumsy demeanor, and there was bound to be an issue. That instance presented itself when she was trying to descend the staircase into the main ballroom. Kagome had been running late to the festivities, rushing through the doors and down the stairs without any caution. Her high heel tangled in the trail of her gown, the movement of her body already propelling her forward. Before she could make a complete embarrassment out of herself, she was caught and pulled back against a robust and broad frame.

Turning to thank her savior, words died on her tongue. Kagome was caught within the piercing gaze of the most unique pair of golden eyes she had ever seen. He couldn't have been much older than her, maybe by a year or two. His cropped white hair was worn messily, not gelled back like the other men in attendance. Blue locked with amber, and for a moment—a bated breath – Kagome was spellbound.

Then he went and opened his mouth.

He had mocked her for her lack of ability to walk like a 'normal person,' questioned her on if she was 'all there in the head,' and then he proceeded to call her 'wench.'

Her hackles rose, left eye twitched in utter annoyance, and like a snake coiling to strike at its prey, Kagome lashed out. An all-out verbal spar had ensued. Back and forth, a battle of mockery and insults was fought. He seemed to be the clear victor with a well-placed dig about her lack of feminine figure. Kagome politely replied with a neat kick to his shin before she stomped off.

It was later in the evening that her father introduced her to his 'esteemed rival' along with said rival's family. Her first impression of Touga was that of intimidation; he was a loud and proud man. Everything about him seemed to emanate power. It was his eyes, however, that gave Kagome a different view. There was a softness; a warmth there that she couldn't quite place. It offset the towering persona that he affronted. The fire within those golden depths smothered into an inferno of tawny when he looked down at the woman next to him and introduced her as his wife.

Izayoi Taisho was even more elegant than the magazines pictured her as. With soft brown eyes and waist length ebony hair, she held herself with the sophistication and grace of royalty. Kagome mused that she technically was royalty with a husband like Touga. It was only after the introduction was made that Kagome realized it was love which was the cause for the softness around the edges of the businessman's eyes. She remembered vaguely wondering, in that moment, if someone would look at her like that one day.

The next to be introduced was his youngest son, who she immediately recognized as her would-be savior from the staircase. His name was Inuyasha Taisho.

Glares were shared, insults were passed off, and continued disagreements were huffed – much to the bemusement of both sets of parents.

It carried on for years like that. Whatever events that they attended, no matter how much they tried to avoid one another, Inuyasha and Kagome always got into some argument. It didn't matter the topic; it could have been the weather, they just didn't agree. She didn't quite grasp why he was so brash. Why did everything out of his mouth have to be a crude insult? It was like he had a hardened shell around him.

He didn't want to let anyone in and lashing out was his only defense.

When Inuyasha became the topic of debate amongst Touga, her father, and a few of Taisho's business associates at a financial gala she was attending, Kagome finally understood. Touga was explaining the idea of dividing his company amongst his two sons when he was ready to step down. The notion of his oldest being in charge was something that the group approved. However, the concept of Inuyasha running anything related to Touga's company was rebuffed, scoffed at, and utterly frowned upon.

Kagome remembered the confused look that crossed her father's face. She also recalled the burning anger that turned Touga's gaze into flat golden stone. The group of Taisho's business associates were overlooking Inuyasha's skill with finances and disregarded his understanding of the market. In turn, they decided to make it a point to discuss his apparent lack of decorum. Looking back on it now, she was positive one of the men even went as far as to call him a disgrace to the Taisho name.

Kagome didn't know what prompted her to do it.

Maybe it was Touga's tense posture, one that was ready to battle anyone who disrespected his son.

Maybe it was the look of sadness that flashed within Izayoi's eyes.

Maybe it was the utter heartbreak that seemed to roll off of Inuyasha as he caught the tail end of the conversation. He didn't look surprised; it was like he had heard those insults before.

He looked beaten; broken.

All it took was one look - blue locked with gold.

Kagome moved on her own then, pushing into the fray of bodies. Hellfire burned into her cerulean depths as she stomped up to the nearest man, hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Kagome couldn't for the life of her remember what exactly she said as she ranted and raved to the group of elders. All she could recall from the confrontation was that Higurashi Tech, under her guidance, would never do business with the likes of close-minded, arrogant, and stuffy individuals who had their heads so far up their asses that they couldn't ascertain a decent business deal even if it were waved right under their noses.

She was cut off, mid-tirade, by Inuyasha, who promptly clamped a hand over her mouth and bodily restrained her, all while dragging her out of the building.

Kagome turned her raging emotions on him once they were outside. He remained silent, while she carried on, pacing back and forth on the sidewalk. She was shrieking and shouting about where they got the right to judge anyone. He patiently waited for her to stop, for all the anger to seep out of her as she continued to holler about the inequality of things. When Kagome finally deflated was when she got a good look at him. He looked remorseful, sad, and bashful all rolled into one.

The emotions swam within his gaze, ever-shifting, and suddenly they morphed into something she couldn't ascertain.

He then proceeded to do something that Kagome never thought he would do; he thanked her.

Inuyasha Taisho thanked her.

She never understood that look, the one that he gave her that night.

Looking back on it now, Kagome didn't think that she ever saw that wayward emotion trickle into Inuyasha's gaze again - at least not around her.

That was the beginning of their odd friendship. Much like their father's relationship, Kagome and Inuyasha were rivals with a twist. Attempting to one-up each other whenever they got the chance. Over the next couple of years, it budded into genuine friendship. Kagome was a woman entering a male-dominated corporate world. Inuyasha was the frowned upon heir to an empire. She was his rock, and he was hers. They were the only ones who truly understood each other – what it was like to be an outsider.

If she had to guess, their friendship was the basis for the idea that their fathers came up with. Watching their children grow into the young adults that would take over their companies one day. What better way to secure their future than a marriage? A marriage that would not only unite their children but their corporations as well. It would push them to the top of the technological hierarchy, securing the power for the new generation for when they took over.

-o-

A cough from behind broke Kagome from her thoughts. Perspiration was beginning to bead under the snowy veil upon her brow, and she fought an urge to swipe it away. Looking up, she caught a glimpse of Miroku Hoshi, clad in his cream and maroon ceremonial robes. The soft baritone of his voice was reciting a passage from a scripture within the golden bible he held. The young woman was thankful she was standing so close to him, he was drowning out of the whispers coming from behind her. Miroku looked up then, feeling her gaze on him. They stared at each other for a moment, his violet eyes filled with nothing but warmth.

Kagome had been introduced to Miroku through Inuyasha about a year ago. He was a personal lawyer that worked with Taisho Inc. He had a reputation of being particularly witty in the courtroom, always cracking jokes at inappropriate times. That, however, didn't stop him from outmatching many when it came to a battle of legal loopholes. Much to the displeasure of his opponents, Miroku had a knack of getting out of any situation that he was presented with. He also proudly maintained a reputation for having wandering hands. Kagome had been on the receiving end of his "caresses" far more than she had liked over the last few months.

Miroku raised his voice by a decibel then, drowning out the background noise even further. Kagome assumed that he could sense her discomfort, though, she was sure she wasn't masking it well. He continued with his hymn, and he offered her a small reassuring smile before passing a quick glance to his right, then back down to his book.

Looking over in the direction Miroku just gazed, Kagome locked eyes with her best friend and maid of honor. Sango Ito was a vision in the soft lilac silk gown that hugged her figure; her chocolate locks tucked into neat bun nestled in the middle of her head. She looked every bit the put-together maid of honor she was supposed to be, calm and collected on the exterior. However, it was the small furrow on her brow, paired with the dark scowl that was marring her angelic features which disclosed that something was wrong. Sango held her bouquet of flowers in a white-knuckled grip, Kagome noted. Pity and anger danced within her auburn gaze. Kagome knew that Sango wanted her to end this sham of a ceremony, that she didn't want Kagome to continue through this embarrassment.

Unable to handle pressure from the emotions within her best friend's gaze, Kagome bowed her head slightly. Half-heartedly, she turned her attention back to Miroku and looked up at him through her lashes.

Kagome knew Inuyasha didn't want to get married.

Hell, she didn't want to marry him either.

When they were presented with the notion of their fathers', the two of them burst out laughing. How could they have been serious? They were friends. Best friends. Comrades within a corporate world that they knew little about. Nothing more, nothing less. They both treated their fathers' antics as a joke. They both knew very well that their parents would never actually force them to get married if they didn't want to.

It was a year ago, on Kagome's twenty-fourth birthday, that she no longer took the idea of their marriage as a joke.

It was raining that day, she remembered. It was an accident, a lock-up of the breaks as he tried to swerve out of the way of an unruly stray dog that ended up in the middle of the street. The paramedics said that he didn't suffer. It was a swift and painless death; he was gone before the car had finished rolling off the road.

A year ago, Kagome Higurashi became the unwilling and unprepared CEO of Higurashi Tech. - in the wake of her father's untimely death.

Her father always told her that a man who lives entirely is not afraid of death. Death is a painful truth. It is what is to come. He stated that death was at the end of a foggy road and we must get through the fog called life to finally see the clearing. Though she knew that he would have been content with the knowledge of the way that he passed, it didn't stop the loneliness that was like an unyielding vice on her heart. It squeezed with just enough pressure to be a constant pain, and it smothered her every day just a little bit more. There was no time to grieve after the funeral. Her world had to keep on turning, no matter how much she wanted it to stop. The inner light that she typically emitted was slowly smoldering down to embers.

Kagome had to keep on reminding herself that there was a company to run. Her father's legacy to uphold.

…and she had no idea even where to begin.

She held no regrets turning to Touga for advice, even though it landed her in this current predicament. He had taken her under his wing for the first few weeks, promising her that he would help her keep her father's vision alive. He taught her what he could from afar; he was still competition after all. It would be of no interest to him to help his business' most prominent rival stay afloat, but Kagome knew he was paying his dues to her father.

It was when things finally started to look brighter, that her world came crumbling down once more.

The board of directors at Higurashi Tech. took into consideration the circumstances to which Kagome had succeeded her father, but that did not change their minds on how they felt the company should be run. They were politely asking her to step down.

Again, she turned to the one man who she thought would have all the answers. Instead, he offered her something that she never assumed he would. Touga gave her only one solution to her troubled situation: merge the companies. With his help, Kagome would remain in charge of the Higurashi Tech. portion of things. She would have free reign to do whatever she wanted with her branch as she saw fit, and in turn, her benefit and continued growth would help his company remain at the top of the technological food chain. The only other stipulation that he required from her, besides the merger, was that she would have to marry Inuyasha.

Kagome wanted to feel swindled. She wanted to feel betrayed and back-stabbed by Touga's offer. He knew that she was in no condition to run the company the way that her board of directors would have wanted. It would only have been a matter of time before they had taken the business from her. This was her father's dream, the only thing that she had left of him. There was absolutely nothing that would keep her from running this company, and Touga knew that. He was backing her into a corner, and there was only one way out - his way. The little voice in the back of her head knew he was right, putting the companies together would only benefit them both. It would keep everything that her father worked his whole life for alive. It was like holding a piece of him, and there was nothing that was going to take this part of him away from her. She would never allow it.

So, she contested the terms.

-o-

It was then that Kagome noticed that her body was trembling slightly. Trying to get her nerves about her, she stilled her quivering muscles in an attempt to muster some vigor to get through this. The tips of her fingers were cold, her toes numb in the pinched high heels she was wearing. Another wave of nausea wracked her form as Kagome struggled to breathe. That uncomfortable lump in the back of her throat was making itself known once more.

She couldn't blame him for this. She didn't blame him for this.

How could he? How could she?

After knowing each other for the last seven years, Kagome always assumed the bond that she and Inuyasha shared would play a more significant role in this. Some small voice in the back of her head told her that she should never assume anything anymore.

She made assumptions all of her life and look at where they got her.

Kagome assumed that her father would be around when she took over the company to help guide her in the right direction.

Kagome assumed that Touga would have assisted her without an ulterior motive.

Kagome assumed that she would be marrying someone that she loved.

Inuyasha took the news of their betrothal much better than she initially anticipated. In any other situation, he would have caused a riot, flinging foul words and inanimate objects around the room. He would have carried on like a sulking child until he achieved his way. However, he took one look at her, blue locked with gold, just the same as the first day that they met. As his father broke the news, she felt his eyes bore right down to her very soul. Inuyasha was searching for something. A hint of doubt perhaps? Kagome wasn't sure, but whatever it was he didn't find it.

She knew what he saw when he looked at her. What he gazed upon was unadulterated sadness and empty pleading. Kagome didn't remember how long they remained like that. The silence weighed heavy in the room, Touga, a long-forgotten participant in the conversation. They merely stared at one another. Cobalt irises being smothered by tawny hues.

In the end, Inuyasha submitted with a bow of his head.

Kagome never questioned why he agreed to the marriage the way that he did, but she was eternally grateful.

When the news of their engagement broke, and the merge of the two companies was solidified, the corporate world erupted into chaos. Competitive companies were asking for meetings to discuss future deals, current employees were looking forward to the new changes, and Touga took it upon himself to announce that he would be stepping down.

Both of their lives were falling into disorder. Here they were, left to their own devices to plan a wedding and to pick up where their fathers left off with their companies. Kagome knew Inuyasha was doing this solely for her benefit. It was a debt that she did not know how to repay. She swore that they could get through this together; that they would get through this together. Inuyasha was still her rock, and she would always remain as his. Once everything had calmed down after the wedding, they would figure out their lives together.

What she was not expecting, however, was that on the one day that she needed him most – the one day that they swore they would conquer hand in hand – Inuyasha would abandon her.

Nothing over the last few months would have indicated to Kagome that she would end up alone at the altar. Inuyasha carried on the same, always with that headstrong attitude that rivaled her own. He made it a point to check in on her most days under the pretext of making sure the wedding was not causing her too much stress. Kagome knew better, though. She knew that he was visiting her to calm his fraying nerves. They had come to an unspoken understanding. Or at least, she thought that they did.

The merger would take place after their wedding, and they would run their companies alongside one another. Though they were not marrying for love, there was still mutual respect, and that was more than what some had in their marriages. Together they were going to unite the different aspects of their lives and attempt to achieve the goals that they always strived for. Inuyasha would finally be in charge, and she would keep her father's dream alive.

How was it, that if there was this understanding, she now stood all alone?

-o-

There was a low growl that emanated off from her right. Without having to turn around, Kagome already knew that the gurgled grunt came from Touga. She could feel his anger from where she stood. Most of that frustration was directed towards his son, but Kagome was also a guilty party behind his volatile mood. He was the last person Kagome informed when she found out Inuyasha had run off.

Miroku had been the first to know that the would-be groom had gone into hiding. Miroku had gone to Inuyasha's apartment before arriving at the church to find his friend's home ransacked. It looked like whoever left had gone in a hurry without concerning themselves with cleaning up the mess they made. Miroku knew right away that he had run, hiding from his responsibility to Kagome. It was not until he found the note laid out on the granite counter-top that his fear was confirmed.

Kagome was getting ready for the ceremony when he brought it to her. She could tell by the look on his face when he entered her dressing room that whatever Miroku had to share with her would not be pleasant. He didn't say a word when he handed her the note. It was a crumbled piece of paper that looked like it was torn from some notebook. Short and to the point, written in Inuyasha's typical chicken scratch were the words that stomped away the small amount of happiness Kagome had been feeling that day.

K-

I'm so sorry, but I just can't do this.

- I

She was confused at first, remaining silent for a long time. The first emotion that erupted within her was anger. Of all days he had to pull something like this? What was wrong with him?

Though, that anger was quickly settled into calm resolve. Kagome promised herself that there would be nothing, absolutely nothing, that would stop her from taking over her father's company. If Inuyasha was not going to help her along that path, then so be it. She knew the wedding needed to happen for the merger to occur and she needed this alliance to occur. There would be a wedding, with or without a groom.

Without a word, Kagome crumpled up the letter and politely told Miroku that he needed to leave so she could finish getting ready for the service. The look that crossed his face as he processed what she said was priceless, and Kagome wished she had a camera to capture that moment. The slack-jawed shock plastered all over his face was the only amusing thing that could have occurred from that entire situation. He remained like that for a solid two minutes, attempting to pull himself together. He tried to talk her out of this pony show, – pleaded – to save herself the embarrassment of this whole ordeal.

Kagome refused.

There was nothing that anyone could do to sway her. She needed to do this. It was for her father.

Miroku had somberly left her after their small debate, to which she took the time to notify her mother and her maid of honor that there would be no groom waiting for her at the end of the aisle. Sango vowed his death by her own two hands, but her mother looked at her with understanding. She didn't try to stop her from what she was about to do. Kagome figured it was because her mother understood better than anyone what it meant to keep this company within the Higurashi family.

Confusion was evident in the church when she was guided down the aisle by her little brother, only to be given away to a non-existent groom. Kagome did her best to drown out the background noise. It helped that Miroku carried out the ceremony as if it was normal only to have the bride present.

She could do this. She would do this.

-o-

"-gome." Cerulean eyes that were lost within her memories came back to vivid life. Miroku's gaze held that familiar warmth, though, there was a pinch of worry in those indigo orbs. Lips quirking slightly in a small, half-hearted smile, Kagome let Miroku know that he had her attention once more.

When he spoke again, his voice was just a hushed whisper, meant for only her ears. "It's time for the sharing of the vows Kagome," he breathed in her direction.

His eyes drifted towards the vacant spot next to her before he locked eyes with her once more. They merely stared at each other, an awkward silence now descending upon the entire church. She knew that he was worried about proceeding, seeing as it was usually the groom who stated his vows first, but with no groom here, Miroku didn't know what to do.

"Is there any way that we could skip this part?" She hissed through clenched teeth, panic contorting her features while her eyes darted between Miroku and Sango.

Miroku responded in a sheepish whisper, "Well, I could say a few words instead of you reciting your vows, but we still have to exchange the rings, and we very well can't skip that part."

How could she do this?

How could she put herself through this?

Kagome was in denial. She knew it. Her friends knew it. Every person sitting in the church knew it.

Kagome wanted to believe – to hope – that this wasn't happening. That this whole thing was just one of his immature pranks. He always knew how to get under her skin; always knew which buttons to push that would get a rise out of her. She wasn't expecting him to run through the front door with grandiose proclamations of his undying affection towards her. She knew those words wouldn't be real.

However, she was expecting something - anything to deny that this was happening. If she just continued with the ceremony, it would give Inuyasha enough time to make it for the essential parts…right?

Kagome screwed her eyes shut.

'Breathe, Kagome,' she chastised herself internally.

What was she going to do? If this wedding didn't happen, then neither would the merger. It would only be a matter of time before the board of directors asked her to step down once again. Could she convince Touga to forget this entire thing? Perhaps after seeing the stress that it was causing them both, then maybe, just maybe, he would ignore the whole notion. She felt like she knew him well enough to try and convince him that they could continue with the merger without this stipulation.

She released a strangled noise from the back of her throat, something between a whine and a sob. Kagome could feel her shoulder shaking, but she wasn't sure if it was a reaction to the stress her body was undergoing or the harsh reality of her entire situation crashing down on her. She could feel everyone's eyes on her. If they were an uncomfortable weight at the beginning of the ceremony, they were now an unfathomable and unnerving mass suffocating her. Kagome didn't want to open her eyes and look around her. If the emotions that Miroku and Sango held were any indication to go from, she was sure that if she took one look at her mother, it would break her. Her mother's eyes were always so calm, so welcoming. Even after the loss of her father – her mother's life partner – she still presented a peaceful and openhearted aura.

It was what got Kagome through her father's death. It helped heal and lift the veil of the sorrow.

Now, she knew that if she took one look in her mother's eyes, it would solidify that this was over. Her mother would tell her just to stop fighting it, to accept this situation for what it is. She could almost hear what her mother would say.

'It's alright dear,' she would declare in that soft voice of hers. 'You tried your best, and that is all your father would ask for.'

This dream of running her father's company was coming to an end. Every aspect of her life was slowly slipping through her fingers like sand. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't find purchase to keep all the pieces together. Kagome knew that she had talked herself up. That even though she attempted to prepare herself for going through this ceremony alone mentally, there was little she could do to make herself genuinely ready for the events.

Slowly, she opened her eyes, unshed tears glistening in oceanic depths.

Kagome quickly looked towards Miroku, "You were right Miroku, I shouldn't have done this. I... I-" Her words cut off as a choked sob made its way up her throat. More tears threatened to fall, and it took every ounce of strength Kagome had to stop them.

Miroku remained silent, glancing over at Sango with pleading eyes. He was silently willing her to do something about this. Perhaps if they intervened now, they could save their friend the continued embarrassment of carrying on this charade.

Kagome took a deep shuddering breath and closed her eyes again. She just needed a minute, just a minute to collect herself. She focused on her breathing.

In. Out.

In. Out.

The only announcement of his arrival was the sudden warmth of a body next to her own. The musky scent of a forest after a heavy rainfall invaded her senses. It was crisp; clean. A welcomed balm that began to sooth her tousled array of emotions.

When Kagome once again opened her eyes, she was met with the sight of Miroku; both eyebrows arched so high they were lost behind his bangs. It took him a moment to collect himself, but when he did, Kagome swore she saw a flash of humor dance within those purple orbs. Confusion wracked her brain and, hesitantly, Kagome turned her head to peek at the person standing next to her.

He was permeating his usual air of nonchalance, looking like he wanted to be anywhere else instead of where he was currently standing. His hair was a waterfall of silver, though it was cut shorter than the last time she saw him. Instead of curling down to his mid-back, it was now just brushing past his shoulders, neatly pulled back into a low ponytail that rested at the nape of his neck. He was clad in a suit much like his father's; traditional black jacket and matching slacks, complimented with a maroon vest and matching bow-tie. It made the color of his eyes flare to life.

Sesshomaru Taisho was a picturesque being of aristocratic authority, mixed with an unparalleled god-like arrogance left him as infamous in the corporate world as he was in the tabloids. His personality befits the power and rank that he held. Like his father, Sesshomaru was a calculating man, but much colder to the point where it was difficult to approach him. He gave her the same first impression that she had of his father – intimidation. Though, where she eventually warmed up to Touga, Kagome never felt comfortable in Sesshomaru's presence.

The last time that they spoke was the night that Inuyasha had announced their engagement. She made the mistake of asking him how he was fairing that evening, to which he answered with a glare and silence. At a loss for how to even continue to engage this type of man in casual conversation, Kagome politely excused herself before hastily scurrying off to an area of the house that didn't seem so frigid.

The only person that Kagome saw Sesshomaru interact with that night – willingly – was his father. Even then the conversation seemed strained, with Touga taking over most of the discussion. Kagome didn't know how she felt about him. She couldn't read him. He was elusive; a mystery. Sesshomaru was a man that was indescribable when it came to appearance and demeanor. Many men sought to be him, and many women sought to be with him. Kagome got the feeling that he didn't particularly like her even though he never voiced his dislike out loud.

She was indifferent towards him; someone that just happened to be around him on occasion. They were not friends. Hell, they weren't even acquaintances.

That being said, it didn't explain what he was doing, standing next to her at the altar.

Sesshomaru looked at her then, a fleeting glance from the corner of his eye. Kagome saw the barest hint of disinterested gold before he turned his gaze upon Miroku.

"Continue," He deadpanned.

Kagome's eyebrows scrunched in utter confusion. What was he talking about?

Continue?

Continue what exactly?

It was then that she realized that he was talking about the exchanging of vows. Kagome quickly snapped her head in Sango's direction. The brunette looked to be caught in the same surprised stupor that she was. She glanced back towards Sesshomaru and opened her mouth to protest, but Miroku cut her off before she could even get a word out.

"Will you be standing in for the role of the groom?" He questioned in an almost – dare she say – pleased voice.

Sango recovered from her surprise at the question. "Stand in?! That is highly illegal. Of all the harebrained schemes that you have come up with over the years Miroku, this takes the cake! You are a lawyer; you should know better!" She screeched from her position off to the right, voice echoing throughout the cathedral. "Are you out of your mind Miroku?" Sango questioned, "Enough of this, I should have never let Kagome carry on this far. We need to end th-"

"Quiet." Sesshomaru softly demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

He briefly glanced at Sango, pinning her with a glare before his eyes trained back on Miroku. An eerie silence descended upon the church at that moment.

No one spoke.

No one whispered.

No one even breathed.

After a lull of uncomfortable silence, Sesshomaru finally offered a response to the original question, "I am no stand-in."

Sango, who, at this point was closing the distance between herself and Kagome, stopped dead in her tracks. Her face contorted into another blatant expression of shock. Miroku rose an elegant brow at the stiff response but kept his mouth firmly closed.

The voices that had previously been silent were now back with a vengeance. Over the multitude of murmured whispers, Kagome could swear that she also heard someone choke back a fit of laughter. Strangely, it seemed to be coming from the direction Touga was sitting. Kagome was aware that she needed to do something – say something – that would help her gather the reins and take control of this situation.

Before she could speak, Miroku, once again, beat her to it. "Then by all means, please state your vows," He hummed with the corner of his mouth kicking up with a smirk.

Sesshomaru turned towards her then, easily towering over her petite frame. Kagome gaped up at him like a fish out of water, her mouth opening and closing while her brain tried to piece together some protest. She needed a moment to gather her thoughts. She needed to wrap her head around just what exactly is going on.

In response to seeing her pathetic attempt at stalling, Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes a fraction of an inch and looked at her menacingly. Kagome took that as her cue to politely keep her mouth shut. With an audible click of her teeth, she shifted stiffly in his direction. She was sure she looked like a deer caught in the headlights, doe-like cerulean orbs staring up at him with a mix of confusion and apprehension.

When he spoke again, his voice had picked up in volume, though it dropped an octave. It was a deep and husky baritone that Kagome had never heard him use before.

"I vow to you today, and a thousand times over that I will never let you leave my side. I invite you to take all of me, to come into my life and to share all I have to offer. I humbly give you all that I am and pray that you choose me on this day and all of our days hereafter."

The longer he spoke, the quieter the church seemed to become, all listening to words that were so sincerely expressed. They wrapped around her, caressing her skin with an unparalleled warmth. She could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand to attention as she listened to his vows. A cascade of pink dotted on the pale skin of her cheeks as she stared, once again slightly slack-jawed, at the man before her.

This man who she barely knew.

This man who had come to her in her time of need.

This man.

This man was supposed to be her brother-in-law.

There was something in his gaze that she could not quite place, something that turned cold amber into molten, golden fire. He was looking at her; through her. It was almost as if he was seeing someone that was not her. Was he imagining someone else standing next to him? Her stomach twisted in a knot, but this time she wasn't so sure that the cause was the anxiety of the situation.

No. This was something else.

Miroku took advantage of her stunned state. He wanted to get this entire ceremony over and done with. The sooner the procession ended, the quicker he could get Kagome away from all of these prying eyes.

"Do you…er…," He floundered for a moment before collecting himself. "Sesshomaru Taisho take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto her for as long as you both shall live?" Miroku asked.

"I do," Sesshomaru supplied in a clipped tone, his eyes never once leaving Kagome.

Miroku then looked towards Kagome, who was still flushed with stunned awe. "Do you Kagome Higurashi take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto him for as long as you both shall live?" He asked again.

She didn't answer right away. She couldn't answer right away.

What was there to say? What could she say? How did she end up in an even more confusing situation than the one she had already been in? Out of everything that could have occurred today, standing here facing a man she barely considered an acquaintance and vowing her entire life away was not something that she figured would happen.

A cold chill of dread slithered its way up her spine. She should not be doing this. If it were up to her, she would not be doing this. It was hypocritical to think that she would have been alright with this entire thing if it was Inuyasha standing next to her. What made it so different now that it was Sesshomaru standing here? She needed to remember what she was doing this for. Who she was doing this for. What was that burning desire that fueled her through this much of the ceremony?

This was her father's legacy; she would not let it die.

She pulled her lower lip between her teeth for a moment, gnawing at it slightly while staring up at Sesshomaru. A million questions were floating through her mind, but there was only one seemed to stand out more than the rest.

Why?

Releasing a ragged breath, Kagome squared her shoulders and straightened her spine.

"I do," she stated quietly.

Everything else around her seemed to fade into darkness. The church, the guests, even Miroku and Sango. Kagome merely gazed at the man before her. The realization dawned quicker than she had anticipated and it caused unease to bloom within her stomach once more.

She had pledged eternal love to a man that she hardly even knew….and he was supposed to be her brother-in-law.

#inuyasha #kagome higurashi #sesshomaru #sesskag #sesshomaru and kagome #fanfiction #otp #my otp #non cannon #romantic fiction #inuyasha au #say i do #chapter 1 #say i do chapter 1