#it won't Vibe for me for more than like ten chapters

[a-cloud-for-dreams]

Ok so I've mentioned this a bunch of times on my blog by now but I've been trying to speedrun all of the Choices books and I'm so glad I am because there are some underrated gems out there! I'm almost done with TC&TF Book 1 and that book had a ton of love interests so I was inspired to make a top ten list to organize my thoughts. This post will be under development as I play more books or change my mind lol

Top Ten Books/Series

Bloodbound Series - This book is literally one of the best series PB has ever put out. To be fair, it should be under Blades and TC&TF, I would argue that these three books deserve top place. But it would be harder to combine my Bloodbound explanation with the other two fantasy books so here you go. Contrary to most, I did like the first book, wasn't my favorite, but it was a good intro to the series. I like that the world slowly grew as we learned more about vampires and it felt complete and like it had something to say. Thank @gaiuskamilah for my further obsession with the series lol

Blades of Light and Shadow Book 1/The Crown and the Flame Book 1 - I couldn't choose but they're both AMAZING BOOKS ugh I can't say enough good things about them. The choices actually matter and the plot was so good. Every chapter had a purpose and the conclusion felt so satisfying. The scoring system and skills for both books was super cool, we need more books like them <33

Crimes of Passion Series - Definitely a Top Tier MC!!! I liked the mystery (Book 2's reveal wasn't great but the chaotic Thorne siblings make up for it) and Trystan is the best single LI we've had in a while, their dynamic with Rose was *chef's kiss*

Perfect Match Series - I LOVED this series and our friend group/love interests so much. They all felt like unique people with their own experiences and the plot was so amazingly intense. The finale of Book 1 was UNMATCHED we won't ever live to experience something that iconic ever again smh. It took a while for the plot to kick in, which is why it's lower on the list

The Elementalists - I'm a sucker for elemental magic systems/magic schools, and I love our friend group/family so much. Atlas is the coolest twin, and the whole sun/moon dynamic was fun! Being a powerful Sun-Att boosted my ego astronomically. I wish we got another book to see our mom more though

It Lives in the Woods - I like that the premise was relatively simple, along with the game mechanics. Your actions had real consequences and it was more immersive. The flash-forward in the last chapter was super sweet too and I like that the anthology was interconnected. This series also gave us an amazing friend group and set of LIs so I'm thankful <3

Open Heart Book 1 - Simply iconic, grounded in reality, and actually put together imao. It was one of the peaks of our fandom. This book is super nostalgic for me because I'm interested in the medical field, and it's the whole reason I'm posting Choices content here in the first place

Ride or Die - I adore this book. It felt complete on its own EVEN IF IT DESERVED A SEQUEL *side-eyeing PB* and it's a great coming-of-age story with a realistic teen MC. The ending was bittersweet and you felt changed by the experience playing the book

Nightbound - I liked the vibes and the idea more than the execution if that makes sense? I love the idea of Lamrian and how the MC is half-fae and super powerful, but the book didn't have enough time to showcase the supernatural world compared to Bloodbound, which focused on vampire lore. I can probably make a whole separate post on this but yea

The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir - I think, again, I like the vibes of the series more than the flawed execution, but because it went on for so long I kinda of got attached to the characters (mind you I didn't play or finish any of the books) but it's super fluffy and sweet and iconic for Choices history so here <3 a lot of the books like ROE, TRM, and TC&TF are interconnected so it's part of the foundation for the PB Choices Multiverse :) to be fair, it looks like they did a somewhat decent job writing the conflicts for each book?

I have a feeling when I finish Endless Summer, this list is gonna change...

EDIT: I totally forgot about The Heist: Monaco, but it was amazing! TRR/TH should be bumped down to honorable mention, I'll change it at some point-

Honorable Mentions

A Courtesan of Rome - The book took awhile for me to get through but my MC is legendary and carried the book so it's up here lol. I also liked that it felt like a historically accurate book?

Platinum - Cool commentary on the darker sides of fame and the music >>>

Veil of Secrets - The plot was interesting, one of my fave mystery books they've written! Also the characters >>>

Mother of the Year - Wholesome and felt finished, def one of the best single books. Also the antagonists were properly despicable so...good writing

Wake the Dead - It wasn't perfect, but I love zombie apocalypse stories and the idea of rebuilding our camp was so cool so idc how flawed it is <3

Foreign Affairs - The ending was rushed and the premise should have been rewritten but more on that on a later date. It was still fun for me to play

Desire and Decorum - I finished book 1 and I really liked it! it's basically the Choices version of Bridgerton, not historically accurate but super entertaining. The vibes and the LIs were amazing

Kindred - Pacing issues but still entertaining, I love the witch lore that they had in the book and the focus on building both platonic and romantic relationships so I'm not complaining

Top Ten Love Interests In No Particular Order

Trystan Thorne

Bryce Lahela

Kamilah Sayeed

Damien Nazario

Kaine Bell

Raleigh Carrera

Aerin Valleros

Jax Matsuo

Colt Kaneko

F!Hayden Young

Honorable Mentions (Again, No Particular Order)

Drake Walker (listen LISTEN I don't like that he sidelined other LIs, and I absolutely HATE how his character was a total contradiction, it was executed poorly, but I like the idea of his route if that makes sense. Some of the banter was cute and I love the whole grumpy x sunshine trope. I'm pretty sure he took a bullet for me lol)

Raydan Lykel (Solely because I haven't finished the series yet)

Mal Volari (He would have been in Top Ten but I had to bump him down because his Book 2 Route isn't working)

Tyril Starfury

Nia Ellarious

Prince Hamid

Tatum Mendoza

All of the Nightbound Love Interests are amazing I just couldn't fit them on the list

Gaius Augustine

Alana Kusuma

Rainier (Kindred)

Thomas Mendez

Flynn O'Malley

Olivia Nevrakis (she had so much potential omg)

Robin Flores and Sofia Russo (in my world, they're LIs just shush)

#playchoices #mir's musings 💬 #bloodbound #blades of light and shadow #the crown and the flame #crimes of passion #perfect match #the elementalists #it lives in the woods #open heart #ride or die #nightbound #the royal romance #a courtesan of rome #platinum #veil of secrets #mother of the year #foreign affairs #kindred #trystan thorne #bryce lahela #kamilah sayeed #damien nazario #kaine bell #raleigh carrera #aerin valleros #jax matsuo #colt kaneko #olivia nevrakis #gaius augustine

[halfmoth-halfman]

What are the songs you used for your chapter titles? Did you pick them because their lyrics matched with the chapter or did you already know what songs were going to be used for each chapter before you wrote them?

so i had most of the chapter titles picked when i first outlined the series, back when it was only ten chapters, and a lot of the titles were picked based off of songs in a playlist i had made for the series that had more mob/sultry jazz vibes!!

obvs that changed, and i started going off of lyrics rather than the genre/vibes of the songs!! i have all the songs and specific versions listed below the cut if you're interested in listening to any of them!!!

i. it's a new dawn, it's a new day & epilogue. it's a new dawn, a new day, a new life (and i'm feeling good)

feeling good - apashe, cherry lena

iii. no proof except my silver tongue

drinking song - house phone

iv. the night was young (and so were we)

dismantle. repair. - anberlin

v. she works hard for the money (so you better treat her right)

she works hard for the money - donna summer

vii. wise men say, only fools rush in & viii. but i can't help falling in love with you

can't help falling in love - diana ankudinova

ix. the rumor burned straight through the town (and as it grew, so did her vow) & x. everybody thought the truth had been caught (her reputation began to drown)

down down - laikipia (feat. thurz)

xi. screaming birds sound an awful lot like singing & xvii. for if i'm going down i guess i'll take you with me

the fruits - paris paloma

xii. it won't cost you much (just a single drop of blood)

the promise - krypteria

xiii. little girl gone

little girl gone - chinchilla

xiv. nothing makes me weak now (you better run for your life)

the greatest - tones and i & down down - laikipia (feat. thurz)

xv. won't forgive what you did (i've never hurt anyone, now it's time)

i revenge - mxms

xvi. what you'll see is the worst me (i will ask you for mercy)

muddy waters - lp

xviii. i'm free darlin' (i revenge, i revenge)

wygd (3am) - empara mi & i revenge - mxms

#anon #moth answers #answered #cod ask #private

[harleyshahas]

16, 7, 30!

(Is ecto :>)

7. What story/headcanons do you feel the proudest of?

If I had to pick, the story I'm most proud of - even though it's certainly not my most popular by and means, and it desperately needs to be rewritten and edited - has to be Futuristic Lovers. It's basically a love letter to Treasure Planet and Anastasia, two of my absolute favorite movies when I was wee, and it took me almost 8 years to write. I honestly wouldn't recommend it to anyone because the first ten chapters are baaaaad, but I'm proud of it nonetheless if only because it's a monument to me that, hey, I can finish a project given enough time and the proper enrichment lol

16. What fanfic tropes do you avoid writing for?

What fanfic tropes won't I write? I don't really know here, I'm kinda blanking on this right now... I've been writing fic a long time, reading it even longer, so I know what I like to read and what I'll avoid, and I that kinda goes for writing, I guess. I can say for certain what genres I like and don't like, which very much includes tragedy. Don't like tragic and unhappy endings. I'm all for whump and angst trains, as long as the payoff is cathartic, but for me, I like a happy ending at the end of a bad day. Tend to avoid major character death, so I don't know that I'll ever write that unless it's already canon.

Over-Flanderizing a character is also extremely aggravating, as well as the incorporation of therapy speak in fics. Also hate when there's an overabundance of "consent is kinky" in any given fic. It's one thing if it's just a shameless pwp, it's another if it's a moment that takes me out of the fic. I like to keep my characters as in-character as possible, and that tends comes with a lot of Not Asking for Permission.

30. Do you write down all your ideas? What makes you decide to write one versus the other?

When I was still a tween, I used to write down any and every idea that popped into my head - had a dedicated ideas notebook and everything. Between then and now, after 14+ years, I've since lost that habit, but I've been trying to pick it back up. I try to at least jot down a general prompt idea in a dedicated notes folder on my phone now to at least revisit at a later date. If I have a scene haunting my every moment for more than a few hours, that tends to get scribbled down real quick, too, especially if it's for a wip I'm trying to work on.

Honestly, whatever winds up actually being written is what I happen to be vibing with at the time. Right now, I desperately want to write Blackice Hades/Persephone AU because I just saw some gorgeous fanart and Sefikura molestation in the back alleys of Wall Market cuz I've been playing FF7 Remake, because if I have one very specific kink, then it's boy's in skirts and being extremely uncomfortable about it (I'm not at all projecting, I swear).

#thank you for the ask! #always love to answer these things! #harley answers #asks #my writing

[bedtimegiraffe]

Time to be the kind of music obsessed fan I want to see in the world and recommend some songs! These are focused on Aerin leaving, staying away way too long, and coming back.

Aerin Perspective:

Vibes: Laying in bed wistfully, writing in your diary

No one believes in me except for you I'm losing everything except for you I fail at everything I can't do anything I fail at everything I'd die for anything Oh, how can you still love me?

Vibe: Sitting and staring at someone you really like from across the room

Sometimes I'm so cynical and self-conscious And sometimes I see that I'm bringing him down I stand in the mirror, hands in empty pockets And wonder why he even wants me around

So what do you give to the boy who has everything Now that you need him more than you knew What do you do when you finally get to him And you see he's better off without you?

Vibe: (Added a full day after the other songs because I just found it but it's a great 'Well, time to go fight the end of the world for the person I love' song)

Is this who I was always supposed to be? If I had met you Before they tore down the swing set Before all the bad things happened Before I chose my armor Bеfore I tried to tell thеm somethin' was wrong

I'm runnin' back into the burning house For you, for me, for us, for everything

MC Perspective:

Vibes: Pacing your room having an argument with someone in your head that keeps making you angrier

Go ahead, say it You're leaving You'll just come back running Holding your scarred heart in hand It's all the same

Vibe: You heart breaks a little when you wake up in bed alone again

Said you'd never leave Whether wrong or right You're every other thought Always on my mind You know you're bad at love, bad at love Seems as if you can't get enough

Vibe: Pleading with someone having a bad time and trying not to seem frantic yourself

It's okay if you can't catch your breath You can take the oxygen straight out of my own chest I know exactly how the rule goes Put my mask on first No, I don't want to talk about myself Tell me where it hurts I just want to build you up, build you up 'Til you're good as new

Duet, Chapter 17 (you know the one)

Vibe: Swaying along with someone until you spontaneously start to ballroom dance

I don't need you to sell me on reasons to want you I don't need you to search for the proof that I should You don't have to convince me You don't have to be scared you're not enough 'Cause what we've got going is good

I never thought there'd be someone like you who would want me So I give you ten thousand reasons to not let me go But if you really see me If you like me for me and nothing else Well, that's all that I've wanted for longer than you could possibly know

Bonus

'Noncanon' but reunion I wish we had where Aerin goes 'Wow, you're also barely holding it together.'

Vibe: Watching someone smile in conversation when you know they're faking it

Brave face, talk so lightly, hide the truth Yeah I'm sick of losing soulmates So where do we begin? I can finally see you're as fucked up as me So how do we win? I won't take no for an answer

#Would you believe I actually romanced Mal? #But 'Please stop implying you're going to lay down and die if something bad happens to me' is harder to find music for #I am music motivated. Reward me with a new song and I will learn tricks #blades of light and shadow choices #choices bolas #aerin valleros x mc #aerin valleros #blades mc #Song recs #Music #choices blades of light and shadow #Spotify

[gellavonhamster]

monthly media recap: august 2023

read:

The Song of Roland - I wouldn't have picked it up if I didn't chance upon a neat old copy for free. It's, uh, educational? And the translation into Russian is quite beautiful

Angélique and the Demon, Angélique and the Ghosts, Angélique in Québec by Anne Golon - still reading this series and honestly can't wait to finish it - not because I don't like the books, but because the translation gets progressively worse with each volume. Someone please tell these people there's a difference between a wolverine and a lynx, or between a guinea pig and a porpoise (I know the latter two are called almost the same in Russian, but context, man. Context. Guinea pigs don't frolic in the waves). Story-wise, however, I am still having a great time

+ currently reading the next Angélique book and Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater (the sequel to Half a Soul I read last month)

watched:

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) - honestly, I watched it because: 1) I wanted to check out the show but thought I won't understand anything without the movie; 2) Salma Hayek pretty. I didn't expect to enjoy it because it's written by Tarantino and I really, really don't vibe with Tarantino, but enjoy it I did. The hostage-taking part was actually unsettling and the vampire-fighting part was fun; the family dynamics were also good. Again, Salma Hayek pretty, which also helps

From Dusk till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999) - empty, skippable

From Dusk till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter (1999) - now that's better, if only for the period setting. Ara Celi has perfect looks for a sweet kind girl tragically turned into a monster. I think the moral here is that if you're physically abusive to your kid, then your kid is better off being a vampire, what do you mean I'm misinterpreting?

From Dusk till Dawn: The Series (s1-3, 2014-2016) - as you could probably tell from the amount of gifsets I keep reblogging, I loved this one. Mythology, westerns, reluctant teamwork, family feels, hot people fighting and drinking blood - what's not to love? (Actually, that one character death is not to love, and the last episode is hella rushed, but what can you do). It actually isn't necessary to watch the film to understand it, but the knowledge of it makes it very interesting to compare the two and notice the cameos from the actors who were in the film. S3 kind of reminded me of Teen Wolf, which isn't much of a compliment, but this show overall had the same ambience as a lot of stuff I watched as a teen/in my early 20s (understandable, being made in that exact period), so that was nice.

Oak Thorn & The Old Rose of Love (2022) - this is like 20 minutes long but deserves to be on the list, because it's the story of Merlin and Nimue made by the director of The Green Knight, and it's beautiful

The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023) - it's good! Not "wow, incredible" good, but good, and I'm glad it is, because it's such a powerful and underrated chapter of Dracula. A slightly more detailed review with spoilers here

Woe Is No Big Deal / Раз, два — горе не беда! (1988) - rewatched this gem and dying to know if Leigh Bardugo has seen it, because this satirical fairytale/Cold War allegory was doing ~tsarpunk~ long before her

Wild Nights with Emily (2018) - that's right, there's more than one comedy about Emily Dickinson. This one's based on a play and feels like a play, which took some time getting used to, but in the end I enjoyed it

#talk talk talk #monthly media recap

[austinsgirl]

Rather Die | Chapter 6

word count: 2023

rating: pg13 for language

————————————————————————

Today is the first day of production for "The Last Time", the movie Victoria and Austin will be

As soon as she stepped into the building where some of the sets are, she spotted Austin & Eliana all over each other. Victoria rolled her eyes.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" she says quietly to Mila, who's at the craft service table.

"I know. I've only been here ten minutes and they can't keep their hands off each other." Mila responds. "I heard what happened at the party. I'm sorry. It's really shitty Eliana would do that to you."

"Thanks. I'm mad at him too, but I think her more so. Like, just the fact that she was actively going after him while having a boyfriend & knowing her best friend since elementary school was crushing hard on him, just makes so mad. She really just didn't seem to care about our friendship at all, coming to think of it."

"How so? If you don't mind me asking. Like there's more than just breaking the girl code?"

"Oh, yeah. The entire time I've known her, she's always put boyfriends first. All though most of our friendship was long distance, she'd constantly blow off our video chats to be with her boyfriend, she'd make her boyfriend tag along when we'd visit each other so I was always third wheel. I don't know how many times she forgot my birthday and I'd just shrug it off. Living together, she was always so inconsiderate. Having guys over super late, fucking til the sun came up, giving absolutely no care that her "best friend" is trying to sleep in the next room. She's just so selfish. And I really let myself put up with it. Also a huge spoiled brat. Gets everything she wants."

"Oh, shit. I'm so sorry. Do you still live with her?"

"Yeah, unfortunately. I've been staying at my friends house, who's actually her ex that she cheated on."

"Well, Im looking for a roommate if you want to live with me. I promise I won't be having sex at all hours of the night. If I ever do, I promise I'll keep it quiet."

Both girls giggled, "Honestly, that would be great. Anything to not live with Eliana & I'm sure Ashton wants his guest room back."

"Oh, of course! I need a roommate, you need a new place. It's perfect. We can go to work everyday together too."

"That is perfect."

Sarah, the producer that Victoria had met during her audition, comes in & gets everyone's attention.

"Welcome to the first day of production, everyone! Today we'll start getting everyone's measurements & fittings for your costumes & do a table read."

As Sarah goes on to talk about the process of the day, Eliana makes eye contact with Victoria, giving her a bitchy smirk, with the vibe of "Haha I'm dating Austin & you're not."

"And of course, congratulations to our stars, Austin Butler & newcomer, Victoria Williams!" Sarah says.

Hearing her name, Victoria broke eye contact with Eliana. She thanked everyone for clapping & cheering her on.

"With that, Victoria & Mila, you can head off to the costume department for your fittings. Everyone else can head to their trailers so we know where to find you when we're ready for you."

Vic & Mila start making their way to the costume department.

"Did you see that bitchy smirk Eliana gave me?" Victoria whispers into Mila's ear.

"Yeah. What the fuck was that?"

"To me it was a "Haha Im dating Austin & you're not" smirk."

"Ugh. Probably."

As they continue to walk, someone bumps into Victoria.

"Oops, my bad." Eliana says in a sarcastic tone.

Victoria straight out asks, "What the hell are you doing here, Eliana?"

"Oh, you know. Just here to show my love & support for my new boyfriend."

"Oh really? You never did that for Ashton."

"What do you mean? I always showed my love & support for him."

"I wouldn't call flirting with men at bars all time showing your love & support. You never went to any of his shows if they weren't in California."

"You know I couldn't leave Cali & go on tour with him. I have a modeling career here that I can't just up & leave."

"Oh like you did with our friendship? And you're just going to deny that you were flirting with other guys while with Ash? You know that's cheating, right?"

"No, I didn't just up & leave our friendship."

"No? Well, it sure feels like it. But are you sure you're here to show your support for Austin or are you just here to make me mad & jealous?"

"No, I'm legit here for Austin, not to make your bitch ass mad."

"Hey! Vic! We should get to the costume department. I'm sure they're looking for us." Mila says, grabbing Victoria's arm, leading her away from Eliana.

"Thanks. I was about to fight a bitch." Vic says.

"Exactly why I pulled you away."

"Oh, hey, Victoria. Hey Mila." Austin says, walking by, being civil.

"Hey." Vic says back very bluntly as they pass him. "Oh, the way I wanted to say something like "Tell your slut of a girlfriend to check herself"" she says to Mila once they've fully walked past Austin.

"Good job holding back."

"Thanks."

After their fittings, they went to grab a bite to eat before going to the table read. Of course Victoria was seated right next to Austin.

"Victoria." Austin greets her as she sits down.

"Austin."

"Heard you and Eliana got into it earlier."

"A little bit."

"Can you try to be like, civil, with her too? She's my girlfriend now, and she'll be around."

"Austin, she started-

Anna, the director, interrupts what you were about to say. "Before we start reading, let's go around & introduce ourselves. State your name, past work, anything about yourself. Let's start with our leading lady, Victoria!"

"Oh, okay, alright. Um, hi. I'm Victoria Williams, I'm 25 years old from New Zealand. I moved here when I was 23 to further my career in acting. I'm pretty well known back home, and I wanted to really make it big, so I came here. I guests starred on a few shows on Freeform & The CW. I'm excited to finally have my own lead role in a movie. I'm forever grateful for to Anna & the producers for this opportunity." Victoria says.

Anna hugs her from the side as she sits next to Vic. "I'm so glad to have you with us, Victoria. Austin, why don't you go next, then we'll keep going around that way."

"Hey, I'm Austin Butler. You might've recently seen me in Baz Luhrman's production of Elvis, as The King himself. Im from Anaheim, been acting since I was about 12. Uh, yeah. Not really sure what else to say. Im just excited to be here." Austin says.

Everyone continues to go around, introducing themselves. Austin sneakily pulls his phone out to text Victoria.

"What we're you saying about Eliana?" he texts her.

Victoria felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She pulls her phone out & looks over to Austin giving him a seriously? look. "She's the one who started our little fight." she responded.

"Oh really? How so?"

"She purposely bumped into me & went "Oops, my bad" all sarcastically. I wouldn't have said a damn word to her if she didn't bump into me like that."

"Eliana told me that you just flat out asked her why she's here without her even saying or doing anything, and saying she wasn't actually here to support me, just to make you jealous."

"Okay, yes, I did flat out ask her that, but like I said, I wouldn't have said anything to her if she hadn't made any kind of interaction with me. And yeah, I was saying that because she's not. She was never there for Ashton unless it was convenient for her. She's selfish & only cares about herself. This is purely for her enjoyment. And I won't put it past me if she cheats on you like she cheated on Ash who know how many times, even if it was just flirting."

"Whatever you say, Vic. Eliana seems to really like me & has been supportive."

"Supportive of your dick because that's all she wants."

"I doubt that."

"You'll find out eventually, trust me. Oh, and she called me a bitch. I didn't use any kind of name calling, just an FYI."

"I mean, she's not wrong though."

"You're lucky we're in front of people right now."

"Or what?"

They both get pulled out of their thoughts when Anna starts the reading of the script.

A couple hours flew by & it was a wrap for the day.

"Hey Vic, wanna go grab dinner?" Mila asks.

"Yeah, that'd be great!"

"Want to meet at Toki's Sushi?"

"Yes, I love that place."

"Sweet. Was Austin texting you during the intros?"

"Yeah." Victoria rolled her eyes.

"About what?"

"Before Anna started doing her little spiel, he mentioned the little fight Eliana & I had earlier, and was asking if I could get and be cilvil with her too. We got interrupted when I was about to tell him what happened. So, he texted me about it."

"What'd he say?"

"Well, I told him she started it. He said she said that I just asked her why she's here with no prompt, and I told him I wouldn't have said a word to her if she didn't say anything to me. I could care less about her. I also told him that she's not here to support him because he mentioned that I said that as well. Like yeah, she's fucking not. She just wants to fuck with me, she's only with you for your dick, & she's probably going to cheat on you too. He's just in denial & too caught in her trap."

"He'll find out her ways soon enough."

"Oh, definitely. It's only a matter of days until she's off with an excuse as to why she can't spend time with him so she can go flirt & have more hookups."

"You think she'll make up excuses to be out of state now that she has a boyfriend who lives in California?"

"Probably. Which honestly is fine with me if she does. The less I have to see of her the better."

Victoria & Mila walk out to their cars, and meet each other at the restaurant.

"There's no fucking way." Victoria says to Mila.

"What?"

"Austin & Eliana are here. I'm wondering if he overheard us talking and decided to come here. God, even now they're all over each other."

"For real. Get a damn room. Wanna go somewhere else?"

"Nah, it's fine. I'll just ignore them."

They walk past the horny couple on their way to their table, pretending that they don't even exist.

"I'll be so mad if I can't escape them." Vic says.

"At least if you're at home, youll be able too."

"I just don't want them following me around just to piss me off, ya know?"

"I get that."

Eliana walks by their table going to the bathroom, giving that bitchy smirk again.

"Can I please fight her?" Vic asks Mila.

"No, no, no. I know you may want too, but like you said, we're just gonna ignore them."

"You're right."

Eliana stops at the table on her way back, "What? Not gonna say hello?"

"Why would I?" Victoria asks.

"Well, Austin is your co-star after all."

"Yeah? So? Doesn't mean I have to acknowledge him or you every time I see you."

"Well, maybe you should incase there's paparazzi. "Austin Butler's new co-star completely ignores him while passing him in public. Is there drama on set?" I can see the headlines now."

"Whatever, dude. There's none right now. No one even really knows who I am. The movie hasn't even been announced to the public yet. I think Im okay this one time."

"Suit yourself." and with that, Eliana walks off.

"I truly don't know how Im going to get through this movie."

"I'll do my best to keep you sane." Mila says.

"Oh, what would I do without you?"

—————————————————————

Chapter 7

#austin butler #austin butler fanfiction #austin butler imagine #austin butler one shot #austin butler smut #austin imagine #austin butler rather die #rather die

[emi-g]

There's a Verde Visión update coming soon (for some reason, I chose to draw and paint an entire church facade for this chapter) but I wanted to take a moment to mention it's the story's...

✒️ Scrivenerversary! ✒️

I'm not sure exactly when I started writing it, but according to Scrivener's writing stats, a year ago today is when I compiled and organized all my scattered snippets and scenes and started getting serious about finishing it.

To celebrate, I thought I'd share a few songs that remind me of the story...

"Far From Any Road" by The Handsome Family

This song is just an entire desert mood. Which is why I found it weird that they chose it for the opening theme of the first season of True Detective, which is set in...Louisiana. (Not exactly famous for its deserts, y'all.)

Anyway, this song is very much Esme's vibe.

From the dusty mesa Her looming shadow grows Hidden in the branches Of the poison creosote

According to the band, the song is about a legendary cactus that blooms every ten thousand years and drives you mad if you look at it. Let's hope Isabela doesn't learn how to grow that one...

In the hushing dusk Under a swollen silver moon I came walking with the wind To watch the cactus bloom

Slant rhymes. Slant rhymes everywhere.

"Valórame" by Gran Sur (CW: Flashing in video.)

Another desert mood. "Valorar" means to value or appreciate, so the best translation of the title I've seen is "Cherish Me".

Te quiero como nadie te ha querido (I love you like no one has loved you) Te extraño más de lo que imaginé (I miss you more than I imagined) Te cuido como el ave cuida el nido (I care for you like a bird cares for its nest) Valórame (Cherish me)

The chorus feels particularly appropriate for Bruno.

Disculpa que el destino no te lo haya dicho ya (Sorry that destiny hasn't told you already) Yo soy a quien verás, junto a ti al caminar (I'm the one you'll see, next to you as you walk)

"My Silver Lining" by First Aid Kit (CW: Flashing in video.)

This song reminds me of Esme's life on the road. The driving beat, the lyrics, all make me think of someone trying to leave their past behind and telling themselves to keep moving.

Gotta keep on going Looking straight out on the road Can't worry 'bout what's behind you Or what's coming for you further up the road

Of course, this verse reminds me of Esme for reasons that readers might pick up on...

I've woken up in a hotel room My worries as big as the moon Having no idea who or what or where I am

Really, I could just quote the entire song here. Nearly every verse feels like it fits her. And I like that it ends on a hopeful note...

Something good comes with the bad A song's never just sad There's hope, there's a silver lining Show me my silver lining Show me my silver lining

"Tú sí sabes quererme" by Natalia Lafourcade

Fellow shorty Natalia Lafourcade is one of my all-time favorite artists. I got to see her sing "Recuerdame (Remember Me)" from the movie Coco live at a small concert and the way I cried like a baby...

This serenata, "You know how to love me", is about finding someone, at long last, who loves you just the way you want to be loved, imperfections and all.

Ha pasado tanto tiempo (It's been so long) Finalmente, descubrí tus besos (Finally, I discovered your kisses) Me enredaste en tu mirada (You entangled me in your gaze) Me abrazaste con todos mis defectos (You embraced me with all my flaws)

Just try not to dance to it; you can't.

"Magia" by Andrés Cepeda ft. Sebastían Yatra

I'm grateful to Encanto for many reasons but one of them is introducing me to Sebastían Yatra. When this song came up while I was listening to him on Spotify, I immediately thought of Bruno in this story.

This is another one where I could just quote the whole song. Let's see, we've got hiding your true feelings...

Quiero decirte cosas que había escondido (I want to tell you things I've hidden) Pero hay palabras que no me salen (But there are words that won't come out) Y no me dejan hablarte (And they won't let me talk to you) Fueron tantas las noches siendo tu amigo (There were so many nights I was your friend) Pero hay verdades que no te sabes (But there are truths that you don't know) Y tengo que confesarte (And I have to confess to you)

Destiny...

Quiero pensar que estaba escrito en mi destino (I'd like to think it was written in my destiny) Encontrarme en tu camino (To find myself on your path)

Mutual pining...

Eso que yo siento cuando tú estás conmigo (What I feel when you're with me) Eso que tú sientes que yo estoy contigo (What you feel when I'm with you) Ya está claro, niña, que no somos amigos (It's already clear, girl, we're not just friends)

And, of course, magic!

Siento magia (I feel magic) En tus ojos siento magia (In your eyes I feel magic) Es tan fuerte y se contagia (It's so strong and it spreads) Y hoy quiero gritarle a la gente que te quiero (And today I want to shout to everyone that I love you)

"Rumors Are Flying" by Frankie Carle And His Orchestra, vocals by Marjorie Hughes

Here's a period-appropriate tune and basically Esme's POV the whole time Bruno thinks he's keeping things on the down-low...

Rumors are flying That you've got me sighing That I'm in a crazy kind of a daze A lazy sort of a haze When I go walking I hear people talking They say our affair is not just a passing phase And they whisper 'bout the flowers You keep sending me by the dozen And they wonder 'bout the hours That you spend with me, it keeps them buzzin' Rumors are flying And I'm not denying That people are sure I'm falling in love with you 'Cause for a change, darling All the rumors are true

"Over The Rainbow" performed by Judy Garland

I mean, I had to include this one, right?

💚

Thanks for listening (and reading)!

#verde visión #bruno madrigal x oc #playlist #music inspo #cw flashing video

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I've Read So Far in 2023!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

___

82. Lost in Time by A.G. Riddle--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I remember randomly coming across this book while at work and I'll admit, it was the cover that pulled me in, the synopsis was just a great bonus.

One of the things I loved about this book, other than the speculative edge, was the amount of twists this had. I always thought I knew where it was heading, but there was always a twist to counter any theories I had. There was so much potential in this world where time travel existed and I'll be honest, it felt like the author took that to its full potential. This was fun, adventurous, sometimes a little terrifying, and a whole lot of addicting. It's such a clever novel and I really want to read Riddle's other books to see if he uses this same level of intrigue in his other works.

LOST IN TIME also made me think of some of my favourites, and I think that definitely added to my enjoyment of this novel. On one hand, it gave me similar vibes as DARK MATTER by Blake Crouch, and on the other, it made me think a bit of Stephen King's 11/22/63. It's one of those books that you encounter only a few times and end up trying to re-experience for the first time whenever you pick up new sci-fi speculative fiction novels.

The main reason why I'm not giving this full stars is because while beneficial to the story, the back and forth kind of interrupted certain aspects and moods of the novel. I would be really into a scene and then boom, new chapter set in a different place and time. I wanted more of one place than the other and feel like the story would have benefitted from further exploration of the place one of the MCs goes to during the first half of the novel.

All of that being said, however, I really and truly enjoyed this book. I want to read more from this author!

___

83. Vampire Breath by R.L. Stine--⭐️⭐️

I wasn't the biggest fan of this one. It was probably one of my least favourite GOOSEBUMPS books, but that ending was very on brand, so as cheesy as it was, I enjoyed it!

I can see why this would be a fun one, though, if I was younger. I know I'm not the audience for this and usually I'm able to separate my age from these stories, but this one was not...an enjoyable one for me. It was kind of forgettable, to be honest.

Anyway, onto the next GOOSEBUMPS!

___

84. I Am Number 4 by Pittacus Lore--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-Read May 2023:

I don't know why, but I was wanting to re-read this book and maybe read the rest of the series. I remember really enjoying this and I won't lie, I totally still enjoyed this. There were a lot of things I forgot about, but I especially enjoyed (read: eye twitched through) the scenes where the mc was like "I'm an adult!" while being a 16 year old putting himself and his pseudo-father in danger.

This may not be a perfect book, but this is a great example of how much teenagers want to be grown. I remember being that age and thinking I knew everything. That invincibility complex hit hard here and being able to see it from this perspective nearly ten years later is very eye opening.

I'm excited to read the rest of this series to see how he grows!

___

85. The Melancholy of Summer by Louisa Onomé--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy via the publisher because I was the panel host for an event with the author. This did not affect my review at all.

THE MELANCHOLY OF SUMMER was such an emotionally explosive read that it took me a couple of tries to finally allow myself to fall fully into the Onomé's writing.

Set in the beautifully described City of Toronto, we follow Summer, the MC, as she tries to survive and find the freedom she is so desperately seeking in a city that is actively hunting for her criminal parents.

The author did a fantastic job of showcasing how difficult it is to both acknowledge and deal with emotions at such a young age, especially as a young woman of colour. I think how the author treats this topic may resonate with readers because we're taught to control our emotions, or to "be strong" in the face of adversity, but as Summer grows and finally starts to process her trauma, we see that feeling those emotions can also be incredibly therapeutic.

Summer's relationship with her cousin, Olu, could also be seen as an incredibly healing one because they both have trauma to work through. I loved that Olu was this incredible support system that Summer didn't know she had. Watching Summer thaw towards her cousin was such a beautiful moment, especially after the heartbreaking climax of the story.

I highly recommend this book for those who want characters who have to deal with complex emotions, depictions of travel through Toronto, and Japanese Pop Stars.

___

86. Sigh, Gone by Phuc Tran--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the great disservices I did to myself was starting the audiobook for this amazing memoir when I was on the cusp of a reading slump. I read about 40% of this book and then kept putting it off, until I told myself it was time to either DNF it or keep going.

I'm so glad I kept going!

And that is where the star is lost (if I had been in a better head space to read this, maybe it would have been a five star read, but alas.) But even though this doesn't get a perfect rating from me, I really and truly enjoyed this memoir.

I enjoyed reading about Tran's experiences in high school as he came into his own and eventually found his footing in his life. His writing pulled me in and I could see him experiencing so many things that made his life all that more fascinating, if not a incredibly heartbreaking thanks to his complicated and abusive relationship with his father and the racist and discriminatory relationship he had with the people and society around him while growing up.

Tran did a great job of not only sharing how music formed who he is today, but also how his understanding of the space he inhabits in this world is one that will always challenge the people around him who want him to stay "where he belongs". There was a particular scene where he is riding high on his successes, but a racist punches him down. It's a sad situation that can be seen even in today's society, especially social media.

One of the reasons why I also really enjoy memoirs like this is because of the immigrant experience, and the tokenism of living as a person who physically looks different and comes from a different place than the people around you. In these recollections, I can see the younger me trying to survive the halls of schools full of people who don't look like me, speaking two languages when everyone else normalizes using one. And speaking of languages: what happens to Tran in this with his first language was one of the great fears of my parents--but it is also a literal representation of how some immigrant families want their children to be a part of their new and "better" society so much, that something like a language is an okay sacrifice.

I've been lucky that most of the immigrant memoirs and autobiographies I've read have been so poignant and incredible. I'm very happy to add SIGH, GONE to that list of memoirs that I will happily recommend to my customers!

___

87. The Lie Maker by Linwood Barclay--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While this isn't my first Linwood Barclay book, it's the first one I've read in a long time. I had forgotten how twisty and complex his mysteries and thrillers could get. I won't lie, reading this made me want to read more of his backlist titles.

THE LIE MAKER was a fun and interesting read that followed a handful of characters as their lives intertwined in the most dangerous of ways. At the heart of it all was a father who made some pretty horrible choices, and a son who just wanted his father back again. While the dangers and deaths happen around them, you can't help but root for these two characters to find some sort of peace together again. It's most likely because of that heart wrenching prologue, or because the MC never gave up on his father throughout the whole book.

I did like seeing the chapters were Evil™️ was taking place because you knew something was going to happen, but you didn't know HOW it was going to happen. The twists the filled the book and the big reveal were slowly shown to us until we had an aha! moment.

I enjoyed this book for what it was. Was it a work of art, or an especially memorable read? No, but it was entertaining af and I think it'll be a great read for those wanting a thriller for their summer reading list!

___

Have you read any of these books? Let me know!

___

Happy reading!

#books #review #reviews #book reviews #book list #book blog #book blogger #Features #on books #reviews of the week #on writing #on reading #my writing #my opinion #long text post #read #reader #reading #reading update #bookworm #bookish #booklr #bookaholic

[sweettsubaki]

A few days ago I finally took the step to catch up on Natsume Yuujinchou which I haven't read in over ten years.

I watched the first ep when it came out and when I looked it up I realized the 2nd volume was just gonna be released a few days afterwards (don't ask me more, that was almost 15 years ago). Which I bought (well my mom bought me, I was barely 16 and had no money), then procedeed to catch up on the translated chapters (I don't know if it's still the case but back then I think there was something like a 6 chapters/6 months up to 10 chap/months difference between the chapter release in Japan and the fantrad).

I stopped reading around the time my mom died at the end of 2012 bc it was monthly and I already have a hard time keeping up with monthly releases and back then I wasn't in the mood for this kind of waiting.

I also never went past season 2 bc keeping Sasada around wasn't a change I cared for. I didn't really mind but it didn't make things more interesting so it was meh and I didn't care for the OP/ED of s3 (look after s2's opening, s3's OP was disappointing and since I didn't have the curiosity of what will happen next? For the main arcs and I was mostly indifferent to the characters added/reused for fillers ('xcept fox kid) so there wasn't enough to keep me around).

So I thought: why not go back through watching the anime since there are lots of seasons now and a few filler characters won't be too bad. Which I did, and it was...good at first, then nice...

And the more I watched, the weirder some things seemed to be (like Natori, Taki and Tanuma's personalities, or Natsume being weirdly open when I remembered how closed off he was and how opening himself up was harder than that or the weird shippy vibe between Taki and Natsume (or even Taki and Tanuma) which was even weirder because I remembered shipping TanuNatsu because of Tanuma's role as an anchor and the developing trust between them and his role in helping Natsume opening up).

But I thought that maybe I just didn't remember it that well as it has been 10 years since I last read it, but while I started the manga, I also browsed tumblr and I stumbled upon metas explaining how the anime to... Basically stereotypicalize the characters so they'd fit in the cases these characters would normally fit (heroic MC who saves his friends, soft and empathetic girl(friend of the MC), wise big brother who is touched by the younger, more naive MC, and the protective and assertive best friend of the MC who's useless and gets in the way but is still loved).

So 1. I was glad I actually remembered it fairly well, especially since I remembered liking it because of the fact it went about it differently. And especially because human (and yokai) connections were pretty much at the center of the story.

2. I was sad that they basically no homo-ed a story that was so queer I read big metas on how queer-themed it was on several websites both in English AND French back in 2009 (it was a lot harder to find these kinds of métas in french if you weren't already part of queer communities back then). And I'm not talking about TanuNatsu but of everything else. One of the métas I read yesterday showed how heteronormativity literally twisted the themes of the story, the characters, and their development.

3. They tried to have some characters make nice so that they wouldn't be as wary and aggressive towards other characters yet the fact that the author allowed her characters to feel like that toward people who felt hurt by the other's actions and/or beliefs was something that was important to me so I'm glad it wasn't just in my mind

#Natsume's Book of Friends #Natsume Yuujinchou #Natsume Takashi #Tanuma Kaname #Natori Shuuichi #Taki Tooru

[likecassandra-ao3]

I decided to do a little background info-thingy on a few of the Kingsguard members in my fic "Drunken Gods of Slaughter", mostly because I'm orientating myself more on book-canon than show-canon with that part, and also because Alyssa honestly won't give y'all much useable information as narrator. For one, since she's the third child and second daughter, she's about as removed from these decisions as a child of the King can be, and for two, to be honest, she's a) ten and b) just got her eye gauged out. She's got other things to worry about than what's going on with the knights around her.

(There will be mild spoilers below for the deaths of some of the knights of the Kingsguard involved - mostly Ser Arryk&Erryk, and also Ser Harrold in F&B canon without going into much detail about what really happens.)

First and foremost: Ser Harrold Westerling is dead (RIP).

I know he's alive in the show, but honestly - it doesn't fit into the plot so he died some time before chapter five (which is the one I'm writing as I make this post). He's not gonna die as soon as he does in F&B but, he's dead by that chapter. Does Alyssa know this? Yeah. But, again, she's not exactly going to make a big thing out of it, especially since Harrold to me always seemed more Viserys/Rhaenyra focused in terms of his duties than Alicent/the kids.

This means that Ser Criston is also now the Commander! He's still going to be Alicent's sworn protector, so he'll hang mostly with her, and the Hightower/Targaryen siblings but he's got some new responsibilities in there as well now.

On the twins: We already know from canon that Ser Erryk sided with the Blacks while Ser Arryk sided with the Greens. I've never been quite satisfied with the way that the show framed it as "Oh one has morals! the other not ig :/" in their decision-making around this. Honestly, to me there is sooo much potential with this dynamic. We're reminded how the bond of these two brothers is so special there are songs written about it? And yet they STILL ended up on different sides? To a point where they kill each other for their respective monarch's cause? Yeah, that's soo much more than "ser erryk is decent <3 ser arryk vibes with the immoral </3". While their decisions will not exactly be explored (as this is not a big part of Alyssa's narrative) I'm still trying to give it some more depth - at least in an indirect behind-the-scenes way where stuff affecting Alyssa is concerned.

In F&B, Harwin Strong became Rhaenyra's sworn protector and after he died, Ser Erryk took over and went to Dragonstone. This is also the narrative we're following. After Harwin's death, Rhaenyra did not have her sworn shield anymore and so, some time after the return from Driftmark, while Alyssa is still recovering, Ser Erryk becomes her sworn shield and leaves for Dragonstone.

On the other hand, Ser Arryk becomes Alyssa's sworn protector for the time being. While rationally a third child/second daughter would not be given an entire kingsguard member to look after her, I think that with Criston in charge now, it's not out of the realm of possibilities that they assigned him to Alyssa to keep an eye on her; even if it's just to reassure Alicent that she'll be fine. This is very much intended to be a temorary thing, and I honestly don't think Viserys would even so much as care.

Does Alyssa know this? Well, she'll figure it out on her own... eventually. For now it's mostly "oh! Ser Arryk is guarding me a lot" in her thoughts - or at least who she ASSUMES is Arryk until she hears that Ser Erryk isn't in the city anymore, considering her "one has other gloves and she likes his vibe more" reasoning of keeping the twins apart is at best... unreliable. But, in short: Ser Arryk is in King's Landing, guarding Alyssa, while Erryk is on Dragonstone, guarding Rhaenyra.

That's it for now!

#fic: oh drunken gods of slaughter

[squishmallow36]

Yo! when you get stuck on a part of a story how do get out of that? I have no idea what I'm doing. All I know is that I'm writing words and hoping it makes sense.

Disclaimer: I have no idea what I'm doing either but I will attempt to help anyway. Writing words and hoping it makes sense is pretty much the entirety of writing. That, and laughing at your own jokes when you reread.

That being said, I have a couple of tips that may or may not be helpful idk

I believe I've told you about my incorrect quote method. I think it's a largely psychological thing for me because it feels like i've put less work into it if i have to go back and change it. I also find it takes less focus and goes a little faster when you're not consulting a dictionary every few seconds. It got me out of like a 3 month jam in kotlp so it did something.

This is a bit more early chapters of kotlp, but just try running the storyline in your head, dialogue and all. Think of it like a tik tok where you're playing all the roles at the same time. But the trick is: don't write anything down. You'll regret it a little, but the distraction and the time it takes to write it down isn't worth it

Speaking of distraction, develop a writing environment where you won't get interrupted. Like not having a TV on, or signing out of tumblr because you keep refreshing your feed every five seconds. And this goes for the actual thing you're writing on too. If it's google docs like i use, i make sure it's in dark mode and the font has been changed to a light gray before i even start. I've found that slightly lower contrast is better for my eyes than white on black

This one is a Marissa Meyer one: tell yourself that you're gonna write for five minutes, and try to put all of your focus there for that entire time. No checking tumblr. I've sometimes even set a timer when it was really bad, but if you get to writing it'll be like ten or fifteen minutes before you notice it's been five

If you like writing to music, make sure you aren't getting distracted by the music. Typically songs with words you can understand are going to be more distracting, although if you're like me, you have to google the lyrics even if you don't understand them, which kind of undermines the point. If you aren't a big fan of typical quiet classical music, I recommend Two Steps From Hell if you want more of a video game/fantasy vibe (there are a couple of songs with words but i can only do so much) or something like halidonmusic's heavy, fast classical music playlist. You'll feel superior and the vibes are immaculate.

Let your characters do whatever the exile they want. You can't control them, and if you try, they'll bind up the story. Gently nudge them where you want them to go and sit back exasperatedly when they go off on yet another tangent

If absolutely all else fails, dm me the link and we can see if i can drag it somewhere you like. I've edited english essays for friends before how different could it be?

#i hope your fic figures itself out #this patch will probably be a little rough in the final cut #or it will be your absolute favorite part #we're just going to have to see #<3

[hobbitsetal]

Who the heck is Clancy

Clancy is the deuteragonist of that stupid novel I can't manage to write, the one with Redmond as the main character.

Maxwell Clancy is the equivalent of a cop, a human married to a faery, a Good Dad and a Good Husband, and in the most recent draft I have, a guy getting drawn into a mob war as he tries to protect his family.

#I love him a lot #the story is a Great Idea and i love the characters #i just #mm #it won't Vibe for me for more than like ten chapters #it's driving me NUTS

[lunarbuck]

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

moodboard is just for vibes, not what reader looks like!

4. Wind

Pairing: Guard!Bucky x Princess!Reader

WC: 3.7k

Sneak Peek: "What they don’t realize is that you can’t be won, you or your heart. You are a complicated, intelligent, and mystifying creature that one must study for years and years. And even once we think we have learned everything about you, you will show us that we know nothing. These boys think that you are some simple girl. They could not be more wrong.”

Warnings/Tags: none that I can think of

series masterlist ☁ / ao3

AN: I am so pumped for this chapter!!! Please let me know what you think :) The next chapter will be out on Thursday so i promise you won't have to wait too long to find out what happens next ;) much love - Jane <3

please let me know if you would like to be added to my taglist!

Chapter 3 / Chapter 5

Sun streams into your room and warms you as you wake. You don’t remember leaving the curtains open last night, but you push the thought from your mind, rolling over to keep sleeping.

“Y/N, you know you can’t do that,” a woman’s voice says from somewhere in the room. You groan and push yourself up to sit. When you finally open your eyes, you see one of the women who work at the castle, Winnifred. She gives you a big smile, and you can’t help but grin at her. Her energy is infectious. Though your paths rarely crossed lately, Winnifred was always there to help you get ready for big events.

“Good morning to you too, Winnie,” you say, sliding off your bed. Winnie is ten years older than you, but you have always considered her more of a sister than anything. She chuckles as she walks into the bathroom to run a bath.

“You’ve got quite the day ahead of you, no time to dawdle.” Winnie is a stickler when it comes to being on time. She meticulously plans everything, and you don't doubt that she has planned for you to wake late.

“What’s on the docket for today,” you ask, stretching somewhat obnoxiously. She shakes her head at you, though the look in her eyes is playful.

“We’re going to get you all cleaned up, get some food in ya, then work on your appearance. You’ve already slept the morning away but--”

“But you planned for it,” you say, finishing her sentence. Winnie grumbles in response, and you make your way into the bathroom. She gives you privacy, and you rid yourself of your sleep clothes. The water is the perfect temperature, and you can smell the lavender oils Winnie added to relax you. She knows you so well. You try not to linger in the bath too long, making sure to quickly clean yourself up before getting out. Winnie is pleased to see that you were considerate of her time as she wraps you in a fluffy robe.

“So, what do you think of the suitors so far?” She asks as she combs through your hair. You try not to roll your eyes at the question, you were already tired of thinking about the men, and it has only been a week.

“They’re all fine men,” you reply. “Though I’m not sure if I can see myself marrying any of them.” Winnie nods; she isn't married. She always says men can't offer her anything she doesn't already have, and you wish you could share her outlook.

“I’m sure you’ll warm up to at least one of them,” she claims, pinning your hair out of your face so it would dry in the way you like, framing your face gently. “Though I’ve heard you’ve taken a bit of a liking to that new guard of yours.” Your cheeks go hot, and you catch Winnie’s eyes in the mirror.

“What?” You mean to ask more, but you can’t get the words out. Winnie smiles and shakes her head, clicking her tongue at you quietly.

“He’s quite the looker if I do say so myself.” You gasp a bit at the confession and giggle. “But Y/N, you’d take care to keep that boy as a friend. He’s here to protect you, not to sweep you off your feet.” Her voice isn’t stern, but you understand that she’s trying to warn you from going too far.

“I understand, Winnie. He’s just a friend.” She nods and finishes fussing with your hair. You sit at the small table beside your window while Winnie fetches your lunch. You pick up the book you left there and begin to read, warming your skin in the sun. It is a habit of yours to leave books scattered around the castle. You always want one nearby. The one you have left on the table is The Hobbit but J.R.R. Tolkien. It had been one of your mother’s favorites, so you kept it in your room on that little table to always have a piece of her nearby. You thumb through the pages taking in the way they feel on your skin. Your mother had written her thoughts in the margins, and you run your fingers over the words, wishing you could hear her speak them to you.

“Here you go,” Winnie says, setting a tray down in front of you. You smile up at her and begin to eat. “Now, I have a few options for your gown tonight, and I want you to make a decision now, so we’re not fretting about it later.” You nod, and Winnie shuffles out of the room. When she returns, she is pushing a clothing rack with three garment bags hanging from the rod.

“Winnie, when did you find the time to get these made?” You ask, biting into a particularly large strawberry. She scoffs a bit and unzips the first garment bag. Inside is a long cool-blue gown, skirt poofy from the tulle. The blue is almost grey, icy. The sleeves are sheer with silver detailing that extends down the bodice to the waist where a brown ribbon sat. You gape at the dress. It is gorgeous.

“Your father suggested the color,” she says, hanging the dress on the rack. “I think it would suit your skin tone well.” You could tell Winnie likes the dress, but it is clear this isn't her favorite from her tone.

“It’s beautiful, but let’s see the rest.” She nods and moves on to the next bag. The gown is stunning, a rusty red satin skirt billowing as Winnie hung the dress up. The dress is certainly more traditional than the first, and it reminds you of something your sister would wear. The bodice is plain, but gentle ruffles adorn the cuffs of the sleeves.

“This was your sister’s. I had it altered in the case you wanted to wear something of hers,” Winnie mentions. You reach out a hand and feel the glossy satin, you know the dress would look good, but again you don’t love it. Winnie senses this and moves on to the final dress. You can tell that this one is her favorite by the way she bites her lip to prevent a grin from spreading across her face. You make a show of covering your eyes, wanting to be surprised by the final gown. When she tells you to, you open your eyes, and your breath catches in your chest. It is a pale champagne color with flower details garnishing the off-shoulder straps and bodice. The flowers continue down onto the skirt before becoming more sparse. It is perfect.

“Winnifred,” you whisper, standing to hold the dress. She hands it to you, and you walk with it to your mirror, holding the gown up to yourself. “How?” Winnie stands beside the mirror, watching you as you fiddle with the dress, imagining it on yourself.

“When have I ever disappointed you,” she replies, not quite answering your question. You smile brightly and pull her into a tight hug.

“Never,” you whisper into her hair. She squeezes you a bit tighter before releasing you.

Winnie puts the final touches on your makeup, and you feel like you’re about to combust. You’ve spent the day getting ready for the ball, and here it is, just a few moments away from happening, and you aren't sure if you can handle it. The guests have already begun to arrive, and though they will mingle and drink before your arrival, the real party won't start until you step into that room.

“All right, let’s get you into that dress!” Winnie says, giving your shoulders a gentle squeeze to get your attention. You nod and drop your robe as you step into the gown. The bodice is a corset, so Winnie laces it up as gently as she can while fastening it properly. She then arranges the skirt, so the tulle isn’t crinkled. You step into the shoes she picks to go with your dress, and when Winnie decides she can’t fuss over your appearance anymore, you glance at yourself in the mirror. Everything put together is exquisite; the little flower pins Winnie has placed in your hair compliment the flowers on your gown. The corset accentuates your curves, and you find that you don’t particularly mind how much skin you’re showing. It all works, and you can’t wipe the smile from your face. You’re still nervous, but at least you look beautiful.

“You’re a miracle worker,” you say, a laugh upon your lips as you speak. Winnie blushes at your compliment but brushes it off, insisting that it is nothing.

“I didn’t have to do much to make you look good. You’re a natural beauty,” she insists.

“Oh hush,” you scold jokingly. You’re about to speak again when a knock on the door interrupts you.

“Excuse me, princess?" You feel your knees go weak, you have almost forgotten that you still have to go to the ball. "Your father sent me to escort you to the ball.”

“She’s ready,” Winnie replies for you. You shoot her a slight glare, but she just rolls her eyes, opening the door revealing James on the other side. He looks incredible in his all-black three-piece suit. It’s perfectly tailored, and you wet your lips at the sight. James extends an arm to you, and you take it, slipping your fingers around his forearm. He leads you out of the room and toward the staircase.

“You look stunning,” he says as you carefully step down the stairs, trying not to trip.

“Thank you,” you whisper. You’re not sure if it’s the nerves, the heels, or the smell of James’s cologne, but you can’t seem to breathe enough. You try to focus on walking, on just getting down the stairs.

“Princess,” James says, voice filling with concern. “Are you okay?” You huff out a little laugh and shake your head.

“I’m just so nervous,” you admit, sparing a look up at his face. His kind eyes stare back, and you find comfort in them. You make it to the bottom of the staircase, and before you can continue, James turns you to face him. He puts his gloved hands on your shoulders, and goosebumps erupt from your skin.

“What’re you nervous about?” He asks gently, tilting his head to keep your gaze.

“All the people, the suitors, dancing, falling on my face, seeing my father, getting married, my shoe falling off--”

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he says, pulling you into a hug. You gasp at the contact, and you feel him flinch when you do, but you wrap your arms around his waist. “I’ve got you.” You let him hold you for longer than you probably should, but it feels so good to be surrounded by him. He releases you from the embrace, and you step back a little to create some distance.

“Thank you,” you say quietly, not able to meet his eyes.

“When I get nervous, I try to focus on my breathing. When we go in there, if you get nervous, just know I’m rootin’ for you.” He smiles and places your arm back in its place on his. The two of you continue walking toward the ballroom, the sounds of heels clicking on the floor and music fill the hallway, and you tighten your grip on his arm without realizing it. You arrive at the door, and James gives you a moment to collect yourself.

“We have to do it now,” you say, bouncing a bit on the balls of your feet to try and get your blood flowing. James chuckles and shakes his head. A piece of hair falls from his bun, but he doesn’t move to tuck it back. You like it.

“Let’s do it, princess,” he says as he knocks on the door. Two guards on the other side hear the signal and pull the doors open. The room is full of people dressed in their finest, drinking, laughing, enjoying themselves. When they see the doors open, they all fall quiet, and the group parts down the center, revealing your father on the other side, flanked by your suitors. James takes the first step, and you follow, keeping your eyes focused on your father. As you approach, people bow and the suitors move to stand in front of their chairs. The walk to your father feels like an eternity, but you finally make it. James slips your fingers from his arm and gives you a kind smile before taking his position beside the platform your father’s chair sits on.

“Thank you all for joining me today in celebrating my daughter, Princess Y/N, in her endeavor to be married. These four princes have journeyed from their homes in the hopes of winning her heart and her hand. In following Astrinian tradition, only when the princess has danced with each suitor, may we all join in.” The crowd laughs a bit, though you don’t think what your father has said is funny. They’re doing it to be polite. He continues. “Now, I will introduce each suitor.” As your father says the name of each man in front of you, they approach, bow, and kiss your hand. You don’t focus on the display; your thoughts are on the dance. You will dance with each suitor for a little before the next cuts in. To make things fair, they will approach you in a predetermined random order and will only get a few bars of music before the next man. Your father continues to talk, but his words never make it to your ears. You just stare up at him, silently begging for him to call the whole thing off. He doesn’t hear, and Rumlow approaches you. It’s time to dance.

“Good evening, Y/N,” Rumlow whispers as he walks you to the center of the ballroom. The small ensemble of string players watches for their cue to begin playing.

“Good evening,” you reply, trying not to run away from his hands as they reach out to hold you. He gives the conductor a nod, and the music begins. It’s a waltz, and you try to lose yourself in the music as Rumlow leads the dance. He’s a good dancer, but he’s stiff in his movements as if he’s aware of all the eyes on him. You do your best not to step on his shoes. They’re shiny and freshly polished, and you figure if you scuff them, he’ll never forgive you. As you sway around the room, you start to be able to ignore the eyes of the people as they watch you. The only pair that you can’t seem to shake are from James, watching like a hawk from his spot near the king. He looks tense, ready to pounce at any moment. You send him a gentle smile, and you see the worry lines on his forehead soften. Sam approaches when cued and taps Rumlow on the shoulder, halting the dance. You curtsey to Rumlow and move your hands onto Sam, adjusting to accommodate to his height.

“You look gorgeous, princess,” Sam says as he begins the dance again, picking up where you and Rumlow left off.

“Thank you, Sam,” you say back, smiling up at the man. You hope that after courting, Sam will become a friend of yours. The two of you get along well and have many aspects in common, though it is clear you two aren't meant to marry.

“Did you see the guy with the weird hat?” He asks, spinning you gently. You laugh and shake your head. You were too caught up in not falling on your face to scan the crowd.

“You’ve got to see it,” Sam chuckles, searching the faces of the people around you for the man in the weird hat. His bright eyes get impossibly more brilliant when he spots the man, and he turns you so you can see the poor fellow. You can’t contain the laugh that pours from your lips at the sight of the man. He is very short in stature, old as well, and has a long scraggly white beard. The obnoxiously large top hat that sits upon his head seems nearly as big as him and is decorated with little rabbits.

“You can tell he dresses himself,” you say quietly, still giggling at the sight. Sam throws his head back with a laugh that fills you with pure joy, and you promise yourself that after your wedding, you will make sure to keep him as a friend. Steven is the next suitor to approach. He claps Sam on the back like an old friend, and the men switch places. Sam bows to you somewhat obnoxiously, so you reply with an equally exaggerated courtesy. Steven, you realize, is a nervous dancer. He stares down at his feet most of the time, and you can hear him muttering the counts to himself. You think it’s sweet how nervous he is, and he probably doesn’t realize how nervous you are too. You clear your throat a bit to get his attention, and his eyes snap up to yours.

“I’m so sorry, princess. I’m not the best dancer.” You chuckle lightly at the confession. In all your other interactions with the man, he was the picture of confidence, he seemed to have no flaws, but now you know his little secret.

“You want to know something?” You ask, not letting him drop your gaze. “I am a horrible dancer. I make a fool of myself every time I dance.” Steven shakes his head and grins; he doesn’t believe you.

“Oh, I doubt that, princess." Now it’s your turn to shake your head, and you can see the stress melt from his shoulders when you give him a small smile. “You seem to be holding your own this evening; you’re making all of us look like chumps.”

“Ask my father,” you say, tilting your head to gesture to the king. “I was quite the sight at my sister’s wedding; I embarrassed my whole family.” You laugh fondly at the memory, no longer too embarrassed of the event.

“I might have to get the rest of the story from him, though I would love to hear more from you.” Steven spins you, the skirt of your gown poofing out beautifully. “However, I think my time is up,” he says as the final suitor advances. You try not to stare at Loki as he approaches, his black suit somehow darker than anything you’ve ever seen, as if it were eating up all the light. His jet-black hair is slicked back to expose the perfect structure of his face, and oh, those eyes. It felt like they were about to swallow you whole. Steven whispers his goodbye to you before Loki has even fully approached, leaving you to stare at the man as he walks toward you. Loki bows before you, and you marvel at the sight. A little voice in your head whispers that a man like him should never bow before another person, and you’re not sure where that thought came from.

“My darling, you look absolutely remarkable,” he says, loud enough for the people in the crowd to hear. The other suitors had been careful to keep their voices low, just for you. Loki doesn’t seem to care that people can hear his words. He places a hand on your waist and takes your free hand in his, warming your skin. The second he makes contact, the rest of the world seems to melt away.

“Are you enjoying the ball?” You ask, trying to steer the conversation away from your appearance. Loki smiles down at you, that beautiful wicked grin, and you feel your knees go weak. You didn't realize he has that kind of effect on you.

“I’ve enjoyed watching those boys trying to win you over,” he says somewhat arrogantly. “But now they can see how a real man treats a woman.” His words thunder in your mind, and you feel your brain go a bit fuzzy.

“I’m not sure I understand,” you reply, unsure if you truly want an explanation. Loki huffs a little laugh, and you feel him press his fingers a little harder on your waist as he leads you in the dance.

“Those princes don’t know what they’re doing. They all can only think of what they want, what will please them. It is no way to treat a woman. It is no way to win her heart.” You don’t want anyone to win your heart, you think to yourself. You aren’t some prize. As if he has read your thoughts, Loki responds. “What they don’t realize is that you can’t be won, you or your heart. You are a complicated, intelligent, and mystifying creature that one must study for years and years. And even once we think we have learned everything about you, you will show us that we know nothing. These boys think that you are some simple girl. They could not be more wrong.” Loki lets the words settle, a proud grin upon his lips. The way he speaks is like those men in the romance novels you read into the early hours of the morning. You hadn’t realized that men like that existed. Your heart pounds in your chest, and you feel your face flush.

“Loki, I--”

“You don’t need to say anything, my dear,” he whispers against your ear as the room comes back into view. You aren’t sure what he did to make them disappear, but as his hot breath caresses your ear, you feel eyes on you again. The music has stopped, and the crowd applauds as Loki pulls away from you, keeping your hands together. He walks you in a circle, showing you off, and when he finishes the display, you curtsey. The guests know that they can begin to dance and mingle again, and after thanking you for the dance, Loki slips into the crowd. You breathe, chest heaving as you break from the trance.

Tagged:@sharksandtea @itsthemaree

divider by:@skylightlantern

#jane's writing #i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart) #guard!bucky #princess!reader #bucky barnes #james bucky barnes #bucky barnes marvel #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #fem!reader #sam wilson #steve rogers #brock rumlow #loki laufeyson #royalty au #bucky x reader #James bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fic #marvel fic #bucky barnes fanfiction #poetry #reading #books #e.e. cummings #bucky barnes x yn #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes au #bucky barnes fanfic

[astradrifting]

 AGOT - Jon I (Chapter 5)

There were times—not many, but a few—when Jon Snow was glad he was a bastard. As he filled his wine cup once more from a passing flagon, it struck him that this might be one of them.

I don’t know why D&D decided Jon could never lie, when literally the first line in his POV is a lie. He’s so good at it he can even lie to himself!

****

A singer was playing the high harp and reciting a ballad, but down at this end of the hall his voice could scarcely be heard above the roar of the fire, the clangor of pewter plates and cups, and the low mutter of a hundred drunken conversations.

A singer with a high harp and a ballad seems like a vague Rhaegar allusion. That Jon can’t actually hear him makes me happy in a very petty way.

****

His lord father had come first, escorting the queen. She was as beautiful as men said. A jeweled tiara gleamed amidst her long golden hair, its emeralds a perfect match for the green of her eyes. His father helped her up the steps to the dais and led her to her seat, but the queen never so much as looked at him. Even at fourteen, Jon could see through her smile.

I think this part is actually Jon being indignant on Ned’s behalf that Cersei was rude to him, by not looking at him when he escorts her, not that she never looked at Jon. Also, there’s those observation skills. He’s never been taken in by a pretty smile.

****

After them came the children. Little Rickon first, managing the long walk with all the dignity a three-year-old could muster. Jon had to urge him on when he stopped to visit.

Adorable!!!

****

Jon noticed the shy looks she gave Robb as they passed between the tables and the timid way she smiled at him. He decided she was insipid. Robb didn’t even have the sense to realize how stupid she was; he was grinning like a fool.

Jon’s a mean drunk I guess 💀

****

Sansa, two years older, drew the crown prince, Joffrey Baratheon. He was twelve, younger than Jon or Robb, but taller than either, to Jon’s vast dismay. Prince Joffrey had his sister’s hair and his mother’s deep green eyes. A thick tangle of blond curls dripped down past his golden choker and high velvet collar. Sansa looked radiant as she walked beside him, but Jon did not like Joffrey’s pouty lips or the bored, disdainful way he looked at Winterfell’s Great Hall.

Joffrey according to Jon: 👁👄👁

But Sansa looked radiant 🥰

****

He was more interested in the pair that came behind him: the queen’s brothers, the Lannisters of Casterly Rock. The Lion and the Imp; there was no mistaking which was which. Ser Jaime Lannister was twin to Queen Cersei; tall and golden, with flashing green eyes and a smile that cut like a knife. He wore crimson silk, high black boots, a black satin cloak. On the breast of his tunic, the lion of his House was embroidered in gold thread, roaring its defiance. They called him the Lion of Lannister to his face and whispered “Kingslayer” behind his back. Jon found it hard to look away from him.

This is what a king should look like, he thought to himself as the man passed.

Giving me big ‘muscled like a maiden’s fantasy’ vibes there, Jon.

Also, curiously enough Jaime’s introduced wearing black and red, Targaryen colours. Maybe a nod to the incest storyline, possibly leftover foreshadowing from when Jaime was going to become king, as per the outline.

Otherwise this means that, like everybody else in this story, Jaime is a secret Targaryen. He and Cersei can join the ranks of Jon, Tyrion, Varys, Mance Rayder and while we’re at it… *spins a wheel of names* Meera too.

****

His brothers and sisters had not been permitted to bring their wolves to the banquet, but there were more curs than Jon could count at this end of the hall, and no one had said a word about his pup. He told himself he was fortunate in that too.

His eyes stung. Jon rubbed at them savagely, cursing the smoke.

Jon spends half this chapter on the verge of tears, my angsty little lad.

****

Jon looked up happily as his uncle Ben put a hand on his head and ruffled his hair much as Jon had ruffled the wolf’s.

They actually call him Ben and ‘uncle Ben’ a few times in the series, which I honestly think might be a Spider-Man allusion. Surrogate father figure Uncle Ben’s early disappearance/death kicking off the plot… There’s also a saying that nobody stays dead in comics except for Uncle Ben - considering all the other resurrections in the books, metaphorical and literal, yet GRRM says that Benjen isn’t Coldhands, it might be the same for this Uncle Ben too.

****

Jon swelled with pride. “Robb is a stronger lance than I am, but I’m the better sword, and Hullen says I sit a horse as well as anyone in the castle.”

"[Garlan] is a great knight," Ser Loras replied. "A better sword than me, in truth, though I'm the better lance." (ASOS, Sansa I)

Love a Jon-Garlan parallel! Also thinking about Garlan being the older brother made me realise - in the story everyone thinks that Jon is younger than Robb, but timeline-wise, he has to be older, because Robb was conceived in the two weeks before Ned left to fight at the Trident, and Rhaegar must have at least already been in the capital by then to rally the loyalists, so Jon was conceived weeks, if not months earlier. Which means that Ned has definitely lied about when Jon’s birthday is.

Jon being the product of a ‘youthful indiscretion’ before he was married is less of a stain on Ned’s honour than him betraying his marriage bed but I imagine Catelyn’s fears about Jon usurping her children might have had more basis if he was known to be the eldest, so maybe that’s why Ned lied about how old he is.

****

“Daeron Targaryen was only fourteen when he conquered Dorne,” Jon said. The Young Dragon was one of his heroes. 

"A conquest that lasted a summer," his uncle pointed out. "Your Boy King lost ten thousand men taking the place, and another fifty trying to hold it. Someone should have told him that war isn't a game." He took another sip of wine. "Also," he said, wiping his mouth, "Daeron Targaryen was only eighteen when he died. Or have you forgotten that part?"

Jon is unfortunately, a jock. And a bit of an idiot. 

There’s something about Jon’s hero dying at 18, Waymar dying at 18 just a few chapters ago... Jon has them all beat by dying at 17.

****

"You are a boy of fourteen," Benjen said. "Not a man, not yet. Until you have known a woman, you cannot understand what you would be giving up."

"I don't care about that!" Jon said hotly.

"You might, if you knew what it meant," Benjen said. "If you knew what the oath would cost you, you might be less eager to pay the price, son."

Jon felt anger rise inside him. "I'm not your son!"

Benjen Stark stood up. “More’s the pity.”

Establishing Benjen as a somewhat contentious father figure to Jon - even more fuel for my brand new Uncle Ben ‘theory’.

****

The wolf pup padded closer and nuzzled at Jon's face, but he kept a wary eye on Tyrion Lannister, and when the dwarf reached out to pet him, he drew back and bared his fangs in a silent snarl. 

"Shy, isn't he?" Lannister observed.

"Sit, Ghost," Jon commanded. "That's it. Keep still." He looked up at the dwarf. "You can touch him now. He won't move until I tell him to. I've been training him."

Possibly he and Sansa are the only ones who properly trained their direwolves, considering how the rest of them will end up behaving.

****

“If I wasn’t here, he’d tear out your throat,” Jon said. It wasn’t actually true yet, but it would be.

Pffffft! Edgy edgy edge-lord 💀

Though I also always feel like issuing casual threats to Tyrion Lannister so I can’t really blame him.

****

Standing, he was taller than the dwarf. It made him feel strange.

He’s got a weird preoccupation with comparing his height to Lannister men in this chapter. My headcanon for the books is that Jon’s quite tall by ADWD but evidently he’s tiny in AGOT if he feels strange being tall next to a dwarf.

****

final thoughts:

Believe it or not, I didn’t actually have Jonsa in mind with my new Uncle Ben theory, but I did just remember that brown haired Peter Parker’s main love interest is red-haired MJ :P

#astra re-reads #agot re-read #jon chapters

[nashibirne]

London Calling - 2

So, guys...I know it took me a while but here it is. Part 2 of Bodyguard! August and his adventures in London. I hope there are still some people out there who want to read this. Enjoy and let me know what you think! Every single comment/reblog/like is very appreciated 💜

Pairing: August Walker x ofc (Lucretia "Lu" Johnson)

Words: ~ 3.2

Summary and A/N: This story plays with the thought of "what if…" What if August Walker had taken another road? What if he had turned into John Lark for completely different reasons? What if he had found love before becoming a bitter, disillusioned man?So the events of "London Calling" take place about ten years prior to MI:Fallout and August Walker hasn't joined the CIA yet, he's an FBI Agent and his new mission in London that lies ahead of him is going to be a challenging one. Maybe it's even going to change his life.

Find the previous chapter and my other fics here: Nashi's Masterlist.

Warnings: 18+! This story deals with the topic of a toxic/abusive relationship, gaslighting and problematic behavior of one of the protagonists in general. Please don't read if these topics trigger you or make you feel uncomfortable.

English is not my mother tongue but the lovely @sillyrabbit81 was so kind to be my very helpful and patient Beta! Thank you so, so much, bunny 🐇💜 (Edited by me, so there might still be mistakes and they're all mine)

Credits/Disclaimer: I don't own August Walker or anything related to MI:Fallout. Pics for the moodboard from pinterest, face claims: Lu - Hannah van der Westhuysen, Adam - Freddie Thorpe. FaceApp helped me with making August look a little younger.

Ready? Let's go!

*********

"John Lark," Adam said to Lu, who was sitting opposite of him at the dining table, having a coffee and some fruits for breakfast. He grinned and rolled his eyes. "What a boring name. Let's hope he has a boring personality as well and likes staying in the background just like poor old Eddie."

Lu shook her head with a sad smile. "I still can't believe he's dead. I mean, one moment he's alive and kicking and then he misses a red light and is six feet under."

"He should have been careful, baby. He was an idiot anyway. Please don't tell me you liked the old grinch." Adam ran a hand through his light brown hair and gave her a surprised glance.

"I did like him and he wasn't old, not even 50. He was a nice guy, always friendly and helpful." She leaned back in her chair with a sigh and looked out of the large windows that gave a fantastic view on the Thames and the city of London.

"Did you fuck him?"

Lu froze at the coldness in his voice, that sent icy shivers down her spine.

"Of course not, I…I would never...he wouldn't have..." She stared at the man she was going to marry in just a few months, eyes wide, lump in her throat, feeling offended and unsettled by his accusation.

Adam burst out laughing. "You should see your face, Lu," he chuckled with a big grin on his attractive face. "It's hilarious, you're so easy to lead on, darling. It's really cute how naive you can be. That's exactly the reason why I have to look after you by the way. People take advantage of you but no one fucks around with Adam Mayfield." He gave her a wink but she knew he wasn't just teasing her, he meant it. Lu forced a grin, trying to relax and regain her composure by taking a deep breath. Getting serious he reached over the table and took her hand, pressing a tender kiss on her knuckles. "I was joking of course, I know you are loyal, baby. You're not a cheating whore. If you were I wouldn't marry you and if you were I would know. Nothing remains a secret to me. Nothing, Lu. Never forget that. No secrets."

She gave him a sweet smile and squeezed his hand, her heart beating like crazy. "No secrets," she said because she knew that's what he wanted to hear.

Adam gave her an approving nod, obviously content with her answer.

"So, until Lark arrives the day after tomorrow, Big Ben is gonna take care of you."

"What about you, won't you need him?"

Lu was genuinely surprised. Since Eddie's accident, Andy, the third member of their security staff, had taken over his duties. Big Ben was Adam's bodyguard, more than that actually, over the years he had become his right hand, his assistant, his eyes, his ears, his shadow. The middle aged man, with the thin, sparse light blonde hair and the hooked nose that dominated his puffy face with the pasty complexion, was a nice guy on first sight, always very polite and friendly, always up for a joke, but he had something in his watery eyes that scared Lu. Maybe it was because he was so loyally devoted to Adam. Lu had never heard him question any order, he did whatever he was told to and Lu was absolutely convinced he would turn against her in the blink of an eye, if Adam asked him to. She feared him and she didn't trust him and she was quite sure the feeling was mutual.

"I can do without him for two days, right Ben?" He asked the man who was entering the room right then.

"Sir?"

"You'll look after Miss Johnson today and tomorrow and Andy will keep an eye on me."

"Of course," Big Ben nodded with a smile. The nickname was pretty ridiculous, because he was anything but big. He was neither tall nor broad. He was hardly Lu's height and a little overweight but he was tough and a skilled martial arts fighter. He had been pretty successful in his youth, winning various tournaments and he was still very strong and flexible. Lu had watched him doing some Jiu Jiutsu with Adam a few times and it had been impressive to see the stocky guy so agile and light-footed.

"I won't be much of a nuisance, Ben," Lu said, "I will be busy preparing the vernissage for the rest of the week, so we'll be at the gallery most of the time."

"That's fine, Miss Johnson. I like the gallery. I don't know much about art but you have some beautiful paintings there."

***

An hour later Big Ben was looking at one of these paintings and Lu was watching him closely. Something was off, not only today, it had been for a few days. It started with Adam letting Andy stay with her at the gallery all day. That was very unusual. Eddie had always run errands while she had been working or he had washed the car or whatever. She didn't need him around, the gallery was a safe place, nothing bad had ever been happening there. She had asked Andy a few times why it was necessary that he stayed but he'd always said he didn't know and was just following Mr. Mayfield's orders. And now there was Ben, who was obviously trying to pump some kind of information out of her, asking strange questions.

He was subtle, she had to admit that, but just like anyone, including Adam, he underestimated her. He and the rest of the world considered her to be just a blonde bimbo, Adam's arm candy, a classic gold digger and nothing more. She could hardly blame people for thinking that way and actually she even liked flying under the radar. It gave her a certain kind of freedom because nobody was really paying attention to what she did. Adam was the one in the limelight and since she'd never dare to steal his thunder even the yellow press found her too boring to write about her. So she was able to focus on her work and try to make herself a name as a galerist, not as Adam Mayfield's trophy girlfriend.

She knew most people thought she wasn't very clever, but as hard as her youth had been it had given her two very useful skills, street-smartness and the ability to judge character. She had more knowledge of human nature than most women her age and she for sure could tell when someone was trying to hide something from her.

"Eddie liked that painting too," she said with a smile. It was a lie, Eddie had never been taking interest in any of the artwork she presented in her gallery but she wanted to get Ben to talk.

"Really?" A sad look crossed Benjamin's face. He and Eddie had been pretty close and Lu imagined he was mourning his old friend badly.

She gave him a nod and a friendly smile. "You miss him, don't you?"

"Of course, Miss Johnson."

"Lu," she corrected him for the millionth time although she knew he'd continue calling her by her last name. She had no idea why he insisted on this formal way of addressing her, all the other staff members called her by her first name, but since he did the same with Adam she supposed it was just his way of showing respect and keeping a professional distance. "I miss him too. I can't believe he was so irresponsible. He was always such a careful driver, he never even got a ticket for wrong parking."

Big Ben wrinkled his nose. "I'm sure he wasn't acting irresponsibly. It was an accident."

"Well, Adam said he missed a red light because he was distracted by answering his phone. That's pretty irresponsible, if you ask me."

She saw his jaw working and his hands were balled into fists. Her accusations were making him angry and she assumed that meant they were wrong.

"We don't really know what happened. Just what the police file says," he replied with a shrug.

"And you assume that it's not telling the truth?"

"I don't assume anything, Miss Johnson. I believe in the things Mr Mayfield tells me. And so do you, I guess."

"Of course I do," Lu said quickly, dropping the topic, fully aware of the threat that his words involved. She had heard enough anyway.

****

August took a deep breath before he dropped his suitcase on the floor and took a look around. The room -his room- was nice. Big and bright, with large windows and a big bed that appeared to be very comfy. The en suite bathroom was luxurious and gave off spa vibes while the modern paintings and photographs on the walls made the room look like a very stylish and exclusive hotel suite. He liked that, but he had to remind himself that this wasn't a city trip for a weekend, this was his job and his new life.

He had spent the last days slipping on his new personality, becoming John Lark, embracing his alter ego. He grinned when saw his reflection in the window. That mustache and the three day stubble he wore now was an unusual sight but he had to admit he liked the new look, it suited him. August unpacked his suitcase, placing his clothes in the closet and the few personal items John Lark owned in and on the nightstand. A few books, a moleskin and a pen, a jump rope and a pull-up bar for staying in shape and his personal mobile. He had been handed out an official cell phone by that guy called Ben right at the airport where he had picked him up. He put on the watch Lark's mother had given him after high school graduation, his initials engraved on the back. 6:45. Fifteen minutes till dinner. He had been asked to eat with them to meet Mayfield and his Barbie. Miss Johnson. Just be professional, he scolded himself, she's your target.

Don't fuck this up. Kyle's words resonated in his head. This had to be his goddamn creed from now on if he wanted to join Erica Sloane's team at the CIA, and fuck he did. She was infamous for being the toughest and strictest woman at the agency and for being the best. Her team consisted of the most respected and effective agents and that was exactly where he belonged. He wanted to work with the best, he wanted to be top of the class, he intended to become primus inter pares. The best of the best, notorious, feared, valued, celebrated, desired...all those things that had been refused to him throughout his childhood and youth. He had been a victim till he joined the army, a loser, a pussy. Now he was a winner and he would become a champ and claim what he deserved.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Ready, Lark?"

"Coming."

He put on his jacket and straightened the soft brown fabric of his suit. Adjusting the matching tie, taking a deep breath he opened the door and smiled at Ben who just gave him a nod.

"Let's go," he said. "They're waiting."

****

She knew John Lark was trouble the moment she saw him. It was nothing specific that made her feel this way, not his looks or his behaviour, it was more the aura that surrounded him. Lu couldn't quite put a finger on it, but she knew she had to be careful around him right away.

"Mr. Lark...John," Adam greeted his new employee friendly, flashing him a bright smile. "I suppose it's okay to call you John?" Not waiting for an answer he continued while shaking August's hand. "Really nice to meet you. Welcome to your new home."

August returned the smile. "Thank you, Mr. Mayfield. Nice to meet you too."

"Please, call me Adam. There's no need for formalities. After all, we're going to live together, work together…"

Another charming smile. The guy was smooth, August had to admit. He was even more handsome than his picture had suggested, with fine facial features, tall and lean, exuding natural elegance and wit. A charmer and a ladies man for sure.

"This is my fiancee, Lu Johnson." Adam pulled Lu close, wrapping his arm around her shoulder in a possessive manner before kissing her cheek tenderly. He usually wasn't the kind of person who liked public displays of affection but Lu knew it was his way to put John Lark into his place right from the start, to make sure he was aware who she belonged to.

Lark was dangerously good looking and way too attractive for Adam to let it go without staking his claim. Not that Lu was interested in him, he wasn't even her type -too many muscles and probably too little brains- and she would never dare to even look at another man. But objectively he was very good looking, tall and broad shouldered, sharp jawline, a handsome face, outstanding blue eyes, and most of all he had an appeal that obviously hadn't remained hidden to Adam. "She's going to be your charge. I cherish her like life itself. Make sure you do the same when I'm not around."

Mayfield kissed her again and she blushed, obviously feeling uncomfortable being the center of attention.

"John," she said softly, extending her hand to him gracefully with a polite but distant smile on her pretty face. Just like her fiance she was strikingly beautiful but in comparison her beauty was a little steril, forced. She was lacking the naturalness Mayfield owned, maybe because she wasn't born into the social class she lived in now. It felt like she was wearing a mask. Her appearance was too immaculate to be real, too perfect. There had to be a crack in it, nobody was free of flaws, but whatever it was that was lying underneath the sleek, stainless surface, she was hiding it well.

"Miss Johnson." August shook her hand and held her gaze, giving her a smile and a respectful nod.

"Lu, please," she offered stiffly, pointing at the set dining table. "Why don't we sit."

"Yes, darling, you're right. Let's eat before the Beef Wellington gets cold."

***

August found all of his prejudice confirmed during dinner. Mayfield was a cocky prick, who tried to hide his asshole side under a veil of sophistication and British humour. That veil, luckily, was full of holes big enough for August to see right through.

Johnson however was an ice queen. Cool and aloof, not willing to lower herself to talk to the newest member of her royal court. He wanted nothing more than to ignore her, to make her feel that he wasn't in need of her attention, to make it clear that he wasn't attracted to her in any way. It was actually true. She was pretty of course and sexy, too, but the kind of beauty she represented was not his cup of tea. She was one of those ethereal beings who were much too fragile for him, too fanciful, too distant. Like a precious showpiece that was presented on a pedestal and that whispered "look at me" seductively but at the same time it shouted "don't touch…you're not worthy". He needed a woman to be more than beautiful, he liked women that were sturdy and energetic, lively and witty, confident and strong. He didn't want a queen, he wanted an amazon.

So all of this and more made him dislike her, but he still had to be friendly and charming to gain her trust and to make her fond of him without alarming Mayfield. He was obviously very possessive and protective, the jealous-for-no-reason kind of guy who would make his woman wear a chastity belt if it was socially acceptable. To sum it up, this job was a ride on the razor's edge.

"So how do you like your room, John?" Lu turned to him with a friendly smile. Those were the first words she addressed to him since they'd sat down to eat. Adam had engaged Lark in conversation from the very first moment and Lu took care not to interrupt him. He hated it and he'd accuse her of stealing his thunder afterwards for sure. So she kept quiet, trying to blend into the scenery, contenting herself with being not much more than a pretty ornament, decoration like the sculptures that were placed all over the penthouse - a beautiful, silent object. When Adams' phone rang, he took the call with an apologetic smile, leaving the room in a hurry. Now she was forced to make conversation with her new bodyguard and she felt uncomfortable and awkward because she assumed that he didn't like her. He had seen her and he had branded her, just like anybody else, she was quite sure of that.

"It's great, I like the modern style," August said, returning her smile.

"Really? I'm so glad to hear that." Her face lit up in an instant, her lips curling up into a genuine smile. "I refurbished it a few months ago and Eddie... your predecessor… he didn't really like it."

"Oh, why's that?"

Lu took a deep breath before she answered. "I'm not sure, I never asked him. I didn't want to put him on the spot, but I guess it wasn't cosy in his eyes. Not warm enough. He was a very traditional man…," Lu said and her expression softened with her words, her eyes giving away that she had liked the guy, that she was mourning him.

Not the ice queen you pretend to be, August thought surprised.

"Well, I'm not a traditionalist, I like it bright and clear. The black and white photos are really interesting."

"Aren't they?" Lu agreed with excitement that made her voice sound different, like it had just been brought to life. "They are works by a very talented young artist from France. I discovered her art when we were in Paris last year and now I exhibit her photographs in my gallery. People love her unique take on everyday life, the way she plays with light and angles. She's one of my most successful…"

"Don't bore your new guardian angel to death with your art stuff on the very first day, honey," Adam interrupted her chuckling, when he joined them again.

"I was just talking about the pictures in John's room."

"Sure, and those are lovely pictures," he gave her a generous smile and a peck on the cheek, "but we both know you tend to babble on about the topic and that can be a little unnerving."

"Of course, you're right, darling." Lu's mask was back on, her expression blank again. "I'm sorry, John. Sometimes I forget that most people don't share my passion for art. Consider yourself lucky that Adam saved you just in time."

John gave her a nod and a smile. He wanted to say something, feeling the need to let her know that she hadn't been boring him, but before he was able to do so, Adam carried on with their conversation about his new job and his duties and the wasted chance to show his solidarity with her left a bitter taste in John Lark's mouth.

*******

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[floating-mid-air]

The Princess of all Saiyans

 -

 Masterlist

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Hey Everyone! It's been a while. My life's been kind of hectic the past couple of months. Long story short: I Graduated from Highschool this year, so I was busy with everything having to do with that. Then my summer job sadly prevented me from writing as well. And then I started College, which was a big change for me. For now, there are no more chapters in my life opening or closing. Now I'm finally in a place where I feel comfortable continuing this book again. I could've honestly been writing during all of this chaos. But I wouldn't have been pleased with the quality of my writing. I'm really excited to get back into the swing of things. I don't think this chapter panned out the way I originally planned, but I'm still happy with it. As always, I hope you enjoy it. And if you have any comments or concerns, feel free to let me know. My inbox is always open!

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Chapter 11

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You've been walking for quite some time now, and the experience has been excruciating. You haven't been in this much pain since you and Raditz were on planet Telia, ten-something years ago. Those damn underlings were able to get a good sneak attack on you. Though you can't say, you let them get away scot-free. You made sure to make their entire dreadful race pay for that injury. You and Raditz had covered up that incident, much like you're doing with your current injury.

"So---" You can hear Goku talking to Krillin from just slightly left of you. "Did you guys find the senzu beans?" Wow, Kakarot may be the least subtle creature you've ever encountered.

"Ya." Krillin chuckles. "All four of us were in pretty rough shape." Goku glances at you with a worried look on his face. You glare at him as Raditz eyes the two of you skeptically. He knows something's off between the two of you. Maybe something serious did happen while you and his brother were trapped together. 

A bit more time has passed, and you've been trying your best to keep up with the others. But it isn't as easy as you thought. You're now trailing behind the rest of them, with Raditz turning back to look at you every so often. The largest Saiyan slows down to catch up with your slower pace, now walking beside you.

He turns to you, whispering in a low tone. "Something's off." Raditz can no longer stay silent about his concerns. First, it was the strange vibes between you and Kakarot. And now it's your out-of-character demeanor making him uneasy.

"About what?"

"You. Typically you walk beside your brother, and when he doesn't let you, you make sure you're always only a few paces behind. But right now, you couldn't be more content to trail everyone. Plus, you're far too confident to not be in the very front." Raditz has been around far too long for your liking. Damn him. He knows you far too well, and you hate him for it.

You roll your eyes at him. "So this conclusion of yours is based on the way I'm walking? I'm tired. When I fought, Burter, that physically drained me. And then I got trapped in a ditch with your moronic brother, that mentally drained me. I'm exhausted, Raditz." 

"It's not just the way you're walking. It's your mannerisms as well." He points at your side. "Your hand hasn't moved from your side from the moment I first saw you."

"God, Raditz." You scoff. "Stop overanalyzing everything."

"Getting defensive now? That's your M.O whenever you're hiding something." He looks back and forth between your face and your hand that has remained glued to your side. The gears in the older Saiyan's head slowly but surely turning. " Y/N, are you hurt?" 

"No." You snap your eyes shut, biting your lip hard enough to draw blood in an attempt to suppress a wince of pain. "I'm fine."

He tilts his head at you. "Y/N, I know you claim otherwise, but I'm not stupid. I know you're in pain."

You chuckle softly in a self-pitying way. "Am I that easy to read?"

Raditz shakes his head, smiling to himself. "No, I've just known you for a long time now." He returns to his serious demeanor, his gaze returning to the area of your wound. "How bad is it?"

"I barely feel it at all. Though, climbing out of that ditch must have reopened the cut."

Raditz snickers. "You're a bad liar."

"That's strange. I've been told in the past that I'm quite good at lying."

A smirk spreads across Raditz's lips. "Well, you apparently aren't when I'm involved."

The larger Saiyan glances at the back of your brother's head. You respond with a glare, firmly pulling on a large chunk of his hair. You know what Raditz wants to do, and it's not happening. "Don't even think about it."

"I-I think we should tell him Y/N."

"No." You let go of his hair, tapping his chest with extreme force. "You're going to keep your big mouth shut. Vegeta will freak out. You know how irrational he gets."

Raditz decides to let you have your way--- for now. The man can't help but wonder why you're so stubborn, but then again, his nature isn't much different from yours.

With every minute that passes, your condition only seems to worsen. Your eyes even start to droop. "Y/N?" Raditz turns to you, his features beginning to fill with worry. He places one of his large hands on your forehead. You're burning up. "You have a fever. Your wound must be infected."

"No." You shake your head in disagreement, almost like a child. As your mental state becomes more and more delirious. 

"Vegeta!" Raditz shouts, gaining your brother's attention.

"Fuck you, Raditz! You're such a blabbermouth!" You shout at the larger Saiyan in front of you.

"What's wrong this time? Is my sister trying to pull you into another one of her elaborate schemes?"

"Y/N's hurt--- bad." Vegeta's eyes widen, and not even a millisecond later, he rushes to your side. "She has a fever. I think her cut is infected."

"Where is it?" He crosses his arms at you, noticing your hand placed firmly on your side. He moves your hand out of the way with ease, lifting your armor. "How did this happen?"

"Burter nicked me during our fight. It's no big deal."

"No big deal? It's infected, you stupid woman!" He turns his attention to Kakarot. "Did you know about this?"

You snicker. "Oh ya, Vegeta. I get hurt, and the first person I run to tell is Kakarot." Vegeta's fists clench at your sarcastic remark, turning his fit of rage back at you.

"You know, in certain situations, you're more prone to infections. And a planet like Namek checks all of the boxes! You know you need to be more careful. Damn our mother and her faulty genetics!" Sadly that's a trait you had inherited from your mother. On most planets, you'd be fine, and injuring yourself would be no big deal. But Namek has specific conditions that result in you being more vulnerable. 

"Raditz, pick her up." Raditz picks you up, giving you a piggyback ride. You wrap your arms around his neck, giving yourself better balance. Vegeta glances up at you. He looks even madder than usual. "With the condition, you're in, you will not be fighting. You will stay away from Jeice, and you won't even enter the same proximity as Ginyu. Do you understand me?"

"But--"

"No!" His voice booms, gaining the attention of every creature for miles. "I'm not kidding around. Do you understand me?"

You bite your lip, tilting your head downwards, avoiding your brother's gaze like the plague. "Yes, Vegeta." Vegeta returns to the front of the group, his mood sourer than ever.

As Raditz begins to walk, he starts talking to you again. "Are you mad at me?" You don't verbally respond. Instead, you claw into his shoulders, your nails digging into his flesh. "Fuck. I'll take that as a yes."

"You're a tattletale."

Raditz chuckles. "No wonder why Vegeta babies you. You'll thank me for this later, you stubborn woman. And I've kept your secrets before, handfuls of them, actually. Like what happened on planet Telia----" Raditz realized the grave mistake he had just made, mentioning that incident in the presence of the very being you worked so hard to hide it from.

You slap the older Saiyan upside the head as Vegeta turns backward, a scowl plastered on his face. "What happened on plant Telia?" It was a rhetorical question, mocking both you and Raditz. "Oh, the three of us will be discussing this in length later. Because it sounds to me like you both lied to me on that initial report." You and Raditz gulp, you've heard that tone from your brother millions of times now, and it has never once become any less terrifying. 

"Oh, lighten up, Geta." You groan. "That was like, what? Around thirteen years ago?"

"The amount of time that has passed matters very little to me. As I said before, this is a discussion for later."

A few more hours have passed, which honestly feels like days at this point. And considering Namek's strange day cycle, it very well could've been. "How much farther?" Your question was clearly directed at Vegeta. And at this point, you're not even sure he has any idea where you're headed either.

"I don't know why you're the one complaining." Raditz huffs.  "You're not the one doing all of the walking! And if you ask him that one more time, I'm going to drop you." Ok so maybe, that wasn't the first time you've asked that question today. Or the second, or third, you're very bored. 

"Man Raditz." You roll your eyes, which are barely open at this point. "You sure complain--- a lot."

"You were just complaining." The long-haired Saiyan grumbles. 

"No, I simply asked Vegeta a question. There's a difference Raditz. I know it's hard for your feeble mind to understand." When you're sick, you tend to act, oh what's the word? Bitcher than normal. And that's saying a lot.

Raditz clenches his jaw. "Vegeta. I need a break from your sister."

"That's how I felt ninety percent of the time I was stuck in a room with you, Nappa, and Cado. And you didn't see me running to wine to Frieza about it."

Before Raditz can retort, your brother interjects. "That's enough! From both of you!"

Krillin, Gohan, and Goku have identical bewildered expressions on their faces. Krillin turns to Vegeta, lowering his voice to a whisper. He doesn't want to be the next victim of your wrath. "Do they always fight like this?" The human finds this perplexing. Back on Earth, the pair seemed inseparable. They appeared to be the Saiyan equivalent of what on Earth would be considered best friends.

Vegeta lets out an exaggerated sigh. "Yes, but typically it's more playful in nature. When my sister is sick, she becomes even brattier than usual."

Vegeta's warning to both of you seems to have fallen on dead ears. Because your quarrel has not ceased, in fact, it has only elevated. "I will drop you, you royal brat!"

"I dare you to you second-class runt. I could still kick your ass even in my delirious state. I wouldn't even have to try very hard."

"I'm considering----"

Before Raditz can even get three words out, your bickering is once again interrupted, and not by the person you may think. "Enough!" Gohan shouts. You honestly forgot the others were here for a moment."If you two keep fighting like this, you're going to get all of us killed!" You and Raditz stare at the boy in shock. It's been a long time since the two of you have been yelled at by a child. The last time being when you were children yourselves. Vegeta hasn't changed much since childhood. He's been bossing you around and shouting at you since you were children, but I'm sure that's not very surprising. 

"Ya, and I can take Y/N---- if you need a break." Goku rubs the back of his neck, chuckling sheepishly. "Not that I want to hold Y/N or anything."

"No." You rapidly shake your head. "Raditz, I'm sorry. I'll be good now--- I promise."

A wicked grin spreads across Raditz's lips right before he grabs your hands with his larger ones. He loosens your grip around his neck, moving your body with ease, scooping you up into his arms. Every step Raditz takes toward Goku seems even more antagonizing slower than the last. Until he's standing directly in front of his younger brother. He elevates his arms slightly, dropping you right in front of an unsuspecting Goku.

Lucky for you, Goku has sharp reflexes. That allows the Saiyan to catch you easily. Raditz look's his brother dead in the eyes, his typical arrogant grin still on his lips. "She's your problem now, Kakarot." Raditz gazes downward to look at you. "Stop pouting. Maybe next time, you'll be nicer to good old Raditz."

A low growl echoes in the back of your throat as you glare daggers at the Saiyan standing before you. "Ya, or maybe next time, I'll rip out your tail and strangle you with it!" The only thing that's stopping you from lunging at Raditz is Goku's firm grip holding you in place.

Rather than arguing that the entire group has become accustomed to, the whole area has become dead silent. You're no longer pouting. Instead, you are glaring at the man who continues to carry you bridal style. You've never liked being held like this. It makes you feel weak like you have no control over your own body.

What makes you even more irritated, Is how Goku reacts to your death stare. He just grins at you. Does he just never get angry? What kind of Saiyan is he? It fills you with so much anger that someone as dopey as Kakarot has Saiyan blood flowing through his veins. 

You clench your fists. You just wanna punch Kakarot so badly. He just has such a punchable face. If you could take away his cheery personality, he'd actually be quite attractive. Wait--- what the hell are you thinking? Kakarot is stupid and way too friendly for you to ever think of him in that way.

 You move your fist up, finally giving in to your urges, attempting to punch the man holding you. Probably not your wisest moment, but your brain isn't functioning normally right now. Goku catches your hand with ease. His reflexes are unreal, or maybe this fever has you more sluggish than you believed. You'd prefer to think that it's the second option. He chuckles to himself. He's still not upset. What the hell is wrong with him? "Come on, Y/N. You gotta be quicker than that." He's challenging you. How Saiyan like of him. You seem to always be able to find specks of Saiyan nature in the cheerful man. And those are the aspects you actually like about him. 

Your eyes begin to once again feel heavy as your eyes droop shut, just before you fall asleep in the arms of your enemy. 

Twenty-Something Years Ago:

You're sitting on your bed, sitting crisscrossed, a book laying open on your lap. Since your father is currently off-planet, you can read all you want. You're enamored with your newest book. It's all about a topic referred to as diplomacy. It's fascinating and has many concepts that are entirely foreign to you, yet at the same time, some of these ideas are also familiar. 

As you read, your door slams open, but you pay the interruption almost no attention, not even bothering to look up from your book. Honestly, the unwelcome intrusion has you more angered than anything else. "God, Vegeta." You roll your eyes. "Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" Something's not right. When Vegeta usually bursts into your room, he's automatically shouting at you.

Out of pure curiosity, you look up from your book. However, standing at your door, you don't find Vegeta. A boy with a very similar appearance but with a much smaller stature stands in your door frame. He's out of breath, desperately huffing for air. "Tarble?" You furrow your brows at your brother, launching off your bed to get closer to him. "What's wrong?" You have this sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. Your twin has never behaved in such a manner before. 

"Captain--- Captain Ginyu is here." Tarble is shaking, his eyes watering slightly.

You scowl ever so slightly. "But Ginyu's not scheduled to be on planet Vegeta any time soon." 

"It's--- It's a surprise visit. What do we do, Y/N?"

You contemplate for a moment before your features fill with alarm. "Tarble? Where's Vegeta?"

His lip quivers as he looks down at the floor. "He's with Captain Ginyu."

"Damn it." You mutter under your breath. Diplomacy is a skill you need right now. And Vegeta doesn't have a single quality that a diplomat possesses. Your elder brother is more likely to unnecessarily provoke the Captain, putting your entire race in hot water with the Frieza Force. 

You rush over to your bedside table, rummaging through the drawer. Once you have your scouter in your hand, you run back over to your brother. "Stay in here, and use this to channel our father. Let him know what's going on." You push past your twin, about to leave, before Tarble's voice calls out to you.

"Wait, Y/N!" You turn back to look at him. "Where are you going?"

"I have to go stop our older brother from doing something stupid. Everything will be fine, I promise. Just calm down and do as I said." And with that, you take off, praying that Vegeta hasn't already done something rash.

As you sprint down the halls of the palace, you run face-first into the torso of a large body. "Princess?"

You look up at the bald Saiyan, the one who's supposed to be at your brother's side at all times. Since the future king of planet Vegeta needs to be protected. "Nappa, Where is my brother?"

The imbecile scratches the back of his neck, contemplating much longer for your liking. "I'm not sure. I haven't seen the runt in quite some time. You should probably ask Vegeta." 

You scowl at the Saiyan. "Not Tarble, you fool! I'm asking you where Vegeta is!"

"Oh, Why didn't you just say so?" It's taking every ounce of restraint you have in your body to not viciously attack Nappa. "He's just outside of the palace." 

You run through Nappa, intentionally knocking the large Saiayn onto the floor. His stupidity lost you precious time. It was quite an amusing sight, though. A mere child, being able to take down one of your father's best warriors. 

You arrive outside of the palace, your eyes landing on your target. This is the first time you've ever seen Captain Ginyu. Sure, you've heard stories of the purple man. And much like your people, Ginyu is just as bloodthirsty and just as ruthless. Much to your surprise, the Captain doesn't have an army behind him. This was just before the Ginyu Force had formed. All Ginyu was at this point in time was a captain of one of Frieza's many armies. 

You walk over to them, now standing at your brother's side. "Captain Ginyu." You speak with your hands, an exaggerated smile appearing on your lips. "To what do we owe the honor?"

The man looks down at you, clearly analyzing you with his scouter. "Well, if this isn't a surprise. I think this is the first time I've had the pleasure of meeting you, Y/N." Ginyu extends his large hand out to you, causing Vegeta to feel a great deal of alarm. Your brother's body has gone tense with an apprehensive look on his face. But when your older brother looks over to you, there isn't even a glint of fear in your eyes. You're calm, almost as if one of Lord Frieza's deadliest warriors was not standing before you. You accept the Captain's hand, presenting him with a short but polite handshake. "Your father doesn't like showing you off much, does he?" 

You chuckle softly. "My father likes to hold his cards close to his chest. I'm sure a man like yourself is quite similar." Sucking up to Ginyu is not your favorite pastime, but it needs to be done. And every Saiyan on this planet knows your big brother is far too prideful to do it himself.

Ginyu looks between you and Vegeta carefully. For someone so highly regarded by Frieza, he sure isn't subtle. He's trying to read your facial expressions. Unfortunately for him, your father has raised you both much better than that. A poker face to you feels more natural than a genuine expression. "Speaking of your father, where is he right now?"

"He's of---"

You quickly cut Vegeta off. "He's in a meeting. That's why our father sent me out. He wanted you to know he sends his regards, but his hands are tied at the moment. He will be here at soon as possible. I hope my brother and I can suffice your needs in the meantime."

Captain Ginyu eyes you skeptically, tilting his head at you ever so slightly. "That sounds serious. I hope it's nothing too pressing."

"Of course not. It's nothing my father can't handle."

You're about to continue your schmoozing, but you're stopped by Vegeta aggressively yanking on your arm. "We need to talk-- in private."

You grimace at your brother's words. He just always has to make everything that much more difficult for you. You turn back to Ginyu, offering the man a cheerful smile. "Will you excuse us for a moment? We'll be right back."

Vegeta drags you around a corner, concealing you both from Ginyu's prying eyes. "What do you think you're doing?" He huffs at you in a whisper. "I had everything under control."

You snicker, crossing your arms. "You were just about to tell Ginyu that our father was off-planet. It sounds to me like I got here just in time to prevent you from making a grave mistake."

"I don't see why that matters."

"And that's the issue, Vegeta. Now we don't have time for this. Let's go." You turn back around, walking back over to Ginyu, Vegeta trailing not far behind. "I'd like to apologize for my brother's rudeness, Captain Ginyu." You shake your head but with a slight smirk across your lips. "All Saiyan men are the same, and my brother is no exception. They're incredibly thickheaded and quite savage. I'm convinced they don't even realize what brutes they are." You watch your brother ball his hands up into fists from beside you. It fills you with an immense feeling of joy knowing you're getting under Vegeta's skin for once. You turn back to Ginyu, plastering that disingenuous grin on your face. "Now, how about we give you a tour of our wonderful planet?"  

You and Vegeta have shown Ginyu around almost the entirety of your planet, and you must admit you're beginning to grow worried. Luckily you've managed to hold off any more questions about your father's whereabouts by charming him with various facts about planet Vegeta. But to be honest, you're not sure how much longer you can hold up this charade for. You've exhausted pretty much every idea that you've been able to come up with.

"Captain Ginyu!" Your father's brash voice invades your ears as you turn around to finally see the man you've been anxiously waiting for. You've never seen your father walk in such an urgent manner, and it's pretty funny watching your twin struggling to keep up with your father's pace. 

Your father places himself between you and Vegeta, ruffling your hair affectionately. You look up at him. "How'd your meeting go?"

Your father meets your gaze, catching onto your deception almost immediately. "It went very well. Thank you both for keeping Captain Ginyu company in my absence, but I think I can handle it from here." He directs his attention back onto Captain Ginyu. "Now, how about we discuss you're abrupt arrival somewhere more private."

The two men exit your field of view, leaving the three of you alone. Tarble, in his typical fashion, glues himself to your side. "What the hell was that?" Vegeta spits out with venom. "Where was your pride? You were basically groveling at his feet."

You furrow your brows at him. "I was doing what needed to be done. And if you think our father isn't currently doing the same thing, you're a bigger fool than I thought."

"I know our father is being more agreeable with him, but not at the cost of his pride."

"It's always about pride with you." You step closer to Vegeta, closing the distance between you. "Your pride today would have cost the loss of countless lives today, Vegeta."

"Then so be it. If there are Saiayn's that inadequate on our planet, we should probably just exterminate them now. It'll save us the hassle later on."

You snicker, shaking your head at Vegeta. "Some King you'll be." You turn to your twin. "Let's go, Tarble. I have no desire to be near our foolish brother right now."

The conversation between Captain Ginyu and your father was brief. It was a very anticlimactic ending to the naked eye. The briefness of this encounter only set off more alarm bells in King Vegeta's head. It was clear to the man that Ginyu's excuse for being on his planet was bullshit. He's just not quite sure what the captain's intentions were, but he sure as hell is going to find out.

As soon as Ginyu left planet Vegeta, he promptly set course for his next destination. He's headed straight to Lord Frieza to report his findings, and he's eager to do so.

 Ginyu arrives on the planet in record time, heading straight for the throne room. Ginyu kneels before Frieza, waiting for his boss to speak. "Captain Ginyu. You're sure back early. I trust you were able to gather enough information on the young prince."

Captain Ginyu nods enthusiastically. "Of course, Lord Frieza. The Price was exactly the same as the previous data we collected on him. He's powerful and quite intelligent for a Saiyan. Though, he did inherit that nasty temper from his father."

Frieza sighs. "How disappointing."

"But I did discover something that you may find interesting, Lord Frieza."

Frieza tilts his head at the man. He can't help but feel intrigued. "Go on." It's not that easy for him to find an advantage over those monkeys, so he'll take any information Ginyu can give him, no matter how minuscule. 

"Y/N--- King Vegeta's daughter piqued my interest greatly. She's not even close to as strong as her brother, but she's remarkably clever. She's very good with words, she knows how to manipulate people. I'd say she might even be better than King Vegeta himself."

"Now, that is fascinating. Good work, Ginyu. I'll look into the Princess's abilities more in-depth later. You're excused."

-

This is just something I felt the need to clarify: So in this chapter's flashback, Vegeta is around three, and Y/N and Tarble are about two. In my head, I picture children on planet Vegeta behaving like miniature adults. My idea is once they leave their chambers (the tanks they are raised in to get their basic Saiyan instincts under control), their minds are fully grown, but their physical growth is quite delayed. That's why they curse and stuff. I have a minuscule window of time to squash in all of my plot ideas. So this was the best way to do so.

#goku #goku x reader #saiyan reader #vegeta #vegeta's sister #DBZ Fanfiction #dbz x reader #dragon ball x reader #dragon ball z #the princess of all saiyans