#summer with the best decorated house. also cuts down all your trees <3 no one minds | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

buckysbabygorl · 4 years

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Best Friend’s Brother (College AU) Part 2: An Introduction

Summary: Y/N goes up to her friend’s ‘summer home’ for spring break to forget about the daily stress of being a student. She’s ready to let loose and have fun, but she wasn’t prepared to meet her friend’s attractive older brother...

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: mild swearing, drinking, sexual inuuendo and themes

Word Count: 2,002

Dedicated to @marvelrose

Part 1 , Part 3

Series Masterlist

Rebecca had been right.

The interior was far more incredible than the outside.

The seclusion and privacy of the estate added to the homey ambiance of the luxurious mansion; the interior was decorated in soft creams and whites, with dark wood furnishings to contrast. The front foyer was immaculate and grand; its staircase leading to the upstairs level was immense and curved along the east wall of the entrance.

Y/N looked to the ceiling and admired the crystal chandelier hanging decadently over them. The delicate glass glistened beautifully with the light, and Y/N noticed then their lack of dust; as if they had appeared there in this moment exactly. Completely untouched.

“It’s quite beautiful, isn’t it?” Brimsby commented.

Not knowing how else to describe the sight, Y/N slowly nodded in amased agreement. It really was beautiful, but somehow beautiful didn’t seem to articulate the sight justly.

Bags in hand, Brimsby motioned for her to follow him to the staircase. “This way, Miss. Your room as well as Miss Barnes reside on the upper level.”

He started his walk, but realized she hadn’t followed him, too caught up in the appearance of the house. A small smile pulled at his lip; understanding the young lady’s fascination with the place; though his amusement had been long ago diluted as his days at the estate passed

“The upstairs is just as wonderful as the down, my dear.”

As she took in his words, she quickly followed him, excited to view more of the architecture and decor.

She trailed behind him, lightly tracing the wood railing as she ascended the staircase.

So polished, she thought. So smooth.

It was evident the amount of care put into the place; each sconce and crevice she had seen so far was catered to with a consistent and loving upkeep. Somehow, it made the place all the more beautiful.

“How long have you been with the family?” Y/N asked.

Brimsby stopped at the top stair for her, waiting to speak until they could walk in side by side.

“Decades my dear. I began working here as a young boy when the children's grandfather was the head of the household. ”

“Wow,” Y/N said, “So the estate has been in the family for quite some time then.”

“Indeed it has.” He spoke proudly as they rounded the second landing, pleased with the effort he had given after all these years.

Y/N tried to picture it; a little Rebcca running through the halls with her brother. That same energy from a kid never leaving her; that overwhelming happiness and the love for this estate...

“You’ve really taken care of the place,” She complimented, “I’m sure the Barnes are grateful.”

He led her down an attached hall of the landing, dark and sturdy doors accompanying them on each side. Bedrooms, she assumed.

“Anyone would agree... Rebecca loves you like family.”

Brimsby smiled at that, “Well, I’m grateful to have them as well. They’ve been very gracious to me, being here hardly feels like work at all.”

Y/N hummed happily, “If you do what you love…”

“...You’ll never work a day in your life.” He finished.

Y/N chuckled slightly as they came to a stop. Placing the bags on the floor, he turned back to the young girl with his hand on the doorknob.

“And this,” Brimsby gestured to his right, “is your room.”

Y/N hadn’t known what to expect; but she certainly hadn’t expected this.

The entire trip up; Rebecca hadn’t mentioned a word of the appearance of the place. No warning about the massive mansion, the immense space. Y/N pictured a quaint cottage on the water, the average two point five bedrooms, and a bathroom all of them would fight over in the mornings.

But that hadn’t been the case at all; the home had been the definition of opulence. And this room had been no exception.

The room was spacious, much like the rest of the house. It had the same creams and whites, but the furnishings in the room weren’t the dark modern wood she had seen. They were softer in color and lacked varnish; she assumed antique. The massive bed that lay in the centre of the room had plush pillows, and a thick comforter that swirled in patterns of light blues and yellows. As Y/N walked further in: she noticed the props of the room were also vintage; lamps and ash trays on the bedside tables, and the books and ornaments on the shelves looked as though they were pulled from a different time. The far wall was nearly entirely window, a long bench running underneath the sills for sitting.

“Do you think you’ll be comfortable in here, Miss?”

Y/N turned to Brimsby, who waited patiently at the door.

“It’s incredible. I couldn’t ask for a better room.”

He smiled, entering and setting her bags at the foot of the bed.

“Excellent. I shall leave you to get better acquainted with the room. Do let me know if there’s anything more I can do for you.”

As he was leaving, Y/N called for him.

“Thank you, you’ve been wonderful. I really appreciate it.”

He smiled, “Of course, any friend of Rebecca’s is welcome in this home. It was lovely meeting you.”

“Likewise.”

With their conversation ended, Brimsby closed the door behind him and left Y/N alone.

Y/N made no rush to unpack, instead seating herself on the bench at the window, looking to the trees at the front of the house.

She shook her head in amazement, “Can’t believe this place.” She said to herself.

She knew she’d thank Rebecca over and over again for this experience: the house alone was amazing. A luxurious stay with your best friend, an entire week to yourselves…

Well, not exactly yourselves, she realized.

I wonder what the boys will be like, she thought.

So far everything Rebecca had said was positive; but she may have been biased. Regardless, Y/N figured that she’d at least get along with James and his friends, based on the fact Rebecca and him were cut from the same cloth. Both pursued careers in Law, wanting to ‘make a difference in the world’, and on that notion alone Y/N could respect James. Apparently, he was funny; charming; more rowdy than most, but sometimes he had his moments.

“He gets really quiet every now and then.” Y/N remembers Rebecca saying, “Thoughtful, I think he tries to come off that he isn’t sensitive, or smart. But he is, he really is…”

Y/N smiled at the thought, admiring how highly Rebecca thought of him. Y/N was still skeptical, of course. But at the very least, she would have to give him a chance.

“Steve! You in there?”

Y/N turned at the voice, watching as the door swung open and in walked a young man.

He was dressed casually; khaki pants and a dark polo shirt slightly stretched by his tall, muscular stature. He was quite handsome; with strong features and dark hair. As Y/N made eye contact with him, he startled slightly; his blue eyes widening and his lips pouting in confusion.

“You’re not Steve.”

Y/N chuckled as she rose from the window seat, “No I’m not.”

From his demeanor and dress, she knew he wasn’t someone employed at the estate, and figured quickly that he was one of the boy guests.

“Hm,” He muttered, his hand still placed on the doorknob. He chuckled as he peeked further into the doorway. “I think I’m in the wrong room.”

“You think?” she teased.

He laughed awkwardly as he rubbed his hand along the back of his neck. “Yeah.. I hate to admit it but I’m still getting lost in this place.”

He entered the room and walked towards her, “I’m sorry, I’m being rude. I’m Bucky.”

“I’m Y/N, Rebecca’s friend.” She said as she reached out her hand.

His smile was friendly as her palm fit against his “I figured, how are you liking the place so far?”

Y/N sighed as she admired the room again, “it’s incredible.”

“Yeah?” He beamed at her contentment.

She nodded vigorously, “Yeah. This place is beautiful. Rebecca didn’t tell me anything about this place; it was all secret.”

Bucky chuckled, “Yeah, she has a flair for the dramatic.”

“Have you known her long?” Y/N asked.

Bucky’s brows pinch in confusion, “Yeah, her whole life…”

“Really? I didn’t realize how close she was with James’s friends.” She admitted.

Bucky started to speak but instead he just smiled cheekily. “Yeah, I’d say we’re all pretty close.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize.” She stated. “You’re looking for Steve, right? James’s friend?”

Bucky bit his lip as he nodded, a hint of a laugh in his voice as he spoke. “Um, yeah I am. Which reminds me; I’m still haven’t found him.”

“Oh, right.” Y/N nodded.

The longer Y/N looked at him, she realized how incredibly handsome he was. Sharp jawline, pouty lips, big blue eyes, incredibly fit... if you weren’t careful, you could get lost in a man like that.

“You want some company?” She asked shyly.

Bucky smirked as he gave the girl a quick once-over, “If you’re ‘company’, of course.”

Y/N felt herself blush, stealing a glance at the floor as she lost the words to respond.

If all the boys are like this, then I’m definitely screwed.

Bucky held open the door for her, and tried to exit without making her flustered state noticeable, but couldn’t hide from Bucky’s eye.

“I’ll be honest,” He started as he closed her door behind him, “We weren’t expecting you guys so soon.”

“Rebecca said the same thing actually, something about you guys showing up on Sunday?”

He shook his head at her statement, “No she said we should come up on Sunday; we just assumed that meant she wanted to meet up that day.”

“I guess they both wanted to beat the other to the punch, huh?”

Bucky puckered his lips to stifle a laugh, “Yeah I guess they did.”

Bucky took a moment to really look at the girl. Rebecca had shown him pictures before, but they did not do her justice. She was gorgeous in person, and that voice… he could listen to her talk all day if she’d let him.

“Have you met him before?”

“Who, James?”

Bucky nodded as he led her around the top landing, and started down the stairs. “Yeah.”

“No, but I’ve heard lots about him.”

“Yeah? Like what?” He asked. Bucky stopped and leaned back against the railing, shoving his hands in his pockets as he patiently waited for her answer.

Y/N turned on the stairs and placed a foot on the next step, balancing herself as she met his curious eyes. “Charmer, funny, a big softie once you get to know him… that sort of thing.”

“Seems like a dreamboat…”

Y/N rolled her eyes, “The way she paints him, yeah…”

Bucky tilted his head to the side as his tongue darted to lick his bottom lip. “You believe her?”

Y/N shrugged as she turned away from him.

“I think so. But she might be exaggerating,” she called over her shoulder, “She’s trying to get me to fuck him.”

She heard Bucky’s laughter echo through the foyer, the sound of his footsteps following short after.

“Wow, haven’t even met and she’s already planning the wedding?”

Y/N smiled as she nodded, turning to face him as he landed at the bottom of the stairs.

“You gonna do it?” He asked teasingly.

Y/N bit her lip as she thought, “Not sure yet. Guess I’ll have to meet him first.”

Bucky nodded as his gaze found the floor, hiding the look of excitement and mischief he’d attempted to keep a handle on. But he couldn’t help it; the girl was clueless, she made it too easy.

“I guess you will.”

Part 3

OmG wHaT iS BuCkY HidInG o_O

Jk y’all hoes know. We ready for Part 3? We’re getting to the steamy stuff soon ;)

#Bucky Barnes #bucky x you #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes smut #bucky barnes imagine #Sebastian Stan #marvel #Avengers #buckysbabygorl masterlist

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lesbian-percy-weasley · 3 years

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The Various Breeds of Christmas Trees That Stand Between Us by Gay-Natasha-Saves-The-World on Ao3 (aka the most epic fanfic writer ever)

Ship: Percy Weasley x Oliver Wood

Content Warning: None

Description: Percy and Oliver have been dating since May but as Christmas tree season comes closer, Percy has to figure out a way to tell his family that he’s dating a boy who’s parents run the rival Christmas tree farm or attempt to hide him until January.

Percy’s family has been in the Christmas tree business since before anyone could remember. It was the oldest in town and one of the biggest as well. They could confidently get almost all the town's business and even some out of towners came. Like Christmas tree kingpins, they didn’t let any other competition plant roots in their territory. And they were successful until a few years ago.

Riverside Christmas Tree Farm sprouted right under their noses. A family had inherited the land from the old man who once owned it and they decided to start a Christmas tree farm. Ever since then, it was a race, a competition, a battle of wills to see who will sell more. The feud between these two families for two months out of the year was not to be matched. Not by the Montagues and the Capulets, not by Xbox and Playstation, not even by Coke and Pepsi. No, if you compared the feud between the Weasleys and the Woods to anything it would be a dishonor.

And with every great story of a family feud of epic proportions, there are always a pair of star crossed lovers.

Percy and Oliver started dating sometime around May, not knowing that they were part of rivaling families. Even if they did know, neither of them would’ve given much of a shit.

Percy’s family didn’t know that he even had a boyfriend. He knew that they would make fun of him for it. They always did find something to make fun of him for. You would think they would catch on after Oliver picked him up to hang out practically every week in the summer. Really, they were just happy Percy finally had a friend that wasn’t in the classic literature club.

They did love each other but as late November reared closer, the whole family thing started to become more complicated. They feared that if they kept hanging out as they were they would make their families irrationally mad. Come January it would all blow over but right now they were in rough waters.

They took to hanging out at school together. Oliver spent lunch in the library with Percy and Percy spent after school watching Oliver’s hockey practice when he didn’t have a club meeting to attend. They didn’t mind as long as they could hang out together.

One day, they were sitting in Oliver's truck when the topic of the Christmas tree farms came up.

“Are you ready to pretend we hate each other until after break?” Oliver asked whilst putting his arm around Percy. “We don’t have to. It’s not like my family pays attention to what I do anyway.” Percy mumbled as he leaned into Oliver’s embrace. “I’m sure that’s not true,” Oliver replied.

“I have been staying after school every day for the past three weeks and they haven’t said anything.” Percy laughed. “I’m sure we can get through the next 40 days without the sky falling.” Oliver gave a lighthearted hum in response.

With that, they left the school to drop Percy off at his house. It wasn’t a very long drive between their houses so Oliver didn’t really mind. He could’ve lived on the opposite side of town and he wouldn’t have cared but it was just more convenient. He always dropped him off at the end of the driveway. When he stopped the truck, Percy gave him a quick kiss and grabbed his books.

“I’ll pick you up at 3 tomorrow,” Oliver said quickly. “The movie doesn’t start until 4,” Percy replied with a smile. “Yeah, and it takes 30 minutes to get to the theater and you’re usually slow.” Oliver chuckled as Percy lightly punched his arm. He hopped out of the truck and waved goodbye as his boyfriend drove off.

It was about 2:50 the next day and Percy was waiting quite anxiously for the text saying Oliver was here. He was waiting in his room since his family was all downstairs planning for when they will open the farm. He wasn’t as involved as everyone else. Sure, he did help when it was open but other than that he chose to opt-out of many of the discussions.

Running a Christmas tree farm wasn’t the walk in a park that most people presume it is. Not only did you have the land you had to maintain all year round for a short business season, but there was also a lot to consider when planting. Of course, you have to plant a multitude of different trees like fir trees, pine trees, cedar trees, and cypress trees (not even getting into the different breeds of said trees). And then you had to strategically plant so that all the most popular types were accessible. If someone had to walk a mile to get a douglas fir then they would just go elsewhere.

Then came the problems with having competition. The fact that they had somewhere else to go that was only 10 miles away. They had to quality check meticulously. If one family got a bad tree then they’ll just switch to Riverside and if there are a multitude of bad trees then it starts to add up. And then there has to be a balance of u cut and pre-cut trees. You can’t just chop the good ones then that leaves nothing for people who like to chop their own.

The ambiance is a big factor too. If it doesn’t feel like a Christmas tree farm then people won’t enjoy the experience. That’s mainly what his family was discussing. How to decorate the farm in a unique yet traditional way. Well, that’s the topic they were on when Percy finally emerged from his room.

He walked down the stairs to be immediately met with the gaze of his family. Of course, they noticed that he was dressed to go out. That suspicion was confirmed when he grabbed his coat and his shoes.

“Where are you going?” his father asked. Absentmindedly, Percy replied, “I’m going to see a movie with my boyfriend.” His eyes widened with horror as he realized what he said.

“Boyfriend?” George asked, “Who’s your boyfriend?” Now, Percy could lie right now. Wait until January to tell them the truth. But he already revealed that much so there was really no use. “Oliver Wood,” he replied as he began to tie his shoes.

The whole energy in the room shifted. “Wood? Like Riverside Christmas Tree Farm Wood?” His mother asked a bit directly. Percy didn’t even look up from his shoes, he just nodded. That was when all hell broke loose.

“Traitor!” Fred screamed over a chorus of gasps. “It’s really not that big of a deal.” Percy sighed, finally looking up at his family. “It is a big deal, you are literally dating our only competition.” Ron rebutted.

Percy was starting to get a little angry with his family. “You guys have been pestering me about getting a boyfriend but when I do y’all act like this.” He wanted nothing more than to leave and go on his date. “What I’m more concerned about is the fact you’re wearing your Frankenstein shirt on a date.” George snickered.

“What’s wrong with my Frankenstein shirt?” Percy asked defensively. “You look like a nerd,” Ginny added. “I don’t care. I just want to go see Pride and Prejudice with my boyfriend and there is nothing any of you can do about it.” He was trying to keep his cool but it was obvious he was losing it.

Suddenly he felt a vibration in his pocket. He knew it must be from Oliver so he started to walk out the door.

“Use protection!” the twins yelled as he was stepping out the door.

“Fuck off.” He replied as he shut the door.

He heard his mom scream “Language!” through the door but he didn’t care. He wanted nothing more than to get away from his family. They teased him a lot but he could usually deal with it. It seemed like they were never happy with anything he did. He knows he’ll never live this down.

But he couldn’t let this ruin his date. For years he’s tried to convince someone to go to Austen Night at the theater with them but none of them wanted to. At least Oliver cared enough to act like he was interested. That was more than his family ever did.

When he saw Oliver’s truck at the end of the driveway, he tried to forget about what just happened with his family. He hopped into the passenger seat and Oliver gave him a quick kiss. He could tell something was off. Percy wasn’t the best at hiding his emotions, especially when he was frustrated.

“Is something up?” Oliver asked as Percy was buckling his seatbelt. “I told my family about us.” Percy mumbled, “It didn’t really go well.” A look of concern fell on Oliver’s face.

“You know, if you don’t feel safe, my parents probably wouldn’t mind if you stayed with us.”

Percy looked confused for a second. “Oh, they knew I’m gay it was about the…”

“The Christmas trees?” Oliver asked

“The Christmas trees.” Percy finished. There were a few seconds of silence then they both broke out in laughter. “They’ll get over it. My parents weren’t very happy when I told them but they don’t really care now.”

“I know. What I was more upset about was them making fun of my Frankenstein shirt.” Percy said as Oliver started to drive. “What’s wrong with your Frankenstein shirt?” Oliver chuckled. “Nothing they just don’t have taste apparently.”

When the movie was over it was already dark out. Percy was rambling about the difference between the book and the movie when they walked out. He wouldn’t even realize it was snowing unless Oliver tapped his shoulder.

“It’s pretty early in the year for snow,” Percy said while he put his hand out to let snowflakes fall onto it. “I don’t think the weather cares about your opinion, Percy,” Oliver said lightheartedly. “It was just a comment I know I’m not Jack Frost or anything,” Percy said defensively as he turned towards Oliver.

Oliver couldn’t help but notice how the snowflakes melted as soon as they touched Percy’s bright orange hair. Or how the wind made his nose and cheeks a little bit pinker. All he could think about was how lucky he was to have him in his life.

“You’re so beautiful.” Oliver blurted out. Before Percy could think of a reply, Oliver kissed him. It was sweet and passionate like all their kisses but this one felt different from Percy. It was like his rom-com Hallmark Christmas movie moment and he wanted it to last for as long as possible.

When it did, Percy hugged Oliver as his life depended on it. “I love you, Oliver.” He said into his shoulder. “I love you too, Percy. Even if your family never gets over it, I’ll still love you.” Oliver replied.

Driving home, Percy was still talking about the movie. Oliver didn’t mind. He liked seeing that Percy was happy and after all, the movie was better than what he was expecting.

Oliver insisted that he drive Percy to his house instead of dropping him off at the driveway. He made an excuse that there might be ice on the driveway so Percy just brushed it off. But he knew Oliver was planning something when he insisted to help Percy carry his things in.

Percy did buy a sweatshirt and an ornament from the movie theater. After all, the proceeds went to the local library and they were Pride and Prejudice themed. But it wasn’t anything he couldn’t carry.

“You just want to see my family, don’t you?” Percy said with a smirk. Oliver shrugged “Just want them to know I’m not going anywhere.” Percy rolled his eyes. “Whatever, you can help me carry my stuff in.”

When they walked through the door, Percy’s whole family was watching a show in the living room. His parents smiled at them but his siblings gave only glares at the two of them. Percy brushed them off and headed up to his room.

Percy showed Oliver around it since he had never seen it before. He had the opportunity to talk about his various trinkets so of course, he’s not going to waste it. But it seemed too soon when Oliver needed to head home. It was dark out and getting kind of late but it didn’t matter. He couldn’t help but think about a time when they could live together. No more feuding, no more Christmas tree drama, no more sneaking around as to not get in trouble. Just the two of them, in love. No amount of fir trees would ever get between them.

#harry potter #percy weasley #oliver wood #perciver #fanfiction #gay #percy weasley x oliver wood #christmas #christmas fic #muggle au #rival Christmas tree farm au #Percy is a literature nerd

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fundielicious-simblr · 3 years

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3, 6, 21 (doesn't have to be fundie)

[3] what’s your favorite world?

I'd have to say my favourite for building is Newcrest purely for the freedom you have to do what you want, in terms of scenery I'm sort of split between Windenburg and Sulani. They've both got beautiful scenery that is on two different ends of the weather spectrum, sometimes I just roam with the camera to see the mountains/beaches because they are so well done, especially with seasons installed!

[6] what are your thoughts on the most recent pack? (dream home decorator)

This question made me go into origin to go look at the pack actually 😂I've not been paying attention to the new releases, but looking at the CAS items on origin, I really like them, they've got great fundie potential 😂. However, I have heard about the multitude of problems with the career in-game, which at this point is to be expected with anything EA puts out. I'll be waiting for the sales to hit before I even think about adding it to my collection.

[21] who is your favorite sim of yours and what is their story?

My favourite sim would have to be Adalynn, I don't know whether it's because we're both the oldest kids who basically had to raise their siblings (her 12 younger to my 2 younger), or whether its the fact that she's the first sim from gen 3 in a save that I've actually kept playing 😂 Luckily for me I wrote her story for the family tree, so i'll just copy and paste that - under the cut because it's long 😂

"The oldest of Allan and Casandra’s 13 children, Adalynn was used to a very busy household. Homeschooled by her mother along with her siblings, she was schooled from a young age on what it takes to be a good wife and mother. The older she got and the more children her parents had, the more she took on childcare responsibilities. She spent time learning the violin and piano with her siblings and cousins, taking time to go to camp where she was able to use her music to worship the Lord along with many like minded girls; once she was older and more accomplished, she started teaching her siblings the piano and violin. Her parents used a buddy system to assign a younger child to an older child to make it easier to care for them. The first of her buddies were Maggie and Reece when they were newborns, the pattern set was that Adalynn would be assigned the newest baby at birth, then it would be passed on to Macie as the new baby came through and the previous one aged up. Her last set of buddies were Charles, Parker and Ashton, the youngest three children.

The obligations of buddies was that the older child had to make sure that their buddies were dressed at the start of the day, they then make sure that they eat and get their schoolwork done. When the buddy assigned to them is a toddler, then the older child's job is to skill build with them (communication, imagination, thinking, movement), potty train them, and change their diapers accordingly. When she was older and her siblings were no longer toddlers, she started working as a babysitter on the weekends for some families at their church to save up pocket money for herself.

Every summer since she was young, her family would attend a Family Bible Camp in which they’d mingle with other like minded homeschooling families. One of those families are the Leonards. Adalynn met Mason Leonard and his family at camp while she was young, but being busy keeping her siblings in line or attending sessions herself meant that she never had the time to even start thinking about boys. Her parents always taught them that courtship was the best way to go, telling them stories of their own courtship that led to their marriage and 13 children. Casandra taught all of her girls that they should never be forward with how they feel, so that they aren’t seen as too ‘fast’ or ‘forward’. Therefore, Adalynn put Mason to the back of her mind and made it a point to pray for her future husband (whoever that may be). After sharing her heart with her mother, Casandra invited the Leonard family over for fellowship and a meal after (also inviting them to their Easter service at church) their Easter church service. This allowed Mason and Adalynn to get to know each other in an environment with other people, it was after this that Mason asked Allan and Casandra’s permission to court Adalynn, which they accepted. Mason courted Adalynn in the spring, and proposed soon after, and they were married on the first Saturday of the summer.

They’re happily married and live a few houses down from Mason’s parents, their kids come one after the other but they make do with what they’ve got."

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artificialqueens · 3 years

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Galactica, Chapter 74 (Group Fic) - TheDane/Veronica

A/N: Click here if you’re looking for previous chapters (or here if you’d rather read on AO3). 💫

Previously: Galactica shut down for the holidays, and Bianca turned Courtney’s shitty day around.

This Chapter: Christmas Eve. Fame plays hostess for Juju and Detox’s family, Bianca and Courtney jet off to Puerto Rico, Violet spends the evening with Sutan, Raja and Raven, and Pearl thirsts for Dahlia.

***

“Patrick?” Fame called over her shoulder, a big porcelain vase on the table in front of her.

“Yes darling?” Patrick was sitting in an armchair, his finger holding his place in the crime novel he was reading, Charles curled up on the floor in front of the crackling fireplace.

“What do you think of this?” Fame took a step back, showing off the greenhouse bouquet she had arranged, their gardener bringing them in after his rounds, snow covering the ground outside. “I was hoping they could be the centerpiece for tonight?”

They were upstate, in what Karl had jokingly started to call The Farm one summer. In reality, it was a mansion with several acres of land, the incredible garden the reason for the nickname, though Karl had insisted it was because upstate New York was basically Hicksville.

Fame and Patrick had bought it forever ago, the property supposed to be a real estate investment, but when they had visited it to oversee the remodel during the fall of the year they got it, Fame had fallen in love instantly.

She adored The Farm, loved the open land, loved the space that reminded her of her childhood’s free roam, loved that Charles had all the space in the world, the property so big that no one ever bothered them while they were there.

“I think that’s lovely dear,” Patrick smiled, taking a sip of the spiced eggnog the chef had made. “Juju’s going to love that.”

“Good.” Fame smiled, a moment of happiness washing over her body. Juju and Detox were coming up for Christmas, bringing their children along, the bedrooms already prepared for them.

When Detox and Juju had accepted her invitation to join them upstate, Fame had been overjoyed, spending the holiday with her friends instead of family so much more enjoyable, and best of all, it required absolutely no flying.

Unlike the Manhattan townhouse, The Farm was decorated in a traditional Christmas red and green, a fresh cut actual pine tree set up in the parlor, copious amounts of gifts for Kelly and the twins already under the tree.

“I’ll go check up on the chef.” Fame put down her garden shears, quickly drying her hands on her tea towel, collecting the scraps for the compost out back. “Make sure they’re cooking the Brussels sprouts correctly.”

The night's dinner was a wild lemon and honey salmon, a spinach salad with goat cheese and beets, the dessert spiced tea-poached pears for the adults and a sundae bar for the kids.

“And the mac and cheese?” Patrick raised an eyebrow.

“Of course,” Fame smiled. “I specifically instructed the chef to go for the mega size Kraft. The little ones should know it’s Christmas too.”

In reality, Fame had requested a complete restock of what Patrick lovingly called the kids cupboard, a whole section dedicated to the Sanderson kids, Kelly always going straight there the second she stepped foot inside. Just because she was a teenager who rarely attended family events anymore didn’t mean that Fame would forget about her.

“The sleds are ready to go too.”

Fame had never wanted kids of her own, but she loved and adored her entire chosen family, especially the little ones. Spoiling them had been one of her favorite pastimes since they’d met, when Kelly was still a chubby little baby with a passion for sticking jewelry into her mouth.

Today, she’d planned a lovely afternoon of fun in the snow for when everyone arrived. Fame had even bought a new snow set, the pure white Prada demanding to go home with her, her new mittens lined with rabbit fur so she could truly get down and dirty while building the snowman she hoped they had time for.

It was one of the most liberating things about The Farm, the acres of land meaning that there was a sense of privacy she could never feel in the city.

“And did you go for the wood?”

“Of course I went for the wooden sleds,” Fame rolled her eyes, Patrick so often playing stupid on purpose just to rile her up. “The antique German design.” There was no way Fame was going for anything but the best, and Julia and Owen deserved the best sledding experience money could buy, gourmet marshmallows and Jacques Torres hot chocolate already in the kitchen ready to go.

“Mmh?” Patrick smirked, taking another sip of his egg nog, and Fame went over to kiss him, just to wipe it off his face.

***

“Kelly Sanderson! Don’t you forget your scarf!”

“Yes mom,” Kelly rolled her eyes, but snatched her scarf, putting it around her neck before walking towards the house with her gym bag over her shoulder, and Juju couldn’t help but smile.

They were emptying out the car, the drive upstate a complete pain since she had been nauseous the entire time, Detox driving while Kelly was in the front seat, so Juju had been alone in the back with the twins because someone had to keep an eye on them, and Kelly refused.

“Okay champ,” Detox looked at his son who was still in the car, Julia standing on the snow-covered ground in her Frozen jacket. “I’m going to unbuckle you, but that doesn’t mean that you can-“

“Bye dad!!”

“Fuck!”

Juju laughed as Owen ran as fast as he could towards the front door, his sister right behind him.

“We got them!”

Juju turned to see Patrick call from the door, a big smile on the man's face, Fame right behind him.

“Your death wish!” Detox yelled, and Juju smiled before digging back in, her husband quickly gathering enough suitcases to make his first trip up to the house, Juju taking a moment to enjoy the blessed silence of private property upstate.

She fished her phone out of her handbag, a sense of relief washing over her when she saw that Bianca had texted. They had only spoken once last week, when Juju called her to apologize for the dinner party pile-on, and Bianca said it was okay, but she also seemed a bit rushed and distracted. Juju was hoping that it was just work, that she wasn’t genuinely mad, but she couldn’t be sure, especially since she hadn’t responded to any messages the night before. Looking at the messages today, though, it really did seem like they were good.

JUJU: Hey there. Thinking of you, hope you’re good.

JUJU: To be clear, I was thinking of you because I got up to take a very large dump.

JUJU: :-D

JUJU: Hehe

JUJU: <3

JUJU: OK goodnight! xo

JUJU: Merry Christmas Eve, lady! I love you.

BIANCA: Love you too, kiddo. Sorry for being MIA last night.

BIANCA: I’m taking Courtney to PR for Christmas, we’re heading to JFK right now.

BIANCA: Tell the monsters that I owe them some presents when I get back.

JUJU: Oh wow!! Have fun!!!! (And trust me, they will collect on those presents, lol)

She sighed, slipping the phone back into her bag, thinking that perhaps she should keep Bianca’s vacation plans under wraps for now. She turned towards the house, watching Fame on her knee, unlacing Julia’s shoes. Yes, better not to be the messenger for this particular news.

***

“So...is it everything you imagined?” Bianca asked, a wry grin on her face. She’d been a bit shocked when Courtney revealed in the car that she’d never flown first class before. She thought that surely someone as cute and charming as her had been slipped a free upgrade or two by a flight attendant trying to hit on her.

“It’s perfect.” Courtney tilted her champagne glass towards Bianca for a toast, her eyes taking on that slightly glazed, naughty look as she sipped on her third glass.

“Perfect, huh?” Bianca asked, clinking her glass lightly. “Then I guess you don’t want another present…”

“Wait, no...I do!” Courtney exclaimed, suddenly looking so serious that Bianca couldn’t hold back her cackling laughter.

Drunk Courtney was turning into one of her favorite people, the comically exaggerated faces she made when her defenses were down too cute for words.

“Oh, well in that case…” She reached into her bag and pulled out a box wrapped in sparkling pink and gold.

“How did you fit that in there?” Courtney asked, letting Bianca take her glass so that she had both hands free for the large gift, examining it closely. “Are you Mary Poppins?”

“Yeah, that’s me. A g-rated singing nanny.”

“Hot,” Courtney giggled, and Bianca gave her a stern look. “What, I like sexy nannies. Maria Von Trapp...Fran Fine?!”

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Bianca shook her head, amused.

“Oh no, am I being naughty? Are you gonna spank me?” Courtney’s eyes glittered.

Well, this was an unexpected turn. Perhaps something to explore when they weren’t flying thirty thousand feet over an ocean, surrounded by people.

“Open your present.”

“Yes, ma’am…” Courtney said, making Bianca laugh again as she tore into the package, first pulling off the excessive ribbons and bows (Joslyn really shouldn’t be trusted with that kind of thing) and then the glittery paper. She lifted the lid on the box, revealing 5 brand-new designer bathing suits, all from this year’s hottest resort collections. Her eyes lit up. “Ooooh, wow! This is much better than the plan I had.”

“What was your plan?”

“I was just gonna go without a suit,” she said, shrugging a bit as she fluttered her lashes.

“Huh.” Bianca’s brow furrowed in mock disappointment, adding, “Yeah, no, I like your plan better, give these back.”

She reached over and attempted to swipe the box from Courtney’s hand, but Courtney clutched it greedily to her chest.

“No! They’re mine now!”

Bianca laughed, leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek, just as Courtney grabbed her face and went right for her lips.

“Thank you, B. I love them. I love you.”

“I love you too, sunshine.” Bianca rested her forehead against Courtney’s with a happy sigh. “And I can’t wait to see you in them...or out of them.”

***

“Are you sure it’s okay that I’m not helping?” Violet asked. She was sitting on a silver bar stool and feeling absolutely useless, her fingers drumming on the marble breakfast bar.

Raja and Raven’s apartment looked like something from a catalog, big art pieces hung everywhere, fresh flowers in vases even though it was December. Violet had spotted the heavy oak Raja preferred, and the green and gold she gravitated towards, but it was clear that Raven was the main decorator.

“Of course,” Raven smiled, flashing her teeth over her shoulder. She was standing at the counter, filling up the sink so she could rinse off their dishes.

“Let her have the fantasy,” Sutan grinned, putting the empty tray he was carrying down, Raja right behind him. “This is the one time of year Raven pretends she’s the perfect housewife,”

“Fuck off.” Raven flipped him off, “I’m always perfect.”

When Sutan had told Violet he usually spent Christmas Eve with his sister and Raven, Violet hadn't been surprised. What had surprised her was when Sutan told her that Raven insisted on cooking every year. It had been a simple meal, roasted chicken and potatoes with gravy, but it did really seem like Raven had made it herself, Raja in charge of buying the dessert.

It was the first time Violet had celebrated Christmas Eve with anyone since she was 17, and while it was very different from what she usually did, which was wine and a movie, it was nice.

“You are, Princess,” Raja smiled, pressing a quick kiss against her hair as she dropped their dishes. “Now, does anyone want another drink?”

“Me,” Raven grinned, and Violet had to fight not to show the surprise on her face when Raven just grabbed the dirty dishes. She had never thought Raven would be someone who did chores, who’d willingly get her hands dirty.

“I’m driving tomorrow, so no,” Sutan was leaning against the counter, a smile on his lips. He was wearing a blue turtleneck sweater, and Violet had to admit that he looked stupidly hot in it.

“Actually…” Sutan paused, narrowing his eyes. “Raven, what’s going on with your nose?”

“Her nose?” Raja tilted her head, looking at her fiancée. “What do you mean?”

“It looks different. There.” Sutan pointed with his pinky at the edge of her nose.

“She seems normal to me.”

“Can’t you see it? Here, I’ll adjust- Let me push her head back.“ Sutan was just about to reach for Raven’s chin, when he was cut off.

“Hey!” Raven pulled away, “Crazy agent, I’m in the room.” She raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp, “I’m trying a new makeup technique.” Raven pushed Susn’s hand away from her face. “Is that a problem?”

“Of course not…”

“Good,” Raven rolled her eyes. “Now can we please get this done so we can watch a movie?”

“Sure.” Sutan rolled his eyes too, grabbing a dish towel before bumping his hip against Raven, making her yelp, laughter filling the room.

Violet let out a breath of relief she hadn’t even realized she had been holding, the knot in her stomach slowly releasing. She was probably overreacting, a childhood of tense Christmases just under her skin, but it had almost felt like Raven and Sutan were about to get in a fight.

Violet took her glass, a smile on her face as she took a sip of her wine, the uncomfortable feeling thankfully already fading.

***

Earlier, Courtney had enjoyed a healthy buzz from all the first class champagne, but then she fell asleep for half of the flight, and by the time they got to the resort, she felt refreshingly, deliciously sober, closing her eyes to feel the warm, fragrant ocean breeze blow in through the windows.

As Bianca directed the hotel staff with their suitcases, Courtney wandered over to the glass doors, eyes widening when she peered out at the terrace.

“B! Omigod, is this an infinity pool?” She threw open the doors and stepped outside, where a table was set up with a romantic, candlelit dinner. But even better, what was clearly a private infinity pool, which made her so excited she squealed with glee. “I’ve seen pictures of those but I never thought I’d see one in person!”

Bianca appeared in the doorway, a smirk on her face as she replied, “It’s not an infinity pool. It’s an infinity hot tub. The pool is down those steps.”

Courtney giggled, already slipping off her shoes to feel the heavenly warm water. She sat down at the edge of the hot tub, letting her legs dangle into the water while she gazed out at the gorgeous view, the gentle waves under a night sky sparkling with stars. When she mused last week about wanting to go to the beach, she certainly wasn’t imagining a private beach at this posh resort. But for once, everything in her life had worked out perfectly. All because of Bianca, who was now chatting with the hotel manager about their meal.

“Es esta la comida? Todo es vegano, verdad?”

“Si, of course. I hope everything is to your liking, Señora.”

“Es perfecto. Gracias.” She pressed some bills into his hand, adding, “Feliz Navidad!”

As soon as he left, Bianca turned back to Courtney, head tilting curiously when she took in her enraptured expression. “What?”

“I just think it’s sexy when you speak Spanish,” Courtney explained, biting her lip.

“Oh yeah? That’s what gets you going? My shitty high school Spanish?” Bianca asked, strolling towards her, dimples deep in her cheeks.

“Uh huh. I like the accent. Say more things…” Courtney leaned back, lashes fluttering, as Bianca laughed and pretended to think real hard.

“Hmm…” She settled in beside Courtney at the edge of the hot tub, slipping an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her shoulder. “Dónde está la biblioteca?”

“Ahh, yeah, that’s it,” Courtney growled, and Bianca laughed some more.

“Tu eres una gringa loca…”

“Uh huh…wait, what does that mean?”

“It means you’re a crazy white girl.”

“Oh. Yeah, fair.” Courtney cupped Bianca’s face in her hands, pulling her in for a kiss. Things were just starting to get a little heated when Courtney’s phone began to ring. She had a brief moment of panic before realizing that it was her personal phone, not her work phone. And since very few people made phone calls anymore, she was fairly certain that it would be her parents.

Coming out to her parents had been strange. She knew already, from how they reacted to Ben’s coming out when he was just 13, that they would be fine with her not being straight. But Ben hadn’t been dating someone nearly 20 years his senior.

So she was nervous, more than she’d have admitted, when she finally told them everything that was going on in her life--that she was dating, or rather in love with, a woman.

A woman who was, incidentally, a famous fashion magazine editor many years older than her.

Turned out, it was even more of an anticlimax than she anticipated, Mum giving her some bland platitudes about how love is love and Dad telling her to make sure she takes her vitamin D.

Which at first seemed like an innuendo, but actually was just him being his usual health-conscious self. Either way, they seemed both unsurprised and unbothered by the whole situation, which was a relief, she supposed. It was strangely reminiscent of when she was 16 and she’d announced that she wanted to graduate from high school early and go to America for University. Measured, unemotional support.

Courtney reached for her bag, pulling out the phone and answering, her family’s face popping up on the screen as she tried to figure out the time difference. It must already be Christmas morning in Brisbane.

“Hi, Mum! Happy Christmas!”

“Hello darling!” her mother cooed, elbowing Dad and Ben on either side of her, who she’d clearly forced into position, sitting on the sofa with the Christmas tree behind them, the picture of suburban bliss. “Happy Christmas!”

“Happy Christmas, love!” said Dad, pretending that he wasn’t thoroughly engrossed in whatever crime novel Courtney could see open on his lap.

Mum poked Ben again with her sharp elbow, and he scoffed.

“Yeah, yeah. Happy Christmas. How’s your rich girlfriend?” Ben asked.

“Great. How’s single life?” Courtney shot back, and Ben opened his mouth in mock offense.

“You fuckin’ cunt-”

“What was that, dickhead-”

“Kids!” Mum interrupted, putting on her best scolding voice as Courtney and Ben both broke out into giggles.

“She knows I’m kidding, Mum. Calm down.”

“I’m perfectly calm,” Mum said, rolling her eyes. “I’m just trying to have a pleasant conversation with my daughter, thanks very much.”

“Thanks Mum,” Courtney said, kicking her feet in the warm water. “It’s fine, though. It wouldn’t be Ben if he wasn’t giving me shit.”

“That’s called love, ya slag! Appreciate it!” Ben cut in, and Courtney blew him a kiss.

“Well darling, we just want you to know that we miss you terribly, but we’re so happy that you’re having a nice vacation. Right?”

“So happy,” Ben echoed, sticking out his tongue.

“And we’ve been talking about it, and-” she patted Dad on the thigh, then hit him harder when he didn’t say anything.

“Oh, yes. Ahem. We’ve been talking about planning a trip to New York next year,” Dad said. “How does that sound?”

“That sounds fantastic!” Courtney exclaimed. She hadn’t seen any of them since a quick trip to Australia last spring, before she moved to New York.

Bianca sat down beside her again, silently handing over a glass filled with ice and some kind of milky liquid along with a sexy wink, just out of camera range.

“Guys, check out the view!” While her family exclaimed over how beautiful it was, Courtney took a small sip of the drink, eyes widening with delight. “Omigod, this is like Bailey’s but better. Cheers!”

“Cheers,” Bianca murmured back.

“Hi, Bianca!” Mum called loudly. “Thank you for the wine!”

Apparently, Bianca had sent a whole case of high-end wine to her family home--and even signed both of their names on the card, although her family knew for damn sure that wasn’t something Courtney could afford.

“Um...hi. You’re welcome,” Bianca grinned, giving a quick, friendly wave and then leaning back out of frame, tilting her head towards the table with their food. Courtney nodded, reaching over to squeeze her thigh.

“Mum, thanks for calling. But we should go, we have dinner here and it’s getting cold.”

“Alright my love,” Mum said, smiling warmly. “Have a wonderful night. So long, Bianca!”

“Bye, Mrs. Jenek. Merry Christmas,” Bianca said, and Courtney giggled behind her hand.

“Mrs. Jenek…” she snickered, and Bianca grimaced, then put a hand on her hip.

“Well...shut up, I’m from the South. That’s just what we do.”

“You could at least say ‘doctor.’ She has a Ph.D.”

Bianca facepalmed, and Courtney laughed again, kissing her on the cheek. It was adorable how much she cared about making a good impression on Courtney’s family. “I’m just kidding, she doesn’t care about that stuff.”

“I care, though.”

“I know.” Courtney nuzzled into Bianca’s face. “And I love you for it.”

***

“Hey! I saw that!” Trixie gasped, pointing at Kim, who had just skipped a square on the Monopoly board.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Kim smirked, leaving her car piece as she took another cookie.

They were all gathered around the coffee table, mugs of hot cocoa and Katya’s Christmas cookies on plates, a crackling fire playing on the TV, music playing from the speakers.

“You’re cheating,” Trixie looked around. “Say something!”

“I didn’t see anything, sugar butt,” Katya smiled, her knitting needles in hand. She was weirdly good at Monopoly, Katya dominating the majority of the board. When Trixie had asked her how, and what her strategy was, Katya had simply grinned and told him it was simply how it was done in Soviet Russia.

“Pearl, what about you?”

“What?” Pearl looked up from her phone. “Oh. Sorry. No.”

“Who are you texting?”

Pearl smiled. “No one.”

“Not again,” Trixie groaned, not even interested in whatever girl had managed to capture his best friend’s attention for more than two seconds. “Pearl please. It’s Christmas.”

“Relax Trix,” Pearl grinned, leaning over so she could press a kiss against his cheek. “You’re the only one for me.”

***

PEARL: Was just thinking about you...so I thought I’d say hey ;)

DAHLIA: Oh yeah?

PEARL: Uh huh

DAHLIA: What were you thinking about?

PEARL: Mostly I was hoping to be suffocated by your thighs real soon.

PEARL: Your thighs are the stuff of dreams

DAHLIA: Right now, my thighs are stuck to the plastic cover on my grandma’s couch...but thanks.

PEARL: Hot

DAHLIA: Lol

PEARL: Can I tempt you to sneak away at some point in the next few days? Without pissing off the fam, of course

DAHLIA: Possibly...I have like 40 cousins, so no one would even notice I’d gone

PEARL: Fan fucking tastic

PEARL: Hey guess what?

DAHLIA: You’re horny and wanna fuck?

PEARL: Yes

DAHLIA: Patience, darling

PEARL: But also...it’s midnight. Merry Christmas.

DAHLIA: Shit, I missed mass again!

DAHLIA: For the 7th year in a row!

PEARL: Hahaha

PEARL: Oh god. My roommates are singing happy birthday to Jesus.

PEARL: With a fucking cake and candles

DAHLIA: LOL, HBDJ

***

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jbbarnesnnoble · 4 years

Text

Hello lovely humans!

I’ve recently hit the 500 follower milestone and want to celebrate with another challenge! This time, dark fics are welcome!

I have a lot of prompts here and what doesn’t get used will probably be put aside for a future challenge. I like to make sure there is a wide array of prompts to be chosen from and tend to go overboard. Whoops.

The Rules:

1. Use the hashtag #JBBNN500

2. Dark fics are welcome - Just be sure to utilize trigger warnings and indicate that it is a dark fic.

3. Even if you aren’t writing a dark fic, use trigger warnings if the content warrants it. If you write something that has heavier themes, like those that delve into mental health topics, be sure to label it appropriately.

4. Selecting Prompts: Just let me know which one you want to do! 2 people per prompt! Tell me which subheading and the number of the prompt so I can mark it down! If it’s a lyric prompt, please give me the song and the number!

5. You don’t have to be following to participate!

6. Deadline: January 11, 2021

Yes, I’m giving about 3 months for this. January 11 also happens to be my birthday, so I figured that would be a good date to choose.

The subheadings are: dialogue prompts, sentence prompts, quotes from popular media, and song lyrics!

Find the prompts under the cut!

Dialogue Prompts

“Life is made up of maybes and regrets. I don’t want this to be one of them.”

“You can’t do this. It’s my choice to make, and mine alone. If you don’t agree with it, the door is there. Feel free to use it.”

“I used to be afraid of the dark, you know. Until I learned that the real monsters thrive in the light.”

“So, what you’re saying is if I gave you a nickel, you’d do it.”

“No, I don’t know how the cheese got there, and honestly, I don’t think I want to know.”

“You’re sounding more like a cult leader every time you open your mouth. Don’t think I’ll be accepting any Flavor Aid from you anytime soon.”

“How did you...you know what, I’m going to forget I saw a thing, and go read a book. Or bathe in Holy Water. Or both. Both is good.”

“If you say one more word I swear--” “One more word” “I hate you”

“You can’t come in here singing my favorite song and expect forgiveness, that’s not how this works!”

“No. You mean nothing to me. You never did. You never will.”

“But if it did, it would work and you can’t convince me otherwise.”

“You are simultaneously the smartest and least intelligent person I have ever meant. Truly, an amazing accomplishment.” @bonkywobble

“Next thing you’re going to say is that ghosts are real...please tell me that’s a joke”

“All I’m saying is, I could do that blindfolded.”

“But why was there pizza on the ceiling?”

“If you write me a four thousand word essay on why you think that’s a good idea, then sure.”

“I didn’t think you were serious. Do you know how illegal this is?!”

Sentence Prompts

Feel free to change the pronouns used to suit your needs, even if they aren’t bracketed! You can also change the tense if you need to!

The January rain fell, feeling like razors against [your/her/their] skin as [you/she/they] stared out over the horizon.

This was it, the moment where life as [you/she/they] knew it ended.

[His/her/their] gaze fell on [her/you], like a lion circling its prey.

You never thought that it would come to this, come to being the one to end it all.

You took a moment to calculate [his/her/their] next move, figuring out the perfect counter.

Hanging by your ankles from a tree was most definitely not how you planned on spending your Saturday.

Glancing around the room at the decor, one thing was obvious: it was [his/her/their] doing.

Hurt was the only thing you felt, the only thing you could cling to in this abyss.

Lies, it had all been lies and they were crumbling around you.

The screech of tires on the pavement sent a shiver down your spine.

He/She used to love this time of year, the beauty of it all.

It was like climbing Everest: ambitious, dangerous, and maybe a little insane.

Forgiveness was not something you were willing to offer so freely, not this time.

Chaos may as well have been the code name of this mission. @nekoannie-chan

Silence was your new best friend, one that never seemed to leave you alone.

That smile, that smile was something you could get used to waking up to every day.

Your face twisted in disgust as you realized what you had fallen into.

You were beginning to wish you had taken [him/her/them] up on that trip to Madrid.

Quotes from Popular Media:

With these prompts specifically, you can use the full thing, paraphrase, etc, since some of them are quite long, or just write something based off an idea it sparks.

“There are so many stories where some brave hero decides to give their life to save the day, and because of their sacrifice, the good guys win, the survivors all cheer, and everybody lives happily ever after. But the hero... never gets to see that ending. They'll never know if their sacrifice actually made a difference. They'll never know if the day was really saved. In the end, they just have to have faith. Ain't that a bitch.” -Epsilon, Season 13, Red vs Blue

“We're so arrogant, aren't we? So afraid of age, we do everything we can to prevent it. We don't realize what a privilege it is to grow old with someone. Someone who doesn't drive you to commit murder or doesn't humiliate you beyond repair.” - Daniel, P.S I Love You

“After centuries of men looking at my tits instead of my eyes and pinching my ass instead of shaking my hand, I now have the divine right to stare at a man's backside with vulgar, cheap appreciation if I want to!” - Denise, P.S. I Love You

“Life isn't just death. Don't ignore the living.” - Vada Sultenfuss, My Girl

“Life's full of barbaric customs. But I hope they all end with a kiss like that.” - Vada Sultenfuss, My Girl

"You're a little scary sometimes, you know that? Brilliant ... but scary." - Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

"I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noise and pretending I’m not there." - Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

“Sweetie, this is one of those times when I know what's right and everybody else is confused.” - Angela Montenegro, Bones, Season 3

“Oh, God. I'm in the middle of something, aren't I? Oh, look! Dead guy!” - Cam Saroyan, Bones, Season 5

“Don’t make it sound trivial when you know it isn’t. You keep talking about how we just need a little more time, but you’re not the one having to struggle.” -Nora, RWBY, Volume 7

“It's called survival. But I forgot, you two at best are functional morons.” - Crowley, Supernatural, Season 5, Episode 10

“I once had to judge a tighty-whitey contest for Lambda Kappa Pi. Trust me, I can handle anything.” - Elle Woods, Legally Blonde

“How were we supposed to know? It's not like we run background checks on all her boyfriends.” - Kathryn Kennish, Switched at Birth

“Don’t try to get on my good side. I no longer have a good one” - Ouiser, Steel Magnolias

“I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” - Shelby, Steel Magnolias

“You have the handwriting of a serial killer” - Clairee, Steel Magnolias

“I didn’t know if you would hire someone who might be married to someone who may or may not be a criminal” - Annelle, Steel Magnolias

Lyric Prompts

What Do You Think Of - Lauren Alaina ft. Lukas Graham

What do you think of when you think of me?

When you look back on us what do you see? Is it the good times, is it the bad times, is it somewhere in between?

I can’t even drive down 8th Avenue because the whole damn town reminds me of you

Hurts to Know - 1551

But you stayed when I made another promise to keep

And you waited and waited for the life you saw in your dreams

You walk in and begin to try to heal me again, but each night is a fight that’s getting harder to win.

Sick - 1551

Everyone I meet feels like another target

I’m feeling sick, I’m feeling twisted, I wasn’t home before this feeling existed

I never knew that wrong could feel so right

seven - Taylor Swift

Sweet tea in the summer, cross your heart won’t tell no other, and though I can’t recall your face, I still got love for you

Passed down like folk songs, the love lasts so long

I think your house is haunted, your dad is always mad and that must be why

We’ll hide in the closet, and just like a folk song, our love will be passed on

the last great american dynasty - Taylor Swift

How did a middle class divorcee do it?

The wedding was charming, if a little gauche

And they said “There goes the last great American dynasty. Who knows if she never showed up what could have been.”

epiphany - Taylor Swift

With you I serve, with you I fall down

Something med school did not cover

And some things you just can’t speak about

Chapters - Brett Young

Chapter one, I was raised on the Dodgers

There’s no perfect life, you can’t hold back time

Everybody expecting perfection

Things change in the blink of an eyelid, guess my body knew way more than I did

The Daughters - Little Big Town

Girl, know your place, be willing and able

Girl, watch your mouth and watch your weight

Pose like a trophy on a shelf, and dream for everyone but not yourself

I wash the dishes, feed the kids, and clean up all this mess, do my best, forgive myself, and look good in this dress

It Won’t Always Be Like This - Carly Pearce

I remember how I couldn’t wait to get out of my hometown, now I’m looking for every excuse to go back on the weekend

I remember hearing the door slam, twenty-two, didn't have a clue who I was, who I could trust, and who were my real friends

The heart won’t ache forever, no matter how hard it gets, it won’t always be like this

Next Girl - Carly Pearce

You overlook a lot when he looks like that

He’ll charm your mama with that smile, hide the red flags for a while

He’ll make you think it’s love, but I promise you it’s not

Bar Back - Lauren Alaina

You can have that coffee shop we went on our first date

I’ll give you back that sweatshirt, that one you know I love

I’m taking back that little hole in the wall, the red door sign saying “come on in y’all”

If I Was a Beer - Lauren Alaina

Honey you’re in luck, ‘cause I’m a fine, fine, wine. I’m a slow sweet pour, I can be a little bitter, but I ain’t a hard hitter, like a 30 from the grocery store

Waiting for Superman - Daughtry

She says “he’s still coming, just a little bit late”

She’s talking to angels, counting the stars, making a wish on a passing car

If life was a movie, then it wouldn’t end like this

Before You Go - Lewis Capaldi

When you hurt under the surface, like troubled water running could, well time can heal but this won’t

Before you go, was there something I could have said to make your heart beat better?

Our every moment, I start to replay, but all I can think about is seeing that look on your face @arrowsandmixtapes

Hard to Forget - Sam Hunt

It's kinda funny how I can't seem to get away from you, it's almost like you don't want me to

You’ve got a cold heart and the cold hard truth

Told me to leave all your things out on the porch on the swing

Oh you’re breaking my heart, baby you’re playing hard to forget

This is It - Scotty McCreery

You can open your eyes

Can’t you see forever

On top of the world here together

If there ever was a time for a perfect kiss, this is it

Wish You’d Miss Me - Chase Wright

I was good for you, you were bad for me

I was solid ground, you were broken wings

I gave you love you gave me pain

You gave me hell, I gave you grace

I knew all along that you were gonna leave

What a Man Gotta Do - Jonas Brothers

I’m not trying to be your part time lover, sign me up for that full time @unnuevosoltransformalarealidad

This Feeling - Chainsmokers ft. Kelsea Ballerini

I lay out all my reasons you say that I need help

They tell me think with my head, not that thing in my chest

They got their hands at my neck this time

I tell you all my secrets and you tell all your friends

Hold onto your opinions and stand by what you say

What Are You Gonna Tell Her - Mickey Guyton

She thinks life is fair

But what are you gonna tell her when she’s wrong?

What are you gonna tell her when she figures out that all this time you built her up just so the world could let her down?

Do you tell her not to fight?

Can you look her in the face and promise her that things will change?

#writing challenge #marvel writing challenge #jbbnn500 #mcu #steve rogers #natasha romanoff #bucky barnes #sam wilson #wanda maximoff #marvel

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moonlightjeno · 3 years

Note

ok but moots assigned to fanfiction tropes!!

ahh omg dear anon thank you so much for sending this in !! I’ve been wanting to do this lol.

I feel like this might be a tad long so it shall be under the cut <3 also not @ me realizing most of my moots ult jeno asdf.

alesha [ @sungiescorner ] |

hmmmm. my first thought was college jeno au buT idk why I’m getting grease vibes. SO HYUNJAE GREASE VIBES. Like the whole 90’s (is grease set in the 90’s idk lmao) vibe with retro. basically your it’s grease but the roles are reversed !! Instead of the Alesha being the exchange student hyunjae is bc hyunjae is a soft bean. And you’re part of the schools like higher socitey thing (this is making no sense yay). But basically you’re part of the more rebellious group of the school and then you had a summer fling with hyunjae, until he appears at your school the first day. And chaos unfolds. And just bc I think tutor au’s are cute af hyunjae needs help w math and low and behold you are there to help him :)

mother in law [ @danishmiilk ] |

hehhehe. Obv we gotta go with do young your husband, and lemme tell you all we talk about is blowing up buildings. So doyoung mafia au !! Basically dy is the brains of most of the operations and one day while planning for idk blow up an sm building (we’ve had lengthy convos about this lmao) que you. who is just a genius at setting up bombs, from there sparks fly and you two become a dynamic duo (chemistry puns anyone??).

kathy [ @flirtyhyuck ] |

kathy my bb. Due to your current theme and bc I’m always down for sum badboy college au :) I wanna say a bad boy hyuck au? But in a college setting. you two first meet by accident bc your friend is in a frat and you had to be part of a project together so you walk over to the dreams frat house only for hyuck to answer the door. Now batboy hyuck tends to not be caught off guard but it’s you the person he’s been secretly pinning for most of the year so he kinda panics and gets really red. No worries chenle is there to tease him. But you still have to get your project done (little do you know this is all part of mark, jeno and renjuns plan tp get haechan to finally talk to you). So you end up waiting at their house bc rennin is supposed to be there in like ten minute, boy doesn’t show up. bUT you just spend time with hyuck and he asks you out by the end of it. This got long :)

bean ree [ @rouiyan ] |

Ree, my sweet bean !! My first thought when it comes to you is college au’s lol because you so good and amazing at writing them !! buT we WERE TALkINg ABOUT ROYALTY AU’S !! So royalty au w jeno omg. okie dokey, so you are both royals kinda. it’s a little bit enemies to lovers au whereas the second oldest (brother being first) you aren’t allowed to reign so bc of tradition (bad tradition) you have to marry into royalty of sorts. introducing lee jeno son of the lee’s who though not the strongest country are known for their activities and just tourism because their country is beautiful. you are shipped off to nct country to spend some time with your future husband. Now you don’t really hate jeno but you hate the idea of being shipped off to marry hence those feelings causing hate and aggressions towards jeno who is just like trynna be a nice and understanding bean (like he doesn’t want this either, and he’d just broken up with his s/o ). Fast forward three months and you slowly come accustomed to the place, learning about its government, and jeno begins to also warm up to you. Though you still don’t talk too much it gets better and you bond over the internal struggles that both of you have and slowly start to develop feelings for each other. but you still wanna have a say so your families agree that you won’t just be married but that you’d have power in both kingdoms kinda like an ambassador and im gonna stop here bc this is very long im soRRY.

sunny [ @neocitybynight ] |

bc blonde hair jeno with an undercut made a cb for a solid day, it’s blonde jeno time. i think we’ve talked before how much we both love idol au! so you’re both part of sm, different groups but the company (look at it have one good idea (o_O) and has you and jeno collab for a rap duet (?). it’s the first time you’ve met each other, but like things just kinda click. sunny is like such a hard-working person and I feel like jeno too their both super determined so they’d get all their work done pretty quickly and then just kinda hang and talk about everything and anything. imma stop here or idk where this will go lol.

mylin [ @starlit-jeno ] |

mylin !! my queen !! Ik your in hibernation rn so pls remain in hibernation !! Base off that a cute lil just stay at home date with jeno or mingi idk either one you choose lmao. But just a super laidback like put on random movies that you talk over occasionally and make fun off but also kinda enjoy them bc even though their bad their also fun to watch and entratinging :) w lots of cuddles and hugs and random forehead kisses.

furou [ @astroboy-lele ] |

Now I’m basing this off your username and the fact that we talked about among us lmao. Less go. So space au! With chenle !! For some reason (idk why just go along with it) there have been people dying in the spaceship. So the space ship crew the adults decided to make an investigation but don’t include anyone that aren’t “adults” but chenle isn’t having it as one of the people who died was his cousin. Now you two have best friends for a really long time so naturally you support him. So you two along with bb jisung who dragged along much to his protest of this being too scary for him and because he knew that chenle was in love with you so no way was chenle letting him out of his sight. Lets just say romance blooms along the crime investigation.

cherries [ @riothae ] |

Janna likes to hurt me w jeno but I don’t blame her bc has been just ok. anyways, sports au with jeno !! im thinking dancer au !! You guys have an assignment for your choreo class and are assigned partners that specialize in a diff style than you do. Jeno gets high key nervous and stressed af bc a. He’s an introvert and is awkward around new people and b. Kinda has a small crush on you, well on your style of dancing :) so you two are paired up, lets say your majoring in contemporary/modern dance and he’s specializing in acro and hip-hop. overall it’s just a cute lil thing and because the project is a whole trimester long ( so like 3 months ) you guys get pretty close and right as you end your performance on the day you do it on front on the whole school the ending is like a twirl type thing, and umm he leans in or you lean it and boom.

elle [ @joh--pping ] |

Elle !! She’s the sweetest angel ever !! So it only makes sense for a Johnny holiday au !! it’s an established relationship and basically just a fluff of you two setting up decorations for the holidays, (idk if you celebrate xmas so ahh sorry) but like putting up a tree and lights, getting hot chocolate jamming out to xmas music. I can see Johnny trying to get you to slow dance like even during a hype xmas song and it being very cute and intimate only for him to just start like jumping up and down right before you kiss. Anyways it would be filled with cuteness and fluff and stolen kisses and occasionally taking care of mark or jae.

#this got super long asdrt but i had sm fun !!#if anyone wants to use any of the ideas feel free but credit me ig lmao #anywhoos i hope y'all enjoyed this #anon mail #mooots

17 notes · View notes

harringroveficlibrary · 4 years

Text

Harringrove ABO Masterlist

someone asked for an abo masterlist, so here it is!

this list isn’t sorted in any particular order, other than by date posted, which is the default on ao3. (newest -> oldest) i also didnt include every single fic in the abo tag because this list was already going to be a large post. if there are any fics i missed that someone thinks should be included, feel free to send an ask or to just reply to this post! :^) ♥ -cade

updated: April 16th, 2020

Carnal by mrhiddles (1/1 | 4,001 | Explicit)

Steve goes into heat when Billy pulls up to school. Billy's the only one who can help him, or so Steve says.

The Case Where Billy Hargrove Turned Out To Be Not Your Average Alpha by Anonymous (1/1 | 3,249 | Teen+)

“I don’t spend heats with alphas.” Steve said, his gaze avoiding Billy’s.

Billy faltered at that, his brows furrowing in confusion. “I thought you’d spent your heats with people before?” Billy asked.

“Well yeah, but not with alphas.” Steve huffed.

“So— You’re a faggot?” Billy asked, his eyes widening.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Perfectly Unnatural by ImNeitherNor (1/1 | 3,255 | Explicit)

‘You’re not an alpha in this house, boy. You’re not strong. You’re not even responsible with your sister. You don’t respect Susan. I thought I taught you enough in California.’

Neil’s words clang around Billy’s skull and burn the inside of his bones as he sits on the hood of his Camaro. The metal below his ass is warm from the engine just having been turned off, but the lights still spill out across the cliff. This place, nestled at the top and shrouded by trees, catches the wind just right. The wind bites through his jean jacket, settling close to his skin. The cherry red glow of his cigarette gives a false sense of warmth and puts Billy’s teeth on edge.

‘You’re unnatural.’

warnings: references to childhood abuse

Puppy Pile by Strawberry_Sweetheart (1/1 | 2,432 | Not Rated)

Steve forgets about his heat and thinks he has enough time to make a grocery run before it really hits.

He seems to have miscalculated.

Luckily, Billy is there’s to get him home safe.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

One Last Time by Strawberry_Sweetheart (1/1 | 3,157 | Not Rated)

It came with a phone call late at night, just past the witching hour. It was deathly quiet and dark, a new moon withholding any moonlight to chase the shadows away, and in that silence the piercing ring of the telephone downstairs cut through their dreams. A sleepy noise and wiggle came from the lump under Billy, shifting until it escaped Billy’s arms and legs that held it hostage.

this is a requested fic for Alpha El + Billy and Steve being good parental figure types and helping her figure things out

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

So messed up, I want you here by Boudoir_Writer (1/1 | 3,942 | Explicit)

“I turned you bitch, Harrington.” His voice is gravel and petrol, his limbs and heart lead. “We’re never going to be done.”

warnings: dubcon

Smoke by Carerra_os (1/1 | 468 | General)

Billy is ditching class for a smoke break when Steve comes along. -

Originally this was written for You're Extra Special, Something Else. However that story went in a different direction.

Black silk and wild flowers by Catharrington (1/1 | 3,015 | Explicit)

Steve’s birthday was really just another day. The only thing that made it special was his fathers insistence on going to a party thrown for just him, a party filled with starving alphas with fat wallets all rutting against themselves to buy their own little omega. Steve hates what his father makes him do. Steve hates his birthday. Until Billy Hargrove crawls through his window to remind him it’s not all bad, silver lining in the clouds and shit, and brings him a present.

Drop (The Game) by MissGillette (3/3 | 42,080 | Explicit)

Billy has wanted a piece of Steve since spotting him on the school parking lot his first day. So when Steve flees the bathroom at Tina's Halloween party, distressed and about to drop, Billy does the only logical thing: follow the scent.

The Lucky One by wingedbears (1/1 | 6,881 | Mature)

In a world where on one arm is your soulmate's name, and the other's is your enemy's, omega Billy has to learn to let shit go.

Princess of the apocalypse by Boozombie (2/2 | 15,034 | Explicit)

Steve just wanted to keep his kids safe, and Billy knows how to use that.

warnings: rape/non-con

Princess that runs his world by Boozombie (3/3 | 11,747 | Not Rated)

Billy takes Steve to wash up and plans to get him alone for a date. Steve wants to bring his pack along.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings, rape/non-con elements

lately i feel like i've been losing (my mind) by ToAStranger (1/1 | 3,162 | Explicit)

Billy hasn't felt right since the summer straight out of a horror movie. His instincts are all off. And Steve Harrington keeps looking at him.

Pothos by moonflowers (1/1 | 6,714 | Explicit)

He felt like the rabbit and the fox all at once, the thrill of chasing and being chased, a circle, whole. He might’ve felt stupid about it, if it hadn’t been so intense. Robin always told him he fell for people too easy – and fine, she was right – but this was something else. Or maybe not yet, but oh man he was starting to think he wanted it to be. And it was probably idiotic of him to get his hopes up, but he couldn't help but think maybe Billy did too; watching Steve from behind a tired and quietly angry veneer, a little twist of hope just visible through the mask.

Dubious Hijinks by Corvin (1/1 | 3,998 | Teen+)

Steve needs a buffer between him and the alpha his dad picked for him. The best option he can think of is an uncooperative Billy Hargrove.

with them indiana boys (on them indiana nights) by ToAStranger (1/1 | 4,842 | Teen+)

The thing is, when Billy first saw Steve Harrington, he knew.

He grew up knowing. It was hard not to, with all of those hormones and instincts running through his fucking veins. He knew, one day, he’d run across someone that smelled so right, so fucking perfect that he’d want nothing more than to bury his face against their scent gland and breathe in until the smell becomes a taste becomes a sensation becomes--

Well. The thing is, he’s always known.

None Brighter Than Your Eyes by Doodsxd (1/1 | 9,991 | Explicit)

Sex Ed course came once again, and, for the first time, Billy listened.

He listened, because it started to match and make sense with what Max’s little troup told him over and over again.

Apparently, it was biology which dictated that omega jewelry wasn’t just a futility or decoration, or even a signal that the omega was taken. It wasn’t a trade, sex for jewelry, like Neil had taught him all his life. No: scientists had found back in the sixties that omega jewelry has a soothing effect, especially during heat, as a reminder of love and affection; something tangible and available at all times, even when no one is.

warnings: graphic depictions of violence

"is that what you want, princess?" by greeneyedsourwolf (1/1 | 4,008 | Explicit)

Steve asks Billy if he wants to spend their first heat together.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Pool Time Stress by AMemoryDelayed (1/1 | 2,610 | Explicit)

Steve's been visiting the pool pretty frequently. He can't help it when he'd been carted along that one time. He can't stand to watch Billy eye other women. It makes him regret it too, and yet. He's excited when Billy barely even moves his gaze over to him. He gives Steve the slightest of grins from where he's sat at. He doesn't make any other sign to warn him of what's to come beyond that. Steve knows though.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Thanks Phyllis by Corvin (1/1 | 11,764 | Explicit)

Steve wants to start a family and asks Billy for help. What was supposed to be a purely professional exchange turns a lot more intimate than he expected.

Everything falls back by Crowweb (1/1 | 1,302 | Teen+)

Billy isn't home like he's supposed to and Steve gets a bad feeling through their bond. The alpha turns up beaten up after a couple of hours.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings, blood

push him down (spread him out) by tol_sirion (1/1 | 3,529 | Explicit)

“It’s embarrassing.” Steve whines and covers his face instead.

Billy tuts. “None of that, now,” he says, and Steve slowly looks up, hands falling to each side of his head instead. “Just one more picture. One more, and I’ll give you what you want.”

And maybe it’s cruel, holding it over Steve like that. Like only if Steve is good and does what Billy says, he’ll finally get dicked down the exact way he wants, and not a minute before.

Woke Up Thirsty by trashcangimmick (1/1 | 3,256 | Explicit)

Billy shows up at the Byers house looking for Maxine. Instead, he finds Steve Harrington and a kind of surprising proposition.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Grace Me With Nothing But Patience by itscrybabyharrington (icanspelliero) (1/1 | 6,587 | Explicit)

It started off as an itch beneath the surface of his skin, no matter how hard Steve pressed his nails could never dig through, could never scratch the discontent that simmered just beneath.

Tommy says it’s nothing, signs of an early rut approaching, meds wearing off after taking them for so long. Only Steve knows Tommy is full of shit and this doesn’t feel like a rut.

warnings: underage, offensive language used, homophobia

Buzzcut Season by Senowolf (1/1 | 6,332 | Teen+)

Steve always waits for Billy to come back to him.

I Wanna Be Loved by harringrovecryptid (13/13 | 51,993 | Explicit)

"Brenner Relations" was one of the most lucrative businesses in the modern age. But only its clients and staff actually knew how it made its money. Billy Hargrove found himself being one of those people. But the deeper he got involved with the shady industry, the more secrets he began to uncover regarding the omegas that are considered company property.

warnings: graphic depictions of violence, rape/non-con elements

Assigned Alpha by Kiram (2/2 | 3,415 | Explicit)

Steve used to just be an unknown secondary gender till Billy Hargrove rolled into town. Steve’s stuck in a rock and a hard place and is inevitable forced to fold and give into his nature. Billy likes bugging Steve while simultaneously protecting him.

war song by themundaneweirdo (1/1 | 1,789 | General)

Steve misses his soldier.

Don't Take Your Time With Me by trashcangimmick (1/1 | 6,864 | Explicit)

Billy is usually a light sleeper. But when he’s drunk, it’s a completely different story.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings, rape fantasy, implied/referenced sexual assault, implied/referenced child abuse

I Can Do That by captainwingdings (1/1 | 1,971 | Explicit)

Billy wants to help out with Steve's heat, so he shows him a taste of what he can do.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Hot Blooded by captainwingdings (1/1 | 4,463 | Explicit)

The new guy from California catches Steve Harrington's attention for more than one reason. Not only was he hot as hell and didn't know how to button his shirts, but he was the strangest omega that Steve had ever seen.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Moaning Lisa Smile by trashcangimmick (1/1 | 3,735 | Explicit)

Billy maybe kind of hides the fact that he’s an Omega because he’s too queer, and too pretty, and would rather not deal with a bunch of idiot Alphas trying to screw the gay out of him. But Steve’s not an Alpha. Steve is also very pretty.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings, consent issues

Sweet Dream (Saccharine) by Highsmith (1/1 | 16,039 | Explicit)

Billy and Steve aren't friends, until they are, and they're not more than that, because the world doesn't work that way.

warnings: implied/referenced child abuse, recreational drug use

Pressing the accelerator down by Etnoe (1/1 | 6,229 | Explicit)

Heat season takes a toll of two alphas who can't find anyone to share a rut with. Aside, of course, from each other.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Keeping a bit of you by peirypatt (1/1 | 697 | General)

Over the years Steve's room has had several changes and seen many trends and phases, but there was only one thing that didn't belong to Steve inside his bedroom. A denim blue jacket.

It came naturally to us by peirypatt (1/1 | 650 | General)

Saying that Steve and Billy held hands in 1999 for the first time would be wrong and right at the same time. It's complicated, and at the same time, it's not.

Don't Belong To Anyone (Else) by sparkleeye (2/2 | 31,145 | Explicit)

And he does, just Billy’s fucking luck, because Harrington licks his lips and hoarsely goes, “I fucking knew it, fuck Hargrove, you’re in heat.”

He shudders as Harrington takes a step towards him. The tangy, warm scent of alpha has him struggling to stand upright, already slipping into the too far gone state and it’s fucking Harrington’s fault because he still won’t leave.

Better yet, he knows, he can smell the sweetness of omega, particularly herbal and saccharine like lavender and vanilla - Billy knows he smells like a girly little candle, okay - flooding the air between them. He could push Billy over and take him there, on the floor, push his face down onto the cracked, dusty concrete and fuck him stupid.

aka -- Billy is a stubborn idiot and goes to school during his heat.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Upside Down, You're Turning Me by ImNeitherNor (1/1 | 7,885 | Explicit)

“Let me get this straight. You want me to go into the middle of the fucking woods in below zero temperatures to find someone who is probably high as a kite and just having the time of his damned life?”

“We’re worried--” Max starts and Billy sneers.

“That sounds like a personal problem, Maxine. Steve is a big boy, an alpha, and can handle--” Billy tears his gaze away from Max as Dustin climbs on top of his hood and sits there. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

“Not moving,” Dustin shrugs and crosses his arms over his chest.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Doctor’s Visit by HalfNakedWriter (1/1 | 2,320 | Explicit)

Steve goes for his 38 week appointment.

'Cause We Feel Young and Wild by BeautyInChains (1/1 | 1,515 | Explicit)

Soon, is Steve’s best guess. Soon like the subtle itch beneath his skin that intensifies with each passing day. Soon like the voracity of his appetite as his body begins to prepare itself for the upcoming marathon. Soon like the aggression that continues to build and threaten to spill whenever another Alpha so much as glances Billy’s way. Soon like the way he’s been tenting his sheets, his slacks, his gym shorts at so much as a gentle breeze.

So when Billy texts him that morning, an eggplant emoji followed by the fire, peach, and splashing water emojis with not one but three question marks, Steve replies with Soon.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Lost My Mind by trimorning (1/1 | 1,564 | Teen+)

"I don't want to be dramatic."

He doesn’t know what Steve is going to say, which isn’t normal because he’s a predictable kind of mess, so it makes him feel vulnerable.

But its fine, its just Steve so it will undoubtedly be fine. Billy looks back at the other boy, “I can tell you right now, that you are physically incapable of not being dramatic, so continue.”

---- An a/b/o Harringrove one-shot that has little to do with a/b/o and more with Steve's flirty and messy ass. enjoy

Lavender by PoisonousFlower3 (1/1 | 756 | Mature)

"Billy hated being an alpha. He hated how it made his sense of smell stronger and smell the despair that always seemed to linger in this town. He hated how he was always so angry, though he knew that part of it was the abuse from his dad and his temper.

What he didn’t hate was how it let him get a good whiff of Steve whenever he was around."

In which case home starts to include Steve Harrington for Billy.

Red by PoisonousFlower3 (1/1 | 602 | Mature)

"Yeah, maybe things hadn’t started off the best for them but Billy was definitely in love." Another little drabble for two idiots in love

now I got you drunk, hot, and vulnerable (how do you like me now? do i turn you on?) by brawls (brawlite), ToAStranger (1/1 | 6,807 | Explicit)

The first thing Billy notices is the scent.

Heady, sweet, electric. It makes his mouth water, the second he walks in. Makes every bone in his body sing.

Heatstroke by HobbitSpaceCase (1/1 | 8,022 | Explicit)

Billy is out of suppressants and going into Heat. Steve finds him. It's too bad Billy can't have this every time.

warnings: dubcon, sad ending

Steve Forgets by femmesteve (1/1 | 1,242 | Explicit)

Steve forgets his heat and Billy is there to be a jerk and fuck him how he needs.

you scratch my back, i'll bite yours by hoppnhorn (1/1 | 2,363 | Explicit)

Billy rushes Steve's fraternity and gets in, which sucks, only when it doesn't. Drunk Steve has a hard time staying away from what isn't good for him.

bite me, but not too hard by hoppnhorn (1/1 | 3,854 | Explicit)

Steve debates whether or not he should spend his heat tranquilized.

your teeth go deep (it seems) by hoppnhorn (1/1 | 3,554 | Explicit)

Nothing about his life, or his love life, has been simple thus far. The trend continues.

eat me (let it run down your chin) by hoppnhorn (1/1 | 2,837 | Explicit)

Billy ends things with Steve. Sorta.

Nine to five. by Fanflick (9/9 | 34,301 | Explicit)

Steve knew that everything would ultimately come to this, working for his father at a boring office job. It wasn't easy being an omega in hiding, especially now since Steve's boss is the arrogant alpha Billy Hargrove. Now Steve has to work alongside his high school rival while also trying to save enough money to get away from his father. How hard can that be?

warnings: boss/employee relationship

Drunken Things by Rhiw (3/3 | 10,566 | Explicit)

Nancy and Steve break up before Tina's party. Steve finds himself on the rebound, damned and determined to have some fun. Billy just wants to get laid.

Aka: The ABO of Stranger Things no one asked for. Written while drunk, with drunk characters, and lots of angst and smut and shit. Enjoy.

warnings: underage

what a wicked game you played (to make me feel this way) by brawls (brawlite), ToAStranger (14/14 | 119,016 | Explicit)

Billy knew Steve Harrington would ruin him. Steve knew Billy Hargrove was nothing but trouble.

They never expected it to end up like this.

warnings: misogynistic language, ableist language, mentioned dubcon

turn me loose by hoppnhorn (1/1 | 3,321 | Explicit)

Billy is a dominant, powerful alpha with a slew of omegas dying to win his affection. He loves it, lives for it, except when he’s in rut. Steve is an omega and fights it every damn day. But when his body goes into heat, needs to breed, he can’t do anything to stop it. Billy is in rut and Steve is in heat when a freak heatwave knocks out the air conditioning in their shared apartment complex. Open windows and rampant hormones? What could go wrong?

Punch by hati_skoll (1/1 | 2,330 | Teen+)

Steve is dragged off by another alpha, Billy handles it.

A Start by ImNeitherNor (1/1 | 5,574 | Explicit)

The quarry was always Steve’s go to when he needed a place to breathe, an area where the smells weren’t in his face and he could think straight. It was strange how one person’s heat could trigger another. Steve, a slightly cowed alpha after Hargrove rolled in, was done with the overpowering scents and the looks that were being thrown around.

He wasn’t interested in any of it. None.

So, when he pulled up onto the edge of the quarry and stepped out, he almost groaned at the smell that hit him. An omega. An omega in heat. Fuck. This is exactly what he had hoped to get away from. He was ready to slide back in and yank his car in reverse when he looked up and saw, exactly, what car was sitting to the side, shaded by an overcast of trees. If he hadn’t actually looked, it would have slipped away. He blamed his sharper senses, his need to search out the omega.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Slick by hati_skoll (1/1 | 2,028 | Teen+)

Steve gets wet for Billy.

(Less porn inside than implied.)

Hold Me Tight Or Don't by BTSBlossom (1/1 | 4,808 | General)

Billy has some news for Steve, he just doesn't know how to tell him. At least he knows he's got Ms. Byers on his side. She'll be there for Billy if Steve isn't.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings, abortion discussion

Wrap Me Up (In Your Love) by LadyMoonveil (1/1 | 1,254 | Teen+)

In which Steve keeps stealing Billy's clothes, and Billy is terrified of the implications when he comes to the realization that Steve is nesting.

After everything that Steve has done for him, all Billy wants to do is be good to his mate. (Even if it means adding things to his wardrobe that sadly isn't denim or leather).

Make me feel special by pizzz_10 (1/1 | 1,577 | Explicit)

A short sweet omega fic where Billy is an omega and Steve is his alpha who loves to spoil him

bück dich by Rebldomakr (1/1 | 966 | Mature)

Billy Hargrove arrives in Hawkins, with Steve Harrington's name written on his neck.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings, mild blood/slight gore

sandman by Rebldomakr (1/1 | 2,226 | Explicit)

Steve’s not a fighter. He sucks at it, actually. He’s a little soft, but he isn’t totally weak or awfully tiny. He’s a good Alpha in many of the ways that count! Just because he isn’t running around sleeping with anyone willing, picking fights, and beating people to death doesn’t mean he’s a bad Alpha. And though Billy might do all that, but he isn't a bad Omega.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Silk by Rebldomakr (1/1 | 3,393 | Mature)

In Indiana, Omega suppressants are banned. Billy runs out after a while.

warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

#stranger things #harringrove #billy hargrove #harringrove fanfiction #steve harrington #masterlist #abo #list

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nautiscarader · 3 years

Text

Kinkmas day 3 - unwrapping presents

I saw what you're planning for december- this is my proposition Unwrapping presents - striptease - with Tristepin and Eva, but it also could be funny with them

(Ao3)

Also, if you enjoyed my work, here's Ko-fi link if you'd be so kind ❤️ .

=============

With a hearty sip of warm dried fruit compote, Eva relaxed on the comfy sofa in the spacious living room in their house, taking good look at the festive decorations. She let out a comforting sigh, stroking her belly, full not only of the delicious Kwismas Dinner, but also her twins. It was their first Kwismas in their tree house Tristepin spent building over the summer, and she couldn't have been happier.

Well, perhaps if her boyfriend was next to her.

- Pinpin?

Eva leaned lazily from the couch to attract her boyfriend.

- In a moment, Eva!

She replied a short grunt and nestled in the mountain of pillows, basking in the warmth of the fireplace and watching the flames dancing in the multicoloured glass balls of the Kwismas Tree.

- Eva, it's time for your present! - Tristepin's excited voice reached her. - Oh, Pinpin, you didn't have to... - she murmured, turning around

And it was a good thing Eva put her cup away, because she might have dropped it when she laid her eyes on Tristepin. If she didn't know any better, she'd think that a sentient yarn ball might have rolled into their house.

- P-Pinpin?!

Eva gasped, taking longer and longer look at what Tristepin was dressed in, though "dressed" was a bit of wrong word, but it did explain his longer absence. Instead of his blue sweater, he had different patches of wrapping paper stitched together with a tape that formed a basic shirt-like shape. Same rule applied for his trousers, though Eva could see they were clearly first version of the shirt with additional patch of paper applied where neck hole would have been. And as a final addition to his costume, he was covered in red streamers that only had the vaguest possible ribbon-like knots.His flaming red hair was partially hidden underneath father kwismas hat, with ostensively loud bell jingling with every move.

But most importantly, he was wearing a beaming smile and with his wide open arms, he was clearly proud of his work, and was awaiting Eva's approval.

- You're out of your words, aren't you? - he smiled after a solid half a minute of silence from his beloved. - Uhm, yes, you might say that. - Eva gathered her thoughts - But why- - Well, you've said I am your biggest present yesterday, so I thought I'd dress myself as one.

Eva chuckled and lowered her ears, giving him a wide, charming smile.

- Oh, come here you big doofus.

With some difficulties, Tristepin moved in his rustling costume to plop next to her.

- You don't seem very comfortable in it. - Eva smiled, dragging her finger across his chest - Mind if I help you? - I think that's the who;le point of presents, isn't it?

Eva sneaked a kiss to his chin, while her fingers delicately undid his rather hastily don work with the tape. After all, the paper was still good, so they might reuse it. One by one, she undid the layers, revealing his naked, muscular body. She leaned forward and placed a few delicate kisses to his abs, resulting in several low murmurs from him, while she continued undoing his costume.

And as more paper was thrown to the ground, Eva found that there was one piece of his festive attire he was wearing, one that forced another hearty chuckle from her. Suddenly she understood why the ribbons and streamers on him looked like leftovers, as majority of it went to cover every inch of his cock and balls.

- Mhm, I do wonder what's that...

She reached her hand and wrapped her fingers around him, listening to the low growls coming from his throat. her second hand wandered to his testicles, also tightened with the same festive, red ribbon.

- Should I shake it? - she cupped his balls and gave them a gentle squeeze, as she spoke her would-be-threat, feeling the tension on his skin. - M-Maybe you can just open it... - Good point. Do you have scissors?

Her sly expression remained unchanged, while Tristepin's face lost just a bit of colour at her proclamation. But then he regained it when she changed her position and lowered her head against his stiff cock and used her sharp fang to cut the first ribbon. She gently dragged her teeth against his skin, knowing full well she wasn't causing him any harm. New texture and feeling was a welcomed change from her usual tenderness, and as more streamers were cut in half, more and more of his manhood was revealed, much to his delight.

- Hm, just what I wanted... - Eva spoke, ending her unwrapping at his delicate tip she adorned with a kiss, feeling every twitch of his skin underneath her touches. - You know, I've had so much dragoturkey, but I'd love a bit more of your meat...

She felt the salty precum on her tongue, as she swirled her tongue around him, listening to his quivering voice as she suckled on his tip. She laid her head on his abs and let her tongue do most of the work, knowing well she won;t need too much to bring him to his climax. And indeed, her presence and eagerness was enough to drive him to his edge in record-short time after the long minutes she spent unwrapping him. She was rewarded with a thick stream of cum that exploded in her mouth and slowly began trickling down his cock as she couldn't contain all of it, despite her best efforts.

Somewhere above her head, Tristepin groaned her name, as his hips buckled and twitched, while his mind and body spiralled into his powerful, though short-lived orgasm.

- Your turn...

With his head thrown to back, Tristepin took a moment to look at his girlfriend, who in the meantime managed to settle back in her nest of pillows, wearing just one tiny glob of his cum on her lips, which she quickly cleaned up. She spread her legs, eager to feel her boyfriend's lips on her body.

Tristepin was on her in a spilt of a second, kissing her chest, as he undid her oversized dress, revealing her enlarged, sensitive breasts. With one hand over her pregnant belly, he leaned to kiss her nipples with the same meticulousness as she did to his cock, and taking a similar gift with him in the form of few drops of sweetness.

- Pi-Pinpin... - Eva moaned, spreading her legs further, allowing him to nest between them as she caressed her mounds.

He moved into the valley between her breasts, and continued sliding down her dress, trailing his kisses down and over her swollen belly. He listened to her soft moans as he gently brushed her delicate skin, before he disappeared between her legs.

Eva threw her head back, as last piece of her attire, her oversized, loose panties were slowly slid down, and Tristepin's lips closed around her folds. He was still learning subtlety, and her pregnancy gave him aple time to practice his finesse, so different from the usual ruthlessness of Iops.

He kissed, he suckled, and he licked, while Eva mewled his name, keeping her fingers in his bush of flaming hair, just in case he'd decide to move away. With his hands underneath her bum, he effortlessly lifted her up just a few inches to make his meal easier, and continued licking the juices slowly trickling down from her pussy.

Her legs closed behind his neck, and with the next intrusion of his tongue inside her, Eva's body shuddered, repaying Pinpin for his tender loving with her cries and moans that continued as her orgasm slowly rolled through her body.

Tristepin gently lifted her quivering body onto the sofa and slid next to her, feeling the goosebumps on her skin as she cuddled against him, with her mouth seeking his for solace. His hand slid onto her belly, as it usually did during their nights.

- Just a few more weeks. - she murmured - I can't wait, Eva. - he kissed her behind her ear. - You make best presents. - You had a hand in making them too... - Well, not a hand... - Tristepin!

#tristeva #nautiscaraderfics #lemon #aged-up characters and all that

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whatshername-please · 4 years

Text

Out of the Water - Chapter III

Synopsis: You were very proud to be a mermaid, thank you very much. You didn’t want to be where the people were. Actually, you’d rather avoid it. Defending the merfolk was the biggest goal in your life… well, it was until you meet a certain pirate… it seems that your family really had a thing for humans, after all. Not that you’d ever admit it…

Pairing: Harry x reader

Word count: 3564

Part 3 of ?

Warnings: none? Possibly grammar mistakes? Also, some cuss words

A/N: English isn’t my first language, so I’ll probably mess up some tenses, grammar and stuff. Go easy on me, please. Feedback is always appreciated.

_________________________________________

“Maybe it’s contemporary art”

You pointed at the destroyed painting on the floor which made Mal stare at you in disbelief. Ok, maybe now wasn’t the best time for light hearted jokes.

Thus, it was probably better not to say anything about the curtains being all torn up since no one took notice of them…

Ben’s castle was not very different from the rest of Auradon: dead silent and a wicked atmosphere hovered in the air. Well, it was until everyone started searching for the king.

Everyone was calling for Ben but that made absolutely no sense, you thought. If Audrey had gone to the castle, she’d have turned Ben to stone or something, making impossible for him to answer. All the noise would just draw her attention, if she didn’t already know you were there which was very likely, by the way.

Really, why couldn’t she set Ben’s clothes on fire, break his favorite clock, shave his eyebrows? It’d have been so much easier to deal with.

Humans always had to make everything more difficult, hadn’t they?

You had gone through the whole the castle and found no one and also Dude had lost the track of Ben’s scent, the best option now would be to go back to Auradon Prep since it was the last place Audrey was seen at. But of course Mal wasn’t entirely convinced that the castle was empty and you were checking the last room left: it was a large hall full of coats of arms, vitrals and armors.

Why were there so many armors? Questionable decorating choice, if someone asked you. And unless Ben was hiding inside one of them, he wasn’t there either. Coming to Ben’s castle had been a completely waste of time.

“Hey!” someone called you, way too over-excited. “We weren’t properly introduced yet, I’m Gil”

The muscular boy extended his hand smiling widely at you. You shook his hand, presenting yourself.

“Are you a princess?” he asked. While Harry called you a princess with disdain, Gil appeared to be genuily interested in you, then again, he was fascinated by everything in Auradon, from the leaves on the trees to the berries in the bushes.

“I am” you answered him.

It seemed to be physically impossible, but his smile grew even bigger than before.

“I’ve never met a princess before. Your highness” he bowed and then looked at you with gleaming eyes “Have I done it right?”

Gil looked very proud of himself and it broke your heart. It was infuriating to think how many wonderful kids were stuck and forgotten on that Isle. For 20 years no one thought or cared about them, even now most people believed that the Isle’s inehabitants were dangerous and past redemption. You dared King Beast to look in Gil’s eyes and say he was a criminal who deserved to be punished for the rest of his life.

“Yes, you did. But you don’t have to do it, really.” you said and he nodded in agreement. Ok, you decided, out of Uma’s friends Gil was your favorite.

All you wanted to do was to find Audrey and go back home, but what was an already difficult task in itself was getting even harder because of Uma and Mal incessant bickering. You tried to ignore when Mal said she wandered what fried octopus tasted like. One thing that never entered humans’ head was that mermaids and fishes were friends, one day you were hanging out with a squid or a crab and suddenly they were fished and eaten by some unfeeling human. Sebastian still had nightmares about the time he got trapped inside your uncle’s…

Oh, wait. Did that armor just move?

Shit.

Everyone noticed it too, excepting Uma and Mal because they were too distracted fighting with each other.

“Girls!” Harry yelled “We have a situation here”. You wished you had a phone to take a picture of Uma’s face at this moment. She looked outraged by the audacity of Harry to cut her off.

At least now everyone was completely aware of that all the armors in that cursed place were moving towards you and ready to cut you all into tiny pieces. Drawing back wasn’t even an option since you were completely surrounded, the only chance you had to get out of this mess would be to fight.

WHY WERE THERE SO MANY ARMORS? If you survived this, you’d have a long talk to Ben about interior design.

Good thing everyone was optimistic about defeating them because, by your account, you were way outnumbered… not that Uma and Mal seemed to care since they were quarreling again. Evie was the one who got fed up with all the nonsense and stepped in and, while she tried to talk them into their senses again, you took the comb from your hair, ready to make it assume its true form. If Fairy Godmother didn’t have a rule against magic… or weapons being unnecessarialy used, you wouldn’t even bother changing your trident into a hair comb. You looked super badass carrying your trident around like the bitching sea queen you were…

Would be….

Whatever…

“Will you really brush your hair now, princess?”

That.

Mocking.

Tone.

Again.

You could either punch him right now or wait for an enchanted knight to do it…. but you had a better idea.

His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open when he saw the comb that had been in your hand the moment before become an imponent trident. You watched with delight that ridiculous smirk on his face change into a shocked face. It always amazed you the look people made when they realized that your cute hair pin could make someone bleed to death, and Harry Hook did not disappoint you.

That would answer his question about your fighting skills.

The jerk.

But you had no time to think any further about Harry Hook and his pesky presence, the knights were near and you had a battle to face.

————–

It was official, you hated the human world and the ridiculous armors they used as house decoration. If Belle and the Beast (did he even have a name or his name was really Beast? Whatever…) hadn’t decide that every single corner of that castle needed to have a knight’s suit, you wouldn’t have had to be dodging swords attacks coming from every single angle that you could think of. It didn’t matter how hard or fast you hit them or that they were too heavy to react because they were enchanted. They could be slow to strike, but they neither got tired nor hurt, so you could attack them as much as you wanted and it didn’t make any difference, you were just scratching the metal. They were many and you were only 8, this wasn’t a fair battle, at all

“We need magic to defeat those things” you shouted to Mal while hitting a knight right in his chest, he stumbled a little but regained his balance fast enough. At the same time that you avoided another hit, you caught a glimpse of Harry who was close to you and unaware of the armor approachinh him from behind.

C'mon Harry, turn around…

Gosh, you had to do everything.

The knight striked again, but you avoided the blow. Taking this as a cue, you ran towards Harry and, as you did so, you managed to knock down the armor that was ready to attack the pirate. The sound of metal hitting the floor made the boy turn his head, he saw the armour laying on the floor and gave you a surprised look; either the boy didn’t expect you were able to fight or he didn’t expect that you would put yourself at risk to help him.

“You can thank me later” you said already attacking another hellish knight.

Thank goodness Mal had heard you and decided to use her magic against the cursed armors and before you could blink, the knights stopped moving and fell in the middle of the room.

It was about time.

Everyone was celebrating the victory, there were no more Uma’s crew or Mal’s gang, all of them were friends and, well… it ended as fast as it started. In one second they were cheering and laughing and in the other they rememrebed they didn’t like each other. The friendliness lasted two seconds, it was a new record.

Both gangs walked away from each other, Uma and her pirates stood on one side, and Mal and the VKs stood on the other. Celia and you decided to stay away watching them from afar.

Evie, who seemed determined to make everyone to get along, proposed an icebreaker and it took all your willpower to not to laugh at your friends’ faces upon hearing this. You have never heard so many groans or seen people looking away so fast in your life: Uma was probably deliberating all the choices she did in her life and looked like she could use a drink, or five, while Gil was just confused. Carlos and Jay were clearly unconfortable and would prefer to sleep forever than to go through this, and the only reason Mal didn’t shut Evie down right at the spot was because she dind’t want to hurt the girl’s feelings. And Harry…

It was a surprise to you when he didn’t come up with some ironic comment. Actually, he looked rather astonished when Evie complimented him and it appeared he was about to reply her before Uma cut him off.

And then she and Mal restarted their usual bickering.

Maybe the icebreaker wasn’t a bad idea, after all.

“Summer School?” Harry laughed “No wonders she wants revenge”.

Not that you’d ever say it out loud, but the pirate had a valid point.

Finally, they decided on following Uma’s initial plan to the joy of the sea witch’s daughter. Apparently, Audrey was still in Auradon Prep, so the girls would go and check her room for clues, and the boys would look out for Ben.

Everyone was ready to leave, but before the team split you spoke up.

“Actually, I’m going with the guys, ok?”

“Why?” Mal questioned you, raising an eyebrow.

“Because if Audrey shows up it’s better that at least one person knows how to use magic” you explained.

“No, the amber is the only thing that can defeat her, you wouldn’t stand a chance” Mal was clearly annoyed that you were holding them back, but you ignored the whay she glared at you and went on.

“Even so, I may be able to hold her off with my trident. You, Uma and Evie got brains, strenght and magic. Jay, Carlos, Gil and Harry, on the other hand….”

Your eyes lingered on the boys in front of you who, you knew for a fact, would kill each other in the first opportunity.

“Too edgy” you pointed to Jay.

“Too pure” and Carlos.

“Too bubbly” Gil.

“Too…” you looked Harry up and down and shrugged “Honestly? I can’t even describe him.”

Mal went silence for a moment, deliberating whay you had said, while everyone else was staring at you with a look you knew too well. It was the famous “I can’t believe she actually said that” face.

“Fine, you proved your point” Mal finally declared and the ofended look on Jay’s face almost made you laugh. You’d have to apolize to him later… But right now you had a king to find before Mal snapped at you again.

You and the guys left the castle and followed Dude, who had detected Ben’s scent.

“I’m not edgy” said Jay with a pout, looking too adorable to be taken seriously.

“Didn’t you almost break your arm trying to learn R.O.A.R just for the sake of beating Chad? Or what about that time when you got into a fight with a guy twice your size because he said the only reason you won the tourney game was because everybody on the other team was scared to come near a villain kid? ” you asked him.

“Hey! You were encouraging me!” he reminded you, laughing about the incident.

“I was not” you denied, putting your hand on your chest in a mocking manner “How dare you to suggest I’d ever do something like that”. You tried to make a serious face, but broke into a smile in a matter of seconds as you remembered that day. "Did we punch him, though? I can’t recall".

“No, Carlos stopped us… he is too pure” the VK teased, and Carlos didn’t take it kindly. As he passed by the both of you, he hit Jay’s arm hard enough to make his friend yelp.

“Come back here, Carlos” Jay called and ran after him “I was only joking”.

You giggled.

Humans, what dorks.

Minding your own business, you kept walking silently. Your friends were ahead, making sure to not lose Dude from their sight. Things appeared to be safe, at least for now, so you decided to change your trident into its pocket version, and with one quick motion of your hand, it became a hair comb again.

“How do you do that?” it was Gil who asked and he seemed utterly puzzled by your trident.

“Oh, it’s magic.” you said while Gil observed with narrowed eyes you place the enchanted comb in your hair, the boy was staring so intensively at it that looked like he was wainting for the comb to burst into flames or something “It’s no big deal, really”

“Yeah, you’re probably used by it, right? But we don’t have magic on the Isle…” he looked down, ashamed of being impressed by something that was so ordinary to you, and you felt terrible. You didn’t mean to upset him.

“Oh no, I mean… I just never really thought about it…” you tried to explain.

“Of course you didn’t, why do people in Auradon would think how their lives are perfect?” Harry, who had been oddly quiet, spoke. However, if he were expecting you to ague with him, he’d be disappointed. The pirate could get on your nerves but you couldn’t be a hypocrite and deny all the privileges you had just because you were born on the “right” side of the barrier.

Of course Harry didn’t know that was how you felt about the barrier and took the lack of a response as an confirmation.

“How nice it must be to have everything, huh?” he tried to sound cynical, but you could hear the hurt and bitterness in his voice.

“King Triton has a trident too, you know.” Gil said absently, ignoring completely the tension between Harry and you “It was on the Isle two years ago, we almost got it”

“Yeah I know. I nearly killed my cousin when I discovered she messed up with grandpa’s trident” you remembered like it was yesterday. Your cousin Arabella decided she wanted to prove her worth by summoing a storm using your grandfather’s magical trident. If this wasn’t reckless enough, she also lost the trident that ended up on the Isle. Thanks to Mal and her gang the trident was recoreved before your grandfather noticed it was gone.

What a day.

“Wait, your grandfather? Are you…?” Gil’s eyes widened when he realized who you were.

“Yeap, King’s Triton granddaughter, that’s me.” you finished his sentence, very proud of being who you were.

“Then you are a mermaid!” the blond boy’s eyes moved to your legs and he frowned at them, as if he couldn’t understand what they were doing there “If you are a mermaid, where is your fishtail?”

You chuckled and explained. It wasn’t the first time someone asked you that, but you didn’t mind. Actually, everytime you had the chance to brag about being a mermaid, you did it.

“When I need to be on land I turn into a human”

“Uma is Ursula’s daughter, did you know that?” it amazed you how Gil was capable of saying anything in such a light manner. Most people would be very cautious about speaking of the former villain of someone’s family in their presence but not Gil, he definitely didn’t mind bringing the subject up.

If you knew that Uma was the sea witch’s daughter? IF YOU KNEW THAT. You have been talking about this girl for years and, in the past months, you literally hid her in your room. YOU DID KNEW THAT.

This was what you really wanted to say, but instead you laughed it off “I think I’ve heard her name a few times”.

“Is it his trident?” it was Harry the one making a question now and, for the first time, he seemed genuinely curious and not just being sarcastic or cunning.

“Oh no… it was a gift from him, actually. It’s not as powerful as his, though. But it’s good enough” one thing that never ever bothered you was to talk about your life as a mermaid. If someone ever decided to write a tale about you, people would stop thinking that every mermaids’ wish was to become human.

You just loved being a mermaid and nothing would ever change that.

“What can it do?” he inquired, taking a closer look at the comb in your hair. He was wondering about the damage that could cause, no doubt.

“It can control water, for the most part. But is also good to beat the shit out of my enemies”

He smiled.

Harry Hook had sincerely smiled at you.

Maybe people were right, maybe you were born on the Isle and were switched at birth with some kid from Auradon. It would explain your talent for befriending villain kids.

You have never made friends easily, better saying, people didn’t want to be friends with you because of your reputation of being temperamental and moody, which wasn’t entirely true. You just didn’t care about being on the spotlight or doing what people expected you to do. Did you have to to sing along with woodland creatures just because you were a princess? Your area of expertise was marine life, for crying out loud. Squirrels and mice freaked you out! Once, a guy asked you on a date and thought it would be a good idea to go to a sea food restaurant!

You weren’t moody, humans were the ones who had the emotional range of a barnacle.

Also, a lot of people in Auradon were too self-absorbed, they thought everyone had a lovely happy life like them. Everytime you brought the Isle up they said you were overreacting and that it couldn’t be that bad. You wondered if they could see the black clouds that covered the place or if they even remembered that all Auradon’s leftovers were sent there.

You tried to be patiente but sometimes -well, most of times- you could not help yourself and ended up speaking your mind. At least from now on, you could claim that you have never cursed anyone out of spite.

Thanks, Audrey.

“If we’re getting to know each other, I have a question for you” you said to Harry who arched an eyebrow, curious about what you were going to say “Is your accent real?”

He blinked in confusion, not sure if he had heard you right.

“Yes! What kind of question is that?” he was perplexed by what you asked. Harry wasn’t used to people commenting on his accent and the times someone had said something about it, it was always to make fun of him - and Harry always made sure they learned not to do it again. So, he didn’t know if you were serious or simply mocking him.

“I don’t know. I believed you were being dramatic, to be honest. The eyeliner, the coat… The accent could very well be part of your pirate aesthetic” You didn’t want to sound rude or anything, you honestly imagined the accent was only him being theatrical, but since he didn’t answer right away (not even a ironic remark), you added quickly “It’s a lovely accent, it suits you”.

At first, you expected him to shut you down or tell you to fuck off. However, as he didn’t reply anything, you thought you really had offended the boy. You were ready to apologize (you could be the sea bitch, but you weren’t rude…). Instead, he bursted into laughter and you frowned, not understanding what was so funny to make Harry Hook laugh like that.

That boy was completely unpredictable.

“It’s not an aesthetic, lass. I’m a pirate” it was the first time since you met that Harry seemed so amused and it wasn’t at someone’s expanses. “Why did you think this?”

“Well, you do walk around carrying a hook” you pointed to the sharp object he kept holding since the moment you laid your eyes on him.

“And who are you to judge? You have a magical trident in your hair.”

It was your turn to laugh, maybe Harry wasn’t that bad.

“Fair enough, I can’t argue against it” you agreed with him,

Upon hearing your words, his mouth twisted into a smug grin…

“I knew you would warm up to me, princess”

Yeah, you took back what you thought seconds before, Harry Hook was insufferable. You huffed in annoyance and walked away from him and his pompous attitude.

Humans were never worth the stress.

#harry hook x reader #harry hook x you #harry hook imagine #harry hook #disneys descendants #descendants x reader #descendants imagine #descendants fanfiction #out of the water

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msmoonfire · 5 years

Text

How to prep for Lammas ❂

I know witchy fellas, it’s boiling hot & sunny out there. But we gotta put it in the effort. All together. Till the end. Till Lammas.

Briefly explained, Lammas or ‎Lughnasadh opens the harvest season around August 1st and our ancestors would know the perfect timing of it by watching the rise of the star Sirius at the dawn after a long while not showing. This sabbat originated by the Celts whom used to propitiate Lugh to ensure sunny weather and a fruitful harvest. He was their god of Light, excellently proficient in all arts & protector of thieves, travelers and merchants. Moving to the southern areas, this celebration was still existing in a more earthy practical variant: mother Earth, plants, fresh produce, seeds and grains were the actual focus. These other people couldn’t care less about Lugh. They only cared about showing gratitude to Nature as a whole, often by baking the first LOAF MASS of the season (Lammas, a bread loaf) after months of summer break - we should stop baking at home from Beltane day till Lammas day, unless we’re home-based bakers and do that for a living;)

So, as usual, in this post I’m going to give you tips & ideas to prep for august 1st. Which means these are not things you should do on the very day, but BEFORE. Don’t rush last minute darlings. We can do this.

Let’s get readayyyy. ✽

1. Local farmers’ markets should become a routine. Ok, hands down we all need the supermarket to survive on a daily basis but you can surely minimize your shopping list, so you can go buy fresh produce at some farmers’ market. Buy organic stuff there, not at the mall. This is a good easy way to re-establish a direct contact with Earth and welcome earthy energies into your life. Plus, it’s going to be a refreshing walk every time.

2. Improve the lighting in your house/room. Besides Samhain, this is by far the best time of the year to purchase new lamps, led lights, lanterns; fix bulbs that are out, remove useless/broken curtains, buy candles, add fairy lights everywhere etc... Being a metaphor of the sunny weather, daylight and artificial lighting in general must be of primary importance in your environment. Enhance natural lighting during the day, set up a nice and diffused lowlight illumination system at night. Don’t forget your backyard ‘cause...

3. You should take good care of your garden. I don’t care how busy you are, we all have at least 5 spare minutes to trim out dead leaves from our plants. If you own a piece of land or have a rather big veg garden, please don’t forget about it. Pay special attention to your plants/trees, do a little bit of cleaning every day, pick what’s ripe, cut out dead leaves, get creative with your lawn mower, water the vases, work the ground... The goal is to have a beautiful, curated garden by august 1st. But if you don’t have a garden or similar...

3.2. Buy your fav aromatic plant & look after it. Choose herbs that you prefer adding to your meals (if you’re a diy pro or make your own soaps etc.. feel free to use that fragrant plant in your products), so that you’ll be able to use it quite often without forcing yourself. I personally do it with basil. Basil is my daily go-to, I love its smell and taste. Again, the goal is to buy a plant in July and prove to Mother Nature that you can nurture it properly until at least august 1st. Get in touch with the “green world” and upgrade your basic skills. In other words...

4. Try to excel in every project/activity you start. Remember what you read earlier? Blame Lugh for this one. Lammas day is like a test: if you want Nature to be by your side during harvest time, you must earn its trust through proving that you’re able to achieve great results - because you’re a hard worker. July is about learning, attending classes, practicing, studying. My advice would be to not start a bunch of random projects now: be picky and commit to only one or a few. Be honest with yourself, modest with timing and consistent in everyday practice so that in august you’ll be skilled enough to unleash your best potential. This is your time to shine!

5. Do your research on baking bread. Yes, exactly. Read recipes, articles, books etc... On Lammas day you want to have fun baking your first bread loaf of the season, so you’d better be prepared. It’s a fun experience even if you’re not a pro baker, at least you can try a new hobby to fill your free morning/evening. But baking a beautifully decorated, tasty, fragrant bread loaf would take Lammas to the next level though.

If you don’t own an oven, purchase a small electric one for less than 50$. It’ll be useful to cook other foods in the future without stressing the hell out of your microwave.

*for our celiac fellas*: grains and gluten are clearly off-limits for you. However, Lammas’ celebration involves CORN as well. Try to make your gluten-free dough with corn flour, rice flour or other ingredients that are suitable for you. Focaccia, polenta and pizza doughs are also suitable for the occasion.

6. Include apples, grapes and corn in you cosmetics or in your diet. Since these fruits are in season, why not take heed of their benefits? Simply buy things like apple shampoo, grape lip balm, apple snacks, grape masks... A BAG OF CRISPY POP CORN...These are valid examples. You have a wide range of choice, you’ve got the powahhh.

7. Grab a book and a glass of Albariño/Pinot Noir/Rosé. That’s how you pamper yourself before Lammas. A rocking chair in the garden, proper lighting for reading, a cushion, your fav book and a glass of fine wine.

Alternatively, you can elegantly snack on grapes or sip some super refreshing apple juice from a chic crystal goblet!

8. Develop a grounding routine. For those who are new to the grounding concept, I’ll break it down real quick. We’re always moving, on the go, running, rushing, driving, working out, traveling, walking, cleaning, fidgeting, passively entertained, distracted by screens or social media etc... The practice of grounding promotes the exact opposite to reach inner balance and fulfillment. Basically, it’s very good to be swift and active, but being incapable of sitting still while quietly dealing with ourselves is a huge, major problem. Imagine rooting yourself into the soil: you can lay down or sit comfortably on the ground without a mat and really feel the Earth underneath. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, choose a meditation method that you like, visualize yourself being as static and peaceful as a tree... Or simply be. You’ll find a way to contemplate these OFFLINE moments away from photos, screens, sounds, people... This routine should take 10-20 minutes of your day. Make sure it takes place in nature, or alternatively in places where there’s actual grass, ground or nearby your (aromatic) plants so you can touch them if you need to.

9. Get creative with corn magic and corn art. Lammas has a solid tradition of corn use for various purposes. As you’re prepping for the big day, start featuring corn kernel/cobs in your magic. If you don’t practice - which is totally fine - carry a small amulet bag with corn inside with you. If you’re an artist or crafter, paint the kornel or use cobs for artwork!

10. Be out in the sunlight, sun bathe or simply breathe fresh air, get outside, enjoy all things outdoors :)

Hope this was helpful and inspirational fo you all, good luck and happy Lammas darlings.

Floods of love, msmoonfire (IG: @msmoonfire)

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silverfootstepswrites · 4 years

Text

Amaryllis | Chapter 3

< Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 >

+++

Sasori’s days at home were some of his favorites. They were always busy. But that was how he preferred them.

He had heard people call his home the Floating Palace. But everyone who lived on the island called it the Sami Palace. The palace that lived in the ocean current. It was named so because of the system of platforms that kept it raised out of the seawater. The wooden walkways that connected each part of the palace were bleached white by the sun and sand. There were also small boats tied to the walkways that could be used to move between rooms more quickly.

But as someone who was born and raised on the island, Sasori knew that swimming was usually the best option. As long as there were no guests to be seen right after.

He dove off the terrace, directly into the ocean. The water was a little cool in the morning. But he knew that once he was under, his body would adjust. He made it to the kitchens in no time at all. As he pulled himself up onto the walkway, he felt arms and hands pulling him to his feet. There was laughter and the sounds of knives against wooden cutting boards.

“Good morning,” he greeted them, swiping water out of his eyes.

One of the servants tossed a towel over his shoulders.

“Good morning! Have you eaten yet, My Lord?” someone asked. A pair of hands grabbed his and pulled him into the kitchens. The room was bustling with chefs and servants beginning the day’s preparations. The fires were already roaring. He sat on a stool with one of the ovens to his back. It warmed him and dried his clothes as he enjoyed his breakfast. As he ate a roasted sweet potato, his eyes drifted around the room. He could smell bread cooking. The dough was stuck to the inside of the oven, which made it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. There were fruits that the younger servants sat washing and peeling.

“A whole pig? Are we having a party?” Sasori wondered. It looked to be a fresh kill. It hung from a hook in the corner of the kitchen to let the blood drain into the ocean. Fish gathered around the waters there, drawn by the smell. Whatever pieces the chef discarded into the water would be a feast for them later.

“Ah, no, My Lord. Count Maito sent it over. For Lord Gaara to keep his stamina up,” one of the older women said. She lifted a basket filled with dirty towels and lugged it out of the room.

Sasori lingered for a little while longer to finish his tea. And then he went to meet with his younger cousin to provide the usual counsel. Gaara was just finishing his breakfast as well when Sasori found him. He sat alone at a low table. White water lilies crowded the waters around the room. They had been a gift, bred specifically to thrive in the saltwater. Sakura loved this room. It made sense that Gaara would be there.

“What’s wrong with your wrist?” Sasori demanded. He noticed Gaara holding his teacup in his left hand instead of his right. His left hand sat soaking in the cool ocean water. Like he was trying to soothe it.

“Good morning, Cousin,” answered Gaara. He ignored the question.

Sasori loomed over him. Arms folding across his chest. After a long moment, he shook his head.

“We should get started. People are waiting already,” Sasori said.

Sakura had named Gaara as her proxy. As the acting Duke of Plumeria, Gaara had many responsibilities. In essence, he ran the island. And one of those duties involved listening to the citizens. In the mornings, the people lined up to seek audience over problems both small and large. Sasori stood at Gaara’s side, occasionally leaning over to whisper suggestions. Or explaining something whenever Gaara had a question.

It didn’t bother Sasori that Sakura had chosen Gaara over him. She had very clearly explained to him why.

“A title is a chain. Not an honor. Why would I bind one of my own arms?” she had laughed.

Lunch was served. Fish wrapped in leaves and grilled over hot coals. Fresh fruit glistening with juices. Sasori’s mother joined them for the meal.

“Has she written?” Kurenai questioned. She pushed her dark curls out of her eyes.

“Soon. I have a good feeling,” Sasori replied. He made a vague gesture with his hand. Kurenai pursed her lips. Shaking her head, she smiled.

“I don’t know how you two do that. It’s like you can read each other’s minds. Ever since you were little,” she remarked. She reached out to tussle Sasori’s hair. He shrugged as he took another bite of his food.

In the afternoon, Sasori headed down to the city to check in with the merchants. Some of them came to him with their troubles. He made an effort to help them as best as he could.

At sunset, Sasori rode his horse around the southern tip of the island. The sandy beaches were always beautiful and he regretted not spending more time on them. Shells crunched underfoot and the strong smell of the briny water filled his nose. The night fishermen were just getting ready to go diving. Sasori greeted them, as usual, and chatted about the weather. Any new gossip.

Once he returned to the palace, it was time for a dip in the royal bathhouse. The giant room had a sunken floor made of marble. A statue of a woman pouring out of a vase stood at the end of the bath where fresh water gushed into the pool. One of the servants had once tried to explain the mechanics of the water delivery. But Sasori had quickly grown bored and stopped him.

“Keep your secrets. It’s because people like me don’t know how to do your job that we need you,” Sasori said, waving him off.

At dinner, he and Gaara compared notes about the day. Sometimes their conversation wandered to other matters. Family. Maybe politics. But Gaara was understandably exhausted after a long day. They parted ways soon after.

Sasori moved from the dining room in the center of the palace, heading down the walkway that moved toward the north of the palace. There was a three-way split in the path. The one straight ahead led to the servants' quarters’. They were contained in a series of white buildings that sat close to the enormous kitchen. The one to the left was the path leading to the royal apartments. The path to the right housed other rooms, usually used as meeting places or accommodations for visitors.

Though most of the palace floated in the water, the back of the palace grounds extended onto the edge of a grassy slab of land. It was here in the back that the kitchen and its heavy stone ovens sat. It was busy, even this late at night, as the servants finally enjoyed their supper and finally took a moment to put their sore feet up. They sat around the ovens, laughing over their plates in the flickering light.

Thick, dark vines with light purple flowers climbed up the tall white walls surrounding the palace. Plumeria trees twisted up out of the ground, reaching toward the moon with waxy leaves. The clusters of white flowers with creamy yellow centers released sweet perfume into the air. Sakura loved the fragrance. She had the servants scatter the petals into her bath in the morning. The smell clung to her hair and her clothes during the warmer months when the flowers were in full bloom.

In the heart of the royal apartments was Sakura’s residence. It was a two-story building with the same white walls and open arches for windows as the rest of palace. The terrace in front overlooked the glimmering ocean waters. Bushes of rugosa roses decorated the sides of the building. The dark pink flowers spread toward the sun, unbothered by the salty spray from the ocean waters.

Despite the fact that Sakura was gone from the palace for about half year, the guards reported for their shifts each day. The maids flitted in and out to clean. They brought in vases of fresh flowers. They changed the sheets and the curtains.

Sasori paused on the walkway. He stared at the building, missing the golden glow of her window at night. Missed the way that he used to catch her hanging out the window, laughing as Shizune scolded her to be careful.

With a sigh, Sasori continued down the path, passing more of the royal apartments.

There was a lavish building edged by orange tiger lilies. That was his mother’s residence. Had been since she had come of age. And it was where he had lived with her throughout his childhood. He could see lights on in the windows there. She always went to bed late.

Beside it was the biggest apartment in the palace. It had once belonged to his Aunt and Uncle, who had long since passed on. But Sakura had never decided what to do with that place, and no one pressed her. The building still held all of the Late King and Queen’s clothes and furniture. Waiting for owners who would never return.

Deeper in the palace, he finally reached his own apartment. The guards on duty bowed when he walked past them. He unbuckled his sw ord and tossed it onto the nearest seat as he walked past. One of his personal attendants greeted him at the door. Hands folded across his stomach, he handed Sasori a letter.

Sasori flipped it over to find a red wax seal stamped with a familiar insignia. It was a desert rose- the symbol of the Haruno family.

Dear Sasori,

Summer in Ispolin has been pleasant so far. The market seems a sad affair compared to what we have at home. Nevertheless, the Uchiha’s been more than gracious in their attempts to make me comfortable. And Goliaf Castle, while a touch damp for my liking, is a charming place to explore.

Prince Sasuke has proved a fine companion. You would appreciate his sense of humor, I think. I find that he reminds me of you in some ways.

Sasori’s smile dropped. Before he could scowl, he read on a few lines.

I will remind you that you are, however, still my most trusted confidante. Blood closer than blood. I do all this so that you will see reason when I ask that you not barge into a landlocked city with the Royal Fleet.

Sasori cleared his throat. Suddenly embarrassed. He glanced around, like Sakura would be standing there with a knowing look on her face. His mother was right. They knew each other too well.

His Majesty is throwing a small party to welcome myself and Prince Naruto. Apparently this is a kingdom fond of festivities. There is also the Summer Festival right after, so celebrate the Summer Solstice. It’s said to span an entire week. I’ve been told to look forward to the street performers, especially. It will take a lot to impress me, especially given the sorts of performances I see in court every day.

Sasori snorted. He would have used less polite wording there, but he had to agree.

The King has invited me to stay for the rest of the season at court. A great honor, I’m aware. I’ve arranged for a gift to arrive in time for your mother’s birthday. Please help me keep it a secret. I will send my apologies to her in a separate message.

Despite this excitement, I find myself wondering about the state of home. Have the plumeria bloomed yet? Has someone reminded the servants not to trim too many of the thorns on my roses? I worry about things, knowing that I’ve left things in the best possible hands. And it’s not as if this is the first time I’ve been away. At what point, I wonder, are adults supposed to outgrow homesickness?

Sakura

Sasori read the letter a second time. When he looked up, the attendant was still standing there. Only now, he was holding paper in his hands.

“Would you like to pen your response now or later, My Lord?” he queried.

Sasori stared at the crisp paper in his hands. He folded it along the creases and then tucked it inside his tunic.

“Later,” he decided.

“Very well, My Lord.”

+++

"A fine damask on silk, My Lady. We call this shade cornflower."

Sakura looked over the rim of her teacup. The tailor held out the light blue fabric for her to examine. Sasuke let out a loud sigh. He leaned his elbow on the armrest.

"I don't understand why I'm here. Shouldn't one of your fluttering little… servants… be helping you with this?" he complained from the armchair beside her. To accentuate his point, he picked up a lacy white fan trimmed with white feathers on the edges. He flicked it open and made fluttering gestures with it.

The Queen had sent over her personal tailor, which Sakura was aware was a huge honor. He had already stopped by once before to take her measurements. And while he seemed competent enough, the selection of gowns he had brought for her approval was underwhelming, to say the least.

“I need the eyes of someone who knows the rules of this court. Servants are good, but the actual attendees are better,” Sakura replied. And then she ran her finger down the supposed silk. Her nose wrinkled.

“Silk, indeed,” she muttered. While the cloth was technically silk, it was nowhere close to the grade of the fabric her island exported. She was aware that there were those who had imported silkworms from the east to try to weave their own textiles. But everything from what the worms were fed to how the threads were harvested was kept a secret. To her knowledge, there was no one on this continent who had come close to producing silk of a comparable quality. They had attempted to mask the poor quality by dyeing it blue. But to someone like her, the roughness of the fabric stood out.

The tailor looked horrified. He made angry sweeps of his hands until one of the waiting servants dragged the gown away, out of sight.

“Perhaps this will be more to your liking,” the tailor then attempted. He gestured to the next gown. It was bright red. Like a young girl’s blushing cheek.

Sakura eyed the waist, which tapered to her a point.

“Are these not tailored to my size? I recall having organs in this area of my body,” Sakura said. She pointed to the waist, which tapered to an uncomfortable point. The tailor wrung his hands.

“This is all the rage, General. I assure you, you would be the most fashionable lady at this event.” He almost sounded like he was pleading. Sakura was aware that the man was under immense pressure. She was certain that the Queen would want to hear that her guest had been taken care of.

“I don’t like that color. That’s the color of my Uncle Obito’s face when he drinks too much,” Sasuke commented, giving another wave of the fan. He waved it in his face and promptly sneezed as the feathers tickled his nose. Sakura held her hand out for it. Sasuke relinquished it without protest. He sniffled a little.

“The green one,” Sakura then said, pointing with the fan.

It was the least garish of the dresses. The waist was still a bit narrow. It would require a corset, which she didn’t exactly love. But at least the corset would give her an extra place to hide a weapon. The lace and gold detailing were evidently what was in style in this country. She had seen similar accents on the Queen’s gowns during the times they had dined together. It wasn’t exactly ugly. Just not what she would have personally chosen.

“Shoes?” Sakura prompted.

The tailor and the servants pulled a dizzying array of shoes from the trunk sitting in the corner. Sakura chose the ones that seemed the least painful. Which wasn’t saying much. She didn’t understand why men and women alike subjected themselves to all these glittering things that weren’t even comfortable. Or practical.

“I beg your pardon, General, but this fan would suit your gown better,” the tailor then suggested, holding up another fan. The complex pattern of emerald and gold looked suspiciously like they had been custom made for the dress.

They shooed Sasuke out of the room for a final fitting of the dress. The tailor left about half an hour later, bowing and thanking her profusely. He mopped at his forehead and neck with a lacy handkerchief as he hurried out. He stopped to bow to Sasuke, too.

As Sasuke peered back into the room, he caught Sakura running her fingers along one of the dresses. The servants were busy packing up the rest of the garments. But this one was the last to go.

“This beadwork is lovely,” she mused to herself.

“Do you actually like fashion?” Sasuke demanded.

“Is that a crime? You sound scandalized,” she answered without looking up at him.

“But why? You hate being called a princess so much that you insist upon being 'General' wherever you go.”

Sakura pinned him with a look. She pulled her fingers away from the dress. The servants, who had been waiting, bowed before they began packing up the final dress.

“Tell me, Prince. Which title holds more authority: General or Princess?”

Sasuke scoffed. “Princess, of course. The daughter of a monarch holds much more power than a General.”

“Really?”

Sasuke nodded.

“Then tell me this. A princess declares war. A general declares war. Which declaration are you more likely to follow?” Sakura challenged.

That made Sasuke hesitate. He tilted his head a little. “Well, the General should be an expert on warfare. But the Princess still has more power,” he thought out loud.

Smiling, Sakura shook her head. “Power is not about who is next in line to the throne. It’s about how easily others bend to your will. A General inspires obedience. Loyalty. A Princess inspires wedding proposals,” she insisted.

“So you’re wearing the title that will give you the most power,” Sasuke guessed.

Sakura touched her fingers to her temple. Smiled. “Perhaps.”

+++

Over the next couple weeks, the palace bustled with activity. Whether it was women draping bunting over windows or burly men hauling in casks of wine, there seemed to always be people flitting in and out of the doors. They draped the castle in colorful fabrics. Filled the air with chatter. Sakura enjoyed it. It reminded her of home.

Sasuke had been put in charge of overseeing the decorations. It was a great honor, according to him. But his face said otherwise.

He stumbled into lunch looking pale and exhausted. And the first thing out of his mouth was an apology.

“I’ve been a negligent host. I’m sorry,” he confessed.

Sakura stabbed her fork into her egg. The yolk burst. A river of gold flooded her plate. And then she cast a sidelong look at Sasuke’s haggard expression. She made eye contact with Haku and mimed lifting a glass to her mouth. Haku whispered to another servant, swept forward with a decanter of wine. He filled Sasuke’s glass to the brim.

“Drink. Your awful face is ruining my appetite,” she sighed.

Sasuke didn’t even have energy to retort. He took a long gulp of the wine. And then another.

“Besides,” Sakura added, her tone teasing now. “You’re overestimating your impact on my life. I won’t die without a few days of you, Prince.” Lifting her glass, she held it up to the sunlight. She watched the light slant through the clear sides, sending white shapes spilling across the wooden tabletop.

Sasuke choked on his third sip of wine. His eyes bugged out. The lock of utter shock pulled a laugh from Sakura. Sasuke’s eyes narrowed as he finally realized that Sakura was making fun of him.

“You’re… mean,” he settled on the childish word.

“And you’re eloquent,” Sakura laughed.

Sasuke seemed to liven up once he ate a little. He griped a little about all of his responsibilities. But then his worries turned to her.

“You’re bored, aren’t you?”

“I’m fine.”

“I’ll have my cousin escort you instead.”

“I’m fine,” Sakura insisted a second time. The edge to her voice that she hadn’t meant to let slip.

It wasn’t long before people with lists and questions came to whisk him away. He hadn’t even managed to finish half his meal.

The truth was that Sakura liked being on her own. Sasuke was a good companion. The fact that they shared a dry sense of humor really made things so much more fun. But the people in the castle were also very accommodating once they knew who she was.

The stablehands shouted greetings to her as they saw her silhouette in the morning. And she repaid their kindness to Kaze with rounds of drinks at the tavern. There were a small set of barracks in the castle that housed its guards. On days when she felt restless, she would slip into their facilities and engage in a spar or too. The soldiers here relied on short swords rather than spears. It was a nice challenge to try to figure out how to dodge their fast jabs.

Sometimes, when she didn’t really feel like talking to anyone, she would sit and watch the business of the castle. There were so many secret passages and unexpected doors. She had stumbled onto a small set of stairs when she had leaned against section of wall one day. It led to a small landing that overlooked the foyer and the spiraling grand staircase. It was the perfect place to just sit and watch people run around like little dolls.

On her second day relaxing there, she heard the door creak open. Itachi stood there. Frozen halfway through the doorway.

“Oh.”

They stared at each other. Sakura’s eyes drifted to the book tucked against his side.

“My apologies, Your Highness. I seem to have intruded on another of your personal spaces,” Sakura said, getting to her feet.

But when she moved to the door, Itachi stared at her. He didn’t move. In fact, his hand gripped the doorknob, arm tensing. Sakura rolled her weight back onto one leg. She could wait for whatever he had to say.

“Please, don’t leave. I….” Itachi’s hand tightened. He leaned against the door a little. And it struck Sakura how thin those wrists were. She suddenly felt a little guilty.

“Can I have a moment? I didn’t think I’d see you so soon. I had… so much I wanted to say,” Itachi requested.

Sakura blinked a few times. And then she offered her hand to him.

“Why don’t you have a seat? I can’t have you collapsing on me,” Sakura offered.

He hesitated for a long moment before he took her hand. She helped him sit on the landing before she settled on the floor too. Sakura leaned back on her hands as she waited for him to find the words. A ray of sunlight angled in just right through the windows, illuminating her strip of floor. She closed her eyes, taking in the warmth.

“I have to be honest. I’m not completely certain what I said to upset you the other day, General. I was speaking to try to put you at ease.”

Sakura opened her eyes. She stared straight ahead, already disappointed.

“But that doesn’t change the fact that I did say something to upset you. I deeply apologize.”

Her head swiveled toward him. He sat with the book in his lap. It was only then that she realized that it was a book about the Forest Kingdom. He shifted his hands to cover the title.

“Your family is awfully concerned about titles,” she finally said in response. A smile touched her lips.

She heard a noise and her eyes found the source. Several servant girls ran in with baskets of clean laundry. They laughed and complained, wringing out their skirts and hair. It had just begun to drizzle outside. They must have rescued the hanging linens. The clatter of their polished shoes echoed as they made their way down the hall.

“Do you know the reason why I’m sitting here with you and not on a throne?” Sakura then queried.

The pages of the book rustled as Itachi opened it up. She could see that he had left page markers here and there. He had obviously been studying carefully since the last time she had seen him.

“Yes. I recall that it was because your uncle has been serving as your Regent,” Itachi read. He then looked up to add: “Although I’m unsure of why he��s still there when you’ve come of age already and the war is over.”

Sakura raised her eyebrows. “Propaganda. I’m sure Marquess Shimura or Duke Hyuuga were responsible for printing such nonsense,” she scoffed.

“Propaganda?” Itachi repeated.

“The real story is that my uncle and his supporters have rendered me politically impotent outside of my own territories. You have a better chance of ascending that throne than I do, Your Highness,” Sakura explained.

From Sakura’s experience, she knew that nobles did not like to be corrected. And the more powerful, the more they disliked being told they were wrong. So she expected some sort of retort. This was a prince, after all.

Instead, Itachi tilted his head. His eyes wandered as he seemed to take that all in.

“So the story of the uncle who adopted his orphaned niece as his own…” mused Itachi.

“Utter garbage,” Sakura finished for him.

“And the story of that orphaned niece who beheaded King Orochimaru in one fell swoop?”

“Garbage,” Sakura confirmed for him. And then she cracked a smile. “It wasn’t that neat. Although his head did eventually leave his shoulders.”

Itachi thought. And then he asked, “Is it alright for you to be discussing something like this with me?”

Sakura waved a hand in a careless gesture. “What’s the worst that can happen? They’ll keep me from my throne?”

Itachi chuckled. He stroked the fine leather cover of his book. His long fingers traced the gold lettering. And when he stopped laughing, he was staring down at his lap. Like something very heavy kept him from raising his head again.

“General?”

Sakura watched him. Saw the way his eyes darted very quickly to her and then away. “Yes, Your Highness,” she replied.

“Will you come to the library again? There are some treatises that I think might interest you.”

Sakura regarded him for a moment before she turned away to hide her smile.

“Yes. For the treatises,” she answered.

They hadn’t made any real plans, but they met up in the library the following day. When Itachi entered the room, looking guilty for some reason, he found her sitting by the window.

“This book is wildly inaccurate. My grandmother was 16, not 12 when she was married,” Sakura remarked without looking up at him.

And then the following day, when he showed up at the library, she held up a book with a dark brown cover. The History of the Warring Nations misspells your family’s name. Twice,” she informed him.

“Perhaps you should have been a scribe and not a soldier,” sighed Itachi.

On the third day, Sakura walked into the library. She glanced around the large room. Wondering what type of books she would peruse that day.

But on the second floor, she spotted a familiar face. Itachi leaned over the railing, a book held casually against his right shoulder.

“The Fell Sword claims that my great grand-father, not my great grand-uncle assassinated his father. This one’s an import from your country, I believe,” he announced, looking a little smug.

Sakura’s smile faded as she heard something. Her head swiveled toward the window. Her hand slid down her thigh. Closing around the hilt of her dagger as she made her way to where she had heard the sound. She could see Itachi leaning farther to watch her as she moved.

The window was just a little ajar. Almost closed. But just open enough that something could slip through the crack and force the lock open. Her eyes narrowed. She pulled the handle and closed the window all the way.

When she turned back to Itachi, she was smiling again.

“I might need to have a word with someone about security,” she remarked.

“I would hope not. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to our honored guest,” Itachi answered.

“Guests. Prince Naruto is here as well,” Sakura corrected him. Itachi opened his book. He laid it flat against the bannister and began flipping carelessly through the pages. Charts and drawings blurred past. Sakura wasn't certain but it looked like a scientific text.

"This is true. But I have yet to acquaint myself with young Prince Naruto. It slipped my mind,” replied Itachi.

"Young?" Sakura repeated back to him. She was certain that Itachi was no more than a few years older than her. He shut his book.

"Ah, my apologies. If I remember correctly, you were both born in the same year. It's just that, from the stories, he seems like a child compared to you," explained Itachi.

Sakura swallowed quickly. She was well aware of this fact. But, determined to keep the mood light, she laughed the comment off.

"Prince Naruto leads a much more carefree life. I think all my worrying ages me," she responded with a tinge of humor. Itachi's expression did not lighten, however. He glanced over at her. His eyes were deep brown, sort of like the color of dark chocolate. The eyelashes framing them were long and thick.

“Worrying so much can’t be good for your health, General,” he stated. It wasn’t a threat; just a fact. She was learning that he was quite blunt with his words. It was nice not to have to dig through layers of hidden meanings when she spoke to him.

“I’d rather worry myself to death than die an old fool,” she countered.

She thought she saw something sparkle in Itachi’s gaze when she said that.

These last few days, Sakura had learned a lot. Not just about the literature of the castle, but about Itachi himself.

He had been sickly since childhood. His illness came in waves. Too much exertion made it difficult for him to breathe. He hadn’t left the castle in many years.

“I’m going to read every book in this library. Books allow one to live a thousand lives and travel a thousand times. Since my health does not permit much wandering, I must supplement myself,” he said.

"If it's any comfort, travel can only educate those smart enough to learn," responded Sakura. A smile brightened Itachi's face.

“You’re funny, General. Has anyone ever told you that?”

Some of the days they met, Itachi had a servant smuggle in tea and refreshments. They were careful not to get the buttery crumbs near any of the crisp pages of the books. And it was even easier to talk over good food. Despite his poor health, Itachi was a deep well of knowledge, mostly likely due to his obsession with reading. They mused over science and history. They bickered over philosophy and law. Sakura liked how he opposed her, unflinching. If this were a duel, his blows would have matched hers in perfect rhythm.

Sakura usually had lunch with Naruto. Both to avoid rumors from spreading in the castle and back home of her snubbing her cousin. Sakura could only manage to come up with so many reasons to evade eating with him before she began to sound childish. She didn't have much to say to him. Their meals were seldom awkward, however, because Naruto seemed to make up for her silence by speaking nonstop until she began to honestly wonder how he found time to breathe.

"You seem to hate Prince Naruto. Why put up with him at all? Why not tell him that you despise him and never see his face again?" suggested Sasuke one night as they walked in the gardens. He had managed to escape from all the madness of planning for a little while. Every few feet along the path were lanterns hanging from skinny wooden posts. Lines of ivy crawled up them, like they were hungrily pursuing the light. Fireflies buzzed lazily around them. The chirp of crickets answered him for a while as Sakura gathered her words.

"Believe it or not, I don't actually hate him," Sakura admitted while staring down at her feet. She heard Sasuke miss a step in the dark. She pretended not to see him stumble.

"What?" Sasuke demanded. His surprise robbed him of his usual manners. Sakura didn’t point it out. She didn’t really mind. And she didn’t really want to explain. Not at the moment. So she left Sasuke to brew in his own thoughts for a while before he spoke again.

"Well, I suppose I'm in no position to comment on your family. I’m sure you know that I have a brother by now,” Sasuke sighed.

“I’ve met him. He’s almost as entertaining as you,” she replied.

Sasuke snorted quietly. Shook his head in the darkness.

“He’s sickly. Doesn’t like company. I can’t remember the last time I’ve spoken to him,” he went on.

Sakura frowned. Itachi didn’t particularly strike her as someone who disliked people. If anything, he seemed excited to have someone to speak to. She made note of that somewhere in her head.

“Do you hate your brother?” Sakura asked.

Sasuke put his hands in the pockets of his trousers. They stopped on the path to stare up at the sweeping white path of stars in the sky above.

Sasuke let out a deep breath. “I don’t know,” he decided after much thought. “Because I don’t know him.”

They stood there for a little while longer. And then Sakura said: “Families are difficult.”

“Yes,” Sasuke agreed. He flinched when a little prick of light buzzed by his nose. He swatted the insect away. As it flew over to her, Sakura stood very still. Just like her mother had taught her. Holding her breath, she reached out and cupped her hands around one of the insects. There was a long moment before the faint green glow leaked out between her cupped palms.

"When I was a little girl, my mother and I would catch a dozen of these and put them in glass bottles. I used to call them starbugs," she suddenly recalled.

Sasuke opened up his hands, waiting for one of the bugs to come to him, too.

“You’ve spoken about your Father. Not much about your Mother. Were you close?” he queried.

“Mother ascended the throne before I was born, but I stayed in Plumeria with my father until I turned six. When he had to return to the capital, he brought me with him,” Sakura recalled.

“Wasn’t it difficult to be away from your mother for so long?” wondered Sasuke.

A faint smile touched Sakura’s lips. “She wasn’t just my mother. She was everyone’s queen. It would been selfish to ask her to only be mine,” she stated.

Sakura opened her hands and let them fall to her sides. The baffled insect seemed not to understand its freedom for a few extra seconds before it flew off. Sasuke stood with his back to the lantern, hands in his back pockets. His left foot scuffed at the ground once. The look on his face was difficult to name. His forehead wrinkled.

“What is it?” asked Sakura.

Sasuke opened his mouth. Closed it. He looked around before he quickly inquired, "Did you call them starbugs because they looked like stars?” A little startled by the question, Sakura took a moment to process. Then she shook her head.

"I thought that they were stars that fell and became trapped here," she admitted. There was a solemnity that settled between them as they fell silent again. After a while, they headed back inside, Sasuke slapping at his mosquito bites, and Sakura casting one last glance up at the star-filled sky.

+++

Sakura woke the morning of the summer solstice to the smells of baking bread. Startled by the sweet fragrance, she bolted upright. The cool kiss of the summer morning touched her bare feet and cheeks. Turning her head toward the source of the breeze, she realized that she had fallen asleep with the window open. Goosebumps rose on her arms as another cool burst of air intruded. She reached out until she could feel the cord hanging beside her head and gave it a couple tugs. She had been told by Haku that the cord was connected to a vast network of other cords in the walls of the castle. If she pulled it, it set off a trigger of other things that rang a bell in the servants' quarters.

It only took a few minutes for Moegi and Haku to come up with her breakfast on a large silver tray. The smell of steamed sausage made her cringe. It had been weeks of nothing but pork and beef and she was starting to crave anything else.

"Good morning, General. You're up a little later than usual," Moegi chiruped sweetly as she set the tray down on the foot of the bed. Haku moved around to open up the curtains all the way and shut the window. Sakura simply nodded while raking her hands through her hair.

"Will you be going for your ride?" Haku questioned as he poured her a cup of tea and handed it to her. Sakura nodded again as she pushed the covers off her legs. Not even looking at what she was eating, she scooped some into her mouth before climbing off the bed. She swallowed down more tea as she glanced out the window. It looked like a fair day.

Moegi pulled a clean and pressed blouse from the wardrobe. On the other side of the room, Haku sorted and polished her cufflinks. Sakura stole a glance at Haku. With his starched dress and apron and long hair, it was impossible to tell that he was actually a boy. She suspected that Moegi had no idea of her partner’s true identity. And if Haku hadn’t revealed it himself, Sakura didn’t see any need to either.

“Haku,” Sakura called.

“Yes, General?”

“I need you to send a message to Prince Naruto. Please remind him to pin his amulet to the left side of his shirt and not the right. I know he’s going to get confused,” she instructed.

“Right away, General,” Haku said. Their eyes met as he hurried out. And from the small smile, Sakura wondered whether he realized what she was doing.

Moegi’s chatter was more than enough to fill up the room as she helped her dress.

“The ballroom is wonderful, General. You’re going to love it,” she gushed as she buttoned up Sakura’s shirt. Sakura nodded and interjected in the right places as Moegi went on. She buttoned her gloves at her wrists and pulled on her boots. They had already been cleaned and polished the night before. The odor of the shoe polish lingered on the soft leather. Moegi handed over her riding helmet.

"General, please don't forget that the opening ceremonies begin at noon. Please don't be late," Moegi called after her. There was a brief pause as Sakura drew in a steadying breath. Then, hand on the doorframe, she turned her head to offer the servant a smile.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Have my tea ready for when I get back," answered Sakura.

She went galloping down the path by herself. Kaze seemed to sense her frustration. He bolted into thick patches of trees and proudly tossed his head. That made her laugh with her mouth opened wide to taste the clean air. By the time she returned to her room to wash and dress, her mood had improved somewhat.

The King made his speech in the main square of Ispolin. He spoke on top of a raised platform made of wood and hung with colorful banners. The Queen stood at his side. Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto stood a little ways behind him. Hands folded in front of them as they listened to his message of thanks for a peaceful summer. She was in her starched white uniform- which despite the stiffness, felt comfortable. She always felt a little naked without it on.

“I’m going to be honest with you. Your boots are too polished,” Sasuke whispered. The King moved on to talk about his hopes for another plentiful harvest. And something about hope.

“I doubt my shiny shoes mean anything compared to that shiny thing on your head,” replied Sakura, barely moving her lips. She could feel Naruto staring over at them. Like he was trying to figure out whether or not to join in on the banter. She was grateful that he decided against it.

The gleaming silver circlet on Sasuke’s head marked him as a direct descendent of the king. Even his other uncles and cousins were not allowed to wear such an ornament. From a distance, it didn’t look like much. But the sides were etched with symbols of dragons and wind when Sasuke pointed it out to her later. It was very different from the crowns in the Forest Kingdom. And even more different from the diadem that sat locked in the vaults back in Plumeria.

Lunch was held back at the palace as a garden party. Nobles from the Mountain Kingdom and abroad had come to celebrate. Everyone ate and spoke, drinking glass after glass of expensive wine. Sakura put on her best polite smile for the people who approached her. A few foolish men came with romance on their minds and they were quickly rebuffed. The more painful conversations came from those who were eager to hear about her exploits on the battlefield. Sakura was grateful when Sasuke pulled her from those conversations with some sort of excuse. Once, he threw Naruto into a pack of unmarried ladies as a distraction, who promptly grilled him about his romantic life.

As the sun dipped in the sky, it was time for everyone to prepare for the ball later that night.

“Oh… how lovely,” was all Moegi said when she pulled the dress from the armoire. She was clearly at a loss for words. She gasped as she ran her hands down the green fabric and all the golden detailing. It must have looked beautiful to her.

But Haku was looking at Sakura. He read the expression on her face and gave a sympathetic grimace. “How generous of Her Majesty to provide such a gown,” was all he said.

“Yes. It was kind of her,” Sakura agreed. Shifting her weight to her left leg, Sakura crossed her arms over her chest. When she cocked her head to one side, Moegi and Haku copied her.

“Do I need to wear a corset with this?” she wondered out loud. Moegi gasped, looking insulted.

“Of course, General! You must!” she insisted, waspishly.

In the end, Sakura wore it, but she grumbled as Moegi tugged and tugged on the laces. Haku, thankfully, had been sent to pick fresh flowers from the garden. So he was saved from the sight of Sakura in her underclothes as Moegi squeezed her body into the trendiest shape of the season.

The green silk was tight across her chest and down to the sleeves that almost covered her hands. The matching pointed shoes were decorated with glittering stones. Which seemed pointless since they were hidden under her long skirt.

Haku returned in time to help with Sakura’s hair. They piled it on top of her head and arranged the flowers in a pattern that only Moegi seemed to understand. The pins made her head hurt, but Sakura didn’t complain. She knew what lengths women went to in order to look beautiful. It was the same in any country.

What surprised her was a lack of jewelry. A simple pair of diamond earrings completed the look. Moegi made her turn around for inspection while Haku declared her an absolute vision. One of them pushed the matching fan into her hands. Sakura wished there was a place on her gown that she could attach her falchion.

Sasuke was leaning on the wall beside the door by the time Sakura emerged ready.

He choked on whatever words he had prepared beforehand. But when he finally managed to close his mouth, Sasuke silently offered his arm to her.

"Say something. You're making me feel awkward," Sakura said after they had gone on in silence for a good minute. When Sasuke glanced her way, there was something mischievous glowing in his gaze.

"You know, you almost look like a woman like this," he commented with such a genuine smile that Sakura almost didn't process the insult. She swatted him in the arm with the fan. But it broke the tension and they resumed their usual easy talk until they reached the ballroom in the central wing.

Their names were announced as the double doors opened up. Heads turned toward them. But rather than feeling admired, Sakura had the sense that those stares were somewhat predatory. As soon as a server passed with a tray, Sasuke grabbed two glasses wine for them. They gulped them down. It was going to be a long night.

Just to appear occupied, she grabbed another glass. Swirling the liquid around, she let Sasuke move her around. She memorized names and faces, trying to piece them together with the rumors and knowledge already rattling around inside her head. She hated meeting the unmarried men the most. Their simpering flattery made her feel a little sick.

When the herald announced Naruto’s name, Sakura’s eyes found him right away. He greeted the King and Queen first. And then crossed the big room to say hello to her. Clicking her tongue, she handed her glass to Sasuke.

“I said the left side, not the right,” she sighed as she pulled the pin from his jacket. It was of a sun with a golden gem in the middle. She shoved it through the fabric and latched it in place in sharp movements.

“You’re only supposed to wear it on that side at your funeral. Stop confusing them,” she scolded him.

“Sorry,” Naruto said, grinning a little too much to actually be sorry.

Sakura shooed him off and he said something about finding the food. Sakura reclaimed her drink from Sasuke. And as someone tried to strike up a conversation with her, Sakura’s eyes followed Naruto. They darted around, checking the chandeliers. Scanning the expressions of all the people in the crowd. And for the rest of the night, even as she drank or spoke, she made sure she knew where Naruto was in relation to her.

About an hour into the party, Sakura found herself nearly bored to tears. A quick look over at Sasuke confirmed that he was probably feeling the same way. But his polite smile stayed in place as one of his distant uncles blathered on about his eldest son's accomplishments. It was a dreary story involving sheep and paperwork. Biting her lower lip, Sakura handed her glass over to Sasuke. He fixed her with a bewildered look until she pointed toward the doors.

"I'll be off to," Sakura paused to glance around, "…powder my nose. Please excuse me.” Before Sasuke could stop her, Sakura slipped off through the crowd and out of the ballroom. The click of her high heels drew some stares but she deflected attempts at conversation to make her escape. She managed to get to the nearest washroom to enjoy even just a moment of silence. But she gathered her thoughts and steeled herself to dive back into the fray.

On her way back to the party, she spotted something odd about the wall. It was painted white with the same blue and blue borders to match the other panels. But then she noticed that it stuck out just a little more than it should. When she nudged it, she could see that it was another secret passage. She wondered if these were meant for the servants or for someone else.

Casting a look around and finding the corridor empty, she slipped past the door and closed it behind her. She found herself in a narrow passage with glass lanterns lighting up the walls. A little ways down, the hall became a set of stairs that turned sharply to the left as she climbed. She tried her best to map where she was in relation to the ballroom but she struggled to calculate how thick the walls of the palace were. In the end, she gave up trying to understand and moved forward for curiosity's sake.

The stairs eventually ended and Sakura saw nothing but flat wall ahead of her. But by now she understood that this palace often tricked people by pretending to be ordinary. She ran her fingers down the smooth surface and around the edges until there was a little click and it swung outward.

Stepping light on the balls of her feet, Sakura snuck ahead. She tried to get a bearing of her surroundings. The marble floors and deep red walls were identical to the ballroom but this couldn't be on the same level. The stairs had definitely taken her up. She could hear the music and chatter from the ball nearby. This was likely a hidden room upstairs, in the ballroom, but tucked out of sight.

She advanced a few more steps and realized that she was on one of the balconies overlooking the festivities. She had noticed the balconies earlier in the night but hadn't paid much attention.

As Sakura moved on ahead, she spotted a person standing alone.

“Oh,” Sakura said. She already recognized him.

He started. When he whirled around to face her, Itachi let out the same, “Oh.” His hand was on his chest, as if stopping his heart from leaping right out from fright. His shoulders relaxed a little when he realized who it was lurking around.

"You seem to have a talent for ferreting out my hiding spots, General," Itachi greeted her first as he dipped his head. Sakura bowed too as she smiled.

"And you seem to have a talent for having the best hiding spots, Prince," she responded. She crossed the floor to join him. Leaning against the thick stone banister, she peered down at the people chatting and mingling. She could see Sasuke trapped in a different conversation now. Every so often, his eyes flickered in the direction of the door, as if waiting for her to burst back in to rescue him.

"You're wearing a dress," Itachi observed. Sakura suppressed a laugh.

"Silver tongue, I see," she replied. A chagrined smile curled Itachi's mouth as they watched the dancers spin by below.

"…It's a very nice dress," he added after a long moment. Sakura stole a glance at him. She didn't need anyone to tell her that. She already knew from the lustful stares that other men had been giving her in passing. Now that she was suddenly not wearing an intimidating military uniform, they seemed to realize that she had curves like any other woman.

Men were so simpleminded, Sakura thought with exasperation.

"I don't think I've ever seen you not wearing pants before, General," added Itachi as an idle thought.

"Well, unless you stare through my window at night, I don't see why that wouldn't be true," she told him with a cheeky note to her voice.

"And without your sword."

That startled Sakura. She hadn't expected anything like that from this particular prince. Sakura was quiet for a long time until she felt him look at her. Pressing a silencing finger to her mouth, she slowly hiked up the left side of her dress. Itachi's face erupted in scarlet as soon as he glimpsed her ankle. But she pulled the silky fabric higher and higher until she revealed a black band across her thigh. Still blushing furiously, Itachi narrowed his eyes. In one swift motion, Sakura yanked a small blade from its concealed strap.

"This is so much more ladylike, don't you think?" she said as she flipped the knife once and caught it. Itachi stared as she fit the blade back into place. When her skirt fell back down, it left no sign of the pointed weapon hidden underneath. Blush fading, Itachi examined her again, this time with unconcealed curiosity brightening his gaze.

"Still on duty even at a party? The dance today is being held in your honor. And we have guards stationed everywhere,” Itachi reminded her.

“If you put a soldier in a dress, she’s still a soldier,” she said with a shrug.

“I don’t believe there’s any rule that a soldier can’t enjoy herself," he countered.

"Unless you're asking me to dance, Prince, I'm afraid I cannot do much with your reproach," laughed Sakura. There was warmth in Itachi's expression as he chuckled along with her.

Still, she lingered there, talking to Itachi and learning about some of the Uchiha noblemen and women prancing about below. Their gowns in a rainbow of jewel tones flowed beautifully around them as they danced.

Sakura couldn't stay for long. She knew that his relatives for could only distract Sasuke so long. And she also felt some guilt leaving him to endure the boredom by himself. So after a while, she (somewhat reluctantly) admitted, "I should get back. Your poor brother is probably looking for me."

Feigning nonchalance, she examined Itachi's expression as she spoke. During her time in the palace, she discovered that the brothers rarely spoke of each other. And no one in the palace ever mentioned the older brother, as if he didn't exist at all. The only clue to his existence was the large family portrait hanging on the second floor in the eastern wing. There was Itachi, sitting in an armchair while the rest of his family stood.

Sasuke always walked past that picture like it wasn't even there.

But Itachi's face was soft as he looked back down on the ballroom again.

"…Thank you," he uttered as he turned toward her. Sakura felt her face grow warm at the simple statement.

"I'm sorry. I don't understand why I'm being thanked," Sakura slowly admitted.

Itachi closed his eyes. His face was narrow and there was something frail about the shape of his cheekbones as he drew in a soft breath. The dark fan of his eyelashes against his pale skin was suddenly impossible to look away from. And when he opened his eyes again, Sakura was caught directly in his gaze.

"Thank you for caring about my brother."

Sakura gave some sort of polite response and walked away. But as soon as she rounded the corner, she felt warmth spread from her chest, all the way up to her ears. She needed a minute to compose herself. Slipping out onto the nearest balcony, she willed the cool mountain air to erase the pink from her face.

“That man has no business being so charming,” she sniffed as she fanned herself with her hand.

When she returned to the ball, Sasuke's gaze immediately snapped to her. He ducked out of the flock of women chirping around him to practically seize her arm. Drawing her in close, he spoke through clenched teeth.

"You threw me to the harpies," he accused her with equal amounts of relief and anger. Sakura shrugged.

"If you didn't get your eyes pecked out, you're fine," she assured him before they moved to the dance floor to escape the women advancing on them.

By midnight, many of the guests had begun to retire for the night. And Sakura, trying her best not to wobble, readily agreed when Sasuke suggested that they make a quick escape as well. Though he offered to escort her back to her apartment, Sakura waved him off and wished him a good night. Sakura made it all the way to the west wing and up to the second floor before Moegi caught up to her. No doubt she had heard that the party was winding down and had come to find her.

"General!" Moegi called out as she hurried to meet her. Giving a strained smile, Sakura waved her over.

"Would you help me? I'd forgotten how painful women's shoes could be," grumbled Sakura. Tittering, Moegi gladly offered her assistance.

"Did you enjoy yourself, General?" Haku greeted her as he held the door of the apartment open for her. Gripping Moegi's arm for support, Sakura made her way to the blue armchair in the foyer normally set out for guests. Haku knelt, easing the pointed shoes off of Sakura's swollen feet.

"High heels must be the invention of careless and cruel men," declared Sakura.

Moegi reappeared in the room, a basin filled with warm water from the tub. She placed it on the floor before she and Haku each took a foot to lower it in to soak. A profound sigh of relief left Sakura's mouth as she let her head loll back.

"Worry not, General. A good massage and then we'll wrap them up with some herbal balms. You’ll walking and dancing again by tomorrow,” Moegi cheerfully assured her.

Sakura held a hand up. “No talking of walking or dancing until one of you gets this damn corset off of me,” she sighed.

+++

< Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 >

#itasaku #writing #amaryllis #fanfiction #haruno sakura

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