#to the morning after Ed met Isabella

[vampiregirl1797]

When his Blood Singer Moves to Town

Edward Cullen x Reader

GIF Not Mine

Word Count: 3,427

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Summary: Y/N has been friends with the Cullen’s since she moved to town, and has had less than platonic feelings for Edward for just as long. When Bella moves to town and Y/N finds out that she’s Edward’s blood singer, she worries she’s at risk of losing her best friend and the person she’s in love with. But after a trip to Alaska, Edward reassures her that will never happen.

As cliche as it sounded, I’d had a terrible feeling in my gut when I’d woken up this morning. I didn’t know why, but my instincts were screaming at me to pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep. But alas, I didn’t listen, figuring it was just Monday blues. So I’d gotten dressed, crammed a cereal bar down my throat and waited for my best friend to pick me up like he did every morning. When he arrived, my mood lifted a little, as it always did whenever I was around him, but the feeling still lingered.

‘What’s the matter, honey?’ Edward asked as I fastened my seatbelt after greeting Emmett and Rose who were sat in the back seats.

‘I don’t know.’ I admitted, knowing it would be pointless to lie to someone who could literally read my mind, ‘I’ve just had a really bad feeling of dread since I woke up this morning.’

‘Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s nothing.’ Edward said, giving me a comforting smile that made my heart skip a beat in my chest. 

‘He’s right. This is Forks, what’s the worst that could happen?’ Rose teased, trying to lift the somber mood that had settled over the car.

‘You’re right.’ I agreed, a small but genuine smile settling over my face. It was probably nothing.

//

I was in French first period with Jasper, Alice and Edward when the news reached us. A new girl had started today, Isabella Swan, though according to Ed, she’d been correcting everyone so far and asking them to call her Bella. I’d shrugged, not really that interested, but I’d felt a little sympathy for the girl starting half way through junior year in a small town— she’d be the talk of the school for the rest of the week at least. I didn’t envy her for that, but seeing as she was apparently Chief Swan’s daughter, I assumed she knew what she was getting into when she agreed to move here. 

After that, Edward had distracted me with questions about the book— A Tale of Two Cities—he’d suggested I read. The rest of the lesson was spent with us discussing the ins and outs, the best parts and the worst parts in French. The rest of the morning flew by, and none of us had a period with the new girl, so when it came to lunch a few of the Cullens were curious about the new girl, while I had maintained my uninterested stance. We all joined the lunch line, I grabbed myself a fruit salad and a bottle of water, still not very hungry and took my usual seat in between Emmett and Edward at our table. 

‘So, what does the new girl think of the school’s freaks?’ Emmett asked, his dimple appearing in his cheek as he grinned, ‘well freaks and Y/N.’ He winked at me and chuckled when I rolled my eyes at him.

Edward looked over to Bella at Emmett’s question, and for the first time today I look over too. I noticed the way she ducked her head and hid behind her long, brown curly hair as soon as Ed had looked over. I saw the girl next to her, Jessica Stanley, do the same thing and I saw the latter’s shoulders shaking, indicating that she was giggling. She was incredibly beautiful, but I could tell from her shy stature and her unwillingness to look back over here in case Ed was still looking at her, she wasn’t aware of it. I looked away when I felt Edward jerk so unexpectedly that the table vibrated a little.

‘I can’t read her thoughts.’ He sighed, frustration clear in his onyx eyes.

‘How bizarre.’ I mused, putting a piece of watermelon in my mouth and chewing.

‘Ooo finally, someone’s mind you can’t snoop on,’ Emmett’s voice was practically dripping with mirth.

‘I’ll bet the curiosity is killing you.’ Jasper teased, his southern drawl wrapping around his words and a rare smile appearing on his face. 

I assumed he could feel Ed’s frustration as well as any other emotions he wasn’t showing on his expression or through body language. And for the first time since that morning, the dread returned to my gut with such ferocity that it took my breath away. My eyes moved between Bella and Edward, the former shy but clearly interested, and the latter gleaming with curiosity and whatever other emotions Jasper had picked up on to implement his teasing. This is what my body had been warning me about— I was going to lose my best friend to the new girl.

//

The day had taken another abrupt turn when Edward had stormed out of Biology with a look of murder on his face. We usually met at his car after sixth period because we had a free after, so we just went home earlier. I’d hastily climbed in when he’d unlocked the Volvo and had remained silent as he’d driven faster than he normally did, muttering under his breath too low for me to hear. I’d finally spoken up when we reached the hospital, needing to know what was bothering him so much.

‘Ed, what’s going on?’ I asked, my voice tentative.

‘Bella, she’s my blood singer.’ He managed to get out between gritted teeth.

I felt my heart both sink and squeeze in sympathy for his plight. It sunk because I remembered the other half of that legend— it was said that if a humans blood sung for a vampire, that human was the true mate of said vampire. If that was the case then my earlier suspicions were right— I was going to lose Edward to Bella and the stab of pain in my chest almost took my breath away, but I pushed it aside. This wasn’t about me, this was about him.

‘Is there anything I can do?’ I reached out, my hand enveloping his right, where it rested on the steering wheel. When my hand came into contact with his, he flipped his palm up and held my hand in a gentle but firm hold.

‘I need to get away, my instincts want me to go after her, to kill her and I don’t know how long I’ll be able to resist while I’m so thirsty.’ He explained, his thumb moving back and forth over the back of the hand he was holding and I felt my lips lift into a smile when I realised he was comforting me when it was supposed to be the other way around.

‘I’ll come with you.’ It wasn’t like I had any parents to dictate my actions— they died a year ago, but I’d emancipated myself at fifteen, they were lovely people and I had loved them, but they just weren’t ready to be parents. 

Both of them worked full time jobs that took them away from home weeks at a time— the longest I’d gone without seeing them had been two months. I’d gotten tired of being raised by a nanny seeing as she practically just left me to my own devices as soon as I was old enough and did her own thing when she was supposed to be looking after me. So I’d looked into emancipation and after talking to my parents about it on one of the rare days they were home before they jetted off again, they’d both agreed without much resistance. I assumed me saying I’d still like to live with them until I could afford my own place had swayed them, as it meant that not much would change—I’d still be at home, I’d just have the ability to make my own decisions without parental permission. When they’d died in a freak car accident a few years ago, I’d inherited everything seeing as I was their only living family and I was the only one listed on the will. After it happened I decided to move to Forks, remembering the few times my parents had bought me here when I was a child. I’d needed a fresh start where no one knew me as the kid who became rich after her parents died, and this had seemed like the perfect place. I’d actually arrived the same time as the Cullens and it had been then that our friendship had been born and it’d only flourished from there.

‘You don’t have to do that.’ He insisted, but his grip didn’t waver, and his dark eyes were almost pleading for me to disagree with him.

‘Ed, I love you and if you need me, I’m going to be there for you so don’t bother arguing with me.’ I gave him a firm look and when he finally smiled I sent him a wink. 

His dark eyes softened with an emotion I couldn’t identify, and he placed a chaste kiss on the back of my hand before asking me to wait in the car while he spoke to his father. I took the time to compose myself and by the time he returned we were off to Alaska to see his extended family. We’d stopped to fill his tank after about an hour, and he’d also grabbed me some food to eat on the rest of the drive. It was the longest I’d ever been in a car, minus bathroom breaks and stopping just so I could stretch out my legs, but after two days and ten hours we made it. 

I felt like I needed my whole body cracked by a chiropractor, but we were here, and honestly it was beautiful! The Denali Coven’s home was similar to the Cullen’s in the sense that it was secluded and practically in the middle of nowhere— you wouldn’t know where to find it unless you knew what you were looking for. It was a mansion surrounded by snow and the early evening light was a mixture of pink and blue, it took my breath away. We never got sunsets like this in Forks, and I’d almost forgotten how beautiful it could be.

‘Wow, it’s beautiful here.’ I whispered, unwilling to disrupt the scenery around me by being too loud.

‘It is.’ Edward mirrored my volume, and I was so enamoured by the effortless beauty around me that I didn’t notice the bronze haired vampire was staring at me. 

After a while, the cold became too much to ignore and Edward led me inside the house, introducing me to the family I’d heard of but never met in person. They were all of course extremely beautiful and the way Tanya’s eyes lingered on the bronze haired vampire next to me made that stabbing feeling return, but I pushed it down. Edward was my friend, I had no right to be jealous of the female attention he received, I knew that but it didn’t stop the stab of pain in my heart. I chatted with Kate and Garrett while the others and Edward went hunting, they were only gone an hour but by the time they returned I was ready to drop. I’d only managed to snag four hours sleep in the past two days as a car wasn’t the comfiest place to lay your head. 

My vampire friend of course knew immediately and politely excused us both to lead me to one of the only rooms in the entire house that actually had a bed. At that point he went to leave me to have my human moments, but at the last second my body acted without his consent and grabbed his wrist. As soon as my hand closed around his wrist he paused without hesitation, his now golden eyes observing me carefully— I knew he was aware of what I was going to say, but he always waited me to voice it in case I changed my mind.

‘Will you stay with me, until I fall asleep?’ I asked, knowing that if he didn’t I probably wouldn't get any sleep, despite my current state of exhaustion. I had an issue falling asleep in new places that lacked the familiarity of my own bed, at the moment Ed was the closest to comfort I had at the moment; he made me feel safe and calm. 

‘Of course I will,’ he answered, his eyes softening to molten, plonking himself onto the twin bed while I got myself ready to sleep. 

I changed in the bathroom, brushed my teeth, washed my face and applied night cream before joining Edward in the bedroom again. He remained on top of the covers, but he’d shifted so that he wasn’t inhibiting any movement for me. I climbed underneath the thick duvet and snuggled into Ed’s side, happy that his natural coolness balanced out the warmth from the covers and the heat Kate had put on throughout the house to keep me from freezing to death. I inhaled his sweet scent and felt myself melt into him when is arm wound around my shoulders and allowed me to snuggle closer to him. I fell into unconsciousness quickly after that, but just before I completely surrendered to the darkness, I thought I felt Edward’s lips kissing my hair, but I was too far gone to fully process it or respond.

//

‘I need to talk to you.’ Edward said as we were a day into our drive back to Forks.

He felt much better now, and was determined not to let a stranger rule his life and the legacy his coven represented. He didn’t want to let Carlisle down and was prepared to simply not breathe in the single period he shared with Bella if that was what it took for his family to continue living in Forks until they were ready to move on again. Honestly, he’d told me that after the first night we’d spent there, I’d barely opened my eyes before he told me the conclusion he’d come to over his blood singer moving to Forks. It took me longer to process his words than it should have, because it was morning but mostly due to the fact that I’d woken up exactly where I’d fallen asleep, which meant he hadn’t left me once throughout the night and that revelation had done funny things to my heart and my ability to focus. Once I had, I’d been relieved, a part of me had been worried he would go as far to relocate to Alaska until Bella left Forks.

‘About what?’ I wondered, putting the bottle of water I’d taken a few gulps of back into the cup holder.

‘I’m not interested in Bella in any romantic way, and I plan to stay as far away from her as possible. While there have been some instances over the centuries of a vampires blood singer also being his true mate, that’s very rare. It wasn’t the case for Emmett, and it’s not the case for me either.’ I could barely hear his soft voice over the sound of my heart thundering in my chest, ‘you’re my true mate, Y/N. I’ve known since I first saw you, which is why we all became so close to you so fast, my family and I usually shy away from making contact with humans but I had to know you. I was certain I’d scare you off when you found out that we were vampires, and when it didn’t I was sure you’d leave when you found out about how much I love you. I tried to cheat and figure out how you’d react to the news by focusing on your thoughts, but you never really lingered on my family and I when you’re around us. So, because I’m a coward I kept my knowledge to myself, content with having you in my life even if it meant I couldn’t truly be with you how I wanted to be. But after hearing your thoughts about losing me when you learned about Bella, and how you felt unworthy of me when you met Tanya, well I just couldn’t bear to keep this to myself when I knew that you were hurting because of it.’

I was silent for a long moment after his speech, because well it was a lot to process, and a part of me couldn’t believe it even though I’d just heard it with my own two ears. But when I saw the look in Ed’s eyes, the soft look that made his orbs look like honey, I was able to recognise the emotion that had always evaded me when I’d tired to put a finger on it— it was love. 

‘I love you too, Edward.’ My voice was so soft that I could barely hear it, but of course he had no problem and a grin took over his face, lighting his expression so brilliantly that my breath caught at the sight of his effortless beauty.

After that somewhat emotional conversation, Edward had taken his hand in mine, and we spent the rest of the drive exchanging occasional anecdotes. But for the most part we remained in a comfortable silence and relaxed in the bubble of love and contentment that settled around us. 

//

Third person POV

When Bella entered the cafeteria that particularly miserable Monday morning, she’d looked over to the Cullen’s table out of habit, only to freeze when she saw that there six people sat around the table, not the usual four she’d grown accustomed to seeing. After she managed to pull herself out of her reverie, she grabbed a bottle of lemonade and hurried to the table she sat at with Mike, Jessica, Angela, Eric and others whose names she hadn’t quite been able to remember. The curly-haired brunette kept her head down for ten minutes, tentatively sipping her lemonade and avoiding conversation as she felt daggers piercing into the side of her head. It was another five minutes before she decided enough was enough; she wasn’t going to let herself feel alienated by a boy who didn’t even know her from Adam. So she turned her head, looking up at the table from underneath her lashes and the sight that greeted her made her fell relaxed and disappointed all at once. None of them were looking in her direction, so she lifted her head a little more so she was able to observe the family with more ease. Emmett and Rosalie were wrapped up in each other, the curly haired blonde vampire grinning at his love as she kissed his cheek and murmured something that made the brawny boy throw his head back and release his signature booming laughter. Jasper and Alice were sat side by side, the blonde’s hand holding Alice’s underneath the table, both content to sit in silence and observe those around them. Edward and a girl whose name she’d learned was Y/N, they were... close in a way Bella couldn’t quite describe. She didn’t know what had changed between now and last week, but there had obviously been a shift in their relationship. The bronze haired boy had his arm wrapped around Y/N’s shoulders, and she was looking up at Edward with a look of pure adoration and love in her eyes, but what was more intense was that he was returning it with equal fervour. Throughout the hour, their eyes never left one another, and they were always touching in some way, whether it was Y/N holding Edward’s free hand and playing with his fingers as they quietly spoke to one another, or whether it was the bronze haired boy brushing Y/N’s hair behind her ear and letting his hand linger to caress the side of her face— they never once shifted so they weren’t touching. It was as if they were in their own little bubble, impenetrable to even the other family members sitting around the table with them, and Bella felt her heart ache at the sight. She longed for someone to look at her the way Edward was looking at Y/N. If she were being completely honest with herself, she had found herself interested in the boy, despite his horrid attitude towards her last week, but obviously that was in vein; he was in love with Y/N, that much was obvious. 

With a sigh, Bella returned her attention to her table mates around her, making an effort to engage in their conversation and forget about the mysterious family sat to the right of her. Jessica had been right— there was no point in wasting any time there.

A/N: So I had this idea pop into my head last night, and to be honest I’m not completely sure how I feel about it?? But I’ve purged it from my mind now and it’s out there. I hope you liked it!!

#edward cullen #edward cullen x reader #edward Cullen x you #twilight

[blackswan7x]

For the "Send me a ship" post, I send Foxma uwu

Thank you so much, my gh0stly friend! 💜

Who said “I love you” first: god Ed’s such a messy bitch it was probably him. we are talking about the man who met Isabella and within one night thought he was in love. yeah, he told Lucius first.

Who would have the other’s picture as their phone background: 100% Ed. He would also have Lucius saved in his contacts as “Foxy🦊🧡”

Who leaves notes written in fog on the bathroom mirror: why do I think it’s Ed again. Lucius gets out of the shower and there’s just a riddle written and he just sighs and wipes it away. Ed stands outside the bathroom door saying “Do you know what it is, Foxy? Did you get it yet?” And after not getting any reply he walks right in and is very disappointed that Lucius just got rid of it. “Ed, I just want to brush my teeth.”

Who buys the other cheesy gifts: I don’t think cheesy gifts would be a thing between them. When they give a gift it’s straight from the heart and has had hours of though behind it.

Who initiated the first kiss: Lucius kissed Ed. Ed was a flustered mess and was smiling like the wonderful idiot he is.

Who kisses the other awake in the morning: Depends on the day. They both are early birds who very enjoy their morning routines. Whoever wakes up first kisses the other.

Who starts tickle fights: I think it’s very much both of them again. If one becomes too engrossed in their work the other will come up and start to tickle them to break the tension.

Who asks who if they can join the other in the shower: Both. They’ve agreed it’s more economical and only makes sense. But really they just want to be together.

Who surprises the other in the middle of the day at work with lunch: Ed. Shows up to Wayne Enterprise in a garish green suit and if he’s feeling really over the top he’ll make a ruckus by calling for Lucius over the intercom like “Foxy, your man candy is here. Foxy, your man candy is here.”

Who was nervous and shy on the first date: Lucius is damn unbreakable. The man is composed as hell and the smartest man in every room he’s in. So it was Ed. He was in full on nervous nerd breakdown mode.

Who kills/takes out the spiders: Lucius captures the spider and takes it out.

Who loudly proclaims their love when they’re drunk: Lucius. cause Ed’s loud all the time.

#lucius fox #Ed Nygma #foxma #shipping ask

[janeyseymour]

Escape- pt 25

pt 1. pt 2. pt 3. pt 4. pt 5. pt 6. pt 7. pt 8. pt 9. pt 10. pt 11. pt 12. pt 13. pt 14. pt 15. pt 16. pt 17. pt 18. pt 19. pt 20. pt 21. pt 22. pt 23. pt 24.

Jane Seymour has stayed with Henry long enough. Cue Catherine of Aragon and the rest of the girls to save her (Aramour)

Jane woke up to breakfast in bed the next morning.

“For my beautiful wife,” Catherine smiled with Eddie, who squealed at the sight of his mother, in her arms.

“Good morning babe.” She leaned up to give the hispanic a kiss and take her son. “What’s all this for?”

“I love you. You gave me this life. You have me Eddie. This doesn’t amount to the life you gave me, but this is for you.” Catherine pulled out a white rose from under the bed. “I am worthy of you, and you are worthy of me. After you finish breakfast, I want to show you a few things. Your parents and Kat agreed to watch Ed for us. I think my parents said they were going to come up too, if that’s okay with you.”

“Oh Lina, we can just-”

“No. We’re going out for the day. I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

“You don’t want to eat breakfast?”

“No, it’s okay. I want to see whatever you’re doing.”

An hour later, the couple was on their way out, Jane finding every reason to stay with Eddie a little while longer, despite skipping breakfast because she was so eager to see what her wife had planned.

“So, you both have-”

“Janey, for heaven’s sake! Leave already! We raised you, didn’t we? Eddie will be just fine!” Margaret pushed her daughter out the door and slammed the door in her face. She waved enthusiastically, knowing what Catherine had planned for her daughter.

“Come on. It’ll be worth it.” The hispanic outstretched her hand and led the blonde to the car.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

When they pulled up to their high school’s lobby, Jane looked at Catherine with confusion.

“Why are we here?”

“I have something to show you.” They walked to the front desk. “This is where I first saw you. I couldn’t get you out of my head. I swear, I had that feeling of euphoria. This is for that moment.” Jane was handed a lavender colored rose.

“How did you do this? It’s Saturday. How did you get in here?”

“Oh, this you won't believe. First though, come on.” When they were at their next destination, Jane let out a full-on belly laugh.

“This is Phillips’ room. Why?”

“Here, we started our friendship.” Catherine handed her a yellow rose that was hidden underneath the podium at the front of the room. “This is also where I started to fall in love with you.”

“Me too.” The couple shared a kiss.

“Follow me.”

When they found the principal’s office, Catherine knocked, barely containing her excitement. The door flew open, and their old technology teacher grinned from ear to ear as he came face to face with his former students.

“I believe this is for you.” He handed her a yellow rose with red tips.

“To show our friendship turning into something more. Mr. Phi-”

“It’s doctor now,” Phillips interjected.

“Sorry,” Catherine laughed. “Dr. Phillips is principal now. I figured he was kind of a key in our relationship.”

“You’re absolutely amazing,” Jane said softly as she gazed at the woman in front of her.

“Thank you,” Phillips accepted the compliment meant for Catherine.

“Thanks for helping us out man. We have to get going to our next stop.”

“There’s more?” Jane raised an eyebrow.

“Oh man, your wife planned a lot. Keep her around.” Phillips offered a genuine smile. “Be on your way now.”

“He mellowed out a lot,” Jane giggled once they were out of the school.

“Yeah, he really has, and he’s a great guy. He was so excited to help out even though it meant having to go to the school on a Saturday. He said something about how he felt like a proud father. Only God knows what that could possibly mean.”

“Only the lord himself knows. Where to next?”

When they pulled up to ‘their’ dinner, Jane practically leapt out of the car.

“Wait up baby!” Catherine hustled to catch up with her so she could hold the door open.

“Hey Cath,” Jessie, a young waitress, waved to them.

“It’s all ready, right?”

“Ready to go ma’am!”

Jane smiled when she saw a blue rose at the table they dubbed as theirs in high school- the same table they sat at after prom. Catherine snatched it before Jane could.

“What does this one mean?”

“You catch on fast. But let’s have some lunch first?”

The blonde looked in wonder for a second before speaking up, “Dessert too?”

“If you want, but you should’ve eaten breakfast.” Catherine smiled at the love of her life.

When they finished lunch, the older Aragon handed her the rose.

“Because this is where our first date was; where I found out you were dating Henry. Blue is for impossible love.”

“Shit. I’m so sorry Lina.”

“No apologies. There are good memories here too, like prom. And, I have you now. Anyway, back to the house.”

“Hey Ma! We’re-”

“They’re not home. Just us right now. Go upstairs and then walk back down for me?”

“You’re nuts,” Jane laughed but did as she was told. When she walked back down, Catherine had a shy smile along with a light pink rose and a salmon colored rose.

“You were gorgeous on prom night. I was so excited to take you. Let’s go outside for a quick second?”

“You really didn’t have to do this.”

“I really did though. It was better than your dad’s idea anyway. He told me to just bang you to show you how much I love you.”

“Ew, what the fuck?”

“Jane, he’s your father. I have no idea. I was quite repulsed when he said that to me.”

“Oh my God. I’m so sorry.”

“I-” Catherine didn’t know how to respond, so instead she pulled out a dark pink rose and a peach rose from the windowsill. “Here, you kissed me for the first time. It was simple. I remember going home that night feeling like I was on cloud nine. I just wanted to say thank you for that.” She kissed the blonde’s forehead before leading her away from the house and back to the car.

“Jesus, where are we going now?” Jane wondered aloud.

“I don't think I’m Jesus honey.”

“Way to lay on the dad jokes,” she snorted with laughter.

“Well, I may not be a dad, but I am a parent. Thank you for that.” The hispanic brought Jane’s hand up to her lips and kissed it. “We’re going to the park on Main.”

“You’re amazing.”

When they got there, not only were all of their parents gathered around one swing watching their grandson giggle with delight, the rest of their friends were there too.

“Hi baby!” Jane peppered her son’s face with kisses before gently swaying her in the swing.

“I’ll be right back.” Aragon took a few steps back to admire her wife for a moment before jogging away to grab the red rose she had hidden in the car. “My dear, this is for you.”

“Why this one?” She brought the rose to her nose and smiled at the sweet smell.

“You are the most beautiful with our son. It’s a sight I never thought I would be able to see everyday. There are days where I’m just left awestruck. I mean, it’s amazing. I can’t wait to have more with you.” She wiped a tear from the blonde’s face. “I mean, it’s amazing. I can’t wait to have more with you.”

“I don't deserve you.”

“Yes you do,” Jane heard the bunch yell at her.

“Yes you do,” Aragon whispered.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too. I have a few more things for you, but they’ll be ready for you in a few hours. Go back to the house with everyone. We’ll do some more tonight. I promise.” Catherine turned towards the car.

“Where is he-” Jane was cut off by her wife hugging her tightly from behind.

“I forgot to kiss you goodbye.” She pecked the blonde’s lips and gently pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Jane pulled her son out of the swing before saying, “Say bye to Mama!” as she waved Eddie’s hand to Catherine.

“Bye sweet boy.” The hispanic kissed Eddie’s fuzzy head and jogged off. Jane turned around and looked at her family.

“Where is she going?”

“Let’s go home. Eddie looks like he’s getting pretty tired,” Katherine tried changing the subject.

“Do you really think you can distract-”

“Mom, come on. He needs a nap.” Kat took the baby from her mother’s arms and walked towards the car.

“I guess we’re leaving?” Margaret chuckled. “Everyone is welcome to come back to our house!”

A few hours later, the family was sitting in the living room talking.

“You know,” Isabella turned to Jane. “I remember Catalina coming home from school day day and just going on and on about how she had met the most wonderful person. I had never seen her care for someone so quickly. She really loves you. Please keep her close to you.”

“Bella, you know I will. If anything, Lina would be the one to leave me. I’m not exactly the best wife.”

“Don’t beat yourself up like that Janey. She’s not asking for the best; she’s asking for you. That’s all she’s ever wanted.”

“I don’t know. I just worry that one day she’s going to look back at all of this and realize it was a mistake. You know? I’m not really that much at all. She isn’t really going to-”

“Jane, are you stupid?” Fred let out a laugh, not realizing his daughter’s wife was being serious.

“I mean, I don’t know. Maybe?” She looked at her hands guiltily.

“Do you know what my daughter's dumb ass would do for you? You were the only person she ever deemed worth of bringing home. Ever. Did you know-”

“Really?” Jane looked at her father-in-law with tears in her eyes.

“You were it for her. You always have been.”

“She told me she dated all through college.”

“And she told us they would never amount to you, so she never brought them home.”

“I really love her, you know.”

“We all know that Jane,” Anne piped up. “You and Cath are always-”

“Annie, stop. I don’t need to know whatever you’re about to say about my mom.” Kat clapped her hands over her ears before adding on, “I’m going to the bathroom.” Kat walked up the stairs.

“Anne’s right. We all know. We can see it in your-” Cathy started to say, but a knock on the door interrupted her.

“I’ll get it. It’s probably just Lina.” The blonde wiped her tears and opened the door, fully expecting to see her wife, but she was shocked with who was actually there.

“Listen, we can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Thomas gave a sinister smile.

“Guys, go upstairs.” Jane cringed.

“No one moves, or she gets shot.” Thomas grabbed the woman at the door before she could move out of his reach.

“Thomas this-”

“Shut up, and get to the wall,” he shouted.

“Why are you-” Thomas pulled out a gun and jammed it against her temple.

“Because if I can’t have you, no one can!”

“You can’t-” Thomas whipped around and pointed the gun at John. “Okay, okay!” He held his hands up in the air.

“Now look! I know what she deserves! I’ll give it to her! She’s mine now. Any of you move, and you’ll- she’ll get it!”

Katherine lurked at the top of the stairs, being able to make eye contact with John but remaining unseen by Thomas. She put her finger to her lip, hoping the older man would understand. He gave the slightest head nod in acknowledgement.

“Come on Thomas,” Margaret spoke softly. “Don’t do this. She has a son. Your friend did enough to her, didn’t he?”

“He’s dead! I’m here to save her and give her the life she deserves,” Thomas reasoned.

Katherine stared at the scene in silence before taking the opportunity to grab her cell phone from her back pocket and call the police- call Officer Beale.

“Thomas, come on honey. Take a seat. We can talk about this.”

“No! She needs this! She’s hurt, and it’s my job to save her!”

“Thomas, you-” Margaret was cut off.

“I’ll go.” Jane tried her best to hide her cringe.

“You’ll what?” the family practically shouted, all eyes wide.

“I said, I’ll go with you Thomas. I’ve realized, I think I really am in love with you,” she grimaced as she tried to sound as seductive as possible.

“Wait, really?” He lowered the gun.

“Yeah, I don’t know how I couldn’t see it before.” She pulled him towards her and kissed him as hard as she could without gagging.

“What on Earth is she doing?” Isabella whispered to John.

“Sh,” he quieted the woman. “She has an idea if I know my daughter.” John had faith in her.

“You know,” Thomas pushed away just as Jane’s fingers brushed the gun he had since placed in his pocket. “I never thought you would-” Jane grabbed the gun. Thomas tried to stop her, but she was faster.

“Don’t you fucking-” Jane pointed the gun at him and backed away from against the wall.

“Thomas, I’ll pull it,” Jane stated firmly despite the fact that her entire body was shaking. She still had never had the chance to take a shooting lesson, much less hold a gun. “You and your friend, Jesus. You really fucked me up. You know that?” She laughed bitterly. “Not anymore. I am finally happy. I ‘m married to the only person I ever thought I would love. I have a son, I have a daughter, and I’m done with your bullshit. I will not let you keep doing this. Do you-” Thomas made a grab for her at the very second Katherine had gone to tackle him. Jane fired the gun.

#six the musical #six musical #six fanfiction #six the musical fanfic #six fanfic #six the musical fanfiction #six musical fanfic #aramour

[the-girl-lost-in-fandoms]

Waking up beside you // Nygmobblepot

Hiiii ! First time posting Nygmobblepot, I hope you will like it !

Also posted on AO3 (https://archiveofourown.org/works/19791106)

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

Ed woke up on the carpet. It wasn't the weirdest place he had woken up since Gotham had became a no man's land - since he came back to life actually. And at least, this time, he remembered how he ended up there, on the floor. He had spent the evening with Oswald. They had sworn to be partners in crime and to make the city bow before them, claiming it theirs. Then they managed to find medical equipement to help Oswald sleep the whole night without too much pain, hoping that they would find a better doctor than Ed to take care of his eye the next day. The only thing that Ed couldn't quite place was why and when he had started to hold Oswald's hand.

Penguin was lying on the crouch by the fireplace. Exhausted and injured, he hadn't had too much trouble falling asleep there, without even bothering to take off his suit, ruined by blood and cuts. He was still sleeping, his hair messily falling in his face. His bandage still looked pretty clean which was a good sign. And his arm was hanging off the crouch, his fingers intertwined with Ed's.

He looked quite peaceful, only wincing every now and then - due to a bad dream possibly, but most likely from pain. Ed's thoughts went back to the past evening, when he almost stabbed the man. He knew Oswald almost did the same thing, he had noticed him taking his knife from his boot, and felt the tip of the blade between his shoulders. But once they had embraced each other, none of them had been able to do the deed. Yes, they obviously were each other's greatest weakness, but they were never stronger than when they were together. Staying together meant success and power. It meant being strong and undefeated. They needed each other, and now they knew they could trust each other.

Ed delicately removed his hand from the firm grip. And when Oswald woke up, later in the morning, Ed didn't mention it.

---

Ed woke up from his nightmare because someone was shaking him. A hand was rubbing his shoulder and a voice was calling his name, again and again. He opened his eyes to see Oswald leaning over him. The man straightened a bit and raised his hands to show he didn't mean any harm. His eyes were filled with worry which made Ed wondered how bad his nightmare had seemed from the outside. He sat up, trying to steady his breathing and ran a hand though his hair before he wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Ed ?" called Oswald. "You were screaming in your sleep. Are you okay ? Can I do anything for you ?"

Ed swallowed only to notice how dry his mouth was.

"I had a nightmare. I'm fine now" he lied. "Could you please get me water ?"

"Of course." Oswald came back with a full glass that Ed emptied quickly before he put it down. None of them said anything. Ed was still lightly shaking from his bad dream. Oswald stood there awkwardly. He knew Ed was lying to him by saying he was feeling better but he didn't want to pressure him into talking about it.

"Well…"

"Can you stay with me ?" cut Ed, blurting out the words so fast he thought Oswald would not understand him.

"Of course" repeated Oswald. He sat on the edge of the bed and Ed shifted to leave him more space. They laid next to each other, without saying anything, without touching each other, simply staring at the ceilling. Oswald's presence was comforting and Ed managed to fall back asleep.

It took Ed five more nights of the same nighmare to open up to Oswald.

"It was about you" he confessed after they both laid down like they now usually did.

"What ?"

"My nightmare. I dreamt… I dreamt that you didn't make it alive. You thew yourself on that grenade for me and died in my arms. I just stayed there, frozen, unable of doing anything, and you were bleeding out, begging me to help you, to not let you die."

Oswald turned on his side and raised a hand to cup Ed's face.

"I am fine, Ed. I told you, I owed you this one, for everything I put you through." Ed opened his mouth to say something but Oswald didn't let him. "Please, let me talk. We haven't really spoken about this. I've been a bad friend. I never apologized for killing Isabella, but I am sorry. I shouldn't have been so selfish. I'm so sorry."

Oswald looked so soft, so fragile, Ed couldn't help himself. He embraced him into a hug, adjusting his arms around his body and his head on his chest.

"I forgive you" he whispered.

Surprised at first, Oswald hugged him back, rubbing his back with his hand. They held each other the whole night. It's been a while since they both slept correctly but the comfort of sleeping together was enough.

The following night, Ed rushed to Oswald's bedroom as he heard him yelling.

---

Ed woke up in Oswald's bed. Every night, one of them would wake up to hear the other crying and screaming in his sleep before rushing to his side. After a few days, Oswald started to ask Ed to stay in his room for the night. They never talked much. Sometimes they cuddled together, sometimes they barely held hands. Tonight Oswald was holding onto Ed's arm. He was crying, his tears sliding on Ed's pyjama's sleeve.

"Ed…" he cried. "Ed, please. Don't leave. Ed. Eddie, I love you, please !"

Ed sat up straight on the bed. Oswald whined as the arm he was holding slipped away. Ed looked down at him. Did he mean that ? Probably not. He was dreaming, it was his brain activity that caused him to… and yet… As he watched the small man whimpering in his sleep, his face twisted with pain, fear, sadness and tears, Ed realized that he was in love.

"Oswald." He was shaking his arm. "Oswald, wake up, please. You're fine, it's a nightmare."

Oswald opened his eyes. He was shaking and crowled a bit more into Ed's chest.

"Ed" he cried again.

"It's okay Oswald. Shhh, it's fine. You're alright."

Ed kept shushing him, whispering sweet things in his ear as he held him close. Eventually Oswald calmed down and silence embraced them.

"I'm afraid to lose you, Ed. I… I tried, I sweard I did, Ed, but I can't… I still… I still lo-"

"It's okay Oswald. I love you too. I'm here and I'm not leaving you, never."

"You do ? Love me ?"

Oswald raised his head and his gaze met Ed's. It hit Ed that no one had probably told him this since his mother and his father died. Sweet words that had lulled Oswald's childhood, words he was desperate to hear from anyone, words he would have died to hear Ed say.

Ed took Oswald's face in his hands, brushed the tears away with his thumbs. Oswald placed his own hands over his wrists, needy for any touch Ed was willing to give him. And they leaned on each other until their lips touched.

There was no rush. The soft contact of lips against lips was enough, the light pressure they both applied was enough because for now, they simply needed something, anything. The kiss turned into a soft make out session of tongues exploring mouths, hands caressing skin, until Ed pulled away.

"You should try to sleep now."

"Only if you hold me" Oswald whispered back with a smile.

"Of course."

Ed rolled on his back, pulling Oswald with him. He felt him adjusting his position until his head was in the crook of Ed's shoulder and his right arm over his torso. Ed's hands went to his back, applying pressure to feel as much of his body as possible against him.

"Say it again" Oswald asked.

"I love you. I love you, I love you."

---

Ed woke up in a mess of tangled sheets, arms and legs. He was holding tightly onto Oswald's middle with both arms. He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand before letting his head fall back on the pillows, forehead pressed against the bare skin of Oswald's back, resuming his position. They were both still naked from their previous evening activities but the bedsheets and their shared body warmth were enough to protect them from the cold of the morning.

Oswald groaned as he felt Ed moving. He untucked his left arm from the sheets to interwin his fingers with Ed's, his fingers carressing his the top of his hand. Ed's eyes caught the flicker of their maching rings and smiled.

They were engaged. Everything has happened so quickly since the battle for Gotham, six months ago, and Ed couldn't wait anymore. Yes, they've only been 'dating' for five months, but after everything they've been through together, they couldn't wait, couldn't let anything tear them apart ever again. Being husbands came with a bunch of practical advantages, such as visiting each other in the hospital in case of major injury, not being legally able to witness against each other, and conjugal visits in case one of them ended up in Arkham.

"Ozzie ?" Ed called, squeezing lightly his hand.

Oswald groaned again and turned to face him, replacing his body so they would stay as close as possible to each other. Their eyes met. Ed was now used to the dismatched eyes, one blue and one green. Still, they reminded him of this day, when Oswald got hurt because of him, and he hadn't forgive himself yet despite everything Oswald had said.

"Good morning, my handsome fiancé" he smiled.

He was too adorable. Oswald has never been a morning person, yet there he was, smiling because he was waking up for the first time in the arms of the man he was officially going to marry. And it was enough, being together was enough.

Ed leaned in for a kiss. It quickly turned into a second, then a third, then Oswald pushed Ed in his back and rolled over to lie on him, chest to chest. They made out for a while, until Oswald decided that they needed to get up. Ed let him take the bathroom first, mentally replaying the perfect night they had together.

He didn't know it yet, but this had been his last night with his fiancé for the next ten years.

#nygmobblepot #fanfiction #edward nygma #oswald cobblepot #gotham #edward nygma x oswald cobblepot

[noodlecupcakeswritings]

Madness is like Gravity - Chapter 12

Warnings: More stalking, Nightmares, Invasion of privacy, Awkward situations, Kidnap, Drugs, Cliffhanger ending, Language

Let me know if you would like to be added to the taglist. If you liked what you read please leave some kudos or maybe a reblog or comment. Consider hitting the follow button too for more content. 

Chapter 12

Emerald’s P.O.V

I slowly awoke to the feel of someone wrapping themselves around me. I refused to open my eyes, instead holding them closer and enjoying the moment. Nice to know Eddie hadn’t left after I’d fallen asleep. “I’ve missed you, doll face,” came Jerome’s voice, next to my ear. I flinched, my eyes snapping open. There he was curled up next to me in my arms. He grinned, climbing on top of me and straddling me. “You missed me, right?” He asked. I opened my mouth to respond but he wrapped his hands around my throat, the only sound coming out of me being a pathetic squeak.

I grabbed hold of his wrists, attempting to pull him off me but he was too strong. His grip had become vice like and I was quickly oxygen. I kicked and continued to pull at his hands but he just wouldn’t budge. He looked down at me, grinning ear to ear. He knew about Eddie, about Oswald. Why else would he try to kill me? My vision began go black around the edges and I slowly stopped struggling.

I awoke with a start, breathing heavily. I reached up to my neck as if his hands were still there. Just a bad dream. A really fucking horrible bad dream. I looked at the other side of the bed to find it empty. Of course, I should have realized last night that he had just been using me to make himself feel better. I forced myself out of bed and put my dressing gown and slippers on before heading out into the kitchen. At the kitchen table was Eddie, nursing a cup of coffee. He looked up at me and smiled softly. “I didn’t want to disturb you. You looked peaceful,” he explained.

I’m sure I wouldn’t have five minutes ago. But it was nice to have been proven wrong. He’d stayed and that was the main thing. I poured myself some coffee and sat down opposite him. He took my hands in his, his palms warm from the coffee cup. “I hate to start the morning off like this but I think I know who killed Isabella,” he spoke. I refrained from rolling my eyes. She fell asleep at the wheel…at least that’s what the autopsy said. “I think Oswald killed her,” Eddie continued. I didn’t know what to do with this information. Why the fuck would Oswald want to kill a librarian? What could he gain from that? Nothing.

“You’re sure about this? Eddie he’s your best friend-“ I started. “I think he did it because he’s in love with me.” Ok this was getting even more far fetched. I didn’t want to tell him how ridiculous this sounded but he could already tell from my facial expression. “I know how it sounds but I tested my theory yesterday. I pretended to hand in my resignation and he freaked out. Until I suggested we become partners. He thought I meant romantic partners.” “Eddie, you have to be sure before doing anything. He’s the king of Gotham.” “He isn’t as smart as me.”

I sat back in my chair, my hands leaving his, “this is not going to turn into some fucking pissing match because of your fucking ego.” “No, it’s not. This is where you come in. I want you to invite him to coffee, tell him that I’m coming and see how he reacts when I don’t show up. He knows when I left yesterday I was heading to yours. And he isn’t that stupid.” Was he trying to say he used me to prove if Oswald loved him? He noticed the slump in my shoulders. “Did you use me? To prove your theory?” I asked, the hurt clear in my voice. Please prove me wrong. I didn’t want to start crying at nine in the morning.

“No. No, of course not. What happened last night, I wanted that. I haven’t been fair to you and I want to start making up for that,” he explained. I felt my heart swell and a smile tug at the corner of my lips. I pulled my phone out my dressing gown pocket and sent a text to Oswald, giving him a location and time. He replied two minutes later saying he would meet us then. I really hoped that Eddies theory was wrong, I didn’t want the two of them to have a falling out because one of the would likely end up dead or hurt. Eddie and I had some breakfast and a shower before I changed into some clean clothes.

Eddie had no choice but to change back into his clothes from yesterday. We left around the same time, going separate ways. I headed to the coffee and tea house, finding Oswald already waiting at a table. He acknowledged me with a smile before looking past me, waiting for Eddie to follow me inside. I noticed how his smile faltered as he realized it was just me. He got to his feet and pulled me into a hug before we sat down. “Where’s Ed? You said he’d be coming,” Oswald asked. “He double booked. He forgot he had some errands to run. He says he’s sorry,” I lied. “Oh. Ok. At least you showed up.”

I smiled and we ordered a pot of tea to share as well as a slice of cake each. No way I could say no to cake. “I’m sorry that I had to call Victor away from you last night? I hope you slept alright,” Oswald apologized. “Its fine,” time to test out this theory, “Eddie kept me company for the night instead.” Oswald met my gaze, the leather of his gloves straining as he clenched his fists. I couldn’t decide if he wanted to use his fork to poke my eyes out or beat me to death with his cane. “That explains where he was last night,” Oswald said more to himself. “Sorry if he worried you. He just wanted to make sure that someone was still with me. Jerri had work.”

Oswald shrugged, forcing a smile, “its fine.” “You sure? You look pretty pissed off.” “Just I called him a few times and he didn’t get back to me that’s all. Nothing for you to worry about.” Slowly but surely, I was starting to believe in Eddies theory. Oswald was a poor actor when it came to his emotions. “Victor will be available to stay round yours tonight. If you need him,” Oswald spoke. “That would be nice. I’ll be sure to make him some muffins as a thank you.” “I wouldn’t mind some muffins.” “You trust Victor to get them to you?”

Oswald chuckled and shrugged, “I guess not.” We finished off our tea, making small talk along the way. Eventually Oswald had to leave for mayor business and paid the bill before walking me to my car. We said our goodbyes and I drove back to the apartment. Jerri was sat on the couch watching TV and looking through her phone. “Hey,” I greeted. “We got the place to ourselves again?” She asked. “Not yet. Victors going to stay tonight.” “Oh.”

“It should just be for tonight, he won’t bother you if that’s what your worried about.” “I just want this shit to stop.” “…you don’t think I want that too.” “I know you do, that’s why I want it to stop.” My phone buzzed and I dug it out my pocket. Unknown number. Great, what bullshit have they sent me today. I opened the text and found a ten second video instead. I was afraid to press play. I narrowed my eyes, at the still image. I recognized my bedroom as well as Eddie and I in bed together. My mouth covered my hand as I felt like I was going to throw up. I dropped my phone and ran to the sink, bile coming up fast.

Once I’d emptied the contents of my stomach I ran to my bedroom to search for the camera. I began throwing items around my room in the hopes of actually finding it. Jerri stood in the doorway, holding my phone. “What the fuck?” She spoke. “My thoughts exactly. I can’t find the fucking camera, meaning he must have been back whilst we were out.” “Shit. That explains why he broke in yesterday whilst you were in the shower.” This was beyond fucked up now. I decided to head back down to the GCPD. Jim hadn’t even bothered to call me since the first time I’d visited. I bet he hadn’t even bothered to look into this at all.

I just needed someone to take me seriously. I told Jerri where I was going and for once she didn’t protest. I put my coat and shoes back on, taking my phone from her. I drove down to the station and headed inside. I found Jim at his desk and headed straight over. He looked up from his paperwork and I took a seat. “What’s happened now?” He asked. “If I tell you are you actually going to do anything about it? Or do I have to wait till this guy actually kidnaps me?” Jim shoved his paperwork away, giving me his full attention.

“He broke into the apartment yesterday whilst I was in the shower and took my clothes, left a little message on the mirror. And now he’s filming me in my own fucking apartment, things I’d rather not have filmed,” I explained. I brought up the picture of the bathroom mirror and showed him. Disgust filled me as I realized I had to show him the video too. I really did have no fucking privacy. Jim seemed as uncomfortable about this as I did, handing my phone back to me. “I can have forensics down there in half an hour to look for prints,” Jim suggested. “You really think someone like this is going to go around touching everything without gloves on?” “There could be hair or skin. It’s not just fingerprints we can look for.”

I sighed, Jerri wouldn’t be happy about this but if it helped to catch this creep I couldn’t exactly say no. “They’ll be out of the way before the evening. Then tomorrow evening I want you to come back so we can go over everything, every little incident so we’ve got it on file. Ok?” he explained. Tomorrow? Seriously? Jim noticed my sour expression and sighed. “I can’t do anything now. As much as I’d like too. Tomorrow evening I’ll be free, I promise,” he continued. “Fine.”

Jim got up from his desk to go and find someone part of the forensics team. At least he was finally doing something. I sent a text to Jerri to warn her. I knew I wouldn’t hear the end of it later tonight. Jim returned letting me know a team were on there. I thanked him half heartedly before leaving. I called Jerri and told her the news, saying I'd pick her up and we would be out of the apartment for a few hours.

After a small shopping trip to pass the time we headed home, thankfully the forensics team were finishing up and we had the apartment back to normal. An hour later Victor came over with an overnight bag. I added blankets and pillows to the couch, making sure it was as comfortable as possible. I then made us all dinner using it as a distraction so that I wouldn’t keep thinking about the real situation. I wondered if they'd found anything. I’m sure I would get my answer tomorrow.

The next morning I decided to continue to keep myself busy and my mind from wandering by doing some baking. And I knew this would be the only way Victor would let me repay him for everything he'd done so far. I made sure he had a spare key too so he wasn't forced to sit around all day. Once the double chocolate muffins were finished I continued to busy myself with laundry. Victor was over by the muffins, not bothering to wait till they cooled, he insisted they tasted better like this. Eventually the time came and I headed back down to the GCPD. Let’s get this over and done with.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That had taken a lot longer than I thought. Unfortunately the forensics team had come up with nothing. But Jim now had a copy of all the evidence and was opening the investigation further. Meaning he was actually going to look into it this time. It was late, Jerri would be at work by now. At least I had Victor for company. I entered the apartment, greeted by the sound of the TV. I peeked over the back of the couch to find Victor asleep.

I smiled to myself, it still amazed me how a terrifying assassin could have these sweet and adorable moments. I headed round to his side of the couch and grabbed one of the blankets to cover him with. That’s when I spotted the half eaten muffin on the floor. I frowned, Victor wouldn’t leave my baking half eaten. Nor would he leave it on the floor, he had manners. Something was wrong. I reached out for his arm and shook him, hoping he would wake up.

The longer I shook him the more panic filled me. He wasn't waking up. I got to my feet, finding a man stood in the hallway. I frowned, I recognized him from somewhere. I'd met him before but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Either way I knew this was my stalker. His brown hair was slicked back like Jerome used to style his and he was wearing all black. I took a small step back, wanting to scream but no sound came out.

The man crossed the room in a few seconds, grabbing me. He spun me round so my back was pressed against his chest before he pressed a cloth over my mouth and nose. Fucking chloroform. I couldn’t let him take me. I had to get out of here, put up some kind of fight. I knew realistically chloroform took a minute or two to actually knock you out unlike the movie’s where it was a couple of seconds. I struggled against him, kicking back at him. Eventually I got free, gasping for breath. I felt dizzy and tired. Do not go to sleep. Outlast him.

The man advanced on me, giving up with the rag and pulling out a pistol instead. I raised my hands, hoping he'd get close enough that I could wrestle it off him. He took a few steps forward before butting me over the head with the gun hard enough to knock me unconscious.

Taglist: @my-world-of-imagines, @belathora, @edweirdoddlepot

#gotham #gotham fic #gotham fanfic #gotham fanfiction #gotham smut #gotham feels #gotham fluff #gotham angst #edward nygma #edward nygma fic #edward nygma fanfic #edward nygma fanfiction #edward nygma smut #edward nygma feels #edward nygma fluff #edward nygma angst #the riddler

[thearrangment-phff]

XV. Exile

December 2016

Christmas was spent Sandringham for Harry and Luxembourg for Isabella. Harry spent every Christmas at Sandringham with his family, while Isabella usually went from country to country on Christmas. Last year everyone was in Belgium. This year for Christmas, Isabella’s grandfather Jean asked for his family to spent it at Fischbach Castle in Luxembourg.  

The last time Isabella stepped foot in that castle was when she was with Harry. She remembered every detail of that weekend including her grandfather’s smile as he told her what a good match Harry was. Her grandfather told Harry goodbye with a nod, a handshake, and a promise to give him more accounts of World War Two from his own point of view when they meet again.

The day of Christmas Harry was pulled away from the rest of the family by his father. Charles and Harry had begun the design of Isabella’s engagement ring the day after he returned from Luxembourg two weeks ago. Charles and Ed explained to him that Harry would have to propose by January in order to have a June wedding. Harry was clueless at to what Isabella would want in an engagement ring, of course, she didn’t even know he was already planning to propose.  

Marie Astrid advised the best she could, but there was little help. Charles and Philip helped greatly. Since Philip helped design his wife’s engagement ring, Charles felt that he should help. Philip was reluctant to help seeing how his grandson was going to propose to a girl he had never met. Charles persuaded Philip to help and so he did.

Eventually, Harry, Charles, and Philip designed the perfect diamond engagement ring for Isabella. It was a slight mix between Marie Astrid, Josephine Charlotte, and Astrid’s engagement rings. Finding pictures of Astrid’s engagement ring was tough, but Charles was able to pull it off. Harry had gone to pick up the ring the day before Christmas Eve, and thankfully the royal jewelers put the ring on the rush so it was done on time.

Now Harry stood in a small room with his father and an engagement ring between his fingers, “I want to thank you for agreeing to this. I was hoping by now the relationship would be more serious, but being friends at this point is better than anything.”

“When will I be going to see her?” Asked Harry not bothering to remove his gaze from the engagement ring.

“Morning of Boxing day you will fly to Luxembourg. We have been advised that Isabella is with her mother’s family at Fischbach Castle. We have spoken to the secretary of the Grand Ducal Family and they were made aware that you will spend a couple of days with them but will not tell her of your plans,” explained Charles.

Harry nodded and looked at his father, “Will I be going alone?”

“Would you like someone else to go with you?” Asked Charles.

“I was thinking you could come with me. Will and Kate won’t come and I know Camilla will spend boxing day with her kids. Will you come with me to Luxembourg?”

“I can arrange something. Is that all?”

“Do you think Bea and Eugenie would come to Luxembourg as well? I just want some family there, you understand right?”

“I do understand. Why don’t you ask your cousins if they would like to come and then I’ll make some phone calls to see what we can do on short notice.”

“Thank you,” Harry let a couple of seconds of silence go between them, “I know why you chose her and I understand that this arrangement is becoming more than anyone could hope, but I was wondering if there was ever another girl. Was there ever another choice?”

Charles couldn’t answer his son so he replied to Harry the best he could, “Do you know how many non-Catholic princesses there are in Europe?”

“No,” answered Harry.

“Not many. Protestant princess are mostly in Germany. Besides the fact World War One happened a hundred of years ago, a German marrying into the British royal family would not sit well with the public. Do you know why?”

“Because of World War One. We changed our name during the war so we wouldn’t end up like the Romanovs,” replied Harry earning a nod from his father.

“Partly. There is over 500 German Countess from ages 19-35 all over Europe. With only a small title to their name and few to no connections, I wasn’t going to choose one. My first option was an Aristocratic girl like your mother. She was loved and perhaps another daughter of a duke or earl could fill the gap your mother left behind. Want to know why I didn’t choose one of them?”

“Politics.”

“And, partly. We can’t be associated with one political party, something some in this family and I are guilty of. Though the daughter of Scottish Duke was our main goal, none had lasted the course. I didn’t want any foreign nobility for fear of our public image. If you marry a foreign princess the public will believe us to be this older image of us. The image of royals marrying royals is not something we need right now,” explained Charles.

“But Isabella has a title and a bloodline that traces back as far as ours,” questioned Harry.

“Do you happen to know how many Catholic princesses there are in the world?” Asked Charles.

“No idea pa.”

“Over 500 titled girls with the address of Her Royal or Serene Highness and that includes the almost 100 Archduchesses of Austria and Austria-Este. I didn’t bother to count the Countess, Baronesses, Ladies, and so forth in different European nobility. You marrying a Catholic would appease the Catholics of this country. But I didn’t want you to marry someone from a dissolved monarchy. There were too many complications.”

“Then why her?” Pressed Harry.

“I went over profiles of over 300 girls from different countries and found none that I thought would suit you. It was late, there were papers up to my knees, and I had given up. I saw a picture of a blonde girl and my first thought was she looked like all your former partners. Once I found out who she was I simply chose her,” clarified Charles.

“You chose her for her looks? That’s it?”

“Her looks stood out to me because of the similarity, but once I looked at her profile again I found that she wasn’t a match to what we were looking for but it was worth a try. Isabella cared deeply for refugees and worked for the United Nations. She went to an American Ivy League University and graduated Cum Laude. She came from a good family, who’s the only scandal was her cousin Prince Louis of Luxembourg having a child out of wedlock about 10 years ago.”

“Pa I’ve had more scandals than her,” interrupted Harry.

“Yes, but she hasn’t had dozens of men and women shove cameras in her face since the moment she was born. Isabella may have a title and ties but she did not have a similar life to you. Besides your brother, no one could understand the life you’ve had, and even then, you and your brother are different.”

“She’s told me a bit about her family. Her grandfather Jean told me stories about fighting in World War Two and living in exile. She told me about her great-grandfather King Leopold and I guess part of me couldn’t help but feel… bad? I don’t know pa. I’m afraid. Afraid of something. Does that make sense?” Wondered Harry.

“You’re afraid to get too close? Is that it?” Asked Charles.

“Yes and no. There’s this small voice in the back of my head telling me that I’m just not good enough for her somehow. I forget sometimes that she’s titled but she told me her full titles when I was in Luxembourg and I couldn’t help but feel small compared to her. I know the Austrian-Hungarian empire doesn’t exist but still. Pa, you should have been at her birthday celebrations, titled people everywhere. And all related to her somehow. I don’t have that, at least not on her level.”

“Okay, your insecure about Isabella’s standing. This is where you can improve on that. When you marry you become a Duke of Sussex or Clarence. Isabella will most likely remain an Archduchess and she will be addressed as one should the government allow it and the media’s reception of her. You cannot avoid that, but you can use her title to your advantage. Use her family ties to your advantage.”

“Should the government allow it? What does that mean?” asked Harry.

“Isabella is in a unique position. Not only is she a Roman Catholic she comes from a dissolved monarchy. Should the government call for it, Isabella will forgo her titles and citizenship like your grandfather to marry you. Except we have not just come out of a war and Isabella has strong ties to several other functioning monarchies. She is neither an Austrian or Hungarian citizen so there is no alliance with another monarch allowing her to swear her fealty to your grandmother. She has Dual Citizenship in Belgium and Switzerland and could also gain a British one as well since there are no laws against that.”

“I haven’t even thought about that. I haven’t even thought about the press,” mumbled Harry.

“They point out the fact that you go for aristocratic blonde women, some like Isabella, but more hate her. Though I don’t know if the hate comes from their love for you or the fact that Isabella is titled. There are few to no pictures of her because of Swiss photography laws.”

“That’s why she won’t come to London, isn’t it? Because she’s safer to Geneva. When we were in Luxembourg I saw her. She wasn’t used to the cameras and no one knew I was supposed to be there. I can’t even imagine how she would react in London,” acknowledged Harry.

“When she does come to London she will need RPO’s. That’s why I wanted you to meet in Geneva. Safer, smaller, and quieter. But do not forget to use this situation to your advantage. When you are married her family will also become yours,” replied Charles.

“That seems a bit… much? Is that the appropriate word? Maybe dirty would be better used? I know that point in marrying Isabella was to bring other royal houses on our side, but I don’t think I can do that,” protested Harry.

“From what I hear you already have. The secretaries of the former Grand Duke and a future one have contacted the Royal Palace to attend the Invictus Game next year. The Hereditary Grand Duke has even agreed to become a Patron of the Invictus Games. It might not seem like a big deal but it is,” argued Charles.

“They both went to Sandhurst and it was easy to get along with them. I had things in common with them. But what if I don’t have that with the rest of Isabella’s family?”

“You have no problem talking to strangers when you do on engagements Harry. Besides princes of Luxembourg, Nassau, and Liechtenstein go to Sandhurst. It’s a family tradition so you will have no trouble with them.”

“It’s different with them. They’re her family, not strangers. Some of them don’t even like me and they really don’t try and hide it pa. They may respect granny and you, but not Will and I,” began Harry but was cut off by his father.

“That is why we must get other royal families on our side. When things get tough we have to rely on our royal counterparts. Can you honestly believe in 100 years half of these monarchies will still exist? Jordan and Spain are facing a backlash in their own countries. Where do you think their royal families will go when their country abandoned them? King Constantine of Greece came to London because of his strong ties to our family. Emperor Charles of Austria went to Portugal because his mother in law was a Portuguese Infanta. Kaiser Wilhelm fled into exile in the Netherlands. Where do you think you will do if this monarchy was abolished?”

Harry thought about it. He didn’t have family out of England and he was going to answer Africa but he remembered he would be married to Isabella, “Africa, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Belgium, or France.”

“And where do you think the rest of us will go?” Asked Charles.

“France… maybe Switzerland?”

“Isabella has Swiss and Belgian citizenship. Should we go into exile you will most likely go to Belgium. Isabella is a Princess in the Belgian nobility so the Princes of Ligne or Merode would more than likely open you and Isabella with open arms. Her grandmother Archduchess Yolande was born a Princess of Ligne and the current Prince is her nephew. Isabella is also godmother to the King of Belgium’s youngest daughter. Should you choose Luxembourg you would most likely be at Fischbach castle where Isabella’s grandparents lived most of their lives after Jean’s abdication or Berg Castle. I’m sure Henri or his son Guillaume would grant you a title or King Philippe would take that honor first if you don’t live in exile in his country. Geneva is another option because most of Isabella’s family live, like Prince Felix of Luxembourg who may one day become Grand Duke of Luxembourg should his elder brother never had children, currently live there as well. Isabella’s godfather the Regent of Liechtenstein would no doubt welcome Isabella will open arms as well,” explained Charles.

“This was the goal all along wasn’t it? Find a woman that has the best connections and marry her off to me. You and Will have the option to marry women you’ve known for years but I am forced to marry someone that I haven’t even known one year?”

“You weren’t always angry with this arrangement. Please don’t start now. This marriage will benefit us all. Are you going to back out now? If so tell me now or we will all go through with this arrangement.”

There was a hesitation from Harry. He could end this all with a couple of words. It was all on the tip of his tongue, but somehow there was something stopping him. With his mouth open, he remembered Isabella and the memories of these last few months. In a swift moment, Harry walked away from his father with a nod and Charles got his answer.

#Prince Harry Fanfiction #Prince Harry Fanfic #Royal Fanfic #Royal Fanfiction #Fanfiction #PHFF

[sunlitroom]

Gotham 3.20 How The Riddler Got His Name

As I watched it, and some random observations here and there.

Previously on Gotham.

The Court of Owls plotline helpfully condensed in 5 seconds. Fake Bruce – and how can he save Gotham.  He‘s apparently only part of the plan - with Jim the other part. Katherine asks if Frank knows what happens if Jim fails.  Bruce and Selina seem pretty over due to Bruce not telling Selina about her mother’s plan.  The pier. Ed doesn't love Oswald.  He loved Isabella.  Bang. Splash

As always, long post will be long - reaaally long.  There are likely to be rambling digressions. Gobblepot may appear (although I welcome all shippers and non-shippers alike :)).  There will be naked favouritism and naked not-favouritism.  Broader comments at the end on plotlines and parallels and general direction.

 We see a scientist enter a raised glass lab in which Ed is lurking with a gun

Greetings, professor

The professor wisely calls for help, but Ed assures him that no-one is coming.

Ed’s appearance is very clean and clinical – not a hair out of place.  Sterile.

Who are you – asks the professor.  Ed smiles.

Excellent question

Ed offers a riddle, but the professor gets it wrong.  Ed is infuriated by this – control totally lost.  He seems to catch how extreme his response is.

I apologise - I'm not myself these days

Ed ties him up and tries another riddle, which he again gets wrong.  Ed is furious again, and says he expected more.  I’m not really sure why he expects the head of chemistry to be good at wordplay – but whatever.  Ed says that none of the others did well either.  We see the penny drop for the professor that he might not make it out of this.

Others?

A writer, artist, philosopher.  Intellectual and artistic stars

Ed killed them all, apparently.  He continues.

My best friend recently said there was no me without him.  I shot him and dumped him in the river.

The professor cringes – because if this man murdered his best friend, he knows there’s no hope for him. Ed goes on.

He was a sort of guide to me on my journey…..

(an aside – this is a theme for Ed in this episode.  Oswald the person is reduced to only what is useful for Ed, in memory and in hallucination. In a way, it’s as much an assertion of control and ownership as painting a question mark over Oswald’s portrait, or holding on to trophies like Dougherty’s badge, or Kristin’s glasses.)

…I know who I am professor.  It’s how to be him that is eluding me.  Ed is visibly agitated and frustrated.  He offers another riddle – which the professor can’t answer.

Too bad, says Ed.  He opens gas canisters and leaves, blowing the building up behind him as he goes.

Ed really is a selfish asshole.  Artists and academics all squandered because they couldn’t answer his riddles.  It’s maybe interesting to consider whether Ed – whose role was perhaps not reflective of his intellect – is likely to have resented figures who were recognised for their abilities.

Bruce recounting night of his parents’ death - except it's not Bruce, it's fake Bruce, who's been well rehearsed.  Katherine is pleased.

Excellent, my dear - you truly are Bruce Wayne.

She phones Uncle Frank, and says that they are ready, adding.

I hope your nephew is amenable.  Should he refuse - you know the rules.  

Frank reassures her. She tells Bruce they are to proceed, and fills a biiig syringe.

Ed is reading a newspaper - Oswald missing, worst feared – a report on the murder of the chemistry professor.

Ed rubs his temples (we can assume running the city single-handed and going on a killing spree is pretty tiring) and pops a pill.  His eyes go weird, and he turns to the sofa to see a hallucination of Oswald in a sodden suit.  He snarls at him

What did I tell you about dripping on the couch?

It’s Oswald’s house, Ed. So belt up.

Os needles Ed over his hypocrisy, asking him how long he’ll present the public face of grief, when he actually killed his best friend.  Ed is rattled – which suggests that although Ed might be using the hallucination of Oswald to serve his own needs, we’re still seeing some of the same stuff we saw eack when it was BadEd in the mirror – needling, provoking, mocking.

Oswald walks into the room and asks Ed about his extra-curricular activities, looking at a noticeboard with pictures of Ed’s recent victims.

HallucinationOswald mirrors Ed’s gestures as they look, because he's essentially just a projection of Ed.

Oswald recommends that Ed ditch the riddles.  Ed reacts strongly.  This is not an option

A good riddle reveals the asker – so someone who can answer can help him

He wants to find a guide to help him – because knowing who he is and how to be that person are two different things.  Halluc-Os sneers.

I made myself Penguin when I killed Fish

He claims he didn’t need anyone’s help – and had no teacher.  

(An aside- This also flags up areas where Ed’s understanding or knowledge of Oswald is flawed or incomplete. Fish told Oswald she created him when they met again – and Oswald did not dispute that.  Either Oswald did not share that information, or Ed didn’t listen. I’d go for (A), since Ed paid attention to everything that helped him to read and manipulate Oswald)

Ed clicks his fingers. Maybe it’s not a teacher that he needs – but an enemy.  Villains are defined by the men who seek to stop them, and he knows the perfect man (Freudian slip there from Ed – as discussed elsewhere with insights from @rhavewellyarnbag and @millicentcordelia  - Jim is indeed the golden boy in Ed’s eyes)

Halluc-Os snaps to attention and steps in front of Ed as if to stop him

Please - do not say Jim Gordon

Jim says Jim’s name at the same time – and smiles maliciously at Oswald’s pained expression.  Again – discussed elsewhere with @millicentcordelia and @rhavewellyarnbag – Ed knows that Oswald cares about Jim and tries to protect him, and so his hallucination of Oswald behaves accordingly.  Mentally tormenting a hallucination of Oswald after he’s already messed horribly with his head and shot him is…. something else.  Ed really does enjoy hurting people.

At GCPD, Lucius is talking over the recent string of murders with Harvey, who still appears to be acting captain.  Harvey is dismissive, but Lucius is insistent.

And professor of mine died in that lab fire

Harvey pulls a face.

Bored down in the lab, Lucius?

Lucius visibly reigns in his frustration

Yes – but that’s not why you should look at this

Harvey says they cannot allocate resources to this (6 murders, Harvey – really?)

Lucius wants to call Jim, but Harvey refuses and says Jim needs rest.

A singing telegram arrives downstairs for Jim with a murder riddle from Ed.  It’s a chess strategy, from which Lucius deduces he is going to kill again.  I get a depressing flashback to season 2 of Twin Peaks and Windom Earle’s shenanigans.

 A competitive chess game. Ed watches from a balcony.  He’s tired and headachey – slapping his face to stay awake.  They should have left the scene explaining Ed's exhaustion and drug use to combat it in – I think.  The idea that Ed was not enjoying running the city anymore and was suffering physically adds more fuel to his decision to find his own way.  Oswald appears again when he pops his pill.  What the hell is he taking?  Ed thank Oswald for coming.  Oswald is sour.

Like I had a choice

Ed promises that it will be electrifying.

Oswald eats popcorn while Ed obnoxiously interrupts games by yelling suggestions from the balcony. Oswald tires of this.

Can we discuss why you're doing this?

Ed doesn’t like being questioned.  Oswald smiles.

The problem with talking to projections of your psyche – and you of all people should know this – is that they know everything you know. Gordon can't help you (a slip by Ed– I don’t think Os ever refers to Jim by surname only). No-one can.  You need to face the truth. (Again, this is pretty much BadEd territory – undermining, insulting)

Ed is distracted by the arrival of GCPD.

No Jim Gordon? Well then, who?  

He smiles when he sees who - Harvey and Lucius

Oh - how interesting.

Ed flips the first switch, shocking a player – and enjoys the chaos that ensues – the hallucination forgotten.

Country Cabin That Looks Suspiciously Like The Place Maroni took Oswald

Jim wants to know why he's here.  Is Uncle Frank going to explain disappearing when he was a kid?  Or what happened between him and his dad?

Frank asks for trust. Jim knocks back a drink before answering.

You’re family - of course I trust you.  

Somewhere, Selina feels the urge to smack Jim on the side of his head and give him a talking-to.  

Frank asks Jim if he’s ever done something he thought was right at time, but would give his life to do over.  Jim internally reviews every life event to date, up to and including his breakfast choices this morning.

Frank says that was what happened with Jim’s father.  He loved his brother and Jim is his son. He wants to make things right.

Wayne Manor, where knife throwing lessons are in progress.

Alfred deliberately annoys Bruce as he throws to test his concentration.  He thinks Bruce has something on his mind.

Miss Kyle, perhaps

Apparently, Selina let a note for him – asking for a meeting.  Bruce refuses - Selina's avoided him for weeks, and it’ll take more than a note to have him running.  I suppose Bruce is a child – so his lack of understanding is plausible – but Selina did have her mother, who abandoned her, come back into her life and immediately cynically try to scam her. I think she’s allowed to have some problems right now.

GCPD, where Lucius reviews evidence. There’s numbers on bottom of the chess pieces.  They call the number they give them, and reach Ed, trying out a new gravelly voice.  He tells Lucius it’s bad manners to intercept other people’s mail.  Lucius asks why he killed all those people

I had no choice - they failed my test

He invites Lucius to solve clue – the next target is in the belly of beast.  If he can solve the clue, then he’s one step closer to finding him.

We can see, in the background, that Ed has painted a question mark over Oswald's portrait

Out in the countryside, Jim and Uncle Frank are hunting.  Jim misses. Frank commiserates – but Jim tells him it was deliberate, in order to test his gun.  Frank makes disappointed noises, but Jim’s having none of it.

You tell me you’ve done terrible things, and then you bring me out here (Good instincts, Jim.  Isolated cabins are murdery)

Franks asks if Jim’s heard old Gotham tales about the Court of Owls.  Jim responds,

Pretend I haven't

Frank elaborates. They’re a secret society started by elite to maintain balance. (elites aren’t interested in balance, Frank – they’re interested in maintaining an unbalanced status-quo which perpetuates their power, but anyway).

However, time and power has corrupted the organisation, of which Jim’s father was, and Frank is, a member.

Jim handles his gun meaningfully.

Frank reassures him. The Court doesn't mean him harm.  It has the highest regard for him, and wants him to become a member.  Jim looks generally unhappy.

 GCPD – where Lucius and Harvey interrogating a man.  Harvey tells Lucius to rough him up, but Lucius doesn’t play that way – and says that ‘no-one is hitting anyone’.  

Long story short – the man’s boss is called Mr Thirio – Greek for beast – so they can find the next clue.

 Wayne Manor, in the kitchens.

Bruce asks Alfred what he’s making.  It’s shepherd’s pie.  Fuck – flee to the city, Bruce.  Get in a fight.  Get abducted. Visit Jeri.  Visit Jerome.  Shepherd’s pie tastes of precisely fuck all and never seems to come to an end.

Alfred tells how the recipe was given to him by an old ‘lady friend’ with whom he had a fling, but broke up over something silly.  Bruce scoffs at the attempt to get his to see Selina.  Alfred elaborates, though, and says that at least he and his ex got closure. Bruce should see Selina – if only for that.  Bruce agrees, and Alfred says he’ll keep some pie warm.  Even better. Dry shepherd’s pie.

 GCPD.

Lucius tells Harvey that Thirio was not in his apartment.  Harvey is not really listening, admiring himself in the mirror.  He’s going to the academy graduations.

How do I look?

Is this what Gordon deals with?

Harvey thanks him, and then asks if he’s seen his badge

Oswald’s mansion, where Ed is being berated by his own psyche.  Oswald rants at him.  He showed him how to be Ed Nygma.  He showed him how to run the underworld, hidden in plain sight.

(An aside.  Ed fundamentally doesn't want that.  He doesn’t want to be concealed in any way.  He needs to be recognised – which is why his situation with Oswald was only ever temporary)

Oswald works on him some more.  He says that Ed isn't sleeping, that he’s taking drugs and talking to his own hallucination. He’s screaming now, trying to undermine him.

You’re lost without me.

Ed tries to leave. However, his vision blurs and turns red, and suddenly hallucination Oswald is singing a torch song.  This seems to enrage Ed.  He doesn’t want a reminder of this aspect of Oswald.  His hallucination is there to serve a specific purpose, and Ed – ultimately – had no use for this part of Oswald.  Maybe – too – seeing a reminder of the fact that Oswald was an actual person with his own motivations and feelings kindles some guilt, because Ed hits the table and yells:

I admit that killing you killed part of me – but I will find a way forward and be reborn!

The hallucination yells after him, but is breaking down now, more obviously just a projection of Ed’s insecurities – talking about Oswald in the third person

Penguin saw you Ed - he made you.  There’s no Ed Nygma without Penguin!

Maybe try taking just half of one of those pills, Ed?

GCPD – where Lee is examining the corpse.  Lucius points out that Lee worked at Arkham, and asks for her insight – why would a killer do this?  Lee replies that we all want answers to the same big questions.  Who am I?  Will anyone ever love me?  Some people seek answers in a logical way….

While others stuff Harvey Bullock’s badge inside a dead body.

Lucius courteously thanks Lee before leaving, using her professional title.

At the academy, Harvey rehearses a bad speech.  Ed sidles up to him.  Harvey asks what the hell he’s doing there.  Ed comments that – as GCPD seemingly can’t locate the mayor – he’s here to address the cadets on his behalf.  Harvey bridles at the suggestion of Ed – a cop killer – addressing the cadets. Ed is irritated by this:

How is the view from the moral high ground, Harvey?

Harvey’s phone rings. It’s Lucius.  Ed grins...

Must be about me

…and lurches forward to grab Harvey and – presumably – chloroform him.

Sitting on some stairs in the city, Bruce reads Selina’s note.  He hears a fight and goes to see what’s happening.

I remember you - Bruce Wayne

It’s Sonny Gilzean, who asks if he has money, and makes to mug him.

Selina appears and tells him to back off

Bruce says he’s here to talk.  Selina isn’t – she’s looking for Sonny – with whom she’s got business.  Bruce proceeds to put his foot in it.

He’s a thief - you can't trust him.

Selina icily responds that she’s a thief too.  Bruce tries to apologise.

Sorry – I should have told you I suspected your mother

Selina doesn’t want to hear it – but can’t quite manage to restrain a backhanded attempt to protect him.

Go home – you don't belong here

Bruce asks why she asked him here at all. Selina says she didn’t – and tells him not to come looking for her again.  

Sonny says it’s too bad his girlfriend left.

I don't think she's my girlfriend

Me neither

Bruce takes more of a beating before rallying.

 Graduation ceremony. Ed takes the stage and banters a little. Harvey’s all tied up.  They all look dandy.

How do I look?

He riddles at them

Light as a feather- but no man can hold it long.  What am I?

The audience of cadets mutters, and wonders if they can legally shoot him now or have to wait until after the ceremony.

Ed loses his temper and delivers the answer while rolling out gas canisters.

Your breath

He laughs, and leaves.

Meantime Lucius arrives and encounters another telegram.  He talks to Ed on the phone

Foxy?  How’d you know it was me?

Only one person refers to me as Foxy

(Oh dear – a special nickname.  That sound in the distance is someone, somewhere, launching a ship.  Ed helps the launch along by demanding Lucius’ undivided attention)

Come upstairs and play a game with me for the antidote.  Come along, or Harvey and the cadets all die.

Lucius runs upstairs to find Harvey tied to a chair and perched on the banister.  He asks if he’s OK.  Ed removes Harvey’s gag to let him answer.  Harvey tells him not to try to outsmart ‘this lunatic’ - cadets lives at stake.

Lucius ignores him.

Let’s begin.

Ed smiles widely.

Wonderful.

If Lucius can get just one, everyone lives.  Lose – and they all die.

(To save my wrists, and because the riddles are giffed elsewhere – I’m not typing them all out in full)

Ed offers the first riddle. Lucius answers ‘love’ – but the answer was ‘loneliness’.  Ed is enraged.

How do you not know that?  

He cuts a rope. Harvey panics and pleads.

No – Nygma, no.

Another.

I’m a member of a group – but can never blend in

Lucius answers ‘snowflake’

Ed screams in rage

‘Individual’

Lucius remonstrates.

Snowflake is also a suitable answer.

Ed wants his answer – though.  He becomes very agitated, and cuts another rope.  Harvey is frightened, and pleads again.

I'm sorry - oh god

Ed is arguing with himself now.  Oswald was right -he's was the only one.  He wheels suddenly to point confront Lucius.  No!  It's just you - you aren’t a good enough enemy

Lucius stays calm, and listens to what Ed says – so when Ed starts his next riddle….

I feel your every move.  I’m with you through birth, and I’ll see you rot

He’s able to interrupt, unsettling Ed.  He keeps his tone controlled and soft. Curious, more than anything

What did you do Ed, what happened to Penguin?

Ed falters.

Did you kill him?  You did, didn’t you?

Ed is repeating the riddle compulsively now – almost like it will calm him.

Lucius answers:

A reflection

Ed’s smile contains genuine joy

Correct

Ed walks away without enacting any of his revenge.  He wants to be understood more than to kill

Unfortunately, the rope frays anyway – and Harvey is caught by Lucius before he can topple down the stairs.

Back in the city,  Bruce's nose is bleeding. He stops at a convenient mirror in an alley – only to see his double appear behind him, which is still less scary than BOB.

You

Good to see you too

Bruce says his double sent the note – and notices that he’s dressed identically to him.

Yes - like looking into a mirror.

Bruce 2 lunges forward and plunges the syringe into Bruce’s neck

This is what I was made for - to be Bruce Wayne.

Back at the hunting lodge. Jim doesn’t want to believe what he’s hearing.

How could my father have been part of this?

Frank protests.  At the time, they were proud to join - thought we were going to do good.  He claims now, though, to be disenchanted.  He despises them.  Jim’s father saw through their lies earlier – but Frank didn’t listen until it was too late. The Court killed him.

Jim can’t hear this. He denies it  - adamant.  He was there. It was an accident. A drink driver.

I was in the wreck.  I watched him die.

Oh Jim.

Frank says staging a crash is simple business for the Court.

Why now, Jim wants to know – 20 years later?  Where have you been?  Where were you when my mom and I needed you?

Franks said the Court sent him abroad to prove loyalty.  Jim asks why he would prove loyalty to group that murdered his brother?  Frank says he chose to live.  Now, though - they want Jim to join.  He wants Jim to help him succeed where others have failed.  He wants to bring the Court down and return the rule of democracy and law to Gotham. Jim asks why he should believe him.

You have to believe in something

Wayne Manor kitchens. Alfred listens to a radio report of Ed’s exploits which tells people to look out for a man in a green suit. Should probably also mention cheekbones. Look out for a guy wearing a green suit, with cheekbones that could cut glass, probably having a conversation with himself.

Bruce 2 enters. Alfred asks how Selina was.  Bruce 2 smarmily responds.

Selina Selina

Alfred smiles, and offers shepherd’s pie.  Bruce says that sounds delicious. Alfred looks momentarily suspicious – because shepherd’s pie plainly isn’t delicious – and claiming it is means you’re definitely an evil doppelganger.  

He masks his uncertainty quickly

Jolly good - won't be a mo.

 A swat team invades Van Dahl mansion.  Ed’s gone, though.  We see the portrait again.

 In the street.   Lucius gets into his car.  Ed pops up from the back seat.

Hello Foxy

Lucius seems unruffled. So - the antidote turned out to be grape juice, and the deadly toxin was knock-out gas.

Ed says the whole point was to play a game, not kill people.  Lucius points out,

But you killed Penguin and Prof Dyson.

Ed frowns.

Have you always been Foxy?

Lucius says he’s not sure what he means.  Ed elaborates.

All my life - I felt like someone was inside of me.  Someone stronger and smarter, that people would fear.  No one else saw that.

Lucius interrupts,

Except Penguin

Ed agrees – a moment of sadness on his face

Except Oswald.

But he killed Oswald because Oswald killed the woman he loved

Lucius asks if that’s what Ed thinks he’ll do now Oswald’s gone - fill that role - to be a reflection (‘a friend is, as it were, a second self’). Ed says no – though.

I know who I am.   I know how to be him.

He smiles as he puts a gun to Lucius’ head – and thanks him for the part he played in that.

Lucius points out how reckless Ed’s actions are.   He’s honestly worried and pitying, and tells Ed that any part of him that isn’t insane needs to listen to him.

You need help.  Turn yourself in.

Ed’s smile fades.  

My actions seem mad to you

Lucius nods.

To anyone

Ed swallows.

I - I killed the best friend I’ve ever had.  My search for a teacher or enemy…that was just me trying to hold on to him for a little bit longer. (Interesting that Ed is able to reflect honestly when confronted with genuine, calm concern)

But now I know who am without him

So who are you now?

Come on, Foxy.  I’m The Riddler.

He wallops Lucius on the head with his gun, and then leans back, laughing to himself.

Ed is at the pier with Oswald.  Ed tells the hallucination that his friendship meant something to him.  He cared about Oswald, and he misses him.

Oswald is sour

Gee.  That almost makes up for being dead.

(An aside - Ed’s admission isn’t exactly surprising.  I've said before that while Ed was extremely manipulative, and fostered dependency from Oswald - I honestly think that Ed - being utterly convinced of his own judgment above anyone else's - felt that this was fine, because he was acting in Oswald's own best interests.  Oswald is the only friend Ed ever had, and that was meaningful to him.  

As Oswald points out though - while it's nice that Ed gets his emotional closure, it doesn't make Oswald any less shot.  In the same way, Ed’s retconning of Kristin's death into his 'becoming' doesn't make her any less strangled.  In a way, it serves to make Ed more frightening.  He can feel genuine love or friendship for someone, but he equally has the capacity to knowingly hurt that person, to frighten them, and to take their life from them.  That he can then package it neatly into something that suits him psychologically just feels like one last violation, someone's personhood taken away, and their life considered only in terms of how it served Ed's needs.)

The hallucination points out that all GCPD is hunting him, and no one is going to be afraid of The Riddler.

Ed smiles.  They will be.  Kneeling at the edge, he tips the pills into the water.  Looking round, he sees he is alone, and smiles.  He bids Oswald goodbye before donning a bowler hat and striding away.

Ivy is misting lots of pot plants in a room which also contains a bed, which also contains one Oswald Cobblepot.  Oswald is waking up

Well - looks who's alive.

Oswald asks who she is.

Ivy Pepper, stupid.

Confused, Oswald asks if they know each other.  Ivy tells him she pulled him out of the river – and has been nursing him for weeks. It’s pretty boring – he sleeps a lot. She then frowns, noticing that Oswald looks strange.  Like he’s going to puke.  She asks if he’s OK.  Oswald’s possibly confused at being rescued and nursed out of simple altruism for once, as opposed to being shot full of drugs and relentlessly manipulated.

Oswald smiles, and his jangly signature music kicks in.

I just remembered – there’s someone I need to kill

You go, sweetie.

At the miserable cabin. Jim brings back wood for the fire. He calls for his uncle, but he’s gone, leaving a family photograph with a message written on the back:

Help me honour his memory.

At the Court, Katherine is enquiring how things went.  Frank says Jim’s interest is piqued, but convincing him will take time.  Katherine says they don’t have time, and that the clone is in place.  Bruce Wayne is waking up as they speak.

 And he is.  Bruce sees bright lights and wakes up in a cell, in weird woollen pyjamas.  Going to the window, he looks out to an arctic looking landscape.

 I apologise - I’m not myself these days.

This has always been the problem for Ed, who has struggled for as long as we’ve known him to have a coherent sense of self.  Shot through with self-hatred, parts of his psyche splinter off and manifest as other people – usually berating him, mocking him for his failure to be a better self – this other, buried person he feels he’s supposed to be – that he sometimes glimpses in other people, like Lucius, or Jim.

Unsure of how to embody this better self – Ed looked for a guide.  He thought that was Oswald, but Oswald failed him, and was mercilessly discarded.  He thinks defining himself against an enemy might help – and who better than Jim Gordon? But Jim, hilariously, manages to thwart Ed simply by being absent.  

So Ed’s left with Lucius – which is fortunate for him – because Jim’s approach would have involved much less in the way of warm, calm compassion, and more in the way of punching. Lucius is perhaps the first person to express genuine, disinterested concern for Ed.  He listens, and doesn’t mock. Ed, in turn, credits Lucius with helping him see who he is.  As we leave him this episode, he has a renewed purpose and sense of who he is. 

Jim’s dead father has always loomed large, and many of Jim’s interactions with authority figures are informed by that relationship – with Jim seeking out father figures, but then almost immediately being disappointed by them, and acting out in response.  I wonder whether – on some level – Jim had an inkling of something being not quite right?  

Whether he did or not, the revelations about his father will shake Jim’s sense of identity, and force him to question himself and his ideas.   Already there’s a fundamental shift.  He’s no longer the boy who witnessed his father’s accidental death.  He’s now the boy who saw him murdered.

Bruce isn’t himself right now because he’s at odds with Selina – who acts as a counterbalance to him in many ways.  Whether he can retain his sense of self in the face of whatever training he seems to have been forcibly sent on remains to be seen.

Bruce 2, meanwhile, is exultant.  A lifetime of experimentation and prodding, and he finally gets to ‘be’ Bruce.

Oswald wasn’t Oswald for much of the episode, because what we saw was a fake – a projection of Ed’s insecurities, conjured up to help him cope with sadness at the loss of a friend. However, the Oswald we saw at the end – grinning and out for revenge – seems to have regained a more firm grip on his sense of self.

General Observations

All-round enjoyable episode, I thought.  Lucius is warm, thoughtful, curious, respectful, and intelligent – and great to watch.  His interactions with Harvey and Lee offer something a little different.  His scenes with Ed, though, were really the highlight. There’s a genuine connection there that will hopefully be developed more.

Butch, Barbara and Tabitha were conspicuous by their absence.  All we can take from this is that Barbara has not made good on her promise to kill Ed – despite some weeks having passed – and that this is likely having an effect on that relationship.

Jim’s in a pretty vulnerable place right now.  Still smarting – we assume – from the aftermath of the triangle of tedium, he’s now on very treacherous ground, being either guided or manipulated by an Uncle whom he resents for abandoning him after his father’s death.  

Also dealing with parental abandonment twice over is Selina.  She seems hard and uncaring right now – trying to go back to her old life like Bruce never existed – trying to protect herself.

An Ivy/Oswald friendship would be great.  They’re both – as discussed elsewhere – perceived as odd outsiders, both (for different reasons) childlike adults.  Oswald never forgets slights, but he never forgets a good turn either – and Ivy selflessly cared for him for weeks.

First confirmed non-sighting of Victor.  I’m watching you, show.

Thoughts?

#Gotham commentary #how the riddler got his name #gotham 3:20

[itdisneymatter]

Day 01 - Magic Kingdom

Instead of a summary this time around, I'll try to sum up the day in a few words and sentences with a TLDR (too long; didnt read). Mostly to save me from repeating myself too much but also means you can skip on me droming on about nothing.

So the TLDR for today: Magic Kingdom. Custom t-shirts. Magic Bands. Really worth it. Got a good few rides in and hit 2 out of 3 of the mountains. Went for lunch at Belle's castle. Hot, hot, hot. Seen the 3pm parade. Missed out on a few rides but we'll get them in on a return. Everyone really enjoyed it and kicked the holiday off really well. Didnt hit dinner till late. Caught in a thunderstorm on the way home. Soaked.

And now...

First things first, or is that now second. Anyway,  I may have missed one or two details in my less than awake state which had an impact on todays events. We had planned, all going well, that we would head to Disney Springs (previously Downtown Disney) to get some Magic Bands - a watch-y thing that replaces your park ticket making it easier for Fast Passes and the like. With all the delays and the tiredness of yesterday it just wasnt a thing we were able to do. Ah well, best laid plans and all that. It meant however that we now had to try and pick them up when we hit the park today, pushing out our plans slightly. 

Some of us got personalised t-shirts made up (with our name and a specially selected Disney character), so today was a perfect opportunity to wear them.  We skipped on breakfast, and didnt have any bottled water to make a coffee (normally eek but ok for this morning, strangely). Not too hungry anyway so headed to my mum and dad's hotel to pick them up. They are in the same hotel as my sister, so its really convenient as a meet up point as my brother was picking them up in his car and its between both of our hotels. We were pretty spot on time for it being the first day so off we set for Magic Kingdom.

Parked up and within five minutes we stumbled upon a wee gift shop that sold Magic Bands - woohoo!  They have different colours and design so Ann picked up a nice wee 45th Anniversary Limited edition number. Patrick went for Sorcerers Apprentice (to match his tshirt.) Robert went for Up (to match his tshirt AAAND favourite Disney movie). Grace went for Orange Bird, who is a wee orange bird (funnily enough) who used to appear is old, Disney animations. We picked up a cup one time on the first visit to Disney (in 2013) and that cup had Orange Bird on it, and Grace has had an affinity with the character ever since. I went for Aladdin. Mum and Dad picked some funky coloured bands and we headed off to the park entrance. Spotted some of the other party (the ones in the second car) in their custom t-shirts so sped up to meet them just in time to board the ferry to the Magic Kingdom entrance. Tshirts already coming in handy with finding peeps, so colour matching tees in the way to go for future outings I think! Ferry was lovely and all of the kids were getting really excited.

So me trying to Facebook Live the Magic Kingdom entry was a complete and utter failure. I didnt even know how to start the thing - I should be as ashamed, calling myself a techie. Though I did get slightly reprimanded taking my phone out as they had a no selfie policy at security, prior to going in. He had a gun, so I pretty much did what he said and put my phone away. I fell back on my trusty Go-Pro (that I havent used since last time, but how hard can it be, right?). Video to follow as my laptop is ancient and I can barely run wordpad nevermind a full 1080p video clip. 

Full of smiles we headed in and once we stocked up on some water, a first visit badge for Emily and the others picked up their magic bands, we had 20 minutes to get to to our first fast pass - Splash Mountain in Frontier Land (good job I knew the way :P). Bypassed some rides as well as an opportunity to get Dole Whip (marked down on our initial plans), but we made the ride with 5 minutes to spare - phew!

Magic Kingdom Mountains 1 & 2... check!

Splash mountain. All of the family (save for my Mum, Alessio and Isabella) hit up the ride and it was AWESOME! Grace was quite panicky so was a little clingy (even though she'd been on it before) but Emily and Corrie both first timers absolutely loved it. And for our efforts, our first family ride photo! :D

Then we headed to Big Thunder straight after - ended up riding on my jack jones which was arite though as I go pro-ed the whole thing (our party's reactions, not the ride itself). We did also get a video for our memory maker which we have never had before but its a really fantasticly amazing this to have (even if the photographers does make you hold invisible fairies and set you up in a variety of cheesy poses).

On a role, we then hit Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World (GG's personal fave), Mickey's Philharmagic AND Peter Pan all before lunch. Not bad, for running an hour or so later off plan.

Be. Our. Guest!

Due to availability and a LOT of pre-planning, our wee family were the only ones booked in to Be Our Guest today. We said our goodbyes to the rest of the party and after arranging a meet up point and time we set off for a now, very much needed, lunch. We decided on some really nice menu choices, including a monster Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Barbequed Pulled Pork. The guys also got the infamous "Grey Stuff" for dessert, which seemed to be the kids favourite course of the day. However the star of the show for me was the French Onion Soup which was sublimely awesome (I'd eat this every day and I'm really really not a soup guy!).

We caught back up with the rest of the party after lunch just in time for the 3pm parade, which was only listed as a might-do due to time so really impressed we managed it. Time to get the zoom lens out! :D A side note on cameras - last time we were here I opted to take a reasonably good performing compact camera instead of my main SLR, for accessiblity purposes. While it was good, I always missed the feel and added control of my main camera, so this year its the exact opposite - Im gonna be a packhorse. Quality over comfort! The parade was really colourful and with the smaller kiddos were put up on shoulders so they had a perfect view (however I must add, its quite difficult to take quality photos through a 70-200mm lens mounted on a 5D with a flashgun, I'll have you know).

After cycling through most of the main Disney Princess movies in the Parade (except Frozen, which was kinda dissapointing, mainly as *I* wanted to see Elsa), Mickey and Mickey signed off the show to resounding cheers and waves and applause.

ROARRRRRRR!!!

A little time to go before our last listed Fast Pass of the Day - Seven Dwarves Mine Train, so we queued up for Enchanted Tales With Belle beforehand. The main premise is that kids (and some adults), volunteer to get chosen to reeact a little scene with Belle. For one of the main roles, The Beast, kids must roar their loudest and Grace got chosen! (though I shouldnt really be surposed by that). She was all chuffed and kept saying her and Robert had switched roles from last time with Robert now playing the part of the mighty steed Snaggleforp, or whatever the horses name is (its late and and I'm not going to google Belle's hor..., right fine... its Phillipe). Patrick, Robert, Corrie and Emily were also picked to be part of the show. Even Kevin was picked as a Knight in shining armor - which he played brilliantly (mostly it was about standing still, but still, brilliantly). They all got presented with a little bookmark as a small token, at the end for taking part.

By now, everyone was feeling a little drained so decided after Seven Dwarves that we would head for home and grab a bite to eat. We are going to be back at Magic Kingdom at least one other time when we can prioritize Tomorrowland, so everyone was on board. Seven Dwarves, I ended up on my own again after having lost my little sidekick Gracie (who opted out of the ride). I didn't mind though as I had my Gopro already to go again. I was slotted in on the first seat with a lady, who immediately asked my name and introduced herself (as Martha?... maybe, it was loud and after two attempts of saying 'what' you just need to go along with it). She just started chatting away all through the ride. In fact, just today loads of people just started up full blown convo's with me out of the blue - I mustve been rocking a approachable/chatterbox vibe in my backward facing hat and camera loadout. Those of you who know me, know me as anything but (listen I try, but I'm the first to admit I'm pretty terrible with words and interesting conversation at times). That being said, it was great to chat with so many different people around the world and just goes to show how friendly and amazing this place really is.

A wee cheeky ride on the Speedway for a few folk, a quick tee shirt pic in front of the castle and we headed home.

An absolutely amazing day with Splash mountain being the clear favourite for most of the kids. And although we missed out on a section or two, we still got loads of rides in and everyone was content with general flow how the day. With everyone on the same wavelength I think its gonna make this holiday a really magical one (sorry for the being soppy, Im getting tired, but we're nearly there).

Thunder and Lightning, very very frightening.

Michael & Sarah-Jane decided to grab some dinner and get an early night so we said our goodbyes for the day. We headed out to the shop after getting back to the hotel to grab so Beers and water (in order of priority obvs), as well as a few other bits and pieces. We then met up with my Mum, Dad, Kev, Pauline and Emily to go for a bite to eat (I just realised I havent formall introduced everyone in the party, Ill get around to that tomorrow, promise). With it being a Saturday most places were pretty packed and after checking out a few places (unsuccessfully), we ended up in Johnny Rockets (which Robert pointed out was where we went the second night the last time after failing to find a place - kids memorys are scary at times). We got seated but the service was SLOOOOOW! I can fault our waitress too much though, she brought me over a freee refill pretty much as soon as I finished my first drink. It instantly reminded me of Steve Buchemi's in that infamous Diner scene at the beginning of  Reservoir Dogs...

Mr. Pink: Look, I ordered coffee, alright? And we been here a long *bleeping* time and she's only filled my cup three times. When I order coffee I want it filled six times.

Ok, so it wasnt six times, it was one time, and it wasnt coffee (mmm coffee, I really shoulda went with coffee now that I think about it), but it was the single good thing about the service and one that warranted the tip even if it didnt meet Mr. Pink's stringent tipping criteria.

I actually haven't had an appetite since those prissy little sammiches on the plane. Even at Belle's castle and I wasnt particulary hungry even when we sat down at Johnny Rockets. But hey, do they mak a mean burger! Opted for a Smokehouse, which included some Bacon-y goodness and crispy onion rings - good stuff and nearly worth the wait, nearly... but then again it was a long wait. So the whole experience was fairly ok but then it took a big huge nose dive to round off the night...

When we left the restaurant,  its was bucketing it down. I know coming from Scotland we should be used to a little rain, but this was torrential, and we got huge flashes & bangs of thunder and lightening thrown in, in good measure. Big Rain as Grace so eloquently put it (shes just brilliant with words). Our hotel was right across the road, which was handy, but we had to leave the other guys to struggle to their hotel which was pretty much a mile away :( 

Ok, I'm delivering this really late and have no time to edit so apologies, I must try harder during the day in future. The images are also taking an age to download, so might not have all the ones I want in by the time this goes up, though Ill try to add more later in maybe a weekly slideshow or something. See you tomorrow for Day 02 - Epcot which will which will likely being unofficially subtitled - Battling The Storm!

[thearrangment-phff]

V. I Am Yours

June 2016

Isabella and Harry met again in the middle of June after the Queen's birthday parade before he had other things to do. It was really his time off for that entire month and he was suggested by Ed and his father to spend it with Isabella. She had made them a nice steak dinner, but their nice dinner was really watching another horror flick on Isabella's small couch.

They mostly ate in silence and Isabella's occasional jump had made Harry become tense. It wasn't the movie that scared him, rather just her. When the movie was over she had looked at him with such a sad smile.

"When am I going to meet your family?"

Harry didn't really have an answer. He knew he would have to introduce Isabella to his family sooner than later, but it still really didn't cross his mind, "Well... I don't really know."

"What about Christmas? Will we spend it separated?" Asked Isabella.

He didn't have an answer to that either, "Do you want to spend it in London?"

"Well no... I'll most likely be in Belgium or Luxembourg this year. It's a great way to meet the family that's all," answered Isabella.

"Do you want me to be with you?" Asked Harry.

Isabella stayed silent thinking of her own words, making sure they made sense and not come off the wrong way, "Well I don't want to take you away from your family on such a family event. I just thought Christmas is a good time to meet the family that's all."

Now she was afraid she sounded like an idiot, "Well... I'm spending most of July in Africa so we won't see each other. When I come back to London in August you could meet the family."

Isabella nodded, "In September my Godfather's uncle, he's a Prince of Liechtenstein, and he's having a party for his birthday, some of my family is going to be there," She exhaled knowing she was rambling and he gave a small smile to know everything was alright, but that smile just made things worse, "and we have to make it seem real so I wanted to know if you would go with me."

Harry opened his mouth ready to give an answer only to be stopped by his own brain because he didn't have an answer. Isabella interrupted him, "It's a one-night stay type of thing! Get there, go to the party, and leave in the morning. We would have to share a room that is but I'm sure we can work something out if you say yes."

Except Harry didn't exactly say yes. His head had betrayed the rest of his body since he couldn't make a sound, and nodded at Isabella's words. She gave him a smile in return, excited at the news, "Oh thank you! You have no idea how horrible for me if I didn't have someone."

There was a small silence, "Why?"

"My godfather, Alois, terribly rich, like billionaire rich and head of state and all. His son knows fully well what he's going to inherit. When I was younger, my godfather tried to get me to date his son. My grandmother pushed too, saying I would be a Princess of Liechtenstein and all. Then I met his son. He’s not such bad guy in the large world of bad guys but something just never clipped between us," explained Isabella before making a disgusted face and in turn made Harry laugh.

"So he wanted to date you. Everyone wanted you to date him. And, let me guess... you didn't want to date him."

Isabella laughed at him, "Yup. At the time I had fallen in love with this American boy and thought he was the one. You can imagine the shock that we never got together. He did try and still does. But now I have a boyfriend who I can flaunt to everyone."

"You want to make him jealous?"

Isabella immediately shook her head, "To make him jealous would indicate that I had some feelings for him. I don't. Never did. Having our little arrangement means everyone will stop pressuring to marry one of them," snapped Isabella at the end.

"Pressuring you? Isn't that exactly what this is?" Asked Harry with a raised eyebrow making Isabella groan.

"Okay, that's different! Our arrangement was mutually agreed on by both parties. I never agreed to date a Liechtenstein boy or man. Therefore, our situation is different."

"So what do you want me to do?"  

That simple question made Isabella groan mentally inside. One reason those words came from him and the second reason being she didn't have the answer, "… I don't know.... be yourself? You're like walking sex so breathing would be fine."

Harry couldn't believe what she called him and laughed, "Did you just call me walking sex?"

"I did. The beard helps by the way. Look, we need to act like a couple and all so these little party things my family has will be a great way to test things out," explained Isabella.

"Test what out? How to act around each other?"

"Yes. You can't look at me like you hate me, you need to look at me like you're in love with me. You need my family, your family, and the damn rest of the world think we are in love and ready to get married. I am not about to spend the next 40 years with someone I loathe because they choose to remain emotionless in this arrangement."

"Do you want us to fall in love? Do you believe that we could somehow fall in love in all this mess?" Asked Harry.

"I do think we can come to like each other as friends to make this whole thing a lot easier," replied Isabella.

"Why become friends in this arranged marriage if you've already thought about divorce with no ring on your finger?" Asked Harry making more sense than he even knew.

"Oh please! Me asking for that is more for personal control in a situation where I have no control. I am obligated to marry you now because I said yes and followed my father. I am obligated to have your children because despite this mess I do want children and if I'm going to spend decades with you by my side might as well since I've had a biological clock on me for what seems like forever. I will stay by your side and dote upon you like the proper 15th-century wife. The purpose of our marriage is to make you look better, you do understand that right?" Asked Isabella in a huff.

God, he was going to make things more complicated. He couldn't even find words to say whatever he was thinking, which was also a jumbled mess, "From the moment our arrangement was agreed upon I am yours," added Isabella.

Those last words got to him. Those last three words are something even Isabella didn't think about saying. Harry lightly shook his head, "You aren't mine Isabella. It would be best to not make something more of this whole problem."

"Truly? That's what you want? To spend this next half a century going through the motions?" Asked Isabella in slight anger.

Harry nodded at her.

September 2016

He regretted that night. Isabella made an excuse of getting a stomach virus causing him to leave the next day. Then she made an excuse of being too sick to meet his family. He hadn't spoken to Isabella in a solid two months. When Charles had called Christian to clear things over on behalf of Harry, Christian had said what Harry was told, Isabella was simply sick. Charles had even tried Isabella's mother, Marie Astrid, only to be told the same thing.

"What did you do?" Asked Charles.

"Nothing. We were talking and she got upset," replied Harry in a defending tone.

"Obviously it hurt her. So, I advise you to fix whatever you did."

"I'm supposed to apologize because she got her feelings hurt?"

"Yes! Yes, you are. You are going to marry this girl Harry. You aren't going to back out of this. She was more than willing to try at this, at least do the same," replied Charles.

Harry had tried. He called and texted and finally, he did get a hold of her. He apologized, she accepted, and everything seemed fine. Harry flew to Geneva, then he and Isabella drove to Liechtenstein in an almost 5-hour car ride of silence. Isabella explained the party would be held at one of many castles belonging to the Prince of Liechtenstein.  

Isabella looked tired and she had an occasional cough making Harry think she wasn't lying about being sick. Then again who's sick for 2 months? The ride was silent for the most part driving Harry mad. He flew from London to Geneva only to sit in a car for 5 hours driving to this tiny country he forgot existed in all honesty.

When they arrived Isabella and Harry were greeted by four older men, later introduced as Prince Rudolf Ferdinand of Liechtenstein, his father Prince Philipp Erasmus of Liechtenstein, Hans-Adams, Prince of Liechtenstein, and his son Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein and Isabella's godfather.

Only Hans-Adams and Alois greeted her with a hug, something she did not mind. Harry had stayed behind her seeing as he didn't know any of them. He was introduced to several other people, and he knew they were somehow related to Isabella.  

Harry paid no attention to his surroundings until a squeak escaped Isabella's lips and as was being lifted off the group in a hug by some blonde man. She giggled at the contact, something he hadn't heard in a long time. They talked in another language and Harry forgot that Isabella could speak multiple languages.

There was another boy keeping his distance, only giving Isabella a nod instead of a hug, "Harry this is my cousin, Josef-Emanuel. Josef, this is Harry, my boyfriend," smiled Isabella.

"Boyfriend? Who gave you permission to date?" Harry noted the thick German accent making Isabella laugh.

"I don't need anyone's permission you baboon. Besides, when did you tell me your dating that pretty German countess?" Snapped Isabella making her cousin pick up his hands in defeat.

"Okay. No permission needed. Don't forget to say hi to Marie Astrid and Anunciata! They kill me if they knew I saw you first and didn't send you their way."

Harry watched as both men walked away, "Your mother is here?" Marie Astrid was the only name he recognized.

"Oh no! My cousin, by my aunt Margaretha, is named Marie Astrid as well. Complicated, I know. I have several relatives named Zita, Marie Astrid, and Maria Astrid. A family name that's all." Harry nodded at her words, "Come. Josef told me our rooms are ready."

Harry followed Isabella up the stairs and into the first room he saw. His eyes scanned the room wanting to ask questions but were interrupted by two tall blonde women bursting in, speaking what he thought, was German.

It didn't take long before the women were staring at him. Isabella had laughed at whatever one of them had said and placed her hands on each of their back taking them to the door. They waved as Harry and winked as they left, "Those were my cousins Marie Astrid and Maria Anunciata. They have a tendency to walk in here at any moment like right now, so fair warning."

"The guy behind your cousin Josef, was that your godfather's son?" Isabella looked at him confused by his question.

"Why would you think that?"

"He didn't even try and touch you. He didn't look too pleased when you announced I was your boyfriend either."

"Yes, that's him. Hopefully, we don't have to deal with him too much."

Harry hesitated to ask any questions, but in the end, he decided that he needed to, "Do you want us to act like a couple in front of everyone?"

Isabella looked at him immediately, "No. There's no need."

Next Chapter

#PHFF #Prince Harry Fanfiction #Prince Harry Fanfic #Royal Fanfiction #Fanfiction #Royal Fanfic