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bubbles-for-all-of-us · 1 year

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Can you love me most?

Part 2

requested: I keep having dreams that Azriel and I (or x reader) are in a politically arranged marriage and have to learn to love each other and I feel like that would make a good fic if you want fluff requests.

warning: this involves some heavy topics like attempted suicide, mentions of abuse (no descriptive scenes just mentions) so please be causes. And this does have a pretty big age gap but no one is a child in this. All interactions are between adults. ⚠️

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Azriel was furious. His anger was practically dripping from him as his shadows frantically flowed all over the place. "How could you!", the shadow singer roared as he stood before his high lord, "Azriel", "Don't you Azriel me, Rhysand!" The situation with summer court had been wobbly for some time. Ever since the fiasco that Cassian pulled yet again, things have increasingly gone downhill. Apologies did nothing. Gifts didn't smother the high lord, and the war was about to break. And for some unknown reason, it was he who had to pay the price.

"Everyone's mated. You're the only valid option left", Azriel only shook his head in disbelief, "So I'm just an object in your game? Is that all I am?", Azriel had done so much for this court and had sacrificed so much. All he wanted was some decency in return. And even that was off the table. "Tarquin agreed to let it all go if...", "Do you even realize what you are doing, Rhysand?" Maybe the irritation would have been less blazing if Azriel had been involved in a discussion of this, but no. Azriel was greeted with a letter while he was in the middle of the mission. A letter. Not even a conversation with Rhys himself. "We'll find a way," Rhys reassured the male, but Azriel only stepped back, "She's so young," "That's not true, she's nearly a hundred."

Azriel choked out a laugh, running a hand over his face and asking, "Are you hearing yourself? Do you hear how stupid you sound?" And Rhys felt awful; he did. The last person he wanted to drag into this was Azriel. But he had no other choice. Tarquin appeared to have a sister, whom Rhys suspected the male was trying to get rid of. The deal was to marry her off to someone important in Night Court so that the Prince of Summer would feel less threatened. "Does she even know about this?" Azriel's voice was way lower now. He might have been pissed that he was dragged into this, but he had at least a solid five hundred years of experience in different things in life. You... He didn't even know that you existed until he read about you in the letter he got. All he knew you might have been locked up somewhere. Still as pure as the first snowfall in winter.

"I... I'm not sure," Rhys choked out, and Azriel gaped at his high lord, "Tell me you're joking?" But the shadow singer knew from the way his brother's face paled that the girl had been left in the dark. Shaking his head, Azriel stepped closer, saying, "I will never forgive you, and she won't either." Holding his gaze for a moment longer before he stormed out of the room.

Azriel didn't even get to meet you before the ceremony. He felt like the biggest clown standing there. The black suit felt suffocating, and if he could, he would rip it off. This felt like the biggest mockery ever to him. Yet even now, even without ever meeting you, he found himself worrying about you. The music was making his head pound, and he hated the way all the flowers were messily scattered all around the room. That's not how Azriel imagined his wedding to be. Not that he ever imagined it, but... Still not like this.

The main door to the ballroom opened, and everyone instantly turned to look. You were visibly shaking. And it was clear that Tarquin had a firm grip on you, as even now you tried to escape it. Pulling at your brother's hold as he practically dragged you through the tiled floor. The veil did nearly nothing to hide your tear-stained face. Black streaks of mascara painted your cheeks. A shiver ran down the spymaster's back. The same feeling as when he saw Nesta being forced into the cauldron shifted past him.

He wanted to apologize so badly. Wanted to put the Summer Court prince in his place, but... Azriel wasn't sure what consequences would accrue. What would they do to you if he refused to marry you? Had they done anything as of now? So they could break your spirit just a little. Azriel felt like he didn't blink through the whole ceremony. Once your hand was placed in his, you didn't meet his eyes. You didn't wrap your fingers around his palm; they stayed firmly straight as your hand trembled without a trace of stopping. You mumbled the vows under your breath as tears streamed down your cheeks, and Azriel felt like being cursed by the Mother would have been a happier fate than this.

"You may kiss the bride now," and if Azriel was being honest, he didn't know why he even learned it. Didn't know why, after seeing your tears and quavering body, he thought it was a good idea. But he did it just the moment he got close enough to you, you turned your face away from him before lifting the material of your dress as you turned to run out of the room.

"Sit down," Azriel turned to Tarquin, who rose to walk after you, "She's not your responsibility now." With everyone still watching him and still slightly mortified by the whole situation, Azriel crossed the room in a couple of steps. The moment everyone was left behind, he tugged at the tight collar of his shirt, ripping the first two buttons open. He unleashed his shadows, sending them swirling around the empty hallways. Having no clue where you were. The shadows almost screamed at their master once they got back to him. Outside balcony. Run. Run. Azriel frowned as he made his way there. Even if the shadows were flowing around him more frantically, he brushed it off as the aftermath of heightened tension. However, the moment he stepped a foot outside Azriel's heart sank.

You were up on the glass railing, bracing yourself on the stones. The wind must have ripped the veil out of your hair and set your crystal white hair rattling alongside the breeze. In all honesty, he wasn't even sure how you managed to keep your footing steady. His movements now had to be sharp and calculated. One mistake, and you would be falling. Some of his shadows tugged at the back of your dress, but you didn't seem to notice. A tear-stained face turned to face the horizon in front of you.

Azriel cleared his throat, making you instantly snap your head in his direction, your legs wobbling as you lost your balance for a moment. Azriel stepped forward, "Get down, dear," his arms reached for you, but you backed away from him, shaking your head. The fall was a long one. Standing here, you couldn't even see the bottom as the clouds covered the ground. "I want to help," the shadow singer continued speaking softly, but you only choked out, "If you'll move any further, I'll jump." Azriel lifted his hands, yet his gaze was still more than alert. He couldn't help it. It was in his blood. Heart breaking with every tear that rolls down your cheeks.

"I can only imagine how scary this is for you. I have no interest...", "Don't speak", you pushed one of your hands to cover your ear. Everyone around you had been talking for the past few days. Speak about you. Speak for you. You only wanted to know why. What changed that your brother suddenly wanted you out? What exactly had you done? "I don't want you to..." Azriel tried again, slowly inching closer to you. "I said don't speak!" you yelled out. Turning to face your now-husband, you lost your footing beneath you and slipped over the railing. You managed to let out a yelp as gravity took full control over your body. The sensation of free fall rushed through you as you tightly closed your eyes. It felt like, for the first time, you finally felt alive. As if you've finally heard your heart. All the voices were gone. Only the wind. Cold, cold wind biting at your exposed skin.

It didn't have time to fully set in, though, because two strong arms wrapped around your middle and everything came to a halt. Those arms clung to you for dear life. You had a feeling it was him. Azriel. The shadow singer. The females who dressed you pitied you, saying prayer after prayer to save your soul. He was a monster, they said. They told you not to speak and to always obey because one wrong move could send you to the other world. The male knew no mercy, and you were never going to feel loved.

You shivered like an autumn leaf in the wind as Azriel walked with you in his hands. He said nothing, and you didn't dare to push your luck. You could tell that he was tense. His muscles felt like rocks. Was it just because he was fit, or was it because he was so mad at you? The room was dim and dark. It didn't have a bed, but you let yourself assume that one of the doors would lead you to a bedroom. Azriel just stood there. Looking at the window at the end of the room. Kind of there, but at the same time in a completely different dimension. The view of you falling played on and on in his brain. What if he didn't catch you? What if you had hit the sharp side of the rock? What made you jump to such extremes? To not fight but to give up without a second thought.

"Will you hit me?", your voice was so small that Azriel felt like he was going to vomit from the sheer amount of fear that dripped from you. "Or do you want me to get naked and please you now?", you didn't look at him, but you moved to pull the material of the sleeve off your shoulders. "No," Azriel found himself stuttering as he watched you. Your hands firmly move to wrap around your middle. "Listen to me. I would never do such things. Never", he desperately wanted to meet your eyes just so he could tell if you believe him even a little bit. "Has anyone... has anyone ever hurt you in that way?" The shadow singer knew this was a dangerous question and that asking it like that was wrong, but a part of him was ready to slaughter a whole village if he had to. No woman deserved to be harmed in such ways. Azriel kept his distance from you, knowing how intimidating his size can be. You shook your head slowly, and Azriel found himself feeling somewhat relieved.

"I own you an apology and want you to know that I had nothing to do with all of this", the spymaster continued, "You own me nothing", "Don't I as your wife need to carry out all of these duties, tend to your needs, bear you children?". This had to be some old lady's doing. Digging into your brain like that, "No, you don't have to be anything you don't want to be." You nodded your head once again, slowly lifting your gaze at the male before quickly dropping it back down. He was attractive—that was not a lie—but you still didn't know him. He was a stranger who, in a matter of minutes, owed you by the rights of gods.

"How about we start with an introduction? Azriel," he said, reaching out his hand to you, which was covered in deep-rooted scars. From a battle? From killing innocent? Self-defense? Or was he harmed by someone? You shook your head quickly, shaking away the thoughts as you reached to hold onto his hand, "Y/N". That was the first step in your journey together. The place turned out to have two separate bedrooms, and for that you were thankful. You two barely talked, and if Azriel were to walk in while you were still in the shared living space, he would simply nod his head your way before disappearing into his office. You attended most of the not-so-serious court meetings together, but the moment Azriel noticed that they only dampened your mood, he dismissed you from any of the work that Rhys wanted you to be a part of, and since you had to obey your husband, you spend your days cooped up in your chambers.

The scars from this didn't all heal overnight. The pain of this bargain was still flowing through the both of you. Azriel heard you weeping multiple nights in a row. He heard you but didn't leave his bed. At first, it was easy. It almost soothed him. As if you were letting out all the emotions for both of you. Then came the frustration, and he found himself gripping the sheets, wishing he wouldn't hear you. Only after a week of listening to your cries did he get up. Walked out of the room as quiet as the darkness itself. Watched you as you sat all curled up by the window. Even in the darkness, he saw your tear-stained face and your trembling shoulders.

The moment you turned to face him, Azriel only let out a deep sigh before sitting down not far from you. "Come here," he mumbled, already dropping one hand over your shoulders. Your hesitation didn't last long, as you fell into his embrace. Your arms clutched him as you clung closer to him. His fingers slowly brushed your hair as you trembled. Without really realizing it, Azriel found himself humming. He hummed a melody his mom used to hum when he wasn't feeling well. He held you that night till your body eased and sleep took over. However, after he gently lowered you to your bed, he couldn't find the strength to pull your hand out of his. You needed him. He had to step up. He had to be a good husband. So he stayed.

After that night, you would fall asleep together in either your or his bed almost every night. Fell asleep, but we never woke up together. You didn't blame him. Nor could you blame yourself. He was a busy male, and you... Well, you just didn't know how or when to approach him. So you settled for occasional exchanges of words here and there. Azriel was working more simply so he could take his mind off of you. Of everything. He wanted to somehow melt the ice between the two of you, but he didn't know how, and he wasn't about to run to his family for a piece of advice when they were the ones who put him in this situation in the first place. Before he stepped through the door of your chamber, he waved at his shower, who swiftly handed their master a bouquet. Nothing special, but he saw them on his way back from town and figured he'd get them for you.

However, his body was ridged with fear the moment he stepped in. Blood. He could smell blood. He couldn't tell if there was a lot of it, but there was blood. The spymaster struck your bedroom first, but seeing no sign of you there, he knew you would only be in the bathroom. It's the blood. It's the first day. The image of you on the railing flashed through his mind. There was blood; he smelled blood. "Y/N," Azriel said, firmly banging his fist on the wooden door. No answer. His fist rose again, but then, "Go away." It was clear to him that you were in pain. A lot of pain, "Open the door or, at the very least, tell me what's going on." He had never felt so helpless standing on the other side of the door. But all he heard in response was a hiss coming from you, and that's all it took for him to kick the door open. He knew that this was invading your privacy, but if you were hurt, he felt the right to make an exception just this once.

And here you were. Hair frown up messily. That tired look on your face, along with the purple bags under your eyes. One hand gripping the counter. The other clenched your stomach. Stomach. His eyes fell to your blood-stained thighs, and his gaze instantly shifted to the floor. Your cycle had started. Mother strikes him for his stupidity. He wasn't sure what to do. You were clearly in pain, and now, on top of everything else, he had to embarrass you like that. Azriel wasn't sure of what he was doing. He moved around the bathroom, pulling out some clean lines, before handing them to you so you could wash up. He would have offered to help you do that, but from the way your checks burned red, he decided against it. Walking out of the bathroom so he could grab you some of his clothes so you wouldn't need to struggle in all of these tight corsets and uncomfortable dresses.

"Please just..." Your hands were covering your face as you sat on the floor with your still blood-stained nightgown on, "I don't mind, this is natural", Azriel tried to sound as calm as possible, but his heart was beating rather rapidly inside his chest. "It's disgusting", "It's just blood. Come on, let me get you to bed," you wanted to protest, but Azriel scooped you up with ease. He didn't carry you to your bed. He carried you to his instead. Before offering you his clothes and some privacy to change.

When he knocked on the doors once again, you were already swallowed up by all the warm blankets that surrounded you. "I brought you a topic for the pain, light snacks, and a lot of water. You need to stay hydrated", you looked at him through your droopy eyes. The pain made you rather disoriented, "I'm sorry you had to go out of your way to do all of this", Azriel frowned at your words. "I'm doing this because I wanted to", you watched him for a moment. His wings were neatly folded behind him as he sat on the end of the bed. You weren't sure why, but you reached your hand towards him, and he took a hold of it instantly. "Can you lay with me?", "I have a...", but Azriel cut himself off mid-sentence before nodding his head as he made his way onto the bed. The moment you were close enough, Azriel placed his palm on your lower stomach, and that extra warmth of his skin instantly made you purr in delight.

"Come on, tell me something good", after the whole period fiasco, you two had started talking to one another more. It was quite ironic that the period and your dying in bed for a couple of days would be the things that got you two speaking, but you were thankful for him and the amount of time he had spent with you. "What is something?", you two were now sitting in the little living room that joined the two bedrooms, both nursing a glass of wine each. "Well, you lived, traveled, and fought in multiple wars," Azriel growled as he leaned back on the sofa. You've been nudging him to tell you tales of his travels for a while now, but he always found a way out. "Oh, come on. You are such a stubborn brood."

Azriel instantly turned to look at you, and you felt a shiver run down your spine. Have you finally crossed the line? But he only let out a laugh before shaking his head. "Ah, so that's how it is?", you crossed your arms over your chest and watched him, "No, actually don't say anything. I'll find a book in the library." As you two continued to stare at each other, Azriel let out another laugh. "Don't do that," he muttered after some time. "Do what?", you asked him innocently, not dropping your eyes. "Don't look at me like you want to kiss me," you swallowed harshly, quickly dropping your haze to the glass in your hands. That night, you two parted ways, both aware that if you shared a bed, one thing would lead to another, and then...You bit your lip as you stood with your back to the door. You couldn't help all the thoughts that raced through your mind. Your gaze fell onto another set of fresh flowers on your nightstand and a box of sweet treats. You chuckled under your breath as you saw a rather thick book lying on top of your pillow. War tactics and the art of battle.

Azriel was raging as he ripped his leathers off. The day had been horrible. His spying mission failed, and that in itself happened so rarely that it set him off first thing in the morning. And then there was Rhys. Rhys never seems to shut up these days. Stupid was the fact that, till not long ago, Azriel thought that it was Cassian who spoke simply for the sake of speaking. The spymaster was desperate for a boiling bath. To simply sit in the hot water until it cooled along with his temper. But he was met by you. You were in the middle of the bath, and the bathroom was filled with endless amounts of bubbles. On the floor, walls, everywhere. Like mirrors, they illuminated the room and you in it. He was about to turn around and leave when he heard your voice, "Oh no, spymaster, come join me." Azriel wanted to say no. Especially after discovering an empty bottle of wine by the bathtub's side. "I'll cover my eyes so you can get all naked," you chuckled, placing your palm over your hands, but not even a heartbeat later spread your fingers apart to peer in between them.

Azriel couldn't help but let out a laugh, the worries slowly slipping away from his mind. "You are quite something," he said, "I prefer gorgeous, attractive, and sinful, but I'll take quite something this time." You leaned your head on the side of the tub, smiling at the male sheepishly. "You're drunk," Azriel said while undoing his pants, and you instantly frowned, "I am not; don't make me challenge you to a drinking game." You knew that you would lose a game like that in a heartbeat, but with the slight buzz in your system, you were feeling quite confident.

Azriel entered the tub on the opposite side of you. Eyes once again not leaving one another. There was this weird, unfamiliar itch. This needs to somehow get closer to him. But instead, you scooped up a handful of bubbles before blowing them toward Azriel. He wasn't quite quick enough to cover his face, resulting in bubbles covering his face and hair. Azriel quickly grabbed a hold of your hand, dragging you close to him and making you squeal. "You're giving me that look once again." He was so much closer to you now. Your hand was lying on his thigh under the water. Your mind was racing so fast that you weren't sure if you would be able to form a sentence.

"I didn't kiss you during the wedding; I owe you a kiss," you mumbled softly, your hand coming up to wipe away some of the bubbles from the side of his cheek as you giggled under your breath again. Azriel went rather stiff as your fingers grazed his cheek before you very carefully leaned in. You pulled away after a single pack. It was Azriel who quickly placed his hand on the back of your neck, bringing you closer to his lips once again. Kissing you over and over again. Kissing you till your lips were all puffy and red. Kissing you till there was no breath in your lungs.

This feeling had been eating you up. It's like now a part of you was consumed by it. By Azriel. Rubbing your palms together, you walked back and forth in your room. You've been meaning to tell him this for some time. But even after the kiss, not much had changed. You talked, laughed, and ate dinner together, but he was still closed off. And at times it felt like he opened up himself to you only when it suited him and his interest. No, he was just more introverted than most. So you walked out of your room in a hurry, quickly knocking on the door that led to the room Azriel worked in. He was surrounded by paperwork. You had never stepped foot here, so the shared curiosity made you stop.

"Did something happen?", Azriel's voice sounded slightly frustrated, but now that his eyes were on you, you had no choice but to go on with your plan. "I think I'm falling for you," you blurted out quickly. Azriel lowered his inked pen onto the table and asked, "Falling for me?" You quickly nodded your head, waiting for him to say something, but his face broke out in a smile that made your heart flutter slightly. "Well, I don't think it's something that should or could happen", those words stung you, and if not that, then how he picked up a piece of paper with you still there and returned to the work he was doing. You knew that you didn't need to say anything and that he wasn't going to care, but you still muttered, "Right, right, of course," before turning around and walking away, quickly wiping away the tears as you headed towards your room. Maybe they were right after all you were not going to find love in the spymaster's embrace.

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All acotar writing: @brekkershadowsinger @cityofidek @baebeepeach @lucyysthings @hideing @urfavbrunettebish @historygeekqueen @marina468

#azriel x reader #rhys x reader #cassian x reader #acotar imagine #azriel x you #acotar x reader

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jacesbeloved · 1 year

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remember me, always

summary: on the night where the both of you are burdened with a choice, there is still nothing that could make you choose against honor.

pairing: jacaerys velaryon x stark!reader

warnings/notes: fem!reader, angst, arranged marriages, running away, my heart is broken im sorry

jace taglist: @cosmicfairygirl @simrah1012 @lucerysvelaryonstan @lady-stark-winter-rose @moon1gt @aureliapappa @jcrsctrl @bobfloydluvsblackwomen

No matter how much effort you have exerted in getting to where you are standing now, you can't seem to say what you want.

None of you could.

You've paid off many of his servants, persuading them to do your bidding and allow you inside of the prince's chambers for the last check of everything. The last night that he would be free, available, and... with you.

Your eyes go over the expanse of the mirror, watching his jaw clench, his lips sealed into a thin line, his eyes looking down on his feet.

"Was it difficult?" His voice had been calm, restrained, but still calm. You refused to look at the reflection in the mirror, not wanting to look at the face of your once lover.

"What was?" You replied quietly, clicking the golden accessories and necklaces around him as you analyzed every design on them.

The waves, the dragons, the different sigils, you would have deemed it the prettiest clothing any man has ever worn, if only it was you being wed to him and it was your wedding.

But it wasn't, and no matter how much you seemed to despise the idea, wanting to break your own oath and be with your lover, you couldn't. You didn't have the guts to.

"Pretending like we aren't a thing—pretending like this doesn't affect-"

"Turn around, I have to look at the buttons." You cut him off with a stern voice, turning him around by his shoulders before he pulls your hands off of him.

The two of you locked eyes for the first time that night, breathing heavily as neither of you uttered a word. The wordless look of despair and longing lingers in both of your eyes as you both stare at the eyes of each other.

Jace heaves a sigh, sucking his teeth before he lets your wrists go. He snapped his head away in another direction as the both of you stayed quiet, unsure of what to do.

"Did you not love me?" You stifled a scoff at Jace's question.

"Love? Jacaerys, I would turn against my house for you, I would fight for you against any odds, I would support you no matter what, I would put everything down for you, I would trash this wedding for you," you paused, your eyes staring up at the prince. "If only I could." You whispered quietly, letting your head fall down once again as a tear dropped.

Jacaerys walks around, desperately grabbing at the clothing he had taken so long to put on, the clothing that he would wear for his grand day tomorrow. Something pops into his head, the one thought that he has been keeping for a very long time.

"You could, you can! Come with me, Y/N. We'll ride Vermax east- We'll fly to Essos. We'll spend our days there, living together, traveling together, sleeping together, making a family together, we can do everything we have ever wanted," Jacaerys spoke loudly, walking quickly to you with a big smile on his face.

"We can be whoever we want to be. No sigils, no houses, no damn royalty shamble that would tear us apart!"

You smile helplessly at the prince's optimism, your eyes watering once more as you saw how his smile dropped when he saw your eyes. Your hand was softly gliding over the smooth skin of his cheek, holding it as if it were the last time you'd be able to.

Because it is. After tomorrow, you two or nothing more than mere allies. You, the Lady of the North, and him, the Heir to the Iron Throne; both betrothed to your own partners that strengthen your respective houses.

"I... I love you, Jacaerys... so much more than you think." Your voice broke as you wiped the tear on his cheek.

"I- I know that, Y/N. So pick me, come with me, let us be... happy," his voice softens before holding your face just as you did his. He leaned forward to capture your lips in a soft kiss, the wetness of your cheeks clashing with his. It lasted a minute before you pulled away.

"I can't... you know that..." You whispered frantically.

"My.. my oath, I have sworn to the house of my betrothed already- my house. I cannot just turn back against those words, those oaths that I swore in front of my own house, Jace, I can't." Jace grabs a hold of your hands as you start to shake, pulling you close to him as he mutters "It's okay, I understand" again and again against your ear, kissing the hair on your head.

Jacaerys feels his heart tear into pieces at the image of you being wed to a man from House Lannister. You felt the same way; images of Jacaerys growing up happy and old with his betrothed, Baela Taegaryen, and both of them your future rulers, made you worse than ever.

But there has never lived a Stark who forgot an oath.

And you are absolutely certain that you will not be the first one.

"But, remember this, Jacaerys, you cannot be replaced in my heart. For as long as I am alive, and until I live the life of another, 'til the end of time, you will be the one inside of my heart. That is an oath I swear to you."

You touched your foreheads together, closing each other's eyes as you felt each other's breaths. Eyes desperately flowing with tears as the two of you sob softly in each other's arms.

"I swear the same, my love." He whispers, peppering your face with light kisses, as much as he could, savoring each kiss as if it would be his last.

"You look good, I think this is enough." You breathed, patting his chest. "I must go. This would just make it harder for us both." You pull away, clearing your throat, the two of you looking into each other's glassy eyes before he nods, sniffing.

Each step he watched you take, furthering yourself from him, already reaching the door's handle. It made his chest tighten ever more.

"Y/N," you came to a halt. Standing still, your hands shook as you couldn't move your body.

"After everything, remember me, no matter how much you love him, no matter how many years pass," a cascade of tears fell from your eyes as Jace spoke the exact same words he told you when you two first got into an argument about some nonsense you had ensued.

You swallowed a big lump in your throat, slowly turning around to look at your lover.

"Always."

And at those exact words, on the day of Jacaerys' wedding, you weren't there. No, you were already on the back of your horse; rushing home with your guards, unable to watch or hear about the wedding.

With one swift change of the wind, you pulled your horse back, your guards looking at you like you were mad.

However, when you looked back, you heard the bells ring.

It was done already. You were too late.

You gazed up into the sky, praying for the gods to take you right now to stop the hurt. To stop with the pain, not only for you but also for everyone around you.

"After everything, no matter how much you love her, no matter the years that pass, remember me, my love," you said into the wind, letting the wind deliver it to whomever.

And it was received. Inside of the grand walls of the throne room, in front of the gods and his betrothed,

"Always."

hearts, reactions, replies, and reblogs are very appreciated if you liked the story! <3 ^w^

#hotd #jacaerys imagines #jacaerys velaryon #jacaerys velaryon fic #jacaerys x reader imagine #jacaerys x reader #jacaerys targaryen #hotd fics #jacaerys angst #jacaerys x reader angst

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am-i-the-asshole-official · 6 months

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WIBTA for cutting my best friend out of my life after she gets married?

Okay so my best friend (F23) and I (F23) have known each other since preschool, though we haven't gone to school together since then. We've always been into the same things and it's awesome. We don't live near each other, but we always video chat at least twice a month, generally every week, since we were in 5th grade. We've only ever had one big fight. (I came out as bisexual in hs, she was a homophobe. We didn't speak for 6 months, then came to an agreement. I'm still bi and we go to different churches so im already a sinner for that from her pov. it works. She's more accepting now.) Anyways about two yrs ago she met a guy (M25). She didn't tell me until they'd been dating for a couple months. They got engaged last winter. I met him the next day. Since then, I haven't spoken to her once, in person or via video chat, without him being there or showing up. Since she met him she quit engaging in any interests we shared that he didn't, even before they were engaged. Most the texts I get from her are about this guy or his pets or his family. I think I know more about him then I do her some days. We never chat one on one. We'll go out for lunch and she'll bring him. We'll video chat and he's right there. And she tells him everything - even things I told her in confidence. And I can't even tell her I'm upset because he's always there! He reads all her texts! He doesn't seem like a bad guy - he does really love her, but I just don't have much interest in him. I'm an introverted autistic and I just don't like most people. He treats me like I'm already his friend and they constantly invite me to hang out with them but I just want my friend. I already agreed to be her maid of honor and the wedding's in less than a month, but I'm considering just cutting her out after that. She doesn't feel like the friend I grew up with anymore. I don't feel safe or like I can trust her now. WIBTA for doing this?

What are these acronyms?

#aita #am i the asshole

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killergirlfuria · 6 months

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So I may or may not be working on a tiny little very self-indulgent crossover thingy. Will this go anywhere past this pic? We'll see.

The gist of this AU; year is 2029. Prototype and AC1-3 took place in 2012, Resident Evil Village in 2015. Alex and Desmond have been together for 17 years. Through legally sound and morally questionable means, Alex and Desmond ended up as legal caregivers of Elijah, Pariah/Michael, and Rosemary Winters.

From left to right; Desmond, Alex, Elijah, Pariah/Michael, Rosemary, Dana.

Stuff about it under the cut.

While they are messing with Abstergo and Brotherhood in Europe, they befriend one Ethan Winters and, after his death, Mia entrusts them with Rose as she can't take care of her in her deteriorating mental state. And, realistically, they're probably best equipped to giving Rose as normal life as someone as her could get. She grows up happy, aware and accepting of her powers. Hard not to, when out of her two dads one is effectively a demigod and the other is eldritch sentient plague. Being a sentient mold isn't so weird in this setting.

Later when raiding Abstergo bases they find Elijah held there. Desmond, now aware that he has a kid obviously refuses to leave him. They kill Juno as a father-son bonding activity, visit Elijah's mother grave. Cry a bit, argue a bit (he is a traumatized tween) but figure it out. It forces Alex and Desmond to slow down a bit; they do want to give their kids a stable childhood, after all. They thought they had more time, since Rose was barely a toddler, but with Elijah on board they reevaluate. Somehow, Alex ends up being his favorite dad. Desmond is only a little jealous, but he gets it. He likes Alex a whole lot, too.

They have a little break, a little wedding, they wrap up the Templar mess as well as they can for the time being. Desmond takes the Mercer surname and so does Elijah, because Bill does not deserve his name to be carried on.

Desmond becomes a Mentor somewhere in the middle. He's determined to drag the Brotherhood back into functionality whether it likes that or not; no more Bill sending people to die for nothing but his ego. Bill doesn't take it well, of course, but who'd care about him at this point? Desmond has three lifetimes worth of Mentor memories and the scariest dog on the block for a husband.

Alex does science, because he likes it. He's the kind of person to find writing dissertations fun. He may become an university professor; college students tend to be the most agreeable and most entertaining breed of a student. He does photography too. It's a memory-making thing.

They tackle Blacklight properly; find Pariah. Pariah, as it turns out, is actually somewhat unstable, hibernating most of the time, and stuck physically and mentally at 8 years old. Alex offers Blacklight to stabilize him; Pariah accepts. Purges his DNA of irregularities, replaces what's missing with Alex' DNA and the Blacklight. It's a little weird, to retroactively make him Alex' child when he was born before Alex, but that's what they're dealing with now. Pariah is still 8 in every way that matters. Greene named him Michael, which he gladly accepts (he never had a name before), and then he's a Mercer too.

It's 2020 by then, so plague jokes abound.

Dana in the meantime does what any girlboss does, gets her journalist career going, writes a book or two. Is instrumental in orchestrating the public downfall of Abstergo and Blackwatch. Adopts two cats. Struggles to find a girlfriend because things are never boring with the Mercers, but their kind of excitement oft comes with threat of bodily harm, cults, and shady corporations being hunted for sport. She's also kinda sorta infected with a dormant strain of Blacklight because it was either that or dying to whatever Greene infected her with.

In 2029 Desmond is 42 years old, Alex is 46, Elijah is 24, Michael/Pariah is 17 (chronologically 60), Rosemary is 15, and Dana is 38.

#prototype 2009 #assassin's creed #protocreed #re village #re8 #alex mercer #alex mercer prototype #desmond miles #elijah miles #pariah prototype #rosemary winters #dana mercer

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wenclairfamily · 4 months

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"A Wednesday Addams Christmas Carol" - Fanfiction Story (For Wenclair Fans!)

A story set twenty years in the future...

Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair. They were a duo that shouldn't have worked... but they did... and somehow their relationship resulted in marriage. Now, Wednesday and Enid work at their old school: Nevermore Academy as teachers, raising up an entire new generation; including their own twin seventeen year old daughters: Harmony and Ana. Harmony, who carries both of her mother's special abilities, continues to grow and explore the world with her girlfriend Megan. Ana meanwhile... is a different story...

One morning on Christmas Eve: a fresh layer of snow was laying everywhere, while the sound of Christmas carolers could be heard from a faraway distance. Harmony and Ana Addams were walking through the park together wearing winter clothes, as they were looking around at the scenery. Harmony had a small smile on her face as she said, "Wow. The town has never looked this beautiful around Christmas before. I wish Megan was here to see it." As Ana also took in the scenery, she said, "Yeah, but I think it's nice she decided to spend her Christmas with her extended family this year. It means we get one more Christmas with just the two of us and mom together before you get married." Harmony suddenly had an overwhelmed look on her face as she said, "Wow. You're right. It's also dawned on me... me and Megan need to start making some plan on what our wedding will look like." Ana smirked as she said, "Well if you want, I can officiate the wedding." A confused looking Harmony then said, "What!? Since when can you do that?" Ana continued to walk as she casually said, "Since I became an honorary priest in the catholic church. The Pope owed me a favor after I saved him from some Australian Polar Bears that were trying to swap brains with him." Harmony looked very confused for a moment... but then casually said, "Of course you did. So anyway, where's that cat of yours Ana?" As Ana turned her head in multiple directions, she said, "Yeah, I've been keeping my eye out for him, and... Wait. Hold on."

Ana then moved towards a tree where she heard meowing noises. Harmony followed, and eventually the two sisters saw behind a tree were Ana's cat and a white female cat making lovely meowing sounds at each other while they gently rubbed their heads against one another. A smiling Harmony put her hands together as she said, "Aww. How cute!" However Ana looked nervous as she said, "Oh no. Tell me that isn't the cat that belongs to..." Then Ana heard a male teenage voice yell, "Princess Snuggles!" Ana turned her head with a disgusted face, and saw a teenage boy walking towards the scene. Ana glared forward as she said, "Duncan." The teenage boy Duncan immediately saw what the two cats were doing, and quickly yelled, "Princess Snuggles, get away from that cat. He is the enemy!" Ana meanwhile took a big deep breath, and then looked straight at Duncan as she said, "Look Duncan. We may not like each other, but our two cats obviously do. So in the spirit of Christmas, lets try to make a little peace on Earth and try to get along for the sake of the love between our pets that we so love. What do you say?"

Duncan stood silent... for two seconds, before he angerly yelled, "No! You're a freak, and so is your cat!" Ana rolled her eyes and said, "So we're gonna do this the hard away." Then Ana immediately took out a taser and shoved it into Duncan's chest shocking him very hard. Duncan then fell to the ground hurt, as Ana casually said, "Okay Stormageddon the Conqueror. Lets find a nice fancy restaurant for you and Princess Snuggles to dine at." Then suddenly the sound of an explosion nearby was heard. A concerned Harmony then asked, "What was that?" Ana grinned as she said, "I don't know... but lets find out. Stormageddon the Conqueror, enjoy your date with Princess Snuggles. There's a great cat-friendly Italian place nearby you should try. We'll pick you up around six." Harmony and Ana then began to run towards the sound of the explosion as Harmony said, "It's a good thing mom and mother told us to take a long walk from the house and get some exercise today. Otherwise we might have not heard that explosion." Ana rolled her eyes as she said, "Oh, I'm pretty sure mother and mom didn't want us to take a long walk because they were concerned about our needs."

In the family home, Wednesday used her hands to pin Enid's shoulders to the wall of the bathroom. A smiling but slightly nervous Enid said, "Wednesday, what if the girls come home while we're in the middle of..." Wednesday then suddenly covered Enid's mouth with one hand as she said, "Silence. I sent them on a long walk. We'll have time." Wednesday then quickly pulled off her black dress as she kept a straight face, while Enid had great excitement on her face as she pulled off her own clothes. Wednesday then pulled off her underwear, and began to turn on the nearby shower. Meanwhile as Enid pulled off her underwear, she began to look confused as she said, "But why are we doing this around 11am? You usually prefer to have sex either early in the morning to help stimulate your senses, or late in the day to help relieve your stress levels. Getting hot and horny right before noon isn't normal for you." A now completely naked Wednesday turned to look at Enid as she said, "Enid, your questions shall only hinder this sexual encounter." Then Wednesday suddenly put on a pair of fake cat ears as she kept a very straight face while saying, "Now be a good puppy and obey your feline master." Enid's eyes suddenly lit up as he said, "My God, what is it about those cat ears that turns me on..."

Harmony and Ana were running through the woods, as Harmony yelled, "Hey. I think I see smoke. I think something crashed." A curious Ana then yelled, "I think we initially misjudged where it landed. It seems to be actually pretty close to our house." Then Harmony and Ana ran towards a smokey crater that wasn't too far from their home. Then as Harmony and Ana got close, the smoke began to disappear. Then within just a moment, Harmony and Ana realized at the center of the crater was a large red sled attached to several reindeer. Then the two teenage girls realized that sitting in the sled was a large bearded man in a red suit. A very confused and freaked out looking Ana then said, "Santa Clause?" An equally confused and freaked out Harmony then said, "What is going on here... and why did this happen so close to our house?"

Inside of the shower, Wednesday was in the middle of kissing Enid. Enid was very much enjoying herself as she said, "Mmm. Yes Wednesday. Yes, this is amazing. Although... do you smell smoke from outside? Also, did I hear a crashing sound a few minutes ago?" A nervous looking Wednesday then quickly got on her knees and brought her face to between Enid's legs. Out of instinct, Enid immediately said, "Ohhh! Yes Wednesday!"

Harmony and Ana walked carefully towards the red sled where Santa Clause was getting his bearings. Harmony then stood unsure of what to do as she said, "Hello. Who are you?" Santa smirked as he said, "Well who do you think I am? I'm Santa Clause. I was just about to begin delivering my presents to all the girls and boys around the world before my sled got brought down." A very confused Ana then stepped forward as she said, "Hold on. This doesn't make any sense. Santa Clause isn't real." Santa chuckled a bit, and then said, "Well where do you think children all over the world get their presents every year?" Harmony had a practical tone to her voice as she said, "From all the parents of the world."

Santa laughed for a moment, and then said, "You two actually believe that parents every year decide to give their kids more presents, after already losing tons of money on birthdays!? That's ridiculous! Besides, you think your mother: Wednesday Addams would have allowed you girls to receive all those colorful toys you received growing up? Not a chance! Besides, that goth gal has had it out for me for years. I've always had to be real careful delivering gifts to this house the night before Christmas every year. Now then, I wonder why I crashed so suddenly?" A look of clarity went across Harmony's face as she said, "Hold on. Our mother for years has had it out for you? I don't think your crash here was accidental."

In the bathroom, both Wednesday and Enid were now sitting up on the shower floor as a happy Enid said, "Mmm. That was amazing Wednesday." Wednesday then looked at a nearby clock in the bathroom as she said, "Indeed. Especially since the task is now done." Enid suddenly sat up straight as she glared at Wednesday while saying, "What task?" Wednesday suddenly looked a bit nervous as she said, "I mean... the task which was our sexual intercourse." Enid continued to glare at Wednesday while saying, "Oh no Wednesday Addams. You never refer to sex as merely a task. You were up to something just now. But since we were busy going at it in the shower, it had to be something you already laid out... and didn't want me to know!" Enid then quickly got up and began to put her clothes back on. Wednesday then quickly got up and began to put her own clothes back on as well. Enid then rushed over to the nearest window as she said, "Hold on! Is that Santa Clause outside our house!?"

Outside the house: Harmony and Ana were helping Santa Clause repair his sled. Ana smiled as she said, "Okay Santa. I updated your GPS, and gave all your reindeer some amazing protein shakes. You're all good to go." Then suddenly Wednesday came running out of the house holding a sword forward as she yelled with an enraged face: "Your reign of jolly ends now Saint Nick!" Enid suddenly ran out of the house and held Wednesday back as she loudly said, "Whoa! What the heck is going on!?" Santa rolled his eyes as he said, "Let me guess. You are the one that sent that missile up to make me crash." A confused Harmony then said, "Wait mother. You know Santa Clause?"

As Wednesday struggled to get free from Enid, she bitterly said, "Only by reputation. Santa Clause is one of the oldest outcasts in the world that ever attended Nevermore Academy. He had unique psychic abilities that allowed him to manipulate time and space to move across great distances within short periods, such as the entire Earth on Christmas Eve. However, rather than use his special abilities for something more productive, he's instead used his powers to perpetuate happiness around the holiday season. But after years of trying to stop his reign of good tidings to all, his time ends now!" Then Wednesday quickly broke free from Enid, and ran at Santa Clause with her sword out. However the magical reindeer quickly flew into the sky, and pulled Santa and his sled up with them. Santa laughed as he said, "Better luck next year Mrs Addams!" Once Santa and his sled were out of sight: Wednesday simply stood in front of the house, glaring up at the sky as she clenched her fists.

A short time later, Wednesday and Enid were sitting next to each other on the couch in their living room. Wednesday sat with anger on her face. Enid meanwhile starred at Wednesday with shock and disappointment as she said, "You tried to kill Santa with a missile, and tried to distract me with sex so I wouldn't stop you!? Wednesday, do you realize how this must make me feel!?" Wednesday kept a straight face as she said, "Terrible... because I wasn't able to get the job done." Enid gave a frustrating moaning noise as she covered her face for a moment. Then Enid turned to look at Wednesday as she said, "Wednesday, every year you always try to ruin Christmas for everyone! You try to convince all the volunteers from the Salvation Army outside the grocery store that their work has inconsequential impact on improving society, you're the only person in existence that's protested against the Angel Tree project because you believe none of their funding should be spent on toys due to their short span of use in a child's life, you regularly try to dump hot oil on any Christmas carolers that come to our door..." Wednesday interrupted Enid as she said, "They had it coming, considering they chose not to need heed the warning signs I put up around our property that explained quite clearly that trespassers and solicitors will be punished."

Enid grunted in frustration for a second, but then said, "The point is - you keep trying to ruin Christmas every year for all of us, and it's gone too far now. Look... I understood when I married you that we weren't going to have the kind of family I had while growing up. I understood we couldn't have a garden in the front of the house with flowers. I understood that you would train our children in the basics of assassination. I understood that Valentine's Day would forever involve corpses for some reason. But I don't get why we can never simply celebrate Christmas in this house. You've never even let me bring a dead tree in here for the holiday!" Wednesday kept a straight face as she said, "All Christmas trees are technically dead as soon as they're chopped down." Enid looked more angry as she said, "That's not the point! You never let me make Christmas cookies for the family, you never let me send out Christmas cards to the relatives, you never let me play Christmas music on the radio..." Wednesday interrupted Enid as she bitterly said, "If Mariah Carey still hasn't gotten the individual she wishes for every Christmas through song, then perhaps she should try a different tactic."

Enid tried to remain calm as she said, "Wednesday... you never even let our girls watch Christmas movies growing up." Wednesday kept a straight face as she said, "If you forgot, I did allow Harmony and Ana to watch one festive movie when they were five years old." Enid's eyes got wide with frustration as she said, "You showed them How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but then stopped the movie after the Grinch stole all the presents, telling our girls that was the movie's happy ending!" Wednesday kept a calm face as she said, "As I recall, doing that was a compromise I made with you. In addition, I still have accepted our long standing compromise that you and the girls shall exchange gifts and enjoy them on the morning of every December 25th."

Enid gave a sad sigh, and then said, "But you're never there with us opening presents Wednesday. You always spend every Christmas morning off doing whatever it is you do alone. Christmas is supposed to be about family!" Wednesday then glared at Enid once more as she said, "On the contrary, I thought Christmas was about celebrating the birth of an individual that was created to become a sacrifice due the declining quality of humanity." Enid looked a little more frustrated again, as she said, "But it's much more than that Wednesday. Look... instead of trying to destroy the holiday this year, you should really try embracing the Christmas spirit for once, and experience everything fun the season has to offer." Wednesday then glared at Enid while saying, "What? And turn our home into something akin of a cliche TV Christmas special?" Enid suddenly had an excited look in her eyes as she said, "Actually... that sounds like a lot of fun..."

Enid's Imagination...

On a large TV studio that was made to look like a living room, an announcer was heard saying to a large studio audience: "It's the Wenclair Family Christmas Special! Starring Enid and Wednesday Addams, along with their daughters: Harmony Addams, and Ana Addams. Also featuring special appearances by our planet's new warlord: Stormageddon the Conqueror. Plus, special warm family friendly Christmas songs that will be performed by KISS, the Sex Pistols, and world famous signer: John Lennon - who we brought back from the dead thanks to tonight's sponsor... the demons of hell! Plus, one super special surprise guest will be showing up at an unexpected moment, so don't touch that dial! And now here are your hosts... Enid and Wednesday!"

A smiling Enid then walked onto the TV set wearing a long white dress, while a grumpy looking Wednesday also walked onto the set wearing a long black dress. As Enid happily looked at the camera, she said, "Hello everyone. Welcome to our wonderful home! My name is Enid, and this is my wonderful wife: Wednesday! Say hello to the people at home Wednesday!" Wednesday then glared at one of the cameras as she said, "You all live meaningless lives if you can only have an ideal Christmas through vicariously experiencing it through this hollow performance." The studio audience then laughed very loudly.

A smiling Enid meanwhile continued to look at the camera as she said, "Well tonight we plan to have lots of guests come over, but I'm worried they won't make it due to all the unexpected snow that's coming down outside." Wednesday meanwhile continued to keep a straight face while saying, "A natural side effect of global warming, which our countries' leaders still seem to ignore." Then studio audience then immediately laughed loudly again. Enid meanwhile kept a happy face as she said, "Well I'm so excited to see what presents I'll get for Christmas this year. What are you hoping for Wednesday?" Wednesday gave a deadly glare at the camera as she said, "A guillotine... that I plan to use on whoever came up with the idea for this special." Then a grinning Enid said, "Well, me... I want... a hula-hoop!" The studio audience then happily laughed again.

Then suddenly Harmony and Ana appeared walking down a set of stairs, while Harmony said, "Good evening everyone!" The crowd then applauded and cheered loudly as Harmony and Ana came to the center of the stage. Enid then walked over to the girls as she said, "Hold on Harmony. You put your dress on backwards. Were you having 'intimate relations' with your girlfriend Megan just a minute ago, and put your clothes accidentally on backwards when you rushed down knowing the show was about to start?" Harmony gave a goofy smile as she said, "Maybe..." The studio audience laughed, as a grinning Enid said, "Holy guacamole Harmony. You sure are a handful. And Ana, I heard the state of Wyoming just got turned into jello. Did you cause that with another one of your wacky experiments?" Ana then also gave a goofy smile as she said, "Maybe..." The studio audience laughed once more, as a grinning Enid said, "Holy guacamole Ana. You sure are a handful." Meanwhile Wednesday looked angry as she said, "There is certainly nothing 'holy' about this experience."

Suddenly the doorbell rang, and an excited Enid said, "Oh my gosh everyone. That must be our super special surprise guest. Lets see who we're going to greet at the door." Enid opened the door, and then suddenly walking into the house was... Chewbacca as the classic Star Wars theme song played on speakers around him. Chewbacca then made many loud noises, as subtitles appeared below him saying: "It's not Christmas without Chewbacca!" The entire studio audience immediately cheered and clapped very loudly. A very happy Enid hugged Chewbacca as she said, "Chewy, it's great to see you. What would you like to do with us tonight?" Chewbacca then made several loud noises. Then a super excited Enid said, "You want us to go visit your family on your home planet and celebrate Life Day with them? Okay! That sounds like a perfect way to enjoy the holidays!"

Enid looked up with happy starry eyes, as an angry looking Wednesday said, "Enid, that's the most ridiculous fantasy that's ever been conjured in the history of existence." A smiling Enid then turned to look at Wednesday as she said, "But that's the thing Wednesday. Christmas is a time where you get to do silly ridiculous things that are reminiscent of childhood. It's a season to think about happy memories and embrace good times. I mean your parents told me that you actually did celebrate Christmas in your home when you were young, and loved getting gifts from Santa. You should recreate some of your favorite childhood memories with our girls before it's too late." Wednesday then stood up and angerly said, "It is a waste of time to re-create a childhood that can never be lived again. It is better to dwell on preparing for a future that is inevitable, versus dealing with the guaranteed failure of reconstructing the past." Then Wednesday quickly walked out of the room, while Enid sat with a worried look on her face.

An hour later: Enid, Harmony, and Ana were sitting in the kitchen eating Christmas tree shaped cookies (while Ana's cat also sat on the table eating Christmas tree shaped cat food). A smiling Ana then said, "Mmm. Mom, you make the best Christmas cookies!" A panicked looking Enid then said, "Shh! I told you... this tradition of us eating cookies on Christmas Eve is supposed to be a secret. Your mother cannot know!" A curious Harmony then said, "Mom, what's the deal with mother always trying to be so anti-Christmas? It's like she wishes the holiday didn't exist." Enid sighed, and then said, "I've been married to that woman for over seventeen years, and there are still some things I don't understand about her. I mean... your mother has certainly evolved and become much more accepting of things she never would have tolerated back when we first met. However when it comes to Christmas... she's always been a real Scrooge."

Then Ana's cat lifted it's head with a profound look on his face, and then said "Rowr." Then a wide eyed and excited Ana said, "That's a brilliant idea Stormageddon the Conqueror! We gotta Scrooge mother!" A very confused looking Enid then said, "Excuse me?" An eager looking Ana then stood up as she said, "A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. We all know the story. It's famous because of how Scrooge's experiences with seeing his past, present, and future changed his outlook on Christmas. So we just gotta re-create that experience with mother, and then her outlook on Christmas will change." A skeptical looking Harmony then said, "Yeah... but how are we gonna pull that off?" Then Ana got out her phone as she said, "Don't worry. I know a guy in the Seance Society that owes me a favor."

That evening, Enid was walking with Wednesday down to the basement of the home. A confused looking Wednesday then said, "I am confused as to why we going down to my private area of the house together." Then Wednesday eventually saw Harmony, Ana, and Ana's cat were sitting around a large circle on the floor that had strange carvings and candles inside of it. Wednesday glared at everyone as she said, "If you are trying to force the deceased to appear before you, don't bother. I've been trying to pull that off for years and have consistently failed." Then a smiling Enid held Wednesday's hand as she said, "Oh, we're not trying to call upon the spirits of the dearly departed Wednesday. We're trying to call upon the spirits that always have been amongst the Earth, such as... the spirits of Christmas!" A wide eyed and horrified Wednesday then said, "No! You don't mean..."

Then an excited Harmony said, "Come on mother. You've always wanted me to get more in touch with my psychic abilities. So tonight I am through a special book Ana's friend gave us." Wednesday then began to walk away as she said, "No. I refuse to be a pawn in your twisted scheme." Then a grinning Ana said, "Fine. But if this whole conjuring of spirits goes wrong, it would really stink to not have an expert on these matters around to fix everything. I mean the last thing we'd want is the spirits of Christmas to accidentally get trapped in our home for all eternity." Wednesday paused for a moment... took a deep breath... and then sat down in a chair with an angry look on her face while saying, "I longed for the day my children would be as manipulative as me... but I did not foresee it would be for such horrific goals."

Harmony smiled as she held out a book over the strange circle on the floor. Harmony then focused her mind as she said, "I, Harmony Addams, member of the Addams Family clan, descendant of Goody Addams, call upon the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future to show themselves to us tonight. I now recite the ancient chant to bring forth these spirits. Venite ad nos magni spiritus Natalis Domini. Tuam sapientiam reverenter petimus. Vosmetipsos ostendite! Appare! Appare! Fa la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!" Then suddenly a blue mist began to spin around the room. A curious Enid then said, "What's going on?" Suddenly Harmony's body began to glow as a blue energy came out of the floor and into her body. Then the mist disappeared. A worried Enid then walked towards Harmony as she said, "Harmony... are you okay?"

Harmony then turned to look at everyone with a big smile as she said, "Yes. Harmony. I am her... and yet I am not her." A confused Ana then said, "Wait. What's going on?" Harmony grinned as she said, "I'm the spirit of Christmas past. I have temporarily possessed the body of this girl. I have all her memories and personality... but also my own. Do not worry though. When I am done here, I will leave Harmony's body, and then the spirits of Christmas present and future will temporarily possess two other bodies." An excited Enid then said, "Okay. So... Spirit of Christmas Past... we're trying to help my wife Wednesday here see Christmas throughout the span of her existence. Think you and the other spirits could help us?" A smiling Harmony then said, "Ah, yes. Harmony has many memories of how her mother feels towards this season. Hmm. Well... yes! Me and my fellow spirits will indeed help your entire family see things more clearly tonight. Now, first things first... I shall show you events from long ago that you all would benefit to see." Then Harmony waved her arms around, and suddenly everyone in the room disappeared.

Wednesday, Enid, Harmony, Ana, and Ana's cat all suddenly appeared in the old Addams Family home. An excited Enid then said, "Wow Wednesday. We're in your childhood home!" A smiling Harmony then said, "Yes. Nearly thirty years ago. Don't worry though. We haven't traveled through time. We're simply witnessing the past as unseen observers. Now behold..." Then everyone saw in the living room of the old Addams Family home: Gomez, Morticia, Fester, young Pugsley, and young Wednesday were sitting around a Christmas tree. The tree has no green pines, but still had many decorations on it, along with many presents surrounding it. An excited young Pugsley then held up some bows and arrows as he said, "Wow! My own archery set! I can't wait to use this!" Then Fester happily said, "How about we go outside and you can practice hitting apples off the top of my head?" An excited young Pugsley then said, "Wow. Can I father?" A happy Gomez then said, "Of course Pugsley. But be careful. If you hit Uncle Fester by accident, that will ruin the arrow." Then as Pugsley and Fester left the room, an excited young Wednesday then jumped up as she said, "Mother! Father! Look! Santa gave me a new Marie Antoinette doll, and a new guillotine that cuts heads much faster! I can't wait till I see how quick I can chop this dolls' head off!" Meanwhile as Enid watched, she held Wednesday's hand while saying, "Look Wednesday! Little you is so happy on Christmas! See how much joy this holiday used to give you." Wednesday however had an angry look on her face... but also looked ashamed as she said, "We all have a past."

Then everyone turned their heads, as they saw the door to the home open. Then suddenly Wednesday's grandmother appeared walking into the home carrying a bag as she said, "Merry Christmas everyone!" Then a smiling young Wednesday ran towards her grandmother as she yelled, "Grandma!" Then young Wednesday hugged her grandmother tightly. Wednesday's grandmother made a warm smile as she said, "How are you doing my favorite grand-child?" A smiling young Wednesday then said, "I'm okay. But grandma, why do you say I'm your favorite grand-child? Mother and father say you love me and Pugsley equally." Wednesday's grandmother chuckled as she said, "Aw, come on. We all know that's a bunch of phony baloney. Every parent and grandparent has a favorite. Just be grateful it's you. So anyway, let me see that mouth of yours. How's it looking?" A smiling young Wednesday pointed to her mouth as she said, "I've lost three baby teeth in the last four weeks. See the holes in my mouth!" Wednesday's grandmother looked amazed as she said, "Wow Wednesday! You look uglier than ever before! I'm so proud to call you my grand-daughter. Anyway, it looks like Santa accidentally left a present for you in my room. So here's your extra Christmas gift." Then Wednesday's grandmother took out of her bag: an old record player. Young Wednesday's eyes lit up as she said, "Wow! It looks so old and gloomy! Can I play a song and dance to it?" Wednesday's grandmother chuckled as she said, "Sure. But you'll need a dance partner. Not me. I'm too old."

Then Lurch suddenly walked into the room as he said, "Uuuuuuuuh." Then an excited young Wednesday immediately jumped up and said, "Hey Lurch! Dance with me!" Then young Wednesday immediately started playing a dance song on the record player. Young Wednesday then walked over to Lurch as she said, "This is the latest. It's called the droop." Then young Wednesday started shaking her legs while waving her arms back and forth. Lurch stood looking uncertain of what to do, while Morticia (who had been watching everything) said, "Come now Lurch. I know there's that zombie girl living down the street that you've been wanting to impress. I'm sure if you learned a few dance moves, you'd give her one more reason to not return to the grave." Then a young Wednesday happily said, "Yeah. I think that zombie girl down the street is a swinger." Lurch looked confused as he said, "Swinger?" As young Wednesday continued to dance, she said, "You don't want her to think you're square do ya?" Lurch then quickly turned his head. Then an excited young Wednesday said, "Then if you learn how to dance well, she'll think you're boss." Lurch looked confused again as he said, "Boss?" A happy young Wednesday continued to dance as she said, "Neat. Groovy. Come on. Try it." Then Lurch began to attempt to copy little Wednesday's dance moves.

Meanwhile: Wednesday, Enid, Harmony, and Ana had been watching the entire scene. Everyone tried to keep a straight face... but then suddenly Enid, Harmony, and Ana's mouths burst open as they began to laugh hysterically. As tears came out of her eyes, Ana said, "Really mother? Swinger? Neat? Groovy? What century did you grow up in?" As Enid chuckled, she said, "Be nice Ana. I mean... you don't want your mother to think you're square do ya?" Then Enid fell down laughing more. Meanwhile Ana's cat ran over to the scene of young Wednesday and Lurch dancing, and then began to dance with his little paws beside them. Then Enid and Ana joined in as they began to mimic young Wednesday's dance moves. Meanwhile Wednesday glared at the scene for a moment... and then glanced at Harmony as she said, "Be honest with me. You're really the spirit of Christmas Torture, aren't you?"

Meanwhile little Wednesday ran over to her grandmother as she said, "Thank you for the record player grandma!" Then Wednesday's grandmother grinned as she said, "Oh, but there's more. I also got one more surprise gift. How would you like your very own, straight from the Tennessee prison system, electric chair!" Then Wednesday's grandmother pulled a curtain nearby, and showed hiding behind the curtain was an old rusty electric chair. A super happy Wednesday jumped up and down as she yelled, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! My own electric chair!" Then young Wednesday immediately hugged her grandmother as she said, "Thank you so much! I love you grandma!" Wednesday's grandmother smiled while hugging Wednesday as she said, "I love you too Wednesday. So... how about we find your brother and test this on him." A young Wednesday grinned as she said, "Neat."

Meanwhile: Wednesday, Enid, Harmony, and Ana were still watching. As Enid put a hand on Wednesday's shoulder, she said, "Just look how happy Christmas used to make you Wednesday. Doesn't this change how feel about it now?" Wednesday then crossed her arms, and glared at Enid while saying, "No." Then Harmony smiled as she said, "Well, there's still more to see... but not with me. The rest of your journey will be led by my fellow spirits. Now... we depart." Then a blue mist began to surround the group, and suddenly they disappeared.

In a blue flash: Wednesday, Enid, Harmony, Ana, and Ana's cat all appeared in the basement of their home again. As Wednesday looked around, she sat back down in a chair while saying, "Well this is at least some improvement." Ana then walked towards Harmony as she said, "Harmony... are you back to normal?" Harmony nodded her head as she said, "Yeah. The spirit of Christmas past has left my body. But... where is the spirit of Christmas present?" Then Ana looked puzzled as she said, "Well it's not with me... and it's not with mother. So that means..." Then everyone turned their heads and looked at a grinning Enid... who then waved her hands and said, "What's up party people! I'm the spirit of Christmas present... with a big dash of Enid as well! So... who wants some gifts?" Then Enid snapped her fingers, and suddenly several wrapped gifts magically appeared in the room. A confused Harmony then said, "What's up with these?" Enid raised one eyebrow as she said, "Well I am the spirit of Christmas Present. It's a pun. Get it? Come on everyone. Check out what's inside."

Harmony then opened one gift as she said, "Let see what's in here. Hey! There are a few Christmas movie DVD's in here." Then Ana opened another gift as she said, "Yeah, along with some old Christmas music CD's. Hold on. These are copies of songs and movies we listen to and watch every Christmas when mother is gone from the house all day." Then Enid glanced at Wednesday as she said, "Come on Wednesday. Time for everyone to see what's inside your present." Then Wednesday reluctantly walked over and opened one gift before her... only for everyone to see nothing inside. A confused looking Ana then said, "I don't get it. Why is mother's present empty?" Then a bitter looking Wednesday said, "Because this is all Christmas means to me now... nothing."

Then Wednesday tore up the empty box, and threw it to the ground. Suddenly all of reality around the women came apart, and everyone saw themselves now standing in a black void. A nervous Harmony then asked, "Where are we now?" Enid kept calm as she said, "You're looking into a manifestation of what Wednesday's soul is always like on Christmas. A black void that contains nothing." Then a confused Ana asked, "But why?" A confused looking Harmony then said, "It doesn't have to be this way. Mother, before this black void appeared - you saw all the fun stuff that is always part of Christmas for the rest of the family. Don't you want to be part of that? Christmas doesn't have to be full of emptiness." Then Wednesday glared at everyone as she said, "All of you make those frivolous things part of your Christmas. But not I! End this display now spirit!" Enid sighed for a moment, and then said, "As you wish." Then a blue mist began to surround the group, and suddenly they disappeared.

In a blue flash: Wednesday, Enid, Harmony, Ana, and Ana's cat all appeared in the basement of their home again. As Enid looked around she said, "Whoa. Okay, that was weird. But I'm me again. So now I guess we're about to be visited by the spirit of Christmas Future." Wednesday rolled her eyes as she said, "This will only be remotely enjoyable if he actually chooses to show up in his traditional grim form." Then as Ana looked around she said, "Well I still feel like myself." Then a confused looking Harmony said, "Yeah. And I'm definitely still me too. But if the spirit of Christmas Future didn't possess mother, mom, me, or Ana... who did he possess?" Then suddenly the four women heard a raspy male voice say, "Well it's about time I finally get to voice my feelings to all of you doll faces." Ana suddenly had a very surprised look on her face as she said, "No way!" Then everyone turned their heads and saw Ana's cat sitting on top of a table smirking as he said, "How do you do ladies? I'm the Spirit of Christmas Future, with a mix of your feline friend's personality and memories. And by the way, the part of me that is your cool cat has so many things he's wanted to say to the lot of you dames for ages."

A super excited Ana then exclaimed, "Stormageddon the Conqueror! This is the coolest thing ever! I can't believe my best friend is now finally talking to me. This is unreal." Ana's cat smiled as he said, "Well, hey. I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal. But thanks for letting me know I'm your best friend Ana. I mean outside of a cat, a book is a girls' best friend. Inside of a cat though, it's too dark to read." Then a confused looking Enid asked, "What's with the way you're talking? You sound like you're from a black and white movie, or some old comic strip." Then Ana's cat raised one eyebrow as he said, "Hey. If you want to see a comic strip, you should see me in the shower." Then a curious Harmony asked, "So since you can talk now... can you tell us the full details on where you as a cat originally came from?" Ana's cat then held up one paw as he said, "Hey. The part of me that is the Spirit of Christmas Future isn't allowed to tell you anything about your cat's past. Only what he's feeling in the here and now. Those are my principles; and if you don't like them... well I have others."

Then Enid cleared her throat for a second, and then said, "Well... the part of you that is the Spirit of Christmas Future... can you show my wife her future now?" Ana's cat then glanced at Wednesday as he said, "Yes. Your gloomy loving wife. Ah, marriage is a wonderful institution... but who wants to live in an institution?" Then Wednesday rolled her eyes as she said, "This prolonged torture is sickening me." Then Ana's cat jumped over to Wednesday as he said, "Well if you're not feeling well, maybe we need a doctor. Quick! Ring the nearest golf course!" Then Wednesday angerly glared at Ana's cat as she loudly said, "Can we have this ridiculous experience expedited!?" Ana's cat then smiled as he said, "Hey! You just said the secret word! Now it's time to show all you ladies a glimpse into a possible future!" Then suddenly a blue mist surrounded everyone, and they immediately disappeared.

In a flash: Wednesday, Enid, Harmony, Ana, and Ana's cat appeared in a dark field. A concerned looking Harmony then asked, "Where are we?" Ana's cat then casually said, "The future, doll faces. Now, why don't you dames look at what's before you." Then Enid suddenly saw a dark cemetery in front of her as she said, "The cemetery!? NO!" Then Ana's cat quickly said, "Whoa! No, no! Not over there. Over there to your right." Then everyone turned their heads to the right and saw a retirement home. Enid breathed a huge sigh of relief as she said, "Ohhh. A retirement home. That makes more sense." Meanwhile Ana looked confused as she asked, "Who puts a cemetery right next to a retirement home?" Then a curious Harmony walked forward as she said, "Hold on. Everyone... is that who I think it is in that window over there?" The four women then walked over to a window close to them, and then saw sitting in a small retirement home apartment was a very old Wednesday reading a book all alone. Enid breathed a sigh of relief as she said, "Oh good. I'm so glad to see Wednesday is still alive in the future." Ana's cat then jumped on the window sill as he said, "Hey. No person goes before their time... unless the boss leaves early."

Then inside the retirement home apartment unit, three female teenage volunteers walked into the room. One of the female teens then said, "Good evening Mrs Addams. We're volunteers with the local high school. We've come to bring you some special Christmas gifts. We made them for all the residents here." Old Wednesday rolled her eyes as she said, "Christmas presents, again? You do know I could report you all for elderly abuse." Meanwhile as Enid watched through the window, she said, "Wait. I'm not here with Wednesday, but some random teenage volunteers are? What's up with that?" Then Ana's cat grinned as he said, "I don't know, but all I can say about those young ladies over there is they remind me of some girls in bikinis I saw at the beach last summer. I even took pictures of them, only to realize they weren't well developed. But hopefully when I see them again next year, puberty will take care of that." Ana looked very surprised as she said, "Stormageddon the Conqueror! How can you talk about teenage girls like that!?" Ana's cat grinned as he said, "Hey. You're only as young as the woman you feel. Wait. Those teenage girls are leaving! Hey ladies! Come back! Let me know when those outfits get too heavy for you! Rowr!"

Ana's cat then ran off, while inside the retirement home unit - an old Enid walked into the room. Old Enid then looked at old Wednesday as she said, "Hey Wednesday. I'm about to go see the girls and the grand-kids. You sure you don't want to come to the big family Christmas party?" Old Wednesday glared at old Enid as she said, "I told you. I will never participate in any ridiculous Christmas parties. I have better things to do on this day anyway." Old Enid then looked very angry as she said, "Wednesday, I've tried for decades now, but... I just don't get why you won't ever do any Christmas activities with me and the rest of our family. I guess I won't be seeing you again until New Years." Old Enid then stormed out of the apartment unit.

Meanwhile: Wednesday, Enid, Harmony, and Ana had watched the entire scene. Enid then turned to look at Wednesday as she said, "Now do you see where your choices will lead you Wednesday? You'll forever be alone on Christmas not doing the things the rest of your family likes to do. How does that make you feel?" Wednesday then crossed her arms, and kept a completely straight face as she said, "Like I won." Enid then groaned in frustration as she turned her head away. Ana's cat then walked back over to the group as he said, "Well, I lost track of those ladies. But it's okay. I still got Princess Snuggles in the present, so I'll take that." Then a worried Harmony looked at Ana's cat as she said, "Spirit of Christmas Future, I don't think this journey turned out right. My mother hasn't experienced a change of heart when it comes to Christmas."

Ana's cat made a little smile as he said, "Eh, a change of heart won't do her any good. She'll still have the same face. But I've shown all you dames what you were meant to see tonight. So it's time to go home." Ana then got on her knees to look at her cat as she said, "Okay. Well... I guess I'm never gonna really hear you speak again then." Ana's cat looked down for a moment, and then looked right at Ana as he said, "Ana... listen... the part of me that's your cat just wants you to know..." Ana then held a hand up while smiling as she said, "Stormageddon the Conqueror... you don't have to say anything." Ana's cat paused for a moment... and then made a little smile as he said, "I never did." Then a blue mist surrounded everyone, and then suddenly they disappeared.

The next day (in the present): Enid, Harmony, and Ana were sitting in the living room wearing Christmas themed pajamas as they were surrounded by wrapped presents. A smiling Enid then said, "Okay. We already called the relatives on the phone, Ana's cat is off on a little Christmas date with his lady cat friend, and we've already eaten breakfast. So... who now wants to open gifts first?" Suddenly Wednesday came down the stairs wearing a black coat. Wednesday paused as she looked at the rest of her family surrounded by gifts. The rest of the family looked back at Wednesday for a moment. Then after the moment passed... Wednesday turned her back to everyone and left out the front door. Enid sighed, and then said, "I still can't believe that after everything we went through, Wednesday didn't learn anything."

Everyone sat quiet for another moment... until Harmony suddenly broke the silence as she said, "Wait a minute. The spirits we saw last night said they would help the entire family see things more clearly. What if... we were supposed to learn something last night?" Then Ana began to ponder as she said, "Yeah. I mean... when we saw mother in the future, she was all alone... just like she is now every year." Harmony nodded her head as she said, "Yeah. Every year mother just leaves the house all alone while we celebrate Christmas... but we never go where she goes. Does anyone know what mother does while alone every Christmas?" Suddenly a look of clarity went across Enid's face as she said, "Wait. I... I think I know..."

As the cold wind blew threw the air, Wednesday Addams sat alone in a cemetery. Wednesday then starred at a tombstone in front of her, which had words engraved into it which said: "RIP - Esmeralda Eudora Addams. Mother to Gomez and Fester. Grandmother to Pugsley and Wednesday." Wednesday then put several dead flowers in front of the grave as she softly said, "Merry Christmas Grandma. I... I wish you were still here with me." Then suddenly Wednesday heard Enid's voice yell, "Wednesday!" Wednesday turned her head and saw Enid, Harmony, and Ana walking towards her. As the three women approached Wednesday, a surprised Harmony said, "Wait a minute. That's Great-Grandma Addams' grave. Also... look at the dates listed there." Then an astonished Ana said, "Wait. The day she died was... December 25th?"

Enid sat down next to Wednesday as she said, "Wednesday... why didn't you tell us?" A few tears slowly began to appear in Wednesday's eyes as she said, "Because... for many, Christmas is a day of joy and happy childhood memories. But for me... all it reminds me of is... is..." Then suddenly Wednesday broke down and burst into tears as she began to sob. Enid immediately held Wednesday close as she said, "It's okay Wednesday. We're here for you. Any time you want to be here... we'll stay with you here as long as you want." Harmony and Ana then got on the ground and put their arms around their two mothers as well. The family of four then held each other close as the chilly Christmas day slowly began to feel a little less cold.

THE END

Check out my HUGE Wenclair Series for the FULL STORY:

https://www.wattpad.com/user/WenclairFamily (T-rated version of my stories)

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14168842/1/The-Passion-of-a-Moment-Enid-and-Wednesday-s-Family-and-Legacy (M-rated version of my stories)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43420609 (alternate link for M-rated version of my stories)

#wenclair #enid sinclair #wednesday #wednesday addams #wednesday x enid #wednesday fanfiction #wenclair fanfiction #enid x wednesday #wenclair fanart

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sixminutestoriesblog · 6 months

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marigolds

It's October! For half the hemisphere, the nights are getting longer, the wind is getting colder and the weather is taking on a distinct grey and overcast mood. What better time than now to steal a few last bursts of brilliant, warm sunshine and keep them close against the coming of winter?

Enter October's flower (one of them) - the marigold.

An interesting thing I found while researching this month's flower was that its native to the Americas - and yet some sites list the ancient Greeks and Romans having traditions surrounding the marigold. One of the sites even mentions the flower being introduced to the 'Americas' several sentences after telling me its native to Mexico. I think some of the confusion may come from the fact that there are marigolds of the Tagetes genus, which are the ones I think of when I think of marigolds, that were first mentioned by the Aztecs and are native to the Americas - and there is a flower, Calendula officinalis, called the 'pot marigold' which comes from the same daisy family but is a different genus and seems to originate in southern Europe. To add to the confusion, the Spanish imported the Tagetes marigold from the Americas and from Spain it spread to, particularly, monastery gardens across Europe where it was cultivated into various strains with names like the African or French marigold. The American marigold didn't even have an official genus name until 1753. So, sorting through marigold myths was a lot like playing 'guess which twin it is' for me especially since the majority of the sites I was wandering through either weren't aware of a difference or didn't differentiate. I found one site that marked the difference between them (shout out to growingvale.com). I can understand why. We're only talking flower folklore here, not nuclear codes. My little nitpicky soul though just wasn't happy until it figured out what was going on. I am now going to spew facts at you and try to tell you which flower is which for each of them.

We'll see how I do.

Let's start at the beginning.

Tagetes marigolds were first recorded as being cultivated by the Aztecs, who considered them both medicinal and sacred. That tradition has carried over into Mexico's el Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated either in late October or Early November depending on the region. How much of that is straight from the Aztecs and how much is later European influence via Catholicism is still up for debate but the marigold plays a special part in both. The brightness and strong scent of the marigold flowers are believed to help guide the spirits of the dead to their family and to the offerings left out for them. You watched Disney's Coco (or Fox's The Book of Life), you get it. The Day of the Dead is celebrated outside of Mexico as well, with traditions varying from place to place but right now, we're talking marigolds.

In a half step to the side of that, the Victorians also considered marigolds a funeral flower but in a solemn and grief-filled way that made their cheery color inappropriate for any other kind of bouquet.

In South Asia, the Tagetes marigold has in large part replaced Calendula officinalis marigold while still serving the same purpose. There marigolds are used to create garlands and decorations for weddings, festivals and sacred holidays. Both Buddhism and Hinduism attach spiritual significance to the flowers. In India, giving a garland of marigolds to someone is considered a sign of friendship.

Walking it back to our Calendula officinalis marigold, the common name of 'marigold' is actually a break down of 'Mary's gold'. The golden colored plant was often left on alters and shrines to the Virgin Mary in Catholic countries in the middle ages by people that couldn't afford to leave actual coins. Its bright sunshine color and availability to everyone soon became associated with her.

This is the marigold that the ancient Romans and Greeks used medicinally and that medieval Europe thought was a cure against the plague. This is also the marigold that was woven into garlands for doors and livestock in Ireland to keep away fairy attention.

Both branches of flowers are popular with love superstitions, representing never having to lose a love and as a good luck charm when it comes to love.

And let's round things off with a gardening fact. Marigold are considered excellent companion plants for most vegetable gardens because they repel pests from the big to the very tiny kind. Just check before you plant. Their roots also give off an antibacterial chemical that will wreck havoc on your legumes.

Happy birthday, October babies!

#marigold #marigolds #folklore #superstition #cottagecore #herbalism #herbology #october #birth flower #day of the dead #dia de los muertos #dia de muertos #right up there with #dandelions #as a sunshine flower #flowers #language of flowers #meaning of flowers

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scfrozenover · 4 months

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It's the last day of reveals! We hope you've enjoyed all the wonderful holiday fics so far, and here are a few more tasty treats!

Creator reveals will begin one week from today (12/30)!

*❄️*

DAY SIX REVEALS

Merry Christmas, David Rose

[David/Patrick, E, 14,031 words]

He doesn’t have any intention of staying in Schitt’s Creek, he knows it’s a stepping stone on his path to, hopefully, something better for him.

And he can’t imagine working here for too long: a shopping mall named Pa-Ray-dise, for a ridiculous man that insists on using his face as a marketing strategy –despite Alexis’ best efforts.

He exhales and looks at the people closing their stores and getting ready to go home. In front of him, on the lower floor, he observes how Alexis’ brother closes the store he works in and starts rolling a scarf around his neck as he walks towards the exit. The thought that he’s beautiful surprises Patrick, who’s never thought about a man on those terms before. But he is. Jet black hair, perfectly coiffed, long lean legs, a strong upper body wrapped in an expensive looking coat…

David. His name is David, his brain supplies.

Patrick watches him leave, feeling unsettled by the sudden impulse to follow the man, and a strange sensation unexpectedly lodged on his gut.

*❄️*

A Cold Winter's Night

[David/Patrick, T, 5,148 words]

They fell asleep not long after sliding between the covers, Patrick spooning David, as they often did, already dreaming of the white Christmas he hoped they’d wake up to, and the prospect of sharing more Brewer holiday traditions with his husband in the morning.

What he didn’t expect was to wake up in the wee hours of the morning with chattering teeth and David clinging to him like a koala bear, not to mention a distinct chill in the air that was most definitely not right.

*❄️*

Johnny on the Spot

[David/Patrick, G, 3,727 words]

Patrick and David visit the Brewers for Christmas for the first time since Patrick has moved to Schitt's Creek.

*❄️*

we'll take a cup of kindness yet

[David & Rachel, G, 1,945 words]

He hasn’t actually seen Rachel since that fateful day at the motel. She didn’t come to the wedding, though she was invited. He knows that she and Patrick have been talking more and more, trying to work their way across the crevasse of time and history to becoming what they always should have been, which is best friends. David’s interactions with her have been minimal, though, and he definitely wasn’t expecting to see her here—he doesn’t do well with surprises, especially when that surprise is his husband’s ex-fiancée looking at mediocre cheese.

David runs into Rachel while on an errand for Marcy and it's definitely not weird at all.

*❄️*

[podfic] Friends and Family Night

[Stevie/Twyla, G, 17:01]

“I want to meet Twyla,” David said as he plopped into a seat next to Stevie’s desk. She raised her eyebrows at him in what she hoped was a very clear ‘no.’

Aka, the Score adjacent fic where David wants to meet Stevie's girlfriend Twyla.

*❄️*

CREATORS: If your works were released today, please don’t forget to update your posting date!

#schitt's creek #scfrozenover #patrick brewer #david rose #stevie budd #twyla sands #sc fanworks #sc fanfic #schitts creek #sc frozenover #sc podfic

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kingofthering · 3 months

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Omfg that fake dating rosquez drabble, GOD YES, I am over here, dying. If you ever find time and motivation to write more of that, PLEASE do so, I would love to hear more coming from that place of your mind!!!! How does Marc react? What do they do? Do they kiss? Practice it? (No pressure obvs <3, do what you feel okay with)

Okay so, I warn you, this is going to be extra tropey and cutesy (angst, see you another day). A look into pictures I have for this universe :

context : Marc is very much aware of his crush on Valentino, previously with no intention to do anything about it but now that Valentino has put them in this position, Marc will take advantage of it and Valentino won't know what's coming for him

after Valentino's mom leave, Valentino goes to Marc to apologize and he's like "we'll just pretend for a couple of months, it's not like she'll be there often so you won't even have to do anything, I'll tell her we didn't work out because it's too complicated with racing each other but we stayed friends, things will be just like before and she'll still like you but will just believe that you like men" [this is where Marc comes out to Valentino]

mandatory scene where they're invited to dinner with other members of Valentino's family and friends of the family, PDA in the form of Valentino having his hand at the small of Marc's back when he gives him a tour of the living room and Valentino's arm resting above Marc's shoulders on the couch when they're having drinks pre-dinner

their first "kiss" happens that night, the two of them doing something super mundane (maybe helping to bring desert to the table or Valentino handing Marc his phone or something? I don't know, details) and Marc just leans forward to press his lips to Valentino and he's already gone before Valentino has the time to react

for their first "real" kiss (that lasts more than a quick second), we can have it the next day, Marc going "I caught you by surprise yesterday, when I kissed you" and Valentino being all "absolutely not" (when will that man ever admit to losing/not being on top of something) and one thing leading to another [this would need more words but this is already being too long as it is], they end up kissing passionately™️, Marc's back pressed into the kitchen island and Valentino's hands starting to push under his shirt until they get interrupted by someone walking into the kitchen

[there is a version of this universe where their competitive side kicks in and they both try to one up each other in a game of who can make the other uncomfortable first] [some twisted version of gay chicken, I suppose]

obviously Marc wasn't supposed to stay at the ranch for that long but it just makes sense for him to still be there and for the two of them to spend more time together [this is either summer or winter 2014, again, details]

another scene where they have to spend time with Valentino's family [let's say at a baby shower of one of Valentino's cousins, to not say a wedding] [fake dating at a wedding is an elite trope, just having fun with some alternatives as well] and they're far from Tavullia so it makes sense for them to stay for the night and they have to share a bed [might as well mix all my basic fave tropes together]

two things that happen that night/the next morning in an order I haven't decided on yet : they have sex + they have this very sweet moment where they're facing each other and touching in some way (and Valentino fixes a curl on Marc's forehead at some point) [I don't care that Marc's hair wasn't showing his curls in 2014, we're altering reality in all the ways we want] and Marc's like "your mom wasn't surprised when you told her you had a boyfriend" and "people are genuinely happy for us" and "I didn't really think that was an option" [and Valentino's heart is feeling soooo guilty at that, oh boy] [not in a "Marc's family is homophobic" way but the whole "being a gay rider" thing, you know]

one thing I realize is the fact that they probably should have to sleep in the same bed at the ranch to keep appearances but it's not practical for my whole narrative so I'm still debating that, we can work around it [as always : details]

#rpf #marc marquez #valentino rossi #4693 #this is so fluffy it's ridiculous #my writing #(kind of)#fake dating rosquez #of course you could also make this angsty but not today

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pejite · 20 days

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Thanks to the winter season, Edwin found himself with more leisure time, affording Wilhelmina the opportunity to slip away for moments to visit Mary Elizabeth and share a cup of tea. Wilhelmina always felt a pang of reluctance leaving the children in Edwin's care, but truth be told, he relished the chance to look after them. After all, for the rest of the year, his time with the children was often limited.

That particular afternoon, Wilhelmina rendezvoused with Mary Elizabeth for tea and conversation, anticipating news about her relationship with Edmund.

"How's the pregnancy treating you?" Mary Elizabeth inquired as she poured a splash of milk into her tea. Wilhelmina grinned and tenderly caressed her swelling belly. "Very well, but I'm eager to give birth and hold my baby in my arms." she responded.

"Oh…" Mary Elizabeth murmured, her chin propped in her hand, eyes shining with wonder. "How I wish I could be a mother again. I'd love to give Josephine siblings. When I see you with your husband and your brood of children, I envy you more than you can imagine."

"You're still young and have plenty of time to have more children, I'm sure." Wilhelmina remarked, setting down her tea cup and casting a curious glance at her friend. Mary Elizabeth chuckled at Wilhelmina's probing gaze. "Well, as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, last week I met with Edmund and…"

"And…?"

"He's finally proposed to me." she confessed, prompting Wilhelmina to release the breath she'd been holding.

"Congratulations, dear." she exclaimed joyfully. "Do you have any plans yet? Considering Edmund works in London, at the same factory where you used to work, isn't that right?"

"Well…" Mary Elizabeth sighed wistfully. "We'll be moving to London with him. He's secured a flat and will finalize the purchase once we set the wedding date, which I hope will be here. I won't pretend I'm thrilled about selling this house and leaving the village, but Edmund has a promising job at the factory, so it makes sense to join him there."

Wilhelmina nodded pensively. "I'll make sure your parents and your late husband always have fresh flowers."

Mary Elizabeth offered a grateful smile. "In any case, in three weeks, Edmund will have some time off work and will come to make arrangements for the wedding. I'd love for you and Edwin to meet him."

On that very day, not long into the night, when Edwin returned from tending to the livestock at Abernathy estate, Wilhelmina stirred from her slumber upon hearing his arrival and made her way downstairs to the kitchen, where he was enjoying a glass of milk before retiring to bed.

"Hello, dear." Wilhelmina called out, her voice carrying softly across the quiet kitchen. "Would you like me to run you a bath?" Edwin shook his head, setting the glass down on the countertop and leaning against it. "No need, I won't be showering tonight. Tell me, how did it go with Mary Elizabeth? I was in such a rush to get to work when you got back home that you couldn't fill me in."

Wilhelmina placed the candleholder on the table, its flickering flame casting a gentle glow in the room. "She's finally tying the knot, they're moving to London."

"The bustling city..." Edwin remarked with a hint of awe, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of fascination. "Plenty of opportunities there, what with the factories springing up all over." Wilhelmina raised an eyebrow, her expression thoughtful. "Well, I reckon farm work is better, even if it's scarce at times. They say the city is dreadfully dirty."

Edwin chuckled softly, a warm smile playing on his lips. "Don't fret, dear, I've no intentions of uprooting us to the city." he reassured her, reaching out to give her hand a gentle squeeze. She looked at him with a playful gleam in her eye, and suddenly remembered something. "By the way! Edmund will be coming in a few weeks to have a chat with the vicar, and Mary Elizabeth thought it would be a good idea for us to meet him. What do you say?"

Edwin nodded in agreement, his smile widening. "Of course, but for now, let's head to bed." he said, his tone affectionate as his eyes twinkling mischievously.

#ts4 #sims 4 #ts4 legacy #sims 4 legacy #ts4 decades challenge #sims 4 decades challenge #ts4 historical #1830s #the langley legacy #wilhelmina langley #edwin langley #mary elizabeth aldridge

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summerongrand · 1 month

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6x02: Hammering in on 'The Hammer'

My episode recap ...

The opening is so unhinged. A flashmob for Daddy Cop. Please be for real 😂

Next up is Chastity and STR. Chastity is beautiful. We'll get back to her.

~~~

We've come to the first Chenford scene.

Lucy: You got a minute to talk? Tim: Uh, sure. There's nothing to talk about. You felt I undermined you at a crime scene to stop you from making detective. I explained that I didn't. Now we're moving on. Okay. This is (presumably) the first time they've seen each other since he gave her ultimatums the night before, then left her alone in the parking lot. Lucy's trying to open up to him; she's trying to make amends with a clearer head. It's the mature thing to do. He leads her on with the affirmative "Uh, sure" and closes off completely. Tim is being really dismissive here.

Lucy: Well, while I appreciate the efficiency, that's not how actual healthy communication works. Tim: Wow, that's not condescending at all. Explain to me what there is to talk about that isn't just a retread of what I just efficiently covered?

Tim shut her down with the "Now we're moving on." And now Tim's rolling his eyes at her, looks annoyed the whole time he's talking to her, sounds annoyed, and meanwhile Lucy's talking to him calmly and trying to get him to open up. How is Lucy the one being condescending, Tim?

Lucy: Well...that's not the point. Look, if I have to start another deep undercover assignment, there are real issues here that we need to talk about. Tim (full of irritation and eye rolls): Which we will deal with if they come up then. I gotta get to work. Have a good shift.

Also Tim: Presses his body weight against the door so that it shuts in Lucy's face.

The point is to talk about the UC issues before Lucy goes UC. She didn't have much lead time prepping for her other UC ops. Tim is a total planner but he's so feelings-avoidant about this issue that he'd rather just stuff it down and let it go unresolved than process them with Lucy. Tim conveniently uses work as an excuse when it suits him. His body language, tone of voice, and door slam are not it. Lucy deserves much better treatment.

~~~

STR/Chastity/Lucy scene

Lucy's ruminating. She's going through her detective's exam in her head. She's in her predicament because she helped Tim in her 5 Player Trade. Meanwhile, the writers are like ... let's take her out of her concentration with a little zaniness.

~~~

Chenford/Angela scene

Okay, first of all, where did you come from, Eric Winter? You popped out of nowhere, not from underneath a doorframe, so were you leaning against that window ledge...? And now you are interjecting yourself into their conversation. What happened to "I gotta get to work. Have a good shift."?

It's on Tim for not telling Lucy that The Hammer is a 6'7" 300 pound guy who likes to fight cops. If he told her, she wouldn't have the resistant reaction she did. To echo Lucy: Well, while I appreciate the efficiency, that's not how actual healthy communication works.

Tim: Okay, do you want my help or not? Also Tim: Whateverrrrrr. And Tim: I knew you weren't gonna be able to let it go.

Well, that's not condescending at all, Tim. You slammed the door in her face that same morning and now you're telling her that she can't regulate her emotions. This is the kind of argument that should not have happened in front of Angela at all.

~~~

Chenford hallway scene

Lucy: Well, after you Tim: No, ladies first. Also Tim: Pushes Lucy towards danger.

And Tim: Guess you're gonna have to fight him.

So Tim tells Lucy he'll go with her to visit The Hammer. Then he doesn't give her the lowdown of how big The Hammer is. Now he pushes his girlfriend towards The Hammer and tells her she has to fight him. There is zero humor in Eric's delivery. And Mel's exasperated reaction is a tell that Lucy took his words seriously. Why is Tim doing this to Lucy?

Lucy's "are you okay?" is incredibly soft. She's so pure in heart.

~~~

Wedding prep scene

Tim: We're great when she's not accusing me of made-up transgressions. Lucy: Look, I'm not imagining things. Tim is traumatized by what happened with Isabel. He just won't admit it. Tim: Honestly, I think she's projecting or just using this as an excuse.

Tim is totally throwing shade at Lucy's character. Meanwhile Lucy's trying to help him by figuring out what's going on and getting to the heart of the issue. He's accusing her of falsifying, projection, and using him as a scapegoat because she doesn't want to go UC/Detective. Why are you talking so much crap about your girlfriend, Tim?

~~~

Let's analyze this Chastity/Lucy part for a moment. Chastity (to Lucy): Yeah, well, undercover work is kind of scary and dangerous. Maybe he's not the only one that's scared of what might happen.

The fact that I have to bring this up and highlight it means that network TV shows are not doing this nearly enough. And I haven't seen this mentioned in the fandom at all so I am going to, because it is important and needs to be acknowledged: this is a powerful interchange. What makes it different is that it's between two badass women of Asian descent on a network TV show that's marketed towards a general audience. And that's rare. Super rare.

Chastity barely knows Lucy and she clocked it. She validates Lucy's feelings about Tim while digging into Lucy's psyche and figuring out something about Lucy that Lucy in all her psych training, self help books, and being raised by two psychologists, couldn't. Tim who knows Lucy "too well" couldn't even clock it. Chastity could and did.

~~~

Chenford lie detector scene

Lucy: With a lie detector test? Tim: Yes!

Tim is so done with Lucy's questioning. But then he smiles right after his annoyed yes! This is Tim being able to convey nuance and his true emotions when he wants to. This wasn't there at all when he wanted Lucy to fight The Hammer. This needed to be there in that scene and for it to be nonexistent there tells me that he wanted her to fight The Hammer.

Lucy: Do you love me?

Tim's internal monologue: What kind of question is that? Of course I love you. I've been in love with you. You have no idea how much I love you. The fact that you're asking me this while I'm hooked to a lie detector tells me that maybe I'm not saying these words enough to you or maybe I'm not showing you enough that I, Tim Bradford, love you, Lucy Chen.

Also Tim's internal monologue: I've never been so sure of anything in my life.

Lucy: Do you want me to be an undercover detective? Tim: Yes. Lucy: You liar!

Clocked him, girly.

I do not think that this was their first I love you. Lucy's big question to Tim is the detective one. I do think that after their argument in the parking lot the night before, the ultimatums he gave her, and the way he treated her that morning, raised doubts in her mind.

gifs by @livelovecaliforniadreams

~~~

And then there's this scene. The first three seconds is the show taking advantage of Eric being a former model. It's just pure gratuitous panning (similar to when he adopted Kojo and was was walking down DTLA with him).

The lie detector test did nothing to resolve tensions between Chenford. If anything, I think Lucy was hurt by the truth, by Tim's treatment of her (dismissal, barking, shutting the door, denial, ultimatums), and by Tim's own projections of his prior relationship onto her. As soon as she catches his eye, she turns away. Well-positioned Lucy does not do that. Hurt Lucy does. Love that she has her new friend Chastity by her side. Even STR is more of a friend to her in that moment than Tim is.

~~~

The wedding ...

"Sit down, German! I got this!" Richard's pretty religious so I'm glad his character officiated.

~~~

The dance ...

I debated whether or not to split my analysis of the Chenford dance into its own post. I decided not to because I didn't want to dismiss the buildup, the angst, the importance of Chastity, and the lie detector that led to the dance. I also didn't want to take away from what Lucy and Tim went through as a couple by focusing just on the fluff.

(These gifs were made by @relentlessescapism)

Lucy does not appear to be having a good time here. There's something painful about Lucy dancing by herself. Her head is dipped, she has on a smile that doesn't reach her eyes, and they convey hurt. I see here a childlike quality to Lucy - she's always the one that helps others pick up their broken pieces even though she's just as broken the inside. It reminds me of @poppypickle's fic with her OC Miles Santos teasing Lucy and telling her to 'go back to where she came from' (it’s an offensive remark to an Asian person) even as she defended her friend. Like she's being strong on the outside but on the inside she's deeply hurt by Tim.

Clearly Lucy's being the bigger person here. Meanwhile Tim is all Mr. jaw clench and puffing his chest before he deflates. Is this a male ego thing? I dunno. Is it, Eric?

Lucy still has the same hurt look in her eyes. But she's also like, so ready to set aside the pettiness. She's like get over here, you idiot.

It's a little odd how Lucy is written. Just before they encountered The Hammer, she apologized to Tim. And now as they're dancing, she's thanking Tim for acknowledging that her dreams should be separate from his issues (like yeah of course they should be). I think Tim should be the one apologizing to her.

Throughout the dance scene, it appears that he has one arm around her. Also, she initiates the kiss. She's initiated a few of their onscreen kisses. Even the second first date one, he waits for her to kiss him. Like, why do you have one arm around your girlfriend when you're slowdancing with her? It doesn't affect blocking at all.

Love the huge grin that he uses on her (right before Aaron interrupts them). It's the same one from that 5x12 scene.

The rest of their dance is just pure fluff. Lucy and Tim making amends. Her reassuring him that she loves him, that they'll get through this, is reminiscent of 5x10(?) when they acknowledged that the only way to move forward was if he moved out of her chain of command, that breaking up was not an option. The banter about the lie detector was very cute too. Clearly their issues are still unresolved, but in that moment they just needed to be a couple.

If you want to read my thoughts about the last few scenes, here they are: optics, grabbing coats, and a friend's post which summarizes things very nicely.

#please be respectful if you choose to engage #episode recap #the rookie #chenford #6x02 #the hammer #tucy #lucy chen #tim bradford #eric winter #melissa o'neil #meg delacy #representation in media #representation on tv #things that matter

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callsign-dexter · 4 months

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Whisper in the Wind Pt. 1

Summary: The holidays are coming up and Natasha has no place to go. So, Bradley offers for her to come to his and his wife, Leah's place. She accepts the invitation not knowing she would be meeting the love of her life.

Pairings: Natasha Trace x OC!Benjamin Bradshaw, Natasha Trace x Daughter!Reader, OC!Benjamin Bradshaw x Daughter!Reader, Bradley Bradshaw x OC!Wife!Leah Winters

Warnings: fluff

Whisper in the Wind

Masterlist

Part 1 Part 2

December 20, 2010

Natasha "Phoenix" Trace hated the holidays. Why? Because she doesn't have anybody to share them with. All of her friends weren't anywhere near her and she hadn't been stationed long at Lemoore, CA to make any new real friends, she knew Jake "Hangman" Seresin but they were nowhere near friends besides he was going home for the holidays. She didn't have any contact with her family due to a falling out. She had concluded that just sitting on her couch with a bunch of junk food and watching cheesy Hallmark, which always has the same plot and some of the same actors, would be just fine with her. It was just 4 days until Christmas and she had planned on having Christmas dinner at the base and then coming home and watching a movie and calling it good. She was just about to turn on a movie when her phone lit up beside her. She looked at it and saw the incoming call from Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, she smiled. They had met in flight school and formed a very tight bond, she was there when he got engaged to his high school sweetheart Leah Sams, and at their wedding where Natasha was her bridesmaid, just 6 months later.

"Hey, Roos. What's up?" She asked as she answered the phone.

"Hey! You're on speaker." He said

"Hey, Nix!" Leah shouted out and smiled.

"Hey, Leah." She replied back.

"What are you doing for Christmas?" Bradley asked and she sighed.

"Had nothing planned, really. Probably just get dinner down on base and then come back and watch a movie." She said

"Not one of those cheesy, always the same plot, and same actors and actress Hallmark movie." Bradley said and in disgust and then she heard a faint 'Ow' from him meaning that Leah had probably hit him.

"Yes one of those." Natasha said

"Well, cancel those plans. Pack a bag. You're coming here." He said

"Bradley." She started

"No, he's serious. We talked about it and would love to have you around. Please." Leah pleaded and Natasha sighed.

"Fine. Since you said please." She said with a playful eye roll and a smirk.

"Perfect! We'll see you when you get here." Bradley said

"I'll let one of you know when I leave." She said with a chuckle.

"Good! See you soon!" Leah said and then they hung up. She sighed, now she already had a present for them both she was just planning on sending them by mail but this worked out better.

She sat on the couch for a few more minutes and looked at her phone it was only 12 PM on December 20th and if she left at 2 PM she could be in Oceana, VA at 7 AM on December 22nd. She nodded to herself liking those odds. She got up and packed quickly and looked at her watch is was nearing 1:30 PM. She grabbed her bags and the presents and made sure that everything was locked and squared away and now she was heading to her car ready to make the drive. She had been on a week leave due to having just gotten back from a deployment so it worked out perfectly.

——————————————————————

December 22, 2010

The trip to Oceana, VA was really uneventful. Natasha did have to stop for the night, she thought about pushing through but decided against it. Now it was December 22nd there was hardly any traffic which she was grateful for. As she promised she let Bradley and Leah know when she was leaving, stopping, and going again. She was 10 minutes out when she decided to give them a call. She decided to call Leah, it rang once before she answered. Both Bradley and Leah were early risers but could easily sleep in if they wanted to.

"Hey, Nix!" Leah said and that made Natasha smile.

"Hey, Leah. I'm 10 minutes out." She told her.

"That's great! We can't wait until you get here! It's going to be so fun." Leah said and then she heard two male voices, one she recognized as Bradley and the second one that she wasn't familiar with and that sounded exactly like Bradley's.

"Hey, Leah. Who else is there?" Natasha asked as she stopped at a stoplight.

"Oh! Just Bradley's brother and my brother-in-law." Leah said like it was nothing and to her it was but not to Natasha.

"Bradley has a brother?" She asked and Leah chuckled.

"He sure does. You'll get to meet him while you're here. Now be safe and hurry up." Leah said and Natasha chuckled and then said goodbye to each other.

10 minutes later she was pulling into their driveway where she noticed both Leah's black Ford Explorer and Bradley's precious Bronco but there was a car she didn't recognize it was a deep olive green Chevy Colorado. It was sleek and looked like it was just washed. She parked next to it and got out while grabbing the presents not wanting them to sit out in the car for too long.

Natasha walked up to the door and rang the doorbell "I got it." She heard a male voice say and she didn't have to wait long until the door opened, she was expecting Bradley or Leah, not this handsome, 6'2", dirty blonde-haired man with true blue eyes with flecks of brown near his pupils. Her breath literally got caught in her throat and that never happened to her. They stared at each other him smiling and her just speechless.

"Benji! Let her in!" Bradley said pushing the other male out of the way, if anyone else had called him that he would've gotten on them but his brother was allowed to and Leah as well but she mostly calls him Ben. "I'm so glad you made it!" He said and hugged her and she smiled. She stepped into the beautifully decorated house.

"Well I wasn't going to say no to an open invitation." She said and then handed the presents to him "These are for you and Leah for Christmas." She said and that is when Leah came out.

"Ben, you're drooling." She said and shoved him and he smirked.

"How can I not? Especially with a beautiful woman in my presence." He said and that made Natasha blush and Bradley roll his eyes as he sent a wink towards her. Benjamin Bradshaw was their dad made over, besides his mustache, and was not afraid to speak his mind.

"Natasha this is my older brother by 2 years, Benjamin Bradshaw. Ben this is Natasha Trace my friend from flight school. Breakfast is almost ready. Come on." Bradley said and ushered them to the kitchen.

"Nice to meet you, Natasha. Such a beautiful name for such a beautiful woman. " Ben said to her with a smirk.

"Nice to meet you too, Ben." She said finally finding her voice again.

——————————————————————

December 23, 2010

As everyone sat down for breakfast the talking began. "So, Natasha. Bradley has told me a lot about you especially when he said you were coming down." Ben said as he took a bite of a pancake Natasha was surprised.

"All good things I hope." She said still amazed how quickly she was falling in love with this man.

"I wouldn't tell him anything bad about you." Bradley said and Leah nodded.

"He told me that you're an aviator and stationed at Lemmore." Ben said and Natasha nodded.

"That's right. I don't know a lot of people there. It's nice though." She said as she took a drink of her coffee. "I didn't know Bradley had an older brother." She said when she put her cup down and Ben looked at Bradley.

"Rude." He said but there was no malice behind it. "Well, I'm 2 years older than him. I'm an aviator as well and stationed here at Naval Air Station Oceana." He said and then took another bite of his food.

"How is it working with your older brother?" She asked Bradley and he rolled his eyes and Leah smirked.

"Terrible. He likes to remind me every second that he outranks me and I'm older than him, even though we aren't in the same squad." Bradley said and then took a bite of his food as Ben smirked.

"Oh stop your whining. Just admit it's great. At least I don't fly with you." Ben said and Bradley nodded in agreement. "Matter in fact we have an air show that is going to be happing on Christmas Eve at 5 PM and I hope you all will be able to make it." Ben said.

"Don't worry we'll be there so you can show off." Bradley said and Ben leaned over and slightly nudged him in a brotherly fashion. The rest of breakfast went without a hitch and before they knew it they were cleaning up and going to sit in the living room where the Christmas tree was lit and decorated with presents underneath. "We have a lunch planned at one of our favorite places on the pier and tonight we're just going to hang out." Bradley added and everyone nodded.

Most of the morning was spent talking about random things and getting to know one another, more so of Natasha and Ben, that 12 PM snuck up on them out of nowhere and they were loading up in the Bronco and heading to the pier. They arrived quickly and found a good parking spot and they headed inside "How many?" The hostess asked.

"4 and can we have a table outside." Ben asked and the hostess nodded and Natasha swore she fell deeper in love each time Ben talked.

"Right this way." The hostess said and they followed her and she sat them. "Someone will be with you shortly." She said and walked away after they sat down but Ben held the chair out for Natasha and when she sat down he pushed her in and sat next to her.

"So, what is good here?" Natasha asked and Ben smiled.

"Their steak is to die for and so is their fried chicken." He said and she nodded the waitress came by and took their drink orders and then left again and soon came back with their drinks. They were ready to order and did so Natasha went with what Ben got trusting his judgment. Lunch went great and it was fun learning more about Ben. When lunch was done Bradley and Ben fought over who was paying and in the end Ben won and he smiled triumphally. They all headed back to Bradley and Leah's house.

The afternoon blended into the evening and everyone was few drinks in. "Ben you staying?" Bradley asked as the night was coming to and end, supper was just snacking since they had a big lunch.

"Yea, I've been drinking. No way am I going to drive back home." Ben said and Natasha looked him in awe.

"Alright. Well, Leah and I are heading to bed you both can do whatever you want but please don't doing here we have to eat and live here." Bradley said and Leah smacked him, Ben rolled his eyes and flipped him off and Natasha blushed.

"Goodnight guys." Leah said and begun to drag her husband away.

"Goodnight." Ben and Natasha said in unison. Once they knew they were out of sight and out of earshot they began talking.

"Do you want kids?" Natasha asked once they got into a knowing each other.

"Absolutely." Ben said almost instantly and that made her smile. "I want at least one and I have more than one I would love them all equally. You?" He asked.

"Yes, especially with the right one. What gender?" She asked and he had to think about it.

"Honestly either boy or girl again I would love them equally depending on their gender. But truthfully, I really want a girl." He said and she nodded. "What about you?" He asked looking at her lovingly. "Want another drink?" He asked.

"I'm pretty much the same way. Yes, I would love another drink." She said looking at him and they stared at each other for a few minutes and then they got up and headed into the kitchen reluctantly breaking eye contact. When they got to the kitchen he walked to the fridge and got out two beers and then joined Natasha who had been standing under the doorway. Ben jus happened to look up and found mistletoe hanging there and he chuckled. "What's so funny?" She asked smiling because his laugh was music to her ears.

"Look up." He said and she did and chuckled and then looked back at him. They then found themselves leaning in and then closing their eyes and then their lips met, sparks flew for both of them when they touched lips. He had sat his drink down and blindly on the counter and came to cup her face, she sat her drink down beside his and put her arms around his neck. They continued to kiss until air was needed and they pulled away. Their lips were swollen and they were flushed. "That was-" She began.

"Prefect." Ben added and she nodded. After a few hours and snuggling and stealing more kisses and finishing their drinks they had decided to go to bed.

——————————————————————

December 24, 2010

The smell of breakfast cooking is what woke Leah and Bradley up. They groggily rolled out of bed and headed to the kitchen and as they got closer to the kitchen they heard laughter and two voices that were all to familiar. They quietly walked down the stairs and stood by them having a clear view of the kitchen and watched the scene before them. Ben and Natasha were standing side by side practically leaning into each other, he was at the stove and she was by him making the pancake batter and other food. Occasionally they would bump into each other and chuckle. Bradley took a quick glance at his wife who was smiling at the happy couple. "How long until you think they get together?" She asked quietly.

"Next month. They're already so head over hills for each other. I bet they kissed last night." He said and Leah shook her head.

"No, way." She said and Bradley smirked.

"Yes, way." He said and Leah shook her head.

"Ready to head in?" She asked and he nodded and they walked into the kitchen. "Good morning you two." She made their appearance known. Nat and Ben turned around and smiled.

"Good morning." Ben said and then turned around and finished putting the last of the pancakes on the plate and turning the stove off.

"Sleep well?" Bradley asked

"Yes." Ben and Natasha answered together which just made Bradley smirk. Ben grabbed the plate of pancakes and bacon, walked over to the table and set it in the center. Everyone grabbed their drinks and they began to eat.

"Remember the airshow is at 5 tonight. I'm gonna have to head out soon to go home get changed then head to base and get ready for it." Ben said and Natasha pulled a face that told them she was clearly upset about that but Ben didn't see it but Bradley and Leah did and they smirked and nudged each other. Breakfast was eaten with chatter and then Ben was getting ready to leave. Bradley and Leah had gone off somewhere leaving Ben and Natasha alone.

"Can't you stay just a little bit longer?" She asked and Ben smirked.

"I wish but we have to get some things ready and make sure everything is in tip-top shape for tonight. We also have to get a round of practice in." He said and she nodded in understanding. "What are your plans for New Year's?" He asked and she had to stop and think.

"Well, I was planning on leaving on the 27th and spending it alone." She said and Ben pulled a face as if saying he didn't like that.

"Why don't you just stay?" He asked and she shook her head.

"I would feel like I'm overstepping my welcome." She said looking into his blue eyes.

"Well, you could always stay with me." He said

"I don't want to intrude on you." She said unsure what to truly say because she was speechless but secretly loved it.

"Nonsense, I have two guest rooms. You wouldn't be intruding. Besides you have a few more days of leave and driving now during the holidays would be absolutely murder." He said and she nodded.

"Ok." She said and he leaned in and kissed her. What they didn't know was Bradley and Leah were watching with a smirk on their faces.

This was their plan all along of course having Natasha over was always going to be the plan because they hated the thought of someone being alone and Ben would've been over anyway. They both had been complaining about being alone for the rest of their lives and Bradley and Leah knew they would be perfect for each other so they set the plan in motion. What they didn't know was that it would've taken off so well and quickly but were absolutely glad about it.

The afternoon was spent just staying and enjoying each other's company in the house while Ben was gone. Natasha caught up with both of her best friends and overall just had a good time. Before they knew it 4:30 PM rolled around and they headed to the base. Now you may think it's silly for two Naval aviators to go see an air show but it was to support the oldest Bradshaw. Base was only 20 minutes away from each house so it was perfect. They got into the base with ease and found a spot. It was almost like a tailgate party, some people chose to sit or stand. Bradley turned his Bronco around so he could open the tailgate and they could sit on it or lay down on it. 5 PM exactly the announcer started speaking.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 6th annual Oceana Air Show! We have some exciting things for you to see! You'll be able to see all jets and planes up close and meet the pilots. Thank you for coming and let's begin!”

The crowd roared with excitement. Upbeat music started playing but no jets or planes had taken off. Most were sitting in front of the crowd so they could see them up close and personal. As they got to looking around at all the jets the name on the side of the one in front of them stuck out to them it had Cpt. Benjamin Bradshaw and then “Eagle” was written underneath. How did they get so lucky and be in front of his jet?

“In front of you are the jets that are gonna be flying today. In a few minutes we will have the pilots and WSOs come out so we can get this show up in the air. If we have time we'll have a simulation of a base attack. We will also have the pleasure of hearing what some of the pilots are saying while up in the air.” The announcer said.

“So tell me more about your brother.” Natasha said as she turned to Bradley as he looked at her.

“He practically raised me after our dad died. He grew up way faster than he should've, even though he hides it well with his goofiness which he got from dad. He was the one I turned to when things got rough when mom died.” Bradley said

“He sounds like a really good guy.” Nat said and Bradley nodded.

“He’s the best.” Leah added “The first time I met him he was a total gentleman even though he did try to flirt with me but Bradley warned me about that. He cares for the ones he loves and won’t take shit from anyone.” She said and everything they were saying was just making her fall in love with him more.

“He has chewed out many people because they either caused harm to us or to anyone that he cares about. He even chewed Maverick out when he tried to pull his application out and it was bad they’re relationship was and still is strained because of it.” Bradley said and Nat was shocked. He was going to tell Nat about Maverick pulling his papers but decided against it. When Ben found out Maverick pulled his papers he was about to call him and chew him out but Bradley stopped him.

“Did he end up going to the academy?” Shs asked and Bradley nodded.

“Yea after Maverick got chewed in front of Ice might I add. He withdrew the request to pull the papers.” Bradley said

“We talked about kids last night. He sounds like he would be a good dad.” Nat said, turning to look at his jet.

“He’s the best with kids. Always doing things for them and playing with them, I think it's because he’s a kid at heart.” Bradley said and that made Nat smile.

“Alright ladies and gentlemen! We are ready to start! I’m Lt. Justin Summers and will be telling you everything that is happening in this airshow. I’m excited for everyone to be here. We will be showing you a bunch of different jets, planes, and have a base attack simulation. We will be able to hear inside of the cockpits of some of our aviators.” Lt. Summers said and then a bunch of planes and jets were taking off and doing stunts but Leah, Bradley, and Nat had seen them before. They just wanted to see Ben fly and show off. “Alright ladies and gentlemen we have some time to do a simulation of a base attack, so at this time I want to warn you that there will be loud popping sounds and gunfire.” Lt. Summers said.

As he was talking the pilots had started to come out all in a line and they immediately picked out Ben because he was just like Goose. Each of them went to their jet and saluted their ground crew. Everyone saluted each other and the pilots and WSOs were getting into the jets. The pilots turned on the jets and it was a beautiful start up. Before everyone knew they were taxing and up in the air and flying.

The announcer began to talk as the siren came on and the base attack simulation began. It started with a jet releasing fake bombs making smoke. More smoke was seen from the ‘enemy’ fighters. “As the enemy takes fire on the base. Air support is called for the F-18 to come to assist.” There was the sound of 2 F-18s taking off and up into the air going after the ‘enemy’ “The friendly F-18s are flown by Captain Benjamin ‘Eagle’ Bradshaw and Lt. Luke ‘New York’ Townsend,” The announcer said and Bradley, Leah, and Nat smiled at hearing Ben’s name. “We will be able to hear inside of these two cockpits.” Lt. Summers said the base attack simulation went on and Ben had done several low flybys, especially where his brother, sister-in-law, and his future girlfriend. “Watch them go after the enemy fighter and engage in a dogfight.” Lt. Summers said

“Alright Eagle. Let’s go.” Luke said

“Let’s turn and burn.” Ben said and they were off and going after the ‘enemy’.

“On your six.” Luke said after a few moments and Ben did a move that impressed them and got behind them and toned them. The enemy flew off.

“One down, one to go. We got this.” Ben said and then they were tag teaming to take down the other jet and they did.

Their part was done and then the rest of it lasted a few more hours until Lt. Summers announced the end of the simulation and the end of the air show. Now they were allowed to go and meet the pilots after the jets had all landed.

They walked over to Ben and watched him while he talked with people and let some kids go and look up at the jet up and personal. He smiled when he saw them. "Hope you liked the show." Ben said and as he finished hugging them.

"We did." Leah said and Nat was just looking at him in his flight suit and falling deeper in love with him. They all talked until he had to tend to the other people and he said that they would met back at Bradley and Leah's house.

After a few hours Ben was pulling into the driveway and walking up to the house and walking in. "Honey, I'm home." He said.

"In the living room, my dear." Bradley responded and they both laughed. He walked in and saw that drinks were already served and food was on the table. Ben grabbed the beer that Bradley had held out to him. The rest of the evening was spent talking, eating and drinking. Once it reached 11 PM they went to bed but Ben stayed up and walked outside as Bradley and Leah retired to their room. Nat was about to go when he saw him outside and joined him.

"You were amazing." She said and he turned to look at her and smiled as he slung an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into him further.

"Why thank you. I love it." He said and she chuckled.

"I do too." She said and they stood there for a few minutes looking into each other eyes and slowly leaned and kissed. They pulled away when air was needed and then they just stood there for awhile until they ended up going back inside and up the stairs they ended up cuddling in bed until the next morning.

——————————————————————

December 25, 2010

Morning came early and Natasha was waking up with a weight around her and she was confused until she turned and saw that it was Ben. He was sound to sleep and peaceful. He must've sensed her looking at him "Staring is rude." He said and opened his eyes reveling the blue she loved oh so much. "Come on. Better get up. We got presents to open." He said and she chuckled. They got up and walked downstairs to see Leah and Bradley already in the living room waiting.

"Good morning, lovebirds." Bradley said and Ben grabbed a pillow and threw it at his head which he ducked and it flew past him. Everyone chuckled.

"Sleep well?" Leah asked and they nodded. "Good now let's open presents." She said and Ben and Nat sat down by each other and the present opening begun. It took a few hours but all the presents were opened and it was now lunch.

"So, Nat you staying for New Years?" Bradley asked and she nodded.

"Ben is letting me stay at his place until then." She said and they smirked.

"Oh really now?" Bradley asked and Ben reached over and punched him in the arm.

"Yes really." Ben said as he took a bite of his sandwich that they had all agreed on for lunch.

"When are you going over there?" Leah asked loving how this was turning out.

"Once you get tired of us and kick us out." Ben joked and they rolled their eyes as Nat chuckled.

"We can never get tired of you both." Bradley said

"We'll leave here around 6 PM." Ben said and they nodded "Until then, you're stuck with us." He said and everyone laughed.

The rest of the afternoon and the evening was spent together and watching TV and trying out their gifts. Nat sat back thinking that she could get used to this and she really could. While the boys were out in the backyard paying with their gadgets the girls were left in the house. "So?" Leah started.

"So?" Nat asked looking at her.

"You and Ben." She said smirking with a knowing smirk.

"I think I'm in love." Nat said

"I knew it. He loves you too. I can tell." Leah said as they turned their attention back to the boys when a crash was heard. They watched the boys look at the two remote control jets on the ground with their hands on their hips. "Are we sure their pilots? They can't even fly remote control jets." Leah said and they both laughed, she shook her head and walked out.

"Boys, what did you do? Some pilots you are." She asked and then they started going on about what happened at the same time and it was hilarious. Nat shook her head.

"Yea, I'm in love." She said to herself and walked out to see if she could assist with anything.

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