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urlocalnctstan · 3 years

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𝚃𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜

Genre : Angst, Fluff, Slow-burnish, Idol AU

Pairing : Jaehyun x Reader ft.Mark (other members too)

Warning(s) : strong language, age-gap, mature contents, weird writing style lmao, uh what else? idk but yeah

Disclaimer :The story is completely fictitious, idol-fan relationships are not common so some of you crazy ones out here, pls don’t get too delusional, your oppas will be your oppas only virtually, not in real life.

Playlist : Youtube Link / Written

Word Count : 5.4k

Summary : ‘Time and tide waits for none’- a quote that is universally accepted and believed. You both had had your experience of meeting the right one at the wrong time, the concept of love long forgotten after the sudden downfall of your relationship together. But will time eventually heal everything for you both?

The car came to a halt, your mind subconsciously drifting back to the humiliation you faced tonight back at the office.

“ARE YOU FUCKING DUMB, Y/N?” your boss was a fuming mess, his whole office scattered with the documents you had brought just a few moments ago. At the sight of the shredded papers, you felt you heart clench. You worked so hard for this project, disregarding God knows how many nights of your sleep. The feeling of abomination was slowly creeping up from the pit of your stomach towards the man who stood taut, seething in rage.

“HOW MANY TIMES DID I TELL YOU TO JUST DO WHAT THEY ASKED YOU TO?” He yelled, his fist furiously banging on his wooden desk, beneath his hand rested some pieces of the torn documents.

“Sir, even you know how risky it is to design as they asked to. If a blunder happens it is our company that is to be held accountable, not theirs.” you knew it was pointless to reason with the stubborn headed prick, but you had to try out your luck.

“Get out. Out, out, out. Get your fucking face out of my face.” He swished his index finger repeatedly, letting out a frustrated shriek just as I was about to exit his office. His wrath was nothing new in the office, as all the other employees shot me a rather pitying look when they saw me exiting the team leader’s office with hands full of ripped papers. Wow, my 2 weeks worth of sleep. Just wow. You didn’t bother to reciprocate their sympathetic glances, storming out of the corridor as you furiously started clicking the floor to your cabin. The jabbing of your finger on the glowing button that read ‘13’ was the only sound that resonated in the fairly empty area, earning annoyed looks from the two individuals who stood right behind you.

“Ah, fuck.” You banged your head against the steering, recalling the even as you clutched the handles harshly. “Why,” another bang. “do I,” bang. “live like” bang. “this,” bang. You could feel your face was burning without even touching it, streams of tears flowing down. Just as you were about to give yourself another bang, the sudden honk of a car made you pause amidst your ritual. Indeed all motherfuckers love to test my patience. You decide to ignore the rider, mainly because you were also partially at fault for resting in your car in the middle of the park. You twisted the metal keys as the ignition went off, signaling your car was ready to flee. Yet again, you were distracted by soft knocks. You prayed to God to help you not lose your shit, at this point you were questioning if He ever hears your woes at all. The soft knocks stop immediately when you started to pull down the window, the person straightening only crouch again.

“Y/n?” his called out unsurely, as if he were afraid of mistaking you for someone else. You knew that voice, and that is not good news. Shit.

“Mark?” you were surprised to say the least, not expecting to run into an old friend. “Oh my god! How have you been?” You shoot out of your driver’s seat, instantly being engulfed into a bone crushing hug by the male.

“I have been good. Oh god, I can’t believe this! I can’t believe I ran into you after so long!” Mark still held you tight your embrace, the sudden reunion making him feel giddy with excitement.

“Yes indeed,” you were the first to pull out from the hug. You took a moment to study him; black mask covering half of his face as he smiled widely, eyes crinkled and the signature cheekbones still the same as they were in the past. God, it’s really been so long. “What are you up to these days?”

“Er,” Mark scratched his head as he laughed nervously, unsure if he was allowed to give you spoilers about his new album. “I have been working on my solo album actually.”

“Are you for real?” You found yourself hugging Mark again at the joy of his successful career. “I’m so so proud of you mate!”

“Thank you, thank you,” Mark swayed you lightly, his voice muffled due to the mask he wore. Mark was the one to pull out now, still keeping your caged as he placed his hands on your shoulders. “In no way I am gonna let you leave without a trace again,” he almost groaned.

“Promise, I won’t anymore,” you signaled to the stack of files that rested on the backseat of your car. “They won’t leave me alone.”

“I’ll just ask your boss to assign you with more tasks then,” he giggled mischievously, earning a light smack from you at the mention of such an absurd idea.

“I’ll track your way to hell to kill you again if you do something like that,” you hissed at Mark, who was still giggling at your frustrated reaction. The atmosphere became quiet as Mark looked up in the vacant sky, deep in thoughts while you waited for him to continue. Your phone buzzed against your leather coat.

[From Bullhead] : Don’t think I am overlooking your mess. This is the first and final warning from me.

You shivered, half from the cold and half from the text you just received.

“26th, sharp at 8 PM, my place.” He snapped his fingers, hooting at the realization of having a free day in his busy scheduled life.

“Okay, done.” You should have refused, you thought. But for some reason, you found yourself agreeing to his offer, you felt both sad and guilty for disappearing out of your friend’s life without a trace. However, you couldn’t ignore the greedy feeling you felt, the want to see him again. “I think I should be done around...7:30? So I think I’ll be able to make it.” You unlocked and handed him your phone.

“You have to make it,” his eyes focused on the screen of your device, swiftly typing what you assumed was him number. “Just incase, text me if I happen to forget - no I know that look, Y/n, you must text if that happens..” He rolled his eyes, knowing that how much you would be overthinking about possibly tiring him because of his busy lifestyle. Mark dialed his number from your phone before handing it back to you. You visibly snickered at the name he saved his contact with : ‘My Boo MarkLee <3’

“Stop pretending as if you never renamed my existence as Markie Boo,” he groans, remembering how this has been his another one of the hundred pet names he had. Your conversation was cut mid way as his phone loudly vibrated in his phone, swiftly pulling it out as the guy whined in annoyance.

“Yo, I gotta go now I guess, something came up at the company.” He looked sad, pouty. “See you around, yeah?” You were pulled into another hug by the male, he surely loved to hug as usual.

“Yes, yes. Now go. Don’t be late.” You patted his back, pulling out of the hug and shooing him away towards his car.

“See ya, Mom.” He beamed as he sped off with his car.

“Dumbass.” You muttered, softly laughing at the name he would always call you by, despite being years younger than him. You rounded around your car, getting inside. The start was bad but the end was good nonetheless. The keys of your car jiggled as you closed the door. Again, you twisted the keys, your mood slightly better than before for which you were grateful. Your car’s ignition blared, as you positioned towards the exit of the park, subtly muttering ‘long ass ride.’

The digits ‘7:37’ glowed on the the small digital clock beside your desktop. You felt stiff, stretching your neck as your bones made those cracking noes. You stare at your toes, zoning out was your passion and you excelled at it. You snapped straight, letting out a deep sigh as you started to scheme the projects before you were to hand them over to your bullhead boss. Soon enough, you were done, muttering almost too loudly for everyone that you wished your boss would be napping off instead of being awake.

Good for you, your prayers were answered for the first time in a while. You quietly placed the files that contained all the details that needed to be checked again by your boss, quietly making your way out of his cabin as soon as possible. On you way, you informed his secretary you were leaving, her face wore distraught and annoyance but softens as she saw you approaching. Sometimes you felt sympathetic towards her, often asking the heavens to bless her with utmost patience and perseverance to deal with the bullhead.

The marble floor clicked with every step you took, the sounds eerily audible in the serene lobby. It was very rare for the lobby to be filled with people in evening, the employees would practically sprint off their seats as soon as the clock hits 7. You made your way out of the building, making a mental note to buy a gift for Mark on your way back to home. What would he like? Take outs? Homemade? Wine? You drove across the street before halting your car in front of the department store that was situated just a few blocks away from your office. The header of the store glowed, the alleys seemingly half-crowded with people of different occupations you assumed. You let out a hiss as you felt a chill run down your spine, it was almost the end of Autumn which meant Winter was just round the corner. You decided to rely on your instincts, deciding to gift your friend a fancy bottle of wine despite having zero knowledge about it.

You were never quite the fan of wine. According to you, the seemingly alcoholic drink was too expensive, plus the etiquettes that came along for its consumption would always just make your turn your head away every time you laid your eyes across one. You schemed through the white shelves filled with different tastes and colors of wine, each hailing from various corners of the world. “How do I even spell it?” You crouched down a bit to a bottle that had caught your attention, the exquisite name was starting to make your head hurt. It’s probably a white wine you thought, the transparent color of the liquid was what made you convince. But something rather nostalgic caught your sight, before you could even realize, you found your fingertips caressing the cold glass bottle of the red liquid that you held now.

“If were to be a drink, then what would I be?” You lazily laid sprawled across the couch in the living, while you boyfriend who sat on the marble floor across fumbles with the knotted bunch of cables. Jaehyun had his gaze focus of the wire maze in his hands, eyebrows furrowed and lips pouted in immense concentration.

“Peach milk,” he smiled, unbeknownst to you he was actually implying a double meaning for his answer.

“And why that?” You felt his choice a bit amusing, not really expecting that as an answer.

“Because I love your ass and boobs,” he winked, only to be hit by a pillow that was resting beneath your curled legs. Jaehyun felt himself giggling by your reaction, it was cute to see you being annoyed. “Babe, c’mon. I can’t lie about it.”

“Never mind, just forget it.” You started to get a bit pissed, hurt as well because your sensitive ass thought he would probably say something sweet that would make you heart flutter.

“Peach milk is my favorite, that’s the main reason why,” Jaehyun shifted his focus back to the cables, the last two knots were too adamant to let go of each other. You felt yourself smiling, too wide, he definitely knew you well. Cheeky bastard.

“What about me?” he asked, eyes still focused as he working on untying the last knot.

“Hmmm...” you shifted your position on the couch, now sitting up as you stared your boyfriend’s figure for a short while.

“Red wine.” sophisticated, classy, unique, warm. If you were to describe the aura around him, these would be the first choices.

However, your answer seemed to have caught Jaehyun’s attention, pausing in his tracks as he got curious as to why the specific choice. He had a huge grin on his face, he adored how you remembered the specific detail of red wine being his favourite, for he mentioned it in your first date which was 2 years back. But he knew there was more to it. He knew you too well. “But why red wine?”

You kept your gaze fixated on Jaehyun as he gets up from the ground, putting the cables in a secure manner to avoid another tie war. He hugged the pillow tight which you had previously thrown on him, before propping down beside you on the couch with a tired sigh, looking at you intently. It was as if you both were having a staring contest. So you rested your head on your right hand, both staring each other with soft smiles before you continued.

“You are much more to what everyone thinks you are,” you notice how Jaehyun cocks an eyebrow, still staring and trying to process what you just said.

“Just like wine, the more I know you, the more I know just how amazing you are. Both sweet and sour, but the balanced ratio of it is what makes you more admirable.” You admired how he was always able to balance things out, prior to what everyone believes about him, he had both good and bad sides to him. And that’s what made him more human, him acknowledging his flaws. That’s what made you fall for him.

Hearing you, Jaehyun thought he might dislocate his jaw anytime soon for smiling so hard. His heart started to do all sort of flips, ears starting to pink. It was at times like this when you don’t need words to express how you were feeling, silent but the communication was still present. Jaehyun slides his hand into yours, you glanced at both of your intertwined fingers before looking at him, his eyes full of hearts for you. You giggled, feeling shy at his intense stare but returning him the same way.

“I love you,” he whispered, his starry eyes which were only looking at you.

“Excuse me miss,” You jolt at the sudden change of voice coming from behind you. You whip around, a girl probably in her late teens stood nervously, her hands fidgets with the belts of her backpack.

“Miss, you were kinda in the way so..” you felt flustered for absent-mindedly drifting into your dreamland while shopping for your friend, chiding yourself mentally in the process.

“Ah, I am so sorry,” you moved swiftly to the side to allow the teen some space to carry out her shopping. “Please, carry on.” You smiled softly. Though at the back of your mind you wanted to point out how she shouldn’t be consuming alcohol, but disregarded the urge nonetheless. Sometimes children should get to enjoy their minimal amount of fun in their youth too. You were still clutching the red wine bottle in your hand, eyeing it one last time before placing it back in the racks. You cleared your throat, as if to let the voices speaking inside your head know that you are not a stupid 20 year old anymore. You shake your head, glancing around to inspect if others were judging your state before proceeding to the counter for the random wine you picked which might have cost you half of your monthly salary. It’s okay to spend once in a while.

Mark was literally running around his apartment. Running. His head shot up as he remembered something. “Shit, fuck, are the bathroom lights okay?” he murmured to himself, sprinting off to the bathroom that was located in his vast living room first, followed by the ones in his bedroom and guestroom. Mark was still a newbie to the norms of living alone, him being a newborn living-alone man for sparsely 2 months. And he would barely be home due to his schedules. There were even times he would just forget his own bedroom.

“What else, what else,” he glanced over the whole area eyes drifting here and there before he realized something. Dumbass forgot to check if there were even enough food for two. Mark quickly scurried to the kitchen counter, the utensils were more than enough before checking his fridge. Beers? Check. Soju? Check. Kimchi? Check. Slices of chicken breast? Check. But the 33 year old still felt something was missing. Mark shifted his focus on the wooden shelf that was just above the kitchen sink, the transparent glass door of it making a creak sound as he opened it. For an apartment who’s owner was barely home, the shelf was definitely well packed and organized. It contained all sorts of ramen, tteokbokki and any other fast food you could name. “What else, what else, what else, what else,” he kept chanting, as if by some magic his chants of short memory would be heard and he would know what else was he missing out. He hunched over the lower shelf to inspect if all the sauces his housekeeper stores for him were present there. Absorbed in his thoughts, Mark did not notice the sudden sound of his bell going off, before the sounds just got repeated and even more louder.

“What the fuck?” his eyebrows creased in annoyance, cussing out all the profanities he had in his vocabulary at the visitor’s insolent mannerism. Mark was beyond pissed, the person behind the other side of the door not only disrupted his memory battle but also had the audacity to ring the bell like a 3 year old in the middle of the night. Instead of just answering from the intercom, he directly opened the entrance door. “Look, it’s like 11 in the night - Hyung?” Mark halted his rant session as he realized it was Jaehyun standing in front of his house. Covered in black shirt, black mask, black pants - black everything, it would take a while for others who did not know him personally to recognize the member of the top boy group in the industry.

“Were you shitting or something,” Jaehyun smiled before casually giving his best friend a hug. Mark pulls out some of the spare slippers he had stored, while Jaehyun sits on the wooden step as he unties the knots of his black adidas. As Jaehyun get ups, he looks over to the other male standing in front of him, then down at the slippers and then again to the male.

“What?” Mark laughed, his hands shifting to the sides of his waist.

“Mark, please don’t go shopping by yourself next time,” Jaehyun silently judged Mark for offering him the fluffly colourful pink body and yellow polka dots slippers, similar to the ones he was wearing but the combination in opposite.

“I got them from the BOGO offer going on in the supermarket just down the lane,” Mark wiggled his toes under the furry layer of clothing, slightly humming at the texture. “Bro this shit comfortable and cute, you can’t deny that.”

Jaehyun gives him another look, amused at how his bandmate’s old habits were still the same. “I help you out with your fashion choices next time. Don’t worry.” He patted Mark’s should, a sympathetic grin on his face as he anticipated the other male’s dramatic reaction.

“Oh please,” Mark scoffed. “More like you need my and Johnny hyung’s assistance for your monotonous wardrobe!”

Jaehyun laughed at his friend’s rebuttal before lazily propping himself on the bean sack in the living room with a low hum. Oddly enough, Mark’s apartment felt more homely than his own apartment which was just above a few floors.

“But what brings you here?” Mark walks over to his fridge, judging by his friend’s sudden visit, he knew drinks had become a necessary part of the night. “And what about Hayoung?”

“What about her?” Jaehyun raised his eyebrow at Mark, skillfully catching the beer Mark had tossed to him after asking about Hayoung, Jaehyun’s, well complicated girl something.

“I though you guys might just....I don’t know, be official or something.” Mark stole a glance towards his friend, nervously opening his can. The momentary pin drop silence was an indicator, he indeed blurted something he should not have. The fizzy hiss of the beer can being opened barely broke the ice.

“I don’t do things like official,” Jaehyun scoffed, producing a low sigh after sipping the beer. Mark decided not to further press his friend, despite having an old unresolved grudge against Jaehyun somewhere deep within him. It had been years since all of that had happened, but he still felt hostility creep up inside every time he remembers that night, that week, that month. After all, it was you that Jaehyun had completely broken, torn and ripped apart.

Unbeknownst to the rummaging thoughts inside the mind of his bandmate, it took a while for the older to realize how oddly clean and organized the apartment looked. Jaehyun turned to Mark, eyebrows raised with mischievousness coating his words. “You having someone for the night tomorrow?”

Mark almost made a disgusted face but instead opted to scrunch. “Bro, I don’t have Tinder, neither do I wanna be a carrier of STDs.” Mark placed his empty can on the small glass table, simultaneously letting out a tired huff. Jaehyun almost took an offense to the statement, the attack was definitely but indirectly made towards him. But he decided to shrug it off, Mark was not lying after all. Jaehyun did not even know half of the girls’ names he had slept with, someday or another mixing up names which ends in him getting kicked out or being cursed out. That was what had happened that night as well.

“Okay, I forgot. Hayoung, yes. Speak.” Jaehyun shot an incredulous look to the younger, as if he was able to read his mind or something. Mark only furrowed his eyebrows at the reaction.

“I-I....got kicked out,” Jaehyun’s voice was barely above a whisper, but the sharp eared male was able to catch his friend’s low murmur. Mark stifled his giggle, only to receive a glare from his friend. Jaehyun ran his fingers through his newly dyed lilac hair. Fucking embarrassing.

“But what made her do that?”

Jaehyun felt chills run down his spine as the scenario replayed in his head. He shivered despite the heater being on, an amused Mark glancing while chugging down the small remaining amount of beer. Mark was being a gentleman trying to conceal his laughter as Jaehyun rambled how he managed to fuck up yet another good hook-up buddy. At this point, Mark was not even surprised. Victim to his obvious facial expressions, Mark hated lying, and equally hated being lied to as well. Jaehyun side glanced his friend, a loud annoyed snort escaping from him. “Having fun, aren’t you?”

“Well, I mean it’s fun — sorry,” Mark clears his throat. He should be the type of friend who gives advices instead of laughing. Mark wiggled in his seat, distorting the empty can before having a perfect shot in the trashcan just a few feet away from him. Smooth one.

“I think I might retire, or just quit after the current contract ends,” Jaehyun felt tight, the words came out from him in a way too suffocating form. Mark visibly tenses, his laidback posture now crouching forward to his friend. Mark was too pre-occupied in his escalating solo career, the support he had been getting even before the official stage was way too much for him to fathom, but he was grateful for it nonetheless. A stinging guilt crept up inside him, chiding himself of being such an inconsiderate friend. “It’s high-time I start to live on my own accord.”

Mark decided to rather not pressurize the half-drunk dude with his numerous questions as to why or what has made him to take such a step. Jaehyun struggled to keep his eyes open, exhaustion was taking over his body ever faster now that he had booze in his system. Jaehyun would have rather opted to just spend the night on the couch (he preferred Mark’s limited edition long L shaped sofa over any king sized bed) but the guy decided to not get welcomed by his mate as ‘good morning.’ Mark put a hand on Jaehyun’s knee, an attempt to stop the non-stop stomping which was a very well-known drunk habit of him. Piling the blankets he just brought, the younger warned again, eyes like red lazer lights before trudging towards his bedroom.

Feet wobbly, Jaehyun struggles to drag his build to switch off the remaining lights in the living room, glancing throughout the long empty space. He gulped down harshly, the familiar empty feeling creeping back to him which he had been avoiding for so long — for years. Jaehyun took a deep sigh, the heavy feeling feeling weighing down his chest as he took light steps towards the big glass window which granted him the view of the whole city. His eyes flickered at the luminous sight. He felt big but small, full, content but numb and empty.

“Hyung, you’re still awake?” a sleepy voice spoke from behind, breaking out Jaehyun from his trance.

“Huh?” It took a moment for him to process an answer. “Uh yeah. just like that. You go sleep.”

Mark shrugged, walking towards his bed as Jaehyun plopped down harshly on the duvet, wincing slightly as he felt a sprain in his lower back. With the alcohol slowly losing its effect on him with each passing second, Jaehyun started to feel more sober, more drawn back into the reality. He hated it. This feeling he was feeling.

Mark was having a rather difficult time to fall asleep. He even put on a random sleeping eye mask he uses for travelling, but alas that did not help either. He was too giddy, too excited for tomorrow. Pulling up the blankets over his head, Mark was assured he was safe from everyone, even maybe from God as a huge grin breaks out on his face. As much as he hates to admit it, Mark loved how things turned out to be the way they were.

“Oh god, this is so awkward. Oh god can I please please just die already?” Mark halted on his steps at the voice, glistening in sweats after the recent stage. He thought it would be an adventure to opt for the public washroom in disguise since the green rooms’ ones were all occupied by the rest of the members; and boy, Mark was really giving his all hold his pee.

“OH GOD!” the sudden yelp caused the male to shriek quietly, muttering an inaudile ‘jesus’. Despite the odds, Mark decided not to test his luck, holding in the bubbling feeling just before explosion as much as he could. Muttering quiet curses, the male struggled to hold his posture as he stealthily tried to get to the other side of the stairs. Too busy in his on the way to urination voyage, Mark realized it was too late, he bumped. Bumped into someone. A girl. Hell yeah fucked. Panic crept at the back of his throat as he anticipated what was coming forth. Him being surrounded by numerous fan as he desperately tries to hold his pee. What a fucking sight.

“Look, I know you might be a staff or something,” Mark whipped his head at your voice. “But please just oh god,” you rambled, leaving the man standing with his legs crossed tightly in utter confusion. “I had no idea — Mark Lee?”

The colors from his faced drained, Mark turned casper for a split second.

“PLEASE!” he was quick to react, half-whispering as he desperately caught your hands. “Please don’t just, uh.., shout or something.”

You immediately raised your hands in defense. “I uh have no reason to do so?” You stated, observing how he was literally squirming, it did not take you long to understand that the canadian needed to go the washroom as soon as possible. ”Oh!” You quickly moved. “Sorry for blocking your way!” Before he could even say thank you, you disappeared without any trace. Mark made a quick mental note to thank you, well that only if he ever happens to cross paths with you again. And deep down, he wised he would. On the other hand, you let out another distressed growl, promising to all of the heavens that never will you be ever accompanying your cousin sister, or let alone come to any concerts from now on. The stunt your drunken cousin had pulled just a while ago was humiliating enough, but of course, she had to spice it up by vomiting on the hallways just in front of the green room. You silently prayed and hope with all your might that maybe they will be generous enough not to sue you or ask for compensation for the mess, looking around cautiously for any employees before you sprinted off for the exit door, and yes, dragging the passed out stunt lady.

Mark felt as if he had a halo above his head, the water balloon inside him finally set free. But he had to race when he saw his phone buzzing with notifications, all of them belonging to his manager or the group chat of the members chanting same syllables ‘Where are you’ ‘show starts in 2′ ‘get yo ass here’. It did not take the rapper too while before he reached the green room, the makeup artists and stylists immediately wrapping themselves around him with brushes and hair sprays. He was smiling, genuinely smiling as he replayed the encounter he just had. Johnny raised an eyebrow with an amused grin on his face.

“What’s with the smile, bro?” Johnny pulls up some random exercises to relieve the tension in his muscles.

Instead of dodging his question, Mark replied, still smiling, but wider. “The pee voyage was a nice one.”

Johnny judged the younger for a second before chuckling and heading towards the stage. The loud noises from the fans echoed throughout the whole arena, full of green lightsticks gleeming like blossoming spring garden. No wonder I called them grass, Mark thought. But today, he was looking for a rather specific individual, his eye scanning almost all the faces in the crowd. He hoped to see you again, smiling gleefully as he performed, but thought that it was too greedy of him to want this much in a span of a day. And so he performed, for the first time without any pressure of doing good, enjoying every moment of the stage he was on and yet again, wished that maybe, maybe your paths will collide with his again.

part 2

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thecandywrites · 3 years

Text

Blood For Gold Chapter 19

Ya’ll. Google and Pintrist have failed me. This is only kind of sorta how I envisioned this. If you simply take these images as the base and then use them to build with the descriptions I’ve tried giving, you *should* get the right picture in your head because how it looks in my head is more than I can describe. I could give you fifty thousand words to describe the Kamoba. What the arena should look like, how big and how expansive it is, like a really big obstacle course but more intricate than that, what the obsticles themselves should be like what the beacons would look like. What the rulebook itself looks like let alone what is actually written in it, down to what the weapons look like, what the fighting style looks like. What the armor should look like and act like and what the circle of bells looks like and how they sound and how drastically it changes from the day battles to the night battles because day is all about showing off your skills and showing off your moves whereas with the night battle, the fighters almost become invisible because it’s dark and you use more ninja tactics and surprise tactics and how the only time you really see the fighters is when they are actually fighting for brief moments and their flaming swords illuminate not just them, but each other and how it’s overwhelming to the point of you don’t know where to look because everything is going on all at once and how the music makes you want to go to war yourself and battle like a warrior and the roar of the crowd cheering would be deafening at points. Also, Hit The Floor by Linkin Park, that’s the final song but that’s what the music itself sounds like.

And this is what sucks about having an overactive imagination. Because these scenes played out like an IMAX movie in my head and I’m just trying so hard to describe it to you because I can’t SHOW YOU on a movie screen because I don’t have a way to hook up my imagination to it. I wish but sadly, no. You just have to read it and try to imagine it yourself. And that’s frustrating, at least for me. But at the same time I don’t want those details to clutter the story or clog up the story line.

THE STRUGGLE. Anyway. This is going to be a big bite and a lot to chew on. Enjoy.

@punkhorse96 buckle up, here’s the hill. It’s downhill from here.

Blood For Gold

Chapter 19

You happily got Heavencrest saddled as your grandmother borrowed Grevu for today while your mother borrowed Charlico as you were both in the stalls getting them harnessed while Axal was getting ready to ride one of Ramsey’s other griffins while your other brothers got on their own griffins down the line as the boys all seemed to leave at about the same time everyone else did while Jane stayed with Charlotte, Yalin and Gregori who were not participating but hosting this event.

Commoners were already gathered for the Kamoba battle in the stands for the commoners who were arriving early to get the best seats on them, the vendors had been there since dawn and already had things cooking and grilling away as a series of tents were already up to serve a breakfast, lunch and dinner feasts for the commoners and the royal family’s suite was built onto a high platform above everyone else as a canopy and tent on top of the high platform, viewing right across the battle arena so that they got the best views and very comfortable chairs were already set up as a huge chalkboard was already set up between the commoners and the gentry but also at such an angle so that royalty could easily see it to showcase who would be fighting who to get to the playoffs with the rookies competing first as all the competitors would be flying in and showing off their flying skills to the crowd to also to show off their skill, prowess, strength and stamina.

Benny was already out there, doing little flips and corkscrews on her borrowed griffin that had a banner in golden yellow with her name as Golden Alpha written on it along with the symbol of a wolf’s head painted in black as she had used the black griffin’s feathers that had been collected when she had groomed it that morning along with the other feathers that had been taken over the course of the last few weeks ever since the Kamoba battle was first planned so that each contestant on a griffin would have a bouquet of feathers from their griffins to pass out to the crowds, the better feathers for the gentry, and the lesser, imperfect, broken feathers for the commonwealth to gain the crowd’s favor as the musicians were playing the crowd’s familiar favorites before the actual battle would begin and they would play the traditional Kamoba battle music.

After breakfast, then the gentry seemed to show up in force and in style since the announcement was in the papers and the gossip columns in every news paper in London who had been rife with speculation as to why The Turqoise Pheonix had been renamed The Violet Viper as dozens of theories had been supplied and fabricated, also speculations as to why The Violet Viper was now the chosen favorite to win the battle today since their odds to win had gone up since the betting rings were now going for the bet that for every pound they bet on them, they would get two pounds back minus the betting ring’s fee, which was the same odds that The Saharan Viper had along with The Copper Cobra were as well. Whereas Benny’s odds had actually gone down, so that for every pound bet on her- if she won, they would get five pounds back instead of the usual four since the The Turquoise Phoenix's odds had been the same- one in four.

The gentry began taking their seats in the stands that were especially built and roped off for them and painted white as the gentry’s servants came and put down luxurious cushions for the gentry to sit on as well as comfortable cushions to go on the backs of the benches while a huge canopy had been set up to keep the sun off of most of the gentry but would not interfere with their views, while they had their own raised platform that was open to the sun and thus, open to the griffins to pass by as another servant from the Palace of Windsor came and told everyone still in the stables that the gentry had arrived and that it was officially show time just as you finished getting Heavencrest ready as your mother had finished first and left the stables with Charlico who was chittering at Heavencrest to follow him before Demsey appeared since you were the last one to get ready, leaving you and Heavencrest alone in the griffin part of the barn but Heavencrest noticed Demsey first and started chittering softly at you to get your attention as you looked up and smiled wide when you saw him.

“Demsey, could you help me with this cinch?” You asked him before he readily opened the door to the stall and ducked into the stall with you, petting Heavencest as he went around her as you readily undid it just so that he could redo it himself which caused him to grin as he happily redid it, becoming more and more accustomed to the giffin’s saddling.

“Nervous?” He asked you as you could tell he was actually quite nervous himself before you used Heavencrest’s body as your shield before you grabbed his face and pulled him down as you stood on tiptoe to kiss him, granted it was closed mouth and rather on the chaste side but to feel his arms finally encircle you felt better than any trophy ever could.

“No. It doesn’t matter who wins or loses today. All that does matter is that you do your best. No one can ever ask more from you than that, not even me or the King of England for that matter. Trust your instincts, trust your intuition and trust that win or lose, that my affections for you does not rest on such a thing as a silly battle and your outcome in it, it’s the first time you’re competing, I’m not expecting you to win the whole thing or even your class. All I want is for you to have fun, be a good sport about it and learn all you can, that is all.” You reassured him as you held his face in your hands and looked up so adoringly into his big beautiful purple eyes as he did the same.

“Likewise.” Was all he could say just as he dipped his head to kiss you again, this time deeper, but you were too excited and happy about the kiss to realize how familiar it was as he held you close and securely as you felt all his own tension leave him before you heard Charlico practically scream as Heavencrest called back to him as she began to pace in place, anxious to get going and join Charlico.

“Oh my gods it’s like he has anxiety from separation from her.” You complained once you broke for air.

“I’ll see you out there Demsey Dear.” You cooed to him before you readily jumped onto Heavencrest’s back and into the saddle before giving Demsey one last tantalizing kiss before Heavencrest practically bolted out the barn and flew out into the skies with Charlico.

Demsey sighed dreamily as he watched you go and practically strut back to the other side of the barn and happily got onto Alaphonse again before he left with the rest of his family and once in the skies, he could see you and your mother doing synchronized flips and stunts for the crowd as you both practiced flying by the crowds so close, you could hand the feathers off to the little kids that had come as their parents held them up from the stands as your battle names were written on different banners on the animals you were riding before the entire Royal Family including Yalin’s sister the Infanta Evinelle DeuSavance and her husband Charles also arrived in style as they waived to the crowds and took their seats in the Royal Suite that had been set up for them.

That was when your grandmother came out riding Grevu as Grevu roared proudly before taking to the skies and seeing the dragon got everyone to cheer loudly as your grandmother flew him around the grounds, the other flyers, flying behind him, with you immediately to his left while your mother flew Charlico directly on his right as Loreiris was showing Grevu off and scattering preshed dragon scales into the crowds like flower petals or even coins as everyone scrambled to try to get one, which Grevu was happy to do, especially to stretch his wings out before she had him breathe fire to light the bowls filled with special fire oil within the arena as the sheer winds coming off his wings were almost strong enough to topple the people in the stands as the tents themselves billowed and groaned from the force of the winds as quite a few bonnets and top hats came flying off the ladies and gentlemen as their servants scrambled to pick them up again.

Then the announcer for the event with a voice amplifier encouraged each competitor to land, starting from the youngest of The Rookies Class, which was Callie Voyambi who was fighting under the name Little Spitfire which was your old childhood Kamoba battle name when you were a kid which you happily passed off to her, as you let her use your old banner as her own, it’s dark teal color with an orange flame, outlined in black as she landed her borrowed pegasus’ Eterna and came off and waived to the crowds, especially to her friends in the gentry as she then went over to where the circle that housed a myriad of bells were before she picked her favorite and chimed it with a special knocker tied to her fist before she sat down in a chair under the competitor’s tent next to the arena. Then Kiera came down and repeated the process followed by Amara, Tzane, Sierge and then finally Demsey, each of the Voyambi’s ringing a single note of their choosing.

Then it was The Skillful Class’ turn where most of your family took their turns landing in the grass as the animals laid down regally on the other side of the battle field as their riders were waving to the crowd as they walked in front of the battle arena before they attached pieces of iron to their feet and ankles before they rang out their own “tune” that was unique to the fighter, each battle fought in- carried a longer tune and with each battle won- carried the bigger tunes as each one had their own little dance they did to ring out the various tunes in all the notes.

Then it was your turn as you landed, being the first in The Proficient Class, and therefore the lowest of The Proficient Class since The Proficient Class was you, your parents and your grandmother, your heir father and his wife and his mother as you rang out your own tune from heart as you hit multiple bells to create a unique melody, the dance to ring them just as unique as all the others had been but it was still a third longer than Benny’s since she was the top competitor for the The Skillful Class and if she won her class, she would graduate the class and cement her place in The Proficient Class, either above you or below you depending on whether she beat you or not at the night games where it was played one on one since the day games usually kept to teams.

After your turn on the bells, then it was your heir father and his wife and his mother also did the same since they were in The Proficient Class, then it was your parent’s turn before, at last, it was your grandmother’s Loreiris’ turn as she landed Grevu in the grass and practically strut in front of the crowd that went wild for her before she took the weights from your mother and put them on her wrists, fists, ankles and feet and spent the next five minutes ringing out the longest melodic chain of bell ringings, it was twice as long as your own mother’s who was the next one down from her and once she was done the crowd once again went wild.

Once she was done, then there was a flurry of calls for bets as even the royal family quietly whispered their own bets to their attendants before the announcer announced what was riding in the pot between the competitors before the Raymond’s showed off the Cup that had been made and delivered just that morning along with their own little treasure, a diamond necklace, as the Infanta’s put in a diamond tiara before the royal family put in their treasure, a whole bar of moura gold, which had to be carefully set into the trophy first so that it wouldn’t crush the other items that had all of the treasures taken from the pot that had been collected the day before, all of it’s treasures were put into the trophy as the trophy was now so heavy, it had to be carried by three men and placed before the King in the the Royal Suite with the diamond Tiara placed on top, kept there by your dagger Zairrabanit holding it down so that it wouldn’t fly away from the wind coming off of all the flying creatures that would be soon, taking to the skies as the winners of each round would fly their chosen animals around the skies after each victory.

The way it was laid out, The Rookies, which were basically the whole Voyambi family, were split into two teams, Demsey, Amara and Callie on one, Sierge, Tzane and Kiera on the other.

The two teams got into position and then the gong was struck to signify the beginning of the battle since the gong was next to the circle of bells.

To everyone’s surprise, it was little Callie that struck first, striking Tzane down with a swipe of her legs to topple him over and then taking him out with two hits, one with the sword to his neck and the other from a dagger to his leg as she readily used her smaller size to get to the first beacon and readily touched her dagger’s blade to the fire of burning oil to then stab at the first beacon before it exploded in light and colored smoke as Amara then helped catapult her to the second to try to get that one too but Kiera was guarding the second and with three hits, using her larger size and power to knock Callie to the floor and pinned her neck down with her blade to the floor.

“Good try though.” Kiera offered as Callie laughed and got up and got off the battle stage with Tzane before it was Amara used Kiera pinning Callie down to hit the second beacon where Kiera and made a run for the third while Demsey defended the beacons on his own side against Sierge.

“So, what did your moura bride offer you if you win today?” Sierge offered as he fought with Demsey near the first beacon.

“Nothing,” Demsey beamed happily as he did his best to keep the beacon safe.

“Mine offered me that if I win The Rookie Class, that she would marry me, so I need you to lose with style.” Sierge revealed.

“Aw, too bad that’s against the rules and against the code of honor. But that’s funny that you mentioned that, mine didn’t hold me to any such thing, all she asked for was my best and that she loves me win or lose, it’s a shame that Benny’s love for you hinges on such a battle like this. If she did really love you, she wouldn’t put such a condition on her love for you.” Demsey pointed out as he couldn’t stop smiling as Sierge and himself battled with the broad swords and the shields since those weapons were the ones they were most comfortable with.

‘You loved him’ was the only thought that stayed in Demsey’s head because. that was all that mattered to him as Sierge kicked Demsey in the chest as he passed his blade through the fire before striking the first beacon and then sending the same blade to the second beacon before Demsey went to the third to defend that from Sierge as Amara and Kiera fought for the third beacon on their side as well.

“This has to be the most grand thing we’ve ever done together.” Amara cackled as she and Kiera faced off against each other.

“And we didn’t even have to get into a corset!” Kiera giggled before Amara spun around, the edge of her warhammer getting alight from the oil in the pan that was alight with fire before she smashed the third beacon, winning the round before a gong was rung to signify the end of the battle as Demsey and Sierge stopped fighting.

“Damn it.” Sierge cursed as Demsey and Amara both won the rookie class and their team got to add a note to their chimes but since Callie had been struck down, she was not allowed to compete in the next stage as Demsey and Amara moved up in the competition, taking their borrowed pegasus’ for a ride around the grounds to waive their banners along with their added family crests as the first set of bets was paid out among the royalty, gentry and common folk alike before new bets were placed as Benny volunteered to fight in the next round against them, which went against traditional protocol since it was usually the lowest of the The Skillful class that would compete against the rookie class winners, but there was a rule, saying that anyone could challenge anyone else in the same class and since Amara and Demsey had moved up from the Rookie Class to the Skillful Class for the day battle- it was allowed- as Benny urged Octavia to join her as she insisted she wanted Demsey to herself which Octavia readily agreed to as Demsey and Amara landed before going back into the arena where Benny and Octavia were already waiting for them before they got into position and waited for the gong to ring again before they were jolted into action.

“I should thank you for getting Sierge out of the competition so I wouldn’t have to fight him myself.” Benny offered smugly as Calla’s warning the night before was called to Demsey’s mind before she tried to undermine his footing by swiping at his legs but he easily jumped over her own leg and leapt onto the higher ground.

“I knew you didn’t genuinely care for him if you put such an impossible task before him.” Demsey returned as he used his better vantage point to try to get in a strike of his own but she easily evaded him.

“Of course not, I’ve been working him the same way Audra has been working you, it’s a moura bride thing, we can’t help it, it’s what we have been trained since infancy to do, work men and bend them to our wills and not the other way around.” Benny giggled evilly as she tried to get at the beacon but Demsey shoved her off before she could.

“She in fact, hasn’t been working me, as you claim, unlike you, she’s actually been genuine, whereas you have had a pretense the moment you left home.” Demsey challenged as he defended the beacon from her as Amara was having the worst time just trying to get a hit in as Octavia evaded every advance and counter striked in such a way that Amara was soon on the defensive instead of the offensive as Octavia was quite advanced for being in The Skillful Class and it was immediately clear that Amara was in way over her head trying to fight off against Octavia who was much stronger and much more skilled than she looked.

“Oh really? What did you think she was doing all those nights at The Red Velvet Rope meeting with another orc of all things? She was so broken hearted by the shakan status because she couldn’t come home to Leumeni who was equally heartbroken because it was him that was her favorite because he could please her best sexually back at the stables at The Lotus House, which is our version of a whorehouse and Leumeni was absolutely certain that the moment she was free of Edward, she would come home to be his wife, he even waited all that time just so she could come home to him, he even had his own pet name for her, His Liittle Firecracker, and her little nickname for him was her ‘Teal Titan’ that’s why he fights under that name, she’s the one that gave him that name because having sex with him was equal to having sex with the god like titans themselves. The only reason teal turquoise is her favorite color is because it’s the same color of his skin and the color always reminds her of him and that’s how she keeps all her memories of him close to her heart and in her mind. He’s been writing her almost daily ever since, and when not a single letter of his returned, he was devastated. But it was clear that she’s been looking for a replacement ever since, it was only your strict English society that kept them apart at the Ball at Havenfield because he saw her again and was ready to haul her off and bury himself to the hilt in her yet again but couldn’t. Even at the Masquerade Ball she was fucking her own manwhore only moments before being with you at the bar. Your brother Sierge’s sense of smell confirmed it, in fact it wouldn’t surprise me if she’s already pregnant by either Leumeni or her own manwhore. How does it feel knowing you’re always going to be second best in her heart?” Benny smugly chided as Demsey faltered so she could claim the first beacon before he ran to the second but she easily threw her flaming dagger at the second just as he got to it and it nearly took his head off before he scrambled to the third.

“Just ask her or even ask your brother cause I’ve already told him all about it in exchange to learn that you yourself have been using whorehouses to find your own Audra? Miss Audra Draft was it? I heard from the gambling ring leaders that she put a bet of a hundred pounds on you to win the rookie class. I’ll bet you another hundred pounds that she is gonna take the money and run, you poor thing, still chasing a dream that doesn’t exist, because Audra’s love and loyalty lies with Leumeni, not you. Why do you think they’ve been making eyes at each other this whole time? Even now, she was only giving Ramsey the time of day until he could give her Dowager status, and then she’s coming home to Leumeni, no one else. It’s just a shame that your sister Kiera seems so taken with him. It’s gonna sting like a motherfucker when he leaves Kiera for Audra, she’s always been his wild thing, His Little Firecracker. Like a unicorn- untamed, unbridled, wild and intense. They have always had the best sex and off the charts chemistry and are quite the pair.” Benny instigated as Demsey looked over to see you talking with Leumeni as both of you looked particularly anxious and standing quite close, talking quietly between each other to see Benny really going after Demsey before she struck him in the balls before getting the kill strikes in his throat and on the kidneys before passing her blade through the fire and exploding the third beacon as Demsey fell to the ground sputtering and choking and nearly crying from the impacts as Amara happily got up from having Octavia pin her down as Octavia and Benny started cheering their victory before getting on their steeds and flying around, their banners flapping in the breeze.

“You ok?” Amara asked Demsey as she helped him up and helped him off the stage.

“Yeah, just, Benny is vicious.” He muttered as he stared at her reproachfully as she smugly blew him a kiss from atop her griffin as she flew it around, hooting and hollering her victory as the crowd chanted ‘Gold Alpha’.

“Well Calla told me she loves to start shit and that she will take something small that is true and spin it into a lie, because something that is even ten percent true is a hundred percent misleading, so whatever she did say to you, I wouldn’t believe a word of it. She probably made the most atrocious allegations against Audra didn’t she? Because she knows that’s your weak spot. Octavia did the same thing with me and Storren.” Amara tried to reassure her brother as they walked off the stage and towards the buckets of water to clean off the paint marks from their white leather armor.

“Are you ok?” You asked Demsey worriedly.

“Yeah, just, was not expecting Benny to be as vicious or spiteful as she was.” Demsey reported.

“Please don’t believe a word she said, she will take nothing and make it into something and blow it out of proportion to throw her components off. That’s why my tactic with her is to attack without letting her talk at all.” You reassured Demsey as Leumeni took his sister aside and asked how she was able to beat Demsey so quickly but with the low blows before she answered him and smiled smugly when his eyes grew wide and he stared at her in outraged horror before seething something to her just to see her cackle and laugh in his face before he stomped off.

“Oh no.” Calla breathed when she saw it before she pulled you aside as Demsey was still washing the paint off of his armor as he noticed there seemed to be gold glitter in the yellow paint that seemed to smear and get everywhere as he had the hardest time getting clean again.

“I think Benny told Demsey about you and Leumeni back in the stables to throw him off.” Calla breathed to you before you winced and grimaced and looked to Leumeni and used marinai’s sign language to ask before he nodded as you gave each other a meaningful look.

‘Please, knock her down a peg, the past is the past, let it stay there.’ Leumeni signed to you before you nodded your agreement as Demsey watched on a little suspiciously at the interchange between Leumeni and yourself you stretched and got ready as the others began to enter and fight in the arena, the gong ringing out to start the battle before shortly after gonging again to signify a victory before it was Axal and Ramsey’s turn to square off in the arena against your heir father’s kids as you were no surprised to see Axal fight alongside Ramsey as the two of them together used the all out attack method and stormed the opponent's side and your half siblings didn’t stand a chance. It was quite epic to see, they made quite the pair. Ramsey used his greater experience whereas Axal used his youth and vigor and together they were almost an unstoppable force as others fought on in teams, but with the odd number of players in The Skillful class, with Calla being the odd one out, you volunteered to go down a class to fight along side Calla who faced off against Leumeni and her brother Storren.

“I get Leumeni.” You urged Calla who nodded in agreement before the gong was struck.

“So what did your sister say to Demsey?” You asked as you ran towards the first marker that Leumeni was defending.

“She told him about us, but that the moment you get Dowager status, that you’re going home to stables with me.” Leumeni answered.

“Is that what you want?” You asked him.

“No. Two years ago- yes, but after the first six months of you not replying to my letters and because you followed the rules of not letting your heart get entangled and I didn’t, I thought it was my own fault. And then when you got the shakan status, I tried writing to you telling you that it didn’t matter to me what status you had, that I would take you no matter what but when that letter failed to get a response, I thought you had sworn off of Dorierra all together, that’s why I jumped at the chance to leave, to come here and a chance to see you again and I pushed Calla to accept so I could get an explanation as to why you were rejecting me only to find out that the mail service here failed you completely. And that you were completely unaware of any of it. But then I met Kiara and she’s everything I’ve ever wanted and now I’m hoping those letters never see the light of day so I don’t make an even bigger fool of myself than I already have.” Leumeni confessed as you dipped and dodged his attacks with ease and offered good counter attacks despite his larger size and considerable strength.

“I get it, I’m your past, she’s your future. And I’m happy that you’re happy and I hope you’re happy with each other and she’s probably all the wild things you loved about me and just begging to have all the wild released. But I’ve become too tame and restrained for you eh?” You asked with a fond grin as you leaped up and wrapped your legs around his neck and twisted yourself around to get him to topple over, striking the first beacon on the way down before you practically bounced off of him and towards the second beacon.

“In so many words, yes.” Leumeni grinned happily, relieved that you were taking this so well and were in agreement and happy for him instead of being hurt by the news.

“Well, while I still want to be your friend, I have never really wanted more than that from you. And I think if the letters do come up, I’ll be sure to just excuse it as us being close friends and nothing more and burn them if you want me to without reading them to spare you any embarrassment.” You reassured him.

“Thank you.” Leumeni thanked you before he picked you up and tossed you up and back as you used your grappling hooks to grab onto the beam above you before you could smack against a wall as you used the rope of it to run along the walls as you used your momentum from Leumeni throwing you to tie the rope around your arm to anchor yourself to it before you tied the rope around your waist so that it swung around in a circle, back to Leumeni who was gearing up for your arrival as you watched as Calla was already defending the second beacon on your side before you used your momentum on the rope to attach a weight to the bottom of it and threw it around Storren’s arm and wrist as the little weight acted like a snake like vine, wrapping snugly around his wrist and forearm just as he was about to hit the beacon and once it was wrapped around his wrist, you used your own momentum with the rope around your waist and the swinging motion back into Leumeni’s direction to yank him backwards as you were surprised when you barely felt the squeeze of it around your waist to pull him backwards, yanking him off the ground as Calla used Storren being yanked off of her to plant her feet onto Storren’s chest to kick him in that direction since he had her pinned down before you crashed Storren into Leumeni as Calla lit an arrow and sent it into the second beacon now that the two of them were out of the way as you readily untangled yourself from the rope of your grabling hook as you climbed up it as you flipped and swung along the rafters criss crossing the ceiling of the battle ground, using the beams on the ceiling to get you to the third beacon as Storren and Leumeni scrambled to beat you to it, running through the obstacle course to get to the third beacon as Calla lit an arrow and aimed it at the third beacon but with you leaping from the ceiling and onto Leumeni and Storren as they both tried to grab you and pin you down, but like a cat you slipped out of their grasps and instead balled yourself up and put your feet to Leumeni’s chest.

“I got your back, metaphorically speaking that is.” You assured him before like a spring- you sprung him off of you and sent him flying backwards to crash into one of the obstacle elements as the whole crowd was amazed as you used your own strength to do that as you grabbed Storren who kept trying to grab you to throw you off of him as he tried to simply pin you down to a side as he used his body to try to pin you against the other sides of the obstacles around you as you seemed to crawl all over him, using his larger body as your own personal jungle gym as you seemed to slip and slither out of his grasps like a proper snake as Calla let the arrow loose as you heard it coming as you leaned back to let the arrow come between you and Storren as it seemed time slowed down for you to do so as you watched it pass between you as Storren only, half a beat later seemed to only catch the fletching of the arrow with his line of sight just as it seemed to leave his field of vision as you used this moment to swing yourself around him so that he fell, face first into the floor of the arena just as the target began to explode in colored smoke before time came back to full speed as you sat on the back of Storren’s shoulders as the impact knocked Storren out as you and Calla then practically bounced up and ran into each other’s embrace as the gong rang out just as Leumeni seemed to get the air back into his lungs as he rolled over and coughed as his body curled in on itself before you and Calla came over and helped him up to his feet and congratulated him on a good game before the three of you went back over to Storren to try to wake him up before Calla’s other brother as well as Benny’s and the Voyambi’s came over and picked him up and carried him out of there and laid him on a cot to wake up again before you and Calla rode griffins around the grounds, doing another synchronized set of flips and twists and jumps and corkscrews to do it which was a feat in itself before you landed again and added your chimes to your tunes before you returned to the competitor tent.

“You put him down hard, like a proper viper.” Your grandmother Loreiris praised you as you came over to where your family was hanging out.

“Thanks.” You smiled as you took a deep pull from your glass of water before you took two more figs from the bowl of fruit and bit into them.

“Gosh I wish these were ripe-er.” You complained about the state of the figs but that didn’t seem to deter you from practically inhaling them.

“These English common figs are nothing to the ones in Dorierra, at least in Dorierra we have dozens of varieties to choose from.” Your grandmother turned her nose up at them.

“No, but they are better than no figs at all, otherwise I would be spooning fig jam onto anything even remotely bread-like or even eating spoonfuls of it out of the jar.” You confessed.

“Do you hunger for them that much?” Your grandmother asked you curiously.

“I do. I couldn’t tell you why to save my life but I normally don’t overly like figs in general but ever since Grevu cured me, I’ve hungered for them like crazy and I can’t get enough. But Dr. Chu did say I would have cravings so, at least it’s this and not something impossible for me to get a hold of like guava or something.” You shrugged as you finished it off and got another long pull of water.

“Maybe there is something in them that the mourkatili drained from your system and that figs have to resupply it.” Your grandmother reasoned.

“Probably,” you nodded before you bit into the second one after promptly finishing the first.

“So how dirty is Benny playing?” Your grandmother asked.

“Very, she brought up The Lotus House with Leu and I back in the day with Demsey to defeat him, I want to put her into the dirt harder than I did Storren,” you confessed as Loreiris’ eyebrows raised in surprised as she hummed her acknowledgement of that.

“Don’t let vengeance cloud your judgement, you have a few battles yet before you can face off against her. Focus on the battle at hand, then win the war with her and remind her that your venom is more lethal than the steel of her battle axes, much less her bark or her bite.” She advised as you nodded your agreement as you watched as Benny kept playing to the crowd and to the royal family even when she wasn’t in the battle arena competing as your grandmother kept an eye on all those who entered the arena and the way they were all fighting, gleaning their styles and leanings as they fought as she mentally fought each one in her head as you looked over to where Sierge was sitting and outright pouting since Benny was ignoring him in favor of the other nobility in the crowd, in particular Viscount Whiteale gentlemen, Kate’s brothers as she had them eating out of her hands practically as Leumeni was still coaching Kiera through the night battles and how to actually win those by doing more stealth tactics and using the shadows the other components of the obstacle course allowed as Amara stayed with Storren as he slowly woke up from being knocked out.

“Hey, how many fingers am I holding up?” Amara asked.

“Four?” He answered as Amara stared worriedly at the two fingers she was holding up before the doctor on standby gave him medicine for his concussion and left him to sleep it off before it was your mother and father’s turn to play against your heir father and his wife in the battlefield as almost everyone was on the edge of their seats as your grandmother Loreiris and your heir father’s mother, Anavia were the team to beat since they were technically the two most senior members and a team of their own as they both watched their children with pride while silently critiquing their performances and techniques before it ended in a draw, with both teams hitting their third beacon at the same time.

“Play offs it is.” Your grandmother Loreiris noted to Anavia who grinned in turn before they came to the court, siding with their children as Loreiris, your mother and father took a moment to regroup and formulate a plan as did your hier father and when the moment the gong rang out, it was your mother and father that went out to the first beacon as your grandmother stood guard over the first beacon on their side as you watched on proudly as your parents easily outmaneuvered and outmatched your hier father and his wife as your grandmother Loreiris defended the first beacon from your other grandmother Anavia and with that, the morning Kamoba battle was done and over before the break for lunch was announced as the commonwealth were more than ready and willing to pay the multitude of food vendors for what they had to offer as they took refuge under the food tent from the heat that was starting to build before the Royal Family asked for a private audience with all competitors and their families.

“I would like to congratulate everyone on a job well done and their victories and for those that saw defeat this morning, there is always the night battle where you can find redemption.” King Leopold offered.

“However I would like to have a word with all of you as well.” The Queen Dowager began.

“Please, Queen Mother, by all means.” King Leopold insisted.

“Now I understand that Sultana Audravienne, you have survived an assassination attempt and were healed by your brother’s dragon Grevu was it?” She asked.

“I have, thus my current hair color.” You confirmed.

“Now I understand all of you are aware of who the guilty party is, however for the sake of decorum and to keep the nosey little busy bodies who are undoubtedly trying to hear this conversation through the door so they can then write about this affair in those horrid gossip columns that have had every newspaper selling out just from the speculation for the Kamoba battle. I will request, that all of you take a vow a silence on the matter until it can be settled properly. There are dozens of gossip column newspapers whose very writers are in cognito as members of the gentry in London and they do love a good scandal but I do not want anyone’s reputation to be damaged beyond repair before the matter can be settled. In order to keep things as peaceful as they can be for a Kamoba battle, you will all notice that the guilty parties are not in attendance, for they have been barred from attending and I’m sure anyone with half a wit will be able to come to certain conclusions. However I wish for today’s focus to be solely on the Kamoba battle and if anyone asks, I insist on everyone simply saying that ‘you are not at liberty to say’ and that is all the talk of the matter that will be indulged in and if I hear otherwise from anyone, the guilty parties will be answering to me. Is that clearly understood?” Dowager Queen Anastasia firmly insisted as King Leopold nodded his agreement along with his wife and all of their children and their spouses and their children along with Yalin’s other sister the Infanta and her family also nodded and vowed their agreement to that command.

“Yes your Majesty.” Everyone echoed their answer.

“Now, leave and enjoy the afternoon Kamo, however I do wish to have a private word with Sultana Audravienne alone.” Dowager Queen commanded before they curtsied and saw themselves out except for you and the Dowager Queen.

“Now, don’t be frightened, or disheartened by this. After the Kamoba battle today, I am very much looking forward to seeing you get the satisfaction of the justice you deserve, you see Gregori and King Leopold keep no secrets between them and all the proof of the case that Gregori has found and told to King Leopold who has since shared it with me and it is appalling that such treatment was rendered to you and it is a feat of greatness that you survived such a thing, make no mistake, you will get your just desserts after such a trial, I’ll see to it personally.” The Dowager Queen reassured you as you blew out a breath of relief.

“Thank you, your Majesty, I eagerly look forward to it. Thank you for counting me worthy of your involvement.” You thanked her graciously.

“Once upon a time, I was a moura bride too, such things can never repeat and will never be tolerated ever again and I will be rooting for you- both today, and every day after, until you are satisfied with your vengeance at justice’s hand. I mean who can refute with proof such as this?” She reassured you as she took your hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze with a smile that was warmer than sunshine as her other hand gently pet your head since your hair had been braided back to keep it out of your eyes.

“Thank you,” you thanked her earnestly as you curtsied down low again before her.

“Now, go enjoy the Kamo lunch feast, and don’t let anyone beguile you or your charms.” She urged you before she urged you to go as you obeyed her and thanked her before you left with the Queen and went into the formal dining room were King Leopold and his Queen Alexandria had turned their attentions to Ramsey and getting to know Octavia since Ramsey had brought her over to meet with them and the rest of his royal family to get their figurative stamps of approval which they were happy to do.

“What did the Dowager Queen say to you?” Your family asked once you reappeared.

“That she was a moura bride too, and that she will see to it that I get justice to my satisfaction and that she herself will be involved in my case. The Morrigans are finished.” You whispered excitedly as your moura marks lit up like fireworks on your skin as your eyes practically glowed gold as soon everyone was smiling just as happily as you were before you disbursed to have lunch with the gentry as all of them seemed to open up seats for any they could snag, since eating with with a Kamoba battle contestant was seen as an honor to be eating with a warrior of legend.

Little Callie had never been so popular among the other children her age since she was the only one in her age group to compete as she and the rest of her family were proud to announce that they were building a proper Kamoba battle out of steel and iron back at Whydah and as soon as it was completed, the Voyambi’s would be happy to host another Kamoba battle to host more battles such as this which was met with great joy and jubilation as the King himself offered to help be a patron of the project which the Voyambi’s happily accepted.

Kate Whitesale’s brothers who were seated around Benny as she ate and coyly flirted with both of them while Kate tried to take notes about how Benny was completely enrapturing her brothers so that she too could win back Duke Demsey since it was clear that neither Benny or Calla had ensnared him yet and if anything he still seemed unaffected by them now as he was at the ball which gave her a measure of hope that she had not lost that battle yet.

“Princess, would you instruct me on how to win back Duke Voyambi’s favor?” Kate asked Benny as she looked down the table to see Demsey eating lunch with Tzane and Calla while you were having a private word with the rest of your family at the moment.

“That would be difficult since the Sultana has her eye of favor on him and has already found his favor in his. And with her being the favorite to win today, it will be hard for him to see her as anything less than that. However, there is leverage to be had that could potentially break up the pair that I am in possession of. But since the Sultana is a friend of mine, I would be loathed to part from it…” Benny began before she got a wicked curve to her grin.

“For anything less than the right price, so tell me, what would you give to come into possession of that leverage?” Benny asked Kate as Kate was seated across from her as both of Kate’s brothers were seated on either side of her as all three of them were practically salivating at the thought as the tips of their ears wiggled excitedly.

“Anything that you could ask for. Anything I have that you would want.” Kate answered desperately as she fought to keep her voice down.

“Well as it is, I don’t know what you have, so my suggestion to you, is to compile, perhaps a list of what assets, connections and favors that you have that can be transferable to me or shared with me. Because you see the reason I have that leverage was because the Raymonds had their eye on the Sultana as a bride for their son but since Buchon Octavia has come and stolen Ramsey away from the Sultana, it seems my leverage was rather useless and came with the unfortunate complication of Lord Sierge Voyambi’s affections, which of course I do not return since he is the second son, heir to nothing and has no real power or clout in this society since it rests solely on the first born son. But if the Duke is what you desire, then that leverage once again has value and I myself am in need of an escape from Lord Sierge’s unwanted affections and advances. So, think long and hard about what your family can offer me in return for what you desire most, which is obviously becoming the next Duchess Voyambi and host to the King and Queen to when they come to Whydah for those amazing Kamoba battles where fortunes could be made from the losing bets and of course a percentage of all bets made going to the hosting house.” Benny pointed out.

“Would my own hand in marriage to become a Viscountess Whiteales be enough?” George asked her hopefully.

“Perhaps, an honest appraisal of your situation and your family’s situation, as well as- an honest and accurate accounting of your family’s wealth, would be key to understanding it, so we shall see won’t we?” Benny cooed to him before she stood and went around to the other orc families to get to know them and see if there were any better options than Sierge or even the Viscount George Whitesale as you passed her and noticed she was “working” every other orc family there and just shook your head at her. ‘So short sighted’ you thought to yourself before you sat down next to Demsey for the lunch feast, much further down the table.

“What did the Dowager Queen say to you?” Demsey inquired curiously.

“How she personally is getting involved in my court case and won’t rest until I see justice and am perfectly satisfied with that justice.” You grinned triumphantly as your eyes glowed gold again and the moura marks that were visible on your skin lit up like fireworks again.

“Oh, then your would-be assassinators are quite finished then, aren’t they?” Demsey smiled triumphantly in turn. Your infectious smile quite becoming.

“Even if they are not and even if I don’t get another penny from them or even if I have to give back everything they’ve ever given to me to be free of them completely, I’ll gladly agree to it. I just want the past to stay in the past because you’re my future, whether you’re a winner or loser or Duke or not, just you, that is all I desire and I don’t need or want anything other than that.” You insisted as he took your hand and brought your knuckles up to his mouth to kiss them tenderly.

“Likewise. Even if you were a commoner on the streets, my love for you would not be any less than what it is right now.” Demsey reassured you.

“So would you prefer I court you the English way, the orcish way or the moura way?” Demsey asked.

“Whichever you prefer, although if I’m to stay here with you as Duchess Voyambi, might I suggest the more English route, so that no shame or reproach may come upon your family, no matter how tempting the moura way can be as far as instant gratification is concerned.” You suggested in a sultry murmur in his ear that had him ever so grateful that he was sittind down in stiff leathers to hide his physical reaction to you as that little line had him threatning to destroy every ounce of propriety he had if it meant his piqued curiosity could he satisfied as to what you were really implying and to feel your petal soft lips ever so gently graze the shell of his ear, had him ready to damn the whole thing, pick you up, throw you over his shoulder and carry you upstairs to bury himself to the hilt in you that instant as the flames of his desire for you ate him alive.

But he was surrounded by the entire gentry and to look past you, down the table to where Kate was as she did her best to give them her ‘come hither’ eyes. Had him thinking the better of it. He wanted to marry you and shove your soon to be engaged then married hand into her face and flaunt you in front of her had him thinking the better of it.

“Or your honor, which is the most precious above all else.” Demsey readily agreed as all of Benny’s earlier words seem to have washed away completely. That’s all they were, words meant to strike at him but were not based at all in truth because he could clearly see that while you and Leumeni were friends, he did not see anything other than that between you and his intuition and instincts were telling him that your loyalty and affections rested solely on him, and no one else and he trusted those more than he trusted whatever little seeds of doubt that bitch Benny tried to plant.

“Yeah, about that…” You couldn’t help but wince apologetically.

“The past is the past and it can stay there, you said so yourself, it doesn’t matter to me. Your honorable character and integrity in this moment and every other moment that I have known you, is what counts and both of those are the highest caliber in my honest opinion. That’s all.” Demsey reassured you as you smiled adoringly and appreciatively at him and kissed his hand in turn because outright kissing him at the table would not be permitted in society but that was all you could get away with, but tonight, when everyone went home, oh you were going to try your best to rut him so good and show him exactly what he could look forward to as being your husband and in a committed, monogamous relationship with you could encompass and how you were going to drain him dry, it would make battling in a Kamoba battle seem like a walk in the park.

“So I have some ideas about the Kamoba battle arena at Whydah,” you began as Calla and Tzane, Amara and Storren and Kiera and Leumeni seemed to eagerly lean forward to also engage in this particular conversation as you spent most of the afternoon just talking about all the wonderful ideas you had about the arena and the stands that people would sit on and what the Royal Box should be like as well as the stands for the commoners and the gentry and special spots just for the food vendors and just how big and extraordinary it should be so that even the one in Dorierra would be hard pressed to compete with and as the afternoon wore on, there were several games and rounds of dancing between the competitors and the gentry and even the royal family participated.

“I’m so happy that you’re happy with Olivia, Ramsey, honestly and truly, I am.” You offered to him in turn as you took a little turn on the dance floor with him in one of the English dances.

“Thank you, and I fully intend to deliver on my promise to raise your own status and help you in any way I can, especially helping you destroy your ‘attempted assassintors’.” Ramsey answered.

“Even if you can not, I will not hold it against you personally, you asked at the ball at Havenfield to be friends. And all I hope is that no matter what happens, that we stay that way.” You offered to him.

“You really are remarkable Sultana, I would count myself lucky to have a woman such as you be my friend.” Ramsey smiled brightly as you did the same.

The afternoon practically flew by and quickly morphed into evening and lunch was taken away before dinner was served and quickly eaten as you and the other competitors practically had to run to your rooms to change into the night leathers and other armor before rushing back the stadium to gear up for the night’s events as Grevu woke up when you returned before he gently knocked Benny over with his head as she passed by him.

“Grevu!” Benny complained as Grevu sniffed her over curiously as his snout pinned her to the ground as he sniffed her all over.

“Axal! Get Grevu off me!” Benny hollered as she tried batting Grevu’s nose away from her crotch.

“You perverted rat with wings, get your nose out of my business!” Benny ordered before Grevu cleared his nostrils out all over her as he lifted his head and seemed to narrow his eyes at her and settled back down comfortably.

“Ewwww! Yuck! What is your deal?!” Benny demanded as she went back over to the buckets as she washed herself off with Axal’s help before she began to feel nauseous and found a private corner to quickly and quietly throw up.

“You ok?” Axal asked as he handed her a towel to wipe her throw up off her mouth with.

“Your rat with wings is gross.” Benny spat resentfully at Axal as she wiped her mouth with the offered towel before using another to wipe the sweat off her brow since the sweat was threatening to destroy her makeup.

“Sorry.” Axal offered with a half hearted shrug. “He’s a dragon, he’s temperamental, maybe he didn’t like the scent of betrayal on you.” Axal offered with a smug smile as his eyes narrowed at her.

“What betrayal?” Benny tried to shirk off.

“Sure, go ahead, play dumb, I mean you’re really bad at it, almost as bad as you play innocent. I don’t care. Just don’t be surprised when the bite back for whatever barking you’ve done or you’re about to do knocks you down so hard you can’t get back up.” Axal warned her as he went over to Grevu to pet him and praise him for snorting snot all over Benny as Benny felt another wave of nausea and threw up again as her whole body felt weird as she shuddered almost violently.

“Are you ok?” You asked as you noticed she was sitting in a corner and sweating profusely.

“No, Grevu snotted on me,” Benny told you.

“Oohh, well, he must have had a reason. Dragons can sense things we can’t, maybe you ate something that you shouldn’t have and needed to throw it up now instead of getting sick in the arena itself.” You offered as eyed the mess in the grass in the corner of the tent that she had clearly tried to dump water over to wash away as Benny recollected everything she had eaten and mentally tried to see if you had a point.

“Probably.” Benny nodded as you simply smiled pleasantly before you turned and walked away and could feel Benny glare at your back as you smiled happily to yourself before you looked at Leumeni and gave him a meaningful look and looked pointedly at Benny then back to him before you looked pointedly to Grevu then back to him before you emphatically breathed out through your nose in a small snort as your smile grew more mischievous as Leumeni barked a laugh.

“Ha! Good dragon.” Leumeni practically crooned.

“Yes, very good dragon.” You agreed as you passed him.

“Ok, so how the night games go- is the lowest member of the class fights up the line, the first loser up to the winner of the class, up through the three classes.” The announcer revealed to the crowd as Tzane was the first to fight off against little Callie as this time, Tzane was expecting Callie’s tactics and had his own counter attack and won.

Then Tzane, having won that round, faced off against Kiera, as Kiera didn’t hold back and promptly handed him his ass on a platter before she faced off against Sierge who used his bigger size and strength to his advantage and beat her and then used the same with Amara and won out before going up against Demsey but Demsey was still more level headed and much more tactical whereas Sierge was all emotion to win out against Sierge yet again as Demsey was happy and impressed that he got to win his class and move into the next class, however his very next fight in the skilled class, with Rian- beat him out as they went through the fighting all they way up until it was Calla against Benny as Benny, once again, used her vicious words to undermine Calla and take the victory.

“I wish to break with Tradition.” Your grandmother Loreiris began as Benny was preparing to take you down in The Proficient Class.

“Instead of trying to see if you can go through Audra and all of her parents, I wish to follow the example you set in the day games, now that you have reached the proficient class, I volunteer to be your first competitor in The Proficient Class.” Loreiris announced as everyone gasped in astonishment as Benny looked both thrilled yet terrified at the prospect as she entered the arena with The Saharan Viper herself.

“Trying to protect your precious little snakelet from me?” Benny grinned as she got into position before the gong rang out to signal the start of the round as Loreiris charged Benny, a sword in each hand.

“No, she has had attacks from foes pretending to be friends already and knows how to protect herself, so she needs no such protection from me. Least of all from you. I have heard what you have been saying all afternoon to the others about that leverage you have against her relationship with Duke Demsey. And while I have said nothing yet, because you have not revealed it. While she is The Violet Viper, you are acting like the bitch you are- vicious, conniving and two faced and so overly eager to prove yourself because you have been reigning supreme ever since she left and now that you’re in her presence again, she outmatches you without even trying- so of course, you are threatened. It is true, nothing reveals a moura’s colors of character like Kamoba and so far it has revealed that you rely too much on the damage your words say while your fighting skills themselves, have suffered greatly from neglect, you power through your strokes without relying on the actual proper execution of said strokes and techniques, aiming at the lowest, weakest yet easiest points, because any other is too much for you. Know that nothing you say can hurt me, let alone destabilize me. All you are is a bitch dog, pretending to be a wolf.” Loreiris taunted as she started attacking Benny, using an overwhelming tactic, swinging both her flaming sword along with an elven one, that was alight with magic that with every strike against another blade, grew stronger and hit harder, but also, unfortunately grew brighter to help illuminate the wielder.

“Except that I know your secret.” Benny taunted right back.

“I know that Kushi was blessed by Anuk-sunamun-ra. And has been carrying all of the goddess’ power in it ever since that she was banished into the blade at the fall of the empire but would always protect the wielder to keep them from being enslaved. It has always given you super abilities to beat your components and to demoralize your enemies the moment they see it, until now. Now that you gave Kushi to Audra, Anuk-sunamun-ra has left you to be with her which means you’re not unbeatable anymore. You’re just flesh and bone, no magic, or gods or goddesses to protect you or help you. The two times you lost in battle with it, were because you were pregnant and the goddess was protecting your unborn babe more than it was helping you in battle. The same is true now. I saw Audra with my own eyes go into a room and fuck her favorite manwhore and then I noticed she has not once drank pregnancy warding tea since, and while it is true that Grevu cured her of the rest of the mourkatili, Dr. Chu also had a big hand in it too and had already cured most of it already. Dr. Chu was likely curing her with the goal to restore her womb first. She most likely is pregnant right now, for only pregnant women hunger for fruit’s of their youths. That’s why having that rope around her waist and the toll of pulling Storren back didn’t rip her in half. Anuk-sunamun-ra is guarding her pregnancy. That is why you will lose to me, as will she and everyone else and you will not speak of this leverage. Demsey’s reputation can’t afford to take on a fallen lady, one who was fallen with child out of wedlock, much less by a manwhore. The best he could ever do by her is accepting her as his whore. Whereas with Leumeni, he can still save her as his wife. Granted the babe she’s carrying will obviously never fit in anywhere it goes. But Leumeni will still care for it nonetheless.” Benny spat as she did her best to keep her head and wits as she fought off Loreiris’ attacks and counter attacks.

“The problem with such logic is that any trace of mourkatili acts like a natural birth control. Even if what you say is true. It is impossible for her to conceive before Grevu cured her and I know for a fact, she has not laid with anyone who can get her pregnant since then. So you are lying and that leverage will land in you in boiling lava that will burn you up completely and permanently and no one will be able to rescue you from that.” Loreiris said as she could feel the strain on her body from the fighting as she kept her wits and temper in check.

“And you lie about the dagger. All it has ever been is a knife, made of steel, gold and jewels. Anuksu-namun-ra is a goddess of battle, of victory and she protects everyone who believes and puts faith in her. She is too powerful to be contained in a simple dagger made of steel, gold and jewels. If you worshiped her, perhaps you would benefit from her protection. But she is also a goddess of truth and loyalty and since you can never be counted on to be truthful or loyal to anyone who isn’t paying you to be, she will not protect you. Because any loyalty that can be bought, is never worth having.” Loreiris grinned as she kicked Benny in the head and stabbed her flaming sword into the first beacon.

“Oh on the contrary, if Audra can make me a dowager, then I will feel inclined to keep her secret for her and that leverage will never see the light of day so Audra is in no real danger from me. Besides, the science of pregnancy is well guarded in Dorierra. If I keep my mouth shut, little Demsey will be none the wiser and you can keep your mouth shut for her sake can’t you? You should. She is, after all, your favorite granddaughter from your favorite daughter?” Benny said as she took a throwing star from her waist and threw it through the flames at the first beacon on Loreiris’ side and beamed when it became alight before throwing a second and hit the second as the whole crowd went wild to see Benny of all people that was able to get a score in on Loreiris as Loreiris threw her own throwing star at the second and exploded it before aiming at the third but Benny used her flaming sword and knocked Loreiris’ hand down while body slamming her into the back of the still smoking and burning beacon and burned Loreiris’ face and pinned her there so she couldn’t get out before she threw another throwing star at the third beacon as Loreiris screamed in pain and agony as your whole family were up on their feet and rushing to the battle arena and screaming curses at Benny before Benny grabbed Loreiris by her collar and picked her up to the crowd.

“You call this woman a viper?! Where is her venom?! Where is her bite? She is an old, feeble garden snake, no bite at all, let alone any venom! Wolves always eat serpents! Always!” Benny roared to the crowd as it went wild as you had never wanted to murder Benny so badly before as rage seemed to course through your viens as your eyes and the eyes of your parents and heir parents all glowed gold as you all came forward as you got under your grandmother’s right shoulder and your mother got under her left as both of you were hissing hatefully about how you were going to make Benny pay for such a gross display of unprofessional and unsportsmanlike conduct as everyone contested the win.

But sadly, there was nothing in the rulebook that specifically ruled out Benny’s actions or disqualified her as Benny continued to hoop and holler to the crowd how she was undefeatable as Sierge realized he just won a fortune, since he had bet everything he had that she would win against The Saharan Viper, at Benny’s insistence. And while he wasn’t exactly thrilled about how she got that victory, the fact that she got it and that it was uncontestable, and thus, the victory stuck and cemented her place in The Proficient Class. That that was what he had bet on.

“I’m gonna kill her.” Your mother hissed.

“Don’t actually kill her.” Your grandmother said as burn balm was put onto her face by you.

“We need to get you to Grevu, he needs to heal you.” You insisted as you helped your grandmother to stand again.

“Mama, bite, inject, put down.” You hissed angrily in Marinai at your mother as she then challenged Benyana herself as you helped your grandmother to go over to Grevu as Grevu was making the most unusual noise as he met you behind the battle field’s wall, so that all of you were hidden from view as Loreiris came over to him and kneeled before him as she simply said ‘please’ before he blew a blue, glowing smoke over her, that healed her wounds as the smoke turned from blue- to red the moment it touched and healed her wounds as you breathed in deeply and the smoke entered you through your nose as the whites of your eyes glowed neon white while the iris of your eye’s glowed a bright gold while your pupil’s seemed to grow twice as big as you felt more power than ever before unlock in your body.

“You need to pray, pray to Anuk-sunamun-ra, pray for the strength and power for vengeance, and to have victory over her. She told me she has leverage against you and Demsey, that you are pregnant with a whore’s child, how she saw you at the masquerade ball bedding someone but did not drink pregnancy warding tea and that Dr. Chu’s medicine had the power to give you your womb back before Grevu could cure you. And how if you can not give her Dowager Status, she will unleash this upon all of England and you will be ruined and will have no choice but to return to Dorierra.” Your grandmother pleaded with you as you could hear from the battle arena how Benny was beating your mother, two beacons against one.

“Pray for control over your emotions, pray to protect your mind and heart from such flaming arrows.” Your grandmother pleaded before the Benny hit the third beacon on your mother and came back to find you there with your grandmother.

“Let your other parents fight her, we need to pray.” Your mother insisted as she wiped her angry tears away from her eyes as the three of you sat down in the grass, with you against Grevu’s chest as the three of you formed a triangle before Calla and her brothers as well as Leumeni and even his brother Coravien came and sat around them, all of them praying to their favorite god of choice to favor you as your mother and grandmother went through the sacred chant of Anuk-sunamun-ra in the ancient language of her origins while making the appropriate hand gestures as you once again found your center as a calm cooled your anger, but turned that fire that had been blazing inside of you into a lava that both flowed through you like a gentle massaging hand, going over your body, yet filled you, solidified you and strengthened you as you felt the air around you shift as a stiff breeze started to roll in as a storm that had barely been on the horizon seemed to make a B-Line for you as you heard a distant rumble of thunder, but instead of fearing the oncoming storm, you were welcoming it as the cool breeze caressed you as you barely noticed the other beacons from your father, your heir father, his wife and his mother’s as they all took their turns battling Benyana and how she used the same hurtful, spiteful, malicious words against them, beating them and crooning so loud and so high with every other victory before they all seemed to join in the prayer circle around you.

“Go ahead, say your pointless, hopeless, meaningless prayers over the last little snakelet, who is barely even out of the egg.” Benny taunted everyone as she turned and sauntered off once she came upon all of you.

“Told you I was a sure bet.” She grinned smugly at Sierge before going back towards the crowd to get them to chant her name as the Royal Family were quite fed up with her lack of sportsmanship and putting their bets on you to please put this brat in her place before, from the back, to the front of the group. Everyone put their hands on the top of the shoulder of the one in front of them and the one to the side of them before they all reached forward to you, your mother with a hand on your right shoulder and your grandmother with her hand to your left as they all prayed for their gods to bless you and make you stronger, faster, better. To make you their champion in the name of good, righteousness, and justice.

“Are you done yet? I don’t want to get struck by lightning and I would prefer not to get these leathers any wetter than they need to be, I want you to hurry up and beat you before I or much less the royal family has a chance of getting wet from the rain.” Benny sassed as she came over again several moments later as she looked on disapprovingly at her brothers for their traitorous act of trying to bless you instead of her as you pushed all the air out of your lungs before you took in the biggest and longest breath in, feeling that with every millimeter of space in your lungs that filled with air, you filled with power before your lungs reached their capacity as did your body before you steadily exhaled and opened your eyes to fix Benny with your gaze as everyone slowly pulled back, all of them feeling a sense of excitement tempered with peace that their prayers were about to be answered.

“Come, let us battle, Axal, Rian, Zax, belt “Hit The Floor” out for me.” You suggested to them with a scheming and easy smile which they readily returned before they, along with Calla’s brothers as well as Benny’s rushed over to the band and eagerly took the instruments out of their hands and insisted that they needed to play this particular song themselves before you looked out over all the weapons offered to you by the whole family as the right weapons seemed to almost have a glowing aura around them as you picked them up and armed yourself with them before you entered the arena.

“Let us do five out of seven, arm the arena with the two additional beacons and put the last two on the roof, above the rafters.” You instructed the others who came to change out the beacons with fresh ones.

“Agreed.” Benny smiled as you simply sat down on top of the first beacon and got into a meditation pose and used these last moments to cement your mental fortitude as Benny laughed.

“Oh are suddenly a monk? Praying and meditating all the time?” Benny taunted as you could see the gods that were supposed to be blessing her weapons were frowning at her for her haughtiness.

“What is this? The Violet Viper is suddenly The Violet Monk? The Violet Praying Mantis? The Violet Idiot? Or just The Violet Whore.” Benny continued.

“Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t be throwing stones.” You stated as you kept your eyes closed as you watched from the spirit realm as the remaining gods and goddesses with her finally seemed to have enough and leave her completely and come to be with you and all the other gods and goddesses with you which caused you to smile before you opened your eyes and got down and into position as the others finished doing what you asked and left the stage.

“Axal! Now!” You called out after the gong rang out and your family as well as hers began to start up their instruments.

“So? Leverage huh? Going for the lowest of blows? Betraying my trust and friendship for your own personal gain? Too bad I’ve seen this coming since the moment I saw you at the ball at Havenfield. Do you really think you can say anything that will break apart what the gods have given their blessings to bind together?” You asked as you struck first with more strength than what Benny was expecting as she faltered slightly as suddenly her battle ax seemed a bit heavier and unwieldier than normal.

“I see your grandmother can’t keep a secret to save her life, like using a goddess, locked inside a dagger to fight and win all of her battles for her.” Benny taunted back.

“Do you really think a goddess can be locked inside a weapon? No, she is everywhere but more importantly, she is with me, whether I possess that dagger or not because I am a believer in her and in her power and have willingly let myself be an instrument for her and all the other gods and goddesses who wish to use me as their instrument as well, I feel it to be true, I know it to be true. Just like how you can feel or know in your heart whether or not your own gods are with you, which I can both see and feel that they are not, they have abandoned you in the face of your own viciousness, of your own ruthlessness and your own haughtiness. You do not fight with honor. Your pride and your hunger for victory at any cost has made you blind to what is right and wrong. It has calloused your conscience and dulled your moral compass. You play men who would love you like instruments, if only to see their strings break. You play with feelings and intentions the way you play with toys, if only to see them fall apart then to be thrown into the fire at will.” You told her as as you advanced forward with surprising speed and strength as real fear started to seep into Benny’s eyes.

“You crave destruction and only wish to have the fires of other people’s catastrophes light up in your eyes. If you do not turn back, and mend your ways, what you have lied about me and others and what you have predicted for me and others will come true for you. The gods have spoken this to me. And your redemption will only come at the hands of your latest victims. Whether they will give it or not, depends on them. Not me, for I am no longer a victim to anyone. Let alone you. You- who should have been a sister to me, you- who should have been a friend to me, you- who should have had my back instead of trying to stab it with everyone else since it already had an open wound for you to stick it into. But after tonight, I am healed, I am free. Of you, of everyone. I don’t owe anyone anything.” You vowed as you easily battled her across the course, as if the obstacles were not there at all as the whole fight seemed to be in slow motion for you, as you could almost see what moves she was going to make before she even made them as you were predicting her moves and counteracting them just as quickly as she was frantically trying to make them as your sword that was on fire kept slashing at her and lighting her entire torso on fire, as you could tell the heat from the fires were affecting her as if they were especially hot as you kept on advancing at a steady pace, the beacons practically exploding the moment the tip of a weapon touched them until you had her pinned into a corner before you struck the fifth beacon.

“Seven out of 13!” Benny screamed from her corner as tears streaked her makeup.

“Fine, seven out of 13.” You readily agreed before you stopped and calmly walked back to the center mark as she rushed to get out of the battle arena to get doused down with water to keep from being on fire as she was gasping for breath and sweating like a whore in church.

“And this was her still barely out of the egg? I can’t imagine what she will be like after she fully sheds and grows into her own then.” Your mother and your grandmother taunted Benny from their spots inside the tent as everyone else laughed.

“What’s wrong? I thought wolves eat serpents? Why aren’t you eating her before she eats you? Or does this viper actually have venom that you’re not immune to this time?” Calla snipped snidely herself.

“I will eat her! I will eat her whole!” Benny screamed back as she put her weapons back into the fire to get reheated as you simply let your flaming sword “rest” in the flames of one of the bowls in the arena.

“I don’t know why you’re getting so upset, or why you’re calling her a whore when you yourself are the biggest one I know.” Sierge taunted Benny himself.

“Shut up! No one asked you!” Benny snapped angrily.

“Make them the hottest you can!” Benny told the blacksmith who had set up a mini forge right there next to the battlefield.

“I can try.” He answered as he put them in the hottest parts of the fire to get super heated as once again, you sat on top of your own beacon and meditated again.

“There, that’s hot enough.” Benny said before she pulled them out and splashed them in the fire oil and let them become alight once more as she could feel the heat of them in her palms but they were nothing compared to the heat of her inner fiery temper as you opened your eyes and got into position before you pulled out another elven blade along with your fiery one before you pressed the jewel on the hilt and the weapon suddenly glowed white as frosty mist started falling from it.

“That sword will shatter when it touches mine.” Benny said.

“We’ll see.” You simply grinned before the gong rang out and you used the flaming sword to get her weapons into positions before you used your ice elven sword to cut bits and segments off of Benny’s weapons like cutting through soft butter.

“NNoooo!!” Benny screeched as she pulled her own spare weapons out but they had similar effects, for every strike against your own weapons, they grew weaker and softer, bending and dulling greatly as you continued to take out the same five markers before leaping through to the roof and climbing onto the rafters to get the final two beacons on the roof as She did the same, using her body as a shield to protect them as you walked along the beam like you were walking along a paved sidewalk, paying no mind to the fall only a few scant inches away from each side of your feet.

“No! I beat the Saharan Viper! I will beat you too!” She said as she used her flaming arrows to strike at your beacons as you used your own bow and arrows to throw hers off course and away from their intended targets until she was out of arrows.

“You’re empty.” You called.

“So are you!” She called back.

“You’re right, I am.” You said before lighting seemed to crack right above your heads and fan out over the sky.

“You’ll get electricuted!” Benny said as she cowered but would not leave the beacons.

“You’re right, I will.” You smiled as you held Kushi up in one hand and your mother’s copy of Kushi- Kushi 2 in the other and raised them to the sky as lightning struck down and danced between the two blades around you as your eyes glowed white while you otherwise remained unharmed.

“Viper- kills Wolf!” You boomed as you threw both daggers, the lightning dancing off of them, making it look like they were the fangs of a viper as the image of a viper’s head, made out by the lighting lit up the space as Benny screamed and dove down as you used your grappling hook to suspend yourself from the rafters as you used the other end of the rope and threw it around Benny so she wouldn’t crash on the ground as the two beacons exploded in bright white lights and smoke as the whole crowd roared in thunderous cheering and applause as you hung from the rafters with Benny hanging from the end of your own ropes as she gently swung around under you, the rope tied around her waist in such a way as she fought to untangle herself while you slowly eased down the rope like a silk climber flowing effortlessly down a length of silk before you got to her as Sierge came and gave the rope a quick tug to cause Benny to fall into his arms.

“Well hey there loser.” Sierge grinned.

“Put me down!” Benny screeched at him before he did as she asked as she fell the five feet from his arms to his feet as that little fall, knocked all the wind out of her lungs while Demsey was more than happy to let you slide down the rope into his own arms before he gently set you down and threw decorum out the window and kissed and dipped you in front of the gods and everyone which caused another round of applause as Kate and her brothers knew then that whatever “leverage” Benny had, was as good as worthless yet again as you happily got up and took your banner off of Heavencrest and put it on Grevu and rode him around the arena as others flew their own animals around behind, your grandmother happily riding Heavencrest in your stead as you cheered as Benny just sat there on the floor of the arena and sulked as she watched the Royal family’s attendants get the cup as the Royal Family got up and came down as Benny was escorted off the battle arena to the tent since her griffen was flying underneath Grevu in a show of dominance as the gentry crowded around the arena before you touched down as everyone offered their congratulations to you as you passed through, your mother to your immediate left and your grandmother to your immediate right as you climbed up into the battle arena yet again.

“It is my supreme honor to bestow unto you- Sultana Audravienne Saharazat, this winning cup and prize for winning the Kamoba battle today.” King Leopold announced as he gestured to it as it sat on your first beacon before he took your hand and raised it high as everyone cheered and applauded.

“Thank you, your Majesty.” You thanked him before you had to get help from your friends and family to help pick it up as the Royal Family as well as everyone else took their leave to go home as you came inside and had the cup put into your room as you began to unload it before you took your old knife, Zirrabanit and approached little Callie before you presented it to her.

“To Callie, who was the first to strike and the first to take down a contestant today. Since you have taken up my old mantle from my youth, it is only fitting that you continue that legacy, Little Spitfire.” You said as she gasped and took it and gave you the biggest most excited smile.

“Thank you!” Callie squealed in delight as she took it from you reverently before she practically launched herself in your arms and hugged you tight as you readily hugged her back.

“You’re welcome.” You happily laughed as you hugged her back oh so tight.

“Could I stay with you tonight? And could you pass down all the knowledge you can to me?” Callie asked hopefully and as much as you wanted to rail Demsey against every surface in his room, you didn’t have the heart to say no to her and her big lavender eyes.

“Of course, all the ladies, sleepover in my room tonight.” You offered as all the girls giddily left and got dressed as the gentlemen saw themselves out before you managed to snag Demsey by the arm and pull him down to kiss him again.

“Tomorrow night, I’ll properly and traditionally celebrate with you in the moura way.” You promised with a wink and a salacious smile.

“Can’t wait.” Demsey practically giggled before he kissed you again.

“Good night My Love, don’t stay up all night, we need to formulate a plan for court.” Demsey offered before he saw himself out just as his other sisters were coming back into the room, clad in only their nightgowns and robes as you all got into the bed in a circle, passing around the other treasures from the pot as Benny refused to even do that much as she continued to sulk in her room and went to bed only to fall into a fitful sleep, full of nightmares.

#Woooooo!#Blood For Gold #Blood For Gold Chapter 19 #this is it #this is the hill #the crest #the climax #it's downhill from here #regency era orc period drama #regency era orcs #orc romance #orc love story #moura #Now the truth can come out #Have I left you enough clues? Do you know them all yet?#There are several #dozens actually.#I want to know!

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gashinabts · 5 years

Text

Why we broke up (m)

Words: 4k

Paring: Jungkook x Reader

Genre: Angst, Fluff, kinda smut

Summary: “And I really wanted to see you again, talk to you again, be with you again. But if you don’t ever want to see me again then I’ll leave as if I never existed but can I please hold a little longer?”

Warning: Mature language, Implied sex, heavy petting

a/n: this is my first fic I was kinda hesitant to post it but here it is.. I really wanted to write a part 2 to do more explanation on how they broke up...but lets see how this one goes :() lol there might be a shit ton of grammar mistakes but please show me support !!!

Part 2

“Fuck—,” the pounding of Jungkook’s head was in radiating pain to the point where he couldn’t bear to open his eyes. Thinking to himself he shouldn’t have drank more than five soju bottles last night. If his head was in this much pain he couldn’t possibly imagine what his liver was going through.

Finally opening his eyes after a painstakingly minute he noticed two things: one, he is not in his bedroom and two he is naked. It wouldn’t be the first time he woke up in a stranger’s room. As he looked to the left of the bed there lies a naked woman.

He should get out before she notices, he hurriedly searches his clothes and puts them on, he notices a mirror in the women's room. God, how he hated the red blotchy marks that were littered around his neck.

Jungkook pats himself on the back when he successfully exits her house, he drives off in his car at a ridiculous speed, not because of the woman but because Eunwoo might be worried sick for him.

“Eunwoo!”, Jungkook yells while entering his house. “Daddy’s home, come over!”, the Shiba Inu runs over to Jungkook. “Sorry I’m really late for our morning run. I’ll make it up to you by taking you to the park then you can pee on every tree there is out there, sounds like a deal?”, Eunwoo barks out a response of agreement.

The change of scenery was nice for Jungkook there where a lot of people at the park filled with children’s laughter and screaming, the scent of grass that spring provided, it was indeed nice for him. Eunwoo takes the deal with Jungkook very seriously and is marking his territory on a big tree near the playground. He decides to look away from the dog to give him privacy.

Then time stills, everything is silent yet loud, when he spots you. Your surrounded by small children and your laughing while blowing bubbles in the air as they try to pop each one. It was breathtaking watching you in your yellow sundress and just being happy.

Jungkook can’t stop staring it was like the gods were playing a trick on him and he couldn’t tell if it was real.

Then you looked up to see him, Jungkook, big brown eyes staring into your eyes. He looks different, not that much but you can see that he matured well. You haven’t seen him in ten years surely features of him could’ve changed but no he still has those beautiful youthful doe eyes.

Jungkook quickly turns his gaze from you. “ Oh my god, Eunwoo what do I do! Maybe she didn’t see me,” he doesn’t know why he was lying to himself and why he was talking to his dog, as if Eunwoo would give him advice.

“Jungkook! Hey!, ” you rapidly walked towards him and you were still holding the bubble wand. You were gonna go for hug but then you stopped yourself, you couldn’t do that, things were different between you two.

“Y/N”, that’s all he said, why was he such an idiot he was thinking to himself he could’ve at least said ‘ hey Y/N’ or ‘what have you been up to’.

You just smiled brightly at him at his awkward stature. “ Jungkook we don’t have to be awkward with each other. I just wanted to say hi to you and see what’s up...While I’m here I wanted to congratulate you on your new song you produce that hit the charts, I really enjoyed it.” He looked intently into your eyes and now it was your turn to glance away with a shy smile.

Jungkook couldn’t believe that he was witnessing your smiles and your praises, after all the pain he caused you.

“ Thank you Y/N, that really means a lot to me. And it wasn’t all me, Yoongi helped me on some parts of the song ”, he returns a grateful smile towards you.

You hum in acknowledgement, “...Is that so, I knew I could her some Suga vibes into it.” He chuckles at your statement and then he feels a tug on the leash.

Eunwoo comes close to you and tries to rub against your legs. You gasp, and squat down, “ A Shiba Inu, my favorite! Aren’t you a cute one!”you caress it generously while speaking in a high tone.Millions of things were going on in Jungkook’s mind and that didn’t go well with the hangover he was having.

“Mommy!! I was looking for you!! I wanted you to see me finish the monkey bars ”, a child’s voice interrupts Jungkook’s thoughts. He watches as the child’s small hands grabbed onto your sundress, clinging onto to it. The child looks up at Jungkook’s tall figure and quickly decides to hide behind you.You smile to yourself grabbing your baby’s soft hands from behind you and bringing him towards the front of you. “ Baby, this person right in front of us, was a very very special person to me. His name is Jeon Jungkook. Now go on and introduce yourself like I taught you.” Your child nods shyly at you while he turns his full attention to Jungkook, “ Hello, Mr. Jungkook! My name is Eunwoo and I am five years old “, Eunwoo gave a small bow. You caress his hair while praising him a small good job.

The situation was all too fast for Jungkook, meeting you, and you having a child name Eunwoo. Of course you would have a child, you wanting a child was part of the reason you guys broke up. He felt like an asshole realizing that he named his dog the same name as your son, it was the name you confessed to him that if you were to ever have a child with him that it would be Eunwoo.

“Mommy, look!! Mr. Jungkook has a doggy!!,” you look at your son as he pets it energetically. “ I know isn’t he cute, Eunwoo? Jungkook what’s his name?”, you look up to Jungkook, while he scratches the back of his neck, why does he look so frantic.

“Umm—his name is...”, quick think of something Jungkook, “Tree! His name is Tree!” Eunwoo immediately starts to giggle, “ That’s a funny name.” You start to laugh alongside agreeing with Eunwoo. Jungkook sighs in relief and feels sorry that he renamed his dog the most dumbest dog name.

“ Mr. Jungkook…,” Eunwoo gets Jungkook’s attention and he nods for continuation. “Why do you have a lot of ant bites on your neck? You should put medicine on it, Mommy has special medicine at home.” You decide to see what Eunwoo is talking about and squint to look at Jungkook’s neck...oh those aren’t ant bites those are love bites, you couldn’t help but feel a pang of pain in your heart. You used to give Jungkook bites like that, when you wanted to just to claim him over and over again while riding him slowly. You shouldn’t be feeling this emotion you guys been over for ten years, you have to get a grip.

Jungkook hastily put his hand over his neck and was shocked that Eunwoo blatantly pointed but of course he didn’t know what hickies were. He observes your face and he couldn’t help but feel guilt when he saw how your once happy face was in pain. But how you quickly transformed it into a smile when Eunwoo begged you to get the medicine for Mr. Jungkook.

“...Y/N, I’m sor—,” you quickly interrupted him, “ Eunwoo it’s okay, Jungkook has own special medicine at his house too”, you hold your baby’s hand while swinging it a bit.

Why was he gonna apologize, it’s not like you guys are lovers anymore. You should be happy that he has found someone to love and take care of him. You should get going, you’ve been at the park for over an hour, you brush your dress down to get rid of any wrinkles and stare at Jungkook. You wait for him to say anything but the dead silence was too uncomfortable for you.

“ Well I should get going, it was nice seeing you Jungkook,” as you make small wave and smile warmly at him. Eunwoo gives tree a small pat and waves Jungkook a goodbye.

“ It was nice seeing you too, you look happy,” he gives a small response and a genuine smile. You look at him one last time, since it wouldn’t hurt you, and walk with your son towards your car. He continuously hums to a beat of a song that sounds familiar and then you feel a tug on your other wrist, forcing you to turn backwards. You look surprised to see Jungkook holding your wrist and breathing heavily.

“ —Wait Y/N, I wanted to see if you wanted to catch up, like for reals. Maybe go out for lunch or something? I know it’s stupid of me to ask for that, and you have every right to say no,” you don’t know what to say, your heart has been through enough yet it still flutters when he asked this question. You still feel his warm hand on your wrist and you gently take it off with your other hand. Eunwoo enters the car and buckles his car seat.

“ I’m sorry Jungkook but I’m quite busy,” you let out a small excuse. Well it wasn’t a lie you were busy with things which includes projects from work and Eunwoo’s birthday party. He looks a little disappointed but quickly gives a small smile and a nod.

It was ironic on how he was watching as you leave, when ten years ago he was the one that left.

He tugs Tree’s leash and starts to walk home.“ You know I’m sorry I renamed you Tree. Why was I such an idiot, it’s been ten years and now I finally have the audacity to try to ‘ catch up’ with her. God, I’m such a prick,” he’s getting odd stares from people since he’s talking to his dog but he doesn’t care.

Once he’s back home he gives Tree his dinner and takes a hot shower, vigorously trying to scrub his body. Once he’s done dressing in his pajamas he contemplates whether to look over the lyrics Namjoon sent him or to just call it a day. He decides to grab his headphones in his drawers and notices his old phone. The phone had so many precious memories, in the past, he decided to not transfer any old photos to his new phone. He wanted to start on a new page with his life, even if it meant erasing you. Jungkook pulls out the phone, presses the power button, and unlocks his phone. He goes to the photo app and looks for pictures of containing you, he continues to memorize every picture of your ethereal face. It makes him smile and laugh when your doing funny faces towards the camera.

“Oh—shit,” this particular picture made him flustered, his cock in your mouth looking up towards the camera, it was truly sinful. Then there was a video of you on all fours, his cock stretching you out. That night you begged him to fuck you like a slut and he nearly came four times. He feels a little stiff in his sweatpants, but it didn’t feel right for Jungkook to play the video so he quickly exit the app. He remembers that he muted your messages so you wouldn’t see the notifications from you and never bothered to read them, he presses onto your conversation, and notices an abundance of messages appear. He furrowed his brows in concentration and reads the messages dated from five years ago.

[Y/N] Taehyung came over to pick up ur stuff, do you really not want to see me?

[Y/N] How are you these days? Have you been eating well?

[Y/N] Happy Birthday best wishes to you :)!!

[Y/N] I went to the coffee shop and habitually order two coffees one with extra sugar and milk. Silly me. I couldn’t help but think of you wondering if drinking too much coffee.

[Y/N] congratulations on the award! You guys deserve it.

[Y/N] I’m so glad that you guys have an extended break!!! Get some good rest and fun time.

[Y/N] heyyy ur active on Xbox live, wanna play?

[Y/N] the moon was so bright today, I couldn’t help but think of you. You know the story you told me, that when you were young your mom would read you the book on how there was a family of bunnies on the moon. And for the longest you thought it was real, sometimes I wish it was real so it would make you happy.

[Y/N] i miss you

[Y/N] Hey, are you okay? I heard from the news that BTS disbanded.

[Y/N] I heard ur song on the radio!! It was so wonderful hearing ur voice again. I’m glad that ur still making music.

[Y/N] I saw you at the sushi place, I wanted to say hi to you but you looked happy with ur date. I’m happy that ur happy, I know that sounds cliche but I really mean it Jungkook.

[Y/N] My therapist said it wasn’t good for me to keep on texting you all these years. No worries I’m improving my health :)). So this is my last message to you, I’m sorry for texting you and being a nuisance when you didn’t want to hear from me. I wish you well, don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

Junkook finishes reading all the text messages and feels solemnly lonely with guilt. How were you always so kind? He goes to sleep that night with you on his mind.

You woke up the next morning in a rush since the alarm didn’t go off. Dropping off Eunwoo at school, you drive to work with desperate need for coffee on your tastebuds. Your secretary gives you your coffee and goes over the appointments you have with clients. You decided to take a break from reviewing the architecture plans. Your mind drifted off to Jungkook, you wondered what he was doing right now, is he having coffee right now too. You let out a small laugh remembering when he would add a lot of sugar to his coffee. God, why did you have to go say hi to him, you’re such an idiot. “ Ms. Y/N, ummm...can you sign this please. Sorry if I interrupted you,” the new intern rambles off, you smile at her and sign the approval plans.

Jungkook has lunch date with Taehyung, who he barely sees anymore due to his filming for a new drama. They are eating their burgers, but Taehyung doesn’t stop texting someone, Jungkook only gets annoyed after the past ten minutes, and snatches his phone. He goes to turn it off but notices your name and his stomach drops to the floor. How long have you guys been in contact, do you guys hang out, questions are firing through his head. He looks at the convo and sees a picture of Eunwoo doing the V sign, and an invitation to his birthday party. Why was Taehyung invited to the party but not him, you told him he was a special person.

“Jungkook...Y/N and I are still really good friends and still keep in contact with each other. Sorry that I was texting her while we were eating but can I please have my phone back?”

“Oh sorry, here. Do you think I can come with you?,” Taehyung gives him a confused stare, “ to Eunwoo’s party I mean…,”

“ Uhh Jungkook, I don’t know if that’s a good idea, you guys didn’t necessarily part on good terms and how do you know who Eunwoo is?,” Taehyung looks even more confused than he looked before.

“ Well I kinda bumped into Y/N the other day and met her son,” he shrugs his shoulders to act nonchalant but really he wanted to go with Taehyung to the party.

“ I can ask her if you can go—,”

“ NO!—I mean don’t please. I’ll promise that I won’t cause any trouble, just please let me go with you?”

“ Fine, okay you can come. But why do you wanna come so badly? You are already saw her the other day, I swear to god Jungkook don’t try anything with Y/N. She’s been through a lot.”

Taehyung puts his phone on silent, and carries on with another topic, explaining the plot of his new drama he is leading. Jungkook tries to focus on the conversation but is wondering what have you been through while he was out of life. He shouldn't be feeling jealous of Taehyung, that he’s still close to you.

That afternoon Jungkook goes to the store and tries to look for a present for Eunwoo, in which he realizes he doesn’t know much about Eunwoo despite him liking Tree. Maybe he should buy him a puppy for him, no I don’t think his mother would be happy with that. Taehyung most definitely knows more about what Eunwoo would like.

[JK] What does Eunwoo like? Im buying a present for him

[Taetae] anything space related and iron man on some occasions

[Taetae] ohhh I forgot and Shiba Inus

[JK] thanks buttface

[Taetae] :((

He feels a warm feeling in his heart, of course he would like Shiba Inus like his mother. Jungkook looks around, and he picks up Shiba Inu plush toy along with a space theme blanket. He wants to buy a whole lot of things for Eunwoo but he decides not to, he is about to leave when he spots the The Bunny on the Moon book, a rush of nostalgia hits him and he decides to buy it for Eunwoo.

It’s Saturday morning, and Eunwoo excitedly jumps on your bed, tugging your sheets, begging you to wake up. “ Mommyyyy, wake up!!! It’s my birthday and I want to start the party already!,” you playfully groan and pull Eunwoo into your arms. “ What? Today is your birthday? But you had one last year, that’s unfair,” you complain while pouting, Eunwoo giggles and you just want to bask in his scent, never letting your baby go. “ Silly Mommy!! We have a birthday every year, that’s why I look bigger today,” you hum in acknowledgment, feeling a little sad that he is growing up too quickly. You tell Eunwoo to take shower while you make breakfast.

The party starts at 1pm and you quickly set up the streamers and pack the goody bags, Eunwoo helps you blow the balloons, while you get dress yourself.

Eunwoo school and neighborhood friends arrive bringing presents of all sorts of sizes, claiming their presents is going to be the best for Eunwoo. He decides to play with his friends in the backyard, your putting all the presents in a pile, then a sudden six rhythm knock comes. You chuckle already knowing who it is, his boxy smile appears when you open the door, and you immediately grabbed him into a hug while burying your face into his neck. “Taehyung, I missed you,” you whispered into his neck, he puts his hands in your hair while saying he misses you too. You pull back about to tell him how his shooting go, but then you see Jungkook behind him holding presents looking at you with wide eyes.

“Oh, umm Jungkook what are you doing here?” You were honestly shocked that he was at your doorstep, you gave a questioning look towards Taehyung. “Y/N, Jungkook wanted to come to the party,” you wanted to ask why but that would sound rude so you invited them both in. Taehyung sprints outside grabbing Eunwoo into a hug and twirling him around. All the other kids asked if he can spin them around too and so he did. You smile to yourself, envisioning Taehyung with his own children.

“ Y/N, this is Taehyung’s present and this one's mine, where do you want me to put it at? ,” Jungkook lifts two different presents up, smiling a bit. “Here I can take it and I’ll put it away. You can hangout with Taehyung outside,” you grab the presents from his hands and start to put them in the gift pile. “ Do you need help with anything?,” you look around to see if anything needs to be done, and you notice some of the streamers fell down from the ceiling. “Actually, can you tape the streamers back up,” he eagerly nods and does the job. You hear knocking at the door and you figure it’s the pizza delivery. “ Baby—shit, I mean Jungkook can you get the door it’s the pizza, the money should be in the living room,” you both look flustered, and you busy yourself by taking the drinks out of the fridge. Why did he have to look so domestic it reminded you of the twenty year old him, it was no wonder why you called him baby.

Jungkook shakily hands over the money and grabs the pizza. When you called him baby he felt oddly content and wanted to hear you call him baby again. He sets the pizza boxes on the kitchen table, while you call in the children to eat. The kitchen is filled with children’s voices and munching on food, while you make conversation with Taehyung and Jungkook. You unconsciously give Jungkook another slice of pizza, knowing he can never get full of eating two slices. He thanks you with his mouth full, and you playfully roll your eyes and tell him to close his mouth.

After all the kids were finished eating pizza, you bring the cake out singing happy birthday while the kids join along, placing right in front of Eunwoo.

Jungkook wonders if he would’ve stayed with you all these years, he could imagine at least four kids, a pet dog, a nice big ring on your finger, and waking every morning with you beside him. Now that he’s in his mid thirties what took him so long that he desperately wanted that future. He awes at you when you place a kiss on Eunwoo telling him to make a wish.

After the candles were blown out and cake was given out, all the children had to leave since it was starting to get dark outside. Unfortunately, that meant his friends couldn’t see him open the presents, Taehyung tells Eunwoo to open his present. Eunwoo screams with joy when he opens an expensive telescope, he hugs Taehyung and kisses his face multiple times in which he happily accepts. His phone starts ringing loudly so he checks the caller ID, it’s a famous movie director and he excuses himself outside.

“ Eunwoo open my present too, a little birdie told me what you liked,” Jungkook smiles at him while handing his presents. He opens the present, his eyes gleams at the penguin astronaut pattern in space blanket and wraps it around himself. And starts giggling when he sees the Shiba Inu plushie and starts hugging it, “Look it’s Tree!!” Jungkook laughs along and rubs Eunwoo’s hair affectionately.

“The Bunny on the Moon,” Eunwoo reads and tilts his head to the side. Your heart stops while you look at Jungkook, why did he had to give something so personal to your son

“ I told your mom that I loved this book, we used to search everywhere for this book. You know she started crying when I told her that when I was young I would cry all the time since there were no bunnies on the moon,” your eyes started to sting and you wanted Jungkook to leave right now, why was he doing this to you. “ Mommy and Mr. Jungkook it’s okay, I’ll find a way to put bunnies on the moon so you guys won’t ever cry again,” he grabs the presents and heads to his room. You wipe your tears quickly and Taehyung enters the house.

“ Well I gotta head out, I have an early set tomorrow morning tell Eunwoo I love him,” you go to hug him telling him to come around the house more often and he accepts the offer as long as you cook him food.

“ Jungkook come on, I still have to drop your ass at.”

“ No it’s fine I’ll take an Uber, I want to help Y/N cleaning the kitchen.”

“ I don’t think...Alright I’ll see you guys later,” he closes the door, leaving you and Jungkook alone. You make your way to the kitchen, throwing away trash, while Jungkook washes the dishes.

“I finally read the messages you sent me years ago after seeing you at the park,” you sharply turn and look at him, you remember sending him text messages but he never responded. It was on some days when you saw him on Tv looking sad, some days when you wanted a friend to talk to, and on some days you just wanted to hear from him. Is that why he’s here because he feels bad for you? “I’m sorry that I didn’t respond, umm... so are you okay...because on the last message you sent me you said you were seeing a therapist,” you kept staring at him saying nothing while he twiddles with his fingers, it goes like this for a minute. You simply turn back and continue with your task, the tension is so thick and Jungkook couldn’t take it.

“Can you please talk to me?”

You turn back around and stare into his eyes, “Okay, why are you here at my son's birthday party? Why did you buy that book for him? Was it funny to you telling him that story on how I used to cry because I cared so much for you? Did you laugh at reading my messages thinking how pitiful I am? Why do you suddenly want to know about my well being? Are you ridiculing me, laughing at me in your head that I am single mother ? That in the past I wanted this with you but you didn't, and you feel bad right now. God, I’m so stupid I shouldn’t have talked to you that day in the park, I was being to greedy to myself, “ your finally expressing the emotions you were burying into yourself all day, your crying and trying to wipe all the tears.

Jungkook looks at you with a pained expression, the questions took him by surprise, your calm composure was gone. He didn’t come here to poke fun at you or pity you, he just wanted to see you again.

You were hysterically crying this is the first time in many years that you were crying this much. Then you feel him pull you into a hug, you try to put your hands against chest gently pushing him off but he held you closer. You gave up, letting your hands warp around him, crying against his chest. You felt warm in his arms and it gave a false sensation that everything is going to be alright.

“ No, I never once laughed at you or felt any pity towards you. I know for a fact that you are a great mother, so strong and caring. I’m sorry that I came to Eunwoo party uninvited and told him the story about that book, I was being insensitive and a dick. And when I read those messages I just felt so miserable that I just let the most wonderful woman in the wide world suffer go. And I really wanted to see you again, talk to you again, be with you again. But if you don’t ever want to see me again then I’ll leave as if I never existed but can I please hold a little longer?” You nod your head and let your cheek rest against his chest, while one of his hand is stroking your back and the other in your hair. You feel all types of emotions, like your mind can’t decide what you should be feeling.

“ You’re always a dick,” you finally say after a few minutes of being in eachothers arms, he pulls back and laughs an ‘I know’. Jungkook cradles your face with his hands and kisses your forehead. You want more of his affection, you want to be swallowed whole by it. The look in his eyes tells you the same, he lifts you by the waist and places you on the table, and he goes between your legs just hugging you. Nuzzing your face in his neck, you put your hands under his shirt memorizing his back muscles. He hear him sigh in content and his strong hands caresses your back gently. It feels nice just touching each other, trying to remember each others bodies. You pull back from him looking deeply into his eyes, you take one of his hands and place it on your bare thigh where the dress has ridden up. His hand massages up and down and you place one of your hands on his face tracing the scar on his cheek, the slope of his nose, and fingers tracing lightly on his bottom lip.

“ Y/N, can I please kiss you ?,” it’s small whisper but you can hear it very loudly, and you nod your head yes. You close your eyes and feel his lips on yours, it’s a gentle kiss, and it’s gone all too soon as he pulls back. “ Can I kiss you again?” You smile and bring your lips on his this time, parting your lips and his tongue slipping inside. Your starting to feel really hot and his hands go under your dress to feel your bare hip, thumbing the edge of your panties. “ Ahh—Jungkook let me take your shirt off,” you whisper into the kiss, taking his shirt off to the floor and you take a good look of his body, it looks more muscular than ten years ago, it’s like the gods sculpted him for you. He gives you lustful gaze while you feel his hand start to move the front of your panties. “ Mmm take them off Jungkook,” you encourage him desperately needing his fingers in you. He groans and you lift your butt up as he pulls it under, he slowly drags the panties down your legs, teasing you and you just want him to rip it off of you. The panties are finally off and you go to spread your legs apart inviting him in.

“ MOMMY!! YOU FORGOT TO READ ME A STORY!!” You both jump in surprise as you heard your son call from upstairs. Oh shit, were you really about to have sex on the kitchen table while your son was upstairs. You push Jungkook’s chest lightly and bend down to put your panties on. He gets his shirt and puts it on, “ Y/N, I miss you not just physically but emotionally.”

“ Let’s talk about this later, Eunwoo is calling for me,” you offer him a small smile.

“ Okay, it’s late I should head out, tell Eunwoo that I said bye,” you walk him towards the door and kiss him on the cheek as a ‘see you soon’ goodbye.

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Do not repost, translate, or alternate my work in any way, onto any platform. I do not take plagiarism lightly.

#bts #btssmut #bts smut #jungkook #angst #fluff #bts fic #bts fluff #bts angst #jungkook x reader #bts fanfic #fanfic #jungkook fluff #imagine #kookie #jungkook day

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benkouji726 · 4 years

Text

Five times Alex surprised Forrest and one time he didn’t

Fourth Chapter! I can't believe it!

This chapter is all about Buffy. It took me longer because writing pet-human dynamic is just sooooo hard.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Sometimes Forrest thought he should just rename Buffy Long to Buffy Manes and call it a day. Other times he was convinced that Alex only stuck around for the dog. He hadn’t know it was possible to feel jealous for both parties while simultaneously feeling love towards them when he saw two people (in this case a person and a dog) together, but Alex had stirred up so many raw and new feelings in him that it really shouldn’t come as a surprise.

So there he was, stood in his doorway, coming home from an exhausting work meeting, and was entirely engulfed in this swamp of feelings in his chest he almost stopped breathing for a minute.

Alex, wearing a white sweater and some yoga pants that seemed to be made of the softest material in the whole world, hair a mess, face relaxed and lying down on his stomach; half under Alex’s body, being held loosely but securely by his right arm, was a soft snoring Buffy.

They were not even lying together on the sofa, but at the foot of the sofa, on the floor, Buffy’s favorite chew toy next to them. Like they had played together for a really long time, both so happy they hadn’t wanted to stop, until they were too tired to even get on the sofa, they had to just lie down right there and fall to sleep, while cuddling.

And to think: Alex never wanted to sleep anywhere other than in the bed because the bed would be nicer to his leg; and Buffy never wanted to sleep next to anyone other than Forrest because she was a PRINCESS like that.

Safe to say it was the most beautiful thing Forrest had ever seen in his whole life.

——————————

More often than not, Forrest woke up to some (one-sided) conversation like this one.

“No, Buffy, you can’t eat that.”

“Don’t give that look, girl. You know I’m just looking out for you. You need healthier diet.”

Forrest smiled. Alex was so gonna lose that battle, again.

“Stop it. I know it always works on your papa, but it’s not gonna work on me.”

Well that’s a lie.

A fond sigh.

“OK, you win. But you have to walk with me a LOT longer today if we’re gonna burn all the extra calories. And this is non-negotiable.”

Yeah, bring out the captain voice. It would do absolutely nothing to the dog except maybe receiving some halfhearted tail wiggling.

And also getting Forrest hot and bothered.

He walked out to the kitchen, stood behind Alex, threw a glance over his shoulder to Buffy, and yep, she was happily eating her treats and totally ignoring Alex’s pretend glares. He hid his smile in between Alex’s shoulder blades, hands reaching around to sneak under his shirt so he could roam his bare stomach, and said in a husky voice:

“Stop fat-shaming my dog and come back to bed. She’s already gotten her treats. Now it’s my turn.”

Alex turned around in his embrace, pulled him even closer so they were only a breath away and looking into each other’s eyes. Then, and only then he rolled his eyes, deliberately and dramatically, he even shook his head a little for extra effect: “Her puppy eyes, your cheeky lines. You both only have ONE move. It’s getting old real fast.”

Well, since Buffy and he both got their treats even before breakfast, he’d have to respectfully disagree.

———————————

One time he walked in on them, snuggled up in bed, and Alex was telling her about his Lizard while SHOWING HER SOME PICTURES too.

“I think you and Willow would have made great friends.” He said, a little wistful, but mostly happy, smile evident in his voice.

Buffy made a low grunting sound in her throat as if she agreed.

———————————

They went to the fair thing regularly now, like some old couple. Forrest secretly liked it. But the catch was, whenever they went there, Alex ended up buying Buffy way too many toys, clothes or little hats. It was getting ridiculous.

“Alex, this is like, the third chew bone in this month alone. She really doesn’t need it.” Forrest whined, knowing perfectly well he was fighting a losing battle.

To his surprise though, Alex dropped the bone (Buffy turned to Forrest to give him the stink eye but he ignored her like a champ), and picked a fluffy teddy instead, which, ok, slightly better, but SO NOT THE POINT.

But Alex showed it to Buffy, she gave a happy wiggling, and next thing he knew, Alex was already paying for it.

Forrest shook his head. “You don’t ever get to say I’m spoiling her again. You are like, the most doting dad ever.”

They both froze at that.

Then Alex looked down at Buffy, smiled softly, and said, “I just like seeing her happy”. He looked up again, still all soft, reached out and held Forrest’s hand. “If that makes me a doting dad, so be it.”

—————————

He changed his screensaver on his phone to a picture of Buffy hugging the teddy that night.

—————————

Alex’s ex (the ex from his military days, not the one still didn’t show up in Forrest’s presence) came to Roswell one day, he called Alex, so the three of them were having a slightly uncomfortable but overall pleasant get-together.

The ex (Bill or something) was charming, funny and friendly. He obviously didn’t hang up on Alex like some other ex so that was a plus, but he sometimes still had heat in his eyes when Alex was smiling beautifully so Forrest decided to dislike him just in principle.

The dislike quickly turned to annoyance when Bill (or something) brought up his dog.

“By the way, Charlie whined when I told him I was gonna see you and I couldn’t bring him along. I guess he still misses you.”

Alex smiled politely, “I miss him too.”

“Please”, the ex snorted, “You never really warmed up to him. You were nice to him, sure, he loved you for it. But you were just not that fond of him. I always assume maybe you’re not a dog person or something.”

OK so the ex was apparently a clueless douche. Alex was the definition of a dog person in Forrest’s opinion. He opened his mouth to just say that when a hand on his knee squeezed to stop him.

“Yeah, maybe.” Alex replied, polite smile firmly in place.

The topic didn’t come up again until B-something left.

“So you wanna explain yourself, Mr Clearly-You-Are-A-Dog-Person?”

Alex rolled his eyes. “Can’t you just accept that Buffy is an exception to my not-loving-dogs rule?”

Forrest pretended to consider for a second.

“Though it is a fact that Buffy is the cutest girl on earth and she can pretty much win anybody over, I know it’s not the case. So spill. Was Charlie like, secretly hating you but pretended to like you in front of his dad?”

Alex choked on his milkshake. “What terrible world do you live in? With this level of dog conspiracy?”

It was a deflecting move if he’d ever seen one. So he just waited.

After a minute, Alex caved.

“It was not Charlie. It was Blake.” OK, not Bill then.

“Me and Blake, we had this on and off relationship. At first it was just some fun, blowing off steam, some actions in the shadow, that kind of things. But it got somewhat more serious as the time passed. He was local based, so when we had leaves, we would sometimes go to his house to spend time together.”

“Charlie was usually with his sister, but Blake would bring him home during his leaves. So whenever I spent time there, Charlie was always with us.”

He paused, a fond smile for the dog, and continued, “He liked me instantly, and I liked him too. Like you said, I am a dog person, I like dogs, dogs like me.”

Forrest was confused. “So why...?”

Alex sighed. “I liked Charlie, but I couldn’t let myself get attached to him. Because I didn’t see myself stay in the relationship with Blake for a long time. So if I got too attached, and the breakup inevitably happened, it would be too hard for me to handle.”

OK, that was understandable. But meanwhile, that would mean...

The realization hit Forrest like a train he was totally dumbstruck.

Alex seemed to sense his surprise, and blushed. But he didn’t stop talking.

“I opened myself completely to Buffy, because I feel completely safe and steady when I’m with you. I don’t worry about losing her, because I don’t worry about losing you.”

Forrest swallowed around the sudden lump in his throat, kissed Alex, and touched their forehead together.

“Do you think we should just rename her to Buffy Long-Manes?”

Alex laughed. “That is such a terrible name.”

He kissed back. “But I like it.”

#the scene I described (selfishly) in this chapter about Alex cuddling with Buffy #is from the insta pic Tyler once posted #where he cuddled with Dylan #it's the cutest thing #forlex #forlex fic #5+1 things #my fic

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horrorboydyke · 4 years

Text

hey, @hachibe !!! it’s me your gifter!!! I had such a fun time writing your gift fic and i really really hope you enjoy this! i remember you mentioned your pet had passed away in the last few weeks so i hope this fic finds you some comfort. so much love for you xxx also! thank you @shakshuka-grandpasweaters for creating this fun gift exchange! (read on ao3!)

When David was little his parents owned a pet cat, it was a ginger tabby with white paws. Laura chose the name Ophelia despite David’s protests, he wanted to call the cat Nox but Laura thought that Nox was an awful name for a female cat. He loved the cat a lot and secretly called it Nox behind Laura’s back, by the time the cat was a year old, it responded to both Nox and Ophelia.

When Laura was kicked out of their parent’s house after she came out, she tried to take Ophelia with her but their parents threatened to call the police on her so she packed her stuff and left without Ophelia. When David came out and they kicked him out, he took Ophelia, a bag full of his clothes and other necessities and went straight to Laura who had previously offered him a permanent spot in her apartment. She took one look at the cat and enveloped her brother in the biggest hug she’d ever given. They both cried about their parents that night on the sofa in each other’s arms.

Ophelia was there for everything, David and Laura both swore that Ophelia could sense when they were mad or upset because she would come running at you and purred while she rubbed herself on you. She was there for when David was dealing with the horrible taunting and bullying at his old school, she was there for Laura’s first heartbreak and she was there when David started testosterone.

Ophelia died a month before David transferred to his new school. Laura and David had come home after running some errands and visiting some of Laura’s friends, they opened the door and when Ophelia didn’t come running at the sound of the door opening, they both got worried. They found her a short while later next to her feeding bowl. The next few hours passed by in a whirl of tears and sadness, they took her to the vet but the vet couldn’t do anything.

“She helped me when I was getting bullied as stupid as that sounds,” David says with a quiet huff of a laugh later that night with both of them cuddled up on the sofa, “I remember one night when I had come home from school and I was crying in my bed, she meowed and scratched at the door until I let her in, she jumped up onto my bed and wrapped herself around me until I seemed calmer. She did it so often, I feel like she could sense when I was in distress or upset.”

“She did that with me too when my ex-girlfriend and I broke up,” Laura says sadly but with a small smile on her face.

“I know you used to call her Nox behind my back,” Laura turns to him and says with a cheeky smile.

“How do you know?” David asks her in shock, thinking that he hid it so perfectly.

“Back when we used to live with mum and dad, I was on the phone was mum one day and I heard you yelling “Nox” in the background,” Laura says with a laugh.

It was hard for them for a while, not hearing Ophelia’s feet patter on the hardwood floors when they called her name was especially hard.

After a long time when Matteo and David were together and they were having the conversation of them moving in together, David brought up the idea of them getting a pet. At first, Matteo was against it, he said a hard no when David asked about a cat because he was allergic but when David started to get emotional, he said that he would think about it. David kept pestering Matteo about it but kept avoiding the question of why he was so persistent about getting a cat from Matteo until one night, he broke down and ending telling Matteo about Ophelia. David told Matteo about how he’d come home in tears from school and Ophelia would wrap herself around him and purr.

David didn’t like talking a lot about Ophelia but sometimes when he’s drunk or extremely emotional he’ll tell Matteo a story about her like the one time she was able to climb up onto the top of the shower and stayed quiet until the moment David decided to get into the shower then she meowed as loud as she could and scared David so hard he fell and hit his head. Matteo laughed so hard at that story that David eventually ended pushing him off the bed.

After that night, Matteo agreed to go looking at the pet rescue centres around Berlin after they had moved into a place of their own. They looked for months for a pet-friendly apartment in Berlin that wasn't too far away from David's university and Matteo's job. They finally found a relatively nice place that allowed pets, they signed the lease and started moving their things in with the help of the boy squad, the girl squad, Laura and Hans.

One morning before David had class he pulled a half-asleep Matteo out of bed, forced him to get dressed and go to one of the last animal shelters that they had on a list. They walked around the shelter for a while until they came across a scruffy little female cat that was about a year old, she looked exactly like Ophelia. The worker told them that they had given her the name Flora when they found her on the street but she said that Matteo and David could rename her if they planned on adopting her.

Matteo looked over to his boyfriend and smiled as the worker placed the cat in David’s hands. David cooed at the cat and laughed as the cat licked his nose.

“Is this the cat?” Matteo asks and watches as David smiles and pet the cat, he nods his head and laughs as his eyes fill with tears.

“Yeah, this is the one,” David says and passes the cat to Matteo so he can wipe his eyes and his checks from the few tears that escaped.

“We don’t even have a name picked out,” Matteo says with a laugh and then lets out an aw when the cat tucks its head under Matteo’s chin.

“I know right,” David laughs, “I like the name Flora though, maybe we should leave it?”

“I like that name too,” Matteo says with a soft smile. They flag down the worker and tell her that they’ll adopt the cat. She asks them if they want to sign up for animal parenting classes.

“No.”

“Yes,” they say at the same time, the worker looks at them and smiles, they hand Flora off to the worker and step off to the side to have a conversation.

“We need a class on this Matteo,” David says, “I love you but you can barely look after yourself.”

“I know that but hey!” Matteo says in a defensive tone while David chuckles and smiles at his boyfriend.

“I don’t think we need animal parenting class but if you think we do then sure,” Matteo says after a few seconds of thinking. They walk back towards the front desk where the worker is preparing Flora’s adoption papers.

“Have you two come to a decision?” the worker asks with a little bit of humour in her voice, they both smile at her and announce that they’ll attend the class. They are there for a half-hour while they fill out the adoption paperwork, the worker informs them that Flora has a tracking chip and all of her shots already so she is ready to be taken home whenever they are ready to take her. They inform her that because David has class and Matteo has work they will be back at the end of the day to take the little cat home.

They leave the shelter and go their separate ways with a kiss, Matteo on his way back home to get another hour or two of sleep before work and David, who can barely control his excitement, to school, they text and arrange to meet at the shelter after Matteo finishes work at 5 to pick up Flora.

David spends the next few hours basically vibrating out of his seat, he can barely concentrate on the lecture and has resorted to bouncing his leg which causes him to get glares from the people sitting around him because he is causing the table to shake. He makes it through the rest of the day and at 5 they meet at the animal shelter as previously arranged that morning.

“How are you feeling?” Matteo asks as the walk into the building, David huffs as he tries to sort through all of the things he is feeling at that moment.

“Excited, guilty, nerves, happy, like literally all emotions,” David replies with a smile and his boyfriend smiles back at him with a comforting look in his eyes that lets David know that Matteo will be there by his side no matter what.

“Guilt?” Matteo asks after a few seconds, they pause as they great the worker at the front desk, it's the same lady as this morning so she greets them with a smile and gestures for them to follow her to a backroom they didn’t go to before. They walk a few paces behind her so they can continue their conversation.

“Yeah, I guess that I just feel guilty about getting a new cat because Ophelia meant so much to Laura and me so I just feel guilty that I’m replacing her?” David says with a questioning tone and Matteo nods his head.

“I get that but you’re not replacing her, you loved her so much and you would never replace her. You’re simply getting a new cat because you miss having a pet,” Matteo says reassuringly, David turns and smiles at him before reaching out and linking their hands together.

They get to a vet clinic type area in the back, there were a few cages where some animals were being held, a few of them were sleeping and the rest were looking at David, Matteo and the worker who had just walked in.

“These are just the animals that have already been adopted but are just waiting for their new owner to come and pick them up,” the worker explains. They hear a meow and David immediately spots Flora in a cage on the far left side of the office. The worker goes over to her, opens the cage, scoops her up and brings her back to David, Flora basically jumps out of the worker’s arms and right into Davids’s arms.

“So all of the paperwork had been signed this morning and everything is all set, you can take her out of here. We do have collars, harnesses, food and other pet products at the front desk if you’d like to buy something for you little one?” the worker suggests, Matteo and David both nod their heads, they put Flora in a little carry box with her head poking out just to make sure she doesn’t jump out on their walk home. They follow the lady back to the main area where they purchase a little pink collar with a bell, a cat bed, food and a little toy for Flora to play with.

Once they have had Flora for a week and let her get used to their apartment, get used to their comings and goings, introduced her to Laura and settled into a little bit of a routine, they decided to go to one of the animal parenting classes on their night off. They take Flora to Laura’s apartment for the night and get the bus to where the class is being held.

When they get inside, the small meeting room is set up like a classroom with the tables in the U shape. They took a seat as everyone else began to file into the room and claim their own seats. An older looking woman stands up at the front of the room and starts talking, that’s when Matteo and David both just mentally check out.

At one point Matteo just leans over and whispers in his boyfriend’s ear,

“how much money would you give me to flip this table, right here, right now, in the middle of this stupid class?”

David tries to stifle his laughter as a few people glare in their direction before turning back to look at the lady that’s speaking.

“Like ten million dollars,” David whispers back with humour in his tone, Mateo scoffs quietly and rolls his eyes.

“Okay, I know for a fact that you don’t even have like fifty dollars so,” Matteo whispers with a laugh and David shakes his head.

“Bitch,” David snarks in a whisper.

“Dick.”

“Asshole.”

“Butthole.”

“If you two in the back keep talking then I’m going to have to ask you to leave because you are distracting everyone else,” the speaker at the front says loudly, David and Matteo look up at her in shock before looking back at each other and getting up, they leave the build with a laugh.

“We didn’t need that class anyway, I know how to look after my family,” David says with a smile and links his and Matteo’s hands together.

#druck fandom gift exchange #druck #gift exchange #my writing

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connorssock · 5 years

Text

Dog Days

Like clockwork, lunchtime rolled round and Gavin was out the door. It was a weirdly cyclical thing. Sometimes he’d have a few weeks where he didn’t rush out the door but then there would be weeks where he was seemingly antsy to get going. Nobody dared question it, chalked it up to Gavin being Gavin. Maybe he was eager to beat the lunchtime rush wherever he went to grab a bite to eat. Not once was anyone invited to accompany him.

What nobody knew was that Gavin lived within walking distance of the precinct and each time he left for lunch, he went home. He had a secret of sorts. Not that he kept it from other people because he was ashamed, he just didn’t see what anybody would need to know. It was his lunch hour, his home, it wasn’t anybody else’s business what he got up to in his free time.

At least that’s what he thought until he caught Nines watching him. His partner had been growing more and more suspicious, keeping an eye on his every move.

“Detective,” he finally asked, “I have noticed that over the course of the weeks you have been covered in over four different breeds of dog hair despite the fact that you do not own a pet. You are also currently sporting various scratches which could be from teeth or claws. Please prove my conclusions wrong and you’re not indulging in some illegal dog fighting.”

The laugh Gavin gave was a mix of bitter and disbelieving. “I can’t believe that that’s the first conclusion you draw. Feels like I should be offended you have such a low opinion of me.”

After a beat where Nines wasn’t sure what to say, Gavin shrugged. “Fuck it. Give them until the end of next week. Come over on Friday lunchtime.”

That settled things and when the allocated time came, Nines stood and followed Gavin out of the precinct. They walked amicably in silence until they stood outside Gavin’s front door. “Okay, a few ground rules,” Gavin turned to him, hand on the doorknob. “One, keep your voice down, if possible, don’t talk at all. Two, once we step through the door, you sit your ass down by the wall immediately. Only move when I give you a nod. Three, don’t force yourself on him. Let Kevin come to you.”

With those mysterious words, Gavin opened the door and stepped in. Nines followed and did as told, settling on the ground with his legs crossed and leaning against the wall. The door shut and Gavin crouched down too. There was a cautious clatter of claws on the ground and something scraggly poked its head round the door.

“Hey baby,” Gavin cooed but made no move to get closer.

Slowly, the creature crept into the room and its tail gave a cautious wag as it approached Gavin. Its head bumped against the outstretched hand and immediately Gavin was handing out a treat.

“I brought a friend home, Kevin. Want to say hi to Nines?”

Gavin threw a treat towards Nines and they watched as the waif called Kevin stared after it, weighing up the benefits of the treat versus getting near Nines. In the end, the treat won out. Softly, Gavin stood up, dropping treats closer to Nines until he was standing next to him.

“Reach a hand out,” he said and pressed a treat into Nines’ palm.

At first, Kevin didn’t seem keen on the idea but after a minute, he snatched the treat and scampered off.

“It took me a week to be able to feed him treats like that.”

There were so many questions flying through Nines’ mind. It must have shown because Gavin laughed softly and offered him a hand.

“I foster dogs. Tend to get the rough cases because I can give them a quiet home. They stay with me a few weeks or months until they’re ready to be adopted.”

He led them into the kitchen where the fridge was full of photos of various dogs.

“These were all yours?”

“They all stayed with me, yeah. I’ve been doing it for a couple of years now,” Gavin nodded easily as he moved to grab a leash.

With practised ease, he popped it on Kevin and took him out into the garden. Not five minutes later, they were back in and Nines was still looking at the pictures.

“Do you remember their names?”

That too, drew a laugh from Gavin.”Yeah, Kevin.”

Understanding didn’t come easy to Nines and he stared as though Gavin had grown a second head.

“The families they go to always rename them. So I just call them all Kevin. Or if I have two at the same time, it’s Kev and Kevin.”

At long last, Nines huffed out a breath of amusement. It was such a typically Gavin thing to do, he didn’t know why he expected anything else. From then on though, some lunchtimes, he accompanied Gavin home and returned to the precinct covered in dog hair and a smile on his lips.

#dbh: gavin #dbh: rk900

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lovemesomesurveys · 4 years

Text

What Rhymes With “AIM/AME”?

1. Do you have good aim? Somewhat I guess.

2. Is there anyone you want to maim? Uh, no.

3. Are you everything that you claim to be? I claim to be nothing and I am, so hey.

4. Do you acclaim people often? Not really often, but I do it when I can and see fit.

5. What’t the last thing you exclaimed? Probably screaming about a bug haha.

6. What’s the last thing you proclaimed? “I’m so tired.”

7. What would you do if Santa came down your chimney right now? Uh, I’d be terrified if I heard a loud noise coming from the other room and saw someone coming down my chimney!

8. Have you ever heard the term “dame” used to describe a female before? Yeah.

9. Do you wish that you could experience fame and fortune firsthand? I’d like to experience the fortune, not the fame.

10. What’s your favorite game? - card, board, and outdoor? I love boardgames.

11. Do you ever feel lame? Yes.

12. What’s your name? Stephanie.

13. Do you wish that every day was the exact same? Everyday is the same for me. It’s like I’m on a continuous loop.

14. Do you have any pets who aren’t very tame? My doggo has gotten more tame as she gets older. She’s only 3, but as a pup and up until she was 2, she was pretty hyper. She was like at toddler running around, getting into stuff. She used to purposely pick up something off the floor like a sock, shoe, or a piece of paper and run away, wanting us to chase after her. I say purposely cause I swear she knew she was being a brat haha. She’d get this look in her eye right before and then quickly run away after.

15. Have you ever blamed someone else for something that you did? I’m quick to blame myself for everything.

16. Do you like roasting marshmallows over a flame? I’ve actually never done that. I’ve had melted marshmallows for s’mores, but it was in the microwave.

17. How many picture frames are in your house? A few.

18. Isn’t it a shame, what’s going on in the world today? It’s horrible.

19. Do your parents like the person that you became? I’m sure they don’t like seeing their child going through a hard time and being in such a low place. I’m sure it’s very frustrating, too. I know I’m definitely not happy with the person I’ve become.

20. If you could rename yourself, what would you like to be called? I’m good with the name I have.

21. Why should you give your surname out on the internet? I don’t give my surname out.

22. Did you see Avengers: Endgame? Did you think that it was any good? Yes, I loved it. I was a mess at the end. :(

23. Do you have any nicknames? Just Steph and Sis.

24. Do you pregame before sporting events? I don’t watch or attend any sporting events.

25. Have you ever been to a ballgame before? Nope.

26. What’s the biggest obstacle that you ever overcame? Some stuff when I was a kid involving my disability.

27. Do you watch the postgame shows after sporting events on television? I don’t watch any sports.

[a-zebra-is-a-striped-horse]

#personal #text #survey #surveys

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ohsh1t2wksl8 · 4 years

Text

What Rhymes With “AIM/AME”?

1. Do you have good aim? 2. Is there anyone you want to maim? 3. Are you everything that you claim to be? 4. Do you acclaim people often? 5. What’t the last thing you exclaimed? 6. What’s the last thing you proclaimed? 7. What would you do if Santa came down your chimney right now? 8. Have you ever heard the term “dame” used to describe a female before? 9. Do you wish that you could experience fame and fortune firsthand? 10. What’s your favorite game? - card, board, and outdoor? 11. Do you ever feel lame? 12. What’s your name? 13. Do you wish that every day was the exact same? 14. Do you have any pets who aren’t very tame? 15. Have you ever blamed someone else for something that you did? 16. Do you like roasting marshmallows over a flame? 17. How many picture frames are in your house? 18. Isn’t it a shame, what’s going on in the world today? 19. Do your parents like the person that you became? 20. If you could rename yourself, what would you like to be called? 21. Why should you give your surname out on the internet? 22. Did you see Avengers: Endgame? Did you think that it was any good? 23. Do you have any nicknames? 24. Do you pregame before sporting events? 25. Have you ever been to a ballgame before? 26. What’s the biggest obstacle that you ever overcame? 27. Do you watch the postgame shows after sporting events on television? [a-zebra-is-a-striped-horse]

#survey

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walking-true-to-style · 5 years

Text

Scavenger Hunt || B.M.

Pairing: Brian May x reader

Words: 4.56k

Warnings: drinking, swearing other than that just some wholesome romance

Gender: not specified.

Synopsis: Your long-term boyfriend, Brian, has been acting funny all week. Whenever you ask, he brushes you off One day he asks you to clear you evening for a special date, which leads you on a wild goose-chase all over town.

Your eyes open slowly to the view of your long-term boyfriend, Brian May. A tired smile plays on your lips as you watch his eyes twitch about under his lids. You wonder what he could be dreaming about. By the looks of his expression he seems to be having a good dream. You press the back of your index finger to his cheek, stroking it gently against his stubbly skin. After a moment, his eyes pop open and settle on you. “Good morning, darling.” he says, sleep still abundant in his voice. “Good morning, Bri.” you smile back. He grunts a little and shifts so he can hold you closely by the waist. You settle in close to his chest as he rests his head on top of yours. “What were you dreaming about, love?” you ask him after a few moments of silence. “You.” he replies. You smile into his chest, then look up to place a soft kiss on his jaw. He looks down at you, eyes full of admiration. “I want to take you out tonight. What time will you be home from work?” Brian inquires, rubbing the small of your back with his thumb. “Hmmm... about 7:00, I suppose?” you reply. You cock a brow at him. “Why? Date night isn’t until Friday, love. It’s only Tuesday.” “Does that mean I’m not allowed to take the love of my life out any other day?” he snickers you scrunch your face and shrug. “I suppose not.” “Perfect. I can’t wait!” he says. There is something childlike in his voice. “What is this about, Brian?” “I’ll tell you later.” He places a tender kiss on your forehead, and, with that, he gets up and starts getting dressed, leaving you slightly dumbfounded. As you both get ready in the morning, he refuses to answer any questions. All he would answer with was “You’ll see, my love.” and an excited smile.

“You’ve been acting funny all week, Brian. What’s going on?” you ask over breakfast.

Brian looks up at you as he takes a sip of his tea and smiles nervously against the rim. He sets it down and shakes his head.

“It’s nothing, love. Truly, I’m fine.”

“Brian Harold May, I have hardly seen you this week.” your eyes fill with worry. Still he doesn’t break.

”It will all make sense later... I promise.” And gets up to leave for the studio.

______ “Brian? I’m home! You here?” You call, stepping into the threshold of your home.. There’s no reply. Wasn’t he supposed to be taking you out? You walk into the kitchen find something to tide you over. Brian had told you not to eat when you came home, but you couldn’t help yourself. You pull out an apple and begin munching on it. Your eyes glance around the room. Finally, they settle on an envelope with your name beautifully written onto it. You set down your apple and go to pick it up. You pop open the wax seal and unfold the paper within.

“(Y/n) Sorry I have hardly been home to greet you with a kiss. I promise tonight, though, you won’t regret this. I am sending you off on a little spree To find roses three, and then find me. Your first rose is where we first met. I bought you a drink after Smile’s set. Go there and speak to the bartender. The second clue, he will surrender. -Bri” You smile and roll your eyes. This was just like him. He was never one to want the public to see his love story, but he would make a big deal out of it.. You get dressed into something more comfortable than a work uniform and set out. You call for a taxi and give the address for the pub. On the ride, you remember the day you two met. ___ You were having a fun night to yourself, dancing in your seat at the bar to the music. You couldn’t help but eye the guitarist the whole time. He was so handsome! You could’ve sworn he was eyeing you too. At the end of the gig, you turned back to the bar and ordered a negroni. “It’s on me.” You heard a voice come from behind as an arm slid between you and the counter, putting down a couple pounds. You turn to see just who had the set to buy you a drink to see the guitarist. He was slightly tipsy already and sweaty from his performance. Somehow he was more beautiful up close. “My drink’s on me” you smirked, sliding back the money. “I insist, love.” he slid it back, brows raised. The bartender eyed him carefully and looked to you in case he needed to intervene.

“Well, I suppose if you insist…” you looked at the bartender and he nods. He fixed you the drink and set it on the counter. You thanked him and turned back to the guitarist.

“So do they give you a name with all that hair?” you inquire, taking a sip of your drink.

“Ah- Brian. Brian May.” he said to you.

“Nice name. I’m (y/n).” you stated.

“I enjoyed the music by the way. You boys put on quite a show.”

A smile played on Brian’s, and you swore your heart stopped for a minute.

“Thanks. I appreciate it. Now, how does someone like you end up in a place like this?” he cocked a brow up at you.

“Oh, I’m a regular here. Come every Friday night to see the bands play. I’ve had a knack for music, but never saw myself playing in front of people.” you confessed.

“Well, I’ll keep that in mind.” Brian winked at you. You felt your jaw open slightly.

The rest of the night you spent getting to know one another, about your majors, likes, dislikes, and everything under the sun. He definitely held you to you being a regular as his band, smile, then renamed Queen, began showing up on the roster frequently. After each gig, he would pack up his equipment as fast as he could and B-lined to you to converse.

_____

You pull up to the pub and walk in. You haven’t frequented here since your uni days. It feels as if nothing has changed, other than the people. You turn to the bar and see the same bartender that’s been there since you were a regular.

“Benny? That you?” you walk over disbelievingly at the skinny bearded man polishing glasses behind the counter.

“Who’s askin?” Benny inquires in his gruff Scottish tone. He turns around and his grim complexion brightens up at the sight of you.

“(Y/n)? Why, I haven’t seen ye since ye came here lamenting about yer finals! How’ve ya been!” his smile seems to reach his ears.

“You remember me?” you laugh. He comes around the bar to give you a big squeeze.

“Course I do! How could I forget my best tipper? Plus, you were in here every Friday night for the bands. Uhhh…. Negroni, right? Should I get one for ya? On the house, of course.” Instantly, he begins setting out bottles.

“Not tonight, sorry… I think my boyfriend left something for me here?”

“Tall fella? Wild hair?”

“That’d be him.” You chuckle at the description.

“Yeah he left ye a note and a rose. Says it was important.” He takes an envelope out from under the counter before handing you a yellow rose.

“Thank you, Benny. I really appreciate it.”

“Not a problem, love. You take care-a yerself out there, ye hear me? Don’t be a stranger.”

“I won’t. I’ll see you around.”

You pop outside the pub and lean against the wall. You smell the rose and sigh, then turn your attention to the second envelope.

“(Y/n)

If you’re reading this, of course you knew,

Where we first met it was all brand new.

I wanted to go steady since day one,

But as friends we’d remain til they day I called for fun.

Your second rose is our first date

That night you agreed to be my mate.

Look for the tree where we shared our first kiss

The note will be there, it’s not hard to miss.

-Bri”

Just as you finish reading, a familiar voice catches your ear.

“Hello, beautiful, need a lift?” A blond man in sunglasses pulls up at the curb. You look up and laugh.

“Roger, what’s going on?”

“I figured you’d need a ride to your next location. It’s across town. Wouldn’t want you getting tired on your first stop.” he dips his glasses down and gives you a charming wink. You stifle a giggle again and get into the car. He gives you a side-hug and starts up the car again. Off you speed as you think about your first date with Brian.

____

Ring ring ring

You went to the phone and picked it up.

“This is (y/n). Who am I receiving?” you greeted.

“Hello, (y/n). It’s Brian.” your eyes lit up at the sound of his voice.

“Ah! Brian. Always a pleasure. How are you today?”

“I’m doing quite well. I wanted to see if you were free this afternoon? Perhaps you’d….want to go for a walk with me.”

You thought for a minute about this. Was this a date? You suppose you’d see. You smiled into the phone and said, “I’d love to Brian. Drop by around 3.”

“Sounds perfect! I’ll see you then.”

3:00 hit and Brian was right on the dot, if not a little early when he knocked on your door.

“Brian May, fancy seeing you here.” you let him come in and enveloped him in a hug.

“Well, I was just in the neighborhood, so I wanted to pop by.” he winked. You finish getting your shoes on and head out.

“It’s a lovely afternoon. I figured we’d do coffee and stroll in the park? My treat by the way.” he said, taking your hand. You feel a spark run through your system. You smiled up at him. He seemed a little red in the face.

“You spoil me way too much, Brian!” you chuckled. It caused him to relax slightly.

You took your coffee to go and headed to the park. It was the perfect temperature out-not too hot, not too cold. A few fluffy white clouds strolled through the sky by the light breeze, but otherwise it was sunny. It was a stunning day in Hampton. You set down by an oak tree growing in the grass and watched as children and pets played on the far side of the field. You took a sip of your coffee, enjoying the fresh brew thoroughly. You talked with Brian about your days, classes, and what have you. The conversation flowed as smoothly as the coffee.

“Brian, it’s a beautiful day, isn’t it.” you said, taking another sip of your drink.

“Mm, I suppose it is.” he replied. His tone seemed a bit…. preoccupied as his gaze was fixed down at the ground. You noticed this take turned to him.

“Is… everything okay, Bri?” you asked.

“I’m so hopelessly in love with you and I don’t know how to say it.” he sighs

“You what?” you nearly choked on your drink.

He shot his gaze back at you, beet red.

“Bloody hell, I said that out loud, now didn’t I?” he dropped his head to his hand and rubbed his temple.

“Uh, yeah.” you replied, turning just as rosy.

“God, I’m sorry. I was planning on it being much smoother, but here we are. I understand if you don’t feel the same, of course. I value your friendship above all, and I would never want to lose you-“ you cut him off with a kiss that even you didn’t think about. He jolted and quickly eased into it, cupping the base of your jaw with one hand and propping himself up with the other. His lips were warm and soft and tasted of his freshly brewed coffee. It made you wild. As you both pulled back, you rested your foreheads to one another.

“So, I take that as a ‘yes’?” Brian chuckled.

“You really need to ask that?” you grinned at him and pressed another kiss to his lips.

____

When you arrive at the park, it’s nearly empty, save for a figure standing under the oak tree you and Brian shared your first kiss under. You thank Roger for the ride. He nods and points at the figure.

“That’s where you’re gonna want to go next. You roll your eyes playfully at him.

“I gotta go, but have fun on this little adventure!”

“See you ‘round, Rog.” you hug again and get out. You head toward the figure under the tree. He is sitting alone holding a single rose.

“John, that you?” you call out.

“Hello, (y/n).” he greets you with a smile. You pick up your pace and wrap him a big hug. He hands you a single red rose, which you take carefully into your hand.

“I suppose you’re in on this wild goose chase Brian’s sending me on, too?” you ask jokingly.

“Indeed I am. I’m also supposed to be your escort to the next location. He didn’t want you having to go all that way alone.”

“And where would that be?” John doesn’t reply but gives you your third envelope tonight. You read it aloud.

“(Y/n)

If you’re reading this, it means Roger got you to the next spot alive.” you chuckle and John rolls his eyes, though, he is grinning. You continue on.

“I know how close you and John got to be as friends, so I want to take you to where the magic happens.

You’ve been such a support to me and the band,

We’re honored you’re here to lend a helping hand.

You’ve almost collected your roses three, so soon you will be home to me.

The third rose will make its mark

When we all stayed at the studio til well after dark.

PS: it’s a longer drive, and I trust John the most in his driving ability.

-Bri��

You think for a minute about where you’ll be headed next. It comes to you fairly soon after.

“We’re going to Sarm, then?” you ask John. He nods.

“That was such a long day! You boys really needed to relax.”

John chuckles and offers you an arm to talk to his car.

“You were a lifesaver that day.” he says.

_____

You walked into the studio after a coffee run to find the boys fighting again.

“The lyrics just aren’t strong enough, I think.” Brian stated coolly

“I don’t care about the lyrics currently, but it’s SO SLOW. God it’s…. creeping at the moment!” Roger fumed.

“You’re playing the fucking 12-string” John said through the mic.

“Okay, boys, take- take two” Freddie interjected. Brian mimicked crying noises at Roger who sneered back. He saw you come in and calls out to you.

“Tell you’re lover here that he needs to speed the bloody hell up, PLEASE.” Roger begged, earning a scoff from Brian behind him. You looked to Freddie and John in the booth, who seemed like they’d just about had it.

“How long have you guys been working?” you asked, handing out the coffees.

“Too long.” John groaned. You came in and handed him his coffee. He offered an exhausted smile, relieved. You finished handing out the drinks.

“How bout you take a break for the day. You’ve been here way too long.” you offered. They all reluctantly agreed, knowing a break would do them some good. Brian gave you a kiss on the temple and settled on the couch. You sat next to him and leaned your head on his shoulders. The others ended up around the couch too, stretching and taking a deep breath as they settled in.

You weren’t exactly sure how many hours had gone by, but suddenly you were all on top of one another giggling about stories from the past.

“Do you remember when John got so hammered that he forgot what band he was in?” Roger snickered. You all laughed so hard at that memory.

“This band is great, who is it?” Freddie chimed in, doing an impression of Deacon. Brian chuckled lightly. John was very quiet.

“Do you remember when Roger locked himself in a cupboard because he couldn’t come to terms with his car kink?” John said evenly, raising his brows slightly. He had an unreadable look on his face. You all laughed even harder. Now it was Roger’s turn to retort.

“That song was good, and you know it! The producer wanted it!”

“The producer was a twat, and you know it.” Brian interrupted. Roger laughed at that.

“You’re right, he was.”

The rest of the night was spent giggling and bonding with everyone, swapping stories from touring days, uni, and everything else. The boys had accepted you as one of their own, and loved hearing your takes to their music.

____

“You’re awfully quiet tonight. Is everything okay?” John interrupts your thoughts. You look over at him and give him a reassuring look.

“Oh, I’m fine. Just…. feeling nostalgic, I suppose. All these spaces just bring back so many memories.”

“Brian really loves you, (y/n).” he casts a glance over to you. You meet his gaze, offering light smile.

“He does, doesn’t he…”

“Mm. When he told me about this, I was so happy to be apart of it. Personally, I wouldn’t have thought about doing something like this, but he really goes the extra mile for you- and he should! You’re a wonderful person, (y/n).”

“Thanks, Deacy. It means a lot.” You place a hand on his shoulder, and he grins at you.

A few more moments pass, and he pulls into a parking space.

“We’re here. I’ve technically done my job, but I can walk you in if you’d like?”

You give him another hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“I can go from here. Thank you so much for driving me.”

“It’s not a problem. I hope you’re having fun.” he gets out and goes around to open your door.

“I am, definitely.”

“I’m glad, love.” he smiles and waits until you make it to the studio before driving off.

You step into the recording room and smile.

“Ah! There you are, darling!” Freddie calls from the couch in the booth. He runs out and gives you a hug, nearly picking you up as he does.

“Freddie! Hello!” you laugh. He places a kiss on both cheeks. You returned the favor.

“I was worried for a moment you weren’t coming. Here, I have a few things for you. More than just the envelope and roses.”

“That so?” you smirk and cross your arms.

“Now, don’t move!” Freddie instructed you gave a mocking “yes sir” to him. He stuck out his tongue. He goes back into the booth and returns with two boxes.

“For you, lovie. It has nothing to do with this scavenger, but we all chipped in.

“You all spoil me, I swear.”

“Oh think nothing of it!” Freddie laughs. “Now open it!”

You open the first box to reveal a photo album. It’s filled with Polaroids of you and the band goofing off. There are photos Brian took the first day you met of you by the counter, photos you took of the band backstage before a show, all of you at different parties, ridge farm, and some shots of all the boys that were taken by you or John.

“Oh, God I’m gonna cry!” Your voice is quivering lightly, but your smile grows brighter. It was such a thoughtful gift.

“Oh don’t cry, darling! Not yet at least. There’s one more thing! This one is just from Brian, though.”

You open the smaller box to find a small silver locket on braided chain. You let out an audible gasp as you gingerly take it out of the box.

“Oh my goodness…. it’s beautiful.” You turn it on your hand admiring it. You open up the clasp to find photos of you and Brian from the park when he first confessed to you. Tears prick your eyes, but don’t fall. You give Freddie a big bear hug that nearly knocks him over. He laughs and hugs you back.

“There, now, I still need to give you the final rose and envelope.”

“Oh, heh, right.” You get off him and he hands you the last rose- a blue one.

“I’ll read you the last letter while you put on the necklace.” You nod and he begins reading.

“(Y/n)

So you found the final rose of three.

Now you get to come home to me.

Your current adventure is nearly done,

However, now a new one’s begun.

Your trust so far in this endeavor’s been blind

But it will take a literal sense you’ll find.

Worry not, because I’ll say,

Once home, I’m with you all the way.

-Bri”

“Oh thank goodness…” You laugh. You adjust the chain around your neck.

“Shall we get going soon, lovie?”

“Definitely.”

You bring around a taxi and head back home.

When you return, Brian is outside on the yard. You run up to him and kiss him roughly. You nearly crush the roses in the process.

“I missed you today, darling.” he says against your lips.

“I missed you too. What was with that quest you sent me on?” you ask as you part. He tsks and chuckles.

“No more questions, love. All will be answered soon. Now, remember in the letter how your trust will literally be blind?”

“Yeah?”

“I need you to put this on while I put down your things, okay?” he hands you a dark piece of fabric to tie around your head.

“Brian May, what are you-“

“Now, now I just said no questions, love. I’ll be back in a few.” He places a gently kiss on your temple and walks inside. You huff but obey and put on the blindfold. He comes back a minute later.

“Can you see anything?”

“Not at all.”

“Perfect. I’m going to lead you to the last location, okay?” you feel his hand come to your elbow. He intertwines your arms, and you cling to him.

“Off we go then.”

He leads you down the street for a while before turning off into a trail. The leaves and sand crunch under your feet and a light breeze flows past you.

“Not too much longer, now, love.” he whispers sweetly, stepping down. You mimic this movement down a hill, further into what you could only assume to be the woods.

There is the sound of water moving by you. Perhaps a creek or a lake.

“Brian, where are you taking me?” You laugh

“We’re almost there…”

After a little more walking he stops and says, “We’re here.”

You take off your blindfold to see the sight in front of you. You’re in a meadow past the woods. There is an old, forgotten gazebo that’s been lit with candles beside a lake, the sky is clear and you could see virtually every star. Roger, John and Freddie are there, placing down a dinner. A soft melody is playing on top of the sound of the water pushing against the shore and the wind rustling the trees.

“Brian, this is beautiful… when did you…” you trail off. Brian sets both hands on your shoulders behind you.

“I found this place when I went for a walk. No one comes here as far as I know. No one but us.”

You look at him with wonder.

You sit down to eat, and the rest of Queen say their goodbyes to you and leave you with your love.

“Well, no use standing here when we have dinner waiting for us. Shall we, then?” Brian takes your hand and leads you to the gazebo. As you move closer, you see garden salads the boys had set down as well as potatoes, fruit, and several other dishes. There is a basket of white roses as a centerpiece. Brian pulls out the chair for you and pushes you in. You both enjoy a pleasant conversation detailing your days, and you talk about the scavenger hunt you just went on.

“How is everything tasting, by the way? Mary came over and had a hand in helping me prepare.” Brian confesses.

“It’s amazing. It all tastes so good! How did you set this all up?”

“Well, the boys definitely had a hand in helping me out. The scavenger hunt was my idea. John helped me write the passages, and I’m glad he and Roger could give rides. I see you’re wearing the necklace. Do you like it?”

“Oh, Brian, I love it!” you take his hand and squeeze it. He lifts yours up and brushes his lips against your knuckles.

“I wanted something for when I’m off on tour and can’t see you. This way, I’ll still be close to your heart.” he says lovingly.

As you finish eating, you step off and sit on the steps of the gazebo and look at the stars. A small chill runs through your body and you huddle closer to Brian. He sets his arm over you and holds you close, pointing out constellations in the sky.

“If you look up this way, you can see Scorpius. And if you follow this trail of stars all the way over here, you’ll run into Norma and Ara.” He speaks in a hushed tone. You lean your head into him and sigh contently. You could listen to him speak about the cosmos for ages.

“They’re like diamonds, aren’t they?” He says, still looking at the sky. His grip on your shoulder tightens slightly. You look up at him and give a soft “mhm”

“But none are as beautiful as you, (y/n).”

“Brian, what are you-“ you smile at him. He gets up and sits in front of you.

“There are billions and billions of stars, but none are as beautiful as you. You are the one that came to Earth and outshone us all, even our own bloody solar system’s sun.” He pauses and pulls out a black, velvet box from his pocket. You gasp and cover your mouth. He opens it to reveal a diamond ring with a helix band. Tears are already flooding down your face. He just gives you the most blinding, heartfelt smile he’s ever given.

“(Y/n) (l/n), You are a rarity of a person. I have been so honored to call you my friend and now my love. I have one question for you now, darling. Will you marry me?” You nod vigorously, unable to do anything else but cry and smile. He motions for you to say something and you manage to choke out a yes. His grin reaches his ears as he takes the ring out and places it on your finger. You can’t help yourself and tackle him to the ground, peppering him in a million kisses. He holds you close and you lay down on him.

“So THIS is why you’ve been acting so weird this past week.”

“Generally, yes.” Brian chuckles.

“I love you, Brian.”

“I love you too, (y/n). So, so much.”

#queen #brian may x you #gwilym lee!brian may #brian may x oc #brian may x reader #brian may #gwilym lee #gwilym lee x reader #gwilym lee brian may #queen inserts #queen x reader #queen fanfic #proposal fic #brian may imagine #gwilym lee imagine

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