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worldserasingandcreatinginmymind · 3 years

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Unfaithful | Part One

Series Summary: After dreaming of your perfect wedding since you were a little girl the big day is almost here. But after meeting the priest you start to question your relationship.

Pairing: Hot Priest x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 1182

Warnings: abusive behaviour

A/N: Short chapter to start this series off. Please be warned there will be some themes of toxic/abusive relationship in this series. Also, spelling and grammar is not my strongest skill so please be kind :)

Series Masterlist | Masterlist

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They say every girl dreams of her perfect wedding day.

And it’s true. Well for me anyway.

So when Daniel finally got down on one knee and asked me the question I’d longed to hear, I was ready.

Daniel and I met in school. Our first day of infant school the teacher made us sit together. I was mortified about having to sit near a boy but then he told me a joke and as we sat there laughing we both knew we were going to be good friends.

I never thought we would be anything more than that. All through the years of school the other kids would make fun of us, say that we fancied each other. Everyone told us we would end up falling in love.

And that’s just what we did.

In our last year of senior school Dan worked up the courage to ask me to prom.

“Not as a friend… as my date?”

So our end of year prom was our first date. And the rest, they say, is history.

Ten years later and here we are, walking into church to meet the priest who is going to marry us in a few weeks.

“Remind me again why we have to meet this guy?” Dan asks getting out the car as I walk around to meet him.

“Because he’s going to marry us”

“So”

“So he wants to meet us before the big day, get to know us” I hook my arm through his and we walk towards the grand stone building together

“Why? It’s not like were going to be friends with him”

“It’s just how it works when you get married in a church”

“I don't even want to get married in a church. I don't care where we get married”

“Yes but I do.” I stop walking and turn to face him “Please Dan, you know how much it means to me to have the ceremony here.”

“I know, I know” he sighs

“I know you're not into the whole ‘religion’ thing so I really appreciate this.” I give him a quick peck on the cheek before taking his hand in mine and we both walk towards the big wooden doors.

I’m about to open the door when suddenly it flies open. A rather flustered man stands on the other side and jumps when he sees us.

“Jesus!” He yells, hand on his heart as laughs “scared the hell outta me” there’s a hint of Irish in his voice

“Are you alright?” I ask, smirking as I try to hold back a giggle.

“Yeah I’m fine. Can I help you?”

“We’re here to meet a priest” Daniel says bluntly, already bored.

“What he means is, we’re getting married here in a few weeks and today is our introduction”

His face drops as he remembers.

“Ah. So you're Y/N and Daniel?” I nod and he smiles apologetically “sorry, that was not quite the first impression I had in mind for meeting you guys”

“You’re the priest?” I ask

“That’s me”

“Thought you’d be older” Dan pipes up and you nudge him.

“Sorry” I apologise on his behalf

“No no, I take it as a compliment. Do you want to come in?”

He leads us inside the church and I cant help but smile as I take in the surroundings.

“It’s just like I remember it” I say, thinking out loud.

“You’ve been here before?” The Priest asks and I nod

“Yeah, I used to be come here as a kid. Every Sunday morning I’d be here singing my little heart out.”

“Why’d you stop?”

“I turned into a teenager and decided I’d rather stay in bed. I know that’s bad but, well you know what’s its like when you're a teenager”

“Yeah especially when we’d been out getting pissed the night before” Dan laughs and I shoot him a look, then look to the priest ready to apologise. I’m surprised to see him laughing too.

“Ah the Sunday morning hangover. I’ve been there many a time” he smiles “right well, shall we get this over with”

He leads us to a small office at the back of the church and gestures for us to sit down. As he collects paperwork from his cupboard I notice a can of M&S gin & tonic on his desk. He returns the desk and sees me looking at the can, quickly moving it into the drawer of his desk. He looks back at me and winks.

— — — —

An hour later, even though we finished the paperwork ages ago we’re still chatting and laughing. Well me and Priest are. Daniel is quietly sitting watching us and I can tell by his posture he’s getting more and more fed up.

“Right well, we should get going. We’ll leave you in peace now” I say with a smile as I stand up from my chair and look to Daniel who does the same.

“Or you could stay? I’ve got a parish meeting in 15 minutes that I’d very much like an excuse to miss” he fake pleads and I laugh but Dan just rolls his eyes and leaves. The Priest watches him leave and turns to me “Is he okay? He’s very quiet”

“He’s just, uh, not feeling great today” I lie

“Oh dear, well I hope he feels better before our next meeting”

“Next meeting?” I ask, confused as we walk together through the church.

“Yeah, I have to meet you guys multiple times leading up to the ceremony. Church policy.”

“Oh! Right yeah, sure.” We reach the wooden doors and I turn to face him “well thank you for today, you’ve been a great help”

“It was really lovely to meet you Y/N” he smiles and shakes my hand before opening the door for me.

When I reach the car I am fuming.

“What the hell was that?!” I say as shutting the car door behind me and turning in my seat to glare at Daniel. He doesn’t even look at me. “Daniel I’m talking to you”

“Well don’t. I’m trying to listen to the football.”

“Are you serious?!”

He ignores me, angering me more. I reach forward to turn off the car radio, but he grabs my wrist.

“Don't you dare” he almost growls, finally turning to look at me.

For a moment there’s a stand off between the two of us as we stare at each other. His grip on my wrist tightens and tightens.

“You're hurting me” I say quietly, backing down as I try and free myself from his grip but he tightens further. I can feel my eyes start to water. “Daniel please!”

Finally he frees me, smirking as I try to rub away the red mark he’s left on my skin. He turns the radio volume up and I’ve had enough. I get out of the car and slam the door shut before storming off away from him.

Little did I know my guardian angel was watching the whole thing.

Or should I say, my guardian priest.

Part Two

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_domestic_violence_hotlines

#hot priest #fleabag #fleabag fanfic #hot priest x reader #the priest #the priest x reader #Andrew Scott x reader #Andrew Scott fanfic #Andrew Scott imagine #Andrew Scott priest #fleabag imagine

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niawritess · 3 years

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The Lovestruck~ Final.

(15th November)

Tapping his shoes constantly on the marble floor, his legs kept shaking which made him hold his knee, but all in vain since he couldn't stop the nervousness inside him. Dressed in a black tuxedo, Baekhyun took a deep breath to calm himself down before almost, immediately standing up to walk back and forth to subside his nervousness.

It was finally, the day everyone has been waiting specifically, you and Baekhyun. However, at his most special day, his heart, his mind, even his body wasn't working according to him.

"Why are you like this?" Kyungsoo walked in the grooms waiting room, as he watched his best friend walking back and forth in a nervous state.

Baekhyun groaned making himself seated again on the couch and looked at Kyungsoo. "I have never been this nervous before... Like not even giving the presentation... This is confusing."

"This is normal." Kyungsoo stated. "Though... It might be confusing for you being like this but normally people do get nervous on their wedding."

Kyungsoo's word did nothing but made Baekhyun glare at him where Kyungsoo just shrugged before shuffling under his coat and fished out a small black bottle which he gave it to him. "Drink this, you'll feel better."

"Where did you get this?"

"I didn't, Y/n asked me to get it." Kyungsoo spoke before smirking. "I didn't really expected you to be nervous but maybe she knew it."

Baekhyun rolled his eyes. "I can see how you guys are making fun of me, only my wife cares for me."

"Keep this up till you get to the asile." Kyungsoo rolled his eyes. "I am going to check the venue since Junmyeon hyung is taking care of it alone."

Baekhyun chuckled nodding as Kyungsoo walked out leaving him behind as he was feeling better than before. No matter how much they tease or make fun of each other, he just knows that his friends and him, always have each other's back.

It's been two weeks to the proposal day, and the next week, you both were being dragged into a boutique to buy wedding dresses but separately, which led Baekhyun to whine the whole day because he, himself wanted to see you trying beautifully, however, his and your family were having too much fun making him sulk.

And, it's also been a week since he has seen you because of the so called traditions in the family, where bride and groom can't meet, not even see eachother and now he was missing you crazily and was dying to see you where he also knew, you would be feeling the same.

His phone rang making him snap out, as he checked the caller ID and a smile crept on his lips before answering it and exclaimed with an enthusiasm. "Coffee bean!"

Laughter could be heard from the other side which made him confuse before he let out a exhasperated sigh. "You better stop it, this is second time you have done this."

"Aw, Is my soon to be brother-in-law angry?" The feminine voice which he has remembered, his best friend's wife and his soon to be wife's bestfriend, one and only Ria, who could come up with this prank.

His heart did a flip when he heard your voice behind as you were asking for some tissues. "Hey, put my wife on the phone."

"She is not your wife, yet." He could imagine her smirking evil making him bite his lip frustratingly. "Here I thought you were on my side."

She laughed. "I am, but right now, let me be your sister in law. Okay, Mr. Brother-in-law, see you at the wedding!"

Before he could say anything, the call was cut off and he groaned with the little pout following behind on his lips. The door suddenly cracked opened, revealing his friends, coming inside dressed in a full suit and began to laugh at his impatient friend.

"I am actually suing your wife after getting married." He stared at Chanyeol with his ever so angry look which did nothing but made his laugh more. "Why are you so impatient? You'll meet Y/n outside, so be patient my friend."

"Aigoo, who would believe that you're getting married, Hyung." Jongin spoke staring at his friend's frustrated face and Baekhyun rolled his eyes. "Do you guys have to make fun of me when I am nervous here?"

"Why are you though?" Minseok commented confusingly. "Even Y/n isn't nervous as you."

"She's not?" Baekhyun asked surprised and Yixing nodded. "We came here after meeting her and she didn't looked nervous at all."

Baekhyun eyes sparkled. "Really? How does she look?"

"She looks like a bride." Sehun said, straight truth which made all guys laugh and Baekhyun, to glare at him before Jongdae decided to help him as he patted his shoulder. "She looks beautiful and you, stop being so nervous or we'll think you're going on a war or something."

"Well, it's not less than a war." Jongin said snickering and Everyone laughed as now, Baekhyun was less nervous and more happy with an excitement to see you.

The door opened again, and this time it was Mr. Byun and Mrs. Byun, walking towards him with a tender smile on their faces before Mr Byun held Baekhyun's shoulder firmly while fixing his collar. "Young man, you have actually become a man now."

Baekhyun chuckled. "I was always a man."

Mr. Byun smiled nodding. "Listen to me carefully now, marriage is a very important part of your life and you are taking a big step towards it. It's a huge responsibility, not just for you but for the girl you're marrying to, so Y/n's care and happiness is your responsibility, just make sure you're doing your part well. "

"I will." Baekhyun immediately nodded before his eyes went large to see his mother bawling her eyes out making him gasp dramatically. "Eomma! Not the water tank, you're makeup would get smudged then Y/n's going to scold me!"

Mrs Byun slapped his arm. "Don't talk about my daughter in law like that!"

He pouted. "So, she already has sides."

"Obviously, she knows who's she marrying to." Jake said taking everyone's attention as he stood by the door frame smiling at him before walking in to tease the nervous man even more.

______________

A wide smile was playing on your lips where you bit your lip to prevent yourself from giggling out loud since you were feeling happy about your special day. A white, off shoulder ballgown dress hugged your figure with flowery embroidery illuminating around your upper half sleeves while your hair, styled in a braided updo leaving half of it in a wavy style.

Sniffing the flowers in your hands, a lively smile appeared on your lips while feeling giddy and excited to see Baekhyun who you haven't seen, since a week but at the same time, you knew this wait would be worth it.

"Ayo~ Aren't you too happy bestie?" Ria cooed, dressed in her pastel pink colored dress, fixing the strand of the hair putting it around your temple while giving your look a last touch up and you grinned. "Yes I am, bestie."

"And I am happy to see you happy." She smiled widely trying hard not to cry and as you noticed her expression, you giggled making her slap your arm lightly before hugging you eventually.

"But... Aren't you nervous?" She pulled away, frowning and you smiled bringing your index finger and thumb closer. "A little."

Her forehead creased in amusement. "Well, good for you because you have to look after your too nervous husband to be."

You giggled, before the door opened revealing your two most, chaotic yet the ones whom your life couldn't have been amazing as there stood, your brothers dressed in their Grey suits looking handsome.

Jaehyun walked in with Daniel following behind him with an amused look on their faces making you chuckle. "What? Why are you both surprised? Do I look that good?"

Jaehyun gasped dramatically cupping his mouth. "What to do, potato? Even the make up couldn't do its work."

You bit your lip fuming before grabbing a water bottle beside you and threw it in his face which he immediately caught it perfectly as he gave you a smirk making you roll your eyes. "Are you really my brother?"

"Dan...," You looked at Daniel beside Jaehyun and smiled. "How do I look?"

He stared at you blankly. "You...look like that pasta you made last time."

You closed your eyes sighing, controlling your urge to not to kill them on your special day while both of your brothers were so close to laughing and eventually, they did.

"You think I don't know that you both empty the whole fry pan that night?" You retorted, sassily making them silent as they stood surprised while Ria just stood there with a poker face as this was just neverending scene to witness.

"How do you know that?"

"I have spies, my brothers." You smiled in victory and they both groaned knowing who those spies were before you laughed out loud at their faces making them laugh back.

Jaehyun walked towards before grabbing your hand to make stand up and held your shoulders, as he stared at you seriously. "You know I am just a call away right? I am still your secret trunk so whatever and whenever you want to talk or tell me something, just do it, okay?"

And that's when your heart welled up seeing his brother mood and nodded before he smiled. "If he does something which I know he won't because I know he's mature and loves you too much to hurt you but still, just tell me and I will deal with him."

You slapped his arm while laughing. "I'll kill you if you do that."

"Right, Baekhyunee Hyung wouldn't dare to do that knowing how hard your punch is." Daniel commented as he stood beside you making you laugh even more before both of them hugged you, and another one jumped who was none other than Ria herself.

Your mom's voice got your attention as you four pulled away to see your mom walking inside, in a light pink and purple mixture colored Hanbok and looked so beautiful where behind her your dad, in a black suit looking dashing.

As he walked towards you, his eyes teared up and you looked at him in awe. "Dad.. What...?"

"Gosh, you look so beautiful." He sniffled and you bit your trembling lip before hugging him tightly. "You look more beautiful than your mother."

"Ow!" He whined pulling away as a hard slap was landed on his back by your mom making you all laugh before your mom stared at you with teary yet smiling eyes. "My daughter is always beautiful."

"Seriously, why is everyone crying?" You whined and Daniel wrapped his arm around your shoulder. "Noona, we're just really happy that we won't have a potato in the house now."

"You're so dead." You muttered gritting your teeth and was about to hit him but looking at your mom's stern eyes, everyone went serious as you went to sit on the couch back.

"Ria, look after her so she won't jump around like a cat again since we're going out to greet the guests." Your mom ordered her as she walked out dragging the three chaotic men with her and you made a grumpy face as Ria couldn't stop laughing at your mom's words.

"Y/n! Your most loving person is here!" You let out a laugh knowing who's high pitch voice was as walked inside, your sister like friend, who was once your owner too, Rose, in a light blue dress with her always shiny smile.

She gasped. "You look gorgeous, lady!"

You and Ria laughed at her reaction as she instantly sat beside, hugging you. "Gosh, my little sister has finally grown up."

"Ughh." You groaned playfully. "Seriously, you too?"

"It got cringy, right?" She looked at Ria who nodded with you following before you three broke out in laughter.

_____________________

5:04 PM

It was finally the time to walk down the asile, your most awaited moment, as you stepped out of the brides room, a fresh breeze hit your face making smile while your eyes roamed around the outdoor area. This was the same place where you both came to stargaze last time and you casually joked about getting married at this place but you didn't know that Baekhyun would take that seriously as you got an actual shock when you got to know about the venue.

Oh, how can you not love this person?

Linking your arm around your dad's, your head tilted to the side to look at him as you felt yourself shaking inside where he looked at you with an assuring smile that it'll be alright and you knew it will be for sure. Taking slow steps towards the asile, your eyes averted ahead to see the lights around the branches of green trees and either side were the wooden chairs giving it a perfect look.

Looking at everyone, seated there were your mom with her biggest smile and your brothers watching you with a proud smile with Baekhyun's family, looking at you with so much tenderness. Looking at the other side to see your friends with their usual understanding and proud smiles as why not, because they all were the cupids of your life.

As you looked ahead, your breath hitched, the moment your eyes met his stunned ones, standing there waiting for you as how he always had. You could feel your heart pounding against your chest as you were walking towards him, the flashbacks of your moments were flashing in your mind making your eyes teary with those beautiful moments.

Baekhyun just stood there stunned for a while watching you, looking so ever beautiful and he was falling all over again. Biting his lower lip, he gulped down the lump forming as his eyes burned making his vision blurry while he took a deep breath to calm down before he felt Kyungsoo, patting his back.

Aproaching him, your dad pulled Baekhyun in a fatherly hug, as he patted his back gently before pulling away where he placed your hand on his hand, giving you to the person who was your home now. You bit your lip, controlling yourself from crying before locking your eyes with his glossy ones and he gave you his most beautiful smile.

"We're here." He whispered, his hold tightening around your hand and you nodded smiling back. "As we should."

"You...look..," He trailed off, licking his lips as he went speechless and you peeked over his expression chuckling. "I look handsome?"

He let out a chuckle with everyone laughing at your little joke before Baekhyun shook his head. "You look really really beautiful. And I have finally kidnapped you, and I don't even care if I got behind the bars for it."

You laughed shaking your head as he giggled while Kyungsoo gave him a look but his smile was saying something else.

The vows were taken, rings were exchanged, and sealed it with a kiss of promise. His palm pressed against your jaw gently, stroking his thumb over your cheek as his other hand rested on the side of your waist and as he pressed his forehead against yours, his eyes spotted his favorite flushed cheeks.

He couldn't help but smile fondly before pecking your lips again softly taking you by surprise as you jolted up to look at him making him giggle like a baby while everyone laughed. Giving him a playful glare, you lightly punched his arm making him laugh even more as he kissed your knuckles before pulling away as everyone came to congratulate you.

"Oh My, finally, you have become our daughter in law." Mrs Byun cooed, as she pulled you in a hug where a fake cough made you both pull away to see Baekhyun's sulk expression. "I got married too, why aren't you congratulating me?"

You chuckled making him glare at you playfully and to make him even more sulk, you side hugged Mrs Byun as she played along while Baekhyun pouted defeatedly as he nodded. "Alright, sides have changed."

You both laughed before Mrs Byun hugged him and Mr Byun gave you a fatherly hug while patting your head as he hugged his son after. Walked in your dad towards you with his teary eyes and hugged you tightly before patting Baekhyun's shoulder. "Take care of her or I'll come for you."

Both of them laughed as Baekhyun nodded while you shook your head smiling at them before your mom came in smiling but instead of coming to you, she engulfed Baekhyun in a hug. "My son in law looks so handsome."

Baekhyun smiled shyly thanking her before she looked at you confusingly before laughing as she hugged you. "Why are you sulking?"

"I'm not." You hugged her back tightly as she rubbed your back in a comforting way making you sigh before you pulled away to see your brothers hugging Baekhyun.

"Hyung, How do you feel about this marriage?" Daniel asked making you glare at him and Baekhyun chuckled before looking at you with a smile. "I feel amazing."

Your cheeks flushed as you looked away before looking at your brothers who just groaned at his answer. "I shouldn't have asked this question."

"Listen, Baekhyun." Jaehyun leaned in to his side. "If she does something, I am only a call away."

You gasped hearing his words which he said to you earlier. "This conman!"

You attempted to grab him but Baekhyun's arm around your waist prevented as he pulled you closer. "Let's not make our wedding a killing day, coffee bean."

You looked at him pouting and he imitated your expression while nodding cutely before you glared at Jaehyun. "I am letting you off today."

"I am letting you off today." He mimicked your tone before chuckling as he patted your head while Daniel hugged you and both of them walked away.

"So, you did got married to this brat." Minseok commented as he patted Baekhyun's shoulder and he rolled his eyes while you giggled nodding before your friends came one by one to congratulate.

"Ahh, my bestie is married already." Ria came forward with a fake crying face and you chuckled pulling her in a hug before she let go and looked at Baekhyun. "You have to take care of my bestie."

"Of course, I will take care of her more than you have ever had." Baekhyun said, confidently making a face at her. "You just wait, I will get back at you for pranking me."

Ria giggled. "That was part of fun, but aren't you glad that I was on your side and even played cupid for you."

"That...," He trailed off as he glanced at you, smiling. "I will always be."

"Okay, do this at your own new home, we have guests here." Ria spoke before winking at you as your eyes widened, noticing her playful look before slapping her arm while Baekhyun laughed where Ria walked away.

"Hey, Sister-in-law!" Sehun's voice beamed as he walked towards you before pushing his phone screen infront of your faces and you gasped. "Sooyoung!"

Sooyoung couldn't attend the wedding as her dad's health got bad and they had take him out of the country for his treatment but he was doing better now. However, Sooyoung didn't find it appropriate to attend the wedding while her dad was lying on the bed, so she couldn't join.

Baekhyun cutely waved at her. "You're being missed here. Now who would catch y/n's flower?"

She laughed. "I'll ask Sehun to do that."

"I am a busy person." Sehun remarked back earning an eye roll from three people before Sooyoung suddenly gasped. "Gosh, you both look so amazing!"

"Sehun-ah, I want to see their whole look!" Sooyoung exclaimed making you both giggle and sehun rolled his eyes. "I am not an assistant."

But, he eventually did as Sooyoung let out a squeal. "You look so beautiful!"

"I know right, I am." Baekhyun spoke smiling playfully and you chuckled nudging him lightly before the host of your wedding, Chanyeol clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Okay, we have prepared something for you both, so let's enjoy!" He exclaimed, clapping as he stepped aside while you looked at Baekhyun. "I have a bad feeling about this."

Baekhyun slightly laughed. "And I am really excited!"

You rolled your eyes before a music erupted, startling you as Baekhyun looked at you shook hearing the familiar song and you gasped cupping your mouth seeing a projector while a video was being played, where you were dancing with your brothers in your parents wedding anniversary. "No way."

JYP'S Honey.

Three of you were childrens, wearing a cap and black sunglasses as you were dancing between them and your cheeks flushed as you hid your face behind the flowers where you heard a giggle from Baekhyun. "Gosh, you are so adorable."

"Ugh! I am not!" You whined making him pinch your cheek as he laughed softly and you let out a shy chuckle. "Gosh, they still had this."

Suddenly, the woos from the audience could be heard taking both of your attention as you looked at your brothers coming to the stage with black sunglasses on their faces making your jaw drop. "Are you serious?"

"Noona, this one's for you." Daniel spoke as he slid his glasses a little to send a wink at you making you and Baekhyun giggle before Ria stepped on the stage with black sunglasses as she stood between them.

You sighed smiling as you realized they were reenacting the scene making you feel awed. As the song played again, three of them started dancing like how you did, earning some woos and making everyone dance along with them. You laughed feeling Baekhyun copying the steps playfully while jamming along with them and making you move along with him as you both laughed afterwards.

In the midst, Jaehyun walked over to you and grabbed you both to lead to the stage as everyone joined together. Baekhyun took your hand and twirl you around before wrapping his arm around your waist doing a wavy move making you laugh.

The photographer was smiling, watching the scene while capturing those moments and at that moment, Baekhyun leaned closer to your ear as the music was loud. "I think I should show you my strength since you always doubt it."

"Huh?" Your forehead creased confusingly as he placed his hands either side of your waist and you let out a squeal when he lifted you up unexpectedly making you wrap your arms around his neck in reflex.

Everyone wooed watching the scene while you stared down at him with enlarged eyes as he giggled. "So.. Do you believe in my strength now?"

You burst out laughing before leaning down to bump your forehead against his gently as your palm pressed on his cheek. "I do."

As the moment was captured, you knew, you have had the best wedding ever with the best lifepartner.

_______________

8:48 pm

It was dinner time, everyone was seated down on the thick mat with the cushions filled around and the shelter about was decorated with flowers and some candles around them. You had changed your gown into a knee-length white dress while Baekhyun's blazer was over your legs as you gave him a light squeeze around his hand locked with yours on his lap.

His thumb rubbed softly against your skin making you look at him to see him discussing something with Sehun about their business thing and you smiled at his warm gesture.

"Stop looking so much, you look crazy in love." Ria's voice snapped you out as you looked at her to see her giggling with Rose beside her and your cheeks flushed making you glare at them. "Shut up."

"Awe, my shy Y/n." Rose reached out to pinch your cheek softly and you scrunched your nose pulling away before chuckling at them. "So, Is your little one giving you hard time?"

Rose was seven months pregnant with a baby boy before her hand went to caress her bump softly and she chuckled. "Well, sometimes? Because he has been kicking way too much now."

"He already wants to come out." Ria commented giggling before Jack beside Rose spoke. "Because he wants to meet his dad."

Rose rolled her eyes while you and Ria laughed before you felt a light nudge on your shoulder making you look at Baekhyun. "Hm? What?"

"Shush." He placed his index finger on his lips as he leaned in. "Let's sneak out, coffee bean."

You laughed lowly. "What?"

"I am waiting behind that tree." He whispered pointing to the place and you chuckled staring at him weirdly. "We're married now, Baek."

"Don't ruin the fun and follow me." He glared at you playfully before kissing your palm as he excused himself from everyone and walked away.

"Go, your husband needs you." You turned to the voice to see Mrs Byun giving you a teasing smile and it was loud enough to take everyone's attention as they looked at you before giggling and you closed your eyes blushing.

Nevertheless, you slowly got up with his blazer in your hands as you wore it properly before walking away and you could hear your dad's voice kids these days and you chuckled fastening your speed. Aproaching him to see him standing against the tree with his hands shoved in his pocket and you just took your moment to stare at this handsome man infront of you.

As if he sensed your eyes, his head tilted to the side to see you as his lips curved upwards in a beautiful smile and you smiled back before he extended his hand which you took it as he made you stand infront of you. The moonlight touching his face made him look even more ethereal while his eyes bored into yours with a dreamy smile on his lips and you felt yourself blushing under his gaze.

"You know everyone got to know about this sneak out." You said and he pouted, clicking his tongue playfully. "Plan failed."

You chuckled. "But why did we even snuck out?"

Baekhyun pointed towards the sky with his index finger. "For that."

You tilted your head up to the sky with a gasp seeing the whole night sky, filled with shining stars and the lightning moon as your eyes sparkled. "Wow."

"You watch your favorite stars and I'll watch my favorite, you." He uttered out softly with his arms wrapping around your waist as he pulled you closer and kissed your temple making you smile as you looked back at him, before circling your arms around his neck to hug him.

He tightened his grip around your waist. "Gosh, you know you give the best hugs."

You chuckled placing your chin on his shoulder. "Let's stay like this here and live here."

He hummed. "Let's live on the tree and do your tree show."

"Seriously!" You whined leaning away as your arms rested around his neck and he laughed making you smile as seeing him laughing just brush your anger away.

His laughter slowly subsided, as his eyes stopped to stare at you softly as he bit his lower lip and you looked away blushing. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"I am looking at my beautiful, wife." He said tucking the strand of hair behind your ear smiling and you bit your lip as you couldn't say anything back making him giggle as he slightly bumped his forehead against your temple. "Do you remember that day? When I helped you by being your boyfriend?"

You laughed nodding, remembering that moment as you looked at him. "Of course, how can I forget that? I was so surprised and who knew we would end up like this."

"Yes, and I am soooo...," He trailed off stealing a peck from your lips. "So glad that I did that. And now you're officially my wife, Mrs Byun." He added winking.

"And you're officially my husband, Mr Byun." You winked back and his eyes widened. "Did you.. Did you just flirted with me?!"

You shrugged giggling. "Perks of having a flirty husband."

"I seriously love you for flirting with me." He said kissing your cheek and you kissed his cheek back. "And I seriously love you for being my flirty husband."

Both of you looked at eachother for a moment before bursting out in giggles before pulling eachother in a hug.

And they knew, they were home.

________________________________________

And, that's a wrap! I hope you liked this chapter and this fanfiction too. I was really thinking if I should post the last today or not because somehow, I didn't wanted it to end and posting the last chapter is making me emotional🤧. Anyways, I just want to thank you, whoever has been reading this story and your responses really made my day and I appreciate it a lot.

This fanfiction has been close to my heart because this my first ever written and posted story, the storyline was simple but the plot and characters are very close to me, there might have been some errors and typos but it still made me improve my writing skills. I might write an epilogue, maybe, not confirmed, but I really want to though, and if I did I would post it for sure. 🥺

Again, thank you and hope you guys like this chapter, then, take care till I post my another fanfiction soon🤍

Nia~

________________________________________

@wooya1224 @buttercupbbh @jddcfc-blog @usernameloaa @gominieni @shesdreaminginoverdose

#bbh #exo fanfiction #exo ff #baekhyun fanfic #baekhyun fluff #baekhyun gifs #baekhyun imagines #baekhyun #baekhyun x reader #baekhyun scenario

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northernmariette · 3 years

Text

Mademoiselle Ducrest makes a wager with Eugène and loses: A musical misadventure (Part 1)

Georgette Ducrest mentions her charivari several times in her memoirs. She does not clearly define what it is, but a charivari seems to have been an assemblage of charms, evidently worn on a chain; not on a bracelet, as is done nowadays, but possibly on a necklace, or maybe on a pendant chain hanging from the belt of one's dress. These trinkets seem to have been handed out by Josephine and Eugene as prizes for winning games or competitions, and were eagerly sought by the younger ladies at Josephine's court. Georgette Ducrest prized those in her possession, although they were eventually to be lost to her.

It appears Georgette Ducrest's value at court was due to her musical talent. Her family maintained close links with the major musical personalities of the day, and she herself married a famous harpist shortly after leaving Josephine's entourage. The marriage was not a success, and her husband abandoned her and their children after a few short years.

"Les Bouffes" refers to an opera house, or by extension its singers, specializing in light-hearted Italian opera works.

Georgette Ducrest mentions that the Archduke sat in an armchair at his meals because at formal occasions tone's social standing determined what kind of seating was allowed: armchair, chair, stool, no seating (in which case, no eating if the occasion was a meal)..

L'impératrice nous annonça la prochaine arrivée du grand-duc de Wurzbourg, oncle de Marie-Louise. "Il est fort bon musicien, mademoiselle, dit-elle en s'adressant à moi, vous chanterez avec lui. - Mais, madame, vous croyez donc possible que mademoiselle achève un morceau avec lui? reprit le vice-roi ; sachant combien elle est rieuse, j'en doute fort. - Moi, monseigneur, rire en faisant de la musique avec le frère de l'empereur d'Autriche ! Votre altesse impériale ne peut supposer que j'ose manquer ainsi à ce que je dois à son rang. - Je vous assure que vous rirez. - Oh ! je suis bien sûre que non. - Eh bien, parions une breloque, mademoiselle. - Je le veux bien, monseigneur, mon charivari sera donc augmenté. - Patience, nous verrons."

Le surlendemain toute la maison fut ornée de fleurs, les housses des meubles ôtées, les allées ratissées, etc., pour attendre le grand-duc : il devait passer toute la journée avec Sa Majesté, qui, sachant combien le chant italien lui plaisait, avait donné ordre de faire venir le soir quelques acteurs des Bouffes. Nos toilettes furent soignées, et nous fûmes dans le salon une heure plus tôt, pour recevoir son Altesse Impériale, qui avait promis d'être arrivé à dix heures ; il fut d'une exactitude extrême ; il était en uniforme blanc et rouge, tenue autrichienne dans toute sa rigueur. Grand, pâle, maigre, sérieux, se tournant tout d'une pièce, ayant dans ses gestes une roideur extraordinaire : cette figure sèche, laide, désagréable me parut si peu comique, que je me réjouis d'avance du gain de ma gageure.

La journée se passa en promenades à la serre et en calèche ; le grand-duc, toujours près de l'impératrice, répondait par monosyllables, et n'offrait rien dans ses manières qui me semblât ridicule. A déjeuner et à dîner il eut un fauteuil, et s'assit à la droite de Sa Majesté ; il mangea et but beaucoup, parla peu ; je continuai à me persuader qu'il n'y avait rien de plaisant dans cette Altesse, et que je n'aurais pas la moindre peine à m'empêcher de rire. Voilà bien la jeunesse, doutant toujours de ce qu'on lui dit, et préjugeant de ses forces ! Je payai cher cette confiance dans mon empire sur moi-même.

A huit heures l'impératrice fit passer le grand-duc dans la galerie en lui disant que sachant qu'il était mélomane, elle lui avait arrangé un petit concert. "Madame est bien bonne, car je suis fou de la musique, répondit-il avec un calme parfait ; je suis tout à fait passionné par elle."

L'accent germanique au dernier degré que j'entendais pour la première fois ( cette phrase étant la seule qui eût été prononcée tout haut par son Altesse ), le sang-froid qui contrastait avec les paroles de Son Altesse Impériale me firent sourire ; je fis cependant bonne contenance, ayant toujours ma breloque en perspective.

On s'installe dans la galerie, le piano est ouvert, Porto et Tacchinardi chantent avec leur talent ordinaire un beau duo. Madame Gazani et moi effectuons un joli nocturne d'Azioli, et l'impératrice prie ensuite le grand-duc de vouloir bien me désigner un morceau que je puisse dire avec lui. Il indique Pandolfetto de Paësiello. Je le savais parfaitement, et fut ravie du choix [...]. Nous nous dirigeâmes vers le piano ; au moment où je m'apprête à commencer mon solo, le grand-duc m'arrête en me disant avec beaucoup de politesse : "Pardon, mademoiselle, vous comptez donc chanter la partie de femme ? - Mais oui, monseigneur. - Oh ! mais ce n'est pas possible, car c'est précisément celle que je fais toujours. Soyez assez bonne pour prendre celle de l'homme." Toute étourdie de cette proposition, je balbutie. Le vice-roi prend la parole et assure que je suis assez bonne musicienne pour que ce changement me soit indifférent ; sa mère se joint à lui, et me voilà bon gré malgré [sic] obligée de chanter la basse-taille.

The Empress announced the forthcoming arrival of the Archduke of Wurzburg, Marie-Louise's uncle. "He is a fine musician, mademoiselle," she said, turning me, "you shall sing with him." "But madam, do you think it possible that mademoiselle will be able to finish a song with him?" said the viceroy; "knowing how readily she laughs, I doubt it very much." "I, Monseigneur, laughing while making music with the Emperor of Austria's brother! Your Imperial Highness cannot possibly conceive that I would dare to so disrespect what is owed to his rank." "I can assure you that you will laugh." "Oh, I am sure I will not." "Well, let's bet one charm, mademoiselle." "I will, Monseigneur, thus my charivari will be increased" "Patience, we shall see." The next day the whole house was decorated with flowers, the furniture covers were removed, the alleys raked, etc., in preparation for the Archduke's arrival: he was scheduled to spend the entire day with Her Majesty, who, knowing how much he liked Italian vocal music, had summoned some of the actors of the Bouffes for an evening performance.

We had dressed with particular care, and we settled in the salon an hour early in readiness for His Imperial Highness, who had pledged to arrive at ten o'clock; he was exceedingly punctual; he wore the white and red Austrian uniform, all strictness. Tall, pale, thin, grave, turning his entire body while keeping his neck rigid, extraordinarily stiff in his movements: this sharp, ugly, disagreeable figure seemed to me so little comical that I delighted in advance about winning my wager.

The day was spent in visiting the greenhouses and in carriage rides; the Archduke, constantly in the Empress's close company, spoke in monosyllables, and displayed nothing in his manners that appeared laughable to me. At lunch and at dinner he occupied an armchair, sitting on Her Majesty's right; he ate and drank much, spoke little; I continued to believe that there was nothing amusing about this prince, and that I would not have the least difficulty in refraining from laughing. Such is youth, always doubting what is said to it, and overestimating its capabilities! I paid dearly for this faith in my own self-control. At eight o'clock the Empress led the Archduke to the gallery, saying that as she knew how fond he was of music she had made arrangements for a little concert to be performed. "Madame is too kind, as I am crazy for music," he replied with perfect equanimity; "I am utterly passionate about it."

The thickest imaginable Germanic accent I was hearing for the first time (this sentence being the only one that had been spoken aloud by His Highness), the phlegmatic mien in such contrast with His Imperial Highness's utterances, brought a smile to my lips; however, I managed to remain composed, keeping my hoped-for charm in perspective.

We arrange ourselves in the gallery, the piano is opened, Porto and Tacchinardi sing a beautiful duet with their usual talent. Madame Gazani and I perform a pleasant nocturne by Azioli; the Empress then invites the Archduke to choose an air I can perform with him. He selects Pandolfetto by Paësiello. I knew it perfectly well, and was delighted with his choice [...]. We made our way to the piano; just as I was about to start my solo, the Archduke stopped me, asking most politely: "Pardon me, Mademoiselle, did you intend to sing the woman's part?" "Yes, of course, Monseigneur." "Oh, but that is not possible, because that is the very part I always perform. Please be kind enough to sing the man's part." Dumbfounded by this request, I can only stammer in response. The Viceroy, addressing the Archduke, assures him that I am a musician sufficiently accomplished to remain unruffled by this inversion of roles; his mother concurs with him, and I am compelled willy nilly to sing as a basso.

https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5831309t/f78.item.zoom, p.69

Part 2 of this musical misadventure coming soon!

#georgette ducrest #empress josephine #eugene de beauharnais #archduke of wurzburg

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extremelyblackandwhite · 4 years

Text

handmaid - 12

PAIRING: mob!sebastian stan x ingenue!reader

WARNINGS: age gap, anxiety

A/N: hope you enjoy this chapter xxx

NEXT CHAPTER

Y/N stood in her bedroom considering Daniel’s words. Clueless. God, the word itself stung coming from someone she had grown to see as a big brother. Clueless. Well, sure, she did not exactly know what happened behind closed doors with both the Stan family and Forrest family business but neither did Daniel, or at least as well as he bragged to know. She had heard both families were cruel but in all honesty, she just couldn’t imagine any of the heads of both families being those monsters people spoke of. She specially could not imagine Sebastian to be the monster Dan wanted to paint him, no. He had kind eyes, he didn’t have the type of darkness that she had seen in various other lesser associates, he had peaceful ones like the sea after a storm. Besides, Y/N liked to consider herself a good judge of character so maybe Dan was just being overprotective.

Annoyed, she huffed, turning on her side with her phone on her hand as she searched for the contact she wanted to call. She took her phone up to her ear, hearing the dialling tone for what felt for ages until the familiar operator voice came through. The number you have dialled is unavailable, please leave your message at the sound of the tone.

- Hi Sebastian, it’s Y/N. I just ... I just wanted to check on you, to see if you’re alright. Give me a call when you can. Okay ... bye.

She sighed, throwing her phone to the side table before getting under her duvet, her mind finally getting time to wrap around what had happened days prior. Why didn’t she feel guilty she had kissed a very engaged man? She always thought that cheating was a terrible thing to do to someone yet right now all she could think about was that maybe ... maybe she would be able to do it again. It wasn’t right but he was just so electric, magnetic even and his words echoed in her mind like a drum ... I’m here for you, no one can harm you.

Sure, she had protection at most times considering Elias and Christian, whenever not in Gwen’s bedroom, were constantly around ensuring that no one got in or out of the house without permission or reason to do. However, protection from Sebastian sounded ... sweeter, warmer even. No man had ever told her they were there for her, much less they would fight their own wife for her (this mostly due to her preference at avoiding married men). It was unfair, very unfair that the very first time she felt seen and protected ... maybe even fully appreciated was by someone she just couldn’t have.

As her mind raced through various excuses as to why she kissed the mob boss, the sleepless nights caught up to her and soon she found herself surrounded by the familiar darkness of slumber. She woke up once again with the sun beams cutting through her window and decided that maybe right now what she needed was a good amount of food.

Going down the stairs, the familiar sight of Amelia in the kitchen preparing a fresh brew of coffee made her sleepily smile. This was the normality and home life she needed after all of Paris’ events.

- Good morning, Miss Y/N. How was Paris? - she turned on the kettle at the sight of the handmaid to prepare her favourite infusion.

- Paris was lovely. - she smiled softly, not pulling too much at the skin of her cheeks as she sat on the high chairs. - Do you think I could have some grilled cheese this morning?

- You can have whatever you want, Miss Y/N. It is always a pleasure to cook for you. - Y/N couldn’t help but smile wider at that statement. It felt nice to have someone to talk to who wasn’t about to married to a mob boss, a mob boss, associates or bodyguards. - You look different.

- How so? - she raised an eyebrow at the statement. Oh god, had Gwen discovered she kissed her husband to be and cut her hair in disdain?

- I don’t know ... there’s a spring in your step, you look very happy. Might there be someone in Paris? - yeah, sure, he is in Paris, he’s just not her someone, he’s Gwen’s. - Maybe it’s the European air.

- Maybe ... You wouldn’t know when Mr. Stan is coming back, would you?

- I don’t know, Miss. Mr. Stan shows up when he wants, never leaves a message, he’s just like his father in that sense.

- Did you know his father? - Y/N had never actually known his father but from what she heard from Gwen he was a tall, stern man who managed to put fear and respect in everyone’s hearts without giving it much of a try.

- Just between us both Miss Y/N, I am very glad he only resembles his father in that sense. No man should be that comfortable with death and power and not fear it all the time. - she shrugged, flipping the sandwich on the skillet. - If I must say, I think Mr. Stan is much more like his mother. I’ve always said this house needed another kind woman after she left.

- I just can’t picture it. - Y/N didn’t exactly knew who Sebastian’s mother was. In all honesty, not a lot of people knew and Sebastian wasn’t one for big speeches about his family. However, she had always pictured him as being much more like his father, a powerful man. - He doesn’t really talk about his family.

- What about you, Miss Y/N? What about your parents?

- Oh ... - she toyed with the chain of her necklace, slightly bitting her lip. - I don’t really know. Mr. Forrest told me my father was one of his workers, never told me much about my mother either. They died shortly after I was born.

- I’m very sorry, Miss Y/N. - Amelia slid her the grilled cheese on a nice porcelain plate. - I’m sure that they would be very proud of creating such a nice, beautiful lady.

- Thank you, Amelia.

- Oh ... good morning, Mr. Daniel. - she pipped up and Y/N rolled her eyes, not in the mood to speak with Daniel after last night’s events. He, however, had other plans as he sat right next to her.

- Good morning, Y/N.

- Good morning, Daniel. - she slid away from him.

- Oh c’mon, you’re not gonna sulk at me are you? - he poked her arm with one of the forks that had been laid out to him. - You know I’m sorry.

- You’re always sorry but you never actually say it. - Y/N huffed, grabbing her plate from the table and walking up to the sink. Dan sighed, knowing that, despite her being generally a kind and forgiving woman, whenever she was upset, she just remained upset for a while before forgetting it. However, this could take ages.

Y/N decided she was still not ready to deal with Daniel or any of his opinions towards her view of the people she surrounded herself with. In all honesty, she had no time to worry about him or what he thought of her as her mind was filled with worry towards Sebastian. She knew he was notoriously hard to harm or even shot at however she hadn’t gotten a reply to her call and knew nothing of when he was about to return.

The days passed by and Daniel had managed to somehow get Y/N to get less mad at him by taking her to see his daughter. Sophie had been born while he was at university and Y/N had grown very attached to the little girl as she had been at home with Gwen when she was born. However, not even young Sophie could take her mind away from Sebastian. Her brain had quit making her feel guilty about the fact she had kissed the man who was to marry the only friend she ever knew and had instead turned all its efforts into making her picture all the horrific things that could happen to him. She knew it was reckless and pointless to worry about him, he clearly seemed to be invisible at what he did and part of her pitied the poor unfortunate souls who had dared to shot at him.

Those days turned into weeks and as the third week hit mark, she was absolutely unconsolable. Gwen was not much help. In actuality, the heiress was rather happy that her fiancé wasn’t around as this gave her plenty of free time to do what she wanted with her newly found interest in her private bodyguard, Christian. Meanwhile, Y/N had taken to spending her days in the kitchen with Amelia and in the library, but not even that could take her mind off if he was alright despite Amelia and Elias constantly telling her it was normal of Sebastian to disappear and then suddenly return.

Nevertheless, Y/N was anxious about his fate, spending most of the night sat by the window, listening as the rain fell down on the bright city that never slept. This was one of those nights where her fingers lingered on the fogged rainy windows, lightly doodling. This quickly grew tired-some and, wrapped around in one of the very expensive white cashmere blankets Sebastian had placed around the house, she went down the stairs and into the kitchen. Mindlessly, like a movement so familiar it didn’t need her attention, Y/N put some almond milk, cinnamon and honey in a pot and brought it up to the heat before taking to slowly mix it with a wooden spoon.

The sound of the bubbling milk and rain was enough to make her feel like every corner of the world was home and as she poured the mixture into a mug, she softly smiled at the overview of New York from the countless amount of ceiling length windows. It almost made her forget her worries. Almost. The heart warming atmosphere was interrupted by the ring of the lift that gave way into the entrance of the penthouse. Y/N turned around abruptly, the sight bringing a sparkle to her eyes. Placing the mug on the first surface she came in contact with, she rushed to the entrance, wrapping her arms around the mob boss as if they had been separated for over 10 years.

- Night, angel. - Sebastian was tired and that was noticeable by the dark bags under his eyes and his dishevelled appearance. However, he could surely get used to having Y/N wrap her arms around him every time he came home. Y/N, on the other hand, came to her senses and stepped back, feeling the heat coming to her cheeks.

- We were worried about you. - she shifted her weight from feet to feet.

- Who’s we, angel? I’d gather we would mean you. - his hand traced down her forearm to her hand, softly holding it on his. - I’m sorry I didn’t answer your message, I didn’t want to lie to you as to when I’d be back. Besides, I assumed Gwen would enjoy a holiday from me.

- You could’ve said something. - she rubbed the side of her neck, eyes fixated on the ground. - I was worried.

- Ah ... - he smirked, taking a step forward. - You were worried. That was what I wanted to hear.

- Well, I ... I just wanted to know so I could warn Gwen. I shouldn’t bother you anymore, you must want to rest. I can fix you something to eat if you want.

- You’re not the housemaid, Y/N. Although something smells really good in here.

- Oh ... - Y/N rushed into the kitchen, turning off the hob and bringing the pot back to one of the metal bases in the kitchen. - It’s just something me, Gwen, and Dan used to have when we were little and couldn’t sleep.

- What’s wrong? - Sebastian noticed the shift in her tone.

- Do you think I’m clueless? - she leaned onto the kitchen’s wall.

- Why do you ask?

- Dan seems to think I’m clueless.

- Daniel Forrest? - he asked and Y/N nodded. - What does he know of the world to make assumptions?

- He’s sort of right. - Y/N took a place on the chair next to his. - I don’t exactly know what Mr. Forrest or you do, specifically. I don’t even know what you were up to these past weeks.

- It’s entirely way too boring besides I’d rather be surrounded by clueless people than the ones I’m surrounded by. You really shouldn’t worry about what he thinks of you.

- Do you worry what others think of you?

- I’ve lived long enough to have certain names hauled at me. Some deserving, some undeserving but I tend not to stress about it. My mother used to say people like to talk about those they can’t be.

- Well, if it’s any worth .. I don’t think half the names I’ve heard given to you do actually have any truth to them.

tag list: @lilya-petrichor @xoxohannahlee @irespostthingsiwanttoseelater @nikkipea @madisonpillstrom @cevans98 @thelostallycat @sideeffectsofyou @anxiousdreamersworld @sarge-barnes-sir @captainchrisstan

#sebastian stan #sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan/you #sebastian stan/reader #sebastian stan x y/n #sebastian stan/y/n #mob boss!sebastian stan #mob!sebastian stan #mobster!sebastian stan #mafia!sebastian stan

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junnie133 · 4 years

Text

so you HAD to date a princess don't you.

A fic about my version of the Modern with magic Linked Universe AU for your Modern with magic Linked Universe AU needs. Available in ao3 too. Relationships: Sky/Sun. And practically all the LU boys.

{+}{+}{+}

“You two look terrible”

“You look terrible. They look like shit”

“And you two aren’t helping at all”

Honestly, Sky couldn’t care less about Warriors and Legend’s banter, or Four shutting them up for his and Hyrule’s sake. Sky only wanted to sleep, even a short nap was fine, but of course, he wouldn’t be complaining if he could actually do it.

It was movie night at Legend’s house- err, well, more like Ravio’s Shop’s basement. Legend was never around these days, not since Marin anyway, so the place was practically Ravio’s now, with their semi-pink haired friend dropping by every once in a while to provide some rare merchandise for the magical shop (mostly monster parts and weird artifacts Ravio managed to restore and sell for ridiculous prices). But as it was said, it was movie night, so Legend absolutely could not miss this. If he did, Wind would search him in the boiling depths of the Death Mountain or among the creepy mist of the Lost Forest, only to drag him over and see Pirates of the Caribbean with them. Again.

He groaned, if he fell asleep during the movie, Wind would kill him, so he stopped trying to get comfortable enough to sleep on Ravio’s couch and opened his eyes, his sclera blood-red thanks to many nights without a proper night of real rest.

“Dude, you look like you’re high,” said Wild next to him.

“You sure know a lot about it, Wild'' scoffed Warriors.

“You bake brownies one time...” he sighed exasperatedly. “I only did it because ‘Rule asked me to!”

“So now I am the addict” Hyrule groaned. “There’s a difference between being a junkie and experimenting with medical herbs because you’re a freaking med student”

“Yeah, sure, keep telling yourself that” Warriors rolled his eyes “Be glad Artemis didn’t send you two to jail. Where did you get so many hyrule herbs anyways?”

“They grow naturally in the Faron Forest” Wild shrugged.

“And anywhere else all over Hyrule. That’s why they’re hyrule herbs” said Hyrule matter-of-factly. “They have a lot of medical uses, it’s not entirely recreational like the media makes it look like,” he said with sarcasm.

Usually, their gentle friend wasn't this… Legend-like salty, but if anyone understands Sky's lack of sleep and craving for a good rest night right now, of course, it was the med student among all of them.

“I heard it helps to sleep, too…” slurred Sky, trying to keep himself awake enough to keep up with the conversation.

“No way Sky,” gaped Warriors, as Legend wheezed to his side. Wild and Four were laughing as well, but Hyrule seemed too tired to do more than a smile, slightly amused. “How is that you, future King of Hyrule, smoke weed?”

Sky grinned lazily and rolled his eyes. “I want to see all of you studying to be a king” he sighed. “Impa is cool and all, but she kicks my butt every time I slack off. I haven’t slept as I want since I began my studies with her”

Warriors suddenly grimaced at that. “Yeah, don’t mess with General Impa”

“That’s what you get as the fianceé of an actual princess I guess” shrugged Four.

“And sometimes Purah scares me” he continued with a haunted gaze lost in the void ahead of him.

“She and Flora made me eat a frog once” Wild spoke up. “It was alive”

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me” Legend deadpanned.

“Only once, tho?” asked Hyrule.

“I actually cooked the other two, thank you very much”

“Ok, enough talking about eating raw frogs and smoking hyrule herbs” interrupted Four before someone said anything else. Sky and Hyrule glared weakly at him, and the shorty rolled his eyes “For reasonable and, uh, medical reasons, whatever”

“Medical knowledge” Hyrule corrected.

“That’s what I said. So can we please talk about something else before Time, or Hylia forbid us, Wind hears us talking about smoking weed?”

“What?” they all looked over the stairs, only to find, thankfully, just Twilight holding two big bowls of popcorn in each hand. He was glaring directly at Wild, who quickly shot his arms up, trying to look innocent. “Damn it Wild, you brought brownies?”

“That was only one time!” he shouted.

“There’s no weed here, country boy. Chill” said Legend.

“Don’t do that kind of jokes here” he sighed, putting the bowls down on the coffee table right in front of the TV. “Time can take them very seriously…”

“As if Wind hadn’t tried hyrule weed already” scoffed Legend.

Sky grimaced. Thinking about the sweet, tiny, innocent Wind they all knew since he was born smoking weed wasn’t something cute to think about, and if it made him upset one could only imagine Warriors’ own reaction. The big brother in question, not only the oldest of three but Captain of the Royal Guard who only received orders from General and Princess Zelda the CXIV (or Artemis for short), spluttered and tried to smack Legend on the head at the same time, but the asshole only dodged the hit and laughed right on his face.

“He’s at that age!” he said as an excuse like he needed any to mess around with Warriors’ big bro mental sanity. “And it’s not that illegal. ‘Rule said it, the thing’s used for medical purposes”

“I will have to make sure you don’t have illegal amounts on this house then” War crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at Legend in the Captain mode they rarely got to see.

“Oh c’mon pretty boy, it’s only a joke”

“If that’s so you wouldn’t mind me asking Ravio”

Legend glared back. “You wouldn’t dare”

“If he doesn’t talk I just have to threaten him to close the shop”

“You really want to see him kneel and pray, and possibly cry?” he raised a brow.

“Ugh dude, I feel awful when Ravio cries, he’s such a nice guy...” scowled Wild.

“Nice guy or not, the law is the law,” said Warriors.

“Arresting the nice guy who makes us lemonade and is the only one who can shut Legend up without restraining him physically?” Four raised a glass of lemonade as proof.

Legend blushed and his glare moved to him, as Warriors nodded, convinced. “You know what? I’m not even at service right now, and I’ll give you that only for the last reason”

“You also like the lemonade,” said Twilight.

“And I also like the lemonade” nodded the Captain again.

Sky knew the kind of blush dusting Legend’s cheeks right now. It was the same he got when he thought about Sun and her beautiful smile, or Sun feeding Crimson, or Sun while she was studying, so gorgeous with her hair pulled up into a ponytail and a tiny frown on her face as she tried to memorize legal concepts and the kingdom’s history…

He could happily drift off with that blessed image.

...if it wasn’t because of his loud friends.

“Who’s ready for Pirates of the Caribbean: At the World’s End?!”

Wind showed up with a DVD case on his hands after jumping from halfway downstairs to the basement, raising the thing up over his head with one hand like he just found an amazing treasure from a chest. He could faintly hear a tiny triumphant tune in the back, something like dan-dan-dan-daaaaan!, but after a second Sky shook his head. It surely was only the lack of sleep finally hitting on him.

“Why didn’t we just watch it on Fairyflix or something? I don’t pay the subscription for nothing” asked Warriors, annoyed.

“It’s a retro movie night” the kid announced proudly, as Time walked down the stairs calmly after him.

“Since when CD’s are retro?” Time asked aloud to no one in particular, muttering under his breath about being old. He seemed to be personally offended.

“How did you get it, anyway? I thought you had nothing left from your allowance after paying your and Tetra’s last bail” War asked again.

“Tetra lent it to me” the kid answered easily (like it was normal for a fourteen-year-old to pay his own prison bails), taking a mouthful of popcorn on his mouth before kneeling down to Legend’s unused CD player, gathering dust on its place under the TV. “There’s no internet on the big open sea, you know?”

“He has a point,” said Four, who fell silent as Warriors glared at him with a loud but wordless ‘Don’t encourage him’ in his eyes.

Wind’s obsession to be a pirate was well known by all of them, as well as Warriors’ desperate attempts to dissuade him away from the idea.

“Everything ok, Sky, Hyrule?” asked Time, sitting down on the armchair across the room, right next to the TV. He had that worried look on his eye.

“I have finals at school” grumbled Hyrule.

“I’ve been sparring with Impa every day this week” Sky sighed.

Warriors grimaced again. “Surprise training?”

“Yeah…” he answered, defeated. “She says I have to be always alert to protect Sun”

Time shook his head, with a pitying expression on his face. “She wasn’t so strict before,” he said.

“How are you even retired, Old Man?” asked Warriors.

“Saving Hyrule when you’re a kid and being the Princess’s personal knight for a long time gives you nice retirement pensions” he shrugged. “Also Ganondorf doesn’t like me, he only got rid of me in a nice way”

“No one likes Ganondorf,” said Wind from his place in front of the TV, selecting the language of the movie with the control. “Not even Miss Lullaby. She only married the old fart to prevent a war against the Gerudo”

“Who told you that?” asked Time, amused.

“Tetra”

“Obviously” huffed War.

If you asked Sky, the Royal Family was a mess. A very organized mess if anything, but a mess nonetheless. Princess Zelda the CXII, or Lullaby for short, was meant to be the heiress to the throne in the first place, but then things got weird with the Gerudo and she offered herself to marry Lady Nabooru’s brother and only male of the tribe. That was like, ten years ago, when the butterflies on his stomach every time he saw Sun didn’t make any sense to a young eleven-year-old Sky.

“How many years do you have to keep studying, tho?” asked Time to Hyrule then.

“Like two, if Princess Aurora does me a few favors” the brunette answered.

Princess Zelda the CXVII, Aurora for short, was a fragile girl who gets sick very easily. Hyrule was a magic-talented boy who managed to wake her up from a curse (or a common coma, they weren’t really sure) some years ago with his curative magic (and a kiss, but he would never admit that). Ever since, Queen Hylia had been insisting on giving him amazing studying opportunities to take advantage of his wonderful abilities, but Hyrule being the humble traveler he was, declined over and over again, claiming he had no money to pay back. At least until Princess Aurora asked him personally to be her personal healer that’s it.

Like he said. A mess.

“Alright shut up everyone, I’m gonna start this” announced Wind, sitting on the floor near the coffee table, pressing the play button. Everyone made himself comfortable, ready to relax, and enjoy their weekly movie night.

The last thing Sky remembers before falling asleep was Wind and Wild fighting over a bowl of popcorn, Twilight trying to act as a mediator, Legend making bets on who would win with Four leaping forward to take the other bowl and Hyrule curling to his side, as Warriors screamed and Time looked at all of them with his Disappointed Look™.

Falling asleep so soundly in the middle of their own apocalypse only spoke how much sleep Sky lacked lately. But as Legend would say, he HAD to date a princess, doesn’t he?

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darling-i-read-it · 4 years

Text

A-Z Fluff With Roman Sionis

Roman Sionis x reader

Warnings: some smut, cussing, murder descriptions

Author’s Note: THIS WAS SO CUTE! Ugh I love you Roman I love you so much

Requested: by @starwarsprequelfangirl, OMG !!!A-Z fluff with Dan Torrance was adorable!!!!!!!!I love it so much !!!!!please do the same for my baby obi and Roman if possible ofc (I know I am asking for a lot but I just love ur writing I cannot get enough of it!!!!❤️🥰❤️

Genre: fluff

(not my gif)

A = Activities (What kind of things do you do?)

So his type of date is usually just hanging out in the club which you don’t mind. There are murders if you’re up for it but if not he is perfectly fine hanging out in the club, eating a free dinner there, getting drinks and being powerful.

B = Baby (Do they want a family? Why/Why not?)

Roman had such a crappy childhood, being kicked out of home and such, so he was not keen on having kids. He isn’t really the paternal type, he already has a weakness in you

C = Cuddle (How do they cuddle?)

If he’s had a long day for sure I can see him being a cuddler but it's a rare occurrence. Usually you’re just in bed together and most of the time he holds you but its every once in a while that he does spoon.

D = Dates (What are dates with them like?)

Dinner, drinking, killing, sex, and every once in a while he’ll dress you and him up and go to a rivlas club to hang out and look hot.

E = Everything (You are my ____ (e.g. my life, my world)

You are my ‘goddess’

F = Feelings (When did they know they were in love?)

Roman remembers this very vividly because he had never been in love before, never felt attraction for him that wasn’t for power. You were still in your club attire, a short sparkly dress he adored and you were brushing your hair out of your face and holding his bloody knuckles. You were silent, just patching things up as he spoke to you about something meaningless and his voice just kinda dies out and you look up at him to see why he stopped and his heart halted and he knew he was in love.

G = Gentle (Are they gentle? If so, how?)

HA! No, Roman is not known for being very gentle. He can be soft for you and only you but no one else and that's for sure.

H = Hands (How do they like to hold hands?)

All the time, in your lap, in his lap, just brushing your fingers when he’s beside you.

I = Impression (What was their first impression?)

He remembers thinking that you were the most gorgeous thing he had in his club and that he needed to allure you enough to talk to you.

J = Jealousy (Do they get jealous?)

All the freaking time. Roman is always jealous about something. Did you have a drink of Victors drink and not his? Why? Were you just talking to Harley? Does he need to kill her? Did that man touch your thigh? Can he cut off his fingers slowly?

K = Kiss (How do they kiss? Who initiated the first kiss?)

His kisses are pretty harsh and abrupt but you kissed him first.

L = Love (Who says ˜I love you™ first?)

You said I love you first, just absentmindedly and a little tipsy. You meant it though and he hadn’t looked back since.

M = Memory (What's their favourite memory together?)

The first time you joined him on a kill. You had been pretty innocent up until then about things but he saw you grab the knife out of his side pocket and walk up to the upside down enemy and take the cleanest cut he had ever seen.

N = Nickel (Do they spoil? Do they buy the person they love everything?)

Roman will literally buy you something if you do so much at glance in its direction. What's the point of the money if he can’t spoil you with it?

O = Orange (What colour reminds them of their other half?)

Gold, sparkly gold

P = Pet names (What pet names do they use?)

BABY, baby doll, babe, sweetheart, pumpkin

Q = Quaint (What is their favourite non-modern thing?)

Don’t know if this counts but vintage suits and dresses he would die for them

R = Rainy Day (What do they like to do on a rainy day?)

Stay in the club and watch as people shed their jackets because of the rainy wetness of them. He isn’t the type of guy to sit and read a book with you but he does let you watch with him.

S = Sad (How do they cheer themselves/others up?)

Sex, murder, you having sex, you murdering people

T = Talking (What do they like to talk about?)

His job, your face, his achievements and basically everything. Roman loves that you listen and engage, used to people clocking out on his comments.

U = Unencumbered (What helps them relax?)

A good cool drink with your legs in his lap

V = Vaunt (What do they like to show off? What are they proud of?)

He is proud of his club and you and his reputation. Roman could stand in the bar and look over the crowd with his arm on your waist and know he was right where he needed to be, knowing no one would dare question him.

W = Wedding (When, how, where do they propose?)

Roman proposed quite notoriously after finishing with you in bed. He had this whole thing planned to but it was nothing compared to the shock on your face when he asked.

X = Xylophone (What's their song?)

Beautiful, Dirty, Rich by Lady Gaga and Pumpkin by The Regrettes when he’s feeling sentimental

Y = Yes (Do they ever think of getting married/proposing?)

At first it was simply for status but when he met you he knew he wanted to marry you.

Z = Zebra (If they wanted a pet, what would they get?)

Probably like a tiger or some crazy shit like that

Ewan: @daphne-fandom-writing, @satanslov3r @records-and-stardust @broodybats @starwarsprequelfangirl @ah-callie @rai-strangebr @whyisgmora @fandxmnerd @ewanfuckingmcgregor @peterpstuff @stardancerluv

Roman: @onebatch--twobatch @21stcenturywitchcraft

#roman sionis x reader #roman sionis imagines

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fictionalrambles · 4 years

Text

Shadowhunters Fandom Story - Part Eight

Submitted by Contesse2020

Five Fave Fics:

Of Splendor in the Grass by @lecrit

Why I love this fic: Lecrit was one of the first authors I read fan fiction from. And this one I read in the library at my University, it was packed with people because it was in the middle of exams, and students were stressing with catching up on their curriculum. I was sat in one of the comfy chairs beside a window with a beautiful view of campus covered in snow.

So, I read it in one go. And I just cried and cried, really trying not to have other students notice me. This struck a chord In me, reminding me how brutal history is and how many people around the world still struggle with something as basic as being allowed to love. I love the authors way of driving the story forward through the protagonist inner life, there is a poetry in the way she writes. Cried some more because of the happy ending - dehydration was on my mind.

I have not dared reread it, the emotional reaction was so strong. I had to go through the fic and try and find some quotes:)

Fave Quotes:

«Different would have to wait another life»

«Magnus kissed him, and all the poetry in the world paled in comparison. He was home. Free at last»

The Lonely Hearts Hotline by @unrestrainedlyexcessive

Why I love this fic: This fic I have read more times than I care to admit - just love it.

It is actually kind of dark in the emotions and growth Alec goes through, but Fatale always highlight the difficulty with finding yourself.

And even though you reach «adulthood» you don’t need to have your shit together. Which is nice to read since I’m in my thirties and really don’t know anything, that I’m still learning who I am. Not to mention your own agency in your life - don’t let things just happen to you - be active.

The humor is exquisite, I’m laughing like a loon one minute and feeling emotional the next. And of course it is H-O-T as fuck.

The plot is original and fun, it kind of makes you cringe and think OMG Alec - love it. But also it is the nitty gritty of life.

I really like the dialogue and that is what makes me laugh the hardest. So I will just quote some of those.

Fave Quotes:

«Jace answers on the first ring. “Dirty Dan's Disposable Dildo Emporium. Suck 'em, fuck 'em, and chuck 'em. This is Dirty Dan speaking.”

“Ahoy, Mort’s Mortuary service. You kill ‘em, we grill ‘em.”

«Early adulthood is no man's land. You don’t have the experience to matter and no one wants to pay you to gain it (…)»

Ain`t that the truth....

A Tiny Spark by @magicandarchery

Why I love this fic: This is my ultimate feel good fic <3 when ever I have read something angsty and painful, I return to this.

Magnus and Alec are in an established relationship trying to make a family, supporting each other - healthy and loving.

Absolutely loved it. We get a heartwarming glimpse into their lives with a newly «adopted» foster child, them being dads - I think I have to read it again, give me those warm and fuzzy feels, please.

Fave Quotes:

“Just thinking,” Magnus answered, pushing a lock of Alec’s dark hair off of his forehead. Alec’s mouth twitched up at the corners as a sleepy smile played along his lips.

“About what?”

“You.”

“Care to share?” Alec’s eyes opened slowly, and Magnus’ breath caught in his chest the same way it had the first time they had met. Alec’s thumb grazed gently over the outside of Magnus’ hand, and Magnus felt a warm sense of calm spread through him as he entwined his fingers through Alec’s.

Magnus inhaled slowly, deeply. He waited for the flutters of uncertainty to fill him, but instead he felt a different kind of flutter, one of a deep, unending love. Magnus’ tongue darted out, wetting his dry lips, and he tightened his hold on Alec’s hand, centering himself.

When he spoke, Magnus’ voice was barely more than a whisper.

“Marry me?”

Magnus set his phone face down on the table as he spotted Alec and Jace a short distance away, walking toward him, dressed in dark pants and dark t-shirts with the FDNY crest on the chest. Magnus slipped his sunglasses down his nose slightly, a wicked smirk decorating his face when Alec approached the table.

“What’s that look for?” Alec asked, his brow furrowing curiously.

“Just appreciating my man in uniform,” Magnus answered innocently.

2C by Oumy

Why I love this fic: Did I mention how much I love a pining Alec? That combined with him being all snarky and (to a degree) self-confident is my holy grail. I love how Alec is portrayed in this, he is vulnerable and honest with his emotions. The way they needle each other is funny as hell. Two of my favorite quotes <3 the last one kicked me so hard in the feels.

Fave Quotes:

So, there he stood, six foot three of fidgeting human, trying to figure out the right way to ask the love of his life to be his salvation.

They made it outside before Magnus got close enough to Alec’s sleeve and pulled him to a stop, and he wasn’t ready for Alec’s outburst as he turned to him and unleashed “You know what? You’re right. I’m done pretending. I’m done pretending like it’s okay that we take swipes at each other the moment something goes wrong. I’m done pretending like it doesn’t fucking kill me that every word out of my mouth is somehow the wrong one and that I can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to you. I’m done pretending like I hate you for the sake of crumbs of your attention. I’m done pretending like it doesn’t faze me when I have to play the role of the villain because for some reason, that was the only part you allowed me to play in your life. I’m done pretending like I don’t care, like my soul didn’t shrivel inside every time you mistook my reaching out to you for an attempt to fuck you over”

Love is a Gamble by @la-muerta

Why I love this fic: This one is also a historic AU, since I’m a history nerd. A very angsty fic, and I’m here for it. Bring all the pain and all the feels.

I actually had to read «A Tiny Spark» right after - needed some fluff. My heart just broke for Alec and his struggle to accept his attraction to Magnus, so of course there is pining.

Also Izzy is so bad-ass in this, and I love it.

I just fell in love with all of the characters and their backstory. The plot is exciting, with action and the works - keeps you at the edge of your seat. But the best parts were Alec`s quotes - they did me in.

Fave Quotes:

Alec shook his head, the violent movement reminding Magnus of a distressed horse. "You don't understand anything. I... There's something wrong with us. With me. You have bedded women - you have a choice in this."

"No, Alexander. There's nothing wrong with you, or with me. This is just the way we are, and the only choice I have in the matter is that I chose not to live a lie," Magnus told him firmly.

"When I confronted Aldertree, he asked me if I was a gambling man. I'm not - and never have been. And loving someone, for someone like me, is a bigger gamble than most. But there comes a point when a man's got to stop arguing with himself. I don't want to fight it anymore," Alec said, meeting Magnus' eyes squarely. "I'm not telling you this because I expect you to return my feelings. I know you don't feel that way about me. I just... never mind. I apologise if this has made things between us uncomfortable, I hope we can still be friends-"

#shadowhunters #shadowhunters fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfiction blog

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threelivesthreeworlds · 4 years

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EXCERPT FROM PILLOWBOOK, CHAPTER 21, BOOK 2. IN WHICH YE QINGTI’S FIRST (AND LAST) LOVE IS A GODDESS.

Ye Qingti never thought one day he would cultivate into an immortal, and yet he had only to wash away the dust of the mortal world in the Jade Pool, and go see Da Luo Heaven Qing Yun Hall's Eastern Lord, and he would become an immortal.

Ye Qingti remembered that the lifetime during which he was a human was four hundred years ago. He was born to the Ye family during the Jin Dynasty, and was the first son of the Marquis of Yong Ning. The house of Yong Ning was a militaristic one. Every generation of the Marquis of Yong Ning died at war, and his father spilled his blood on the battlefield when he was thirty five, and so he was only seventeen when he became the marquis.

At that time, the Jin Dynasty was at the end of its strength - sons of great families were predominantly good-for-nothings, but the sons of the Ye family were the best out of a rotten lot, and Ye Qingti was the best of this best. According to common practice, since Ye Qingti was handsome, had a good personality and a great house, he ought to be first on the list of every house looking for a son-in-law. However, since the start of the Jin Dynasty, the Yong Ning peerage produced an infamous amount of widows, and the great families that truly cared for their daughters usually did not wish to marry them, and so for every generation the Marquis of Yong Ning had a hard time getting married and could only hope for the Emperor to arrange a marriage.

When Ye Qingti became the Marquis, conflicts at the border were endless and troubling, and so the new, young Marquis could not wait till the Emperor arranged a marriage before he went off to patrol the border, and stayed there for five years, driving away the the Da Tan tribe that was causing trouble at the border in the process.

Ye Qingti made incredible progress, and the Emperor was very happy, and not only rewarded the house of Yong Ning greatly once he returned to the city, but also arranged a marriage with Councilor Qi's eldest daughter, and then gave him a beauty to be a second wife. In this dynasty, past emperors sometimes liked to give beauties to their subordinates, but the current Majesty lived for forty something years and was on the throne for twenty something, but never gave a beauty to a subordinate. Even though he was a general, and did not think as much of the atmosphere at court as the civil officials did, he thought this matter was somewhat bizarre.

After a few rounds of secret investigation, he found out that the beauty that had been given to him was a Consort Chen that had been living in the Emperor's palace, who had not at first been particularly noticed, but had saved the Emperor from the water at the Wei Tuo Hu Fa Dan four years ago, and earned His Majesty's interest. According to the rumors, Consort Chen loved His Majesty ridiculously deeply when she was unfavored, but without reason, when His Majesty became deeply in love with her, she was very cold with him and made him angry constantly. An even more private secret was that even though Consort Chen was so cold, His Majesty still favored her greatly for four years, and no night in those four years did Consort Chen ever let him near her.

Ye Qingti was sat on the wall drinking and watching the moon, and hearing the spy say this, dropped the jar in his hand, shattering it on the floor, paused for a long moment, and said, "What a curious woman. If His Majesty has tolerated even that, what great mistake could she have made that cause His Majesty to give her to me as a second wife?"

The spy paused for a moment, and said: "She...wrote Her Highness the Noble Consort a love letter."

To take a second wife was not like marrying a first one, from engagement presents to meeting the bridal party, carrying all out according to the etiquettes. To marrying a wife took up many months, and to take a second wife was only to pick a day, and lead her in through the back door. Ye Qingti's whole heart had been on the battlefield since he was young, and rarely took an interest in matters of romance, but he was rather curious about this Consort Chen. The day Consort Chen came to the house, even though Ye Qingti left the study late at night, he decided to go to Bi Yun Courtyard to meet this curious woman.

Because he was too lazy to get maids to come open the door, Marquis Ye flipped over the wall directly, and without even touching the ground, he heard a light laugh like a silver bell, and looking toward the sound, saw a blue lotus pond, full of lotus leaves, and a great distance away there was a white-clad woman with light footsteps walking between the water and the lotuses to chase the fireflies in the pond.

Beneath the silver moonlight, that woman suddenly turned her face, and between relaxed, dark eyebrows there was a flower, bright eyes as if the stars were melted in them, the smile touching her lips adding to an already beautiful face. Marquis Ye heard a great noise in his mind, and two phrases from a text he'd read as a young man crashed into his heart: like the moon concealed by light clouds, floating and swaying like the snow on a flowing breeze.

When he flipped over the wall and landed beneath an old pear tree, he stepped subconsciously and broke a branch, and in the silent night the sound was especially attention grabbing. As expected, the woman in the pond appeared alarmed, a warm white light shooting straight into the pavilion in the middle of the lotus pond, and after, the woman was gone.

He hurried to the pavilion, and within, a green-clad woman rubbing her eyes stood up from a stone stool. The green-clad woman had a round face and could only count as somewhat good looking, looking at him blankly for a moment, and then said: "Marquis Ye?" But he noticed the flower on the woman's forehead. No, it wasn't a flower - it seemed more like a birthmark in the shape of a beautiful flower, like spread phoenix feathers, like the one on the white-clad woman's forehead a moment ago.

He stayed at the borders for long years and had seen all sorts of bizarre things, and thought her playing dumb was adorable and laughable, narrowing his eyes and asking her plainly: "You're a demon?"

He thought she would deny it, like a snake demon that had married a hunter of a border village that he had encountered when he had been twenty, who denied it to the end even when her tail came out. But she only paused half a moment, and asked him with a distressed expression: "Someone like me looks like a demon?" Before he could respond, she sighed. "This is getting ridiculous. Before, they just thought the flower on my forehead was a demon flower, and now my real body is being thought to be a demon." After sighing, she continued to ask him: "Do I really seem like a demon? Why do I seem like a demon? Have you seen a demon as pretty as I am?"

It was because she was so beautiful it seemed impossible she was human, that he was sure she was a demon, but she asked him if he had ever seen a demon as pretty a demon as her, and so his heart was moved, and though he thought the hypothesis was somewhat ridiculous, asked her with a smile in his eyes: "What, are you a god from the heavens?"

She pursed her lips a little: "Do you mortals think there are only gods in the heavens? I'm not a god from the heavens - I'm a god from the country of Qingqiu. Have you heard of the Eastern Wilderness? I am the goddess of the Eastern Wilderness, Feng Jiu."

When she said this, her clear eyes danced with teasing, and even though she wore the round face of Consort Chen, one forgot her face and only saw her clear eyes.

The heart in his chest began, violently, to beat.

Ye Qingti had lived twenty three years, and had not known what love was. The first time he tasted love was to fall in love with a god. This god was very beautiful, lively and gentle, was an excellent cook, liked to mess around with weapons, and made good conversation with him. According to her, she came to the mortal realm to make a love calamity for the current Emperor.

She asked him: "Do you know what it means to create a calamity? I'm actually not a professional at creating calamities, but I have such bad luck. I came to the mortal realm to to repay a debt of gratitude, but then I met my aunt who was here to change someone's fate and got roped into it." She complained about the Emperor to him: "Siming made me create a love calamity for him last minute. Do you understand how difficult that is? Siming gave me a play, and I used all the ways the horrible ladies use to hurt men written on there, and he still loved me deeply without regret." She shuddered. "I didn't have any other choice than to go with a bad idea and write his Noble Consort a love letter." She sighed: "I did something like that, don't you think he should've given me a noose or some poisoned wine? What was he thinking, to give me to you as a second wife? Now even if I want to leave, I don't dare to, for fear of implicating you!"

She took him for a friend, and sincerely complained to him, and so he held a jar of wine, drank and smiled. He remembered hearing someone say that gods had no feelings, that those who were gods had neither the seven emotions nor the six desires. That he fell in love with a god meant there would be no conclusion. Sometimes he hated that his heart was moved that night, hated that that moment of being moved could last for five years, taking root deep inside so that he could not remove it if he wished to. He had been lost, and had struggled, listened to Taoist lectures from the Councilor, and meditated with Buddhist monks, but after all that still wanted to return to her side, even just to watch her from afar. She said she was here to create a love calamity for the Emperor, but it seemed she also created a love calamity for him.

He didn't want to burden her, in actuality, thought to bury his feelings until he too, grew old and died and would be buried, but when it came to the moment of death, he couldn't keep it inside.

After Consort Chen hurt the Emperor, the Emperor began to take a liking to studying Taoism, trusting especially an old Taoist, giving him the rank of royal advisor and constructing an Imperial Tao Temple, discussing Taoism with him on the fifteenth of every month.

He only knew that night that this Taoist was an evil demon, who had wanted to take the Emperor's soul to create a magical pill with it, plotted for five years and thought to take the Emperor's life during that rare astronomical period of yin, and took a demon blade, Lan Yu, to attack the Emperor when he came to the temple as usual.

He hadn't thought the silver bell always attached to her wrist was a magic item that could tell when the Emperor was in danger, and he hadn't thought that a god could have feelings. When the demon blade Lan Yu was flying toward the Emperor, her face was clearly pale, and when she put herself in the path of the blade in front of the emperor, her voice seemed as if her heart was ripping out of her chest when she called "Donghua!" The Emperor's name was not Donghua, that was the first time he had heard such a name. Without hesitation, she threw herself in front of the Emperor, and without hesitation, he threw himself in front of her.

The tip of the blade stabbed into his chest, but he held it tightly in his hand.

He was afraid the point of the sword would travel through his heart and hurt the woman standing behind him.

The demon Taoist died under her sword, and when the guardes belatedly formed a protective circle around the Emperor, he finally collapsed into her arms.

When she chattered to him, he always liked to smile, and even at his death, his pale face held the trace of a smile. "They say...Gods have no feeling, and I...believed it. But...Gods can have feelings....yes?"

He saw her nodding as she cried, and wishfulness blossomed in his heart: "This life...our fate has ended...Can we...make a promise....for the next life?"

She was still crying, the tears falling on his face, but did not give him the answer he wanted. Choked with tears, she said, "Qingti, I owe you a life. I will pay you back."

"Qingti, I'll observe mourning three hundred years for you."

"Qingti, please rest in peace."

He loved her so deeply, he gave his life for her. But there was nothing in the world that said one could exchange a life for a feeling.

He thought, she said gods could have feelings, but refused to feel for him. She cried and said she would pay him back - a life, yes, but could someone pay back a feeling?

#three lives three worlds the pillow book #eternal love of dream #eternal love #三生三世枕上书 #ye qingti #bai feng jiu #admin ro translates #((hi welcome to the rarepair cubbyhole))#((i ship them so much it h u r t s and this is all the book gives me))#((: ' D if anyone's seen any good qingjiu fic u know where to find me))

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uberstip · 4 years

Text

Short escape kita belakangan adalah ke indomaret. Shopping snack lalu nonton Netflix, buka-tutup kulkas lalu selonjoran, home vacation – tua di ranjang.

Namun, hanya soal waktu kita bakal packing dan boarding lagi. Sebelum masa itu tiba, berfantasilah dan renungkan tips liburan berkualitas dari oppa:

1. Mendokumentasikan momen secukupnya

Jangan terlalu banyak selfie. Ga perlu take berulang-ulang hingga 50 kali dalam semenit. Tampak depan, tampak samping, mata genit, melet-melet, semua angle dicoba. Ya, oppa tahu, kamu selfie 50 kali, yang jelek 100. Tapi ga perlu segitunya. Pasrah dan filterlah kemudian.

Ga perlu take video lama-lama seakan kamu sedang syuting drakor. Percayalah, videomu tak akan menang piala Oscar. Keep it short but artistic, don’t spend your entire trip behind a screen.

Take the time to put camera away and gaze in wonder what’s there in front of you

– Erick Widman

2. Hamburkan uang dengan elegan

Karena sudah berhemat dirumah, traveling merupakan saat yang tepat untuk mereward diri sendiri. Jangan melewatkan makan sushi di Tokyo, Wiener Schnitzel di Vienna, ataupun Carbonara di Rome. Kadang kamu gak tahu kapan bisa kesana lagi.

Irit boleh, kikir jangan. Kualitas kehidupanmu lebih penting dari neraca keuanganmu.

Sesekali hiduplah dengan glamour layaknya personil BlackPink.

‘Bada bing, bada boom, boom, boom!’

Posisikanlah dirimu sebagai Billionaire eksentrik yang bosan duit

Berfoya-foyalah untuk sesuatu yang mungkin cuma bisa kamu lakukan sekali seumur hidup. Once in a lifetime moment. Jangan malah ngabisin duit buat gantungan kunci yang tak berguna. Kalo g-string yang lagi sale, OK lah.

3. Tidur awal, bangun pagi

Kamu pun bisa menikmati tiap sudut kota dengan eksklusif. Disaat manusia lain masih ngorok, kamu bisa foto-foto, lompat-lompat dan bikin tik-tok. Sebelum berangkat, sisakan waktu buat ngumpulin nyawa dan melakukan ritual toilet.

Selagi menikmati sepinya pagi, gunakan seluruh indramu untuk meresapinya. Melihat indahnya matahari terbit, mereguk kopi hangat, mencium harum roti yang baru selesai dipanggang, menyentuh daun yang berguguran, mendengar suara burung yang berkicau dan lonceng gereja yang berdentang. Mellow-lah sambil mesem-mesem.

4. Play like a kid, Act like a King

Saat menjelajah dunia, jadilah seperti anak kecil yang kegirangan. Gak mikir kerjaan, hanya bermain tanpa aturan. Berlarian telanjang sesuka hati dan makan tidur dengan riang. Bumi adalah taman bermainmu.

We are in such a hurry to grow up, and then we long for our lost childhood

– Paulo Coelho

Namun bukan berarti jadi bego. Tetap waspada pada spesies jahat. Playful yet strong layaknya raja Korea Pheaaaa ‘The King of Eternal Jomblo’ – ‘You can have fun with me, but don’t you dare to mess with me.’

5. Nyobain sesuatu yang belum pernah

Mulai dari makanan baru, budaya baru, hingga gebetan baru. Nyicipin sashimi gurita yang masih goyang-goyang, masuk ke onsen telanjang bulat, hingga ajep-ajep dengan bad girl.

Dari sini pasti ada pandanganmu yang berubah. Misal, bad girl tidak selalu identik dengan hal negatif.

Selain pintar menjaga penampilan, mereka cenderung lebih pede, suka tantangan dan gak takut patah hati

Pokoknya semua pengalaman baru yang bikin kamu deg-degan dan berteriak ‘Mayday, mayday! Will you marry me?’

Menyelam kebawah laut, naik roller coaster ekstrem, melayang dengan paralayang, breakdance battle dengan barongsai hingga merusak hubungan orang.

Mungkin ada kalanya sesuatu yang baru itu mengecewakan. At least you gave it a shot. Tetaplah penasaran, kamu akan menemukan sesuatu yang bikin kamu excited!

Hasrat ingin mengalami ini akan memperkaya hidupmu dan menjadikannya kenangan terunik. Do things that you will laugh about ten years from now.

We live in a strange world.

Explore it, feel it, enjoy it!

Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena. Baroque Catholic cathedral known for its colorful chapels

Sebelum membaca tulisan ini, ada baiknya kamu membaca tulisan tentang Madrid sebelumnya Things to do in Madrid, Kota Metropolis nan eksotis. Semoga tulisan oppa kali ini, bisa menjelma menjadi gambar bergerak di imajinasimu.

Berikut tempat-tempat asyik yang oppa kunjungi di ibu kota Spanyol ini:

1. La Mallorquina

La Mallorquina was founded in 1894 and ever since has been one of Madrileños’ favourite places to enjoy delicious pastries

Kedai roti melegenda yang telah berdiri sejak tahun 1894. Tempat pelarian Madrileños’ untuk meredakan stres. Chocolatey pastry dan cake yang creamy, menjadi penyembuh jiwa yang alami.

My morning caffeine hit. Sip, chew and on

Mirip dengan coffee bar di Roma, saya berdiri di samping bar, menikmati lumernya chocolate croissant bersama cappuccino di mulut. Di tengah keramaian, sel kebahagiaan saya memekar bagai bunga musim semi.

‘Kafein dan Serotonin yang menyatu memang Mipan zuzuzu’

La Mallorquina

Madrid’s most famous bakery. Incredible variety of pastries, cakes and chocolates!

Puerta del Sol, 8, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Hours: Senin – Minggu 8:30AM–2PM, 5:30–9PM

Best Seller Menu: Chocolate Croissant 2.30 Euro. Cafe Cappuccino and Cafe Bombon (Espresso with Condensed Milk) 2.50 Euro | Rp. 44,000. Napolitana 1.70 Euro | Rp. 30,000

Direction: Google Maps Location

Wide selections of pastries, tarts and cakes are available within this cafe

2. Plaza de España

A popular square at the heart of Madrid

Taman publik yang dihiasi bunga, pepohonan dan kolam air mancur yang indah. Tempat asyik buat bersantai dan people-watching. Monumen sastrawan terbesar Spanyol – Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, menjadi sentral dari taman ini.

Penulis yang terkenal berkat karya novelnya yang berjudul ‘Don Quixote’. Pencetus novel modern pertama di dunia. Sebagai sesama filsuf, walaupun beda kasta, oppa ikut merasa menjadi bagian dari sejarah. #siapaelo

There are plenty of shops close by and there is a kiosk selling drinks and snacks etc in the corner of the park

Plaza de España

Leafy square surrounded by imposing buildings, with stone & bronze statue of Cervantes on horseback

Plaza de España, 28008 Madrid, Spain

Open 24 hours

Direction: Google Maps Location

3. Temple of Debod

This ancient temple was a gift from the Egyptian as a sign of gratitude for helping preserve their historical treasure during a crisis. It was brought to Madrid stone by stone

Kuil yang membawamu kembali ke masa Sphinx ribuan tahun yang lalu. Bangunannya merupakan hadiah dari pemerintah Mesir karena Spanyol telah menjaga dan melestarikan peninggalan bersejarah mereka. Bayangin, bebatuannya didatangkan langsung satu persatu langsung dari Mesir.

Temple of Debod

Ancient Egyptian temple & museum moved from Aswan & rebuilt in lush parkland, with sunset views

Calle de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain

Free Entrance but capacity is limited to 30 persons

Hours: Selasa – Minggu 10AM–7PM

Direction: Google Maps Location

4. Casa Dani

Tempat terbaik untuk nyobain Tortilla de patatas aka Spanish Omelette ada di resto keluarga Casa Dani. Fresh from the kitchen! Telur dadar isi irisan kentang yang dimasak dengan sempurna.

Kentang di dalam telurnya menyatu dengan sekilas rasa bawang dan karamel. Cheewy, creamy, and just the right amount of runny. Exquisito! Tampilannya memang sederhana, tapi rasanya luar biasa. Ditambah ramahnya sang waiter yang mirip bintang telenovela, membuat segalanya menjadi lebih indah.

Casa Dani

The best tortilla in in the whole country, more than a little omelette bar. You can’t miss this place!

Cl. de Ayala, 28, 28001 Madrid, Spain

Hours: Senin – Minggu 9AM–5PM

Best seller menu: Pincho de tortilla – Spanish Omelette 2.80 Euro | Rp. 49,000

This place is really popular so be prepared to wait in line, but once you are seated and place your order, the food comes out quickly and the service is efficient

Direction: Google Maps Location

Coffee is always a good partner

They use all the ingredients from this market. So fresh!

This Spanish bar is located inside the beautiful food market

Saya sempet bingung bingung nyari lokasinya, sempat bertanya pada warga setempat dan ternyata spanish bar ini ada di dalam pasar. Pasar modern yang tidak terlihat seperti pasar.

5. Santiago Barnebeu – Real Madrid Stadium

Being pitch side during the tour is in incredible as you really see how high the stands are!

Santiago Berdebu. Stadion dari klub terbaik di dunia. Tim yang memecahkan rekor juara Liga Champions terbanyak, sampai 13 kali! Saya mengawali tur dengan pameran foto, video, dan trofi-trofi pencapaian Real Madrid.

Mulai dari trofi liga Champions, liga Spanyol, Copa Del Rey, sampai Golden Boots dan Ballon d’Or milik Cristiano Ronaldo. Ahh, sang mantan terindah.

I felt so delighted and privileged to see this legendary stadium inside out. Everything is amazing, the changing rooms, the feel…, and the perfectly green straight grass on their pitch

Pemain baru Real Madrid yang siap merumput di rumput tetangga. A new transfer from Nankatsu. Posisi: Gelandangan Menyerang.

His motto: ‘Real man is not a woman, Real Madrid is a football club’ Kemampuan Utama ➕: Menyerang dalam gelap Melewati lawan dan menikung teman Mencetak Goal dari sudut sulit, termasuk dari luar lapangan

Kekurangan ➖: Suka lupa kalo sudah makan Lemah dalam bertahan apalagi kepada mantan Sering terkena jebakan offside, karena duduk dibangku penonton sambil ngemil popcorn

This is Ronaldo’s third Golden Boot, the second with Real Madrid

The changing rooms. The Tour is spectacular even for me as a neutral

Setelah itu saya memasuki memasuki tempat duduk stadion di bagian atas, melihat hijaunya rumput yang menyegarkan mata. Kemudian melewati lorong menuju lapangan layaknya pemain beneran, duduk di kursi pemain cadangan, masuk ke ruang konferensi pers, sampai memasuki ruang ganti pemain.

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu

81,000-capacity ground for Real Madrid, with regular matches plus tours of stadium and trophy room

Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid, Spain

Hours: Senin – Sabtu 9:30 AM – 7 PM. Minggu 10 AM – 6:30 PM

Entrance Fee: Buy Online 14 Euro | Rp. 243,000. Buy at the ticket office 17 Euro | Rp. 295,000. Reserve your visit here realmadrid.com

Direction: Exit from Santiago Bernabeu Metro Station Google Maps Location

Terakhir ada Mega Store yang menjual berbagai macam pernak-pernik official Real Madrid. Mulai dari jersey, jaket, syal, topi, gantungan kunci, botol minum, komplit plit plit plit. Stadion ini memang gereja bagi pecinta Madrid.

A Disneyland for Real Madrid fans. Football cathedral. An imposing sight from the outside but it is much more amazing once you step inside. I can see how it’s one of the Europe’s most famous venues

6. El Retiro Park

The perfect place to relax on a beautiful day. There’s a large lake for those interested in hiring a boat and a lot of walking paths and lawns to lie out on.

Taman raksasa yang dihiasi patung, monumen dan danau yang anggun. Saya berjalan melewati jalur setapak diantara pepohonan yang rindang. Memperhatikan sepasang kekasih bermesraan di bawah The Monument of Alfonso XII.

Mereka duduk berpelukan sambil sesekali berciuman. Pacaran tidak pernah sehistorik ini. Ingin rasanya saya berteriak ‘Mister, butuh peran pengganti?’

Diantara semilir angin, saya berjalan kaki mengagumi keindahan suasana taman. Banyak orang bersantai dengan berbaring di rerumputan, duduk di kursi taman dan mendayung di kolam. Tempat terbaik untuk melarikan diri dari dunia nyata.

Such a beautiful and romantic park, filled with beautiful sculptures, monuments and a peaceful lake

Parque de El Retiro

The largest parks of the city, 19th-century park with boating lake & rose garden, plus numerous fountains & statues

Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain

Hours: Senin – Minggu 6–9PM

Direction: Google Maps Location

I enjoy having a walk, taking pictures and unplug from the world

The green heart of the city. Sprawling over 350 acres park that full of lovely gardens, fountains, statues and beautiful architecture!

7. Vait Cafe

Inayati Nurul, nama dari gadis berkacamata yang bekerja di cafe ini. Kami berkenalan setelah dia bertanya

‘Kayaknya logatnya ga asing?’

‘Eh, orang Indonesia’. Ternyata logat English Jowo saya begitu kental baginya.

Bertemu dengan warga Indonesia dinegara lain memang menyenangkan. Saat saya memesan Latte Macchiato double shot, dia menjawab dengan sinar mata yang ramah,

‘Udah bayar single shot aja.’

‘Serius? You’re too kind.’ Balas saya dengan mata berbinar.

Ternyata toleransi antar warga sebangsa dan setanah air itu masih ada.

Selagi menunggu Napolitana dan pesanan kopi dibuat, kami sempat bercakap-cakap. Yang paling saya ingat adalah saat dia bercerita kalo sudah lama di Madrid, dan kemungkinan besar, gak bakal balik lagi ke Indonesia.

‘Gak kangen?’ ujar saya.

‘Kangen si, tapi udah nyaman disini.’

Dalam hati saya bergumam ‘Apakah memang lebih baik hujan emas di negeri orang, daripada hujan batu di negeri sendiri?’

Vait Cafe

Calle de Alcalá, 54, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Hours: Senin – Minggu 9AM–10PM

Direction: Google Maps Location

8. Gran Via

Champs-Élysées versi Madrid. Surga belanja di jalan raya lurus nan panjang. Trotoarnya berjejer rapi dengan pertokoan berarsitektur kekaisaran Hapsburg. Sepanjang mata memandang terlihat outlet-outlet bermerek, ada H&M, Zara, Adidas, Bershka dan Prada.

Konon memakai barang branded membuat gengsi dan pede kita akan meningkat.

Just like what Aladdin said, ‘If you don’t have anything, you have to act like you own everything’

Gran Via

One of the best shopping streets in central Madrid

C/ Gran Vía, 46, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Open 24 Hours

Direction: Google Maps Location

9. Mercado de San Miguel

Pasar dengan stand-stand makanan spanyol yang menggiurkan. Disini saya nyobain Tapas, nasi goreng seafood – Paella, irisan paha babi – Jamon Iberico dan Wine cocktail – Sangria. Selain itu ada kaviar, cheese, lobster dan berbagai jenis cake. Bener-bener surga makanan yang gak boleh dilewatkan.

Mercado de San Miguel

Circa-1916 covered market offering local food in an elegant ambiance. Gourmet market, with over 30 vendors selling a wide variety of freshly prepared tapas, hams, olives, seafood, cakes and cheeses. Beer, wine and champagne are also available.

Plaza de San Miguel, S/N, 28005 Madrid, Spain

Hours: Senin – Minggu 12PM–12AM

Direction: Exit from Sol Metro Station Google Maps Location

10. Plaza Mayor

Hiruk pikuk suasana malam memberikan sensasi keceriaan. Alunan lagu musisi jalanan berderu dengan suara manusia. Alun-alun yang dulunya tempat adu banteng ini, sekarang menjadi lapangan yang dikelilingi pertokoan, kafe dan restoran.

Plaza Mayor

Cafes & restaurants line the arches of this stately square with Philip III’s statue in the center

Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain

Direction: Google Maps Location

Hari itu merupakan malam terakhir saya di Eropa. Setelah 20 hari mengitari benua biru, saya masih merasa kurang. Mengapa saat kita bersenang-senang, waktu terasa begitu cepat?

Liburan memang seperti bintang jatuh, dia meluncur cepat dengan keindahan yang mengagumkan. Seperti kata Dee Lestari: ‘penuh kesan, tapi dengan cepat melesat hilang.’

Ternyata liburan, gak beda jauh dengan pujaan hatimu.

COVID makes us learn that travel is a privilege. So don’t take it for granted.

Because tomorrow is not even promised. We can suddenly go and leave everything behind

Hala Madrid! Top 10 Things to do Short escape kita belakangan adalah ke indomaret. Shopping snack lalu nonton Netflix, buka-tutup kulkas lalu selonjoran, …

#Madrid #Real Madrid #Santiago Barnebeu Tour #Spain #Spanyol #Things to do in Madrid

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sheliesshattered · 4 years

Text

The Impossible Soldier

Clara/Twelve AU from the end of The Caretaker. 3900 words, angst with a happy ending. Available on AO3 under the same title and username.

It took more fast talking than Clara wanted to think about, but she managed to disentangle herself from Danny, making excuses about helping the Doctor dispose of the alien-robot-thing somewhere where it wouldn’t hurt anyone. The look Danny gave her was too knowing, too kind, she couldn’t stand to face him. She wondered, not at all idly, if she could extend this trip in the TARDIS, talk the Doctor into an adventure before taking her home. She didn’t wonder if she would be able to lie to Danny about it when she got back — she’d gotten far too good at lying to him already. One more little fib wouldn’t change the fabric of their relationship in the slightest.

Of course, first she would have to face the Doctor, who was all stony silences and glowering eyebrows, even after they’d sent the Skovox Blitzer drifting off into deep space. What Clara needed was a distraction before this all came plummeting down around her ears. Quickly she paged through her memory for the name of a place they had considered visiting but hadn’t yet seen, settling on the first one that came to her.

“Before you take me home, I was thinking we could squeeze in a visit to—”

The Doctor cut her off with a look and the words died on her tongue. He threw the lever to send them back into the Vortex, holding her gaze.

“I’m not taking you home,” he said, voice low and threatening. “Or anywhere else. You still haven’t explained him to me.”

“Who? Danny?” she said lightly, trying to shrug it off. She needed distraction, not the Doctor hyper-focused on the one topic she couldn’t have him thinking about too deeply.

His expression soured further. “Feigned stupidity is not a good look on you, Miss Oswald.”

Clara crossed her arms over her chest. “He’s my boyfriend,” she said, letting her tone make it clear that she didn’t see any reason they should be discussing this in the first place. “He’s a maths teacher and he’s my boyfriend and he’s perfectly ordinary. I don’t know what you expect me to explain.”

“Why him?” the Doctor bit out.

“Why does anyone date anyone?” she shot back, her mind horrifically blank of any reasonable answer to his question. Why Danny? Because that was the road she was on, and she didn’t have the luxury of skipping off onto a new one, magic blue box or not.

“You’re not just dating him, Clara,” he said, sharp. “You said so yourself, he’s more than that. And I need to know why.”

“It’s just one of those ridiculous little human oddities,” she said, before something much worse could find its way into her voice. “We date, we fall in love, we get married and make babies. Surely you’ve spent enough time around us to understand at least the basic outline of that.”

“There are more than seven billion humans on Earth in your time period, Clara. Why that one?”

“We’re coworkers,” she said levelly. “Lots of relationships start at work.”

“And you work with lots of people,” he countered, not giving her an inch. “Why P.E. out of everyone you could have chosen? Explain him to me!”

She could feel her temper rising, and tried to keep it under control. “First of all, he’s a maths teacher, not P.E. — or you could use his name, which is Danny, which you very well know. And secondly, there’s nothing to explain! I didn’t sit down and write out a list of pros and cons, I just met someone at work and we hit it off. If it’s confusing to you that’s only because it’s the sort of trivial thing that you usually ignore or delete or catnap through, or whatever it is you do.”

He snorted humourlessly. “If I could delete this, believe me I would, but you’ve made that impossible.”

“Why do you care?” Clara snapped, her patience running thin. “When you thought I was dating Adrian you actually seemed happy about it! But when I tell you it’s not Adrian, it’s Danny, suddenly it’s the end of the world!”

“I care because you’re lying!” he barked, gaze flicking to hers.

“I am not lying!” she insisted. She was an excellent liar, even when lying about lying.

“Yes you are! Lying to me, lying to P.E., that’s bad enough. But you’re lying to yourself, which is even worse!”

“How?” she demanded. “How am I lying to myself?”

The Doctor gave her a look like she was being intentionally obtuse.

“How, Doctor?”

“You said you love him!” he finally replied, the words bursting from him.

“I know what I said!”

“You can’t love him, Clara! You can’t be in love with a soldier!”

The nerve of the man! “What the hell is wrong with me being in love with a soldier?”

“He represents everything we fight against, every time we go out those doors!” the Doctor said, anger making his gestures sharp and sweeping. “And you want to build a life with him? Either you’re lying or you’re not the person I thought you were, and I’m not sure which is worse.”

Clara took a step back, wounded. “How dare you?” she demanded, retaking the ground she had lost. “It’s not like you left me with any other choice!”

“Me?? How is this my fault?”

“You’re the one who told me you are not my boyfriend! That was your decision, not mine!”

“I’m not your boyfriend!” he retorted, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Oh yes, you’ve made that very clear,” she hissed. “But that hasn’t stopped you from interfering in my love life, has it? ‘Accidentally’ showing up minutes before I’m meant to leave on a date, dropping my own future into the middle of my first time out with Danny! I didn’t even get to decide if I actually like him, you took that choice away from me too!”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Orson Pink! The time-traveller from the end of the universe, who you just had to go and rescue and then send to fetch me during my date! It’s a wonder you didn’t erase him from history with that little stunt.”

“Clara, honestly, I have no idea what you’re on about.”

“You found him by using the trace of me still in the telepathic circuits, yeah? Someone connected to my timeline, from years in my future, who bore a striking resemblance to Danny, shared family name and everything.”

“Nope, still not getting it.”

She growled in frustration. “He’s my grandson, Doctor! Mine and Danny’s. Or great-grandson, maybe — I didn’t think it would be safe to press him for too many family details. And you sent him to interrupt my first date with the man I apparently someday marry and have children with! You showed me my own future, it’s not like I could just choose to walk away from Danny after that.”

“That’s not your future, Clara. That’s not how time works!”

“Now who’s lying?” Clara scoffed at him. “I’ve travelled with you long enough to have picked up a few things, Doctor. I am not an idiot. This is exactly like Professor Palmer and Emma Grayling, down to the time-travelling descendent.”

The Doctor paused before replying, watching her expectantly, as though waiting for her to catch the flaw in her own logic. “And if you remember, I wasn’t able to return young Miss Tacorien to her own time!” he said finally. “Her disappearance was a fixed point, we couldn’t change that. But we were able to take Colonel Pink back to his time, and do you know why? Because in the end, he didn’t matter that much to the universe. He’s a potentiality, one possible future, that’s all!”

“But I’ve seen that future now! That must have made it some kind of fixed point.”

“You still get the choice, Clara, your life is still yours. And that still doesn’t explain why you’d chose to go out with a soldier in the first place!”

“Former soldier, and current maths teacher!”

“How ‘former’ can it be if he’s dressing up in uniform to teach all your impressionable pudding-brains how to be good little soldiers in their free time? Do you know, in some cultures, that’d be seen as downright ghastly, indoctrinating children that way.”

“You have no right to judge him like that!”

“Of course I have the right!” the Doctor thundered back. “I have the only right that matters! I fought in a bigger war than your Dan the Soldier Man will ever know! I have done worse things than he could ever imagine! And I have dedicated my life to ensuring that no one else ever has to live that way, no one else ever has to feel that pain! That is what we’re doing outside those doors!”

“You really can’t see it, can you?” Clara said. “How utterly hypocritical all of this is.”

“How can you travel with me and be in love with him? How can you be that hypocritical?”

“But me dating Adrian, that would have been fine? I could travel with you and go home to some floppy-haired, bowtie-wearing—”

“Adrian being your type makes sense! That I can believe! But when did soldiers become your thing?”

“When did soldiers become my thing?? When did I start believing in impossible heroes? Seriously? I’ll never understand how you can be a bloody intergalactic genius and still such an absolute idiot!” Clara seethed, storming towards the console with one destination in mind.

“What are you doing?” the Doctor demanded, rounding the console to keep her in sight.

“Ending this,” she bit back.

He moved to stop her, of course, but she’d already reached the control panel she needed. “Clara, whatever it is you’re planning to do—”

She slid her fingers into the telepathic circuit and closed her eyes, ignoring his threatening tone. “Show me the soldier I’m in love with,” she said to the TARDIS, voicing it out loud for the Doctor’s benefit.

“Don’t you dare!”

The console beeped, and Clara opened her eyes, meeting the Doctor’s ferocious, terrified glare. “Go on, Doctor,” she said coolly, nodding at the monitor, “see for yourself.”

“Lie to yourself all you want,” the Doctor spat back, eyes decidedly on her rather than the monitor. “The telepathic circuits can’t be so easily fooled.”

“Exactly. You know whatever’s on that screen is the truth. So go on, look.”

He stared at her a moment longer, then turned away and pulled the monitor to him with harsh movements. Clara watched the emotions track across his expressive face, anger replaced by confusion, then shock and disbelief. She didn’t need to be able to see the image on the screen to know who was staring back at him. There was only one face it could be. She’d tried to hide it from him for his own good, and clearly that had gotten them nothing but trouble.

She was done hiding. If the Doctor insisted on absolute honesty, he could live with the consequences.

“Him?” he demanded, looking over at her.

“You said it yourself, I can’t lie to the telepathic circuits.”

He turned back to the monitor, disbelief still etched deeply onto his face. “Really??”

“Former soldier, trying to do the right thing but carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and those big sad eyes? Yeah, you could say I have a type.”

The Doctor opened his mouth and then snapped it shut again, confounded. “But him? Grumpy granddad?”

She huffed a suppressed, annoyed laugh and extracted her hands from the telepathic circuit. “Technically he’s more than a thousand years younger than you.”

“In love? With him??” he demanded again. “You hardly knew him for a single day!”

Clara rolled her eyes, still too infuriated with him to find any of this endearing. “He is you, you idiot! But when you changed your face, you made it clear that you don’t think of me in that way, and that’s — that’s fine. I can respect that. But don’t you dare lecture me on falling in love with soldiers, don’t you dare. I never so much as gave one a passing glance before you.”

“I’m not a soldier, Clara,” he sighed, rubbing at his forehead.

“Neither is Danny! Not anymore.”

“And that’s why you love him,” the Doctor said, voice subdued.

She bit down on the tortured sob that tried to escape her chest and said as evenly as possible, “If I was in love with him, then his face would have come up on the monitor.” And if there had been a shadow of a doubt in her mind as to whose face the telepathic circuits would pull from her thoughts, she never would have risked it.

“But you said—”

“Danny is nice and normal and stable and everything I should want. And apparently there’s a future for us, a future that leads to Orson Pink. I just have to keep it together and not screw things up long enough for it to get here. There’s nothing more to it than that.”

“Then why did you say it?”

“To shut you up,” she told him honestly, crossing her arms over her chest defensively. “I didn’t want you looking at it too closely. It was hard enough managing Danny’s reactions to the whole thing. I couldn’t have you blurting out the obvious truth in front of him, not if I want that future with him.”

“Obvious?” the Doctor scoffed.

“I thought it would be, to you. I’ve never been particularly good at hiding my feelings for you. Complete strangers pick up on it every other week, seems like.”

“And do you? Want that future with him?”

She looked up at him, held his gaze until she had to blink back tears. “Do I have any choice? Really? Now that I’ve met Orson Pink, now that I’ve seen that future — now that I’ve told you the truth and destroyed the comforting lie we’ve lived with for so long? You’ll leave, Doctor.”

“I won’t,” he interrupted her, but she took a deep breath and plowed ahead.

“You will. If not today, then someday, you’ll leave and you won’t come back. And I’ll have to make the best of it, move on with the rest of my life. So this is me,” she spread her arms wide, half a shrug, “making the best of it.”

She let her words settle into the silence around them, staring up at him so he could see the truth of it. There was really nothing else to say, and she didn’t know how to face his rejection yet again, so she turned towards the stairs. She could go hide away in her bedroom until the Doctor decided to take her home. If she was lucky, he would add this to the long list of moments they resolutely did not discuss, and they could go back to the precarious balance they’d lived with since he’d regenerated.

And if she was unlucky, well — she’d always known she would have to move on. She’d always known she would leave this with her heart broken. Part of her didn’t want to delay the inevitable any longer.

“He was in love with you too, you know,” the Doctor said, his low voice halting her in her tracks with her back to him.

“Who?” she asked, not turning around.

“That grumpy old soldier you met. You breezed in like a miracle on the worst day of his life, and stayed his hand from committing the most evil act imaginable. He was utterly besotted with you.”

She squeezed her eyes shut and felt a tear track down her cheek. “But not anymore,” she murmured, and took another step towards the stairs.

“Clara,” the Doctor said. Quick footsteps closed the distance between them, and he caught her hand in his, spinning her to face him. His blue eyes were tortured, ancient and anguished. “He never stopped.”

Another tear slipped down her face but she forced a little smile. “A part of you will always love me for who I was to you on that day. I understand. But it’s not enough. That’s a past, not a future.”

He was still holding her hand, and dropped his gaze towards it. “Do you want that future with Danny?” he asked, voice gravelly. “That nice, normal, stable future? Is that what you want?”

Somehow it was easier to say when she didn’t have to look into the Doctor’s eyes. “I’m afraid if I admit even to myself that it isn’t what I want, Danny will know, and he’ll hate me for it,” she murmured.

“It’s still your life, Clara. You still get the choice,” he said again, so much gentler than before. He let her hand go, just as gently. “Seeing one potential future doesn’t rob you of that choice. If you choose Danny, I won’t— I won’t jeopardise it, I won’t stand in the way or question your choice. But...”

They hesitated in the buzzing silence of the console room, and Clara couldn’t help but feel that the TARDIS was holding her breath, too.

“But?” she prompted when the Doctor didn’t continue, too afraid to hope.

“You could make the other choice,” he said, finally looking up at her from underneath his brows. “It’s not just a part of me, Clara. It’s all of me, from the first moment you tumbled into my life. And I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop.”

Her heart thudded against her ribs, but she had to know for certain, she had to hear it. “If you mean it, then say it,” she replied, voice cracking, knowing her control freak tendencies were bleeding through but unable to stop herself.

He huffed a soft laugh, as though thinking the exact same thing. “I love you, Clara Oswald,” he said, holding her gaze. “And I can’t stand the idea of you wasting your life on anything less than exactly what you want.”

Clara drew a shaky breath, feeling poised on the edge of a precipice. She wanted to cross the short distance between them, throw her arms around his neck and snog him breathless. She wanted to repeat the words back to him, she wanted to say them to him every day until the day she died. She wanted it to be true, for this really to be happening, but something held her back.

“What happened to ‘not your boyfriend’?” she asked instead, everything else she wanted to say crowding on her tongue.

The Doctor shook his head, looking away again. “I was trying to save you,” he said. “Trenzalore changed me. Not just my face, but all those centuries there without you. Watching the people of Christmas die around me, the years slipping through my fingers. You should want nice and normal and stable, everything I’m not. But I’m done making that decision for you.”

“I’ll die on you, too, you know,” she said, the words tumbling out of her, the stark truth of their inevitable tragedy as painful as the idea of walking away from him now. He winced and turned his face further from her, but she reached up and laid her palm on his cheekbone. “No, listen to me. If we choose this future, if we’re really going to do this,” her voice broke and she swallowed past it, willing herself to be brave, “then we’re doing it with our eyes wide open. No more lies, no more hiding. We can have this, we can take this time and make it ours, but it won’t mean anything if we aren’t honest with each other. You will outlive me.”

He finally turned his gaze back to hers, eyes bright blue through gathering tears. “Clara,” he said, the plea clear in his voice.

She blinked back tears of her own, trying to hold to her bravery. “I know what you’re like when you’ve lost someone, I remember your other faces well enough to know that. And I am exactly selfish enough to want to sign you up for that pain again, a decade or five down the road. But if you don’t want it, if you don’t think you could...”

He took her hand from his face and kissed her knuckles. “It’s too late, anyway. First face this face saw. It’ll hurt no matter what we do.”

Clara hesitated, gathering her courage, and whispered, “Then maybe we ought to let ourselves be truly happy, in the time we do have.”

“The Doctor will outlive you,” he said, dropping her gaze again but holding tightly to her hand. “But this face might not. I wore the last face for almost a thousand years, but the one before that — less than a decade, and he made an awful fuss about going. I don’t want to put you through that again, but in the end I won’t have any say in the matter.”

“But you’ll still be you,” she said, trying not to think about how much pain that would cause both of them. “Those other faces of yours I met, the old solider and the one in the pinstripe suit, they were you, too. And all the others in my echo memories, they’re all you.”

He shook his head. “You knew all that the day I regenerated, and it still hurt you. I don’t want to put you through that again.”

He was giving her an out, she realised, a way to accept his confession but still go back to Danny. You still get the choice. And this was it, then, the moment of truth. What was it that she really, truly wanted? A safe, stable life on Earth, children and grandchildren someday? Or roaming the universe with the man she loved?

Like it had ever really been a question.

“We’ll both just have to be careful, then,” she whispered, gazing up at him. “No dying for either of us.”

The Doctor raised his eyes to hers, questioning. “Clara...”

“Is this what you want?” she asked him before he could retreat behind excuses. “To build a life with me? Just you and me, for however long we get?”

When he spoke next it was barely a breath, but it hit Clara with the force of a supernova, her universe collapsing and reforming itself around one word:

“Yes.”

She smiled up at him tremulously, though she could feel tears gathering in her eyes again. “Then I’ve made my choice.”

“You’re certain?” he pressed.

“Always have been. I just didn’t realise it was a choice I could make.”

“And Danny?”

Clara took a deep breath and blinked back her tears. “I think at some level, he already knows. Knows how I feel about you. He doesn’t like being lied to, and said he doesn’t do weird. He’ll understand, might even be relieved.”

Guilt flashed across the Doctor’s face. “I didn’t mean to make you choose between us.”

“You didn’t make me choose, Doctor,” she said, smiling at him and reaching up to touch his cheek again. “You gave me back the choice. It’s not a decision I’ll regret.”

He searched her face for a long moment, his expression as open and unguarded as a raw nerve, his love for her plain to see. “Just you and me, for however long we get?” he said, repeating her words back to her.

“For as long as we get,” she said, then pushed up on her toes and kissed him.

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konigindernachtsblog · 4 years

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The curse of love.

A cette heure de la nuit, la Haute Prêtresse n’attendait plus la moindre visite au temple. Alpha Nightmare allumait de nouvelles bougies devant l’idole représentant Lucifer, distraite par la lumière de la lune rouge se reflétant pas les vitraux et l’odeur d’encens flottant dans l’air. Elle appréciait le silence après les grandes messes quotidiennes. Ce silence fut cependant interrompu par les grandes portes qui s’ouvrirent. La Haute Prêtresse se retourna alors pour découvrir le visiteur impromptu, qui s’avéra être une femme et pas n’importe quelle femme.

« Your Highness, dit Alpha, relativement surprise. - High Priestess, I need your attention. - So my attention you shall have. »

La Reine et la Haute Prêtresse se faisaient face. La première portait une grande cape noire dont elle venait tout juste d’ôter la capuche lui ayant permis de venir jusqu’ici sans se faire remarquer et dissimulant ses vêtements. La seconde était, comme à l’accoutumée, toute de rouge vêtue, dans une longue robe en velours aux longues manches évasées. Finalement, Alpha ouvrit la marche en se dirigeant vers une alcôve en retrait et pris place dans un fauteuil. Arya suivit ses pas et s’installa dans l’autre fauteuil, dos à la prêtresse.

« I can feel confusion in your heart, your Grace. You can share its content. Within these walls, our Lord is the only witness. - If there are words I can use, High Priestess… I don’t know them, avoua la reine. Not after a life learning to keep my lips sealed. »

Alpha avait pu sentir Arya baisser légèrement la tête. La tension de la reine était palpable dans l’air. La Haute Prêtresse esquissa un léger sourire, bienveillant, que la plus jeune ne pouvait pas voir, mais au moins sentir. Les deux cousines ne se connaissaient pas dans l’intime, mais faisaient parties de la même famille au lourd passé, dont chaque membre restant gardaient des plaies importantes. Alpha leva les yeux vers les vitraux rouge qui lui faisaient face, représentant Lucifer.

« Heavy is the head who wears the crown. Isn’t it what we say, your Grace ? For sure, our Lord knows that better than anybody. Power is an heavy burden. But if he gave it to you, it’s because he knew you were the best for the role. On that, you shall trust him. Lucifer knows nothing but the Truth, remember ? He knows how important is this Kingdom for you. He knows how hard his motto resonates in you. Our Lord knows you are the Queen this Kingdom needs, not because you have been raised to be Empress, but because you are like him. - No one is as great as Lucifer, souffla la reine. - For how long do you hide your wings, your Highness ? »

Arya laissa transparaître sa surprise avec un silence évocateur. Ses ailes. Ses ailes personne ne les avait jamais vu, pas même sa propre mère. Pas même son mari, ne connaissait sa véritable forme. A l’Académie, jamais Arya n’avait révélé sa nature. On savait son potentiel autrement supérieur à ce qu’elle montrait, mais tous s’étaient imaginé que l’apparence d’Arya devait être similaire aux autres Nightmare. Des larmes noires, de grandes ailes démoniaques, des cornes…

« How do you know ? Demanda-t-elle finalement. - I am an High Priestess, your Grace. I share my eyes with our Lord. - But he never saw… ! - Lucifer knows the Truth. You share his wings, don’t you ? The black broken wings of Lucifer, the Fallen Angel. »

A nouveau, Arya se tût comme seule réponse. Alpha la sentit cependant hocher légèrement la tête. La cadette Nightmare avait été dotée d’une destinée autrement plus importante que celle que lui avait attribué sa mère, en lui donnant naissance. Elle n’avait pas été choisie pour devenir la femme d’un possible empereur, mais pour elle-même diriger un empire. L’Empire démoniaque, que l’on appelait encore Royaume dans l’usage, malgré les siècles où l'Enfer n’avait cessé de s’étendre davantage encore et encore avec sa population grandissante et sa pugnacité.

« Your life has been sacrificed for our Kingdom, since the very moment you opened your eyes. You know it and you accepted it as soon as you realised. You already made your sacrifice, your Grace. You had your loyalty to this Kingdom as soon as you could breath. But the crown, your fate, your duty… That’s not what scares you the most, isn’t it ? Your burden is not your crown. »

La reine se crispa et ferma les yeux, serrant ses mains l’une dans l’autre un instant. Finalement, elle leva les yeux vers le dôme du Haut Temple, représentant le ciel rouge de l’Enfer où l’on voyait l’étoile du Matin briller. Quelques larmes coulèrent finalement sur ses joues alors que les doigts de sa main droite jouaient nerveusement avec son alliance.

« From Lucifer, I hoped I could only have the wings and the sense of sacrifice, répondit Arya la gorge nouée. But Lucifer was an angel and his tragedy, when he became Satan… is that he never forgot how to love, even when his heart got broken by his Father. I hoped I would be demonic enough to never feel the weight of a heart in my chest. - But… ? - Then, my husband appeared in my life… »

Cette fois, ce fut le tour d’Alpha de se trouver surprise. Elle avait elle-même mariée Arya avec Sebastian LeFay, sous ce dôme. Ils avaient partagé leur sang, échangé leurs voeux. Ce ne devait être qu’un mariage arrangé, un mariage politique et ce, malgré le sacrifice conséquent de Sebastian qui renonçait à sa mortalité pour joindre son épouse pour l’éternité. Certes, le couple royal semblait relativement proche durant ses rares apparitions publiques. Mais elle savait que la dernière apparition du couple commençait à dater et qu’au palais, la relation des deux époux n’était pas au beau fixe.

« I despised him when he got the proposition to marry me and that he hesitated because of his own faith. I told our Lord that I didn’t need to get married and especially not to a man who wasn’t able to follow the Crown’s principles. Sacrifice was and is still, for me, the most important. But Sebastian did sacrifice himself, expliqua la reine. By this only act, he demonstrated how greater than me he was. - And you feel guilty for that, conclut Alpha. - I didn’t do anything great for him, I feel like a punishment, avoua Arya en essuyant ses larmes d’un revers de la manche. I don’t even know how to act when he is around. He doesn’t know how I feel, what I feel… - Your Grace, souffla Alpha sans pouvoir interrompre sa cousine. - I love him, avoua la reine. I love my husband… And it scares me more than the Void itself. - How do you know you do ? »

Le ton d’Alpha avait été un peu plus appuyé, pour stopper Arya net alors qu’elle s’emballait et qu’elle se laissait submergée par ses émotions pour la première fois. Jamais elle ne s’était montrée aussi décontenancée devant qui que ce soit auparavant. Mais Arya s’était suffisamment sentie en sécurité au Temple pour se livrer. Seul Lucifer, jusqu’à présent, avait été son refuge.

« Because I dream I could be able to share with him everything I always do alone, souffla Arya après un instant à se reprendre. I would like him to take my hand and walk by my side under the red moon… I dream I could have the guts and bravery to just ask to be in his arms. When he is here, my legs shake and my heart beats so hard it is nearly unbearable. My body vibrates each times he speaks. I am craving for his eyes on me, all the time. But I don’t even dare sharing my bed with him anymore, only to enter in the bedroom when he already sleeps, just to look at him. I know each details of his face so much, I could draw it by memory. Just the thought he shares my blood bring me an indecent joy… Just knowing he belongs to me and that I belong to him. I blush each time I remember the time I was confident enough to kiss him and I dream I could do it again. I love him and I would like to scream it but I just can’t… I can’t even face him anymore. I didn’t do anything to deserve him and I feel ashamed for it every single day Lucifer allows me to live… - I am sure your husband could understand, if you could just give him a sign. »

La reine resta silencieuse. Finalement, elle joignit les mains. Arya s’était renfermée aussitôt qu’on lui avait demandé un acte qui lui paraissait encore plus insurmontable que de porter le royaume infernal sur ses épaules. Alpha le comprit et conclut la conversation par une prière silencieuse à Lucifer avant que la souveraine ne quitte le temple. En rentrant au château, une âme damnée avait débarrassée la reine de sa cape avant qu’elle ne s’engage dans les couloirs de ce qui ressemblait davantage à une cathédrale, guidée par le son du piano. Le roi aimait y jouer et ça avait été l’une de ses conditions pour venir vivre en Enfer avec elle. Cela faisait à présent bien deux ou trois semaines qu’ils ne s’étaient pas vus, parce que la reine l’évitait méticuleusement. Du moins, c’était ce que Sebastian pensait. En réalité, comme ce soir là, Arya se trouvait bien proche mais elle savait se montrer particulièrement discrète. Elle le regardait, se dévoilant à peine à travers le pan de la porte. A chaque fois, elle sentait son coeur battre plus fort, dans un mélange de crainte de se faire dévoilée et d’affronter la colère de son époux et d’émois de la jeune femme amoureuse.

Elle se trouvait ridicule. De leur passé, ils ne s’étaient rien cachés. Cela faisait partie des rites nuptiaux et ils s’y étaient tous les deux pliés sans protestations. Ce n’était pas la première fois que Sebastian faisait battre le coeur d’une femme de cette façon. Mais pour Arya, c’était une autre paire de manches. Elle n’avait jamais aimé, avant. Flirté, tenté, séduit, oui. Puisque sa destinée avant le trône de l’Enfer, avait été de tenter de séduire le prince Killian, elle avait tenté de l’aimer. Mais la flamme n’a jamais pris vie et d’elle-même la démone avait compris que ce manque d’intérêt était réciproque. Mais Sebastian avait quelque chose de plus, quelque chose que les autres hommes, pas même ceux si épris d’elle qu’ils s’en seraient damnés, n’avaient. Quand ils le voulaient, les deux époux pouvaient se comprendre sans même se parler, simplement en échangeant un regard. Sebastian était parvenu à faire sourire Arya, à la faire rire, à lui donner envie de partager des étreintes. Sans doute n’avait-il même pas réalisé l’effet que leur première étreinte avait pu avoir sur celle qui était à l’époque sa fiancée, dans ce bassin de sang. Arya s’était pourtant précipitée dans ses bras avec une spontanéité et une sincérité étonnantes.

Mais cela, elle n’y parvenait plus. Arya n’arrivait plus à se permettre tel geste. La honte l’animait. Depuis son arrivée en Enfer, Sebastian avait renoncé aux limbes pour elle et avait veillé sur elle jour et nuit, quand elle était tombée malade. Il avait été d’un soutient sans faille. La jeune souveraine s’en sentait indigne, coupable, honteuse. Elle était une punition, un châtiment. Son époux lui avait bien dit qu’il n’avait pas le temps de regretter sa décision de l’avoir épousé, cela n’avait pas suffit à balayer les craintes qui animaient sa compagne.

Le roi venait de renfermer le piano. Quand Arya s’en rendit compte, elle sursauta et colla son dos contre le mur de pierre. Avec précaution, elle glissa à nouveau son regard sur lui. Il paraissait frustré, elle le voyait à son poing fermé contre le bois laqué de l’instrument. Sebastian avait jeté un regard rapide vers une grande harpe noire, qui trônait non loin du piano. La harpe de la reine. Il l’avait déjà entendu joué, de loin, mais ne l’avait jamais vu faire. D’ailleurs, il ne la voyait plus du tout. Elle se dissimulait à lui comme on se cache d’un monstre. Pourtant, elle laisse des signes de son passage au château, comme si elle cherchait à le narguer. Il ignorait. Il avait bien tenté de demander à Morrigan, la suivante de la reine, si elle savait ce qu’il lui prenait, mais elle en était tout aussi confuse. Les âmes damnées qui servent au château, elles, ont bien trop peur de la reine pour révéler quoi que ce soit. Sebastian pensait pourtant avoir fait ce qu’il fallait. Il voulait faire ce qu’il fallait. Il s’était montré patient, attentionné. Il lui semblait pourtant avoir compris ce qu’Arya recherchait en lui. Mais elle se dérobait à lui consciencieusement.

En voyant les traits frustrés de Sebastian, Arya avait baissé les yeux et ramené l’une de ses mains contre sa poitrine. Elle voulait le rejoindre, mais son corps tremblait. Impossible. La silhouette de la jeune démone s’évanouit dans l’ombre du couloir avant que son époux ne sorte de la pièce. Il pu sentir son parfum, révélant que sa femme était passée dans ce couloir peu de temps avant qu’il le rejoigne, cela ne fit que le frustrer davantage. Dans la salle du trône, la reine frappa du poing. Elle était furieuse, furieuse contre sa propre personne, pour ce qu’elle faisait subir à son mari.

Quelques temps plus tard, Sebastian avait finalement pu confronter Arya. Il était parvenu à lui faire promettre de ne plus fuir. Pour la première fois depuis des semaines, ils s’étaient à nouveau endormis ensemble dans le lit conjugal. Le lendemain matin, quand il ouvrit les yeux, le nécromancien sentait encore l’étreinte ferme de son épouse autours de lui. De tout le reste de la nuit, elle était restée contre le torse, ses doigts dans son dos. Elle aussi, était réveillée. Arya leva timidement les yeux vers lui et détailla son visage. Sebastian glissa ses doigts dans les cheveux de sa femme pour retirer quelques mèches dissimulant légèrement son regard. Il avait pu véritablement entrevoir pour la première fois, l’amour dans les yeux d’Arya, même s’ils reflétaient aussi ses regrets, son sentiment de culpabilité. Finalement, elle s’était approchée pour l’embrasser longuement, mais doucement, loin de la passion à laquelle ils s’étaient habitués lorsqu’ils s’exploraient. Sebastian s’était laissé faire et il avait pu sentir quelque chose de différent chez sa femme. Elle révélait une douceur, un besoin d’amour, qu’elle n’avait jamais voulu dévoiler jusque là. Il posa son front contre le siens quand leurs lèvres se séparèrent.

« Sebastian, avait soufflé Arya. - Yes ? - I am so sorry... »

#character : arya nightmare #character : sebastian lefay #sebastian lefay #arya nightmare #otp: arya/sebastian #hell #character : alpha nightmare #alpha nightmare #queen of hell #high priestess #king of hell

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jemej3m · 5 years

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to ruin a royal wedding

idek man i wanted one royal au that wasn’t entwined with fae/magical elements

Prince Nathaniel Abram Wesniski. The name granted him power he’d never asked for in the first place, and yet it was the only way he could have survived. His father reigned with terror, and if he wished to usurp the man, he had to hold onto all resources at his disposal, being his advisor, the honourable Matthew Boyd, and allies from near provinces, Danielle Boyd, Allison Reynolds, and, most importantly, Crown Prince Kevin Day.

There was only the slightest of hiccups: His soon approaching wedding to his father’s allies. Riko Moriyama.

“Kevin assured me that you will keep me safe.” From my father, went unsaid. The knight who stood before him was shorter, broader, and hired by the Wesninski King. Those who betrayed Nathan didn’t live long. Neil clasped his hands behind his back. “That I should trust you.”

“You shouldn’t trust Day’s judgement of character.” Andrew Minyard stated. The man was renowned for his keen swordsmanship, impeccable use of the bow and arrow, and infamous for the blood on his hands. It made sense that the Butcher would hire a once-manic, bloodthirsty man to escort his son, to be a constant threat, should Neil cause trouble. His eyes were voids that Neil found himself spiralling within. “I will be waiting outside your door if you require my service, Prince Nathaniel.”

“Neil.” He said, quickly.

With only a moment of hesitated, Andrew said: “Prince Neil.” He huffed. “Lock your windows.”

“Good night.” Neil said carefully.

“Good night.” The knight returned.

Andrew remained stood by the door, watching Neil with a keen eye as the prince was fitted for his new finery. It would be white, of which the seamstress insisted would be beautiful against his tan skin. He wore an under-shirt now, to cover the scars across his chest, despite Marissa’s fretting and irritation.

His knight barely blinked, nor slept a wink. With all the chaos of the wedding preparations, Neil was exhausted: Not having to watch his own back as he slept was somewhat of a relief.

His window of opportunity to escape was closing. Rapidly.

Marissa checked her watch. “I must run and grab something from my carriage. I’ll be back at once. Don’t move!” She warned, before closing the door.

Neil didn’t move: Instead, Andrew locked the door and came to stand in front of him.

“You should burn your letter correspondences, to those friends you so adore.” Andrew said. Neil’s heart fluttered with fear. “Someone may find them.”

It was the first time Andrew had spoken to him in the past week.

He fiddled. “I fear I would forget their contents.”

“I do not forget things.” Andrew promised. “I will be able to recall their contents for you, if desired. Burn the letters. It’s not safe.”

“You do despise him, don’t you.” Neil said, in a hushed voice. “My father. The Moriyamas. Please tell me you won’t betray me.”

“I detest that word.” Andrew’s perfect facade cracked with an angered grimace. “I do not break my promises, and I vowed I would escort you to safety, to Kevin, when the time comes.”

“Riko Moriyama will not let me out of his grasp, once we are wed.” Neil confided. “You do not have much time.”

“Riko Moriyama will not touch you, for as long as you may live.” Andrew said. His fingers, warm and oddly gentle, brushed over Neil’s cheek.

A rapping upon his chambers’ door disturbed the strange moment between them, and Andrew moved to the door to let the seamstress in.

An idea struck, as the fitting resumed. Neil glanced at his knight, the sultry curve of cheekbones and blonde tufts of hair. Yes, he thought. It might just work.

“Tell me, why are we covertly meeting at a derelict church, in our best finery?” Nicholas Hemmick inquired, Neil’s soon-to-be cousin by marriage.

Andrew had taken but a mere moment to agree upon Neil’s terms: As the knight was allied to Kevin Day, rather than bound under the Wesninski jurisdiction, Neil would be able to choose whom he follows: His husband, or his father. It would force his father to renounce Neil’s position as the heir to his throne, and grant Neil freedom from his father’s kingdom.

And so, he and Andrew had snuck out from Neil’s quarters - it was all very exciting - to snatch the newly crafted wedding garments, intended for Neil’s wedding to Riko Moriyama in two days. Now they were here, with Kevin Day and his fellow allied representatives. Neil was rather chuffed: They all detested his father, and thus he had anticipated they would be cold and unforgiving towards him. But they had taken him under his wing, scheming to free him from his father’s grasp.

“I, too, would like an explanation, Neil.” Kevin said, irritated. As the only fellow Crown Prince in the cohort, he was the only other who wouldn’t call Neil by his title. “It is most tiring, being up so late.”

“It’s freezing.” Allison snapped. “Whatever ludicrous scheme it is this time, I want some mulled wine to accompany it.”

“I’m getting married.” Neil said.

Danielle Wilds, Dan, rolled her eyes. “Yes, Neil. We are aware. In two days, in fact. We were all invited.” Her (secret) husband and Neil’s chosen advisor, Matt, shook his head. Neil was very fond of Matt: He was glad he agreed to come tonight, even if it was difficult to escape the Wesninski castle.

“I wish it weren’t so.” Matt said. “We will lose you to those Moriyamas.”

“No.” He said, gently. “I’m getting married tonight. To Andrew. I asked: He has accepted my hand in marriage.”

The odd dozen faces gathered before the church were distorted with utmost shock.

Wymack, Kevin’s illegitimate father and the late Queen Kayleigh Day’s advisor, sighed, taking his wife Abigail’s hand. “Gracious, finally. I thought Andrew would never settle.”

“But -!” Nicky spluttered. “Neil, you have refused this plan thus far! You did not want to marry. You insisted.”

“You must admit, we’re short on time.” Neil continued to fiddle with his garments. There were too many lace frills. “There isn’t much choice in the matter, is there?”

“But -”

“I know what I said.” Neil snapped, irritated. “I’m marrying Andrew. Anymore qualms, queries, concerns, regarding our partnership? Or is everyone happy to simply shut up?”

“Yes,” Aaron said quietly, eyes boring into Andrew with vehemence. “We will discuss this later. Won’t we?”

“What is there to discuss?” Andrew said flatly.

“Who will unite you in matrimony?” Nicky inquired. “I am yet to have the qualifications.”

“I am.” Said a quiet voice, from the shadows.

Renee Walker was most unnerving for Neil, as he had never truly spoken with her in his life, but it seemed as though the two had both nothing and everything in common. She and Andrew trained together as vigilantes. Now she was a woman of the church.

“Shall we?” She gestured to the church, helping usher everyone within.

Andrew’s hand halted on Neil’s shoulder, a blossom of warmth in the cold, dreary night. “You do not have to marry, if you do not wish to.”

“I must admit, the construct itself seemed undesirable. It was why I refused it, initially.” Neil admitted. “But I find I do not mind. Not with you.”

It was so strange. Over the past few days, almost two weeks, Neil and Andrew had mulled over possible escapes, or ways to break the binding contract between the Wesninskis and Moriyamas. The quiet peace that had developed between them was unparalleled. Neil had never felt so safe.

Beyond his marriage and resulting escape from his father’s clutches, what was it that they would have in common? Not much, but he found he didn’t mind. Talking with Andrew was easy, regardless of subject.

Andrew offered his arm, and Neil hooked his hand through Andrew’s elbow. “Let us be wed, then.”

Neil hated his father’s chambers. An ominous portrait of the late Queen Mary hung over a fireplace. The rug in front of it was stained red with the blood of those who dared to cross Nathan Wesninski. The windows, broad and paned with red stained glass, opened onto the lower courtyards with a deadly drop.

He was sat in front of the fireplace with a placid woman by his side, when Neil knocked upon the wooden doorframe at the chambers’ entrance.

“What is it?” His father growled. “I do not wish to be disturbed.”

“It’s me, father.” Neil glanced across at Andrew, before reaching out to grasp Andrew’s hand. Andrew nodded: Neil laced their fingers together, the gold bands that united them warm to the touch.

“Nathaniel. Why must you disturb me at this hour?” He snapped his fingers at the girl, who scampered away.

“I fear I cannot marry Riko Moriyama.” Neil’s fear of his father ricocheted to and fro within his lungs. “It’s most stuffy in here, isn’t it, father?” He pushed the windows closest to the fire place.

His father lurched to his feet, murderous rage curling his hands into fists. “You will marry the Moriyama boy, Nathaniel. I will not hear another word on the subject. Close that damn window, the drafts will extinguish the fire.”

“It will be objected to.” Neil said. “I am already married. It is not possible that I may marry another.”

His father’s nostrils flared. “What? What are you saying, boy?”

He held up his hand. The gold glinted in the firelight. “I was wed, last night. I am not marrying the Moriyama. I will be departing this castle, and the Wesninski kingdom, at sunrise.”

“Like hell you’ll be leaving.” He snarled, reaching forward to snatch the collar of Neil’s shirt. “I’ll kill whatever rat you’ve pledged yourself to, or I’ll kill you. Those are your options, you conniving little fucker. I knew there was too much of your cowardly bitch of a mother in you. I’ll fucking kill you!”

“You will not harm him no more.” Came a cold voice, the chamber door slamming closed. Andrew held a knife loosely in his fingers, pointed directly at Nathan Wesninski’s throat. “Your reign of terror is done, Wesninski.”

“You -” Nathan gave a guttural scream of frustration. “The academy promised that you were the most loyal, the most bloodthirsty, of your companions! How dare you fool me thus!”

“You forget,” Andrew’s smile was small, cold, and incredibly deadly. Neil’s heart fluttered. My husband. “The academy is hosted by David Wymack, allied to Kevin Day, who opposes you and your paradigms, and is a sworn enemy of the Moriyamas. Now, let go of my husband.”

“Him!” Nathan barked out a laugh. “You married the knight? His hands are just as bloody as mine, dear Nathaniel. You fool.”

“Let me go, father.” Neil said.

“I’ve had enough of you.” Nathan smiled, wickedly sinister, as he shook Neil by the neck. “I’m going to crush your neck as your husband watches. Then I’ll incapacitate him, throw him to a rabid crowd. Let the wolves have him. They’ll rip him to pieces.”

Neil fought to free himself from his father’s grasp, stumbling to Andrew, who accepted Neil into his welcoming grasp. His father charged at the two of them, and so he sprinted, towards the window, before skidding to a halt. His father barrelled towards him. Neil ducked, onto the floor, to avoid being crushed against the brick wall.

Then, in a split second decision, he threw his leg out from where he was crumbled on the floor, and watched with glee as his father tripped and stumbled out of the wide-open window. The panicked yell quickly faded away, before there was a disgusting splat! in the distance.

“He almost crushed you.” Andrew growled, hauling him off the ground. “Don’t dare attempt such acts of idiocy again.”

Neil let himself lean on his husband. “That’s enough for today, yes.”

Andrew merely served him a flat glare.

They fled the chambers, to remain innocuous. It would be frightfully difficult to reclaim the throne if he was charged with his father’s murder.

Within his own chambers, he paced. Desperate for a distraction, he turned to his husband. “Tell me a truth.”

“I committed matricide.” Andrew said, taking Neil’s hands. “You committed patricide. We are most the same. Your turn.”

Neil paused his pacing to look at Andrew. His eyes glowed golden, like the bands of metal around their fingers that linked them together. His lips were curled down with concern as he surveyed Neil. Neil felt his gaze upon his skin like tongues of fire.

He took a deep breath, and let the confession roll off his tongue.

“I told you that I would not develop romantic attachments to you, as I had not expected to.” Neil admitted, cheeks flushed. “I apologise for being unable to control myself, and adhere to the agreement that we both consented to, but I must be honest with you, my husband. I’m most fond of you. Incredibly so.”

Andrew stared at him.

“And you do not need to act upon my desires - I’d never force you. We are equals, regardless of prince and knight status. But if you are -” He hiccupped. “If you are uncomfortable, we may separate. If that is what you wish.” He inhaled sharply, unable to control the shaking of his fingers.

Andrew placed his hands, his warm, strong hands, on the back of Neil’s neck. A while passed before Andrew spoke. “I may also have neglected to adhere to that aspect of our agreement.” His breath washed over the skin of Neil’s neck. Neil felt giddy with the lightness of his heart at Andrew’s confession. “May I kiss you?”

“Such a gentleman.” Neil murmured against his lips, the kiss irresistibly gentle.

“I’ll prove you wrong.” Andrew insisted, walking Neil back to the bed. He then guided Neil’s hands to his hair and warned him, “Just here.”

Neil nodded eagerly.

“Your father toppled from his chamber’s window late in the evening.” The messenger confessed, when Neil cracked the door open to his frantic knocking. The sun was barely up: Neil wanted to return to his bed, where his husband lay, bare to the skin and warmer than the frightfully cold stone beneath his feet.

“You will be crowned as king.” The boy continued. “Your father’s advisors suggest that you should remain engaged with Prince Riko Moriyama to maintain alliances.”

“Tell them that they’re all fired.” Neil said with conviction. “You should also notify them that we are hereby allied with the Days. And that I already have a husband. Run along, now.”

White-faced, the messenger fled.

The minister, Rhenmann, smiled warmly as he placed the golden halo upon Neil’s nest of red curls. The smile crinkled his eyes.“And with the crown bestowed upon you, I declare thee as King. Please announce your title to your new subjects.”

Neil turned around, the crowd weighted upon his head.

The merry band of Neil’s close friends and family that he had gained through his and Andrew’s marriage who were sat in the front row of his coronation, however, Andrew stood by Neil’s side. Neil granted Andrew’s attentive gaze with a small smile, and took his hand.

“King Neil Abram Minyard, of Mary Hatford and Nathan Wesninski.” He turned to Andrew. “A kiss?”

Andrew leant forward, granting Neil a small peck at the corner of his lips.

The crowd stood, and bellowed: “All hail, King Neil!”

i love cute fluffy things, like andrew minyard and cliches and this royalty au

#andreil #royal au #prince and knight au #andrew minyard #neil josten #the foxes #all for the game #cute #but also death and abuse #because nathan is prevalent #fluff #married #the foxhole court #jem writes

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shadowturtlesstuff · 4 years

Text

again but better thoughts while reading

@polandbananas20

so my spelling is terrible in this but you know i was more focused on the book than how to spell.

Chapter 1) good intro and good starting tone. The lady next to her sucks. Good small establishment of shane.

chapter2)shane characterisation is still consistent. I like her two new roommates (will be best friends) . My guess is the boy in the kitchen will be pilot. Family means but not intentional. Has no confidence. I was right about the boy

Chapter 3) intro of pilot properly. He's good. I love the inner monologue of shane. Trying to keep eye contact, the surprise of having a normal conversation. It sets her character well. Intro to her blog which i would love to actually read (i hope there's at least one entry we can read) pilot is a musician but not. Business major. What crap.

Chapter 4) i really feel like shane, she is just typical fangirl/ dork and i love it. Its weird being english and reading about the things that shock them like pasta in bags.i understand the watermelon.we do get to read ‘shanes writing’ but its her personal jornal not her blog.

Chapter 5) fun chapter. Intro to rome. Love the idea that shane is heavy handed and violent. Short, not alot happened other than small character establishment.

Chapter 6)intro to creative writing class which i want/need in my life.more beatles. Woman on plane works at starbucks, will she make more appearances?

Chapter 7) the drama???or at least wht will be the drama. Pilot has a gf, called amy (wish it was me) (wait no, bc i know that plot doesnt actually like amy anymore bc he obviously likes shane. So i take it back. I want to be shane, i mean i basically am like her but oh well.)

Chapter 8) parents. Overprotective, think they know best. Urgh. guarantee one of shanes new friends fight back to her parents to support her life choices, that do not include doctor.

Chapter 9)gets an internship at travel mag company. Thats it…..

Chapter 10)rome. Looses purse. Pilot to the anxiety riddled rescue by telling his own life story about his wallet to help calm her nerves.distracts her. Basially he would do anything for shane already.re count of rome trip from her jornal again which is a good touch to further the plot. This is making me want to read dan brown (ish) all of two books i own of him

Chapter 11) the postcards are a nice touch that i hope someone reads???? Travel buddies..just saying.chad..hmmm,im like shane,well see if he is good enough for babe. Her GODDAM stupdi mean cousins being mean on her facebook, and babe seeing (best friend moment) about pilot and the whole teasing about having a boyfriend.

Chapter 12) he didnt see (but i think he did but istn sayin anything) paris i shappening. Babe is bff confirmed and i want her as my friend

Chapter 13)angry birds addiction starts. Level three, weak, shoulder touching it romance confirmed.awwww pilot 100% waited to sleep so he could see shane safe in bed

Chapter 14) pilot with a french accent, enough said. The flirtinggggg. The plane woman is back??in paris with them????

Chapter 15)pilots choices of the back in time thing are both wit shane. Its so obvious and i love it. Pilot as a fake fangirl about the eiffel tower. More flirting,kind of. Oh god chad no.he did it. Goddammit.nooo he wull run babe and shanes friendship and maybe her and pilot. ‘Assbucket’ indeed. Her an pilot are fine and i really believe her and babe will be because when she nearly gets robbed babe giver her a sympathetic smile. Not much to go on but i have hope.

Chapter 16)okay so, fav chapter, she finally spills her guts that she has anxiety basically, that she is premed with strict parents and this is scary whilst pilots lies in bed with her to relax her bc he heard her crying. He only ecoureges her slightly before going back to his bed and sleeping. My heart, i swear, soon the roles reverse and pilot will say why he is in london and all that.

Chapter 17)babe and shane bffs confired. Chad is the worst confirmed. Of course it wasnt break up call. Of course she wants to vist. Of course pilot is to cowardly to break up and just accepts them going to paris together. Of freaking course.

Chapter 18) do not get over pilot, it wont work. Rugby guy nooooo!im team pilot how dare you kiss shane! Wow, city of glass mention. I want to make a list of every bookmentioned.

Chapter 19) pilot is not himself (obviouls) shane is worried. She is still lying to her parents an feeling bad about. Rugby guy is thankfully a no go. Pilot finds out about the kiss and guy and is clearly silently jealous.

Chapter 20)aww shane! Im sorry pilot sucks currently. And a stupid guys trip with flat four. No. and devil chairs.

Chapter 21)1)love the book talk. The loneliness is kicking in, pilot man up for gods sake

Chapter 22)this red-head plain weirdo is back and going through her list like some sort of mentore. Omg!!! No. amy is here, i dont hatte her but can she not. Also, her dad…. No! (this is the stand up moment i was on about, i hope)

Chapter 23) i do not like her dad. At all. Nooo shane...no. they found out. And acted like assholes.

Chapter 24) n1!ahhhh no! Amy has her notebook. The end is nigh.im going to cry i feel like shane.

Chapter 25) the family dinner-family outing. Niether of them manuped and shane is depressed

Chapter 26)back in america. Still hasn’t told pilot but you know it is a slow burn

Chapter 27) I, wait? Marry, some guy? Like no. I know it’s been what six years but no. I refuse.i don’t like this so called Melvin. It’s okay she doesn’t want to marry him. She goes to see pilot and finally mans up and tells him and asks if she made it and and pilot finally man’s up and tells her no she didn’t. They get stuck in an elevator

Chapter 28) the elevators doing something. Shane wants to re do London cuz she hates life

Chapter 1?) they are both back in London? Both having the same what ever is happening?

Chapter 2) omg. Plane lady took them back to staRt over and pilots mad about it (obv)

Chapter 3)so… they got mad but started over and I’m excited. 100%they won’t press the restart button. I’m calling it now. Cuz pilot knows he now has a chance to do the what if’s/

Chapter 4) they keep there distance but we all know it won’t last

Chapter 5) tipsy Shane? Shawarma

Chapter 6) babe thinksthere is something going on with them( again)

Chapter7)the story about fake pilot, and the kiss. Ahhhhhhg

Chapter 8)they found the button. Shane doesn’t want to go back. I do t want them to go back. They don’t go back thank god

Chapter 9) da Vinci code flirting somehow.. Shane tells him it won’t happen u less he breaks up with last Amy.

Chapter 10) he will break up with Amy and laris is gonna happen.

Chapter 11) so Shane is happy again, pilot broke up with amy. Shane tried to make peace with the devil chair.

Chapter 11) they are so adorable. Aswwwwewhwhehruysnwjw

Chapter 12) Uwuwnfhueia we get more Shane and pilot flirting,

Chapter 13) the opposite game is adorable. I like that they get to be themselves together without the awkwardness. The start of the move game. Thats my fav.

Chapter 14) they still have the angry birds obssesion but unlike me and supercard they know when to stop.the dance ‘move’ ahh i love. The line ‘but you do.’ just shows how much they know each other and how pilot would do anything to make her smile. And the lost move (not really a move but totally a move.) once again proves their love. Also we had that plot moment where he talks about why h chose to go to london. I adore shanes rant (?) about the things she loves. And then pilot doing the same thing. Shane vs chair is my life, like i battle chairs too.

Chapter 15) what is tfios? Ooohhh. Fault in our stars. (i googled it)i probably shouldve known by the whole always part. The dance move came back to bite pilot in the ass and now they are dancing together. Ew chad. Yes shane! That is what chad deserves.

Chapter 16) they get intimate and gigly and happy and aaaawwwhww

Chapter 17) im glad shane still rememebers to be friends with babe and not forget her in her lovestick state currently.

Chapter 18) her postcard….the questions that haunt her so much. Sort of accepting them herself too. She finally got to do wrecking ball, they miss internship , oh no…. Start if a downall??

Chapter 19) shane and pilot have fallen HARD

Chapter 20) the article is off the table. Amy is there. What the hell. No. omg pilot no, you moron. THEY BROKE UP!!! Which is fair, a break is needed. They both get back on track and then try and find a balance. Hopefully. Oh her laptop….shit...the feels when all your work is just gone. Tries to reset bc she is so depressed bc she thinks she failed again.

Chapter 21) she cant go back (thankfully) a bookstore is always a good haven to go to when your breaking down.

Chapter 22)the redemtion (?) time to try and fix everything and get back on track.the determination and the readiness to try and make everything better for herswelf, herself, and no one else is good. She makes friends with the people in her office and works harder than befire, try to get herself out of her comfort zone and experience things

Chapter 23) the confrontation with her parents. Oh god. I hope this goes well. Its going as well as it can go. Im happy shane is sticking up for her dream so she can be happy, uugh the whole dad speech of ‘i do everything for you, i know best because im older,’ i hate it. Ooohh she is making up with leo, talking ot him this time. Im happy. Leo is gay. Cool. i hate how he got broken up with becuase of his stupid family, it sucks. ‘There is no normal.’ perfect words.

Chapter 24) her thing is in the thing!!!( also good job me with words.) her article got published (there we go)this is where she learns she can be with pilot and be successful because tracy is with a famous author and they make it work with harder schedules. Trys to talk to her parents. This time she will make there relationship work.

Chapter 25)urgh ‘you live under my roof,on my dime…’ blah blah blah. We hate controlling parents that dont see that overprotecting and controlling their childs life does more damage than good. Babe suggest self discovery trip. Babe is a grat friends.

Chapter 26)the button thing will work…’im mad at pilot. Or am i mad at me.’ she cracked the code. She loathed herself because of her fear of failing, but because this time she worked on herself to make herself happy she no longer hates herself. Yet she still feels the same (ish) feeling that even though she worked harder and got further that she has no summer job when she gets back to the states, her parents still wont allow her choice of work.PILOTS BACK!!!!!!! She was about to press the button and he swooped in with his music.

Chapter 27) he still follows her blog and got help from babe. His speech, finished with lamppost. Where can i get a pilot?he uploaded their song. Working through the divorce thing again but it will be better because he has shane to talk to about it. Ahhh she got a job!!! Happy ending!!! My heart!!!eeeee…

epilogoue) she becomes a successful author. Her parents have accepted her and support her. Pilots a musician. He takes her to the weird plane lady and they gobe the locket back, then he makes the ultimate move. With pictures of where they fell in love he uses the beatles russain doll things to hide a ring and when she finds it she obviously says yes. And that its unfair cuz she cant top that move.

sooo...thats it.

i really enjoyed this book. i cannot wait for her next book. this post is longwinded i apologize but oh well? again i will link my website and review as soon as its done. so far in about five hours all i have is a paragraph so it may not be as soon as i want it to be

#again but better #polandbananasbooks #frenchwatermelonnineteen #shane #pilot #shane and pilot

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revolutionary-demosthenes · 4 years

Text

The Bonstetten-Gray relationship

Most of this information comes from “Thomas Gray (A Biography)” which can be found here: https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.226086/page/n289/mode/2up.

Thomas Gray was an English poet born in 1716. He had many siblings, but the was the only one who survived childhood. According to poetry foundation, he “is generally considered the second most important poet of the eighteenth century” behind Alexander Pope.

Charles Victor de Bonstetten was born in 1745. He was a Swiss writer, and stayed with Francis Kinloch, John Laurens’s ex-boyfriend, (I will post more about him soon) when Johannes Von Müller and Alleyne Fitzherbert, 1st Baron, St. Helens were also staying with him, in what I call Kinloch’s Gay Retreat. (I will be posting about that very soon.) This relationship is pre-Kinloch, however something interesting is that Alleyne Fitzherbert also knew Gray, who wrote about Fitzherbert, “the little Fitzherbert is come as pensioner to St. John's, and seems to have all his wits about him.”

Bonstetten met Gray near the end of the latter’s life. There was a 30 year age difference between them, but they were both adults. Bonstetten knew about Gray, but how they first came into contact is pretty hilarious. Here is the excerpt from the biography (Norton Nicholls was a friend of Gray’s): “So the November of 1769 wore uneventfully on, until one even- ing Norton Nicholls, who was concluding a rather protracted absence from his parish with a visit to Bath, happened to go to a ball at the Assembly Rooms. Light-hearted as ever, the youth- ful rector scrambled on to a table in order to have a better view of the dancing, and presently another young man did the same. They clutched one another for fear of falling, an unceremonious introduction which led to a lifelong friendship between them. The young man's name was Charles-Victor de Bonstetten, and he was the only son of a prominent member of the little group of patrician families which ruled the canton of Berne.” In other words, Nicholls and Bonstetten both stood on a table during a ball, holding each other so they wouldn’t fall! What a way to meet someone... They became friends, and either Bonstetten realized that Nicholls knew Gray, or Nicholls found out that Bonstetten revered Gray, but either way, Nicholls wrote a letter of recommendation for Bonstetten to be taught by one Thomas Gray.

Side note: Bonstetten was going to marry an heiress, but wrote to his father that he was very happy he had not done so. Very, very happy. The he had not married a woman. He wrote in French, but the rough translation is, “O my dear father, I will now be admirably cheerful, and sing and dance all day like a man who woke up from a bad dream” Wow.

It appears that Bonstetten and Gray became fast friends after they met in London, December (of 1769, I’m assuming. The book is not terribly clear.) Bonstetten stayed in a coffee house often used by Gray and his friends. It seems that the affection Bonstetten felt for Gray came on quickly. He wrote Nicholls, after two weeks of being in Cambridge, “I never walk but with even steps and musing gate, and looks corner- cmg with the skyes ; and unfold my wrinkles only when I see Mr Gray, or think of you Then notwithstanding all your learnings and knowledge, I feel in such occasions that I have a heart, which you know is as some others a quite profane thing to carry under a black gown,” Gray wrote at the bottom of this letter, of Bonstetten, “I never saw such a boy our breed is not made on this model He is busy from morning to night, has no other amusement, than that of changing one study from another, likes nobody, that he sees here, and yet wishes to stay longer, tho’ he has pass’d a whole fortnight with us already His letter has had no correction whatever, and is prettier by half than English.”

At first, the Gray seemed to only see Bonstetten as a student, “But as the weeks went by, and his protege still stayed on at Cambridge, Gray grew ever more fascinated by him. He insisted that he should visit him at all times of the day, dine with him, work in his rooms. Together they read the English poets, went over the botanical lessons of Mr. Miller, played on the new pianoforte — a present from Stonhewer — and talked on and on until the college gate was about to close” They spent a lot more time together, which seems to have been initiated mainly by Gray.

But it is this next passage in the biography that really hits me the hardest. It also is pretty clearly implying gay, which seems amazing to me, as this book was written in the 1950s, when being gay was still unjustly taboo. The book says that when Gray first met Bonstetten, he just saw him as a good student/an opportunity to impart knowledge onto someone deserving. But, “by now he realised that this newcomer was arousing in him emotions such as he had never experienced before, emotions obsessive and overwhelming. All his defences were swept away — the life so carefully organised, the formal and deliberate manner, the refuge which he had sought in books and antiquities and the interleaved Linnaeus. He was filled with disquiet, for he understood the secrets of his own nature he knew the existence of temptations which could not for one moment be contemplated by one who had been, all his life long, a strict observer of the laws of God and the laws of man. At the same time the very presence of Bonstetten brought him unimagined happiness. For a few short weeks he enjoyed once more what he had never known since his childhood days...”

This appears to me like an intense internal struggle for Gray. He knew how society looked upon homosexuality, and as a respected poet, it was a big risk for him to be accused of this. As for the ‘secrets of his own nature’ I cannot honestly think of any other meaning of this but attraction for other men. Additionally, why would Gray. be ‘filled with disquiet’ about an intimate friendship? This strongly implies that Gray felt that the intimacy their relationship reached a level that was not accepted by society in that time. This passage especially makes me feel so bad for Gray, Bonstetten, and everyone who was/is not straight but are/were not allowed to be their true selves. Gray loved this man so deeply, yet if anyone found out about it, he would possibly be sentenced to death! An impossible situation, truly. But Bonstetten and Gray seemed willing to take the risk. Oddly, the biography says, that when Gray refused to talk of his personal life with Bonstetten, “Bonstetten concluded, a little surprisingly in the circumstances which then prevailed, that [Gray] had never been in love.” I would say very surprisingly... But of course this would also be an excellent cover for a romantic relationship. It is also worth noting that if Bonstetten only saw Gray as a mentor, why would he care if Gray would not talk of his early life when Bonstetten did?

However romantic their relationship got, it is clear that they both, though Gray especially, were very happy around each other. It was not to last, sadly. Bonstetten’s father wanted his son home. Gray made fun of this, and Bonstetten made a heart-felt appeal to his father, “Quand j ’ai enfin trouve un ami c'est pour le perdre et pour retomber dans cette sombre solitude ou je reste la proie des vices et de toutes les miseres humaines” which translates to “When I finally find a friend it is to lose him and to fall back into this dark loneliness where I remain the prey of vices and all human misery.” This was quite a smart and logical appeal, since Bonstetten’s father was worried about his son disgracing himself in some way or another, as many fathers worried about in those days (Henry Laurens...).

But even this was not enough, and Bonstetten departed in late March. As the biography says, “Gray was quite inconsolable All the warmth, the con- tentment, the affection that had lately filled his life would be drained out of it once more, and nothing but loneliness and emptiness lay ahead. And apart from his desolating sense of personal loss, he was deeply anxious about Bonstetten’s future He had tried so hard to sober the volatile creature, to control the fantasies and aspirations that filled his brain What dangers, what pitfalls of licentiousness and atheism now awaited him in France? What would happen to him when he returned to the domination of 'his cursed Father ’? As the dreaded day of separation drew near he tried to confide in Nicholls, but despaired of conveying to him the extent of his distress 'He gives me too much pleasure, and at least an equal share of inquietude. You do not understand him so well as I do, but I leave my meaning imperfect, till we meet I have never met with so extraordinary a Person God bless him ! I am unable to talk to you about anything else, I think.’ He went to London with Bonstetten, and said farewell to him on 23 March at four o’clock in the morning, when the Dover coach rumbled away into the cold and darkness.” The phrase “too much pleasure” also seems to suggest a relationship beyond friendship. As well as the phrase, ‘I leave my meaning imperfect’ perhaps he left it imperfect because he could not dare to write his real feelings.

Every single one of Bonstetten’s letters to Gray after leaving London are missing. Every. Single. One. One cannot even begin to speculate the sorts of things written in those letters! Three letters survived from Gray. These letters are pretty heartbreaking. It is clear that Gray missed Bonstetten deeply, despite only having known each other for a few months. “Never did I feel, my dear Bonstetten,” he wrote “to what a tedious length the few short moments of our life may be extended by impatience and expectation, till you had left me nor ever knew before with so strong a conviction how much this frail body sympathizes with the inquietude of the mind I am grown old m the compass of less than three weeks, like the Sultan in the Turkish Tales, that did but plunge his head into a vessel of water and take it out again (as the standers-by affirm'd) at the command of a Dervish, and found he had pass'd many years in captivity and begot a large family of children The strength and spirits that now enable me to write to you, are only owing to your last letter, a temporary gleam of sunshine Heaven knows, when it may shine again I did not conceive till now (I own) what it was to lose you, nor felt the solitude and insipidity of my own condition, before I possess’d the happiness of your friendship.”

Poor Gray! We do have a hint, however, later in this letter, what the letter Bonstetten had previously written had contained. Gray writes, “I return to your letter, it proves at least, that in the midst of your new gaieties, I still hold some place in your memory, and (what pleases me above all) it has an air of undissembled sincerity. Go on, my best and amiable Friend , to shew me your heart simply and without the shadow of disguise, and leave me to weep over it (as I do now) no matter whether from joy or sorrow.” Well, Gray was a poet, but this is just so beautiful... and so sad! This letter betrays such genuine grief and love over Bonstetten... if this letter survived, what must Bonstetten’s (which did not) contain? Bonstetten’s letter must have contained sadness about the separation as well. The line ‘without the shadow of disguise’ also strikes me as a particularly gay line... if they were just friends, why would there even be talk of parts of their heart ‘disguised?’ Also, Gray is saying that Bonstetten’s true heart makes him weep, which is basically saying, ‘You love me so much but that you love me so much is painful because you are away from me. But this is not the end of the tear-fest, my friends. Gray wrote Bonstetten again soon after,

“Alas! how do I every moment feel the truth of what I have some- where read Ce n’est pas le voir que de Fen souvenir , and yet that remembrance is the only satisfaction I have left My life now is but a perpetual conversation with your shadow — The known sound of your voice still rings in my ears — There, on the corner of the fender you are standing, or tinkling on the pianoforte, or stretch'd at length on the sofa — Do you reflect, my dearest Friend, that it is a week or eight days, before I can receive a letter from you, and as much more before you can have my answer, that all that time (with more than Herculean toil) I am employ'd in pushing the tedious hours along, and wishing to annihilate them; the more I strive, the heavier they move and the longer they grow. I can not bear this place, where I have spent many tedious years within less than a month, since you left me.’

Time had obviously not softened the blow of Bonstetten's departure. Gray also repeatedly emphasizes that he is not living his life in the way that he was before Bonstetten entered his life. Again, we do not have any of Bonstetten’s letters, so we must only speculate what they could contain. But it seems clear that whatever they said, they did nothing to alleviate Gray’s pain, and perhaps even made Gray yearn ever more for his departed pupil.

About a month later, Thomas Gray and Norton Nicholls went to Suffolk together, and had hoped to see Bonstetten while there, but when Bonstetten was there (I do not the know the reason why he was not or why Gray expected him to be) Gray wrote another plaintive letter:

“I am return'd, my dear Bonstetten, from the little journey I had made into Suffolk without answering the end proposed. The thought, that you might have been with me there, has embitter'd all my hours. Your letter has made me happy; as happy as so gloomy, so solitary a Being as I am is capable of being. I know and have too often felt the disadvantages I lay myself under, how much I hurt the little interest I have in you by this air of sadness so contrary to your nature and present enjoyments, but sure you will forgive, tho* you can not sympathize with me It is impossible for me to dissemble with you Such as I am, I expose my heart to your view, nor wish to conceal a single thought from your penetrating eyes — All that you say to me, especially on the subject of Switzerland, is infinitely acceptable. It feels too pleasing ever to be fulfill'd, and as often as I read over your truly kind letter, written long since from London,* I stop at these words La mort qui peat glacer nos bras avant qu’ils soient entrelaces.”

The French at the bottom of this letter translates to, “Death that can freeze our arms before they are intertwined.”

There is also a line in this letter which raises the question “Did Gray love Bonstetten but Bonstetten not love Gray?” The aforementioned line is, “tho* you can not sympathize with me” which seems to suggest either that Bonstetten is not having as hard a time away from Gray, or that they loved each other in different ways. But this could also just mean that Bonstetten has other friends, or really anything along those lines. I also feel we should be extremely careful when claiming that love is one-sided when we only have one sides’ recollection of the relationship. People try and do this with the Laurens-Hamilton relationship... many of Laurens’s letters that survive are not as gushing as Hamilton’s but we are missing a great deal of them, and what we have was edited. But some people try to dismiss the relationship because of this. Also, this is one line out a letter that basically screams “I LOVE U!!” so...

I have found a list of all the Bonstetten letters, though there is no content. There are dates of the letters, though. Here is the link: http://www.thomasgray.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?collection=letters&author=Bonstetten,+Charles+Victor+de,+1745-1832&sortby=placelet_up.

There’s a letter to Norton Nicholls in there too, and the only reason I’m mentioning it is because Bonstetten uses the phrase ‘methinks’ which is just wonderful.

But it seems that this relationship would die down soon afterwards. The biography says, “Such intensity of emotion could not last for very long It exhausted Gray's vitality at the time, and may well have had a permanent effect upon his health, but as the weeks went on he began to view the whole affair in a more reasonable light He saw the absurdity of his relationship with Bonstetten as well as its sadness; and indeed the absurdity, for all his over- mastering charm, of Bonstetten himself. Even at this early stage he began to find the style of the letters from Paris * un peu trop alembique', affected and over-refined. They were not to grow less so with the passage of time. Bonstetten made uncon- vincing excuses for not writing more often, and 'he seems at present to give into all the French nonsense and to be employ'd much like an English boy broke loose from his Governor ' It was the natural reaction of a high-spirited young man after those sober months at Cambridge, months of serious reading and celibate living and an unequal friendship between youth and age; but it displeased Gray, and the pangs of separation began to torment him less.”

We can tell from this that Bonstetten was the one who really began to separate from Gray once their geographic distance and cultural distance (to some extent, because Bonstetten was adopting more French manners, which displeased Gray,) grew too great. This parallels the Kinloch/Laurens relationship to some extent, I feel, because Laurens and Kinloch relationship deteriorated once Laurens was in London and Kinloch was still part of the Geneva social circles.

At any rate, this is what I have been able to find on the Bonstetten/Gray relationship. In conclusion: Bonstetten and Gray were likely lovers, despite a very large age difference, (Bonstetten was abut 24, and Gray 53) but the relationship did not last long. (If you want to think of it as a summer fling in December, I won’t stop you.) Gray appears to have been the more gushy letter-writer, but we have none of Bonstetten’s so it is really impossible to say. Bonstetten died in 1771, while Bonstetten was in Geneva. I’m trying to figure out what Bonstetten did, and if he stayed in Geneva or traveled between 1771 and 1775, when he went to Kinloch’s Gay Retreat.

Hope you enjoyed!

#Charles Victor de Bonstetten #Thomas Gray #we need a ship name for these two #queer history #Norton Nicholls

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