#HEAR ME OUT... Violet with Vanilla's dresses

[xxcrossroadsxx]

Twins with flowers in their names.

[auraee]

- 𝕃𝕠𝕥𝕦𝕤. -

𝔸𝕔𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖.

✿ 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕣'𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕖 ~ It's finally done! I first started this in Febuary and now I'm offically finished with it! Writer's block (and crimpling doubt about my abilities towards my writing) had me in a chokehold for the past few months, but today I managed to shake it off a little and try and finish this once and for all. I did enjoy writing this for what it's worth though! Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments, I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Also, also, if you'd like to check out my other pieces some of which are pretty old as well as my current work check out my writing blog! It's linked here ↝ ✿ Also, also, also, if you like read act one and act two to this story first (I highly recommend you do that so this makes sense and so you can enjoy it at it's fullest) it's linked here! ↝ ✿ Act two is here ↝ ✿

✿ 𝖧𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀!

✿Tagging ~ @potofstewie @wanderingfaee @mitsuris-pussy @comatosebunny09 @cherrykamado @atobler19 @gingerspicelattemix @seimorponekami (you might all enjoy this!)

✿ ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞𝕖 ~ Never land - Zeph

✿ 𝔻𝕖𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 ~

𝕃𝕒𝕕𝕪-𝕚𝕟-𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 ~ A lady-in-waiting or court lady is a female personal assistant at a court, attending on a royal woman or a high-ranking noblewoman.

ℂ𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖 ~ is a stiff or structured petticoat designed to hold out a woman's skirt, popular at various times since the mid-19th century.

ℂ𝕠𝕒𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕒𝕣𝕞𝕤 ~ A coat of arms is a symbol that represents a specific family or person. Originally appearing on shields or flags, coats of arms were once used as a way of distinguishing one knight from another on a battlefield.

𝕊𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕦𝕣𝕒 ~ Serradura dessert or Sawdust pudding is one of the easiest traditional Portuguese desserts to make. A crowd-pleaser, this simple no-bake Portuguese dessert is made with Maria biscuits, condensed milk, whipped cream, and vanilla extract.

𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕪 ~ These are sporting events in which two knights (or two groups of knights) jousted on horseback with blunted weapons, each trying to knock the other off, the winner receiving a prize.

𝔸𝕔𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 ~ 𝔸 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥.

“The air in here is wonderful, my lady.” 

 My gaze wandered the flowers in the conservatory. “I trust that you feel more at ease now, yes?”

_____ nodded, keeping her pace towards the flowers. She lifted  the hem of her dress to hop across the slim crystalline stream.

The Conservatory was beautiful during the day, but even more so during the night. Violet rays of the night danced along the stain-glass panes, flora here grew in abundance, contributing to the room’s romantic air. A collection of scents and colours formed the most beautiful piece of art, and _____ stood right in the middle of it all, having found her rightful place on the floral canvas. The moon’s eye fell on her teal gown, making it look as though it sparkled with moonlight with every step she took. 

I’d often find myself venturing here with the princess. She almost always seemed to be contemplating something when she did. Probably something political. Worry would dawn her doe-like eyes while her lips would curve to a weary pout.

I’d often find her staring quite intently at whatever bundle of flowers she was in front of. It was almost as though they’d suddenly jump up and scamper off if she wasn’t looking. 

 Her mother’s illness had deflated her. Leaving her with limited time to come to terms with being solely responsible for the future of our nation. I know that we have no control over when illness arises. It comes to everyone and that’s the truth but, in recent times ______ seemed so… lost. And when she’s lost, she’d decide to do the safest thing. The things she believed would make her court and the rest of the kingdom happy as crowned princess. 

She’d lose all sense of self and mimic her mother. 

I lingered a few metres behind my lady, wandering behind her as her knightly shadow while she watched the flowers as she did many times before. Perhaps talking to flowers was another ability she had that she never told me about. 

“Are you going to give me a reason why you left the festivities?” I asked, lending my weight on top of the beams of the central pavilion. 

Not lifting her gaze, _____ rolled her lips inward. She took a deep breath before she replied-

“I’d rather not, thanks.” 

Hm. 

“Do I have to pry it out of you then, your highness?”

_____ yanked her gaze away from the bundle of tulips. Her inky brows furrowed forming a cautionary bridge on her temple.

Well, I suppose that did it.

____ fiddled with her fingers. I watched her mind churn to choose the words she’d say next. “I’m… worried, Kyojuro.” She mumbled. “About the festival.”

I titled my head to the side. From what I could tell the event was going without incident. I remember from books written, that during the occasion the crowned royal must remain safe as the likelihood of attacks on the royal family tends to increase during the fourteen days of Lotus festival. I’ve had the knights under my command patrol the palace grounds long before the holiday began, thus leaving the responsibility of watching over the princess to myself, to counter any attempts to hurt her. Thankfully nothing has been reported to me, but I still refuse to let down my guard. …Perhaps it had something to do with her mother?

“I’m not quite sure… I understand my lady—” “Look up, Kyojuro!” _____ squeaked, her heels creating creaking sounds from her pacing. “The sign from the gods still hasn’t come yet! Was my offering not good enough? What if they don’t rekindle our promise? What then?!” 

Under the eye of the moon, _______ took another shaky breath in. Her eyes looked as though they were made of glass. Brittle and twinkling with the threat of tears.

I suppose that the sign was taking a while, but I don’t imagine it made much difference to her mother when she made the offering at the previous gala. Besides, we were still ways away from sunrise. 

I wish she didn’t doubt herself like that, nor that she’d hide within herself whenever she was troubled. 

I have been trying to make sure that she knows that she could confide in me whenever she needed to and it’s worked somewhat, but still. I need to try harder, for her sake.

 “You know, your highness. I’ve also experienced similar worries.” I said. 

_____ paused and stared. 

“Well, not exactly like yours— l-let me explain.” I cleared my throat. “I believe that you and I are not so different in some regards. The legacy my forefathers left behind long ago is now left to me to uphold. To strive to be even half the pillars they were requires tremendous amounts of work.”

That’s right. This sense of duty was embedded into my mind since childhood. To keep the Rengoku lineage alive, to have our name continue to bask in honour as it has done now for thousands of years. While my father was away, my mother would tell me and my then baby brother, stories of my father and grandfather and their duties to the kingdom. From the ventures made alongside comrades to the timeless battles fought for the kingdom… It was all fascinating. Over time I began to see my journey towards knighthood more clearly. I’d ask my father to train whenever he was home. There were occasions where I remember catching the slightest hint of hesitation in my father’s eyes.

I don’t think it was that he didn’t believe in me, no, it was more so that he was worried. 

Just as there was a sense of accomplishment on the path to becoming one of the pillars to the crown, there were hardships as well. 

Not returning home being one.

I wanted to assure my family that I had what it took and put my all into my training. So when I signed up and rose the ranks nigh effortlessly, my family was thrilled— I was thrilled. Through the trials I had made friends. They were both my brothers and sisters in arms. We had experienced so much together and with being much younger then, we thought we were unstoppable. 

Until about seven years ago.

There was an attack on three of the western outposts. Treasure hoarders. Supposedly, an informant had told them there were goods not yet transported further into the kingdom to be found there if they’d look. Their operation was intricate, reasonably thought out. Prior to making their assault, they knocked out most of the patrol guards if not killing them. 

After having caught light of the situation at the western border, we made haste. Though it happened so long ago, I remember the chain of events like it had occurred moments ago. Chaos. A spiralling storm of flame, bloodshed and death. Before the mania of it all, someone failed to inform us of something. There had been a third party. Lingering in the shadows, they took advantage of the distraction and went in search of the item. So not only did we lose most of our siblings in arms, we failed to keep the treasured goods safe. 

Something my father told me plagued my mind weeks after the incident. 

“Your friends… who laughed and drank with you the day before— are likely to end up dead the next.”

The incident brought about questions that I hadn’t thought about during my youth. I realised that my father was right. This line of work has no shortage of loss and mourning, and only those who could endure it all would be given the title of pillar. 

“I see… I’m sorry you had to experience that while so young, Kyojuro.” _____ said. Her eyes flickered away. “It must’ve been horrible…”

Earnesty dwelled in the princess’s voice, spreading its warmth around the confines of my heart.

“I decided to tell you that story because I wanted you to know that we are both bound by duty and we share instances where we wonder if we’re good enough, if we could ever hold a candle to those who came before us.”

_______ hummed. No larger than a wind spirit, a tune sent away to lands unknown. Warmth continued to radiate from her a smile replacing the threat of tears.

“Over time,” I continued. “I had to learn to trust in myself and in my abilities just as much as the loved ones who supported me did. What I thought of as flaws were just unique traits that required nurturing, so don’t sell yourself short. You’re far more capable than you know! Look at what you’ve done so far? Why do you choose to forget what amazing things you’ve done already?”

Perhaps this was inappropriate, but in the moment it didn’t seem to matter. 

I held ____’s hands. Not particularly surprised at how much smaller and softer they felt in mine. Music from the festivities slithered in through window panes, its melody feathery and light due to our distance from its source.

“Would… you like to dance, your highness?” 

The princess’ smile faltered a little, her gaze scurrying away to a shrub growing not far from where we stood. “Ah, I’m not sure about that, apologies for my humming. That might have given me away.”

“I don’t see the need for apologies! Surely, you know how to dance, no?”

______ giggled, raising her hand to my shoulder. “Well, my good knight, I’ll have you know that I have two left feet, so this dance won’t be as gracious as you think it will be.”

I grinned. “Ah, well, your highness I’ll have you know that I have two right feet, so I think we’ll balance each other perfectly.”

“Didn’t you mention that you were taught when you were young?” 

“Well, yes— but never mind that!”

“Mhm... right, right.”

Our fingers intertwined, my other hand cupped the princess’s clothed waist. There was a moment’s pause before I began leading our dance. My movements were slow at first, deliberate so I could get a gauge on her highness’ skill for dance. The tender flow of music effortlessly took us both.  _______’s eyes remained fixed on her feet, following my movements with utmost focus. It was difficult to hold back a chuckle.

Another endearing quality to her highness.

Together we made our way around the conservatory, twirling around the display of lush flora the royal family has preserved for centuries. Our bodies rocked in toe with the music, under a floral arch, then another and another. In time, the princess gained confidence in her movements and lifted her gaze. Mesmerising is the way I’d describe them. Enamoring me the way gold and jewels would capture and enchant a covetous dragon. Enticing it with its glow to never let it out of its sight. 

Why… am I having such thoughts?

She is to be queen one day and I am her guard. I shouldn’t be thinking about her gaze, or her star lit smile or her touch. 

She’d far… far sooner be interested in another man of similar calibre and love him.

Yes... that’s right. 

She should love a man deserving of her grace. Someone who’d keep her safe, adore her oddities, make her laugh…

She… shouldn’t settle for anything less.

Sharpness of a pointed object punctured my lungs, carving a bloody path to my heart. A dragged exhale left me, my lips rolled inward only to spill out a small chuckle moments later to _____’s  playful antics. 

I musn’t crack— not in front of her.

“Oh my, Kyojuro look! T-the goddesses! They’ve responded!” ______ squealed, elation enveloping her every feature. 

When my gaze reached the sky there they were— the approval of the gods. Streaks of seafoam and coral coloured light paved the inky skies. Curving and bending like rivers of magic, winding their way into my soul and granting me with a sense of peace that was unfamiliar to me. The pace of my heart quickened when I finally took my gaze from the skies and gazed over at my lady. I was glad that her attention was fixated on the light display in the sky because I was sure that the warmth in my cheeks was probably bright enough to compete with it.

“I… did it. Didn’t I?” She finally spoke.

“Yes your highness, you did.” I said, offering her a smile. “You should be proud—”

Before I could finish, _____ leapt into my arms, coiling her arms around my neck while burying her face at its juncture. I could feel her smile on my skin. For a moment I stood motionless, my hands at my sides before I steadily guided them to her waist to hold her.

Must she make this so pain-stakingly difficult?

“M-my lady, please. I understand you’re happy, but you surprised me….” I gulped, my hands descended ever so slightly. “You shouldn’t jump into people’s arms like that!”

Supposedly amused, _____ chuckled, whispering a candy laced apology to my tender warm ears, effortlessly lodging all of my muscles into place. 

I don’t know how much longer I can take this.

“B-but as I was saying,” I continued. “I believe you should be proud of yourself and your efforts. Clearly, your worry was misplaced.” 

_____ pulled finally away from me. Regret stirred in my stomach as she parted from me, but I quickly squashed it. 

“Yes… perhaps it was.” She began, her face now filled with ease. “Do you hear it, Kyojuro?”

“Hear what, my lady?”

“The citizens, for one.” _____ smiled, placing her hand on her heart. “Their happiness makes me happy. But if you listen close, you’ll hear something else. A melody— different from the one at the ball, playing just for the two of us.

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❀ 𝔸𝕟 𝕠𝕝𝕕 𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕖 ⚘ ꕤ 𝕀𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖 ⚘ ❁ 𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕠𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕟

[sebstan2020]

The Sharpest Lies

Chapter 12

Pairings: Max Burnett x Original Female Character

Summary: Violet was an expert. She could pick em, play em and win em. She was taught by the best. Conning was an art to her and she had a taste for it. But when she comes to visit her father and his new partner, she aims for the biggest mark she's ever seen.

Warnings: Underage in the past, Controlling, Dom/Sub, Light BDSM, Daddy Issues, Mentions of medical conditions, Con Artists, Daddy Kink

Violet shuffled inside the tall building, her shoes scuffing on the polished white floor. You could tell the building was made of money, with stone-marbled countertops and black leather sofas dotted around. It was certainly an office made for Manhattan. She was dressed in a pair of mom jeans, a white top and a hoodie, resorting back to her skint girl act, with messy hair and a natural face. As much as she didn’t want to see Madeline again, she was so close, they were so close. After this, she’d be swimming in the cash they earned from this mark. Besides, she was doing it all for Max. She couldn’t help the smirk that appear on her face as she reminisced about this morning.

She reached the front desk, notifying the rather snobby receptionist that she was there. Her meeting with Madeline was hopefully going to be a short one. She couldn’t bare to sit there and have girly chit-chat. Waiting in the elevator, leaning against the wall with her hands shoved in her pockets, she waited until the doors pinged open, revealing the top floor of the office. It was quiet and clean, the fresh scent of linen and vanilla flooding the halls. Her sneakers squeaked against the floor as she purposely dragged them, hoping to leave a mark or some sort and took a seat in one of the leather chairs.

A girl was sitting at a desk, her eyes narrowed and brows furrowed as she spotted Violet and she stood, calling out over the desk.

“Can I help you?” She asked, strutting around the desk with her heels and tight dress and hair done in a tight bun.

“Oh, I’m here to see Madeline,” Violet said and the girl glared.

“Do you have an appointment” she sassed, placing her hands on her hips.

“Yeah, I already told the desk” Violet snapped back.

“And your name?”

“Violet, she’s expecting me” Violet glared and the girl stormed to the large wooden doors, knocking loudly before entering in and slamming the door. Violet scoffed, rolling her eyes. Privileged asshole. Perhaps she could be a victim. Violet thought about sneaking over to the desk and taking what money she had in her bag but she was supposed to be apologetic and give off a changed good girl vibe, not causing more trouble for herself. Besides, Max would be furious if she blew this whole thing.

The girl walked back out, leaving the door open and didn’t say a word, just walked past with a sway of her hips and a glare from her eyes. Seconds later Madeline came out, smiling softly. She was dressed in a black suit with a white blouse underneath, her hair straight and light makeup. Gold jewellery adorned her wrists and fingers and the rich smell of Chanel could be smelt from the whole waiting area.

“Hi Violet, come on in” She nodded to her office, not before glancing at the receptionist and Violet stood, smirking and almost wanting to flip off the snobby girl. The door shut and it was just the two of them.

“Thanks for coming” she smiled.

“She’s cheerful” Violet nodded outside the office and Madeline chuckled.

“Oh Cindy, you’ll get used to her, she’s a fiery girl” more like a snob. Violet padded over softly, sitting down in one of the chairs across from the desk, her shoulders hunching and knees pressing together.

“I wanted to apologise about Saturday night, I shouldn’t have behaved like that and I had no right to use your penthouse like that,” she said with a small voice, her submissive nature coming into full play. Madeline wasn’t expecting it but it was a relief to hear.

“Thank you, I appreciate that” An awkward silence took over and Madeline stood from the desk, coming over to sit in one of the seats beside her. She didn’t want this to be like a formal meeting she’d have with clients and other business partners. This was her boyfriend's daughter she was speaking to and if she wanted her to like her anymore, acting like she was one of her employees wasn’t going to achieve that.

“Look, I think we hit it off on the wrong foot. I know I’ve said this before but I’m not trying to be your stepmother or anything. You’re Max’s daughter and I want to have a good relationship with you. I know you’ve been struggling with jobs and finding the right career and I was thinking about it ever since we went shopping. You’re amazing at fashion and style and figures and you would be great in that industry”.

Violet smiled, glancing down to the floor, acting all shy.

“And I was talking to your father about this and I want to help you, to give you a great opportunity to find a job that suits you so I was thinking you could start your own business. A fashion one” Violet’s head perked up, looking with furrowed brows at Madeline.

“My own business?”.

“Yeah, you’re great with fashion and you said you did it at school, why not use that to your advantage? You can start your own business making dresses, skirts, t-shirts, jumpsuits, anything and sell them, and then in the future open your store, maybe even become a designer brand” Madeline beamed, a smile dotted on her face.

“But I don’t have the money for that-“.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll give you the money to start up, and use that to get all the products, website, and shipping”.

Violet stared at Madeline for a moment, eyes wide with surprise and shock.

“Are you sure, it seems like a lot and after the way I’ve been towards you, are you sure you want to help me?” She said and Madeline nodded.

“Yes, at the end of the day you are family and I know it will make your father happy as well… and of course you can stay with us until you find somewhere, as long as you like” She smiled and Violet hummed, offering a small smile back.

“Thank you, Madeline”.

Madeline grinned, standing up with excitement and rolled around to her desk.

“So, I’ll give you 1 million dollars to start up, whatever you need to buy, just get it. I know a few places you can use for a warehouse as well and I know some great suppliers for equipment and fabrics” Madeline pulled out a chequebook, ready to write it off when Violet stood abruptly.

“Actually, can I have it in cash,” she asked and Madeline looked up stunned.

“It’s just I have a few different accounts and I want to divide it into those, I have some savings so I’ll add that in” The awkward silence came back and Violet’s stomach began to tighten nervously. She hadn’t felt this nervous since the day she’d been caught by the police after she stole Max’s wallet. But when Madeline’s face relaxed, so did Violet and she tore up the check.

“Sure, it’s your business, plus it's easier to make bank transfers, come on, we’ll go to the bank together” Madeline grabbed her coat from the hook and yanked the office door open, calling over to Cindy.

“We’re just going to the bank, be back in ten” Violet smirked as she followed behind like a puppy, looking over to Cindy with a deadly grin who looked at her uneasily.

Violet grinned to herself as she walked down the sidewalk of New York. A large duffel bag in her hand, hips swaying and hair bouncing. She didn’t give a care to anyone else walking by, she was in her own little world. Anyone walking by would think there were clothes in the duffle or a gym kit. No one would suspect there was a million dollars, in cash, right in her hand.

Smiling as she pushed the button for her floor, she hummed to herself, filled with giddiness and the urge to jump for joy. She done it, she fucking done. She thought at the risk of asking for cash it would be all over but it went just as she hoped. Swaggering out into the hallway, she reached her apartment, rushing inside, slamming the door and throwing the duffle on the coffee table. Throwing the old hoodie across the room, she licked her lips as she opened the duffle, the beautiful sight of all that green cash staring back at her, sending erotic tingles through her body, the smell of freshly cut bills filling her senses. Violet grinned, screaming in excitement, jumping up and down for joy. Oh, how she wanted to throw all that money in the air, roll around in it, feel it on her skin like some toxic drug.

But the sound of the door opening caught her attention and she turned abruptly, her face softening a bit but immediately turning back to the stupid grin she had on seconds before. Max sauntered in, throwing his long coat on the kitchen counter, dressed in his suit still from earlier, the rich scent of his cologne adding to her high.

Violet bit her bottom lip in a sexy fashion, slowly padding over to him, hips swaying as he did the same. When they were just inches apart, she squealed in delight, throwing her arms around him as he caught her, pressing their foreheads together and kissing hard and passionately. When they pulled back, she stared into his bright ocean-blue eyes, grinning like a schoolgirl.

“We did it” she whispered and Max took her chin in his thumb, smirking.

“You did it” he whispered back and she blushed. His praise sent more tingles down her body, to her aching pussy that she silently begged to be touched despite him pleasuring her this morning, feeling every inch of her body. The marks were still there and her pussy pulsed just thinking about them. Max caught her lips again, kissing deeply, moaning softly and when he pulled away, he pressed a kiss to her forehead before zooming over to the duffle bag of money. His grin grew deeper as he looked in the bag, pulling out a few wads and glanced at Violet who was in awe of it all.

“Look at that, 1 million fucking dollars, and it’s all ours” he posted, flapping the wads and Violet grinned.

“I told you I’d get what you want” she squeaked like a little schoolgirl, holding her hands behind her back as if she had been naughty.

“I know because you’re my good girl,” he said with a husky voice. He slapped the bills on the coffee table before padding back over to her and reaching into his pocket.

“And I got you something” he murmured, pulling out a sleek black box. Violet got even more giddy, trying to contain herself as he handed the leather box to her. She glanced up with wide eyes, completely not expecting this and snapped it open, her body freezing and mouth dropping open.

It was stunning. A beautiful silver chain with a small diamond hanging in the shape of a teardrop. She hadn’t expected this at all.

“Max” she whispered and looked up at him as he smirked.

“Do you like it” She nodded as quickly as she could, holding out her wrist as he took the box and gently took the bracelet out, wrapping it around her wrist. It fitted perfectly and had some weight to it. The diamond was beautiful and shined under the lights.

“I love it… thank you Daddy” she whispered, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him. Max chuckled, cupping her face and biting her lip, dragging it out just to hear her moan.

“Anything for my girl” he whispered back, eyes bright and bold. In a heated moment of kisses and moans, clothes flying across the room, he pushed Violet against the couch, letting her fall and climbed on top of her, hands creeping over her body, touching every sensitive inch of her begging to be touched.

“Oh please” she begged, hands running through his soft locks as he places kisses down her stomach, lips dragging to her bikini line and gently over her pussy, latching on like a baby at its mother's teet. Violet moaned at the top of her lungs, not caring if anyone heard, not that they could but at the volume of her moans she wouldn’t be surprised. Max flicked his tongue on her pussy, kissing and sucking at her wet clit, folding his tongue in her hole. She was warm and sweet and salty and Violet was shaking with pleasure. Her freshly waxed pussy was smooth to the touch and the tingles intensified as her orgasm wasn’t far off. Max gripped her hands in his, holding them back as he tortured her with his tongue, looking up possessively now and then. His teeth grazed her skin, earning flinches from the intense pleasure.

“Oh please Sir” she groaned, the pleasure taking over like a drug and clouding her mind.

“What do you want?” He teased and she groaned, her legs shaking, toes curling and head rolling into the couch.

“Please I want to cum” she begged. She wasn’t going to be able to hold it for much longer. But she knew she couldn’t come without his permission. Max continued to tease and torture her, smirking against her pussy and dragging his teeth along the sensitive clit. Violet groaned harder, sweat dripping down her forehead and hands crushing his fingers.

“Oh please” she pleaded once more.

“You can cum” he ordered against her pussy, never letting his tongue stop and she released, her juices spilling it and being licked up immediately, the pleasurable tingles taking over and her body feeling like it was falling into the couch. She moaned at the top of her lungs, sweet thank you’s pouring out and deep breaths. What a way to celebrate a million-dollar mark.

Chapter 13

Hey so I hope you like it, let me know what you think in the comments

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[tomboyjessie13]

Dining Hall's Bar, DIO's Mansion November 10, 1988 - Afternoon

Medea was sorting the bottles at the Bar and cleaning glasses when she sees Mariah and Midler coming into the room.

Mariah: Heeey, I heard someone has a 19th birthday.

Midler: Happy Birthday, Med! ^3^

Medea: Aww, you guys are sweet, but I think I'm gonna just blow it off this year.

Midler: *Pouting* Awww, why?

Medea: *Points at the bar* HELLO? I got work to do today, *cleans glass* and Enyaba would never let me hear the end of it if I shirk it.

Mariah: Oh boo, that old hag is a buzzkill. >3>

Medea: Tell me about it, but don't let her hear you say that unless you wanna be on the business end of [Justice]. *Cleans another glass, making a sad face* Besides, even if I'm free today, it feels lonely having a birthday without Jason, we used to always celebrate each others' before he...

Mariah: Oh you're still fretting over that jerk? You did well before you met him, right?

Medea: Yeah?

Mariah: Then why are you insisting on worrying about it? You can still have a great day without him!

Midler: Yeah!

Medea: *Smirks* Heh, I guess you're right, I don't need him to ruin my day. But even so, I still can't leave my post. *Sees Kenny G coming out of his hiding place next to the bar* Huh?

Kenny G: *Walks to the bar* Afternoon, ladies.

Midler: Hey Kenny~

Mariah: Hey Sweety~*

Medea: Oh hey, G, what up?

Kenny G: *Gives her a black box with a red ribbon on it* I came to drop off this present for you, someone left it in your room.

Medea: Really? *Takes it* Who left it?

Kenny G: Couldn't see, it was too dark. But judging by the large physique it would have to be Master DIO.

Medea: Well yeah he's has the freaking body of Hercules. Anyway, thanks G. *Gives him the up-down fist bump*

Kenny G: No problem. *Goes back to hide*

Mariah: Hooh, a present from Master DIO?~

Medea: Pffft, as if, he's not that nice. *Sees note* Huh, G missed the note. *Reads note* "To Medea: This is for you, you deserve a little treat for all the services you've done under my ruling, I like to see you in this tonight at 7~ - DIO, P.S. Don't worry about Enyaba, I sent her away so we can go out uninterrupted~"-*blushing*-Oh-my-god-it-is-him o///o

Mariah and Midler: Ooooooooooo~

Midler: *Excited* What did he get you? What did he get you?

Medea: I'm getting to it. *Starts untying the ribbon* I want to know what he meant by "seeing me in this" anyways. *Opens it* .......... *stunned* Cac naofa(Irish: Holy shit).

Mariah: Hm?

Midler: What is it?

Medea: *Takes out a short plum colored dress with long sleeves and blue-violet pumps* It's a evening dress.

Midler and Mariah: *Squealing*

Midler: Oh your so lucky! You get to go on a date with him!

Medea: *Cringes as [Flogging Molly] set the letter on fire behind her* Bitch, that's the LAST thing I want! I told him to keep our affair private so I wouldn't attract unwanted attention from the other Agents!... Especially Vanilla Ice.

Midler: Oh come on, I'm sure Master DIO wouldn't let it happen! Especially since I heard he has a powerful Stand on him~

Medea: *Cringes again, remembering what [The World] looked like and what it's capable of* I was afraid you'd say that.

Mariah: I'll do the make up! ^o^

Medea gets one hell of a surprise from DIO on her 19th birthday.

*This is small foreshadowing to Mariah's and Kenny's relationship in CDDH lol

[mendesficsxbombay]

your boyfriend is...(II)| s.m

part 1 here

I had received requests for a part two of this fic which happens to be the most loved one so far so here you go! I hope you like it!

He sees white. 

There’s white sand, he thinks it’s sand, and curtains billowing over it. He sees a large wooden cabana, steps leading up to it, the steps are white, the pillars are white. He hears the sound of water somewhere. 

Turning around, he sees waves crashing into the sand, can water be white? The sunset is almost as beautiful as the day he saw her the first time, splatters of pink and violet and orange. The sky is the only pop of colour he thought he needed. 

There’s a carpet leading up to the cabana, white, of course, and large vases lined along it, there are white flowers - petunia, daisy, wisteria, large streams of flowers hanging from the ceiling of the cabana. He sees his friends dressed in white suits, his dad in a white tux, too and he smiles thinking of how perfect it all looks. His mother stands with her mother, both wearing white flowers in their hair, it looks beautiful on them. A hand touches his back, and he knows it’s her. 

He turns around to take her in his arms, he could look at her forever. Glowing, flushed and smiling up at him. He leans down to kiss her but she pulls away, “Wake up, baby.”

“Huh?”

“Wake up, Shawn it’s 9 and you have to be in the studio in an hour.”

He sees white again, but this time it’s the comforter wrapped around him, it’s her silk dress shirt and the headband she chose for the day, it’s her laptop case she is currently packing away and the large photo frame behind her, holding a photo of theirs. 

“What?”

“Wow, you did sleep well, huh? It’s Tuesday, babe you need to be at the studio at 10 and you asked me to wake you up before I leave.”

He checks for the rings on her hands, just the set of gold bands she always wore. Huh. She must’ve taken off the ones he gave her. 

“I don’t know what time I’ll be back today so please don’t forget your keys, actually you know what I’ll just,” she links his house keys with his car keys, “there, now you won’t forget it.”

Pleased with herself she walks over to him again, she kisses him lightly on the cheek, mindful of the deep marsala shade of lipstick she is wearing, “I love you, have the best day at work,” she pulls away smiling. 

“Babe, where’s your ring?”

She looks at him in confusion - “What ring?”

“You know, the ring?” 

She looks down at her hands in confusion - what ring? Oh, wait, he’s probably asking about my mom’s ring, she thinks to herself. What a thoughtful boy. 

“Oh, that’s tucked away in our closet, don’t worry. I gotta leave now, bye bubs!”

And she’s gone. It looked like a flash of white, his mind still hazy. Was it because he got high before sleeping last night? That couldn’t be it, right? 

He sighs while moving sluggishly to sit up, rubbing his eyes and willing the sleep to go away. He slept for over 10 hours and still felt exhausted, it worried him to think about what it would be like when he they actually get down to planning the wedding - god forbid that coincides with planning for his tour. How would he do it all? It seemed impossible, he should’ve proposed a long, long time ago, should’ve done it as soon as the last tour got over, no wait he should have proposed in the middle of his tour, and got married as soon as tour got over. Then they would already be married right now and she would wear the ring all the time. He’s just stupid thats all he is, really. 

He pulls himself over the side of the bed, laying his feet into the plush white, faux fur carpet she insisted on getting when they moved in. The carpet was one of the better decisions she had made and he silently thanked her each time he walked over it. We should have carpets like this at the wedding. 

In no time he was carried away with thoughts about the wedding again, the location, the invitations, her outfits, his outfits, the honeymoon, but the dull vibrations of his phone on the nightstand pulled him to reality. It was her. 

“Hi baby”

“Did you shower yet?”

“…No.”

“You are going to be so late, please go shower, please.”

She acted like such a wife already. The wife of his dreamiest dreams. “Yes ma’am,” he grinned into the phone, getting out of bed and heading to their en suite. 

_______________________________ 

He pulls himself up to the door after yet another strenuous day at the studio. He had to FaceTime his label executives in New York and LA, scheduling meetings for the coming week and still having to figure a way to finish the day’s task list. He unlocks the door and steps inside, a dull headache working its way in. Shawn toes his shoes off and lightly kicks them in line with hers to make them look neat and finally walks into their living room. 

She’s cuddled into the blanket they thew over the couch for times when they needed a binge watch, her hair pulled into a loose braid and glasses perched on her nose. She notices him walk in slowly, pulls the blanket off herself, getting covered by him instead. Smiling to herself she pulls the blanket over both of them again, her hands weaving through his curls softly, aware of how many times he must’ve tugged and ran his hands through it during the day. 

“How was it today?” She asks, careful of how soft she spoke. 

He mumbles something along the lines of being tired and getting 3 songs finished and having ideas for a few more. He moves on top of her, turning his head and adjusting himself so he could face outwards, lightly taking in her post shower scent. Vanilla and roses. Roses remind him of the floral arrangement for their wedding again. He figures he should let her decide this bit. 

“What do you think about wisteria and white roses for the wedding?” He mumbles, she only gets the names of the flowers, nothing else. 

“As flowers? I think they’re great! There’s dinner in the kitchen, I can heat it up if you want.”

“I’m thinking of lots and lots of wisteria, what an underrated plant…”

“baby did you smoke up again? I hope you didn’t drive in this condition.”

“No I didn’t, why’d you ask that?” He’s so sleepy he can barely get the words out but she hears him, shushes him because if he gets worked up now he won’t be falling asleep anytime soon. 

“Okay I’m sorry, but do you want food right now though? Or do you want to wake up in the middle of the night again when you’re hungry?”

“Cocoa.”

“What?”

“I want cocoa.”

“It’s kinda hot to be drinking cocoa, bud.”

“Turn up the cooling then, and please make me some cocoa, I love you.”

She had to bite back a laugh. Sleepy Shawn wasn’t too far off from Drunk Shawn except when he was sleepy he liked the quiet, and when he was drunk he absolutely needed to scream everything, all wide eyed and overly gesticulative. She had her fair share of experience with both, and asking for hot chocolate the way her mum makes it was basically code for exhaustion like he hadn’t felt in a while. She slowly picked both of them up from the comforts of the couch and led him into the kitchen. She welcomed the feeling of cold marble under her feet, like she said it was summer and her snacks usually included ice creams and popsicles these days. 

He sat himself by the kitchen island, propping his head on his hands and watching her putter around putting together his favourite drink, her body nearly working on out pilot when she mixed the cocoa powder and brown sugar, he’s convinced she could make it with her eyes closed. 

“baby,” he called out, still just as soft, he didn’t have the energy for anything more than a whisper now. She hummed in response, not paying much mind, because he often called out to her out of habit, not purpose. 

“Listen, please,” he pouted because she hadn’t turned around to see him yet. 

“I’m listening, baby.”

“We should have cocoa at the wedding.”

“What?”

“I said, we should ha-”

“No, I heard you but hot chocolate isn’t exactly a wedding drink, I’ve never had it at a wedding?”

“Who cares about others? It could be our wedding drink.”

She felt a spark of heat starting in her chest and working towards her cheeks. Our wedding? She loved how casually he spoke about their future, like it wasn’t something he had to give too much of a thought to - it’s just a thing that’s meant to happen. She silently crushed some pieces of chocolate onto both their mugs as a topping, they weren’t the biggest fans of cream of any sort in their drinks and thought of how she would never want them to change, and how there’s no one else she’d rather make cocoa for at midnight on a Thursday. 

He was the purest person she had had the pleasure of knowing in her life, barely any malice and a heart full of respect and love for anyone that came across him. It hadn’t been easy, loving him, she’d been burned before and who’s to say he wouldn’t do the same to her? But now that she thought of the years they’d spent together and the moments they created in this very house and multiple places across the world, she wouldn’t mind being burned again if it meant she still got to keep him. Forgiveness didn’t come easy but with him it came like second nature. 

She turned around to place both their mugs on the island letting out a silent laugh at the image of her very tall, very lanky boyfriend passed out on the platform, head supported by both his arms. She wished the album would wrap up soon, the creative process had really taken a toll on him and he looked more and more worn out everyday. As much as it was his job, it was her job to look out for him too.  

Softly running her hand over his hunched back on her way out, she picked up his phone from where they it on the couch. Swiping it open, she pulled up his group chat with the writers and producers he was currently working with, shooting them a text that he wasn’t feeling too well and they should hold off recording for the next 2 days. 

Feeling accomplished, she looked back at where he was now snoring on the counter, she thought of if and when he would choose to slow down his career if they wished to be married. Maybe it was too early for her to be thinking so, hell, they hadn’t even proposed to each other yet. And if and when a wedding successfully goes through, they would still have a whole life ahead of themselves to plan things. To date, he’d gone above and beyond to make sure she was alright with the pace at which he was moving, and where they stood as a couple and just making sure that she was okay, and she knew for sure that he would continue doing the same for as long as they were together, it’s just a part of who he was, especially around her. 

She walked over to him, gently prodding him awake and watching him chug down the hot chocolate like his life depended on it. She smiled the whole time they went back to their room and finished their night routines and snuggled up in bed. If this was what the rest of her life looked like, she wouldn’t even mind running at the same pace as him. 

__________________

He has a Pinterest board dedicated to their wedding. They’re nearing the end of his fourth studio album fast, and each time they take a break he is glued to his phone and Saving and Moodboarding things for the ceremony. Teddy warned him that if he asked her to pick between an arched altar and a slightly more arched altar, she would leak his album. It’s not her fault they all look the same no matter how much he wanted to fight her on it. 

He’s currently swiping through decor options for their afterparty when he sees it. He’s not sure what a dress is doing in the middle of photos of rounded tables and helium balloons but he swears his mouth goes dry thinking of her in that dress. It’s a vision in gold, intricate embroidery on the sleeveless bustier, two tuck lines running down the front and a cinched waist that flairs out into the most beautiful ball gown he’s seen till date. And he’s seen a lot of them, he has a board to show for it. 

He takes a screenshot and sends it to her. 

From Shawn: Hi, I hope you’re having a good day at work so far, I saw this dress and I think it’d be perfect for the afterparty (attachment: 1 image)

Halfway across the city, she was on her break at work, deep in conversation with Tiffany, yes Shawn’s stylist Tiffany, about outfit choices for the GRAMMYs in the coming few days. Shawn wasn’t performing this year, so it wasn’t as stressful of a time as it would’ve otherwise been. She had shortlisted 2 outfits with Tiff earlier, now wondering if she even needed 2. Tiffany said she’d need an hour or so to figure how she could layer her evening gown and then use the same for the afterparty, she hated having to go back and change even if Shawn wanted to.    

She was about to resume work when a notification lit up her phone.  Reading Shawn’s texts, she paused in confusion, wondering why he was sending her dress recommendations when she was already talking to Tiffany. Tapping on the link anyway, she is led to an ethereal gown, the kind that she’s convinced only exist online and not in real life. She may have even let out a blissed out sigh, the aesthetic experience running sparks through her heart and mind, imagining herself in a dress so god sent, but where would she wear it? 

The realisation cuts her supply of serotonin real quick, reminding her that absolutely no occasion she had been invited to thus far was worth an outfit like that. 

To Shawn: Hi baby, I miss your face, only 4 hours till I see you! 

  very pretty dress. where would I wear it?

Meanwhile he’d returned to piecing random chords on his guitar together. Shawn perked up to see her reply. He quickly held his pick between his lips, picking his phone up to text back. 

From Shawn: afterparty??

also 

4 hours 2 go. . see u soon 

* see you at home 

❤️

Why would she wear something so good to a GRAMMY afterparty? Like yes, don’t get her wrong, they’re important and all, but just like Bong Joon-Ho believed the Oscars were very local, she thought the GRAMMYs had limited taste when it came to artists. Yes, the world would be watching, and this would be her first ever appearance with him as his girlfriend but she didn’t want to stress herself over how she looked or acted. The show hadn’t awarded her man’s album with the recognition it deserved, she hadn’t forgotten. And so, she was treating the GRAMMYs like no big deal, just a slightly big deal. 

She wanted the night to be about him. Even if it would be their first time on a red carpet together, she would not be stealing his spotlight in any way, thank you very much. And if that meant rejecting this gorgeous gown that would make her look like a bronzed angel that descended straight from heaven, then so be it. 

She looked around her office, people returning to their desks from all over, lunch time coming to a close and her time to get back to work coming closer, she needed to tell him why the dress was not happening when Tiffany finally texts her back. 

Dress is sorted. Sending you photos once I put it together, found a way to only give you one outfit for the night :) 

The smile growing across her face should be worrying, really. She messages a quick thank you, you’re the best, Tiff!!! before opening up her chat with Shawn. 

Afterparty dress is taken care of bubs, nothing to worry xx

See you at home 😘

______________________________

When Shawn calls her giddy and breathless, she drops all her work immediately. 

The album, baby it’s done! We just cut the final- yeah it’s my girlfriend hold on- baby we just cut the final song I needed and it’s over just - no we’ll all go out in a few days, yeah? I just really need to be home with her tonight, thanks man, yeah so I was saying, it’s done I’m wrapping up and I’m coming home, jaan. I love you.

 Her good credit in her company allowed her to immediately intercom her boss and say there’s a family emergency, nothing too serious but she needed to head home right away. On the way she picks up whatever she can remember she needs for their meal, a bottle of Cliquot, Rosé, of course, a few slices of his favourite cheesecake and a bouquet of fresh flowers - a colourful mixture Carnations and Lillies and she smiles just thinking about a bouquet so similar given to her when he asked her to be his. 

It’s not until she’s back to the house does she realise that he passed up on drinks with his music friends (yes she does still call them that) for an immediate post album celebration and chose to spend the night in with her. God, could he get anymore perfect. Tonight felt like the night, the night, and if she did manage to pull through with the plan she put together in the short 20 minute drive, it would definitely be a night to remember. 

Entering their home she gets to work quickly, setting the flowers up on their dining table and stowing away the champagne and cheesecake in the refrigerator to cool down. She doesn’t know exactly how much time she has till he gets home, and the dish she felt most prepared to make was Pesto Chicken, having the side dishes in mind already, and body working on auto pilot from there on. 

While her meal bakes in the oven she brings out the fine China, determined to make the real thing look and feel as perfect as the image in her mind. Once the table is set up she moves around the couches in the living room for when they will inevitably end up there to watch something, anything, to end their night, or continue their night, if you know what I mean. 

As she’s fluffing out her blanket next to his, the lights running low and candles lit all over the place, he unlocks the door to let himself in. The smell of a slow roast hits him before anything else, his eyes running over the place to see her as soon as they could. 

She hears him come in before she sees him, hears the sound of his keys jingling and the soft pad of him taking his trainers off. She whips around and practically flies across the room into his arms. He’s more prepared, though, immediately swinging her up and spinning her around laughing freely as she squealed incoherence into his neck. Once he hoisted her up and round his waist he finally grabbed her face to kiss her like she deserved. She hummed into his mouth, wrapping herself around him tighter and finally getting a taste of what she missed these last few days. He smelled like cinnamon and tasted like happiness and love and warmth and she couldn’t seem to get enough. 

In a bit he sets her back on her feet but refuses to pull away from her. She’s giggling against his lips about dinner and a celebration and he’s never felt more loved. He does still manage to keep her in place and kiss her a bit longer, though, and she lets him because it’s what he deserves. 

When she asks why he did not go out with the boys tonight he just shrugs. She offers for him to meet them wherever they are after dinner he just says no again. When she asks why, he says the album they just finished was about her and he needed to spend this night with his muse because it was the only thing that felt right. She was too giddy to bother arguing back. 

She’s already set the table, ready to bring out the food when he shyly asks her if they can go change into their pyjamas. When she says yes and is about to run up to their room to change, he further asks if they can sit on their living room floor instead of their dining table. A small voice in her head reminds her of the time they made out on his living room floor the first time she came over and got drunk. Nothing else had happened that night, and he initially refused to even kiss her for fear of taking advantage of their sobriety or the lack thereof but she convinced him that it would be compensation. In retrospect, she’s thankful that they didn’t take things further because that was definitely a night to remember, the memory still makes her blush. 

When he goes to freshen up in their washroom, she’s changing into her fluffiest pair of pyjamas and an old t-shirt of his. Her pyjamas thankfully came with pockets, and she quickly went over to her vanity and stuffed a tiny packet in. She’d had it for nearly two months now, but tonight was it. 

When they go back down and stuff their faces with chicken, the best in all of North America, babe, as he says, she keeps looking over at him. He finally looks relaxed after months, he’d been frustrated trying to write new songs on the road and when he thought he had things figured out, he jumped straight into the studio to bring them to life. Essentially, he hadn’t given himself a break, which had led to a fight between the two of them. She’d been patient and tried to talk things out so as to not resort to a screaming match, but he refused to listen. Probably the Leo in him. 

The most she could convince him to do was be home before 1 AM. His girlfriend imposed a curfew on him, and he darn well follow it if he still wanted to have a girlfriend. 

Seeing him eat his meal while happily chatting about his day, she kept thinking of how perfect her life felt at the minute. When they popped champagne and he insisted they drink straight from the bottle, she thought of the few flaws of his she’d learned over the years and how she could bear to romanticise them if it meant she got to keep him forever. She couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather be sat with on her living room floor, tipsy off the bubbly and munching on fresh cheesecake, stealing kisses in between. It felt right. 

He looked away from her to check his phone, text his friends back and she sets her phone on the closest console table to record the moment. Crawling back to him, she takes his fork and plate out of his hands and he smirks thinking she’s about to have the first round of the night right there. 

“Starting already, then?” He mumbles as he leans in to kiss up her neck when she scoffs and pushes him away lightly. “chill, horndog, I need to talk to you about something.”

He immediately straightens up, bracing himself for whatever is about to come. She runs her hand through his hair while his eyes cross the length of the room, knowing she sometimes needs a minute to collect her thoughts. When she inhales sharply, he knows she’s ready. 

He turns towards her so she knows she has his full attention, their hands intertwined and hanging between them. She purses her lips, sends a prayer up to God and begins.

“So um, the first time we spoke, I thought you were the dreamiest boy I’d ever seen. Um, I still think you are.” His heart warms at her being nervous, knowing she doesn’t have to be around him and tries to ignore the heat in his face. 

“See, we didn’t really know each other did we? So whatever little image I had of yours in my head was based on small talk and your devastatingly good lo- stop smiling, your below average looks, and how you desperately failed at trying to hit on me, but it it was only a matter of time till we got talking more often when you went away for tour - and I think I really appreciate it sometimes that your tours, like, no matter how long or short they are, they give us a chance to talk, you know?”

He’s not sure where this is going. The confusion is visible on his face but she keeps going. It’ll all be worth it. “Other couples don’t get to have that, Shawn. I know they’re always with each other and I know we’d both appreciate more time together when we’re physically together but being away from you makes me… introspect. It makes me want to learn things about you, it makes me want to know you because there’s never enough things to know about you, and the more I know, the more I love.” She moves closer now, cupping his cheeks and he leans into her hands, still confused as ever but letting her take what she needs from him. 

“After you came back from your first full length tour after we got together, I wrote in my journal that I would never take my time with you for granted.” His heart fluttered a little, writing in her journal meant making promises to herself, and she never went back on them. He’d never read any of her journals, he was nosy, yes, but not invasive. He wouldn’t break her trust like that. He also knew she wrote about him, he’d seen her peaking at him while writing, thinking he wouldn’t notice, but he did, he always did. 

“I’d never really had a serious relationship with anyone before you, you knew that. I mean, I just didn’t think I was special enough to hold someone down, or have my person, it just wasn’t plausible, right? And you know how Khalid said I never had someone to call my own, that was me pretty much my whole life, but then you swooped in with your guitar and you wanted to take me to all your favourite places and make me meet your friends and then you wanted to meet mine and by our third month together you started writing songs about me and I couldn’t believe that someone would want to write a song about me you know? Cause like I’m just me? But you did, a-”

“That was a lie.”

“What?”

“I didn’t write about you for the first time in our third month. I only told you that because I didn’t want to come off too strong, we were still pretty new to each other. But the first song I ever wrote about you was after our first date. Well, I started writing it after our first date but it was completed after you so painfully rejected me after the second one. I moped for a week straight, babe, you were pretty heartless.”

She doesn’t speak for a second, she doesn’t know what to say, really. Her speech that she prepared for this occasion was pretty self derogatory, she realised. And now he was throwing her off kilter, making her forget the script in mind.  “You wrote a song about me after the first time you took me out?” 

“Yeah,” he said resting his hand by her neck now and running his thumb over her cheek. His gaze grew softer, “And now I’ve written two whole albums about you. But they don’t feel enough. I don’t think they ever will be, honestly. I could write a thousand songs about you and they wouldn’t do you justice. I love you more than anything, I think I always have.”

And all of a sudden, she’s forgotten everything she wanted to say. She always did think she got lucky with him, she had a loving, caring boyfriend who respected her wishes no matter what and worked hard come hell or high water to make himself better at his art. She thought about how she was a part of his art, she thought about the one time he said that each time she proved to be his muse, the result was somewhat a tribute to their love. How fortunate could they be to have each other? And now, looking at him in the softest sleep shirt he had, a little loopy because of the champagne after a long day of working hard, there’s so much she wants to say. But the words don’t make themselves known, instead she blurts out - “Marry me.”

He smiles lightly, “Okay.”

“No for real, hold on,” she holds his shoulder to lean up, then steadies herself on one knee, pulling out the Carbon Fibre ring that had her heart since the first time she saw it, a solid black with two thin gold lines weaving around it. Her hand is held up between the two of them so he can see the ring, “Shawn Mendes, will you make me the happiest girl in the world, and marry me?”

Holy shit. He hasn’t proposed. 

It finally pieces together in his head. In this midst of finishing the album and planning the next step for his music, he’d forgotten to propose to her. But he swears he remembers doing it - or was it all in his head? He rushes to stand up mumbling no no no to himself and her eyes follow follow him around, her hand lowering as the fear of the worst takes over. No?

At once his head looks upwards, where their room is, and he runs off. She can’t quite grasp what just happened. She flips the ring over in her hand, finding the tiny engraving of their initials on the inside of the 22K band, thinking of the day she was so happy to have found it, and how it was probably for nothing now. Why would he say no?

They’d talked about marriage so openly, he was the one who kept bringing it up - so why run away now? Was he not ready? Or had he changed his mind? Was it too soon? Or too late? Did he not want marriage anymore? She felt tears sting her eyes - did he not want her anymore? That wasn’t possible was it? He literally just told her he loved her - or did he not actually mean it? Why would he say it if he didn’t mean it? Did this mean they were over now?

She looked over to where she had propped up her phone earlier, the video still recording. She had plans of adding this clip into her next video, after their trip to the Portugal next month. She had wanted to record her proposal instead she may have just recorded their breakup, now that would get her some views, huh?

Upstairs, Shawn let out an aha! finally finding the small velvet box that he had stored away carefully - so carefully that he needed to empty out half his drawer to find it again. He bounded down the stairs, screaming BABY THIS WAS WHAT I WAS FORGETTING only to find her kneeling on the floor right where he left her. She looked small and sad, stray tears finding their way down her cheeks. 

“Baby w-what’s wrong?”

She didn’t notice the velvet box in his hand till he kneeled down in front of her. “I thought you said no… I thought you didn’t want this - what’s that, Shawn?”

He claps a hand over his forehead, frustrated with himself for upsetting her so much and so quick. “I just happen to be stupid, babe, I’m sorry, I forgot to propose.” Then he’s flipping open the box, throwing it back to let it land somewhere on the carpet after having taken the diamond ring out. It’s the exact width she likes, the exact cut she likes, and it is so beautiful. 

“How do you forget-”

“But! I am doing it now! I may be stupid but you’re the one who chose to stick by me so that makes two of us! Please marry me?”

“I asked you first.”

“God, yes that’s all I ever wanted, yes yes - a thousand times, love,” he rushes to kiss her, and she smiles into it again, pulling away and slipping the ring onto his finger. 

He’s the one who’s teary eyed now, a wet smile growing bigger and bigger. “It’s so beautiful, doll, I love you.”  She kisses him again, once, twice, she would’ve done more but he pulls away again. “Okay, your turn now - what’s the answer?”

“Hmm… I don’t know I mean you did forget to propose after all…” he stares at her for a second before saying humming and attacking her with tickles. She squeals out falling to the floor in a fit of giggles, trying and failing to fight him off. “Not gonna stop till you say yes, doll.”

He’s laughing, too, clearly enjoying her misery. He hears her let out a breathy little yes while he’s still running his fingers up her sides. “What’s that? Did you hear something? Because I didn’t!”

���Yes, sheesh YES I WILL MARRY YOU, SHAWN! Please stop!” He pulls her up, quickly slipping on the ring and gathering her in his arms, burying his face into her neck, finally crying out freely. Everything felt complete, finally, he couldn’t wait to start this new stage of his life with her. He was going to be a married man soon, nobody pinch him. 

“Wait,” she speaks, pushing him away a bit so she can see his face, “Is this why you kept talking about the wedding? You were talking about our wedding this whole time?”

“Yes, I know I get it I’m forgetful! I guess, I was so caught up in what was happening and what I wanted that I mixed the two.” He sighs, a little hazy after the sharp turn of events in the night. “Wow, I wish we had recorded this, I can’t believe you thought I said no to you, baby who do you think I am?”

“Already one step ahead of you - say hi to the camera!” She grins, pointing to her phone next to them. He lets out an of course you would and she only laughs in response and he decides that he needs to hear that for the rest of the life if possible. He looks into the camera and sees an image of them both looking like a hot mess, kneeling in the middle of their living room, faces flushed and eyes bright because of the cry fest that just took place. 

“Hi guys, we’re engaged!” And she lets out a yelp showing off her hand to the screen. “Shawn Mendes isn’t my boyfriend anymore, he’s my fiancé! There should be a new filter!”

“Wait, does this mean we get cocoa at our wedding now?”

__________________

taglist: @shawnwyr​ @mendesstories​ @lanallaa​ @sleepybesson​ @rulerofnocountry​ @luvluvxx​ @wholesomemendes

dm to be added or removed ♥️

[drariellevalentine]

Medically Inevitable

Chapter 6- Satirical Shocks

Characters:- Arielle Valentine, Ethan Ramsey, Sienna Trinh, Elijah Greene, Jackie Varma, Landry Olsen, Aurora Emery, Rafael Aveiro, Naveen Banerji

Warnings:- None

Pairing:- Ethan Ramsey x Arielle Valentine

You wake up quite early, deciding to go for a mile of cycling to work off all that chocolate and sugar that you ate the past two weeks. After changing into a black and aqua streaked gym outfit and pulling your thick hair into a high ponytail, you head out to your balcony, headphones in hand. Playing your regular playlist, you roll out your yoga mat and start stretching. Working your way through your body from head to toe, you head out to the empty and dark kitchen. “Guess no one’s up.” You open the fridge and pour yourself a glass of vanilla almond milk. After drinking, you check your phone and pager to make sure there aren’t any emergencies and head down to your parking lot after grab your backpack, phone, water bottle, and your Apple Watch to track your stats. You get your bike from the garage and ride it down the quiet street. You decide to circle around and head to Edenbrook and get ready there, knowing you have a spare outfit in your outfit. Adrenaline spikes as you ride like the wind, the cool autumn breeze in your hair. After a good 30 minutes, you circle towards Edenbrook, deciding to get a head start on your shift.

Ethan’s PoV:-

Driving towards Edenbrook, you can’t help but think about yesterday with Arielle. The way her violet eyes lit up when she saw the drink you ordered or the way her cheeks turn pink from the cold breeze. “Stop it, Ramsey! The reason you come so early to the hospital is to make sure you have a moment of peace before the interns do something. You’re parking your car and getting out when you notice her. In a skin tight pair of leggings and a sports bra. You don’t think you’ve ever seen her without heels, she’s quite short without them. How she manages to stand in them is beyond your train of thought.

“What is she doing here so early?”, you wonder. You see her parking her bike against someone’s car and stretch. You can’t but stare at her, the morning sun hitting her luscious hair, making it shine. You snap out of it and head inside before she can see you...or anyone else for that matter.”

Arielle’s PoV:-

You enter the locker room and see Elijah. “Hey Elijah.”

“Hey Arielle.” He turns to look at you. “Woah! Where’d you do?”

“I went for a ride.” He gives you a look. “...on my bike. Give me ten, and then we’ll go check on Eliza.” You quickly take a shower and get dressed in a lightly cropped white top with a pair of pinstriped navy blue and white pants. Pulling on your white coat, you grab your things from the shower and go back to the locker room.

“Done?”

“Almost. Just hair and makeup.”, you reply.

“You know you look beautiful without it, right?”

“Nice try, Elijah. I would feel really bad for the patients who have to see my dark circles.”

“Yeah, your invisible ones.” You laugh and quickly get ready. Applying your usual amount of makeup, you brush down your hair and quick twist the sides and pin it against the back of your head to avoid hair in your face. “Done! Let’s go.” You head towards her room, going over her chart. After discussing her treatments, you exit the patient’s room with Elijah.

"Is it just me... or is the ground actually shaking?" Elijah asks confused. Hearing his question when you actually pay attention, even you can feel the floors vibrating.

"Uh, Elijah, does Boston get earthquakes?" you ask back. Looking at each other we are about to move forward when we turn back hearing commotion. A crowd of interns pass us running towards the atrium, talking amongst themselves. Seeing us at a side Landry approaches us.

"Guys, Dr. Ramsey is posting the rankings of second week!" He announces before moving that way. Seeing another group of interns coming in our direction, you take shelter in the nearest patient room, grabbing Elijah with me.

"What? Not excited to see the latest ranking?" Elijah grins at me.

"I'd rather not get Mufas'ad," you smile.

Once the coast is clear, you and Elijah get out of the room and move towards the elevator to get to the atrium, where the excited herd of interns are surrounding Dr. Ramsey, who just pinned the rankings to the board. "Can't you people exhibit a modicum bit of self-control. You work at Boston's best hospital for God's sake!" He pinches the bridge of his nose and walks away. You can't help but notice that he seems distant, it feels like he's barely acknowledging what's happening. He walks away, leaving us interns to check the rankings.

"You guys! I'm finally up to fifth!" Landry smiles proudly.

"I slipped to number...thirteen. Weak," Elijah sighs his voice low and sad.

"Ugh...seventeen. I knew this would happen," beside me Sienna slumps sadly. Poor girl, feels like she's going through a lot. I look towards her.

"Dr.Ramsey caught me crying in a supply closet yesterday. I've just had a lot of...sad cases recently," I see her eyes glistening with tears.

"Wanna talk about it?" You give her a side hug in an attempt to comfort her.

"No point wallowing. Just gotta smile my way through," she fakes a smile but you can clearly see her hesitation. After comforting Sienna for another moment you turn around to find Jackie standing silently looking at the ranking sheet . I follow her gaze to see that she's dropped to eleven.

"Eleven? Really?" She nods in disbelief.

"Number ten," Sienna smiles nudging me. You look at number ten to find your name. “From nineteenth to tenth, that's good.” Happiness washes over me. But after seeing my friends’ dropped positions, the small spark of joy vanishes. Hours after, I walk towards the staff lounge to take a break being tired for working for at least 4 hours without a break. As I near the elevator, I can hear faint sound of cries from somewhere near. On instinct I walk forward hearing the sound and it leads me to the nearest supply closet. I think for a moment whether or not to go inside. What if the person inside doesn't want me too see them like this? After giving it another thought I decide to get inside thinking what if the person wants someone to talk to. As I open the door, light rays enter the dark supply closet falling on a small figure and I run towards her as soon as I see it to be Sienna. "Hey, what's wrong?" I ask softly side-hugging her.

Leaning on my shoulder she sniffles. "I- I j-ust lo-st a pat-ien-t," somehow managing to say this she again starts sobbing.

"I'm so sorry, Si," you hug her more tightly.

"He didn't deserve it," she sniffles ,"He was just 14. He had a whole life to live."

"I understand Si," you try to comfort her, “But there's nothing you could've done." After comforting her for some more minutes and letting her know that it was not her fault, she stops crying. You have an idea.

"You've any patient to check on right now?" I ask after she's stopped sobbing and she nods in negative.

"Good. You're taking a break then. We are going to grab something to eat,"I say.

"But-" she tries to protest.

"No ifs or buts, you clearly need a break. You need to talk about this and somewhere which is not a supply closet," She hesitates at first but then agrees to it. You take her to the milkshake parlor to Bryce took you when you were down.

"You are going to love their shake!" You smile and say to Sienna whose mood is much better now. After ordering our shakes we take a sit in one of the booths near the window. We both order chocolate caramel milkshakes. "So you want to talk about it?" You ask her after taking a seat on the sofa opposite to her.

“I already did.”, she smiles sadly. “But I can’t help but feel that maybe I could have done more, something that would have saved him.”

“Si, you did all that you could. Sometimes things in life just don’t go the way they want to. What happened wasn’t your fault, you can’t blame yourself for it.” She nods sadly.

“Thank you, Arielle.” You smile.

“What else are besties for?” The waiter serves up our order. We thank him and each take a sip from our milkshakes after I take a pic and post it.

“This is so good!”, Si exclaims happily.

“I know right. Bryce took me here a few weeks ago. It became my official favourite milkshake place.”, you exclaim. We both giggle like high schoolers.

“So...did you find out anything about Patient X?”, Si asks.

“No, I haven’t. I’m still trying but I haven’t found anything.”, you reply.

“Maybe it’s just some kind of case study?”, Si speculates.

“I don’t think so...I think it’s someone near to him. I don’t know if you noticed, but he seemed distant and out of it this whole week. Especially the day after the f.M.R.I testi”- you clasp your hands to your mouth, realised what you just spilled.

She looks at me smirking, “What f.M.R.I?”

“I-he” you stutter. “Dr. Ramsey-he”, you look her smirking. “Stop smirking!”

“Then you have to tell me everything!”, she exclaims.

“There’s nothing to say!”, you counter but you’re sure your cheeks gave you away.

“Sureeeee!”, she teases me.

“Tell me everything, and I mean everything. Do you hear me?”

“Fine!” You reluctantly start telling her what happened. roll my eyes, "Stop it Si! I was just helping him to check whether or not it works."

"Remember I went after him to update him about Mrs. Turner? " I ask and she nods. "I told him about the housewarming party and asked if he'd like to come-" Sienna smirks at this but you pretend not to notice. "Obviously he denied-" And you explain her how he asked for help to test the fmri machine.

"Wait! You are telling me you were standing half naked in front of Dr.Ramsey," her smirking face turned into a surprised but then again retreated back to the former one. "I bet he couldn't tear his eyes from you!"

"Sienna, he's a grown up. He'd obviously have the minimum amount self-control to not stare at his half-naked intern," you say.

"Mhmm, if you say so..." She motions with his hand for me to continue, " What did he ask you?"

“My middle name. That was his first question. Then he asked about my favourite childhood memory.”

“Yeah? Tell me too! I want to know how it was growing up in a luxurious mansion!”, she says excitedly.

“I told you about my godfather, remember? So when I was little, I would head to his lake house every Friday to spend time baking desserts and talking about life then. I would stay there until he had to drop me off at school Monday morning.”, you smile as you recall the fond memory.

“Aww! That’s adorable! What did he ask next?”, Si excitedly asks.

“He asked me about one of the happiest days of my life. I told him about the day my niece was born. He was surprised though.”

“You have a niece?! Why didn’t you tell me?! Ooh! What’s her name? Promise you’ll bring her one day!”, Si rambles.

“Okay okay! Calm down! Yes, I have a niece. Her name is Arabelle and she’s 4 years old. I do sometimes babysit her, so...we’ll see.”, you reply.

“So...what was his reply?”, she asks.

“He didn’t say anything. And that was the last of the questions. Then, somehow, while getting off, I managed to fall down. So when he entered the room, I was sprawled on the floor.”

“That’s all?”

“I showed him a pic of my niece.”

“Ooh! Show me!” You pull up the pic and show it to her.

“Aww! She looks adorable! And you look like a princess! What did he say?” You blush.

“He said that she’s cute.”

“Finally! A compliment from Dr. Terminator!” You laugh. “Did he say anything about you looking gorgeous?!”

“Si!” She giggles and soon you join in.

“Wait! You never told me what happened after you saw Dr. Ramsey st the baseball game.”, she says.

“Not much. I helped him close a deal for Edenbrook and then we just talked, ended up telling him why I wanted to be a doctor. Then it got late, so he dropped me off.” Her grin widens. “What?”

“Nothing!..”, she says in a singsong voice. You stare at her. “Well what, Ari! He invited you to a private box suite, he gave you a ride, and he asked you to help him test a machine. So...”

“What so.... There’s absolutely nothing! Now come on, I have a few patients to check on.” You both head back to the hospital. After your regular rounds, you go to check in on one of your newest patients, Remy. When you enter his room he is strumming on a guitar, singing softly with it. He smiles as you enter the room.

"What's up doc? You ready to let me out of here?" He grins.

"Well, that depends on what your lungs would say, Remy," you smile. "Any wheezing or coughing today?" You ask after going through his chart.

"Nope. I'm feeling one hundred percent!" Putting your stethoscope on, you listen to his breathing.

"It looks like you respiratory infection have cleared up. Let me check your vitals and then we can think about discharging you." You slip a blood pressure sleeve around his arm and pump it. “All your vitals look good. You’re about to get his discharge papers signed when you notice his calf covered in reddened nodules. “What happened?”

“Don’t know doc. But it itches though.”

“Well, it might be an indication of something else, I want to do a few more tests.”, you reply.

“Well if it makes you happy! My parents have sweet insurance so test, test, test away!” You laugh as you leave the room.

After ordering the test for Remy and a few check-in’s on your patients, you head towards the cafeteria to get a light lunch. You’re standing in line, deciding what to get when you notice Aurora standing in front of you, surrounded by her usual circle of suck-ups.

“Dr. Emery, can I get you a latté?”

“Dr. Emery, I’ll pay for your lunch.” You roll your eyes.

“What you can do is take a step back so your hair doesn’t go into my food.”, Aurora snipes. You decide on a garden wrap and head towards your usual table, where you find your friends.

“How is she still number one in the rankings?”, Jackie says.

“I know right. She barely spends time with her patients, literally ten minutes!”, Landry says.

“Does she solve the case?”, you ask.

Landry reluctantly says yes. “Well then, there’s your answer.”, you reply.

“Maybe Chief Emery’s rigging the competition. Or Dr. Ramsey favours her?”, Elijah says.

“Please, he doesn’t even know our names.”, Jackie scoffs.

“He knows Arielle. She even helped him with something. I saw both of them coming out of the new equipment room a few days ago.”, Landry says.

“I was just helping him test the new f.M.R.I machine.”, you reply. Sienna gives you a look. ‘If only they knew...’ You try not to blush.

“We should try to make a better impression on Dr. Ramsey, does he have office hours?”, Elijah asks.

“I don’t know if he has the time. He’s wrapped up on some secret case right now.”, you accidentally blurt out. They give you a look. “He dropped some CT scans and when I gave them back I saw the name as ‘Patient X’.”

“Whoa! Do you think he’s working on some cutting edge treatment?”, Elijah wonders.

“Ooh! It might be the President! Do you think he’ll tell us?”, Sienna rambles.

“Guys! We’re talking about Ethan Ramsey here. You do not want to get on his bad side.”, Landry says. You and your friends speculate on Dr. Ramsey’s case as you eat. Everyone says goodbye and splits, but you notice Jackie heading off without saying anything.

You head towards the ER for the next part of your shift

“Hey Jackie! Wait up!” She reluctantly stops and whirls around.

“What do you want?”, she snaps. You’re taken aback.

“Did I do something wrong?”, you ask.

“No. I’m mad at myself. I came here to be the best and right now I’m not. I can’t let whatever emotional thing you want to do distract me.”, she says. It hits you like a slap in the face.

“So you’re saying that our friendship is a distraction?”

“Yeah.”, she heads off.

After a short shift in the ER, you’re filling out charts at the nurses’ station.

“Hey there, had a rough day?” You look to see Bryce leaning against the station.

“You don’t know the half of it. What about you?”

“See this hand? It just touched a beating human heart.”

You smirk. You’re about to reply when you see Dr. Ramsey furtively looking over his shoulder and turning a corner. “I bet he’s going to see Patient X.”, you discreetly point towards Dr. Ramsey. His brows furrow in confusion. You fill him in on what you’ve learned so far. You’re about to follow him when you notice Ines and Zaid heading your way. “Shit! They’ll definitely stop me to ask about my patients. By the time they’re done, he’ll be long gone.

“I didn’t know you were so badass Elle. Following your boss?” You ignore him.

“Can you do me a favour”, you ask.

“Let me guess. It requires me distracting two doctors by the name of Ines and Zaid.”, he replies.

You give him your signature puppy dog eyes and pout, “Please?”

“Fine. You’re lucky you’re so adorable.” Giggling, you thank him and round the corner to the hospital’s new wing when you collide straight with Dr. Ramsey.

Ethan’s PoV:-

You can see Arielle following you as you head down the hallway. You decide to stop right at the end of a corner and wait. A few seconds later, a light force collides with your chest. She squeals. You look down to see her raking her perfectly manicured fingers through her long violet hair. “Why are you following me?”

“I wanted to ask how you’re doing.” You’re surprised.

“And what made you want to ask?”, you question.

“Working as an intern at this hospital has a lot of pressure and stress. I can’t imagine what level your’s would be.” Her baby pink lips melt into a smile. “Just because you’re a world class attending doesn’t mean that you’re immune to stress or people aren’t allowed to ask you if you’re okay.”, she replies. You feel the corners of your lips tug.

“I’ll be fine once I get a coffee. The coffee machine in my office is broken and you know I don’t drink the dishwater from the cafeteria. There’s a small cafe a few blocks away that I don’t hate.”, you reply.

She smirks, “Wow! An actual compliment from Ethan Ramsey. They should have you as an endorsement.” You give her an incredulous look. “You should swing by...”

“Are you saying I can come with you?”, she asks.

“No, but I won’t mind if you decide to follow me there too, though.” What the hell are you thinking, Ramsey! Are you flirting with an intern?!

“I could use some coffee.” You both walk towards Derry Roasters.

“The breeze is beautiful this time of season.”, she says flipping out her hair and letting it flow freely in the gentle breeze. “Have you ever been apple or pear picking this time of season?”

“Once or twice, I think.”

“Really? If I was your height, I would be picking things every chance I get. It’s quite annoying having to jump every single time to pick a pear.”, she says with a ridiculous tone. You laugh, something you haven’t done for many days.

“My family has a fruit orchard. Apples and pears are best picked this time around. My brothers usually pick all the fruit while I run around with my niece. I still try to pick a few though, it does get quite annoying though. That’s why I opt for strawberries, they’re much easier to pick. You can’t help but imagine Arielle and her adorable niece running around in the fall leaves, the warm sunlight shining on her face, making her striking violet eyes a touch of pink.

“Here we are.” You lead her inside and head towards the counter. “I’ll have the Vienna, she’ll have the... Fall Frappé.” She pulls out her wallet to pay but you gently lay a hand on her wrist, “I’m the one who invited you.” Pulling out your wallet, you pay the barista and sit down at a table.

“So... do you come here often?”

“I do. Sometimes I need a moment where nobody needs anything from me. Nobody recognises me nor gives a care.”, you reply nonchalantly.

“I know what you mean.” You’re about to contradict her when you notice the genuinely sorrowful look in her eyes. You change the subject.

“A good roast and a medical journal does wonders, but I didn’t bring one so I suppose you’ll have to entertain me.” Her eyes light up. A server arrives with your coffees. Her eyes widen with joy as she sees the obscene amount of chocolate syrup and marshmallows, with a vanilla flower and roll of cinnamon. “This is sooo pretty!”, she squeals ridiculously as she takes a picture. You won’t tell her you’ve seen her countless times order something with chocolate, the vanilla and cinnamon she would like because that was the scent of her body wash. She takes a sip, sighing with pleasure, “Delicious chocolatey goodness.”

“That’s not a word.”

“I don’t care.”, she says.

Suddenly her eyes widen. “How did you know that I liked chocolate?...”, she asks surprised.

“I observe, Rookie.”

“So you study me. Am I that interesting?”, she asks, smiling.

You scoff, “I observe everyone. As should you. In fact, that’s why I enjoy coming here. The clientele are quite intriguing.”

“Nah, I like to curl up on the couch, covered in a fuzzy blanket with a good romance novel and a nice mug of hot chocolate.” You wouldn’t expect anything else.

“The art of observation is important for a diagnostian.”

“Okay then, what else do you observe?”

“You see that woman there, with the cup of gelato?” She nods. “She’s waiting for someone.”

“How do you know?”, she asks.

“Look at her. She keeps on checking her phone and is taking very minute bites of her gelato.” Just then, a young man enters and walks up to the woman, kissing them on the cheek and sitting down.

“Very well, let me try.” She looks around and spots a young woman entering the cafe, hair in a breezy mess. Arielle’s lips form into a devilish smirk.

“There! That woman just got laid.” You blink in astonishment.

“She had sex. Look at her hair.”

“I’ve seen your hair looking like that at the end of your shift.”, you counter.

She giggles. You find it ridiculously cute. “Well I certainly wouldn’t wear a dress that scandalous to work,” She points to the tight sparkly minidress peeking underneath from her trench coat.

“Okay, you win that one.”

“Now... what else have you ‘observed’ about me?” You think about what to say.

“You’ve worked very hard to get where you are now. You’re somebody who is selfless and caring and always make sure your friends are always happy. If people you love or respect say anything about you, you take it to heart. Others, you don’t give a damn. You would go to any extent to help the people you love.You have an unconfronted past, but you’re looking to change that.” Her mouth falls open into a perfect circle. “Am I right?”

“You are.”, she replies.

“Now do me.” She coughs.

“You’re someone has faced many obstacles to get to where you are in life. The people you truly respect can be counted on one hand. You don’t give a damn about what other people think or say about you, nor let it affect you. You don’t bring your walls down for anybody. Right now, you’re lost.” How did she manage to...

“Lost? Whatever could you mean by that?”, you ask.

“You’re trapped in some kind of problem, not knowing what to do or where to go.”, she says.

You fake scoff, “You’re half right. In diagnostics, that means nothing.” Your gut churns as you flat-out lie to her. Your pager beeps.

“I have to go.”

“I think I’ll stay here for a few minutes. Thank you for the coffee, Dr. Ramsey.”, she gently smiles.

“You’re most welcome, Dr. Valentine.”

Arielle’s PoV:-

You decide to post the picture of the mouthwatering coffee. Sipping the rest of your now new favourite coffee, you caption it ‘Delicious Chocolatey Goodness!”, ignoring what Dr. Ramsey said about it not being a real word.

You reply to a few of the comments and head back to the hospital when your pager beeps. Heading towards the nurses’ station, you see Danny.

“Hey Danny, are the tests I ordered for Remy back?”

“Yeah. Here you go.” He hands me the file, going through it as you head to Remy’s room, you collide headfirst with a rock hard chest. You look up to see Rafael.

“I’m so sorry, Raf.”

“It’s okay, Arielle. What you got there?”

“I saw some markers for a genetic disorder, so I ordered a test. But it looks good so fa”- The words die on your lips, your face falling downcast as you read the last page.

He notices your face. “What’s wrong?”

“The test I ordered came clear, but there are some other markers that clearly point to another disease, he won’t be able to walk by the time he’s fifty. Surfing’s his whole life.” You look to him for help.

“I can’t make the decision for you Arielle. But sometimes telling the truth does more damage. Just keep in mind that no decision is wrong or right. It’s different in everyone’s eyes. I’ll wait for you here.”, he gestures to the door.

Taking a deep breath, you enter the room to find Remy strumming on his guitar. “What up doc, am I cleared to go?” You steel yourself.

“Remy, the tests came back. I’m afraid you have genetic markers for distal muscular distrophy.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means that you won’t be able to use your hands or legs at the age of fifty. The disease is quite a late onset, it starts by atrophying the muscles of the hands and legs. It only starts at the age of around 40. I’m so sorry, Remy.”

His face morphs into fury. “I didn’t even want you to do the stupid genetic test! Is this what you wanted, to ruin my life?!” He throws the guitar at you, you dodge just in time and exit. You look back and see him sobbing on the bed. Rafael comes over and engulfs you in a bear hug.

“Hey, it’s ok.” You nod and bury yourself into his chest for a few minutes. “Hey, what if I take you out for dinner?” You look at him.

“Hey, not as a date! Think of it as a friend trying to cheer you up with the best comfort food in town.” You laugh.

“Okay. I have to change though. We’ll drive back to my apartment, where I’ll drop my car and change, and then you can attempt to cheer me up.”

You drive back with him to your empty apartment. “So... where is everyone?”

“Jackie and Landry have night shifts, and Elijah and Sienna want to keep an eye on their post-op patient overnight. So it’s just me.”

“Come on, I’ll show you around.” You give him a little tour of the place, giving him a glass of lemonade to drink.

“ I bet this is your room.” He points to the master bedroom, decorated with a trio of blush, pearl and gold hues all over the room.

“It is.”, you laugh. He looks at all the pictures on the walls.

“Anyone who’s met you can guess this is your room. It’s filled with positive and meaningful quotes all over the walls.” You giggle.

“Now get dressed quickly, I’ll wait.”, he exits the room. You close the door and decide on a pair of comfy leggings with a flowy cold shoulder baby blue top. You grab a small crossbody purse and a nice jacket. Deciding to skip makeup, you quickly twist both sides of your hair and clip it back, giving an illusion of a half up, and head out.

“See...you look pretty. Now, let’s go. I’m hungry.” You walk with Raf, him guiding you on a busy street.

“So...where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” He leads you down the street and suddenly turns your body to the right.

You see a beautiful little street lit up with lantern and fairy lights, outdoor tables set up for little shops and food carts along the way. “Wow! I wasn’t expecting a street market. It’s beautiful Raf.”

“Now, what are you craving?” You inhale the smell wafting in the air and deduce spices, particularly the ones Naveen would use when he made your favourite dinner.

“Indian.”

“Nice choice, follow me.” He leads you to a food truck and ushers you into a seat while he orders something. A few minutes later, he comes with two bowls filled with steaming jasmine rice and aromatic curry.

“You take a bowl from him and smell the delicious, mouthwatering scent. “Mm! That smells delicious.” Almost like the one Naveen makes, you think.

“Wait here.”, he goes back to the truck and gets drinks and spoons.

“Dig in!”, he says handing you the drink and spoon. You take a small bite and let the flavour dissolve on your tongue. You moan.

“It’s good, isn’t it.” You nod instead of replying, your mouth full of rice. He laughs. “Okay okay! I won’t disturb you. Eat in peace.” You both finish off your dinner in peaceful silence, taking solace of the beautiful view of the fairy lights against the night sky. Washing off your dinner with a special lemonade you say, “That was the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Thank you Raf.”

“Of course, Arielle. You’re my friend, don’t forget that.” He puts a hand around your shoulder and you head back to your apartment, talking about your favourite Indian dishes. You don’t even notice you arrive at your apartment cause you’re so tired. The only reason you were able to walk all this way was Raf helping you.

“We’re here.” You look up and blink.

“Oh, I’m so tired. Goodnight Rafael.” He gives you one last hug saying, “Goodnight, Arielle. Promise me you won’t beat yourself up about the decision you made.”

“I won’t.” You ride the elevator to the top floor and stumble into your apartment, locking the door. You fall asleep the minute you hit the bed. Waking up to the sound of loud intro music, you rub your eyes and head out to the living room. “Oh shit! I completely forgot tonight was movie night.”

“It’s okay Ari. Join us.” You see Elijah, Si, and Landry on the couch with popcorn and a few other snacks. “Where’s Jackie?” Landry points to her closed bedroom door. You knock on her door.

“Jackie? You in there?” You open the door to find medical textbooks scattered all over her bed. She looks up.

“Hey. Tonight’s movie night. Aren’t you coming?”

“No. I have to study.” You think about the various times in college you’ve put off meetings with friends to study.

“Good call.”

“I know. Close the door.” You slowly close the door, as sadness creeps up on you.

General PoV:-

Arielle slumps on the sofa between Elijah and Sienna. “So did anyone find out anything about Patient X?”, Elijah asks.

“No! I asked a bunch of residents and nurses, they thought I was joking.”, Landry says.

“I asked Danny, he didn’t know anything.”, Si says.

“So you asked Danny, huh?” Arielle gives her a knowing look as a slight blush creeps up on her face.

“They’re right. I checked all the patients’ records and there no ‘Patient X’ in the hospital.”, Elijah says.

“Okay, enough! Let’s start movie night!”, Sienna exclaims. All four of them bicker over what movie to watch and end up binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy. Arielle falls asleep again on the 3rd or 4th episode. A couple of hours later... Arielle wakes up to bright sunlight shining on her face. “Hmm....” She rolls of the sofa and onto the plush rug with a thud. After laying there for a few minutes, she gets up stretching her sore limbs and heads towards her room to get ready for the day. If only she knew nothing would have prepared her for what she was about to witness.

Arielle’s PoV:-

The first thing you do is check on Remy. You tentatively head towards to Remy’s room when he sees you and gestures for you to come in. “Hey Remy... how are you doing?”, you wince waiting for the reply.

“First of all doc, I want to apologise.” You look up in confusion.

“You’re a doctor and it isn’t your fault that this happened to me, it’s kinda your job to tell me.”

“I know Remy, but still...”

“I’m so sorry for lashing out at you, hell I acted like an ass.”

“I think I can excuse you for just this once.”, a smile blooms on your face. “But what made you change your mind?”

“If you hadn’t told me, I would have probably wasted a lot of time fooling around and doing idiotic things. Now that I know, I can make sure that I enjoy life and spend my time wisely. A lot of people don’t even know that they’re going to get sick, but I do. I should be grateful.” You smile saying, “That’s a poetic way of looking at life.”

“And... I wanted to thank you but didn’t know how. But luckily I came across something.” He pulls up his phone and shows a picture of you, a few years ago, strumming and singing with a guitar. He then pulls out his guitar and hands it to me. “Your voice is beautiful and way better then mine. This is way more useful for you.”

“Remy... I can’t possibly take this.”

“Well you have to. Think of it as a small price for the 20 years of life you gave me.” You accept the guitar and hand him his signed discharge papers. “Now go live your life.” You head towards the 4th floor for rounds, stopping at the locker room to safekeep the guitar that he gave you with a smile on his face.

Later you’re heading towards your next patient right before lunch when a gut feeling stops you in your tracks. “Wait, I followed Dr. Ramsey here yesterday... and the week before that too.” You remember what Elijah said, “They’re right. I checked all the patients’ records and there no ‘Patient X’ in the hospital.”

Following your gut, you enter the new wing under construction, stepping over the barricades. You go quite far into the corridor and peer into the halls but find nothing. You start to doubt yourself, “I might just be grasping at air here.” You decide to go a little further and notice a glow emitting from one of the newly constructed patient rooms. You peer into one the room to see someone lying in the patient’s bed, but you can’t see clearly who it is. You look beside the bed to see Dr. Ramsey, head in his hands. Taking a few steps closer, you make out the face lying in the bed. Naveen! Your heart stops. “No, no, no, no, no. There’s no way.” You try to deny it, but all of it makes sense. Why else would he quit his job. He can’t be sick, can he?”

“Before you can understand what’s going on, Naveen locks eyes with you. His eyes widen, his face morphing into utter shock. You’re frozen in place. You can see the pain in his eyes, the pain you caused. Your hearts beats way too fast. Your head is spinning. You don’t know what’s going on. It’s hard to breathe, hard to focus. So hard that you don’t even notice Dr. Ramsey looking at you. You don’t hear him shout, “Rookie!”. All you hear is the words you last said to your godfather, the ones that broke your inseparable bond and the ones that broke his heart.

Everything goes black.

[wonkasmissstarshine]

The Chocolatier’s Rose {Willy Wonka x OC} Ch.15

GIFs not mine. Credit go to owners.

Summary: Rose is about to marry Harry, but luckily, Charlie and Willy come to her rescue.

Tagging: @holdmeicant​ @willymywonkers​ @sleepiesapphicxoxo​

Rose stood in front of a mirror in her dressing room, while Harry's sister, Catherine, adjusted the veil that was secured by Rose's braided updo. She was still crying. She was surprised she still had tears left to cry.

Catherine rolled her eyes at Rose. "You have no reason to be crying" She said with an irritated tone. She never understood what Harry saw in this girl. Catherine wished that her brother would end up with another rich girl, but no, he had to pick a poor girl.

Rose glared her eyes at the girl through the mirror. "You don't know what I've been going through these past two weeks!"

"Well you're about to get married, to my brother no less. So, you better start perking up!" Catherine spat. She then muttered to herself, not caring if Rose heard her or not. "My brother could have done so much better than you..."

That felt like a kick in the stomach. Maybe Catherine was right. Who would want to be stuck with Rose Bucket for the rest of their life? Not even Willy wanted to be with her...

"Alright. Are you ready?" Catherine asked, the bitterness still obvious in her tone. She handed the bouquet to Rose. Her favourite flowers weren't even present in the bouquet. It was abundant in lilies and daisies, but none of the very flower she shared her name with. "And wipe that frown off your face! We don't need you ruining all the photos!" Catherine complained.

Geez, when it comes to spoiled families, the Roberts definitely take the gold medal. The Salts would take silver, but knowing Veruca, she'd be demanding to take the gold one.

******

This wasn't the wedding Rose ever envisioned herself having. The music was boring, she'd definitely have the Oompa-Loompas singing as she marched... no, no... danced down the aisle.

And she didn't want to get married in the church. She wanted to get married in that luscious and colourful candy meadow, with a chocolate waterfall as the backdrop for her wedding photos.

She wouldn't be wearing a white dress. She'd be wearing one made of pink and it would be puffy, something that reminded her of cotton candy. And a tiara with candied jewels on her head.

And of course, Harry wasn't the groom in her dream wedding. Her perfect groom would smell like peanuts and chocolate. He'd be dapperly dressed in that velvet red coat, purple gloves, and a top hat. His eyes would be violet, and he'd have the haircut that Charlie found funny, but Rose absolutely loved.

It should be Willy waiting for her on that altar, not Harry.

And the most important thing, Rose's family would be here. There wouldn't be a room full of stuck up, spoiled, snotty snobs silently judging her because of her lack of wealth.

Harry's father walked her down the aisle, and Catherine acted as her only bridesmaid. This definitely wasn't right. Mr Bucket should be walking Rose down the aisle, and Priscilla and Eleanor should be her bridesmaids.

Rose finally joined Harry at the altar. He was smiling at her, but Rose couldn't meet his eyes. The minister looked between the soon-to-be wed couple. He addresses the guests first. "If you'll all please be seated. The ceremony is ready to begin"

The guests sat down and the minister spoke again. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Harold Maxwell Roberts, and Rosalie Genevieve Bucket. Before we continue on, is there any reason why these two should not be wed"

"Please, someone speak up!" Rose thought hopefully. No one was objecting. Although, some people looked like they wanted to speak up, but Harry glared at anyone who dared to even blink.

"Let's move on" the minister said, after moments of silence passed. "Can the bride and groom please face each other?" Harry and Rose turned to one another. "We'll start with vows first. Harry, I believe you would like to share first?"

"Yes" Harry said with a curt nod. He pulled out a piece of paper with more writing on it that Rose would have liked. How much could he possibly have to say about her? It's not like he truly loved her!

Harry started reciting his vows. "Rose, it was the very first day I walked into that quaint little pie shop, and I saw you sweeping up the floor. Then you looked at me, and I was immediately taken away with your beauty..." Rose zoned out as Harry droned on.

What was she supposed to say when it came to her vows? I'm only marrying you because I've given up on love.

"And that's why I'm happy, that finally, on this day, you'll finally be mine. And I promise that you will be forever" Harry finished off. Even though Rose was barely paying attention, she did notice a couple things.

One, not once did Rose hear the word 'love' in Harry's vows, and two, she didn't like the way he said 'mine forever'.

If Rose wasn't regretting this before, she definitely was now. But she was too deep into this now, and there was no one here to save her.

The minister turned to Rose. "Do you have anything you'd like to say?"

Rose shook her head and muttered a quiet, "No"

"Very well" the minister nodded. It then came to the part Rose was dreading. The 'I do's'. "Harry, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

Harry smiled and nodded, an dark glint coming to his eyes. "I do"

"Rose," the minister started, and Rose swallowed the lump in her throat. "Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

Rose's heart beat uncontrollably. Tears were brimming at her eyes. She looked at the seated guests. She didn't like the way they were staring at her.

"I..." Rose's answer was halted when something crashed through the ceiling of the church, making everyone scream in fright. But Rose didn't scream. No, instead she genuinely smiled for the first time in two weeks, when she recognized the glass elevator and the two people inside it.

It was Charlie and Willy. They had come to her rescue.

"What is the meaning of this!?" Harry demanded angrily.

"Charlie! Willy!" Rose exclaimed as the two of them stepped out of the elevator. She grabbed the skirt of her dress and lifted it up so she could run to her two saviours.

"Rose!" Willy smiled at her. "I do hope that we're not too late, because I—" He was cut off when Rose wrapped her arms around him. She held onto him tightly, like she was afraid to let go of him. Her eyes were also closed as she rest her head against his chest.

"I'm glad you're here" She whispered to him.

"You are?" Willy's arms were held out at his sides, like he was afraid to hug her back. He wasn't used to hugs. Especially affectionate ones like this.

"Yes" Rose said softly. "I missed you"

And that's all Willy needed to return the embrace. One arm wrapped around her waist, while the other hand gently cupped the back of her head. His chin rested on the top of her head. "I missed you too, starshine"

Rose opened her eyes, and found herself looking at Charlie, who was grinning brightly at them. "Thank you" She mouthed to him.

"Can someone explain to me why these two are ruining my wedding?" Harry demanded, pointing accusing fingers at the two uninvited guests.

Rose, letting go of Willy, now had the confidence she needed to go off on Harry and his stupid family. "This isn't a wedding anymore, Harry. And you know why? Because I'm no longer marrying you!"

Harry let out a maniac laugh. "Yes, you are. You're going to marry me because I've said so. I've already said I do. Now, you just need to say it, and then we'll be married"

He tried grabbing Rose, but Willy stepped in front of her. "You better not touch her" He warned.

Charlie stepped forward as well. "She doesn't love you. She loves Mr Wonka, and Mr Wonka loves her"

"Really?" Harry scoffed. "They've only really known each other for a day! You can't possibly love someone after only a day!"

Rose glared at him. "That's a bit hypocritical of you, isn't it? Because ever since they day you met me, you've been asking me to marry you!"

"W-well," Harry stuttered, like he was unsure of how to respond. "That's because I love you, silly!"

"Love me!? You don't know anything about me!"

"Of course I do! I know you better than anyone!"

"Oh, really?" Rose challenged him. "Name at least five things you love about me"

"Well, you're... beautiful" Harry answered with a shrug. And that's all he could come up with.

"Rose isn't just beautiful" Willy spoke up. He gazed over at the girl. An adoring smiled danced across his lips. "She's kind, smart and imaginative. She's got the most angelic laugh. You just want to think of ways to make her laugh so you can hear it over and over again. She radiates a scent of vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate. You can look her in her beautiful eyes, and find yourself getting lost in them for the rest of your life"

Rose was speechless as she heard Willy say those things about her. She had never heard someone, outside her family that is, say such kind things about her.

"There's so much more to Rose than you could possibly imagine" Willy added as he grabbed her hand that wasn't still grasping a bouquet. "And that's why I fell for you, starshine, and I'm sorry for everything I said about....f....f..."

Rose smiled at him. "It's okay, Willy. I forgive you"

"Rosie," Charlie spoke up, making Rose look down at him. "We're going to see Mr Wonka's father. Would you like to come with us?"

"Of course, I would" Rose said.

"No, you're not going anywhere!" Harry protested. "I want you as my wife! And I always get what I want!"

"You know, Harry, you remind me of a spoiled little girl. Do you know what happened to her? She got thrown down a garbage chute by squirrels!" Harry furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, and Willy laughed at the memory. "Now unfortunately, there's no squirrels or a garbage chute for you to be thrown into, but I can do this..."

Rose chucked the bouquet at Harry, hitting him square in the face. All the guests gasped. But Rose didn't stop there. She also reached down, grabbing the skirt of the dress, and ripped off a large piece of it.

"My dress!" Catherine shrieked.

"And one more thing" Rose said, an amused smirk coming across her face. She went over to the table where the cake was. It was a large cake, but it was light enough for her to grab and carry. She brought it over to Harry.

"Don't you dare!" Harry warned her with a glare.

"Oh no, I'm losing my balance" Rose said sarcastically. She purposefully lost her balance, tipping the cake over and making it fall on Harry. "Oops. I'm so clumsy!"

Charlie and Willy stifled in their laughs as all the other guests went into a frenzy. Rose had a pleased smile on her face as she entered the elevator with her brother, and the love of her life.

"That was brilliant, Rosie" Charlie said.

"That's my starshine" Willy said, smiling proudly at Rose, and grasping her hand in his own. Their fingers entwined, fitting together perfectly like two pieces of a puzzle.

Willy reached over and pressed a button. The elevator doors closed and then they were off.

[misc-headcanons]

OC-Tober Day 20: Glow (Katakuri/OC)

@oc-growth-and-development (creator of this fun challenge!)

Etherea stood anxiously outside of the entrance to the various sprawling gardens and meadows of Spice Island, waiting for her arranged fiance as he finished speaking with the servant who had taken them there on one of the royal ships. The late evening sun was already starting to set in the sky, and she stared off at the orange-pink clouds in the sky. She had hoped this would be a chance to grow closer with Katakuri; they'd been engaged for almost two months, but she felt like she barely knew him with how often he was busy working and how distant he was whenever they were together. He didn't even speak to her unless she tried talking to him first. 

Today though, Etherea hoped that things would be different. She had taken the initiative and invited him to tour the gardens of Spice Island with her after hearing rumors of how beautiful and fragrant the fields of vanilla blossoms, violets, and other edible plants grown en masse as ingredients for the kingdom were. If she and Katakuri were going to be married, then she figured they might as well spend time together at a slightly romantic location at least once; it just seemed strange to marry someone you hadn't ever been on a date with before! 

She turned to face her fiance after hearing the sound of Katakuri's footsteps, and she gave him a small smile. "Ah, there you are," she greeted, tilting her heads toward the gates to the island proper. "Shall we?"

Katakuri silently nodded in reply, and Etherea felt a bit dejected as he walked past her. When she saw him open one of the massive gates with one hand and push it open for her, her heart felt a bit less heavy. He may be distant, but he was still a gentleman towards her. She walked past the gate and immediately smiled as the scent of mixed spices flew on the gentle evening breeze. "It really is lovely here," she remarked. "Do you get the chance to come here often, Katakuri?"

Katakuri walked slowly alongside her; with his 15-foot-tall frame, he didn't want to leave Etherea behind by going at a regular pace. "No," he replied. "My duties as Sweet Commander usually have me exploring and conquering new territory, or conducting business on Flour Island."

Etherea gave a small "mmm" in reply, and she tried to find more things to talk about with her stoic husband-to-be. She looked up at him for a moment, craving her neck to get a proper look at his half-covered face. She hadn't ever seen Katakuri without that long scarf of his wrapped around his face and neck, and while she was curious about what he really looked like, she wanted to respect his privacy. He noticed her staring out of the corner of his eye, and he stopped to look down at her. "...Is something wrong?"

Etherea froze up a bit and felt an embarrassing rush of warmth on her cheeks once she'd been caught. "Oh, not at all," she said quickly. She paused for a moment. "Well...not 'wrong', per se…" She absentmindedly fiddled with the ends of her fingers. "I was just wondering what you were thinking about. You're always so...Ah, stoic, you know?"

Katakuri was silent as she talked, and it only made Etherea feel more awkward. "I understand why," she added, "You're the best warrior in the kingdom, and everyone seems to say you're the 'Iron Wall of Tottland'. It's just…" She bit her bottom lip. "If we're going to get married, I'd like to be able to get to know you a little better." She gave Katakuri a small smirk. "At the very least, it'll make the whole 'kissing the bride' moment a bit less awkward, don't you think?"

The Iron Wall of Tottland seemed a bit taken aback by Etherea's comment, and even with his face covered she could have sworn he was blushing a bit. She continued to walk along the garden path as if nothing had happened. "I won't pester you to talk with me though," she reassured. "If you're more comfortable at a distance, that's alright." Katakuri continued to walk with her, and the silence between them left Etherea wondering why she'd thought this was a good idea in the first place. Maybe he wanted to keep their relationship distant, and to keep their marriage solely a political arrangement. Maybe she should just be resigned to the fact that she was going to be joining the large and expansive Charlotte family, and that in a family of over 80 future in-laws, she was going to feel more isolated and alone than ever. Maybe--

"Do you...have a favorite flower?"

Etherea looked up at Katakuri, surprised by his sudden response. This was the first time he'd ever initiated any kind of conversation with her, and she noticed that he was pointedly looking away so there was no chance of him making eye contact with her--and she was much more certain that he was blushing underneath that scarf. "I...hmm," she replied, placing a hand under her chin while she pondered his question. "I'm rather fond of black lilies," she said finally. "And roses as well, though that's more of a nostalgic preference. My great-great-great grandmother has always loved tending to the royal rose garden, and it's definitely the most beautiful part of the castle." She looked up at Katakuri. "Are you fond of any particular flower?"

Katakuri became quiet once again, and Etherea wondered if he was actually pondering the question or had simply fallen back to his usual stoic mood again. After they had passed a nearby grove of fragrant cinnamon trees, he spoke up again. "When I was younger, I enjoyed watching the servants harvest the seeds from the cacao orchard," he said finally. "I'm not familiar with many flowers, but I have fond memories of those trees."

The two of them walked through the small forest of cinnamon trees, and Etherea hid her smile by looking downwards. She'd never heard Katakuri talk about his past before, and there was a slight warmth to his voice when he had mentioned that small piece of his childhood. Etherea sighed softly and admired the lush greenery around them, taking in the warm scent of the spices in the air. "Ah, I think I can smell a hint of vanilla somewhere," she remarked. 

"Your sense of smell is sharp," Katakuri said. "The gardeners on the island grow vanilla orchids in these groves, and train them to spiral around and flourish on the cinnamon and cacao trees." He spoke again, his voice quieter as it rumbled from his chest. "...Do you like vanilla?"

Etherea nodded. "Very much," she replied. "The scent and the flavor." She smirked. "I imagine that your family's kingdom must have a large supply, given how fond you all are of sweets. Oh, speaking of which, I finally have a chance to ask you…"

Katakuri raised an eyebrow.

"Do you have a certain food you're fond of?" Etherea smoothed down the hem of her dress. "I'm likely not as skilled as your royal chefs, but I've been known to bake from time to time."

"I see," Katakuri replied. His voice was more pensive than usual, and even more so when he spoke again--almost like a child shyly asking his mother for a cookie. "Would you happen to know how to make donuts?"

Etherea nodded. "I certainly do," she replied. She smiled coyly as they continued to walk together, sneaking glances at Katakuri while she admired the vanilla blossoms that decorated the tree trunks around them. "Perhaps we could bake some together while we're on our honeymoon?"

Katakuri froze up for just a moment, and when he started walking with her again he was a bit closer to her than he had been before. "Yes," he replied, sounding more awkward than the most highly feared man in the Big Mom Pirates should sound. "Perhaps."

The two of them walked through the rest of the expansive gardens on Spice Island, with Etherea taking the lead and exploring while Katakuri followed a few (large) steps behind. As the evening went on, he found himself talking more and more with her and feeling more and more...comfortable. He was only used to talking casually like this with his fellow triplet brothers and his sister Brulee, the closest of his many siblings; he had thrown himself into being the ultimate soldier and the ultimate brother, and it was difficult to show any vulnerability--physical or emotional. It was why he was so hesitant when his mother had informed him that he was going to marry, and hadn't known how to interact with his bride-to-be. He still didn't know, and he was rumored to know everything according to his family and the rest of the kingdom. 

When she had mentioned how distant he had been, he felt a wave of shame at the disappointment in her voice. Even if they were getting married for political reasons, he really hadn't meant to hurt her feelings like that. He loved his family more than anything, and he didn't even talk to them that much. His reputation as the strongest sibling and as a fearsome monster made everyone admire him, but almost all of them feared him as well. He was used to feeling alone, even when he was surrounded by his siblings; but just because he was fine with that, it wasn't fair to resign his future bride to that without even trying to see things from her perspective.

He looked down at Etherea and then at the cluster of cacao trees around them. Even with the dim light of the sun about to set completely, he could still see the soft white vanilla orchids along the tan bark. She said she's fond of the scent of vanilla, he remembered. He made sure that she wasn't looking in his direction and carefully plucked a few blossoms off of the nearest tree, making sure to keep the flowers safe in his large hands. If he still didn't know how to talk to her, maybe he could find another way to open up to her. 

"It's getting dark," Katakuri said bluntly. "We should get back to the ship soon."

Etherea looked out at the dark blue sky, surprised at how much time had passed on their outing. "Oh? You're right," she replied, turning around to face Katakuri. She noticed that one of his hands was closed in an odd way, but she decided not to say anything about it. "It may take a while to walk all the way back," she pointed out, looking at the long winding path they had taken to the other side of the island. "Well, at least with my tiny little legs. I imagine you could clear the entire island in just a few minutes, hehe."

Katakuri peered at the darkening sky and at the path, slightly annoyed by the fact that it was unlit. He could easily forsee his wife losing her step and hurting herself in the dark, and she did have a point about how long it would take for her to walk back to the dock. Not only that, but she might be tired after walking around for the past few hours on her aforementioned 'tiny little legs'. The protective part of him that made him such a well-loved big brother also seemed to make him a protective fiance. 

He knelt down in front of her and decided to take matters into his own hands--literally. With the hand not hiding the flowers, he gently took her by the waist and was about to put her on his shoulder to carry her. She let out a small surprised squeak and when he looked at her, he stopped and became as wide-eyed as she was at the moment; the dark marks on her cheeks, shaped like upside-down spades, had begun to glow out of nowhere the instant he'd wrapped his fingers around her. After a second or two, the light on her face had faded. 

"Oh-my-stars--Ah…" She looked up at Katakuri, wondering what had possessed him to grab her like this, and then noticed the look on his face. "Katakuri? Are you alright?"

Kata blinked in surprise. "...Your face was glowing," he said simply.

She self-consciously put her hands over her cheeks. "Oh. Well, that happens sometimes," she said, sounding a little embarrassed. "They glow whenever I use a spell, or whenever I'm particularly...emotional; if I'm especially happy, angry, or in this case surprised, since you grabbed me like that." She put her hands down onto his curled fingers and looked up at him, tilting her head slightly. "Why did you do that, if I may ask?"

Katakuri looked away, embarrassed by the fact that he'd likely frightened her when he was only trying to keep her safe. "I was...concerned," he replied, turning so that she could see the dark path they'd taken earlier. "I thought that you might trip over something in the darkness and fall on our way back. I also thought that you might be tired from the long walk, and would have liked to rest on my shoulder while I walked across the island to the dock." He looked back at her, wondering what it was about her eyes that made him feel so strange and flustered. "I'm sorry if I frightened you."

Etherea gently patted his hand. "Oh, I wouldn't say 'frightened'," she reassured. "I was just a little surprised, that's all!" She smiled up at him. "It's very kind of you to look out for me like that," she added, and she let her hand linger on his for a bit longer than she'd originally intended. "Very sweet, actually…" 

Katakuri felt another surge of warmth radiate from his cheeks at her words and soft touches, and he wordlessly moved her up and placed him on his shoulder. She made herself comfortable and when she had stopped squirming, he began to walk back with her to where their ship was waiting. He felt her rest one arm behind his head and on his other shoulder for support, and he felt goosebumps rise on the back of his neck; he'd never been this close with her before.

As he traveled along the path across the island, Etherea marveled at the lovely view from atop Katakuri's shoulders and thoroughly enjoyed how much closer the two of them had become after today--literally and figuratively. She had worried that she would be spending the rest of her life with someone who didn't want anything to do with her, but now she knew that wasn't the case. Katakuri hadn't been intentionally cold towards her, just shy and a bit distant. In retrospect, she didn't blame him; it's hard to transition from complete strangers to spouses out of nowhere, and he didn't seem like an extrovert at all. But now that she'd extended a hand out, he felt much more comfortable reaching back out to her as well. 

As they arrived on the dock, Katakuri stepped onto the ship and carefully picked Etherea up again by the waist before setting her down onto the deck. She noticed a peculiar look in his eye, almost as if he was wanting to say something but was also a little unsure and hesitant at the same time. His gaze flitted a bit as he looked at her, and he silently unfolded his other hand to present her with the flowers that he had picked. "Some vanilla flowers," he explained. When she took them from him and her fingers brushed against his palm, it took all of his willpower to keep his hand from trembling a bit. "Since you mentioned your fondness for them, I thought that you might want to keep them in your room at the castle."

Etherea stared adoringly at the flowers and then at the man who'd given them to her with a smile; a faint glow came on her cheeks that bathed the orchids in a soft light and left both her and his eyes shining. They no longer felt like strangers, and even if they didn't yet know enough about each other to know if they were in love, this evening had been a wonderful first step.

[sugarfreecapsicle]

the library card

A/N: Okay so two of my faves had amazing challenges out: @cake-writes & @bitchassbucky and how could I not join?? Please go follow them, they are brilliant and lovely and all things good in the world. I am so grateful to know them both and to call them my friends. I hope you both enjoy!!

bitchassbucky’s holiday writing challenge

cake’s 1940′s challenge

warnings: mentions of war and war-related things such as weapons and wounds, pining, fluff, kissing, injury

pairing: bucky x reader

Even at camp, Bucky can’t escape the frigid cold - a fire of any significance to comfort would alert any number of civilians, army, Nazi to their location in a radius of three to five miles. Kilometers here in Germany. Not that it matters to his numbing fingers under the obscured task of fixing his damn buttons. Visible breath fogs his view, resulting in a few too many pokes through sensitive fingertip skin before the dull void crept through them.

Surrounded in olive green, muddy brown, midnight he can take this risk. The final stitch in place, he pulls his lighter close enough to light the wrinkled, seamed letter.

I got the job, my darling! Tomorrow your girl will be a real librarian in Brooklyn - can you believe it? They even let me register you for your own library card. Now you have obligations to get back home safe to me. You’ve got so much reading to do!

Instead of a photo, you’d enclosed a little paper card with all his pertinent information included - his full name, an identification number, the name and address of the Brooklyn Public Library. A bona fide reader even here in the wilderness.

The card’s ink had smudged a bit, as present and intimate as the dog tags on his neck. You, he kept specifically in his left breast pocket. Every letter, every telegram.

The tune starts quiet and soft in the back of his throat, dry lips mouthing the words to no one but himself. 

You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

Fresh tears well at the corners of his eyes, spill one by one down grimy cheeks and unshaven stubble. Then, he hears the low hum of approaching planes, and his stomach lurches.

—-

Banners danced along the fresh walls of the Brooklyn Public on your first day of the job. Posters encouraging citizens to do their part, support the men overseas, fight the good fight emblazoned every space unoccupied by shelves of books.

Leather and vanilla, fresh ink. Even the pleasant thud of rubber stamps became the equivalent of the heartbeat of your library. One of many librarians, your team took pride in a job well done, a child’s awed expression with a new book in hand.

After lunch you’d be reading to a small group of almost-school-aged children. You sighed happily, if a little longingly. 

One day. One day your soldier would come home. Until then, you’d hum his favorite song.

—-

Mortars and bullets littered the air, ground, his friends. Each thud of a body churned in his gut, his gun held close as a baby to his body. Distance. He needed distance. 

Deep in the trenches, far from the bird’s eye view preferred by a skilled sniper, Bucky’s chest heaved in gulps of mossy air.

A scream, a wail, a battle cry. Pure adrenaline in his veins. His legs surged him onward as his ears rang, deafened to all other noise except her sleep-heavy morning voice.

You make me happy when skies are grey

You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you

Please don’t take my sunshine away

—-

You couldn’t read the Daily Eagle anymore, not with the headlines touting the worst of men, the death, the cruelty of nations. Doubt weighed your heart - an anchor, broke it day after day.

The facade of optimistic determination aged like soured milk. Watching families torn apart by selfishness and greed and hate day, even in your pretty library.

Not enough of the soldiers came home. 

Yours hadn’t yet, and he promised.

The soup you had for lunch only gurgled in your stomach. You hungered for his presence, the reassurance that your Bucky was safe. The not knowing of it all wrecked you so completely.

Then came a letter.

Coming home. Safe. Bucky.

—-

The terror haunted him still - Bucky could smell the muck and lead and blood every morning when he woke. More than once already, he’d fallen out of bed with a phantom limb, the left arm from his shoulder down now gone.

For once, Steve saved him from an unfair fight. He owed Steve everything anyway, all the love and brotherhood any guy could hope for between them. Steve had helped him pin the sleeve of his coat, too, on the way over to Brooklyn Public Library.

Busy for a Tuesday so close to Christmas, Bucky thought as he surveyed the various patrons milling through the glass doorways. Heart thudding the same as his newly polished boots, the doors scared him almost as much as the face of his former captor.

Inside, the world changed into something other. War no longer existed - calm quiet, studious, polite. Not tense quiet of night in hiding, watching, waiting for the enemy to appear from the dim light of camp. No need for a rifle. No need for a blade.

“Can I help you?”

She wasn’t you. Part of him wished for this to be so easy.

“I need help finding someone, if that’s alright,” he muttered, right hand flexing nervously in his pocket. Another heartbeat in his hand.

He said your name out loud for the first time in months, whisper quiet as if to keep you sacred as a secret between friends. She beamed and ushered him quickly to the children’s section near the back of the right side of the expansive room.

Murmurs bounced off the wooden shelves, cushioned thoughts and wishes on donated oak. Bucky tried not to wince, his skin itching all over with nerves and what-if’s. 

Then he saw you.

And oh.

What a vision.

Boots scraped on the new floor, heels touching, posture at full attention. A boy again.

A periwinkle dress, cut and layered just the way you’d always liked. Your makeup done simply, accenting the peaks and valleys of your face, and those pearl earrings. Faux pearl, but nobody who mattered could tell the difference. Bucky wanted to buy you a real necklace, eventually real earrings. And a ring. Anything with potential to make you glow like the sun.

The way you glow when you’d seen him standing there like a dope. Tears fall before you were able to get to your feet and rush to him, arms around him as if he might dissipate if you let go. His right arm hooked around you, tight and unyielding, face pressed close to your ear.

You sobbed, taking inventory of every minuscule part of his face. Violet bags under his eyes, making the blue all the more stunning. Bucky, your very real and tangible Bucky, looked beaten and as worn as the army-issue boots he wore. He cried, he wriggled with sobs in your arms, leaned where your hands brushed. 

“Darling, you made it home for Christmas!” 

He choked, head down, lips pressed between angry teeth. Your hands draped over his shoulders at the back of his neck, moved forward, and -

Bucky flinched in shame. No left arm. Less of a man. The worst of it, your hand moves instead to his face again and urges his eyes upward.

“Sarge, I think you may have some stories to tell me instead.” 

He didn’t hold back the watery scoff, the salty kiss to your lips or the tender I love you.

[aurora-teez]

|Chapter 5 | Utopia~ An Ateez Fanfic Story~

Last night, I was pondering over what in the world “ALL MUST BE DIVIDED” means. I can not seem to figure it out. I could barely sleep...I was thinking of the kiss with Jongho. I was surprised but I felt like it needed to happen. Like Poseidon said, me and him need each other, as soulmates. I can not stop blushing. It is really early in the morning. No one awake except for me and Violet. We always get us early. She wakes up earlier than me because she has to check the air temperature, wind speeds and weather through her barometer. 

I go to take a shower and put on some new clothes. Like I mentioned before, Me and Violet always have kept clothes on the ship in case of an emergency or a get away journey which is now. Haha I need to speak to her because my excitement can not be contained. The boys are still sleeping so it is a perfect time. 

I walk out of our room and I walk out to the deck and see her up in the bird’s nest with her barometer and writing the results. I love how she always has records to notice any changes or upcoming storms. I swear it is like a sixth sense. I am really glad that we have automatic steering...it is a lot to steer a whole ship. I walk up to the pole of the nest and look up. She wears red all the time so I always spot her.

“Oi!!!! How’s the weather up there? Cloudy?”, I laugh and see smiles. “Not really, clear skies and low wind speeds. No problem here, Captain”, She says that holds onto the rope attached to the pole and jumps down. 

“Good morning” 

“Morning. How are you doing today?”, She asks.

“I’m fine. I didn’t get much sleep and that is what I wanted to talk to you about actually. Umm...Jongho kissed me yesterday and I kissed him back and now I can not stop thinking about it”, I hold my head in my hand.

“Oh my goodness...Oiiii!  Your first Kiss.. Wait...Why did he kiss you?”

“Well when Poseidon spoke it me privately, he said that my connection with the Sea had made me have a soulmate and it happens to be Jongho. He said that it is very rare and that it is true. So I told him and he told me that he did feel a connection with me and I was so happy. Let me tell you.. he is a good kisser”, I say and smirk.

“Oooooh Captain is gettiing some action”, She says playfully shoving me with her shoulders. 

“Stop it! But maybe...I have to speak to him though. Also, San interrupted us and he seemed upset. It was odd. I wonder why”

“Maybe he’s just jealous or overly cranking “, She says and laughs. 

“That is ridiculous. Anyways Let’s go make breakfast. I am starving”, I say dragging her to the kitchen. 

Me and Violet made our famous Porridge. A nice pot of creamy milky oat porridge with Cinnamon and Vanilla. Violet uses our juicer to make fresh squeezed orange juice with pineapples in it as well. I notice all the boys come in one by one fully dressed and slightly sleepy. 

“Morning!”, They all say sleepy and sit down at the table rubbing their eyes. 

But Jongho seems to be his energetic self and walk over to me from behind and hugs me.

“Good Morning, Captain”, He says planting a soft kiss to my neck. 

“Morning. Stop it, not in the kitchen plus we have not spoken to them about it and the soul thing”, I say whispering. 

“Pss..I know”, Violet says. 

“You-”

“What? I am the captain and she is like my sister and co captain. She must know, now sit down or your food will get cold or maybe poisoned”, I joke with him. 

“Yes Captain”, He walks and sits back down. 

I put the pot of the nicely made set table with bowls and spoons and cups. I pour them a bowl of porridge and Violet pours the Orange Juice. 

“Go on! Eat”, I say smiling and start eating. 

“So how did you all sleep?”, I ask them.

“Good”, They all say except for San as he continues eating eating his food. 

“San, how about you?”, Hongjoong asks him. 

“Fine”, He says and gets up. “If I may be excused, I have some knots to tie on the deck. Thank you for the meal”, He says and walks upstairs. 

What was that about? 

“Umm..maybe I should go talk to-”, I Say standing up.

Jongho stops me. 

“No, please let us do it. We know how he is”, He says and I kiss his cheek. 

“Thank you”

Jongho’s POV

All of the boys and I walk up stairs and see San just sitting on the floor.

“San. Please are you ok? You can tell us anything”, Yunho says.

“Can I? Can all of you tell me things?”

“What are you talking about?”, Wooyoung says.

“Jongho? Is there something you would like to share with us?”, San says 

“Are you serious right now?! Are you really upset that I kissed Emerald and you walked in on it?”, I say yelling. 

“No I am upset that you took my chance away from getting her”, San says standing us.

“Getting her? She is not one of those toys that you play with their hearts and search for another one.She deserves better.”

“And you are better? You are not a man, only a boy. She needs a real man to give her what she needs”, San says. 

I feel rage consume and I grab him by the collar and punch him in the face sending him backwards. The boys are shocked and San tackles me to the ground. 

Back to Emerald’s POV 

I hear banging and yelling on the deck. Hmm..me and Violet walk upstairs and see that San and Jongho are fighting.San throws a punch to Jongho’s stomach sending him down in pain. Jongho gets up and punches San. I run over to them in between them as the boys try to pull them apart. 

“Stop it! Both of you!”, I yell as San tries to punch Jongho again. 

“Enough!!”, I put my arms out to stop him and a forceful splash of water send him back.

All of them look at me in shock. I rush to Jongho and help him up. Luckily, no blood or black eyes, just small bruises.

“Are you ok?”, I hold his face in my hands looking into his eyes. “Yes I’m fine”, He says. “Look at that. Why does she want you?!”, San says yelling walking over to him again. 

I grab his arm and twist it behind his back. He yells in pain. I did not break it just slightly dislocate it. 

“Touch him again and I will break your arm off and feed it to the sharks”, I say and relocate it and push him back. 

“All of you sit down now!”, I yell at them and Violet comes next to me and Jongho as well sitting down. 

“What the heck is going on?”, I ask. 

“San was insulting Jongho about your kiss and Jongho got upset when he said a remark about you and they starting fighting”, Mingi says. 

“Yeah, we tried to stop them but San would not stop”, Yunho says.

“Ok, are you a child?!! You are jealous because of a kiss”, I ask him. 

“ I am a man! He is not! You should want me not-”

“I do not want you!!!  All of you listen because I am not saying this again! Poseidon spoke to me privately and told me that for some reason, I have a soulmate because of a rare connection to the sea I have. That soulmate happens to be Jongho. Our attraction became stronger after that. He said that me and him need each other because fate does not lie”, I say. 

“Oh..”, San says and looks down embarassed

“Aww that is so adorable”, All of the boys say smiling at Jongho. 

“I’m- I’m Sorry. I do not know what is wrong with me”, San says looking at Jongho and me. 

“Listen, it’s ok. I think that you long for love but can not find it. You have to wait for the right person and it is not me. One day, you will find that person”, I say.

“And one more thing. No fighting on my ship! Unless you are doing combat training”, I say smiling. 

“Alright, are we good now? You are not going to punch me in my sleep right?”, Jongho says holding his arm out to San.

“Haha maybe...no I’m just kidding”, San hugs Jongho. 

“But umm can we talk about the water coming onto San? Where did it come from?”, Hongjoong asks.

I noticed that my hands are wet.

“Umm I think from my hands”, I say and water is moving from the ocean to my hands. I drop them and it goes away. 

“Wait a minute, I have heard of this before”, Mingi says. 

“Do you have a book on the tales of the sea? Specifically Poseidon?”, Yunho asks. 

“I actually strangely do”, I say and i go up to my chest and grab. 

“Turn to page 49″, Yeosang says. 

The page title says “Water Defense in the Wars of the Sea”. Long ago, Merpeople warred with the Pirates and Poseidon used a series of water bending defenses to maneuver water to destroy ships. After that, an alliance was made but bending water has not been used since due to it’s power. 

“So this can not be true. I can move water with my hands? An old tale of defense that has not been seen in centuries?”, I say shocked. 

“Apparently”, Jongho says and holds me. 

“Ok I need to speak to Poseidon about this another time. Ok so now everyone can just relax for today. We are on a steady course going more north. I think I am going to go in to my study. Jongho, come with me please”, I say and grab his arm pulling him with me .

l walk in my study and look at the ceiling. It is decorated with stars and galaxies. I painted it myself and at night, they glow just as the are seen from a telescope. 

I walked with Jongho into my study to look at some history books that had a plethora of information about Poisedon. Jongho seemed to be a little frisky today, but honestly... I didn't mind it. 

 "Okay, you go get that one over there, and I'll start with this one. I want to learn more about the war of the seas." I said, walking over to the bookshelf where I'd find the book that I wanted. 

Suddenly, I felt a broad form hover over me and I knew it had to have been Jongho. I turned around and looked up at him as I grinned. 

 "I want to learn more about you." he smirked, his hands resting on my hips and squeezing lightly.

 "Jongho, come on! What has gotten into you?" I giggled, trying to pry his hands off of my hips.

 "Nothing Em. Although I do really want to kiss you again." he smiled, his large hand coming up to cradle my face. I smiled up at him and bit my lip lightly. Pulling away from him, I shut the door to my study and locked the door.

 "Are you holding me hostage now?" he laughed, pulling me back into his chest. 

"Maybe I am. Are you complaining?" I put my hands behind his neck and laced them together. 

 "Not one bit." he smirked at me, his lips gently touching on mine at first.

 It seemed that once he had that initial bit of contact, he lost a little bit of control and went crazy. His tongue darted out and pushed itself into my mouth, a noise of approval coming from him when I laced a leg around his waist. His hands came to rest at my ass and squeezed harshly, a gasp falling from my lips as he smirked. 

 "Who knew that you were so naughty, Captain?" his lips trailed down my neck and sucked lightly. 

 "You know... I could.. still throw you off of this... Off of this ship." I stuttered as his teeth grazed against my sweet spot.

 "But you won't. You know why?" he chuckled. 

"Because you know you love this just as much as I do." he smirked, his hand trailing down my front to cup over my clothed crotch. I gasped loudly and arched my back into him. 

 "Shut up." I smiled.

"Oh, so now she wants to be sassy with me, huh?" he chuckled darkly, his hands coming underneath my thighs to pick me up and pin me against the wall.

 "Aren't I always?" I laughed, his smile never ceasing to make my heart flutter. 

"Yeah, but now all of a sudden, it seems way hotter since I have you all to myself." he nipped at my neck and I squealed from being ticklish, but it quickly turned into a moan when he ground my hips into his.

 "You have no idea how much I'm glad that you're my soulmate." he breathed, his lips re-attaching to mine and his hand coming to hover lightly over my neck. 

My smaller hands laced around his wrist and pulled his hand closer to my neck, his fingers closing around it and squeezing lightly. 

 "You like my big hands, don't you?" he smirked, my insides twinging at how deep and raspy his voice was.

 I nodded slightly, his hand squeezing a little more causing me to moan out his name as he continued to kiss me. He took me away from the wall, his hands resting on my ass as he went to the chair at my desk. He sat down and brought me with him, his hands still resting on my ass and squeezing harshly. He grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me down to him, his tongue tangling with mine once again as he pushed my hips down into his. 

 "Jongho, we really need to... need to..." I trailed off, his lips back at my neck and licking at my sweet spot. 

 "Mm... Need to what Em? Cat got your tongue?" he chuckled, his tongue working wonders on my neck. 

 "Mmm.. We really need to r-read these books. I... I need to read up on th-these things." I whimpered, his teeth nipping at my collarbone as he pulled my shirt to the side to expose my shoulder.

 "Then walk away. Get off of me and walk away." he dared, his lips continuing their ministrations.

 I took his head in my small hands and pulled him back. His eyes looked up at me full of lust, so I bent down one last time to plant a long, deep kiss on his lips. I got off of his lap and straightened myself out, wiping his saliva off of my mouth and neck as he continued to stare at me.

 "What?" I giggled. 

 "Nothing. Just checking out what's mine." he smirked, eyeing me up and down like I was a rare diamon. 

 "Oh shush." I giggled, turning around and grabbing his book.  

"Here, read this." 

 "Only if I get to sit next to you and hold you." he smiled up at you. "Then come sit on the couch with me." I giggled, his body sitting next to me on the couch and pulling me to lean into him.

“Are you ok? I am sorry about the fighting. I just got really upset. I have never felt that before”, He says holding his head down. 

“Felt what exactly?”

“Possessiveness well the need to protect someone more than myself. He was belittling me by saying that he could “Give you what you need” implying you know.. and well It was very disrespectful and no one disrespects my girl”, He says as he looks at me with red cheeks. 

“Your girl? Hmmm...interesting”, I say.

He sits down next to me and seriously pulls me into his lap with his head nuzzled in my shoulder holding my waist from behind. 

This man....Hmmmm but it actually does feel nice and comfortable. 

Anyways...

“Ok so umm...I think that Poseidon was hinting to something to do with water. Dividing? Now I do not know what that means, but I have an idea of what he meant by Power”

“And that is?”, He asks me. 

“His Trident”

“I’m sorry what?”

“I am saying that the Trident is the most powerful weapon associated with the Sea so where else could the power come from? Unless there is something else. The island is not meant to be seen by mere human eyes, it is revealed through a series of clues and rises from the Depths”

“Could the depths mean the Sea? The island does not originate from the surface but below it. So the Island is supposed to be submerged like Atlantis?”, He asks.

“Oh my god, the Island must be underwater or locked away somehow, hidden and only the clues can be used to find it. But the island must come up but how?”, I say confused. 

“Hey. Do not worry we will find it”, He says smiling at me. 

His smile is so precious but seductive at the same time. 

Violet’s POV 

"Hwa, can you please get the broom? This floor is disgusting." I said, putting the cleaning wipes back underneath the counter.

 He came back into the room holding the broom and wearing a giant smile on his face. 

 "Why are you smiling so big?" I chuckled.

 "That's just the first time you've ever called me that. I like it." he smiled at me, a blush dusting over my cheeks as I started sweeping the floor.

 I finished sweeping after about 5 minutes and decided to dust the very top of the bookshelf that was above my desk. It was a bit of a reach, but I thought I could do it. Grabbing the duster, I got on top of my desk and stretched up to be able to reach the top shelf. I took a step forward to try and get a little closer, but my foot slipped and I started falling to the floor. Luckily, Seonghwa was there to catch me before I hit the floor, so I landed on him, both of us laughing hysterically at the huge thud that echoed through the room. "Are you okay?" he laughed.

 "I'm fine. Are you? I kinda landed on top of you." I laughed, attempting to push myself off of him but being held down by his hands on my hips. 

I looked down at him and he smirked up at me lightly, his finger waving at me in the come hither motion to get closer to him. I slowly bent over him, our lips inches apart before he spoke deeply.

 "You have no idea how bad I want to kiss you right now." I brushed my lips against his lightly, his hand coming behind my head to push me down onto him. 

Who would've thought that Seonghwa was so good at kissing? His plump lips were absolutely perfect for it, and so was his tongue. His hands trailed down to my waist and rested there for a moment before they trailed down to my ass, spanking it lightly. I gasped and he smirked up at me, his tongue darting into my mouth and flicking it with mine, groaning lightly when I sucked on his tongue.

 "Hwa..." I trailed off, breathing against his lips as he looked up at me. 

 "Please don't tell me to stop." he begged, his eyes closing as I rested my forehead against his

. I got off of the top of him and laid next to him, pulling at his shirt to get him on top of me. 

 "Kiss me like you mean it." I said, giggling when he tickled my sides lightly.

 His lips crashed onto mine again, his hips grinding into mine as I moaned lightly. His hands snuck underneath my shirt and he kissed down to my stomach. He kissed up my stomach to just underneath my breasts, but I stopped him.

 "H-hwa.. we can't. Not here." I whined, pushing my shirt down and pulling him back up to me.

 "Why not?" he asked, his smile being the most mischievous I'd ever seen.

 "Because this is the navigation room, not the bedroom." I chuckled, his eyebrows raising as he hovered above me.

 "Oh, so you like to be treated like a princess, huh?" he smirked, helping me off of the floor.

 I took the broom and walked started to walk out of the room. Right before I exited the room, I turned back around to walk up to Seonghwa.

 "Not by a long shot. Once you get me into that bedroom, you better believe that I want you to pull my hair and choke me." I whispered in his ear, his eyes widening as I walked away from him and winked suggestively. 

 "Jesus christ, this woman is going to kill me." he groaned to himself.

Back to Emerald's POV

I walk to Violet’s room and I see that her sitting on her bed smiling. 

“Hey”, I sit next to her crossing my legs like a pretzel.

“Hmm...anything you want to tell me?”, I ask her smiling at her. 

“Umm...I kissed Seonghwa and we can an intense makeout session “, She basically says jumping. 

“I did too with Jongho. Oh my God, that man knows what he is doing. Such a Tease”, I bit my lip.

“Oh Captain is getting freaky”, She smirks.

“Maybe. Not too much. Yet. But let’s go change into training clothes. We need to do some new training. Gotta keep up.”, I say and walk out of her room to go change. 

I walk to the armory under the ship and get 2 bow staffs and carry them to the deck. I throw one over to her and she catches it. The boys look at us comfused. 

“What are you girls doing?”, Jongho asks. 

“First off, do not call me a girl. I am a woman, Jongho and we are training. I was in the middle of training VIolet and my students in combat before you came along so I need to make sure she finishes it”, I say and push him aside lightly. 

I see Jongho leaning on his side watching me with the rest of them and then he wink at me. Seonghwa is looking at Violet as if she is a slice of cake. Silly Boys..

“Ok now we will start with basic blocking me, no techniques yet. But always hold your staff with your dominant hand on the bottom and other on top to have a tight grip for swinging”, I say and demonstrate for her. 

“Got it”

“Now think of this as a sword. What do you do when it swings toward you? You knock it back, same concept. Now practice with me blocking my swings. Remember I may swing with one of two hands so use two for now. You stance should be your dominant foot at the foot to step and bend down with bow staff in hand”, I say as she follows my movements

I wait for a few seconds as I look at her “Begin”

I swing with staff at her with both hands, whipping air forcefully and she blocks it moving her staff side to side diagonally and horizontally. I try to trick her nad move the staff whipping it around with one hand and swinging it under her leg. She jumped and rolls her body then blocks my attack. 

“Good. Very Good. Now I need you to think about if this is the only weapon you have. No swords. No guns. Nothing. Now I want you to give me what you got. These will not break- They are steel with wood solidification top. Ready?”, I ask.

“Yes, Let’s go”, She looks and sees Jongho and Seonghwa watching us like Hawks. Let’s give them a show. 

“Begin!”

She runs toward me and swings her staff. I duck and do a back flip to the other side of her and block her move from trying to hit my side. I jump up and kick her staff and swing mine towards her side. She stumbles down and flips back up rolling her body and swinging the staff to me. I use one hand and my leg blocking his move from her. She swings to my head and I do a flip across the other side and throw my staff up and see looks at it fly. Water seems to clear around it and splash down.  I catch it after landing on my feet and buckle in under her feet and point it at her with her on her back. 

“Very impressive. You always learn fast. Great job. Now-Ow!”, I hold my head and drop the bow staff.

“Em, Are you ok?’, She asks and I see a vision of the island, Utopia and the chest but the water is weird. What is that split in the middle? Is the Ocean divided? What divided it? I see water crashing on the rocks and I see something in the end of the division- Another Trident?! What? 

I open my eyes and I am panicking and I can barely breathe. What in the world did I just see? The Ocean Split in half?!!! How is that possible? I feel dizzy. All the boys rush to me and Violet is worried. I tip over but Jongho catches me in his arms. 

“Em, No! Look at me! What did you see?”, He asks me with his eyes worried. 

“T-the- O-O-ocean. Must Spl-”, I say and then get knocked out falling into a deep sleep similar to my first encounter with Poseidon.

Before falling into the sleep, I think what is Poseidon not telling me? Who am I really? 

Author’s Note: Shout out to @hwaseongatiny​ for writing the amazing sexy spicy scenes between Emerald and Jongho and her character Violet and Seonghwa. She is such a talented and helps me with scenes and brainstorming so much. She is the bestest friend ever!! @hwaseongatiny​ You are the best and thank you to all who read and reblog this story. Love you!!!

[c-atm]

fighting flirty: Special match Bonus Match pt2

Steven and Lion skidded out of the pink portal in front of Connie’s place.

“Good job, Lion.” He smirked as he rubbed his companion skull in appreciation. He turned toward the  residence, more specifically the second window where he saw the light of candles and the silhouetted curves of Connie behind royal blue curtains. He took a low, excited breath before feeling Lion nudge him forward with his head, towards the door. “I’m going.” He chuckled as he gave his beast cat of a son a playful headbutt. “ Go head home.”

Lion gave him a gentle growl and a knowing look, before roaring another portal and jumping in..

Steven turned around and started toward the door, digging for his set of keys out of his jacket.

Nervousness…

Excitement…

Wanting...So much wanting

These are what fueled one Connie Maheswaran's actions as she ran through last minute checks.

"Ok, got the body paint and glitter." She turned to the assortment of small jars filled thick liquid of different colors with brushes in them and a couple soft plastic paint spreaders beside  them. Next to them was a large clear bowl of  body glitter that seemed to sparkle like stars

"Comforters for us to lay on or kneel on as we paint and play." She turned her gaze down to the floor at four large navy blue comforters lined up in a square reaching the west wall to the east and taking up the whole center third of the room.

"Vanilla and Jasmine scented candles." She looked at the four candles placed at corners, of the room, away from them and their supplies, giving the dark violet room a natural sensual glow..

She folded her arms with pride, looking at her setup. "Hmm. Ok..Now for the last 'oomph' of ambiance. " She turned her head toward the ceiling.  "Play February 15th, playlist."

At her command, the sounds of violin, bass, piano and sax began playing a sensual, jazzy ballad in a nice low background volume. "Perfect." She congratulated herself as she shook the nerve off her, bouncing on her toes.

'This is gonna be a good night. Just some alone time with Steven, no different from today or any other time, except..' She felt her face raise In temperature ' It's not. Not at all… ' The grin on her face gained more excitement by the moment.

"Calm down Connie... You're supposed to be calm, cool, collected. Flirty, seductive. " She whispered to herself. ' Yeah, but my heart won't stop thumping and my grin won't fall and I can't stop feeling hyper and for what?! ' She groaned running her hands through her hair, before dissolving into embarrassed and love-filled giggles. "For him. Always for him.” She breathed deeply  “You know what's really bad.. I like it. This feeling of enamorment. God damn it!” She smiled  as she shook her head, biting her lps. “How did it come to this?”

“I don’t know, maybe we teased a bit too much.”

Connie stood straight as she felt shivers down her spine at the sound of his husky voice and cool minty breath in her ear. The feeling of his lips on her temple and whiskers on her shoulder, making her sigh out a laugh. “How much did you hear, Mister? That was a private monologue.” She rubbed his left cheek while kissing his right. Enjoying the feel of his hair upn her skin “Rugged.”

“Somewhere around ‘For him, always for him’.

“The good part”

He chuckled at the amorous tone and the affectionate touches. “I missed you.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you did somewhere between entertaining Little Homeworld and charming gems and girls alike.” She teased kissing the corner of his mouth. “I missed you too, though.”

“Missed you more.”

“Oh? Doubtful.”

“And why is that huh?”  

“Hmm” She moved away from him walking forward  to the center of the room, before turning towards him with her hands behind her back.” Look at what I did for you.”

Steven did take a look at the room and the work she put in, feeling touched and appreciated...His eyes went to her outfit and the feeling of hunger rose within him as well.

Connie arched her right brow before giving him a smirk “Mister?” Her voice dripped with carnality. Her left hand finding the edges of the bow and giving it a slight tug. She laughed at him licking his lip. “In time Mister.” She let go of the bow, chuckling a bit at his blushing face.

“Little minx. “ He growled as he walked up and wrapped his arms around her resting his hands on her ‘heart’..

“Being a bit handsy aren’t we and it seems so intentional as well.” She wrapped her arm  around his shoulders pulling him closer,

“It is.” He grinned as he squeezed her, getting a delighted gasp from Connie.

“So bold, Mister. Is this what i’ll be dealing with tonight?”  

“Tonight..” He gave her a clipping kiss, releasing it with a ‘Chu’.

“Tomorrow..”  he gave Another.

“Beyond..” And another.

Connie bit her the corner of her lip. “Oh..Such an exciting prospect.”

“It’s only right, since you came up with such a daring idea and declaration, Heartberry.”

“Well, then..Here's another one.“

Steven's eyes widened just a moment as he fell rhythm into Connie’s kiss. He groaned as she lured his tongue into her mouth with her own, before having it and his bottom lips sucked on gently, it was exhilarating and so passionate, he couldn't help but give her bottom a grab while a small moan escaped.

“Mhmh..MMM..Squeezing again? “ She teasing through the kiss rocked her hips side to side within his hands. “Might have to be careful wearing things like dresses and skirts around you, Bottom man.”

“You don’t wear...Mmm.. skirts and dresses much.” He broke the kiss to look at her blushing impish face  “Though it doesn't matter what you wear. You're too bewitching  to not want you in my arms.”

"I think you mean palms, Grabby."

"Those too." he  gave her a snicker that tugged at her heart.

“You dork..Thank you Steven.” she gave him a few tender kisses holding his cheek as she did.“ Not only are you loving, and kind but.. “ She looked at his bare torso, his round belly, with abs and strong pecs. “Hhhoooo~ Oooooo." She breathed out. Nodding her head in appreciation

"That's a compliment if ever." He chuckled as she traced her index finger upon his stomach looking both innocent and seductively.

"It's the damn truth." She stated in defiance. "Not to rag on someone else's preference, but I just can't see the appeal of a slim, thin partner. Not when the alternative is…”

Connie nipped under his chin making him shiver. As she spoke in a luscious tone “Big..”

“Husky.” She trailed down to his throat placing mini love bites upon him. Sighing as his grip on her seat got tighter.

“Burr~rrly.” She purred as she placed more bites from his neck down to his chest, her hands roaming down his back to the seat of his sweats.

“Ey!” He yelped as he got a squeeze of his own. “Whose grabby now, Minxy?

Connie shrugged before giving him a quick peck and moving back. “Ok. I think we had our fun.” She gave him a grin “ So now, it’s time we get down to business.”

“And by business you mean.”

“Fun.” Her grin lowered to a gentle loving smile. “ Sweet, heartfelt fun.”

Steven hung his head to the side as he watched her gather the art supplies and lined them beside the comforter.

When she was done she signaled him to sit down beside her. “Come here, Mister.”

Steven sat down crossed legged looking up at Connie, holding his chin in intrigue. “Hmm. So what is this all about?”

“Didn’t I say I want you to make art of me.“

Steven nodded. “You did, but if i suppose to make art of you, I need a canvas”

She shook her head. “Mister, I thought it would be oblivious.” She signaled to the paints and to herself.

“Hmm?”

“I’ll say it again.” She took his right hand in hers guiding it to one of the paints, a strawberry pink. “I want you.” She slowly dipped his index in swirling it around a little.“To make..”   She pulled the pink covered digit, the slight nervous trembling of his hand making her feel a bit more bold and teasy. Slowly putting the tip right under her breast. “Me…’ She trailed his finger to the center of her stomach,sighing at the cool feeling of the paint. “Art.”

Steven red faced and stunned, could only watch jaw-dropped as she took his paint stained finger and sucked the rest of the paint off. Giving the digit a little kiss before looking at him through half-lid bedroom eyes and a bitten lip.

“Tasteful art.”

Her sensual tone and leer sent lighting through his spine forcing him to sit up straight, at attention. “Ooooh whoo.” He exhaled an exaggerated breath that was hidden in his chest, beaming in delight.

Connie bent over from the waist, giving him a gentle and luscious kiss. “You’re so cute, Mister.” She gave him an impish giggle. “So...Did I do good or did I do great?”

He looked at her with adoration“Ni, My best friend, Jambae, Heartberry. Come here”  He tapped on his thighs.

Connie maroon cheeked, sat between his thighs, nuzzling and sighing as he held her close; his arms wrapped around her torso kissing her shoulder and neck.

“I can’t believe you would do this...How long have you been planning tonight?”

Connie looked away feeling shy. “Umm. Heh.. About two weeks.”

“Two weeks? Did it take that long for the paints to come.”

“For the brushes, candles and comforters."

"Steven narrowed his eyes." What about the paints?"

Connie felt her face grow hotter as smirked, coolly. "It's no big deal...Just learned to make body paint and glitter out of  fruit, chocolate, and candy."

"What?" Steven's voice was filled with admiration and adulation for the woman in his arms.

"Anyone can learn how to make edible body art." Her voice was nonchalant as she waved her hand. "Not a big deal."

Steven looked at his knight with an arched eyebrow but didn't say anything.

Connie shook her head before sighing. "Fine, you know what. It is a big deal." She placed her hands on top of his."Tonight Is a very big deal. ..To me."

"I figured as much… Especially when you talked about submission." He kissed her temple. "We've already done things that could be considered giving ourselves to each other."

"True...Something I'll never regret" She snickered and kissed his whiskered chin. " But I'm not just talking about the physical and teasing aspect of 'US'

"Oh I know...You're not one to use words like submission and yield when talking about yourself." Steven growled feeling her soft lips. "So it begs the question. What's this really about? What you're submitting too?"

"I said you, but In context. I 'm submitting  to being a bit more...Romantic? ... Fanciful for you. " She breathed out an awkward chuckle. " I mean, it's not a surprise trip or a great big gesture like you would do for me. Intimacy is more my style."

"Connie, this wouldn't have to be because of today?"

"Not just today…" Connie turned around to face him, her legs around his hips, arms around  his shoulders. She gazed into his deep brown eyes, the candle lights making them look more like bourbon than almond.  "For everyday... For every time you reprimanded me for working too late, and making me relax...Every time you listened to me babble on about the newest project at R&D, college class, book, tv show or whatever."

She felt the rising chuckles aching to come up. "For every time you come find me after we argue, to comfort me and be comforted by me Hell, for every time you opened up and allow yourself to be comforted by me…."

Steven chuckled " Most people wouldn't  thank someone for that."

"Well I am." She kissed him gently before placing her forehead to his. "I thank you for trusting me enough for that...For making me feel trusted…"

"It's not hard too after all we've been through. You always have the best intentions for me."

"Of course,I do. You're important to me. " She gave him another kiss."How could I not. After all the times you made me feel loved and cherished on every level, through gestures grand and small. Made me feel safe and protected without making me feel weak and demure."

"Not that anyone could, you paragon of humanity." He teased before pulling her closer to him by her hips. "Besides, you know I find your pride and strength completely irresistible."

Her heart swooned and her temperature ran a little hot under the collar at his baritone whisper.

"Mis~ter" She purred a sigh when he started kissing the left side of her neck .Blushing without shame. "That's another reason why you don't make me feel needed.." She chuckled as he nipped and sucked on her neck. " You make me blush, squirm, trembling, and moan..You make me feel desired, hungered for...wanted." She ran her hands through his lock massaging his scalp and getting a pleasure growl from the hybrid.

" You are and you do the same for me." Steven looked at her loving and carnal smile,giving her one of her own. "Every growl, snarl, exaggerated, breath, and float brought through t your teasing touches, sly glances, playful words and other sensual mannerisms. Proves that. " Steven  caressed her cheek causing her to beam. " The best part of it.

" It's out of love. Carnal in action..but "

"Generally, cause we love each other."

"As expected from my 'compliment'.' She

kissed his palm, before kissing his lips. "It because of that.. I wanted to do something. special. To show you that, I love you." She rested  her head upon his "And despite us not being in a relationship..My heart is yours.. and yours alone."

"Mines is yours, You know that Connie." Steven reciprocated." We don't  need to be in  relationship to be together. We agreed."

'I do. so that why I wanted to do something to celebrate that. Not because of the day or anything, but because..I love you.. " She giggled as she wiped her eye. " Got me being schmaltzy. You know, I love you." She took her a breath.

"Such a lovey-dovey berry I have." he teased as he held her close hearing her rapid heart against his own.

She held him just as close "Only and always for my precious and treasured Mister..." She chuckled before she pulled away with a smile " So.. Now that you know why..There only one thing to do..Given the set up." She teased before dipping her finger into a brown paint.

"And what's that?" Steven looked surprised  at her poking his tanned nose and staining it with the chocolate colored and scented paint.

"Paint each other in the colors of our sweet affection." She chuckled before licking the chocolate off him. His surprised and blushing face making her laugh more. "I told you I had a plan for them chocolates."

[sparklinggnome]

While Misty was out of the house, Peony and Guava took the chance to talk to Heath about what they had discovered.  He was out  by the front of the house, keeping a watching eye on Violet so that she didn’t run away or start pulling up flowers, while also helping Claret make a drawing for Misty. 

Peony and Guava stepped out of the house and walked toward their other family members. Heath smiled at them and welcomed them out in the sunshine.  For a moment the twins were quiet and looked at each other. Then Peony took a deep breath and met her stepfathers gaze.  “Heath? Can we talk?” Peony asked while she fiddled with a loose thread from her dress. She would need to cut that off later. She and Guava were both nervous that they would get into trouble.  “Yeah, sure. What’s up?” Heath could see that they twins were a bit uncomfortable, so he lifted Claret from his lap and asked him to go play with Violet, so he could pay attention to Peony and Guava.  Peony hesitated yet again. 

“Promise you won’t get mad.” she then demanded.  Heath chuckled a bit and assured them that he wouldn’t be angry. Peony and Guava were usually so innocent and nice, so Heath theorised that they maybe accidentally broken something. They were two well-behaved kids.

“So... Like, five days ago, when we came home from school, there was a lady in the kitchen with mom. I’ve never seen her before, neither has Guava.” Guava nodded. “She looked a lot like mom, but much older, and when I came in the door mom was really angry at the lady. She didn’t introduce me, or anything, and the lady left after that.” Peony continued.  “She didn’t even say hi to me on the way out.” Guava chipped in. 

“Mom was really upset and sad after that, but we didn’t want to talk about it. But we really wondered who that lady was, and why mom was so angry at her. So... we did our own research.” Peony looked at Guava again to see if he wanted to take over and explain, but he shook his head. He was happy to let her do it, and just comment when he needed.  Upon hearing that his wife had been so upset, Heath felt saddened. He remembered that she had asked for some time for her self and had seemed sad, but when he asked her she didn’t want to talk to him about it either. 

“We think the lady is our grandmother, and to find out if we were right, we went to the library. When I searched for our surname I found an article about a plane crash! And there was a picture of the lady that was here, her name is Vanilla Meringue. And her husband died in the plane crash! And it said they had a daughter named MISTY MERINGUE! That has to be mom!”  Peony paused to catch her breath, so had explained so quickly that she almost felt lightheaded.  Guava continued in her place. “We don’t know how to tell mom that we know. We don’t want to make her more upset, we just want to be there for her.” 

Heath was very confused and shocked. First of all, it had been a little challenging to follow along Peony. Second of all, ALL of this was news to him, and it hurt his heart that his wonderful Misty had suffered alone and kept quiet.  He put his hands on Peony’s and Guava’s shoulders and squeezed them lovingly.   “Thank you for telling me about this, kids. I had no idea. I think you’ve done the right thing. How about we sit down with mom when she comes home and talk this through?”  Peony and Guava agreed and they both felt some weight being lifted from their minds.

< Previous III Next >

[bluboothalassophile]

Runaways...

Raven finally walked out of her bathroom, pulling her hair into a ponytail. She folded her arms as she walked over to the counter as the kid looked through her fridge.

“Do you have any juice?” he asked.

“Only OJ,” she answered.

“Cool!” he said and she sidestepped him as she plucked it up, pulled down a sniffer.

“I’ll do the pouring,” she said. After pouring a sniffer of OJ before handing it to him. “What are you doing here kid? Aren’t your parents?”

“My mom is the Evil Queen,” he stated.

“Uh-huh, and your dad?”

“He doesn’t know he’s my dad!” he said cheerfully. Raven glared at the kid.

“Where’s your mom?”

“She let me come!” he said.

“I don’t think so, it was a closed adoption. This is New York City, no mother of any standing would let you come here alone, you’re eight. So, where’s your mom, and what are you doing here?” she asked.

“I…” he started. “I came for you,” he said.

“Alright, I’m calling the cops,” she decided.

“I’ll tell them you kidnapped me,” he countered. She glared at that smug, confident glare; God he looked like his father; a bit infuriating.

“And they’ll believe you because I’m your birth mom,” she sighed. “Alright, where do you live?”

“Miller Harbor, Maine!” he chirped.

Raven stared balefully at him. Daniel sat there looking smug, looking like his father, and she sighed as she propped her chin up on her fist while she leaned on the counter. “I take it as in the only way you’re going home is if I drive you?”

“Yup!”

“Give me ten minutes, and do not touch the ice cream!” she warned.

“But it’s Caramel Fudge!” he whined.

“Don’t even think about it,” she warned; knowing full well she was about to have an eight year old smothered in chocolate, vanilla and caramel if she wasn’t careful. Raven shot off a text to Luci and Maze to inform them that something had popped up and she would not be back in time to cover Clara’s performance. Getting dressed she was tugging on her boots and the heavy leather jacket she had for going to colder places. She also grabbed some weather gear; just in case, and her go bag while pocketing her knives and walking out to see the kid smothered in ice cream; her ice cream. “Seriously?” she sighed in amusement as he stopped midbite.

“I only had a bite!”

“That was a full pint,” she said plucking it from his sticky fingers and putting it in the fridge again.

“I’m hungry!”

“Go wash up and we’ll get something on the way to Maine.”

Daniel jogged off to her bathroom then. It was now that Raven noticed the thick book popping out the back of his discarded backpack. Book was as big as him, which had her picking up the backpack and peeking inside, there was nothing ominous about it or within it. There was however a serious knife, a tactical knife, which she pocketed.

~~~*~*~*~~~

Owner of Black Jack Books, was a bit surprised when he saw the mayor standing at his door, banging on his shop door frantically. He couldn’t remember a single time when she had ever come to his shop, which was why he was a bit curious; despite his inebriated state, and swaggered over.

“What are you doing?” he demanded. The woman spun furiously on him, as her blue eyes narrowed.

“Where is he!?” she demanded.

“Who?” he asked, playing dumb.

“Don’t play stupid Jason!” she snapped. “Daniel is missing!”

“Lad’s probably out looking for adventure, they do that at eight, your highness,” he retorted. “And isn’t this a matter for the sheriff?” He was leaning on the wall of his shop; Artemis would not be happy if it was broken into and the mayor looked ready to break every window she could reach. Jason also didn’t have time for replacing windows, autumn was cold and fishing season was busy, and he couldn’t afford to be late to the docks for work. Despite owning the shop, he had insisted on sailing and fishing; it was honest labor that kept him sane because the mayor would drive him batty. (Battier than Sheriff Dick Grayson or Veterinarian Dr. Damian al Ghul could.)

The only reason he hadn’t dismissed her out of hand immediately was Daniel; Danny, the lad was invasive, inquisitive, intelligent, talented, and above all, ballsy. Jason had had the lad toddling after him for some unknown reason since the lad could walk. Danny had taken his first steps to Jason the first time they had met, said his first word for him, and for some unknown reason, always screamed for him when he was sick or injured. Danny’s mother had tried to curb this behavior, but since the lad was three and needed stitches, she had ceased that. No one could calm the tot when he had cracked his head open and blood was spewing everywhere; until they called in Jason, and Jason spent the next hours with the kid keeping him calm while Danny got twenty-one stitches, serious check over with x-rays, scans, and the works, but the kid was alright. Rebounded the next day and since then, was Jason’s shadow.

“He isn’t anywhere in town!” she shrieked.

“Lad will turn up, he couldn’t have gone anywhere,” he groaned rubbing his face over.

The mayor stormed off, he sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fuck!” he hissed before running off to find Danny before he found trouble; or worse, his mother found him.

~~~*~*~*~~~

Raven looked at the marker of the town, Daniel; or Danny as he insisted his dad called him, had fallen dead asleep in her back seat. She had hazardously pulled her spare coat over the tiny body and put a blanket from her emergency kit under his head. They were here now.

“Hey, kid, Danny,” she said as they pulled up to a dead end; the road literally disappeared into the water, her phone said it was just after midnight when she pulled up. Getting out of the car she walked to the backseat, carefully opening the door, and shaking his shoulder gently.

“We’re here, Danny, now where are we supposed to go?”

“69 not telling you,” he muttered sourly as he rolled over and curled up into a tight little ball, disappearing beneath her jacket.

“Oh no you don’t!” she hissed pulling him out of the car, the kid yelped fully awake as she set him down on his feet. He didn’t look unsettled at the manhandling, but he wasn’t awake.

“Where are we heading?” she asked cocking her brow.

“We need to take the ferry,” he muttered.

“Good, and when does that come?”

“In the morning?” he said uncertainly.

“How’d you get over here then?”

“Rowboat!” he said proudly. She frowned as she rubbed her hands over her face; this kid was going to be the death of her. No mother wanted to ever hear that their kid had rowed to shore, in the autumn on the Atlantic, but the kid looked so damn proud of himself that she couldn’t outright berate him.

“Do you have a number I can call of someone who operates the ferry?”

“No one ever comes to Miller’s Harbor,” he said solemnly.

“Uh-huh, sure they don’t, the number kid,” she warned him before he rattled off a phone number which had her dialing it.

“Hello? Danny, this better be you or your rear is in a world of hurt when I get my hands on you,” a sharp, male voice; that sounded very stressed, tired, scared and worried informed her. That about summed up how she felt in these last hours, and just as intensely as when Danny had informed her he had rowed here.

“Lemme guess, Danny is a small, curly black haired, aquamarine eye color, freckled troublemaker who loves red and ice cream?” she asked as Danny made himself at home in her backseat again. His eyes had an unusual violet hue when he stared at her through the window, his nose was red from the cold.

“Who the hell is this?” the voice demanded.

“Currently, I have Danny, I need a ride into town apparently to take him home,” she said.

“How the hell did he get over there?”

“Rowboat.”

“I’m gonna kill him.”

“I would rather we just get him home, it’s been a long, exhausting night,” she said.

“I’ll be there in twenty, I gotta get my first mate up and get over there.”

“Please, it’s cold here,” she said.

“Be right there.”

[thecleverdame]

Control and Release - 16

Series Masterlist

TEDTalk!Sam x Reader

Summary: With the rest of the staff caught in a snowstorm, you find yourself acting as a personal assistant to the notorious Sam Winchester.

Warnings: Dom/Sub, humiliation, embarrassment, sexual objectification,  mutual masturbation, spanking, cum play, fingering, anal play, orgasm control, nipple clamps, dub-con, breath play.

Beta: @ilikaicalie

Words: 2k

Parts 17, 18 & 19 are currently available on Patreon for a monthly pledge of $2.50. This includes early access to all my stories and Patreon exclusive content.  >> CLICK HERE <<

-

You follow Sam down the labyrinth of halls, back through the various women who are still performing. You’re relieved to be back upstairs, up here it seems to be a tamer crowd. More nudity and blow jobs in the corner than pain and strange kinks. You can handle that.

“I hope you two enjoyed yourselves.” Nick appears in front of you like a slithering snake, his eyes taking stock of your appearance as a smile spreads across his face. He turns to Sam with the proud expression of a doting father. “She’s even more delicious when she’s freshly fucked.”

You unconsciously bring a hand up to your face, feeling your already flushed cheeks. Sam’s brow ticks, the hand above your elbow tightening its grip in response.

“I think she can hear you.” Sam leans toward Nick. “But that’s the point, isn’t it?”

“There’s nothing wrong with casual observation,” Nick chuckles good naturally, winking at you. “You don’t mind, do you, my dear?”

“No,” you answer, lifting your head high. Everyone in the room is here for the same thing. And comparatively, what you and Sam have going on is pretty vanilla. Acting like a shrinking violet gives Nick the power, and you’re only comfortable relinquishing your power to one man. “I don’t mind as long as Sam doesn't.”

Nick cocks an eyebrow. “What a perfect little thing you must be. Are you sure you don’t care to share, Sam? We’re all friends here.”

“No,” Sam shakes his head, thoroughly unamused. “Not if you’d like us to remain friends.”

“My, my,” Nick pats his belly, looking between you. “Have we finally found your Achilles Heel?”

Sam’s response is immediate, his demeanor shifting on a dime. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” Nick can read his response just as well as you can. He’s said too much and once that line is crossed with Sam, it’s hard to retreat. “Nothing. You’re always so serious. Lighten up, have a drink.”

“It’s been a pleasure Nick, but it’s time for us to go,” Sam snips, pulling you along with him.

Nick calls something after you, but you don’t hear him. All you can focus on is Sam guiding you away from the party, toward the front hall.

There’s no misreading this.

You can’t help but feel somewhat hurt by how strong his response was to Nick insinuating he has even a minute amount of affection for you. Had he not responded at all, you would have assumed his indifference, but now he seems almost angered by the implication that perhaps your arrangement is something more than contractual satisfaction.

Within five minutes you’re back in the car. Sam doesn’t say a word, just stares out the window as the black of the night settles in and the lights of the party fade into the distance. He’s silent the entire ride back to his house, doesn’t even offer you a hand to exit the car, just lets you scamper behind him, unsure what your next move should be.

Should you offer to leave? The truth is your confidence is shaken, how could it not be?

“Sam,” you start, following him into the kitchen.

“You’re not going to talk for the rest of the night. Do you understand?” He turns to you, eyes practically on fire. When you hesitate he takes a step closer. “No words, do you understand me?”

You nod yes, looking sideways to the counter, anything to get his eyes off yours.

“Clothes off, take a shower. I’ll be waiting in the living room.” And with that, he turns and walks away.

When this first started, back when he called you to his office and told you to sit on his desk and open your legs, you felt like this. The swell of so many emotions that you could hardly isolate just one. That’s how you’re feeling now, except there’s something new added to the mix. An unsettled feeling that’s stronger than everything else.

You strip down, leaving your dress in a puddle on the tile of the kitchen floor, and shower as instructed. Once you’re clean and dried, you walk nude back to the living room where he’s standing, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone.

“On your knees, back against the wall,” he gestures, setting down his phone and unzipping his pants.

It’s impossible not to feel the shift in his demeanor. This is the man you first met, the one that ordered you to take off your panties in the elevator and carry his bags like a servant.

“Hands behind your back, open your mouth.” And with that, he fucks your mouth for the better part of an hour as you willingly gag on his cock. While you are worried about this change in the dynamic, it’s also a turn on. The two of you have become more familiar with each other, you know what to expect from him...but not tonight.

Tonight he slips back into the man who scared and excited you nearly every time you were in his presence. Every touch is hard and demanding, every order given expectantly. And you comply with everything, just as eager to please him as the first time. You trust that this is just temporary and that things will return to the new normal soon enough.

-

There’s only one explanation, he must feel what you do. At least that’s what you hope.

And what do you feel? You’re not entirely sure, but it’s something. Something more than just sex.

The very notion seems insane, you and Sam Winchester. But there’s this undefinable thing growing between you. You know it and so must he.

And just as sure as you are about these feelings, the doubt creeps in. Sam isn’t the kind of man that has relationships. Hell, the guy doesn’t even have a friend. You’re crazy if you think that he’s going to make an exception for you.

You’re misreading the situation, you have to be.

But what if you aren’t?

Bouncing back and forth between both possibilities you decide on a small gesture. A little offering to test the waters. After all, what do you have to lose?

The Following Sunday

Standing in Sam’s living room you stare at the paper tickets in your hands, regretting the choice to buy them. It’s a ridiculous idea, a man like him doesn’t want to do something as plebeian as a planetarium.  

He’s been in a terrible mood all weekend. He’s barely spoken to you. It’s been two and a half days of nothing but sucking cock, getting spanked so hard you can barely sit down and taking his cock from behind while he nearly pulled your hair out.

The weekend has come to an end, just as it always does. The wind down that never fails to leave you unfulfilled.

Now, you’re waiting silently for him to send you off. It’s a tradition. After you fuck for the last time, he showers and changes before walking you to the door like a gentleman in some dime store novel. Tonight you can still feel his cum between your thighs while you look around his whitewashed house.

Whatever’s gotten under his skin has made him even more cold and distant than usual. You know you should hide the tickets before-

“What do you have there?” Sam inquires, clad in a fresh shirt.

“It’s nothing.” Looking up you feebly attempt to remain casual.

“Doesn’t seem like nothing,” he presses, stepping and holding out his hand. “What is it?”

“It was a stupid idea,” you wait for a beat, before laying the tickets in his hand.

He looks at you skeptically and then down at the tickets, “The Museum of Science Planetarium?” He lifts an eyebrow. “Were you planning on us getting high and watching a laser light show?”

“No, it’s not, it’s-” you look at his utterly impatient expression. He’s already annoyed with you. “It’s the Northern Lights Experience. You said-”

“I remember what I said.” His eyes go soft, a look he gets from time to time, his expression softening as he stares at you and then the shift. His jaw sets, eyes hard again. “I think it’s time we rethink our arrangement.”

“In what way?” You perk up, trying to get a read on him.

“We’re not going to see each other anymore.” Sam says the words like he’s explaining what you’re about to have for dinner.

“What do you mean?” You inch closer, studying his deadpan stare. He can’t mean what you think he means.

“Our time together is over. Permanently.” He blinks.

“What?” You’re breathless, heart falling into your stomach. “Why?” you sputter.

“Because,” he sighs, pulling off his glasses. “I’m done with you. I’m bored. It’s time to move on to something new.”

Something new. You know exactly what he means, someone new.

“You’re bored with me,” you repeat to yourself, staring at the carpet, swallowing hard. You won’t cry in front of him. It’s no doubt what he expects but you will not give him the satisfaction. “So that’s it? Just like that. We’re over?”

“It’s time. It has been for a while.” He picks up his phone, tapping the screen. “I’ll have my driver take you home.”

“Why did you even spend the weekend with me?” While you can hold back tears you can’t cover the pain in your voice.

“I wanted to fuck. I had a stressful week and I needed some tension relief.” He responds matter of factly. “There’s no reason for us to interact at work. We shouldn’t have to see each other. You’ll be able to keep your job.”

He’s being cruel, this is his specialty. His true colors showing through. All you can see are the tickets in his hand. Those tickets that were so much more than tickets, the symbolic gesture you wanted to give him in return after your birthday. An offering, a chance for something more. Here you were planning, wishing for things to move just little closer to affection and he’s been planning how he was going to fuck you one last time before he threw you out with the trash.

Sam Winchester is a cold son of a bitch, you should have known this was how it would end. Taking a breath you stand up tall, holding your chin high, eyes blinking cold and expressionless. After all, you’ve learned from the master.

“I think it’s probably for the best.” You smile as if you’re the one letting him down softly. Your mind is swirling, but right now all you know is that you want to hurt him, really hurt him. “I mean, you always made me cum but the orgasms have been a little...softer lately.” His brow twitches, nostrils flaring as he looks at you like he wants to wrap his hands around your neck. You doubt anyone has ever spoken to him like this before. “I’ll be alright. Maybe I’ll give Max a second chance. I do love assholes.”

And with that, you turn on your heels and walk out of his house. You hold it together until the car pulls out of the driveway. For a moment you can’t think, can’t breathe. How has your life become this? A break up that was never really even a relationship at all. You were part of a contract, it was just sex all along and you should have known.

Tears fall as his house disappears behind you and the car drives back toward the city. Toward the next chapter of your life. A life without Sam Winchester.

-

Parts 17, 18 & 19 are currently available on Patreon for a monthly pledge of $2.50. This includes early access to all my stories and Patreon exclusive content.  >> CLICK HERE <<

[drariellevalentine]

Medically Inevitable

Chapter 5- Heartfelt Housewarming

Warnings:- Alcohol

Characters:- Arielle Valentine, Ethan Ramsey, Sienna Trinh, Landry Olsen, Elijah Greene, Jackie Varma, Aurora Emery, Ines Delarosa

Pairing:- Ethan Ramsey x Arielle Valentine

After a night of restless tossing and turning, you get up skipping your usual morning routine and head into the shower. Stripping yourself of your clothes, you step into the shower, hoping the hot water washes away yesterday’s events. You close your eyes and everything comes flooding into mind.

“Dr. Valentine, your post-op patient is in distress!”

“What happened? She was fine two minutes ago!”, you say.

“Fluid buildup in her lungs, she can’t breathe!”

“Heart rate’s above 160. It’s in atrial fibrillation!”

“BP’s crashing, she’s hypotensive!” Everything swirls around in confusion. You’re frozen in place, unsure of what to do.

“What do you want us to do?” Your mind is jumbled. You can’t focus.

“Dr. Valentine! What do you want us to do?!”

You’re wrenched out of your reverie as your bottle of body wash drops to the floor.

“Arielle? You okay?” Sienna asks.

“Yeah, just dropped something. Be out in a sec.”, you pull back the fogged glass door and grab your blush coloured towel, which matches your room’s aesthetic. You remember the day you went out shopping with your brother’s girlfriend who also happens to be one of the huge fashion icons and designers, to buy everything you needed for your apartment. After drying yourself off, you slip on a silk robe and leave your bathroom to see Sienna and Landry waiting for you.

“Hey.”, you say plopping down on the furry bench at the front of your queen sized bed.

Si comes and gives you a hug. “What happened yesterday isn’t your fault, okay.”

“I know. I just can’t stop thinking about what would have happened if the nurses hadn’t bailed me out yesterday.”

“You can always go over your cases. It helps to be prepared.”, advises Landry.

“Thanks Landry.” They exit your room as you head into your closet to get dressed. Deciding on a teal wrapped top, a navy blue pair of leggings, matching boots and accessories, you grab your mini backpack which you packed last night and head to the kitchen.

“Okay. I have 15 minutes.” You throw some strawberries, a banana, and vanilla almond milk into a blender and grab a straw. Pouring the smoothie into you regular glass, you pop a straw and grab a protein bar. You have breakfast as you scroll through your messages with 10 minutes to go. Washing out the cup and placing it in the dishwasher, you head out to your car, protein bar in hand. You play a few tunes as you drive all the way to Edenbrook, singing along.

You park your car and head towards the locker room to drop your belongings. Heading into the atrium, you notice a huge crowd of interns. Entering the atrium I find it full, some interns scattering around, while the others are pushing each other to get in front of the crowd where Dr. Ramsey is standing with a piece of paper on his hands.

"Gather around interns," Ines's cheerful voice rings through the atrium.

"Back! Back! Christ! You all are like a bunch of rabid dogs!" His angry voice announces.

Sienna, Landry and I go and join the crowd where Elijah and Jackie are already present. Tiptoeing I try to get a better look at the paper. But it's really hard to see it from here.

"Wow! It looks like everyone signed up for the competition," I state shocked seeing the huge list in front of me.

"Of course they did. It's an opportunity for a lifetime!" Landry says excited.

"Yeah exactly, only a complete jackass would think about passing it," Jackie smirks .

"Gee, thanks!" I roll my eyes playfully.

"How about this? Whoever ranks the lowest picks up the keg for tonight's party?" Elijah suggests.

"I like the way you think," Jackie says and then turns around to check the list.

"Great! Sienna already whipped up a few treats and she’ll be going shopping to pick up the rest of supplies while we decorate the house. I told everyone to come by 8," Elijah grins and Jackie turns around to look at him.

"What do you mean by everyone?" Landry questions.

"My question exactly," Jackie adds.

"You know the other interns," Elijah smiles.

"I have told a few residents about it too," Sienna says, "And also a few nurses." Sienna kinda blushes? You make a mental note to ask her later.

"Guys, our place is nice but not that big! We have to keep it small," Landry states.

"You have a point," I start to say and look over at Elijah whose expression turned into a sad one. "But it's about tonight only! And it's not like everyone we invite is gonna show up," I smile a Landry, "Chill out dude."

"Famous last words..." Landry says, his voice low.

"I can't believe I am about to throw an party at last!" Elijah chimes.

"Ooh! Are you talking about you homecoming party tonight?" Ines asks from behind him.

"You've heard about that?" I ask surprised.

"Everyone's heard about that," She smiles.

"Cool. So are you coming?" I return the smile.

"Yeah. And do you guys mind if I bring Zaid along?" She asks sweetly.

Dr. Mirani. In a party! That's beyond my imagination.

She must have seen the hesitation on our face so she starts to explain, " I know his sense of humor isn't everyone's cup of tea but he's loads of fun at a party. Trust me."

"Of course," I smile trying to remove any trace of the hesitation from my face ," The more the merrier."

"He has a sense of humor?" Jackie acts shocked after I Ines leaves and I nudge her playfully. And the rest of my roommates shoots looks at me.

"What? What'd you expect me to say?" I ask shrugging.

They all give me a fake angry look before looking forward where Dr. Ramsey just pinned our score sheet.The crowd of interns moves forward threatening to cush him.

“Now you can stop badgering me with quest about where you stand.”, Dr. Ramsey’s cold voice announces. “If you would like to challenge your rankings, fell free to swing by my office and I’ll immediately disqualify you. Good day.”, his nonchalant voice adds before walking away after pining the ranking sheet.

“Is it just me or is he more grumpier than usual?”, Sienna asks quietly so that only the five of us can hear.”

Jackie shrugs, “He’s probably annoyed cause he has to pick an intern.” The crowd of interns slowly disappear leaving the gang and a few other interns in the atrium. We look towards the board to check our rankings.

“Let’s see who’s number one.”, Landry says looking at the list.

“It’s Aurora, that little-", Jackie stops when she sees her but it’s too late.

“Please continue!”, she sneers.

“That little colleague whose aunt signs my checks.”, Jackie painfully finishes.

“Jackie...keep reading.”, Sienna nudges her.

“I’m fourth. Fine, I guess. Landry’s seventh, Elijah’s tenth.

“And Arielle you are- nineteenth," she says kinda surprised.

"Nineteenth? Looks like you are on the keg duty Valentine," Elijah says.

"It's okay. I just need to work harder," I say.

"Are you sure? I mean you are not me but you aren't that bad," she says playfully trying to lighten up the mood and at the same time establishing a point- I deserve more than the 19th ranking. "Are you sure Dr. Ramsey doesn't have it up for you?"

“No, I think it's what I deserve. I just need to work harder and it'd pay off," I force a smile.

You rush after Dr. Ramsey to update him about Shonda.

“Dr. Ramsey!”

“Yes?” He turns to look at you but he seems rather distant.

“I wanted to update you on my post-op patient from last night.”, you tentatively say.

“You mean the ones that the nurses had to intubate? I’ve already been informed.” You wince waiting for his berating...but it never comes. You’re surprised.

“Aren’t you going to berate me?”

“No. I have work to attend to and by the look on your face, I gather that you already feel bad.” He turns to leave.

“Wait!” He turns to look at you. “I wanted to invite you to a housewarming party my friends and I are hosting later tonight. It’ll be a nice breather from work.”

Ethan’s PoV:-

You’d never thought an intern would invite you to one of their parties. You’re about to agree when you remember that you have work to do. “I’ll have to decline.” Her face falls. “But I appreciate the invitation.” She turns to leave.

“Rookie. Wait.”, you find yourself saying. “What the hell are you doing, Ethan!”, you think. She turns to look at you.

“All my patients are stable. What do you need?”

“Radiology just received a new f.M.R.I machine a week ago but they haven’t tested it yet and I’m getting impatient.”, you reply.

“You want me to stick my brain so you see all my deepest secrets? Alright!” You laugh.

“Follow me.” You lead her to the equipment room. You’re about to tell her what she needs to do until you realise that she’ll need to take off her shirt. “Shit!”, you think. We’re doctors, surely this is normal! you try to convince yourself.

Arielle’s PoV:-

“You can keep your shirt here any make sure you take off all jewellery.” He gestures to your earrings, necklace and many rings. Then it hits you. “I’m going to be half-naked in front of my boss. Why did I agree to this?!” You turn around, facing the wall and take of your shirt, revealing your matching teal lace-up bra. Great day to wear a lace-up bra, thank god it doesn’t have any metal! You turn sideways and take off all your jewellery, shoes and ID. “Done. Now what?”, you turn to face him.

Ethan’s PoV:-

You gulp at the sight of her. You’ve never seen someone so pretty in just a simple pair of leggings. The sight of her long violet ombré tresses cascading down her shoulders- “Shut up Ramsey! She’s your intern!”, you think. “Have you taken off all metal?”, you gesture to her very lacey bra.

“My bra isn’t wired so I won’t have to take it off.” You’re thankful for that. You bring the syringe of gadolinium near her. “Sit here and lean back.”, you instruct her. Palpitating her veins, you inject the gadolinium, trying not to focus on the scent of vanilla and cinnamon from her. You dispose the syringe. “You help her onto the machine, instructing her not to move.”

“Why do they make these damn machines so high?”, you hear her mutter. You stifle a laugh.

You head into the adjacent room, turning on the machine. “Is my voice audible?”

“Yes. It’s loud and clear.”

“Okay. Can I start?” She agrees. “If these questions are too personal, tell me and I’ll ask something else.”

“You do realise that I’ve already told you a lot about my personal life, right?” You ignore that.

“What is your middle name?”

“Cerise.” (Cherry in French)

“Cherry?”, you ask. Your lips quirk up.

“My mother named me Cerise for two reasons. One, her main pregnancy cravings were cherries. Two, apparently my lips were the colour of cherries when I was born.”, she answers. You see her temporal lobe glow.

“Do you have any favourite childhood memories?”

Her hippocampus, neo-cortex and amygdala glow. “I do. When I was little, I would visit my godfather every Friday evening and stay there until he would drop me off at school Monday morning. I would enter the house and he would have all the ingredients lined up for some kind of dessert or pastry as long as it had chocolate. We would bake together, laugh and talk and I would tell him about all the stupid things that would happen in class.” You smile at the thought of a little Arielle baking.

“Okay. Tell me about one of the happiest days of your life.”

“Probably when my niece was born.”

“You have a niece?” You’re surprised. Her prefrontal cortex glows very brightly.

“Her name is Arabelle, Belle for short. It was an unplanned pregnancy and there were some ups and downs, but the moment she came it was absolutely beautiful. To become an aunt and hold your niece in your arms for the first time, it’s one of the most beautiful things in life. She turned 4 years old a few months ago... Is the machine working properly?”

“Yes, it works alright. That’s enough questions.” You power down the machine and go back to the equipment room, when you hear a thud. You rush into the room to find Arielle getting up from the floor.

“Ooh! Very hard floor!”, she rubs her arm.

“How did you manage to fall down from the machine?”, you ask while helping her up.

She shrugs, her lips widening into a grin. “There’s a reason why my brother calls me Calamity Cerise!” She pulls her shirt back on, along with her jewellery, ID, and shoes. She saunters over phone in hand and shows me a picture. “This is my niece Belle.” She pulls up a picture of an adorable 3 year old dressed in a powder blue fluffy gown. Beside her is Arielle, wearing a beautiful matching dress with a huge smile on her face.

They look absolutely adorable.

“She’s cute.”, you respond.

“She is, isn’t she! She wanted a photoshoot for her birthday. This was one of the pics.”

“Thank you… for the assistance, Dr. Valentine.” You turn to leave. You’re about to ask her when the party starts, but you stumble on your words and leave.

Arielle’s PoV:-

You’re just finishing your shift as you notice the time. Your shift ended early, so you decided to go with Sienna to help shop for the party. You text her and meet her at the parking lot.

“Hey Si, ready to go?”

“Yeah! I made a list of all the things we need to buy!” You take your car and drive towards Walmart.”

“Okay, so I’ll pick up the plates, cups, and other stuff. You pick up all these snacks.” We’ll meet at the dairy section in 20.” You head towards the snack aisle and pick up tortilla chips, crackers and a few other snacks that Si told you to buy. Hmm... we need drinks! You head towards the drink aisle where you find Bryce.

“Hey Bryce! What are you doing here?” He whirls around, his face breaking into a smile when he sees you.

“Elle! I thought I would buy a little something for the party.” You notice the bottles of tequila in his hand.

“Aww Thanks! Now, help me in getting those Sprite and Fanta bottles up there. I can’t reach.” He laughs and picks them up from the shelf with ease, placing them in the cart. You lead him to the dairy section, where you find Sienna waiting for you.

“What took you so lo-Hi Bryce!”

“I found Scalpel Jockey in the drinks aisle.”

“Okay, so I already made a bunch of desserts, we just need different cheeses and meat. I’ll head towards the deli and you two find some blocks of cheddar and gruyere.” She heads off.

“Okay, let’s go for cheddar, mozzarella, gruyere and pepper jack. I’ll get some vegan versions.” You slide over to the non-dairy section and pick up a few items and drop them into the cart. “All done, Bryce?”

“Yeah, found everything! I’ll stand in the billing aisle, you go bring Sienna.” You go to the deli section and bring Si over.

“Did we get everything Si?” She goes over the list. “Yeah, Jackie and Elijah said they’ll bring the beer and a few other drinks so we should have everything.” You finish billing and head to the parking lot. Bidding goodbye to Bryce, you head to the apartment to find the place fully decorated.

“We were wondering when you guys would show up. We decorated everything already!”, says Landry.

“Great! Elijah, you can help me whip up some dips while Landry and Jackie set up the rest of the food.”

“I’ll go pick up the keg stand and a little something special.” They give you a questioning look. “It’s a secret!”, you sing as you head out to your car. Picking up the keg stand and karaoke machine takes longer then you expected. By the time you come home again, the apartment is packed. Bryce comes and helps you with the very heavy stand.

“What’s in there?”, he asks pointing to the other box I had in my hand.

“I called in a favour and got us a karaoke machine. Give it to Elijah, he’ll hook it up.” You head to your room to get dressed. You pull out a fitted black crop top with a sparkly violet miniskirt. Brushing on a little lipgloss, you decide to focus on your eyes and add a little eyeshadow to your usual makeup. Lastly, you take your your hair from the Dutch braid you purposely did this morning, your hair falls in thick curls. Spraying on a little hairspray, you quickly take a pic and post it with the caption ‘Housewarming party ready!🥳’

By the time you come out of your room, the keg stand is completely set up.

“Arielle! You’re going first!”, Elijah yells.

“Hell No! Scalpel Jockey can go first.”

Bryce saunters over and starts while Elijah sets the timer. “1..2..3...........25...28”- Bryce flips over, as the people cheer.

“I’m feeling a little woozy.”, he sits down. You step up, putting you hair up in a loose bun.

“Ready Arielle, 1..2..3..Go!” You flip over, planting your hands on the ground and kick you feet up in the air as you guzzle down beer. “1..2..3..4.................30..”, You’re getting really lightheaded. “43..44..45”, You flip back to the ground and sway like a pendulum until one of the surgical interns steady you.

“Damn Arielle! 45 seconds! Anyone want to top that?”, Elijah shouts.People line up after you’re lead by Ines to sit down. She gives you a glass of ice cold water as you turn to see Zaid at the keg stand. You nearly spit out the water in your mouth at the sight. He surprisingly managed for 20 seconds. He takes a seat beside you as the surgical intern who steadied you goes next.

“I don’t know why you youngsters do this to yourselves!”, Zaid grumbles.

“Me either!”, you answer as your stomach rumbles. You forgot to eat lunch.

You head over to the snacks area where you have a few of Si’s mini treats.

“Yo Arielle!” You turn around to see Elijah yelling from standing on a ‘stage’. You head over and see the karaoke machine fixed up.

“How in the world did you manage to get a karaoke machine at this caliber?” You smile.

“I have friends in high places. Now who’s going first?” Bryce and a few surgical interns hold a riff-raff as you and a few others cheer them on. Bryce wins, that guy has got pipes. Now comes duet rounds. Jackie saunters over, partly drunk.

“So this was the surprise you were talking about.” You nod. She suddenly drags you to her the stage. You see Elijah manning the controls.

“Now for the one and only, Jackie and Arielle! What song will it be?”

“None Of My Business” You laugh, she still manages to choose a sassy song when drunk. “You ready Arielle?” They’ve never heard you sing, so they’re in for quite a surprise. You turn to the screen, blue for Jackie, pink for me and purple for both of us... sounds good.

She starts, her voice bold and sassy, a little bit of her accent shows through.

“Damn, I heard you and her been having problems”

“She likes to fight, I guess you both have that in common”

“Go Jackie!”, Si yells.

“Started at the top but now you at the bottom”

“But baby, this is none of my business”

“You think you can top that Arielle?”, Jackie asks with a smirk. You don’t know if it’s the alcohol coursing through your veins from the keg stand or the sugar rush from Si’s treats, but you know one thing for sure, you’re going to give them a show. You keep your voice sultry and sassy.

“You moved on, that a wrong, been a while, baby”

Jackie’s shocked. “Damn Arielle, where you been hiding those pipes!”, Bryce yells. You smirk and flip your hair.

“So did I (so did I, so did I)”

“Took her home to your home”

“But trust me that ain’t on my mind (on my mind, on my mind)”

You start slowly moving your upper body to the beat, flipping your hair for extra flair.

“I-I-I-I-I, I-I-I-I-I”

You and Jackie both belt out, her taking a lower range while you hit that high. Elijah and Bryce whistle.

“I saw on my feed”

“She looks a little like me”

“I-I-I-I-I, I-I-I-I-I”

“I can’t help but see”

“It’s not jealousy, no”

You both finish off the song receiving a huge applause once finished. You saunter over to Jackie, “Is that up to your standards, Miss Varma.” She smirks and heads off.

You decide to get a drink and enjoy the rest of the duets. A while later, someone taps your shoulder. You turn around to see Bryce. “Elle, you have to sing with me. I may have bet a 100 dollar bottle of whiskey to Mark and Rosa that i would sing much better than them but I can’t find a partner.

“Fine. What song?

“Trampoline.” You give him a look. “Please?” You let him drag you towards the stage for the second time.

“Looks like you found a partner Lahela.”

Elijah announces the rules in the mic to the huge crowd, “Listen up! Bryce and Arielle will sing the same verses as will Mark and Rosa. It’s up to you guys to decide which pair is better!”

You know you’ve had one too many drinks, and Bryce had to choose one of the sultry songs. You turn towards the screen. Pink for the girls, blue for the boys and purple for all. You and Bryce are up first.

You start singing in a breathy but sultry tone.

“I’ve been having dreams”

“Jumpin’ on a trampoline”

He matches your tone, going just a bit deeper.

“Flippin’ in the air”

“I never land, just float there”

“As I’m lookin’ up”

“As I’m lookin’ up”

“Suddenly the sky erupts”

You both sing together, his voice hitting those deep notes while you hit those whistles.

“Flames alight the trees”

“Spread to fallin’ leaves”

“Now they’re right upon me”

The alcohol in you takes over, you start swaying your hips to the sultry beat gaining the attention of the crowd. The surgical interns whistle.

“Wait, if I’m on fire”

“Then how am I so deep in love”

“When I dream of dying”

“I never feel so loved”

You and Bryce reach the peak of the song, him singing that low bass as you match his tone at a higher pitch, leaving the crowd in awe. Bryce sings the next few lines, leaving you to sing the beautiful breathy chorus.

You both finish after alternating lines and earn whistles and applause from the crowd. Bryce saunters up to Rosa and Mark, “Think you can top that?” Mark forks over a hundred dollar bill and walks away.

“I believe that you owe me a thank you.” He sweeps you up into a hug.

“Thank you so much Elle. Come over some time, I’m sharing this with you.” He heads off. You sing a few songs with Sienna, Ines, Jackie and Elijah until you find yourself winded.

You’re heading out to catch a breather when you notice the crowds of people laughing and drinking. You see Si standing alone and head over. “Hey Si, where’s Wayne?”

“Oh! He had to go home. He has work tomorrow morning.” You frown.

“Si.” You give her a pointed look.

“I know, he was really rude. But I promise he isn’t always like that!”, she says.

“Okay Si, I believe you. But if you need someone to talk to, I’m here okay?” She nods and heads inside as Elijah wheels past.

“Hey Elijah, don’t you think the party’s getting a bit out of hand?”

“Sienna cleared it with Farley until midnight.” You look at him.

“Which is in 10 minutes.” He’s about to respond when a girl about your age walks near.

“Could I squeeze through?”

“Yeah, of course.”, you respond.

“Are you guests of this rager or...” You smile. “It’s ours. I’m Arielle and this is Elijah.”

“Hey...”, you can see him blush. He totally likes her.

“I’m Phoebe, I live right down the haul.” You can’t stand to witness anymore of this cuteness and decide to play Cupid.

“Hey Elijah, why don’t you show Phoebe around and let her play a game or two.” You turn to Phoebe. “He’s really good at beer bong.” They nod and head inside as you smile. Suddenly Landry rushes towards you, followed by Jackie.

“Someone just ratted us out! I saw Farley entering the building!”, Jackie says.

“What are we going to do? We can’t possibly get this in control by the time he gets here!”, Landry says.

Shonda’s advice comes back to you. “Okay! Here’s what we’re going to do. Landry, break out the board games and sit everyone down. Jackie, tell everyone to go inside and quiet down. I’ll placate everyone with leftover treats. Go! Between the three of you, with some help from Sienna, Elijah and Phoebe, you manage to get everyone under control. You rush towards your room and slip on a robe just as the doorbell rings. You open it and act nonchalantly as your roommates shush everyone. “Hey Farley, is everything alright?”

“Miss Raines, I received a complaint about your party extending the duration of time and the level of noise.”

“What? Everyone already left and I was getting ready for bed.” You ‘yawn’.

“My apologies Miss Raines, carry on.” He turns around and leaves. “Mission Accomplished! Now, everyone stay quiet please.”, you say as everyone cheers quietly. The party slowly dwindles down until your roommates and Bryce are the only ones left.

“You don’t have to help clean up, Bryce.”

“It’s alright Elle. Also, how come you never told me you could sing? I actually thought that you were lip syncing.” You laugh.

“I learned to play the piano at a very young age. Singing just came naturally. It was one of my mother’s favourite hobbies.”

He smiles. “I think that’s the last of the trash. Goodnight Elle.” He kisses me on the cheek and leaves. I smile thinking I might have just found another brother.

After locking the doors, you head back into your room to sleep. You slip off your clothes and drop them in the hamper. You put on a silky white pajama set and enter you bathroom. You wash your face with a face wash and pat it dry. Skincare has always been something that is very important to you, especially when Naveen has taught you so many tips and tricks from his Indian heritage. You start with your usual eye cream to get rid your dark circles, eyelash serum and lastly a night moisturiser.Then you lightly braid your hair and flop into bed, tucking yourself deep under the fluffy blush coloured blanket.

You wake up to ‘Dancing With Your Ghost’ by Sasha Sloan. You slip on a matching robe and head out to the kitchen for your tea.

“Good Morning Ari!” You notice Elijah at the dining table and greet him back. “Look who was up all night.” He points to the sofa. You walk over and notice Danny sleeping, Sienna lying on him peacefully. You take your phone and take a photo without them noticing.

You tiptoe back towards Elijah and show him the picture. He smiles. “Honestly, Danny would be a much better match for Si, Wayne wasn’t like anything Si described.”, you say.

“Ari, that’s enough playing Cupid. You’re going to be late if you don’t get ready.” You notice the time, no tea for me today! You head towards your room to get ready.

Later that day, you’re walking in the pristine white halls of Edenbrook when you get a page. 911 for Mrs. Turner! You run to the stairs.

I charge into the room to find her in respiratory distress, the nurses running around to help her.

"She's crashing again?" I ask the nurses, shock and fear clearly noticable in my voice.

"Yeah, just like last time," Marlene answers.

"Body temperature is skyrocketing. She's in AFib, her B.P. is crashing and she's got a pulmonary edema," Danny informs me her condition but barely a word enters my brain.

My mind's got blank the second I saw her lying unconscious in the hospital bed.

Get a hold on yourself Arielle! She's your patient, you need to help her. She'd die under your watch if you don't act quickly!

"What do you want to do doctor?" Sarah asks.

"I-I-" I try to say something but my brain gives up. I can hardly form a coherent sentence.

"I want to... breathe," I say, panic rising with each passing second.

"What?" The nurses stares at me shocked. But despite that I take a moment to myself and breathe.

I close my eyes.

I can do it. I have to do it. I just think.

I just have to guide the nurses. Calm down Arielle. You've got it.

I count upto three, to calm down and subside my tension.

"Here's what we need to do.”, I open my eyes.

"Sarah prep the I.V. We have to get fluids in her. Marlene get the ice packs and cooling blankets. Cool her down so that she doesn't get heat stroke."

"Right away Dr. Valentine," Sarah moves to get an IV stand.

I turn to Danny then. "And Danny get the defibrillator. Then we intubate."

"On it doctor," he says and rushes to get the equipment. After dealing with the patient, you head towards the ER. Later, when you’re heading for your lunch break, you come across Dr. Ramsey.

“Rookie. I heard you kept Mrs. Turner alive.”, he acknowledges.

“I did.”, a small beam of pride hits you. He turns and walks away when one of his files fall down. You reach down and can’t but help notice the quizzical patient name, ‘Patient X’ as you pick up the chart. He quickly turns around and quite rashly pulls the CT scan from you.

“Thank you.”, he hurries down the hallway. You wonder who it could be, and why he is so secretive.