#juno x legosi

[hedawarlock]

[drabble-studies]

For all the love lost: part 2

Summary: Juno was born for greatness, she was born to become someone. And she did. Turns out it's better to be careful what you wish for because you might actually get it.

Tags: royal AU, human AU, the Crown, Bridgerton

(part 1) (part 2)

The dancefloor begins to fill with couples, creating a myriad of patterns across hard, wooden parquet. Juno feels Legosi’s hand loosening its grip; it seems like their fairytale dance is nearing its end. She’s not wrong, because soon after he steps back, gives her a court bow, and then assists her to their seats. Their secretaries are already there, waiting for them. Juno knows the meaning of this.

"It's not necessary of you to accompany me throughout the night," he told her the other day before the ball. His secretary tried to protest, but Legosi cut him sufficiently off with a small motion of his hand. "No one should be surprised. It's a big day after all, and you're young. You could be overwhelmed, nervous."

She should have felt relief for his considerate proposal, and she did. Not now.

You're not a baby anymore. You can handle this. And you'll do marvellous doing just so. You'll smash it.

Her past genuinely can't give her a breather.

Just as Legosi proposes she should stay with her secretary and get some rest, as he handles greeting their guests, Juno declines, saying Lady Joan, her official etiquette teacher would not approve of such behaviour.

Legosi does not object, though Juno thinks she sees a flash of annoyance in his grey eyes. Nevertheless, he lets her accompany him, just like she should in the first place.

Filling her new shoes is uncomfortable. They are too small, way too restraining. Juno thought it'd feel natural, but when she welcomes the dignitaries, giving away her smiles left and right like a madwoman before a church's entrance throws away flowers, it feels suffocating. None of these people needs to see her, none of these people requires her presence. She's just an accessory.

✁ ✂ ✃

"Sending troops to the Middle East couldn't be more of a wrong decision than those they already have made those past few months. It's just insane. The conflict will escalate in no time."

"You're the one who's insane! There's no other way to stop what's going on!"

"Oh yeah, I forgot men cannot just stay put, sit their arses down and talk through their issues."

"That's not a matter to be discussed, Juno! Their leader is a fucking dictator!"

"Then off with his head." She feels dumbfounded stares of the men surrounding her.

"What?"

"Off with his head."

Finally one of her companion gathers his wits, a sly smile twisting his handsome features. "And how would you achieve that without an army, huh?"

"There are way better means to achieve that, /lord/ Thomas. Parading your strength before your enemy does not count as one of them." She returns his smile with that much vigour.

A sound of gradually increasing laughter echoes through the rooms of the Club. Thomas nudges a lean figure sitting with its back turned to him, perched on the backrest of the sofa he's sitting on.

"She's bloody scary, mate. Where the hell did you find her, huh? I wouldn't like to get caught on the wrong side of her gun."

A small, twisted smile flashes before her eyes and Juno feels contended with the reaction she got from her male peers. Even more when she sees that faint glint of approval mixed with admiration in his eyes.

"I told you so. Leave it to Juno. We'd have peace in no time with virtually no bloodshed whatsoever."

"Oh, Lord! I got chills! It'd be bloodier than the Great War." Someone exclaimed in mocked incredulousness.

Juno just smiled, raising her glass of scotch. "What eyes doesn't see, the heart doesn't miss."

✁ ✂ ✃

It's not that the past won't give her a break. It's Juno who seems to have a problem with leaving it to rot deep in her memory.

But in the Club she was free to share her thoughts and opinions, her words mattered, not because of her title, not because of who had she by her side, but because she had something to say in the said matter. Now she knows the meaning of words that it's better not to see colours and be blind the whole life, than to be deprived of it.

She has created the most astounding pallete just to be deprived of all its shades. Life is cruel that way.

A small nudge on her elbow reminds her of the present.

"Your Grace?"

Juno raises her eyes at the Prime Minister just to realise she was just asked a question and she has no idea how to dig herself out of such a faux pas without asking the man to repeat his question.  

Just as she's about to say something ambiguous to mask her mistake, she hears Legosi's low chuckle.

"It is after all a big day for the both of us," he says good-naturedly. "I hope you gentlemen excuse us for a moment. The Dutchess could use a glass of water. None of us had the time to take proper care of ourselves the past couple of days."

The man laughs it off. They all do. She's saved.

When they're alone, and almost nearing their seats, Juno wants to apologise for what happened, but Legosi gently cuts her off.

"Don't worry about that. That man was being a nuisance anyway." He sighs. His cool and mellow attitude never ceases to amaze her. But it's not like she'd imagine him to lash out at her, it's not as if she'd ever have to talk back to him.

Not cool and mellow. Simply indifferent. What a cruel fate.

Said realisation dawns on her. Juno stops. Legosi doesn't notice her missing and sits by their table alone. It hasn't been that long and yet they're already together in their separate manners. And just a couple of months she thought her life would be far too short to satisfy her needs, now she dreads her future lengthy stay in the living world.

What's the point, she thinks and sighs, before she takes a seat beside that strange, handsome man in a navy uniform. They sit in silence for a moment. Juno's not sure what to do next. She's been feeling like that for the past few weeks now.

What now?

And she never has the answer ready.

Legosi loosens his tie. A small, shiny object catches Juno's attention. Such a tiny thing, but how important. A long snout with exaggerated fangs and sleek, round ears with a small nose. A wolf and a hare. Juno feels her hands starting to shake. She leans in, desperately trying to keep her composure.

"What's the meaning of this?!" She says in a fierce whisper. As Legosi looks at her with his brows knitted, Juno points her finger at the silver cuffs on his shirt.

"It's just a gift, Juno. A token of friendship." He shrugs it off as if it was nothing, but she knows better. It's getting harder to stay calm for her. The hurt is too palpable to ignore.

"Given the history the two of you share, I wouldn't count it as anything remotely related to friendship."

"Don't be ridiculous. It is what it is."

That last sentence slaps her across her face. Juno feels humiliation draining all of the blood from her limbs, ushering it straight to her face. She gave it all to him, gave up on everything that mattered, everyone who mattered, who matters, and he couldn't even do as much as pretend. All in the name of exactly what?

It's overbearing. Juno stands up. Legosi's brows furrow even further.

"What are you doing?" He asks evenly. Juno wants nothing more than to punch that indifference out of his guts. But it's not that he's indifferent at heart, just to her.

"I need to fix my make-up."

Legosi stares at her intently, but doesn't comment. When her secretary stands up to accompany her, he tells the woman to stay seated. Juno chastises herself in her thoughts to walk slowly through the crowd. It's nothing strange to visit a cloakroom, it's all normal. What's not normal is to dart through the ballroom to hide in a ladies' room. When she's sure no one would stop her in a dark hallway, Juno picks up her pace, shutting the elegant, wooden door behind her. Tears stream down her face as she rests her hands over the sink, her shoulders slumped and shaking from silent cry. The exterior of greatness has always been appealing to her. Now that's in the very centre of it, she knows how its interior truly is.

It's rotten and everything is in shambles.

Juno looks up at her reflection, the true nature of her feelings finally matching her visuals. Her make-up creates dark circles under her eyes, her lipstick is smeared and red spots appear on her cheeks.

What a rotten fate she has created for herself. All for the sake of greatness.

She wishes to find a time machine and travel back to her child's form. Juno wants to shake that girl with her looks, to give her a reality check with her pain, to tell her not to give up on her home, on her friends and on her love and beliefs.

What a rotten world. She cries alone by a sink. She cries alone for the very first time because of someone, who prefers to avoid all the drama, her drama.

She can't escape the world of comparisons. It's haunting how in a moment her teary face is replaced in a mirror by a scene replayed in her memories.

She darts to her car, furious tears trying to break free, but she manages to control it. Just a moment longer and she'll be gone.

She can't believe the words she's just heard.

Her family wants to regain power.

She's just a tool in their hands.

She has no will of her own.

Or worse. That is her will and she just doesn't want to admit it.

He wasn't that drunk to blame it all on alcohol. He wasn't drunk at all.

She needs to leave now. She needs to get away as far as possible because he is the monster everyone believes him to be.

"Please, don't!" She hears as she's about to open the doors. She does it anyway. "I wasn't talking about you, damn it!" He prevents her from slamming the doors, clutching his fingers over its edge.

"You couldn't be more clear about who you were talking about. Now get your hands off of my car and let me leave."

"Please, Juno, don't. I really didn't mean that." His voice loses all its previous vigour. That's the closest to apologetic she has ever heard him be. Nonetheless, it's not an apology. Not that it would work this time.

She wrestles with him, but to no avail. "Please, just let me be. I'm tired of this. Just… please…" She feels her voice breaking. She lets go and clutches the steering wheel, trying to regain control over her emotions.

"In a perfect world―"

"The world is not perfect!" She barks at him, clenching her eyes shut, but tears brim over her eyes.

"It is to me. You're here. As long as you're here, it's beyond that." She hears grovel shuffle underneath his feet as he crouches beside her seat, gently unclasping her hands from the steering wheel. "I'm truly sorry. I wasn't talking about you. It's me."

The words of apology blur in her memory as she feels her make-up being ruined by her current tears.

Now there are no apologies, no excuses, no one to lean on.

The scene in the mirror fades and she sees her face. Puffy eyes, flushed cheeks and quivering lips. This sight fills her with disgust as he was talking about her all along. That is the truth.

A gentle knock on the door brings her back to reality.

"Who is it?" She asks, already resigned as she knows she won't hear the voice she longs for.

"Is everything alright, Your Grace?" Her secretary seems to have a will of her own. Or maybe Legosi sent her here? Most likely the latter.

"Yes, yes, of course. Come in." Juno quickly wipes makeup stains from her eyes.

Her secretary is careful not to stare. She asks Juno to sit on a small ottoman in the corner, commenting how the humid air in the ballroom makes all makeup brands' reputation of endurance a joke. Juno is motionless as the woman corrects all little signs of grief on her face. A couple of minutes later Juno looks like a modest, blushing lady. Maybe a tad tired, but a lady nonetheless.

Back in the ballroom, Juno feels relief washing over her as no one seemed to notice her missing. Peaceful, gentle string music plays, a quiet chat filling her ears like a storm of white noise. The ease doesn't last long. It all transforms into a thunderstorm as she notices a short, blonde woman standing close to Legosi. All of the things Juno's insecure about personified.

Could this night get any more unrelenting for her?

Juno feels her secretary's dress shuffle when the woman asks to be excused because of some undoubtedly urgent matter which glided past Juno's consciousness. It's for the better to be left alone. Juno needs that since the pitty in the woman's eyes is the last thing she wishes for as she cannot look away from the couple just a few paces from her.

What a poor girl, the secretary must be thinking as she leaves her be. But Juno doesn't think she's poor. More like foolish. Foolishly pitiful.

"Didn't know the Harefords were invited. I've heard the marriage of their daughter to the young baronet brought them back to good graces. Fascinating how a business connection can turn everything around." Juno hears a familiar voice behind her, and her head begins to spin. She turns around to be met with brown, half-lidded eyes filled with an emotion she can't put her finger on.

"Indeed it can. Deservedly or not."

Louis chuckles. "I'd recommend you, Your Grace, to be careful who are you saying such things to as it could be greatly misunderstood."

She raises her chin, the warning in his words clear to her. "And who are you, lord Cerftorn? A friend or a foe?"

He just smiles. "An old acquaintance asking for a dance."

Juno hates how she just accepts his outstretched hand, how his touch comforts her shaken nerves, she hates how natural it is to follow him to the dance floor, how her feet yet again seem as that of her own, how she knows his every step and motion. She wants to feel resentment, to be infuriated, but none of this comes. All Juno can think of is why he's here. She wonders of the questions she's been longing to ask him, everything she wants to know. But they just dance and her mouth is kept shut the whole time through.

The melody ends and Juno finds herself unable to let go of Louis' hand. She holds it a moment longer than she's supposed to. If he notices it, Juno can't tell. She's never known what was going on in his mind, unless he deemed it fit to reveal it to her.

Louis graces her with a polite smile, looking as if ready to leave her. For a moment she can see a crack in his facade. It's something new. That's the second time she has seen him closest to a sort of hesitation.

"The weather's warm for a fall. Care for a breather?" He asks seemingly indifferent. Juno wants to laugh out loud. They've retreated to chatting about the weather.

Not trusting her mouth not to say something inappropriate, she just nods and accompanies him to the terrace. It indeed is warmer than one would expect from a late October. There already are some lonesome people outside, sharing a smoke, chatting about matters important only to them alone. No one seems to pay them any attention as they stroll to the furthest corner of the patio, too preoccupied with their company and champagne in their hands.

Nothing strange. The viscount after all is her friend from the university. The two of them go way back.

"Was your trip cut short?" She asks breaking the tension she feels building inside of her.

Why are you here?

Louis leans over the stony barrier, looking out at the garden bathed in the moonlight. "We're to leave tomorrow morning." Juno joins him, keeping her distance. He's within her arm's reach, yet he could as well be now in Africa. It's all the same.

"You've always been a restless soul, Louis. I couldn't leave my home for the life of mine."

This is not my home. It's just a house, a place to live. I've been so lonely those past few months. And here you are.

"Maybe that will change in the future."

No, it won't. It never will. It's the same for you. You can't deny it. Or at least tell me the truth.

"I doubt that, but thanks for believing in my ability to adjust. We all know I'm more of a mountains-does-not-change-their-surroundings type of a person."

His eyes linger on her a few seconds longer for it to be called a meaningless glance before he turns his face to the darkness before him.

Just an aftershock, Juno. That's all it is.

How it pains her to feel his presence, to remember how keeping a distance as large as now was impossible in the past. Now it's a necessity. And Louis is so nonchalant about it, while her mind battles her heart for peace.

"I'm sorry I couldn't attend your wedding ceremony. I've heard it was a sight. Give your―" She can't even say that word in her mind, let alone out loud. Juno can't keep her emotions at bay, as she chokes at that word.

A wife.

Louis sighs. "We received your note. Azuki was very appreciative of the gift the Duke and you sent. It was very thoughtful of you."

Juno doesn't want to talk about it anymore, she wants to hear no more of this. "Good, good…" She mumbles as if to herself and silence follows her words. She can't escape her naive musings about what could have been, trying to escape her strangulating reality. Her heart is breaking and Louis just stands there.

"It suits you, you know?" The unexpected softness in his voice catches her off of her guard.

"What?" She chokes out meekly.

"Being the dutchess. It suits you, Juno. You are a sight to behold." For the first time, that night Louis' facade truly breaks. There, in his eyes, she sees emotions perfectly mirroring the storm in her soul. All the regret, all the love, all resentment and longingness. He feels it too, even if just for a moment.

"I can't get used to all of this," she confesses, stubbornly staring at the massive moon hanging over the horizon. The weight of Louis' gaze makes her eyes prickle with resentful sadness.

"It'll get better in no time. I promise. Have I ever lied to you?" His hand halts mid-distance to capture her own. He leans back. "You were born for this."

"Born maybe. Definitely not made." Juno gives out a mirthless chuckle, looking at Louis, whose far too serious for her comfort. For the third time, he looks hesitant. His lips part, but before he can say anything someone approaches them.

"Viscount Cerftorn," Legosi's secretary gives Louis a court nod, before turning to her. "Your Grace, the Duke requires your presence. It's time for the toast." Damn be the Duke and his toasts. Juno wants nothing more than to grab the secretary by the lapels of his tux and throw him into the darkness of the garden at her feet. Those couple of minutes with Louis felt like seconds. Life always seemed too short, when faced the reality with him by her side.

Nevertheless, despite her feelings and better judgement, she tells the secretary she's coming, looking intently at her old friend. Louis goes back to formalities.

"I'll join in soon, Your Grace." He bows to her, and it feels wrong.

So Juno leaves him. For the very last time. As she smiles by her new husband's side as he thanks all of their guests for showing up to wish their marriage the best of luck, Juno searches the crowd of faces for that one particular to never find it.

He's gone.

[augment-techs]

Okay, because I just heard the spoilers for the Beastars ending, my stupid brain keeps thinking about the ultimate cosmic joke if any endgame pairings indeed got together and had kids. It is awful, but I need to just set it down and let it exist. Juno x Louis: End up having a kid together because apparently Azuki can't have children and they worked out an accord for a poly relationship. Their child is a very tall Red Wolf girl that has a tiny short tail and very blunt teeth that is extremely popular in school because she got famous as being the kid in grade school who could be satisfied with just tomato and mayo sandwiches (which Louis is very confused about since all of her parents have a much more refined taste). Els x Bill: Nobody was remotely surprised when they got together--except their families, ha--but they were very surprised at how fast they had kids. Five of them, all told; all girls. Two sets of twins and one last surprise with them being born three years apart. All of them are very small white tigers with very thick coats that give them marbled accents. The youngest has a set of horns to set her apart, but all of them have no taste for meat or inclination to try it (a massive relief to Bill, because while the Back Alley Market is less of a thing than it was when he was young, he still worries terribly about Els coming across one of the girls hiding meat or with blood smeared across their lips after they reached puberty). Haru x Legosi: Because they did get married very soon after high school, everyone was in attendance to their wedding; and everyone got an invite--less than a year later when Haru got pregnant--to the baby shower. And everyone helped out and visited when she landed in the hospital because holy shit did the baby get big--Els and Juno made sure to get pictures of Haru almost being as wide as she was tall at the end. But the baby turned out healthy and wonderful with her bunny looks and Legosi's coloring. Of course when the boy got to high school and hit puberty, he got just as tall as his dad, with about a million animals being attracted to him, all with his growing sharp teeth and a rising inclination towards more substantial protein than just the eggs he ate (Legosi can't help but feel this is a little unfair since he's the only one of his friends with a herbivore presenting child; Haru thinks it's just a little hilarious).

[incorrectanimequotes]

Louis: apparently some people think my boyfriend’s a little scary

Haru: a little?

Jack: some people?

[sadioradio]

This is how I realize that you can change the publication date on your fanfic

[teabvg]

CHARACTERS.

legoshi. louis. pina. riz. haru. mizuchi. melon. bill. jack. juno. gouhin. tem. ibuki. yahya. gosha. seven. kyu. free. agata. dolph. aoba. els. sheila. cosmo.

[more characters will be added.]

WRITING.

carnivore. herbivore. omnivore. hybrid.

female. male. genderneutral.

fluff • angst • hurt • comfort.

polygamy relationships • lgbtq+.

drabble • oneshot • headcanon • scenario’s.

NOT WRITING.

human reader (not uncomfortable. just can’t seem to work with it…)

nsfw.

non-con.

abusive reader / character(s).

self-harm • eating disorders.

pedophilia.

incest / stepcest / twincest.

teacher / student relationships (romantically).

age gap (a large one).

yandere.

ships.

original characters (oc).

OTHER INFO.

slow updates. yes, I could get writers block from time to time. but that doesn’t mean I don’t see it, I do and I try to get to it as fast I can.

requests details. please be a little detailed with your request, it’ll be a lot of help. I’ve worked with short descriptive requests before, but it could be a little difficult.

humans in beastars. not uncomfortable, just not for me, it’s a little weird in my opinion, not bashing anyone who enjoys it, but I can’t seem to write for it. I’m sorry. :(

requesting more than twice. honestly, it doesn’t bother me, you are free to request as many times as you want to, but please don’t spam me.

denying requests. I don’t really deny requests, however I would only deny it if you didn’t read my rules throughly or made me uncomfortable.

I’m re-reading the manga as of right now, so, we’re going to stick with the anime until I’m finished with it. :) [edited — I’m finished.]

[phylalayla]

Happy Pride Month!

I don't find anything else more aesthetically pleasing than the colors of the rainbow

[bloomstars334]

Haru and Legosi gernderbend!

Haru looks nice isn't he? Legosi just feel for him~

Juno doesn' approve her senpai's crush

[we-dont-talk-about-potato-nonono]

002 | Lougosi

oh wow, it’s been a while since I read this manga!

002 | Send me a ship and I will tell you:

When I started shipping them:

mmmm as someone who really really loves HaruxLegosi, I also enjoy the chemistry and vibes between Louis and Legosi! how can you not ship them right?

• My thoughts:

• What makes me happy about them:

both got strong bond! Legosi canonically has a much deeper relationship with Louis throughout the manga.

• What makes me sad about them:

in the first episode there’s one scene, he talks down to and borderline harasses Legoshi for no reason other than because he's a wolf! it kinda pissed me off. after finding out that Haru was kidnapped by Shishigumi, he takes his anger out on Legosi for like no reason. like why??? (but he got a good character arc in the late chapter! i just dislike him in the earlier arc)

• Things done in fanfic that annoys me:

when they made Haru the rival! gotta protect the bunny (but hey the filter button is there so I don’t really interact that kind of stuff if I do not like it)

• Things I look for in fanfic:

I don’t really read fanfic these days but given to it’s popularity and lots of recommendations from reddit, I heard We're Only Animals is one of the most popular fics. so yeah go check that out!

• My wishlist:

mmmm maybe a four poly relationship with Juno, Haru, Louis and Legoshi 👀👀

• Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other:

obviously Louis and his fiance or maybe Juno.

I’m a Haru x Legoshi shipper so it’s them!!!!!!

• My happily ever after for them:

(kinda spoiler) Louis and Legoshi remain friends even though Louis married to another women. eh maybe he could open for poly relationship. idk.

[angelltheninth]

All Things Alike

Pairing: Legosi x Haru

Tags: fluff, established relationship, teasing, implied sexual content, Juno teasing Haru (they are besties)

Word count: 0.5k

Ao3

A/N: Juno and Haru being friends is content I desperately need more of.

“Legosi’s really rubbing off on you isn’t he?” It was both a poor choice of words and poor timing on Juno’s part as Haru was right in the middle of taking a sip of her drink. Haru went into a coughing fit which resulted in Juno patting her lightly on the shoulder to help her calm down.

“Wah-what? What do you mean?” Haru stammered, her ears twitching in embarrassment and her hand reaching for her skirt.

“You have this little growl that you do when you’re irritated. It’s not scary per se. Actually I think it’s cute.” Juno leaned her chin in her hand and leaned in a little closer over the table, “What did you think I meant?” Her sudden teasing tone made Haru even more embarrassed that she was caught having dirty thoughts about her boyfriend in such a public place as a coffee shop.

Luckily no one looked their way, not much anyway since the two were regulars here, and so were Legosi and Haru so the owners, the workers and most other costumers were used to seeing a bunny and a wolf drinking, eating and talking together with hours on end.

“N-Nothing in particular. He just... well he really likes dry humping.” Haru said that with a swooning smile while cupping her cheeks. “He’s so cute.”

Juno’s mouth hung open from Haru’s words. How can she go from being so flustered and adorable to talking about dry humping so easily. They may be best friends but there are things about Haru that will always baffle Juno.

The wolf coughed to break the awkward pause, “Well that’s another thing. You call him cute a lot. Legosi always calls you cute, and lately he said you’re pretty fierce lately and tell people off when they question your relationship.”

“Yeah and?” Haru was only telling the truth. Legosi is cute. Cuter than her sometimes.

“Oh nothing really. I just think it’s interesting, the influence the two of you have on each other.”

“It’s a good influence.” Haru nodded to herself more than Juno. Legosi made her more happy than anyone, treated her like she was his everything yet not like she was fragile. It made her happy that he relied on her as well. Juno nodded along with her.

The bell on the door ringed open and a familiar happy voice, “Haru, you ready to go on our date?” Legosi walked over to the table and put his hand on Haru’s shoulder to which the bunny reacted with nuzzling against his forearm, “Hey Juno, how’s it going?”

“Very well from what I hear.” Juno winked at Haru, who now turned and hid her face in Legosi’s sleeve.

“Huh?”

“It’s nothing! Let’s go, we got a date today!” Haru yelped and jumped down from her chair, grabbed Legosi by the edge of his jacket and dragged him away.

“Haru! Slow down. Uh, bye Juno!” He waived back at his friend. Juno found the sight pretty comical. A little bunny dragging such a big wolf around with such ease. They were truly an odd match, but an adorable one.

[zenfulmockingbird]

Messed with Dall E Mini by typing in Beastars characters I ship.

Kyuu x Collot

Legosi x Haru

Juno x Louis

Jack x Mizuchi

Agata x Azuki

[drabble-studies]

For all the love lost: part 1

Summary: Juno was born for greatness, she was born to become someone. And she did. Turns out it's better to be careful what you wish for because you might actually get it.

Tags: royal AU, human AU, the Crown, Bridgerton

(part 1) (part 2)

Some people are destined to become great. Her grandmother told her so when she was just a little girl, and Juno grew up believing that one day she'd truly bring greatness to her family. A heavy burden to be carried by a mere 5-year-old child, nonetheless, that's not how Juno viewed it. All she saw back then were shiny tiaras and fancy ball gowns, princesses who were rescued by their loving princesses and golden carriages they rode off to the sunset.

Now, thinking of her mindset as a child, she can't stop but laugh.

She truly was an oblivious girl. Life's not a fairytale, even though her own might look like one.

"Your Royal Highness…" A gentle knock brings Juno back to reality, despite her lustrous, flowing gown, a rather grey reality. "It's time."

"Yes, of course. Can you bring me my coat?"

Her secretary blinks at her, clearly confused. "But, Your Highness." She motions her hand at Juno's arm, where a long coat hangs over her shoulder.

Juno smiles to hide her embarrassment. One of the servants helps her into the coat.

"It's a big day, Your Grace. It's perfectly normal to be nervous." Her secretary says politely. Juno doesn't respond. She isn't nervous. She doesn't feel anything.

✁ ✂ ✃

By the car waits for a tall, slender figure. Legosi chats with a driver. The man goes quiet as he spots her walking down the stairs. Legosi turns in the direction the driver is looking. His smile fades, replaced by a court tug of his lips.

"You look beautiful. Blue suits you," he compliments, outstretching his hand to help her down.

"The uniform looks good on you," she returns the favour. Legosi seems taken aback by her comment, nevertheless, he composes himself and soon after he escorts her to the car.

The drive is quiet. Quiet and dark. Juno looks out the window, the buildings of the capital passing before her eyes. It's all filled with memories, which haunt her, showing up then disappearing like a shadow flickering upon the moves of a flame.

Two shadows spin on the corner of a street, where a truck unloaded flour to a bakery. The nightshift workers gazing upon them bemused.

Someone waits by a fountain, reading a book. The lips tug up, before stretching in a smile, as eyes spot dishevelled hair in a crowd of passersby.

Legs pick up their pace to catch up with a thin figure. A couple of mockingly accusatory words, a nonplussed gaze and finally a soft giggle. The arm snakes around the waist and that small kiss is planted on top of the head.

It all used to be so sweet, tasted like honey, but now rolls off her tongue with a bitter aftertaste.

All past sweetness now appears to be all salt.

✁ ✂ ✃

Even the lone glimpse of the ballroom makes her eyes grom wide. All of the lights, colourful flowers, elegant dresses and prim suits cause her breath to catch in her throat. She feels ill. It doesn't get any better when Legosi guides her inside. Juno feels as if presented on a golden platter. Her stomach twists and she can't do anything about her knees starting to buckle from under her. That's not how it's supposed to be. She tries to chastise herself back to her confidence. She's a Grey, the daughter of an Earl, such emotions do not become of a lady of her status.

Such a pep talk usually worked for her. Not today. She's like a duckling thrown into a pit of blood-covered hounds. Juno's terrified. She feels a hand clasping over her own. A toothy smile flashes before her eyes as she's tucked back and forced to run. No, not forced. She wants it. It's a rescue. She leaves all of those hollow stares behind and they race to the exit. His hair is a mess from the run. 

He doesn't bother to correct it and just waves for a taxi. He yet again reaches for her.

Warm fingers clasp over her wrist, guiding her hand to rest over a wool cladded forearm.

It's all her imagination.

He's always had cold hands. His touch felt cool against her burning skin.

Legosi pats her hand in a comforting manner as the Master of Ceremonies announces their arrival.

The Duke ― he.

The Dutchess ― Juno still can't get used to that title.

It's all hazy, the cheers, court nods, deep bows. Her gown grows heavy on her body. It's getting hot and uncomfortable. Juno dreams of leaving all of this and getting back to her bed. To drop all of the Taft and get into her pyjamas, watch a reality show or talk about whimsical what-ifs until she needs to get up to work.

She already misses the kids. How long has it been already? The last card she received from her preschoolers was in spring. God, those 6 months flew by. It feels as if 10 years have passed.

"Juno…? Juno?!" A harsh whisper close to her ear makes her attention shift from her memories to reality. She didn't even notice when Legosi brought her to the centre of the ballroom. She didn't notice when his mellow expression tensed and his brows furrowed.

Juno blinks, assessing the situation. He wants to dance.

She accepts his hand. A sound of joyful string music echoes in her ears as she takes Legosi's hand, letting him take the lead. Dancing used to bring her comfort. There were times when Juno had to be dragged by force from the ballet practice room.

Those times are over. Now her feet don't feel as those her own. She can't stop staring at them, forcing control into them.  

"What are you doing?" Legosi's voice isn't hardened, nevertheless, she senses a mild warning note in his words.

She forces herself to gaze up at him. "My apologies. I guess I'm more nervous than I've anticipated."

He breathes a heavy sigh. Or was that a disappointment she heard?

Juno shakes her head slightly. She's reading too much into all of this.

"Yes… yes, of course," he says slowly. "So am I. Just… let's just get through this night together, okay?"

She yet again feels her stomach twisting. Those are not the words she expected to hear.

You shouldn't. They should be the ones feeling antsy. It's your night. Let them see it.

Juno's heart tugs. The ghosts of her past don't want to let her have any rest tonight.

Feeling Legosi's expectant gaze, Juno nods and smiles, though it doesn't reach her eyes.

[fishbowl-26]

Juno x Legosi matching icons

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[koko2unite]

[musenilla]

Been a while since I've drawn them so here's the duo with an extra art dump!! 💛