#mr: milena

[thesongsofautumn]

[asoftepiloguemylove]

THERE IS BLOOD ON MY HANDS AND I CAN'T WASH IT OFF

unknown // BANANA FISH (2018) dir. Hiroko Utsumi // Franz Kafka Letters to Milena; written August 26, 1920 // William Shakespeare The Tragedie of Macbeth // Traci Brimhall Saudade // Mr. Robot (2015-2019) cr. Sam Esmail // The Crane Wives Tongues and Teeth // Ethel Cain Strangers // Mary Oliver Count the Roses // boygenius Not Strong Enough // Kris Kidd // Neil Gaiman // Are you a Soldier, a Poet, or a King? uquiz cr. @atlanticsea // Nicole Dollanganger Dog Teeth // 呪術廻戦 Jujutsu Kaisen (2020-) dir. Shota Goshozono

[mrsparrasblog]

Makarov x Price Daughter pt.5

Ngl I was sobbing when I wrote it, when you come to the price part listen to "Slipping through my fingers" will make it better.

Im unsure about if we want a Price or Makarov ending, because the next chapter will be the last.

Previous part. next part

You were surprised by how much freedom you had since you accepted his proposal. You could walk around Russia, of course, with your guards because you knew how dangerous life could be, especially without Vlad, who always protected you.

You even found friends Vlad introduced you to Milena, and you always had a blast. She was funny and confident, and you liked that.

Today, you were shopping for a wedding dress, and Vlad gave you his card. You knew nothing was off-limits; you were well off. You didn’t know much, just that he was filthy rich. When people saw you walking in, knowing you were the future Mrs. Makarov, they literally bowed. The press called you the princess of Russia, and you felt like one. You picked out the dress of your dreams without going overboard, but you looked stunning. You asked the tailor to make it adjustable. By the rate you and Vlad had sex since the engagement, you wouldn’t wonder if you were already pregnant.

Sometimes you forget about all the circumstances you met. Maybe it was biology protecting you, or maybe your big heart thinking about how no one in your life ever treated you better than him. Did anyone even miss you from your old life? Certainly not, or your Dad would have at least found you. He was a special ops captain, so if he wanted to, he would.

“Моя жена, why are you crying? We will be wed tomorrow; you should be happy,” he asked. He slowly got used to your overly sensitive character; of course, he saw you as a weak dear, but that made the appeal. In his position, having a wife was a luxury; having a soft, innocent wife was like a status symbol to him. Other people in his position kept their private lives hidden. But he was Vladimir Makarov. He didn’t have to fear anything; he could show you around everywhere like a prize, and his enemies wouldn’t even dare to cross him.

“Just sad that Dad won't walk me down the aisle,” you admitted.

You missed your Dad; you always would, even if he was a shitty dad. He was all you had for years until Vlad changed everything for you. Now, he was all you needed and depended on. Even if you would want to leave, you knew you can’t. You were too well-known here; all your money belonged to him. God, his name was tattooed on your soft skin, a claim he wanted to give you before marrying you.

“I invited him, моя жена,” you couldn’t believe him; he invited your Dad, he really did it.

“You did?”

“Everything for you, princess.”

You crunched over the toilet seat a few hours before your wedding, holding the stick close that could determine your whole life. In these moments, you missed your best friend or someone you could talk to. You loved Vlad with all your heart; you really did. After everything he did for you, how couldn’t you? It was needed. But still, sometimes, a small, faint little voice in your head screamed at you, telling you he kidnapped you. But he saved you from a miserable life, didn’t he?

You peed on that damn stick, waiting for the results to finally show. Should you be happy, sad, or what? The result didn’t surprise you, though. It would be okay; you knew it would be coming, and you loved kids, right?

Your bridesmaids helped you with the wedding dress, hair, and makeup, and you were prepared now to walk down the aisle, unfortunately without your father bringing you to the supposed love of your life. The church was decorated luxuriously with all the flowers you could only imagine, and you walked towards the men who looked at you like you were the only woman on earth, suddenly, your doubts went silent as you almost ran towards him at the altar.

“Today I can finally call you Mrs. Makarov,” he whispered in your ear.

“You call me your wife for a year.”

“But now it's real,” he smiled at you, kissing your forehead, and the ceremony started. You were happy about your Russian teacher so you understood everything. You were surprised that he prepared his own vows; you thought it would be the fast “I promise to be with you through sickness and health” to not appear vulnerable, but he did it for you, showing you it was real. The man unable to love—loved you.

“My Princess,

As I stand here today, I cannot help but laugh at the twists of fate that have brought us together. In a life marked by shadows and violence, you emerged as a beacon of light—a flicker of hope in a world tainted by darkness.

Lying, cheating, and betraying were never hard for me and never will be. I could promise you to change, be the man you deserve, and be a good man who will never lie to you or hurt anyone else. But I've decided to not lie to you today or any day in my life.

I make no promises of transformation, for I am who I am, a man stained by the choices I've made. But in you, I've found something worth protecting, worth fighting for. You, with your unwavering faith in me, have softened the edges of my hardened soul. Your love has shown me glimpses of a life beyond the one I've known—a life filled with love, laughter, and the simple joys I never dared to dream of or never even knew could be possible for a man like me.

I may not change for you, my love, but I vow to stand by your side, to shield you from the consequences of my actions, to love you fiercely in the only way I know how.

I promise to never let anything happen to you, to protect you from my enemies. I promise you that I will burn the whole world down for you without a second of hesitation. I promise to kill for you, fight for you, and cherish you.

I promise to never look at another woman the way I look at you. Then, in a world where I am defined by my sins, you see beyond the labels, beyond the façade, beyond the money, the power, to the flawed man beneath. You fell in love with Vladimir and not Vladimir Makarov. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

With every beat of my heart, I choose you. And I promise you, if death takes us apart, I'll pull your hand and bring you back from the death and find you in every other life. For better or for worse, in this life and the next, you are mine, and I am yours.“

You almost cried. You thought about a lot of things, but not this kind of vows. It was almost vulnerable if you forgot the killing part, and the longer you looked at his beautiful eyes, you almost forgot the way you got to know him or that your dad, your best friend, and no one you really knew was here. Did it really matter? If he is here, you are safe and cherished. Now it was time for your vows.

“Vlad—sorry for the sobbing,” you laughed, removing the tears before you continued your vows.

“When we first met, I didn’t know who you were. You were just Vlad to me, and this was the man I fell in love with—the man who taunted me for my mint chocolate chip ice cream.

The circumstances we became a couple were odd, but I'm a long time away from despising you. You gave me the safety, guidance, and attention I longed for my whole life. It was like you slowly found your way into a missing piece of my heart, and I know loving you isn’t easy. Exactly like loving me will be hard, but I promise to always support you, cherish you, and never judge you for a day in my life.

I promise to accept you the way you are and never make you doubt my love for you.”

You kissed, and the wedding was final; you were Mrs. Makarov now, with a child in your womb he didn’t even know of. Of course, you knew he would be more than happy about this; it's what he wanted. He carried you out of the church with ease where you got to eat bread with salt, a Russian wedding tradition you never heard of.

When you thought the church looked posh, you were even more surprised about the reception. Every guest was clothed fine with tuxedos and high-fashion dresses. The guests were mostly influential people from around the world. You knew Vlad loved you, but you also couldn’t deny the political effect your wedding had. Vlad wanted even more than what he already had; he thought about getting a lead political role in Russia, operating not only from the background but from the front, and the way you charmed your way into the hearts of the Russian citizens was perfect for his plan. Everyone loved you, how nice and down to earth you were, the 10,000 photoshoots with orphans and rescued dogs helped him, and you were such a good wife helping him to reach his goals. But he didn’t talk about his goals with you, telling you to not worry your pretty head about it.

The ceiling was with opulent Chandelier; everywhere were your favorite kind of flowers. A huge buffet filled with caviar, lobster, truffle, and every delicacy you knew and everything you could dream of was there. It was like a wedding out of a Disney movie, just with a champagne tower. „Don periogn,“ the waiter said as he gave you a glass, which you declined; alcohol wasn’t in for you right now.

Your husband greeted the guests and then clung his glass of champagne to your orange juice, his head moved to your pulsing neck, and his breath ran hot, making your hair go up. „Congratulations Mrs. Makarov, I hope it will be a boy,“ he whispered in your ear, his hand slowly trailing down to the barely noticeable bump on your belly where his heir would grow.

„How do you know?“

„Your breasts are bigger, you are more moody, and you drink orange juice on your own wedding,“ he said, looking at you as if you were dumb for even questioning his deduction skills.

You started your wedding dance, and it went smoothly and romantically; how couldn’t it after all the dancing lessons you two had? You even had a bit of etiquette lessons with Milena, which were honestly fun. While one part of your brain screamed for you to wake up, telling you this isn’t the dream you thought of, more of a nightmare, the other part of your brain enjoyed this, how much power you had, how Vlad treated you, and how you were the center of attention right now. The press loved you; everyone loved you, everyone just not your Dad, you thought.

“Captain, why do we have tuxedos on?” Kyle complained outside of the big building that had more security than the NATO meetings.

“We can’t just storm in with gear, sneaky, we have an invitation,” they walked in, making them confused about how easy that was; maybe it was a trap from Makarov, but Price didn’t care as long as he had you back.

When they walked inside the wedding, they saw your wedding dress, how you were wrapped in Vlad's arm like a priceless possession, and how happy you looked.

“Aye, didn’t tell us your daughter was such a looker, Cap,” Soap commented, not able to keep his eyes from your beautiful frame, earning a punch from Ghost for his unprofessional behavior. Your dad was too deep in his thoughts to acknowledge Soap's banter.

He looked at you, realizing how he missed your wedding. He didn’t care about the circumstances anymore; he wasn’t Captain Price anymore; he was the man you called Dad so many times. He never got the chance to walk you down the aisle, how he intended to; he never helped you pick out the dress of your dreams, telling a man he would kill them if they touched you; he missed all of it. And if he was true to himself, he missed even more by his behavior towards you. Of course, he was young when he got you, but he never will experience your graduation that he missed, never saw you dancing Clara in the Nutcracker in your pink tutu.

He got only pulled deeper into his feelings the longer he watched you swirl around; this was it; he could kill Makarov, but it didn’t change the fact that you aren’t his little girl anymore. You will never ask him to look under your bed for monsters; you will never run to his bed again, snuggling his hairy body after a nightmare; you will never hold his hand while you get a shot; you won’t even live in the same apartment anymore. You were leaving him, and for the first time in his life, he didn’t care about appearing strong anymore, and his tears fell down, admiring you, the girl he would do anything for, his little girl all grown up. And for once, he didn’t have a plan on how to save you, or how to approach this situation, he just watched and cried.

Tag list: @multifand0midi07 , @whos-fran , @cassiecasluciluce , @the-faceless-bride , @paintlavillered

[phinik]

I finally drew all the characters😅

It's been good practice for me. Thank you all!💚

Matty @girl-named-matty

Lyssa @silvyadrakkon

Raven @lilac-ravenclaw

Calypso @dwightschrute11

Will and Elland @ask-elland-n-will

Danny @catohphm

Milena @sparxyv

Millie @the-ozzie

Pola @infernalrusalka

Serena @bassicallymaestra

Johanna @ravenwind-75

Julia @superconductivebean

Oscar @eternalremorse

Inger @ethniee

Faustine @faustinio27

Elaine @mrs-sharp

[evadneares]

"Letters to Milena", Franz Kafka

Fun fact, I loaned this book from my uni library and felt so much remorse for poor Mr. Kafka :(

[fixfoxnox]

Activison needs to bring back those cooperative raids, but specifically for Roach. With a Roach operator at the end + a extra skin for him.

He would save the team when something goes wrong on a mission and they end up recruiting him.

ACTIVISION LET ME WRITE YOUR RAIDS I HAVE LITERALLY SUCH A GOOD CONCEPT FOR YOU!!

Okay so hear me out. Post MW3, the team get contacted by USMC, specifically Griggs. Griggs tells them that they got a tip off about some ultranationalist activity in Pripyat (if you know you know) and sent in a team to investigate. The team's comms went dark and they never reconnected, but right before they did, they could hear yelling in Russian followed by gunfire.

Price, worried that Makarov is trying to follow in Zhakaev's footsteps, gathers himself, Ghost, and Gaz to go in, with Farah waiting in the wings if they need help.

Nik drops them off and we get our first raid that would be very similar to All Ghillied Up and various other stealth missions. Team has to work together and time their shots so they don't set off any alerts.

First raid ends with the team making it to the point where the USMC members Comms went dark. The cutscene shows them finding the bodies of all but one of the USMC members and reporting to Griggs. Farah and Laswell advise them to pull out before Makarov's men find them. Price and the team, refuse, instead deciding to go further into the facility to figure out what Makarov is up to.

Second raid starts right where we left off. We get a bit more of the stealth action before transferring into some team puzzles that also involve stealth. Moving around a guarded camp to find various ciphers that will eventually give the code that the team needs to get into the main building. Thinking of it being similar to the puzzle at the end of the 1st raid where it requires 3 different versions and people to complete it. Then, after that section you get more stealth into the building and into a little room that is supposed to have Intel. Boom, cutscene.

We learn that Makarov is holding several deals to gather the necessary materials to build a nuke. The stakes have risen and now we move forward.

Third raid is not about stealth, instead, we see the end of the cutscene from the second raid, but then an enemy walks in and spots the team. The enemy runs out and alerts everyone, the raid begins.

Now the team has to try and avoid waves of enemies and stop konni from sending out alerts to get back up. This involves the team having to fight to and sabotage three different satellites that have been giving Konni connection. Once they've done that, the team have to lose the konni men after them and try to stealth to the vantage point that we see in one shot, one kill. However, when the team get to the vantage point, we get a cutscene. It isn't Makarov, instead its Milena Romanova. Several konni men surround the team and they are forced to drop their weapons and surrender. End raid.

Final raid, we have Milena talking to the team and bragging about how Makarov is going to be so happy to have them. Maybe even rubbing what happened to Soap in their faces. Then, eventually, she takes Price with her to try and interrogate him, leaving Ghost and Gaz alone. Ghost and Gaz while tied up hear some of the guards talking about the missing USMC member and how he has been causing them trouble. Boom, game starts and we get two of the members tied up and the third player is in the body of one of the Konni operatives??

Oops, except that person has to clear the room before freeing Ghost and Gaz. Que brief cutscene where we are introduced to Mr. Gary Sanderson, the missing USMC soldier. He frees Ghost and Gaz and then the three have to fight their way through all sorts of traps and Konni members in order to get to and free Price. At the end maybe they kill Milena or she kills herself or something so they can't take her in again.

Then you get like a big end cutscene of like them bringing the missing soldier to Griggs and Griggs just goes, "Roach, I should have known it would be you" before hugging him. This sparks Price to ask for an introduction and we are officially introduced to our new Gary "Roach" Sanderson. Price compliments him and then they go their separate ways with Price giving Roach a knowing "I'll be seeing you."

BOOM ROACH INTRO RAAAAAAAAA

[multimilfs]

Miranda Priestly x Fem!Reader: Public People in Private

Summary: Miranda Priestly + 67 “Uh, am I interrupting?”

Prompts found here!

A/N: Miranda… my beloved. I need to rewatch this movie so bad, it’s been ages

Full Ficmas List

Tag List: @imtrashinflames @escapetodreamworld @multifandomfix @ghostsunderstoodmysoul

Warning(s): None

“You can let me out here, Roy. I’m going up today.” 

“Are you sure? I had a… colorful message from Emily this morning.” Roy asks, glancing at you in the rearview mirror. 

“I’ll risk it,” You smile, “I might be able to help out. At the very least, I’ll distract her for a few minutes.” 

Roy nods and you step out in front of the Elias Clarke building. You weave through the crowds and inside without a hassle. The attendant stands up straighter upon seeing you, even after all this time. Nodding in greeting, he lets you through. 

The crowds seem to part as soon as you’re past the front desk. Tall, rail-thin models step out of your way, some even stepping out of the elevator when you get in. You want to shake your head at the treatment. 

It’s a short ascent to the Runway offices and you can see why Emily is so stressed. Models and staff scamper past, barely looking your way. The front desk is in shambles as several men in suits hound the receptionist. 

Milena, the poor girl, looks absolutely beaten. You check your watch and find you have a few minutes before Miranda is expecting you. 

“Is there something wrong here, gentleman?” You ask smoothly, stepping in beside Milena like it’s your rightful place. 

The tallest and meanest of the bunch turns on you. His suit is rumpled like he’s been tugging at it nervously, face red and splotchy with anger. 

Milena cuts in softly before he can throw anything your way, “They keep saying Miranda is expecting them, but they’re not in her schedule.” 

You pat her shoulder. 

“We do have an appointment!” He almost shrieks. 

You look him up and down, raising a brow. It shuts him up long enough for you to dial a familiar number. You hold up a finger to the men while the line rings. 

His fists clench at his sides. He looks like the lawyer type, which means he’s not used to being made to wait, let alone by a woman. 

“Miranda Priestly’s office.” Emily’s clipped voice comes down the line. 

“Hi Em,” You say sweetly, “I’ve got three men waiting with Milena, claiming they’ve got an appointment on the books. Is there anything in her schedule?”

“Of course not. She has lunch with you.” 

“That’s what I thought. Thank you, Em.” You return the phone to the cradle and give a sharp smile, “You’re not on the schedule, gentleman. I trust you know where the elevators are and if you’ve forgotten, security will be more than happy to escort you.” 

“I’ll have your job, Miss—” One of the other men says. 

You grin deviously, “It’s Mrs, actually. Mrs. Priestly.” 

All three men blanch. Milena tries to cover her grin as you step around the desk. She discreetly dials the security line, watching you with bated breath. 

The tallest doesn’t look so mean now. When you step up to him, he takes a half-step back. You almost regret Miranda not being here to bear witness; you learned it from her, after all. 

When the elevator sounds and the doors open, the head of security and two of his burliest men step out. Milena nods in the direction of the three men you’re staring down. Tearing your eyes away for a moment, you nod.

“Clark.” You acknowledge the head of security. 

“Mrs. Priestly,” He says, “Is there a problem here?” 

“No problem. These gentlemen just need some assistance finding the lobby.” 

Clark nods and his two men step forward and usher the red-faced men from Runway. You watch them go with a satisfied smile. Folding your arms over your chest, you turn to the man at your side.

“Do we know how they got up here?”

“Front desk says they had an appointment with Mr. Ravitz this morning. They must have come straight from his office.” 

Your lip curls, “Irv. Of course.” 

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” 

“That’s all, Clark. Thank you.” 

He leaves without further fanfare. You watch as he sends a warm smile Milena’s way. Her responding blush makes you pause. Interesting development, you think, trying not to let your thoughts show on your face. 

Collecting your bag and accepting Milena’s heartfelt thanks, you continue back towards Miranda’s office. You wince when you catch sight of a clock. You’re five minutes later than you should be, but all you can do is hope your wife isn’t too upset. 

Following the familiar pathway to the offices, you try not to shake your head when nearly a dozen models and staff members scare upon seeing you. Honestly, you think, I wasn’t nearly as bad as Emily. Must just come with marrying the Editor-in-Chief, you decide. 

Speaking of Emily, the brit is boredly explaining something over the phone. You offer a small wave and she sends you a surprisingly-genuine smile. 

Miranda isn’t alone in her office; you can hear her soft voice bickering with someone else. Peering in, you see Nigel standing in front of her, hands motioning this way and that as he explains something. 

Knocking on the office door, “Uh, am I interrupting?” 

Both look up. Miranda’s severe expression softens slightly. When she checks the watch on her wrist, her lips purse and you know you’re not getting away with your tardiness, but she doesn’t say anything about it. 

“Not at all, darling. Come in.” Miranda stands. 

You meet Nigel in the middle of the office and exchange air kisses. He pulls back and looks you over, nodding approvingly. 

“New boots?” He asks. 

“They’re last season, actually.” You say, then stage-whisper, “Don’t tell Miranda.” 

“Oh honey, I wouldn’t dare.” Nigel winks. 

He gives Miranda a small nod and takes his leave. You cross around the desk to accept your usual kiss on the cheek. She’s a little slower to grant it today and you lean back, raising a brow.

“You’re late.” 

“There was a situation at the front desk,” You answer easily, “I would have been early, but Milena needed the help.” 

“If she needs help doing her job then perhaps she’s better suited for employment elsewhere.” Miranda says. 

“You know that isn’t what I meant.” 

“Do I?”

“Miranda.” You glare, “If you fire Milena I’m going to be extremely cross.” 

She rolls her eyes. Pulling out a few paper menus, she hands them over, and you peruse today’s selections. Smith and Wollensky rests on top and you try not to laugh. Miranda always puts her preferred option on the very top, but lets you have the final choice. 

You could go for a steak. And you should probably tread carefully with your lateness. 

Handing over the Smith and Wollensky menu, she nods, looking pleased. She calls Emily in to rattle off your orders while you move over to the couch in her office. 

Emily takes the notes dutifully. You wonder where the new second assistant is, having heard some interesting murmurs about her over the past few days. Emily was suitably frustrated with her—as was Miranda—but Nigel and Serena had been a little more kind. She was out of her depth, but meant well, that was the final verdict. 

You hardly notice when Emily leaves until Miranda sits down next to you. Leaning back against the couch, she eyes you. 

“Why are you looking at me like that?” You ask. 

“Like what?” 

“Like you’re trying to figure me out.” 

Miranda chuckles, “Darling, figuring you out will take more than my lifetime.” 

“I can never tell if statements like that are a compliment or insult.” You narrow your eyes. 

“For you?” Miranda raises a brow and pretends to think on it, before her face softens infinitesimally, “A compliment.” 

“Miranda Priestly, are you going soft on me?” You tease, but lean into her space, “Imagine what that’d do to your reputation.” 

“I have.” 

There’s a look in her eyes you can’t decipher. You try not to think about it too much, stealing a quick kiss, trying not to badly damage her lipstick.

“So, tell me about today.”

You lean back and settle in for Miranda’s usual spiel about the incompetence of her employees, watching her fondly. 

[farity]

Obsession, part 7

She saw it in the news, that the three brothers Grimm, the scourge of their city because of their lawlessness and recklessness, had been found by their own mother, in their own living room.

What wasn't in the news but around gossip sites, was the rest.

The bodies had been placed on the sofa, in the See No Evil, Hear no Evil, and Say no Evil poses, and at first Mama Grimm had laughed upon first seeing her sons. "The boys" she'd called them even though they were in their late twenties and had fathered various little Grimm bastards around the land.

Then she'd realized, seen the wounds, seen how they didn't breathe, and screamed loudly enough that several servants rushed in.

The police had taken one look and known there would be no fingerprints, no fibers, not a mote of evidence. Which told them exactly what had happened.

"A burglary?" Mama Grimm had yelled at the police chief. "Are you fucking joking?"

The man, old enough and wise enough to know what was what, nodded. "There is no evidence to point to anything else, Mrs. Grimm."

* * * * *

"Pyke?"

Your boss pinched the bridge of her nose. "We should open the office there within six months."

"I don't want to live in Pyke."

"No one wants to live in Pyke. Those living in fucking Pyke don't want to live in Pyke. But you'd be management. Up the ladder and all that."

You shook your head, "I don't want to be management. Management is synonymous with headaches. I like my job as it is."

She stared at you, mouth open in disbelief. "You can do that in your sleep. Monitoring shipments? How the fuck is that remotely interesting?"

You wanted to say that your job was a means to pay your bills and live your life. It didn't have to be fulfilling, it didn't have to be interesting. But you couldn't exactly say that. "It suits me, and I'm good at it."

"So you are officially refusing the offer?"

There was a threat now in her voice and you wanted to laugh at her. Fire me, you wanted to say, I'll live off unemployment.

You were not into spending every cent you made. Your savings account was healthy and your daily life was pretty modest, because you liked to splurge in traveling. If you got fired, you'd be fine for a year and you were sure you could find employment quickly enough.

"Yes, I am," you said as pleasantly as you could. "I have no interest in being a manager and even less in moving to Pyke."

She closed her eyes and sighed. "You're the best candidate! Who the fuck is going to be able to handle everything?"

"Maybe you should have clued me in as to your plans before you decided to open a branch in Pyke."

"Go home. I don't want to see you the rest of the day."

"Fine. You're not taking one of my vacation days, though."

You walked out and grabbed your things before heading home. It was a gray, dreary day, and you decided to head home and take a luxurious daytime nap.

* * * * *

"She doesn't have her own security?"

Viserys leaned over, a smile on his face. "The fact that she is asking for a favor puts us in a good situation. She knows you're the best, and by making this public, she is making it known throughout the realm."

Aemond said nothing. He was wasting his time over some old woman who wanted a babysitter while she traveled to King's Landing? By car?

The car arrived and both men exited, walking silently up the rose-framed staircase. There was a woman standing there, who greeted them and led them inside to see the legendary Milena Tyrell.

"She will be with you in just a moment, if you need anything, just ring the bell."

The office was well appointed, the Tyrell sigil dominating the area over the desk, an antique like most of the furnishings.

"Ah, Viserys!"

Aemond turned and saw Milena, a slim woman with a ready smile and a sleek white sweep of hair. She wore a red dress that emphasized her shapely figure, and seemed perfectly at ease in her sky-high heels. She presented her hand to his father, and he placed a kiss on the back of it. "Milena, looking fabulous as always."

"That's what everyone keeps telling me," she said flirtatiously, and then her gaze went to Aemond. "My goodness, aren't you very imposing, dear child?"

Aemond bowed, kissing her hand as well. "It is my honor to provide you with protection, Lady Milena."

"Let us talk. We shall have dinner and talk about the details."

She took the arm Viserys offered and led them to the dining room, where a variety of dishes were laid out. Aemond watched her discreetly during the meal, and was keenly aware that despite the fact that her eyes were mostly on his father, she was assessing him as well. He couldn't blame her. If she was going to put her life in his hands, she had the right to decide if she trusted him or not.

"It would only be the trip there, and once we arrive, my grandson can meet me and drive me back." She sighed. "I just can't do planes any more, not since we almost crashed that one time."

Aemond hadn't heard of this, but said nothing.

Viserys sipped at his wine. "Aemond would be delighted to drive you back here as well, if you wish."

Aemond would NOT be delighted to drive her back, he thought, but kept his expression neutral.

"Oh no, no, it's just the drive there that has me worried. The roads aren't what they used to be, you know."

The rest of the meal was taken up by stories from "the old days" which bored Aemond to near tears but he paid attention nonetheless, even though he would much rather have spent his time thinking of her.

* * * * *

She woke up and realized she'd fallen asleep on her sofa, and had a voicemail. She didn't recognize the number, but these days, that didn't mean anything anymore.

"Oh hello. Uh, it's me. I mean, Helaena. Hi. I got your number from Aemond, I hope it's ok. So, you're the only one who is doing the book club so did you want to come over or, you know, um, I could go to your place. Only if you want. I mean. You're always welcome here, but I know it's a drive to get here. Uh, ok. Let me know. Only if you want. It's Helaena. Oh, I said that already. Ok, bye."

She smiled to herself, wanting to hug Helaena. She seemed so lonely, and she was incredibly sweet. She texted back: I'd love to have you come over! Let me know when and we'll do it!

There was nothing from Aemond, not that she expected him to check in with her, but she was nervous about his sudden trip to Highgarden. Still, Helaena didn't sound like there was anything wrong, so that was a good sign.

She would live like this, she thought, always wondering if he was ok, and while the thought scared her, she didn't contemplate embracing the alternative.

Her phone dinged and she saw Helaena's reply.

omg omg I've never texted anyone other than my brothers. Ok yeah, let me see when I can go over and I will let you know. I'm so excited. Ok.

This poor girl. She had the sudden urge to plan something like an escape to Dorne or something, a girls' weekend full of tiny, dangerous drinks. And mani-pedis. And massages. And she was sure Aemond might murder her himself if she tried to escape with his sister. And she knew, given how she'd met Helaena in the first place, that it wasn't a good idea.

Maybe she'd plant the idea in Helaena's head and see what they could do. Alicent looked like she was up on all the latest treatments with her perfect skin and hair, maybe they could book a spa day wherever the Targaryens approved of such things.

She cleaned up a little, not that there was a lot to clean up, but it always made her feel better to have her space tidied up.

* * * * *

"Stay down, my lady!" Aemond yelled. The driver, a long time employee of Lady Milena, had been stupid enough to leave the car and had immediately gotten himself killed.

"Get me out of here!"

Aemond, reaching through the space between the two front seats, grabbed the woman's hand. "We're surrounded, my lady, but you are safe inside the car."

Another volley of gunfire sprayed across the side of the vehicle and Milena squeezed Aemond's fingers. "It doesn't feel very fucking safe!"

He knew they should have taken a different road, he had suggested it and been overruled because this fucking hag thought she knew better. And so did her goddamn driver. And he was dead. If they were in the car she'd wanted to ride in, they'd be dead. His vehicles were armored, it wasn't something he'd been willing to compromise on, and she should be fucking grateful.

His father had been in the first car, and his driver - one of Aemond's men - had sped away, taking Viserys to safety.

He had reinforcements coming in, and then he'd throw the silly goat into another armored car, drive her the rest of the way to King's Landing himself, and never again agree to this kind of shit.

* * * * *

You had finished laundry, eaten dinner, brushed your teeth, and were about to change into your pajamas when there was a knock on the door and you lunged for your phone, opening up the door security app.

You ran to the door and opened it, and Aemond, shirt covered in dried blood, looked at you.

Again you pulled him in and closed the door but this time he reached for you, grabbing your face in his and pressing his mouth to yours with a desperation that had you running your hands over his chest and shoulders to check for injuries.

"Not my blood," he muttered against your lips before he kissed you again, and sighing, you parted your lips for him.

He leaned down and for a moment you thought he was collapsing but then one arm went under your knees and he swept you up against him, and he headed down the hallway while you devoured his neck, raking your teeth down the pale column. Aemond hissed, his steps faltering for a moment, but then he walked into your bedroom, placing you on the bed.

He reached behind his head, pulling off the ruined shirt before tossing it aside. Coming back to you, he slipped his fingers into the waistband of your leggings, and you raised to hips to help him as he began pulling them down along with your underwear.

Pulling your own shirt over your head, you threw it somewhere to the side of the bed as he finished undressing you, and then you felt his mouth on the inside of your knee. You pressed your lips together as he sucked in some of your skin between his teeth. There would be a mark there. "Mine," he said, and pushing your legs apart, hooked his arms underneath your thighs.

You met his eye, burning with want, a moment before he fastened his mouth between your legs and the room began to spin. You fell back on the bed, his lips and tongue setting you aflame. He wasn't gentle, or patient, and amidst the fog of pleasure enveloping you, you understood his frenzied need to have you.

Reaching down to grab his hair, to somehow get him to slow down before he made you come already, you felt his hands grab yours, and you could only hold on as he drove you to a quick, sharp orgasm. Your hips rolled with every lashing, your cries filling the room, and you realized he wasn't slowing down at all. He licked at your overly sensitive flesh, each swipe of tongue making your body twitch, until you felt it again, the heated coil twisting inside you once more, your hands squeezing his for something to ground you.

When you came the second time, your scream was louder, more ragged, and your body arched, every muscle straining as shards of pleasure tore through you. You could feel your heartbeat pounding in your ears, the brief seconds of bliss as you came down soon taken over by a new build up of release curling inside you.

"Oh gods, oh gods," you breathed. If he heard you, he didn't react, gave no indication of stopping. Instead, he made some kind of growling noise against you and you gasped, the vibrations against you making you moan. Your legs had started to shake and as you began spiraling again you thought I might not survive this, and realized you didn't care.

You began rocking your hips, reaching for release, your hands wrapping around his, and as tears began falling from your eyes, you let it tear you apart, every part of you on fire for him as you came again, your mind going dark as the orgasm took over your every sense.

You felt him leave you for a moment, but then he was pushing inside you and your moan turned into a sob as pleasure and pain mixed together. He was big, and you were so overly stimulated, and as he stretched you, you started reaching for him, to slow him down or to pull him against you, you weren't sure.

You felt him grab one of your hands and he leaned down to kiss the delicate skin of your wrist. You turned your hand to caress his face and he pressed his lips to your palm, murmuring something you didn't quite hear.

You gasped as he snapped his hips, seating himself fully inside you. There were sharp little stings as you struggled to take all of him, but you pulled him down to you until your mouth was near his ear.

He stilled for a moment, and you ran your other hand up his arm.

"Fuck me, Aemond," you whispered. "I want everything."

You felt a shiver go through him, and then he pulled back, so slowly you stopped breathing, and then he thrust hard, making you gasp. Again, he pulled back and again he drove back hard enough to make you moan.

He stopped for a moment and you looked up.

"More. Harder."

You heard a soft hmmm from him, and then he leaned over you, his hands fisting in your hair because each thrust was hard enough that you realized he was holding you in place. The sounds of his hips slamming against yours filled the room, joined by the sounds of someone moaning, whimpering, desperately struggling to take everything he was giving you and at the same time, demanding more.

Your body, already addicted to the pleasure he was giving you, began tightening in anticipation, and when the orgasm hit you, you cried out, a ragged sob leaving your throat as you clenched around him.

He didn't let go of your hair and he didn't stop fucking you through your release, and as you recovered, you ran your hands up his arms and down his chest, the muscles hard as rock as he continued pumping his hips.

"Say you're mine," he demanded.

You wrapped your arms around him, your nails sinking into the skin of his back. "Yes."

He thrust hard, making you gasp. "Say it."

"I'm yours," you breathed out, and in the next desperate breath, you demanded, "your turn."

He went completely still then, and you could hear his breathing as he leaned down to whisper in your ear. "I am totally, completely, and terrifyingly yours."

"Then I will have you, Aemond," you said, and pushed on one shoulder until he realized what you wanted and rolled onto his back, pulling your knees to his sides.

You rolled your hips once, realizing you would be sore later, and began moving, your hands on his shoulders as you began riding him. He reached up to squeeze your breasts, teasing the sensitive tips until he pulled you down to take one in his mouth. You moaned, and he fisted his hand in your hair again, keeping you in place so he could feast.

You rocked harder against him and he let go of your breast, one hand raking through his hair. "Fuck yes," he muttered, letting you set the pace as you continued moving above him. His hands slid down to your hips, one pressing into the soft skin there and the other moving over to your belly, his thumb sliding down to where you were joined. "Come again for me."

You let your head fall back and rode him, your thighs burning, until you felt it building inside you, your hands on your breasts as you gave in, a silent scream on your lips as he grew harder inside you, sending you over the edge, and you felt him groan, fingers digging hard into your hip, the other moving to wrap around you as you collapsed against him.

* * * * *

You didn't know how long you lingered in his arms, floating in the aftermath, Aemond turning to kiss your sweaty forehead every so often. At some point he rolled you onto your back again and ever so gently slipped inside you, this time his movements languorous as he drove you both to a sweet, sweet release that had you sighing.

You were now curled against him, legs intertwined with his, and he wrapped his arms around you. "Are you cold?" he murmured.

The covers and sheets had long ago ended up at the bottom of the bed along with one of your pillows.

"No," you looked at him. "Can you tell me about it?"

He turned onto his side, facing you, and told you about Milena Tyrell, how she'd complained about everything while he put his life on the line for her. The screaming argument he'd had with his father when he'd told Viserys he would never again agree to something like this, and how he'd just left in the middle of it, storming out of the house, to come to you.

You said nothing, just listened and ran your fingertips down his arm. You were most definitely NOT a fan of Viserys Targaryen, but right now you wanted to only focus on Aemond and it delighted you that he had sought you out, that he trusted you enough to come to you. It meant something, especially to someone like him.

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

"That I'm glad you came over, not just because this is the best sex I've ever had in my life," you said and he smiled, "but because I'm glad that you are confiding in me."

He leaned in to nuzzle your cheek. "I trust you," he said. "I've never told anyone I am theirs. I've never wanted anyone to be mine. I don't want to scare you," he said, and laughed when you rolled your eyes at him, "but I want you with me. I want you not just in my life, but to be a big part of it." He stopped himself before he said any more, but kissed your nose.

"Aemond," you said softly, "I know yours is not an easy life, but I am with you."

He moved to kiss your lips, holding you tightly, and he didn't let go for a long time.

* * * * * *

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Mask of the heart - Chapter 11

Levi x fem!readerRoyalty, Demon Levi Ackerman, Protective Levi Ackerman, Possessive Levi Ackerman, Cuddly Levi Ackerman, Masks, Curvy Reader, mentions of blood and fighting

In this chapter: Jareth takes his life into his own hands at the risk of others. The last grand attack happens before Jareth can, but he has his own plans. Thankfully, Levi is prepared.

Warning: there are parts in this chapter that some people might find distressing.

Ao3

The end

The tension in the room was almost suffocating and everyone within it was too scared to say a word. Rage rolled off the Prince as he leaned on his desk with a bitter snarl, all his plans for the future were shattered. Nothing made him happy no matter what people or what they brought him. Jareth desired his bride, but he was never going to have you, so he had asked for war but his father had denied him. Now he was stewing in his frustration and anger with ideas burning inside him.

Mr Clarke parted his dry and cracked lips. “Your Highness.”

Just hearing two words spoken set Jareth off into a rampage. First, his desk was lifted and launched out of the window. Glass shattering filled the room and staff members raced to escape, only Mr Clarke and Milena remained to watch this disaster. Once everyone was out, the second thing he did was rip down his bookcases one after another. Chairs were slammed against walls causing them to break and crack.

For most, anger like this lasted for a short time, but for Jareth, his rage seemed to last for a long time. Screams emitted from him as he tore his office apart until there was nothing left for him to break. When he calmed down he panted and lifted a chair. He sat a moment with his head in his hands, his hair a curtain around him.

Mr Clarke approached him with caution. “Your Highness.”

His voice was haggard as he spoke. “I want him dead.”

“We will kill Count Ackerman.”

Jareth lifted his head. “No, no I want my father dead.” He tilted his head, his hair parted to show his eyes were bloodshot and pupils were wide. “He denies my war, so I will take his life, take the crown and lead the charge.”

Mr Clarke gulped hard. “K-Kill the k-king? Y-Your f-father?”

Milena hummed a laugh then started laughing hysterically. As she laughed Jareth walked closer to her and loomed. She wiped her tears and looked up at him with a similar insane look. “I think that’s a fantastic idea. Instead of waiting around, just take what you deserve. The crown is yours, King Jareth.”

Jareth grinned. “Finally, someone who has sense just like me.” He dragged his feet as he walked to the door. “Will you join me?”

“Yes. I’ve always wanted to kill a King.”

Mr Clarke was panicking but knew better than to stop the Prince. He was loyal to Jareth but couldn’t support him on his journey anymore. War was not an answer and too many innocent people were going to die because of him. He decided that it was time for him to part ways. First, he would let the two maniacs run off on their hunt and then he’d leave the palace and make it for the safe town that used to be your land.  

Jareth felt giddy with pure excitement, he always liked breaking people but now he was getting the chance to kill and it excited him in such a deep and disturbing way. He threw the throne room doors open with a loud slam with a wide grin on his face. “Father.”

The King looked over at his son. “If you’re here to talk about a war again, it is still no. I’ve told you, grab that woman and her baby and drag them both here.”

Milena hummed a laugh. “He has a new idea, a better idea.”

Jareth walked over to the decorative swords on the wall and yanked one free before approaching his father. “You won’t give me what I want, so I will get what I want.”

The King flinched and gasped as the sword swiped across his chest and caused a massive gaping wound. With wide eyes, he watched as blood danced through the air before stumbling back as a coldness rushed through him. “Y-You.”

Jareth admired his blade now dripping with blood. “I am known for torture, so why not show my father just how good I am at it?” He whipped the sword and took his father’s left foot clean off. A twisted laugh erupted from him as he watched his father fall back up the stairs to his throne. “You’re more entertaining than all the people I have hurt put together!”

The King clutched at his chest. “You’re going to kill me!?”

Jareth chuckled. “Of course, I’m taking what is mine.” He pointed his blade at his father. “You did this to your father, so I’m doing it to you.”

The King smirked showing his teeth were coated in blood. “You’ll be the end to this family. It’ll all come crashing down. Our family is fucked!” He spat blood out with his words and began laughing. “Go ahead, take this broken country from me.”

Jareth raised his sword before plunging it through his chest. He used so much force that it pierced into the marble floor below. He locked eyes with his father. “I want to see the life leave your eyes.”

The King coughed up blood. “I hope…it brings…you…peace…”

Jareth tilted his head a little as he watched his father die. “Huh, the light really does fade.”

Milena walked over and stared at the King. “You’re right. It’s like he’s an empty meat shell.”

Jareth released the sword and hummed. “He always was one.” He reached down and grabbed the crown. “Finally, this country is all mine.” He placed the bloodied crown on his head. “We need to let my people know.” He dragged his feet as he walked to the door. He pushed them open to see the royal guards with their weapons ready. “I do hope you’re not going to use them on me.”

The guard eyed the blood on the Prince and then the crown on his head. “Is the King dead?”

“Yes, by my hand. He had gone mad.”

The guard stared for a while. “We will clean up the mess, Your Majesty.” He bowed. “Blessings upon the new King.”

Jareth smirked. “Thank you. Now, I have work to do.” With an air of confidence about him, he strolled down the hallway with Milena trailing behind. “I have so much power now.”

Milena giggled. “You do. You’re incredibly powerful now.” She waited for him to stop walking when he entered his father’s office. She ran her hands up his chest. “So impressive.”

He grabbed her neck and snarled. “What are you doing!?”

She purred in delight. “Forgive me, but power arouses me. I like your power.”

He clenched her neck hard. “We had a deal, Milena. You would provide magic and spells to help me get my bride back, in return I would not kill your precious Levi so you could have him back.”

She winced a little. “I know, but the power you hold and your beauty…” She moaned a bit. “Let me have a taste.”

“I warned you. Test me again and there will be consequences.”

She laughed. “I’m not scared.”

He pressed his thumb right on her neck and felt a little snap. “So fragile.” He smirked as her eyes widened and panic seeped in. “Panic and fear look good on you.” He released her causing her to crumple to the floor. He sat down and watched with an amused smirk as she clawed at her neck. “If you’re so strong like you claimed to be, then use your magic to heal yourself.”

Milena clawed a little at her neck causing blood to be drawn and skin to gather under her nails. As her mind caught up with her panic, she soon realised what she needed to do. She grasped her neck and healed up the breakage, but because she took so long to do it her voice was forever damaged to a rough horse whisper.

She pushed herself up and croaked. “You BASTARD.”

Jareth hummed a laugh. “That was rather amusing to watch. You panicked for too long, so now your voice is fucked.” He tilted his head. “I bet Levi would not want you now. Your neck is all messed up, your voice is terrible and you look like shit.”

She crawled closer. “You did this to me.”

“I warned you. Stay loyal to your lover.”

She laughed. “Says the man who fucked a woman who looked like his bride!”

Red. He only saw red because of her words. Before he fully registered his actions, he had stood up and kicked her in the face. “BITCH!”

She slammed onto her back and grunted. “You can beat me all you like, but it doesn’t change the truth.”

“The truth is it would be better to kill you than drag you around with me. I have my crown. I have my power. What is the point of you?”

She looked up at him and felt desperate. “I can use my magic to help you in your war. I cursed Levi. I can curse him again.”

He released a long sigh. “A curse to make him think he’s ugly?” He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, sure that’ll work, it worked so well last time.”

Milena began to shake. “I-I could cast something better!”

“Why didn’t you the first time?” He laughed. “You sound like those pathetic people in my torture room. You’re trying to come up with anything so your life will be spared.”

She clenched her fist tightly on the floor and knew she had to use her emergency spell. “I hope Levi cuts your head off.”

Jareth stormed towards her and held his sword high. “You fucking bitch!” He swiped and saw her disappear into a black shimmer. “What!?” He looked around the room, but it seemed she’d vanished. “NO!”

Milena free-fell for a moment before slamming against the earth. She cried and whimpered as she lay in an open field in the middle of the night. Even the gentle twinkle of the stars above gave her no comfort. After a small moment of recovery, she rolled onto her side and pushed her broken body up to her feet. She took in her surroundings and saw where her spell had taken her, Levi’s home.

Each breath she took in was haggard and painful, but she had a new mission now. As she got closer to the grand home she saw people moving in the shadows. Before she could get dangerously close, a sword was at her neck once again but this time it belonged to a knight of the Count’s. She looked over at the knight and she could tell they recognised her.

“Before you cut my neck open, I have something to tell the Count. I won’t live very long, so you have nothing to worry about.”

The knight snarled. “You think I would let you near our Count and Countess? After everything you’ve done to them!?”

“Something wrong?” Everyone gazed at you in your night dress with a lantern in hand. You shifted closer. “Do we have an intruder?”

Another knight stood in front of you to hide you from Milena. “Your Ladyship, Countess Ackerman, please retreat inside for your protection.”

You leaned around him and saw Milena. “Milena.” You walked around the knight. “She’s harmless, she’ll die any minute now from the looks of her.”

Milena winced. “I need to talk to you and Levi.”

“Bring her inside. I’ll wake my husband.” You walked ahead as the knights dragged Milena. You led them to a meeting lounge. “Keep her here. I’ll return in a moment.”

The knight bowed. “Yes, your ladyship.”

You slowly made your way upstairs to the bedroom and saw Levi smiling in his sleep because not long before Milena had arrived, he had been balls deep inside you. A heat spread over your cheeks as you thought about how much you had come and how much Levi had filled you. You sat on the bed at Levi’s side before gently rocking him awake.

Levi inhaled deeply and smiled more as he looked up at you. “Hello, love.”

“I need you.”

“I can go again, but I’ll be sleepy sex.”

You giggled at how sweet he was. “Not what I’m talking about. I need you to wake up, my love. Milena has come here, but before you are filled with rage I need to tell you she is on death’s door. She doesn’t have long to live, but she has something to tell us.”

Levi sat up slowly before ruffling his hair. “What happened to her?”

“I don’t know, but we can find out together.” You gasped as he slipped out of bed. “Make sure you’re covered up.”

He turned to face you so you could see he was fully naked. “Mm, I will.”

You giggled as he stumbled around and pulled his clothes on. “So sleepy.”

He walked over to you and kissed you. “I’m sleepy and you rode my cock so good.”

You covered your face with your hands and whined. “So embarrassing.”

He pulled you to your feet and hugged you close. “Let’s go, my darling bunny.” He walked with you through the home to Daisy’s room and checked on her. “Let’s take her.”

You scooped up your baby girl and held her gently. “I’ve got her. I think a lot of the talks will be for you.”

Levi hummed as he walked with you. “Maybe.”

You carried your girl to the lounge where Milena was. As soon as you entered you saw she was lying on the sofa, the darkness under her eyes was worse than before and a cold sweat was clinging to her skin. “Milena.”

She looked over at you. “There she is, the child I should have had.” She gulped hard. “A war is coming.”

Levi frowned. “Not possible. The King.”

“The King is dead.” She looked over at Levi. “I watched Jareth kill his father. When he killed him he realised there was no need for me and my magic because he had all the power. He will start a war to get your wife as his.” She tried to stop her eyes from closing. “You need to act now.”

Alora hurried into the room with her sword in hand. “I heard there was trouble!”

Milena’s eyes widened as she gazed at Alora. “Such…beauty…”

Levi sighed. “This is Milena, she was the one who had cursed me.”

Milena frowned. “Who are you.”

Alora tilted her head a little. “I am Alora Sigel. I am the lost princess of King Lovell.”

“So, you’re the one to save this world.”

“I am.”

“Jareth has killed his father and taken the crown. The time to act is now.” She gulped. “I had to tell you all before I died.” She looked over at Levi. “I did deeply love you in my own sick and twisted way. Did you ever care for me?”

Levi looked at you. “Bunny.”

You smiled at him. “It’s okay. Speak the truth. I’m confident because I have you now and a baby with you.”

Levi nodded and moved closer. “Milena, I once cared for you when we were first together before you changed. I enjoyed the time we spent together and the memories we shared. So, yes I did care for you. I cared for you a lot but those feelings disappeared when you…when you became controlling and abusive.”

“I…” She smiled and closed her eyes. “Understand. At least for a short time, someone cared for me.”

Alora crouched next to her and checked her pulse. The room was quiet as everyone watched. Alora released Milena’s wrist and rose to her feet. “She’s gone.”

You squeezed your daughter. “Take her body outside. I know her people like to return to the stars. Lay her on the grass.”

A knight lifted Milena’s body and carried her outside as everyone followed. As soon as he reached the grand front garden, he lay her lifeless body in the field and retreated. “May she be at peace.”

Levi wrapped his arm around you as the two of you watched Milena’s body become stardust. “Such a beautiful way of dying.”

You looked up as the dust floated up into the night sky. “You’re right. It’s almost graceful.” You released a long sigh. “The King is dead and Jareth has taken the throne. We need to tell Erwin.”

Levi hummed. “I’ll use the communication crystal. Get to our room, okay?”

You cuddled your daughter and nodded. “I’ll keep Daisy with me.” You hurried inside and made your way to the bedroom. You carefully lay your daughter in the bed you had there for her, in case she needed you both. “Oh, Daisy…what a mess…I hope the work Alora has done so far has worked.”

“It’ll work.” Levi moved closer to you. “I promise you, it’ll work.”

You rushed him. “Levi.” You wrapped your arms around him.

He squeezed you tightly. He softly said your name as you rocked together. “Alora and Erwin and beginning their attack now. They’re not waiting around, so you have nothing to worry about, okay?”

“I do worry. I worry about you, our daughter and our friends. I don’t want people to get hurt or die.”

Levi cupped your face and showered it with kisses. “I will make sure everyone we love and care for is safe.”

You hugged your husband. “I trust you with all my love, mind and soul.” You released him. “Will you be going?”

He shook his head. “I am the strongest this country has to offer, second is Alora and Mike. I am remaining here with a few knights to make sure you are safe. While the rebellion is led by Alora with Erwin’s aid there is a high chance Jareth will have a small team come here to get you, or possibly he will come here.” He pulled you to bed. “I have to be here for the two most precious things in my life.”

You lay down and hummed. “Please don’t do anything risky, okay?”

“I won’t.” He sat next to you and played with your hair. “Rest. I’ll be right here to keep an eye on you and Daisy.”

“Don’t you need to rest?”

He smiled sweetly. “I will, but I have to make sure you’re safe.”

You yawned a little. “Mm…sweet husband.”

Alora gripped her sword tightly as she gazed out at the battlefield. A mixture of nerves and pride filled her. She was nervous to be leading the charge with King Erwin, but she was also proud that she stood up for herself and was now claiming what was hers. She had made her peace with her mother and was granted her blessing to fight. With the King dead, her mother was no longer afraid.

Since starting the rebellion a few weeks ago, Alora was shocked at how people rushed to her side. A natural leader is what she was called, but she believed it was something in her blood that made people see her as a leader. She hated her father’s blood inside her, but it helped her become this strong leader that would allow her to save her people.

Erwin stood at her side. “It’s just like all the other battles you have fought before, except this time it is a monster of a man instead of monsters.” He gazed at her. “Are you going to be okay? It is your brother.”

“I have no emotional connection to him.” She smiled. “I’ve never met him, nor have I communicated with him. We’re strangers. Killing him won’t hurt me.”

“Good. If there were a struggle, I would offer to end him.”

Alora hummed a laugh. “I think Levi would prefer to do it.” She looked ahead as the battle came to an end. “I think it’s time to make the final push inside the palace.”

Erwin climbed onto his horse. “Lead the charge, Queen Alora Sigel.”

She smiled with pride before climbing onto her horse. “Time to end this.”

The drumming of hooves soon joined the war cries of all the knights and soldiers ready to end this. Citizens from the country also helped lead the charge with the pain of their suffering pushing them to regain their freedom and happiness. The air rushing by Alora’s face and shifting her short hair was not a nice smell, it was full of blood and mud but it smelt like freedom. She inhaled deeply, raised her blade high and cried out causing a roar of cries from those charging with her. For those looking out from the palace, it appeared like an army of ants, you could not see the earth below the feet of those charging ahead.

Erwin pointed his sword. “Open the gates or we will break them down!”

Alora held her head high. “Open the gates for your Queen Alora! The lost daughter of King Lovell!”

A man looked over the wall. “Shit, she looks…get the gate open!”

With a loud rumble, the gates slowly dragged open as dirt fell from them to reveal the palace that looked pristine, almost too clean and tidy for a place that could be facing a charge. Erwin and Alora raced ahead before leaping off their horsing and racing inside the palace. The two of them hurried to the throne room but found no one. As the palace became filled with excited knights and soldiers, a dread washed over Alora and Erwin.

Erwin looked down at Alora. “He’s gone across the border. He’s gone after the Ackermans.”

Alora clenched her jaw. “Let’s hope we left enough people there.”

“Levi is the strongest demon I know. He’ll keep his wife and daughter safe.”

“I want to be there.”

Erwin hummed. “We can use a portal, but it does take a lot out of you. So, be prepared for feeling sick.”

Alora held her head high. “I need to go. I have to protect the sweet Countess.”

Erwin took a portal ball out of his pouch on his horse before throwing it ahead. The ball exploded and caused a circle of light to appear and a shimmer of Levi’s home appeared. “Move!”

The two of them raced forward and through the portal. As soon as they reached the other side they could see a fight was happening. However, it wasn’t something to worry about. Levi’s knights were clearly winning. With eyes straining they could see the front doors had been breached, which meant either people had run out or someone had broken in.

Erwin looked up at the home. “Shit, the balcony doors to their room.”

Alora gazed over. “Is Jareth?”

“Likely. We need to hurry.” He looked around and saw Levi was fighting someone with his wings standing proud. “We need to let him know.”

Both watched Levi ripped apart a knight with his blades before pausing. He looked over at his home and heard your desperate screams for him. He shouted your name and flew towards the home. Alora and Erwin raced on their horses towards the home. It was clear by the screams that Jareth was inside the home. Panic washed over everyone. Surely there was something put in place to keep you and the baby safe, so Jareth must have forced his way in causing further danger.

Before all of this madness had started, it had been a rather sweet morning for you and Levi. The two of you had made love all morning before spending breakfast feeding each other and sharing loving moments. After eating you had taken Daisy outside with the wolves and bunnies. Levi and you had marvelled at your daughter as he started crawling with the wolves and bunnies guiding her.

Eventually, Daisy sat on your lap wiggling a toy of hers as the alpha lay next to her just gazing at her. Levi sat behind you with his lips on your neck. He smiled against your skin when he noticed Daisy was staring at him. He pulled a face at her making her laugh hard. He kept pulling faces at her so she would keep laughing. He reached over and tickled her cheek.

A horn being blown echoed across the land causing Levi to shoot to his feet. He snarled a little as he looked out. “Darling bunny? Head inside with Daisy.” He whistled at the wolves. “Patrol the area.”

You hugged Daisy close and ran inside to see Anne. “Anne, we have to hide.”

Anne nodded and hurried with you upstairs. “We’ll activate the protective barriers in your room.”

You sprinted to your room and sat on the bed with your daughter as Anne started the spells. “Thank you.” You gently kissed the top of Daisy’s head. “We knew he’d come for us.”

Anne sat with you. “It seems that Jareth’s life was meant to be taken by the Count and not the Queen.”

“I just know that makes Levi happy.” You glanced over to the balcony doors. “I can hear them fighting already.”

Daisy wiggled in your arms as if something was making her unhappy or on edge. “Mm.”

You looked down at her. “Daisy? What’s wrong?”

Anne gasped. “She never does this. I’ve never known her to cry like this.”

You bounced her. “Maybe she misses Levi. She likes the three of us together.” You looked out of the closed balcony doors and felt your heart stop when you saw a hand grab the balcony railing. “What…” Your eyes widened when you saw the familiar silvery white hair you’d come to fear. “Oh no.”

Anne hurried to your side and saw Jareth climbing over the balcony with blood spattered on his clothes. “The spells should keep him out. Just stay away from the doors.”

You hurried to the other side of the bed and hugged Daisy as she cried. “It’s okay, baby, it’s okay. We’ll keep you safe.”

Anne yelped as Jareth slammed himself against the glass doors over and over. “Your Ladyship.”

“It’ll be okay. We’ll be safe.”

Anne sat with you and jumped every time Jareth slammed his body against the doors. “Just leave us!”

You made a little bed for Daisy and sat her in it. “Be a good girl and stay there for mummy, okay?”

Daisy hiccupped a moment. “Ma.”

You wiped her tears. “You are so precious and perfect, my little flower. Everything is going to be okay.” You kissed her forehead. “I love you.”

She smiled at you and wiggled her arms. “Eh! Agoo!”

You giggled. “That’s right.”

The glass smashed and Anne dropped to the floor. Panic set in when you saw some glass was in Anne and blood was seeping from her. Thankfully, she was breathing and fainted out of shock. You reached over for her as she gazed at you in a sleepy state. The two of you lightly held hands and shared a knowing look. Anne knew you would keep her safe and Anne was reassuring you she was okay.

“Finally.” Jareth shoved the doors open and smiled at you as blood dripped from his hands. “I’m in.” He smiled at you. “Hello, doll.” He walked around the bed to the side you were on. “Look at you, so beautiful.” He glanced down at Daisy sitting up in her bed of blankets. “She’s so beautiful. Let me hold her.”

You screamed as he grabbed Daisy before you could. “Let her go!”

He kicked you hard sending you to the floor. “Stay down! I’m holding our baby.” He lifted Daisy as she started crying hard. “Oh, don’t cry little one. I’m your daddy!”

You lifted your body and ignored the pain. “Put her down, please.”

He frowned. “Why won’t she stop crying?” He moved Daisy around and looked her all over. “She needs to stop. I don’t like this!”

You shot up to your feet and grabbed Daisy because you knew he was going to shake her or do something to hurt her. “Stop!” You turned your back to his and hugged her. “She’s just a baby!”

Jareth snarled at you. “Give her back!”

You ran for the door. “No!”

He grabbed your hair and yanked your head back hard as he screamed your name. “Do as I say!”

“Let go!” You tugged your head causing hair to be pulled out. You stumbled and shoved the doors open and ran down the hall. “LEVI!” You looked back to see Jareth was sprinting after you. “LEVI!”

Jareth shouted your name. “Come here!”

You saw Harold ahead and knew he was your only hope. You handed him, Daisy. “Take her and run, please.”

Harold nodded and ran with Daisy as you turned to face Jareth. “I’ll keep her safe.”

You glanced over at Daisy. “Thank you.” You grabbed a vase tightly and smashed it against Jareth’s head as soon as he rushed you. “Fuck you!”

He snarled and dove at you. The two of you fell back and hit the wooden floor together above the stairs. “You do as I say! You’re my bride!”

You clawed and slapped him as much as possible. “I am not yours!”

He grabbed your neck and squeezed hard. “You need to obey me!”

You pressed your thumb into his eye. “GET…OFF…ME!”

He pulled his head back and cried out. “Damn it!” He released your neck before pinning your arms above your head. “Do as I command! Everyone else does!”

You kneed him right in the crotch. “Eat shit!” You kicked him over and over allowing you to get him off you. You kicked him hard down the stairs and watched him fall. “Break your damn neck!”

He grabbed your ankle and pulled you with him. “You!”

You cried out and screamed as you rolled down the stairs with Jareth. You yelped when you hit the tiled floor at the bottom. Everything hurt, but you were sure it was just bruises. You winced a bit. “LEVI!”

Jareth crawled towards you. “You. Are. MINE.”

The front doors slammed open with a blast of air. Black shadows curled and crawled inside the front entrance. To most, they would be afraid, but to you, it was comforting because you knew this power was Levi’s. He came flying inside with his wings spread wide, horns standing proud and scales over his pretty face. The moment Levi saw you bloodied and bruised it enraged him.

A little squeak escaped you when shadows lovingly wrapped around you before moving you somewhere safe. You hugged the shadows and gave them sweet kisses knowing very well Levi could feel it. You closed your eyes as you heard muffled screams and shouts. You lifted your head when you heard Alora arguing with Erwin and Levi a little, so you were assuming Levi wanted to kill Jareth but Alora wanted to be the person to do it.

The shadows parted and Levi appeared in the light. Your eyes sparkled as you gazed at him. “Levi.”

Levi wrapped his arms around you. “Hello, bunny.”

You clung to him. “Is he dead?”

“Yes.”

“Did you kill him?”

Levi nodded. “Yes.”

“Is Alora mad at you?”

Levi kissed you. “A bit.” He checked you over. “Thank you for kissing my shadows, it made me happy.” He lifted you and hugged you. “You’re badly hurt. We need to get you somewhere to heal.”

You looked around. “Alora! Anne is upstairs in my room hurt. Please help her!”

Alora bowed her head. “I’ll go to her.”

You welled up. “Erwin, please find Harold. I gave him Daisy to hide with. Please find them.”

Erwin placed his hand on his heart. “I’ll find them.”

Levi carried you to a cosy lounge that you used a lot as a family. He sat you down on a bed of blankets and looked you over. “You’re badly hurt. He did this to you?”

You nodded. “Yes, but I had to protect Daisy.”

He snarled. “I wish I could kill him all over again.”

“Thank you for hiding me when you did.”

“I didn’t want you to see me kill someone.” He leaned closer and kissed you. “Let’s get you healed up, okay?” He flicked his wrist making his shadows appear with medical things. “Let’s take this slow.”

You looked up and smiled when Erwin walked in with Daisy. “Erwin.”

Erwin smiled. “She’s okay. Lots of tears, apparently. She’s very tired now.” He sat down and held her. “But she’s okay.”

Daisy looked at you with her tired eyes. “Ma, ma, ma.”

You caressed her cheek. “Hello, little flower. I love you.”

Levi leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I love you. I’m so glad you’re okay.” Levi smiled at you. “You protected her well.”

“I’m a strong momma.”

Erwin chuckled. “You are.”

[capnmachete]

The Man in the Mirror A Tommy x Alfie/Sholomons short fic Chapter 3: The Visitor

THE MAN IN THE MIRROR An Alfie x Tommy short fic in 5 parts Alfie Solomons' Jewish air of absolute certainty falters in the wake of the shooting at Margate Thank you for reading! Tags by request: @justrainandcoffee; @loricasquamata; @hoodeddreams13 Chapter 1 / Chapter 2

Chapter 3 The Visitor You are the knife I turn inside myself ...that, my dear, is love. Franz Kafka, Letters to Milena

Chana scuttled in, clearly rattled, to announce a visitor. “It’s a Mr. Shelby,” she hissed, sotto voce, stretching up on tiptoe towards Alfie’s ear. “Very insistent; won’t take no for an answer.  I told him to wait in the entryway.”

“Fucking hell,” Alfie muttered, blinking, good eye round with surprise and dark-blonde brow arched.  He shooed Chana out, with instructions to tell Thomas he was indisposed, away, asleep, fucking dead, whatever was necessary.

And then panicked for a moment. Thomas had never been one to take no for an answer, defying people far larger and more intimidating than tiny, stout Chana. If he wanted in, he was coming in, and there was fuck-all anyone could do about it.

But to what purpose? Alfie's brow wrinkled; he chewed his lip, wary and perplexed. His own early letters had gone unanswered, ignored. So much time had passed; too much. Thomas' letters in return had been too little -- an afterthought, coming far too late. And had been burnt unopened. Whatever was inside could not undo what was done, restore what was lost. Could only reopen an old wound, one that time and distance were only now beginning to heal.

For a few long, ridiculous moments, Alfie actually hid – cowering in the scullery where Chana had found him, having gone there to make himself a cup of tea. Then, appalled by his own cowardice, he braced himself, gathered up what dignity he had left, and limped out to make an appearance, affecting as nonchalant a look as he could manage.

Thomas -- predictably -- had not waited in the entryway as instructed. He stood, instead, near the open door to the veranda, looking out at the sea, the sound of Alfie's footfalls muffled by the wash and crash of the waves. A good thing -- a small blessing, as it gave Alfie a moment. Only a few seconds, but enough time for the lurch of -- something, whatever it was, a ragged-edged mix of panic and relief and dismay and anger and a dozen other unnamed things -- to begin to ebb.

“Hallo, Thomas,” he rumbled finally, still some distance away. He stood partly in shadow – cane in one hand, the other tucked into his pocket to keep himself from fidgeting.

Tommy turned around – older, graying, but just as heartbreakingly pretty as Alfie remembered, the little pikey cunt.  A genuine smile crossed his face, pale blue eyes going from cold to warm  – and then the smile faded.  Alfie gazed resolutely forward, at nothing, steeling himself for whatever was to come.

Tommy did stare for a long moment.  Not a fucking surprise, right, because who wouldn’t?   But his expression was neutral.  Neither disgust nor pity shone in the eyes that studied Alfie’s still-powerful form, his ruined countenance, the thick-fingered, gold-ringed hand resting on the pommel of the cane.  “Alfie,” Tommy said, after a substantial pause.  He stepped forward, a hand raised, fingers extended to touch.

Alfie’s courage broke, and he flinched, turning his bad side away.  “Tommy, don’t – it ain't pretty, mate, you don’t want to – “ he rasped, in a voice far less steady than he’d intended.

“Shut up, Alfie,” Tommy told him brusquely.  He caught at Alfie’s sleeve before the big man could retreat any further. “Don’t fucking tell me what I want.  Let me see you,” he insisted, reaching for the chain of the Tiffany lamp, clicking it on to illuminate the dim room.

It was too much. It was fucking torture, yeah?  Being looked at this way, studied like a bug on a pin, despite the lovely warmth of Tommy's hand on his arm. “Can't say as I didn't warn you, treacle,” Alfie rasped, with an unconvincing bark of laughter.  "Fuckin' awful, innit?" It was far easier to hear the words in his own voice than in Tommy’s.  He closed his eyes and stood stock-still, bearing it as best he could – waiting for the inevitable.  The recoil, the awkward pause, the stiff-voiced and transparently false assurances that it wasn’t all that bad.

None of which came.  Instead, a touch – Tommy’s hand landed, feather-light, on Alfie’s face, delicately tracing the scars, the deeply-carved ruts and twists in the flesh.  “No, Alfie,” Tommy said plainly.  His fingers brushed the lashes of Alfie’s bad eye, the shell of his ear.  “Not awful.” Alfie blinked, surprised, revealing the blind, milky-blue eye; Tommy studied that too.

“You don’t look like a rapscallion anymore," Tommy said after a long moment.  "I’ll give you that. Not the terror of Camden Town, full of piss and vinegar and ready to kick someone's teeth in.  You look – “ 

Thomas paused, and Alfie held his breath.  “Stately,” he said, finally.  “Formidable. Old and wise.  Like … an ancient Greek oracle, maybe.  A fallen god.” 

Rendering Alfred Solomons, Jr. speechless was quite a feat, something few men had ever accomplished, but Tommy had done it.  Alfie stood silent, dumbstruck for a moment, regarding Tommy Shelby – the man he was fairly sure he’d loved for some time now, the man he had sincerely believed, and also hoped, he’d never see again.  Not like this.

“I missed you,” Tommy said quietly, a hand resting lightly on the lapel of Alfie’s velvet waistcoat.

And something deep in Alfie’s innards cracked like a dropped china saucer.  He turned briskly away and lumbered off towards the scullery again.  “Yeah, you did. Aim better next time,” he called back as he retreated.  “I’ll rustle up some tea.”  And then he shut his mouth before the break in his voice could betray him. And stood alone in the scullery for some time, until he had composed himself again.

[stargazer-sims]

The Art Of Redemption - Timeline

Okay, so this isn't a timeline strictly for The Art of Redemption. It's more like a timeline for characters that appear in that story as well as in We Are Sugar Valentine, since the two are more than tangentially connected.

We Are Sugar Valentine is taking place in present day (2022-2024) and The Art of Redemption takes place in 2011-2012.

I noticed that several people may have been confused because I tend to jump around a lot between stories and also with random vignettes. It's all perfectly clear in my head, but since nobody else is living in my head, I thought a timeline of important events for all the major characters would help everyone make sense of it.

Anyway, for anyone who's interested, you can find the timeline under the cut:

1950

Nikolai Pavlenko (Nikolai’s grandfather) - 1 December 1950

1951

Stanislav Kovac - 3 June 1951

Milena Novotný (later Kovac) - 6 June 1951

1963

Jason Jones (brother of Beth-Anne) - 26 August 1963

1966

Elena Federova (later Pavlenko) - 13 January 1966

Mikhail Pavlenko (Nikolai’s father) - 28 December 1966

1968

Stan comes to Canada from Czech Republic to train with a renowned figure skating coach and to compete at ISU Senior level

Milena comes to Canada from Czech Republic as part of a foreign exchange student program

Stan and Milena meet at their high school

1970

Seong Min-Joon (a.k.a. George Seong) - 13 May 1970

Beth-Anne Dorothy Jones (born Jennifer Elizabeth Anne Jones) - 30 October 1970

1972

Stan wins an Olympic silver medal

1973

Milena finishes her undergraduate degree and begins law school

Stan and Milena become Canadian citizens

1976

Stan asks Milena to marry him

Milena graduates from law school

Abby Jones (sister of Beth-Anne) - 19 August 1976

Kim In-Hae (later known as Evie Seong) - 5 November 1976

1977

Stan and Milena get married on Valentine’s Day

Peace Adebayo - 25 June 1977

1978

Sae (Sarah) Ishida - 21 July 1978

1979

Stan & Milena’s daughter Alžbeta is born

Stan retires from competing and decides to pursue coaching as a profession

1980

Satoru (Stephen) Fujikawa - 16 January 1980

1981

Beth-Anne is put in foster care in April when she ends up in the hospital after being seriously injured by her mother

Jason turns 18 in August and becomes Beth-Anne's guardian

Jason and Beth-Anne's mother Claudia tells them their sister Abby is deceased and they try to find out if this is true, but the Department of Community Services won't give Jason any information

Jason and Beth-Anne experience several months of homelessness

1982

Beth-Anne's coach, Nancy Rogers, lets Jason and Beth-Anne move in with her until Jason gets a job and the siblings find a place of their own

Nancy helps Beth-Anne and Jason track down their father. He doesn't want contact with them but he sends them money each month.

Beth-Anne is able to resume skating

Christian Lindeman - 11 April 1982

1983

Hunter MacKay - 18 March 1983

Nikolai’s grandfather and parents immigrate to Canada six months before Nikolai and Natascha are born

Nikolai and Natascha Pavlenko - 18 December 1983

1985

Anna-Valentina Baranova (Anya Pavlenko) - 22 April 1985

Vivienne Louise (Ginger) Holmes - 14 September 1985

Juliet Cole - 8 October 1985

1987

Viktoriya (Vika) Vasilieva - 26 February 1987

Stan becomes Beth-Anne's coach

1988

Beth-Anne legally changes her name to Beth-Anne Dorothy Jones

Mikhaïl (Mishka) Vasiliev - 10 February 1988

1990

Mishka and Vika are taken away from their biological parents due to neglect and unsafe living conditions, and placed with the Vasiliev family. They are adopted by Dr. and Mrs. Vasiliev later that year.

1991

Beth-Anne wins gold at Skate Canada and eventually goes on to win bronze at the World Championship

Death of Jason Jones

Beth-Anne is in an accident during the off-season that ends her competitive skating career

Stan and Milena take Beth-Anne into their home while she recovers from her injuries

1992

Beth-Anne is sufficiently recovered from her accident to move out of Stan and Milena's house and go forward with her life, and she decides to go to university. She also decides to keep skating, even if she can no longer do it competitively

Grandpa Nikolai, Mikhail and Elena become Canadian citizens

1994

Nikolai competes in his first ISU event, in the Novice division, and wins silver

Nikolai’s grandfather gives him Champion the teddy bear

1996

Beth-Anne graduates with a degree in education and gets a job at an all-girls school as a physical education teacher

Beth-Anne stops skating at the Brindleton Bay Skating Club because seeing her friends and rivals continue to get ready for competitions while she just skates during community ice times is too painful and stress-inducing for her

Ginger competes in her first ISU event, in the Novice division

Brett Andrew Eriksson - 25 April 1996

1998

Evie & George Seong immigrate to Canada in January

Sadie Hae-Won Seong - 29 November 1998

1999

Competitive skier Stephen Fujikawa marries J-pop idol Sae (Sarah Ishida)

Nikolai’s family leaves Ontario and moves to Nova Scotia (Brindleton Bay is a fictional bedroom community of Halifax NS)

Ginger comes to Canada from the UK specifically to train with Stan

Stan also becomes Nikolai’s coach

Nikolai meets Ginger, Anya, Hunter, Juliet and Christian

2000

Nikolai adopts Tangerine the cat

Eden Yeon-Jin Seong & Charles Ki-Yeon (Charlie) Seong - 23 May 2000

Sakuharu (Haru) Abe - 11 June 2000

Stan convinces Beth-Anne to come back to the Brindleton Bay Skating Club

Beth-Anne meets Nikolai for the first time and she becomes his coach

Sebastian Fujikawa - 9 September 2000

2001

Haru’s mother passes away from a drug overdose. Haru is raised by his maternal grandparents

Nikolai wins gold at Skate Canada when he wasn't even expected to place in the top ten, much less the top three. Stan shoots the iconic "forever" photo of Nikolai and Beth-Anne. Nikolai gives Beth-Anne his medal

Stan and Milena’s grandson Marek is born in November (future figure skater)

2002

Stephen wins an Olympic gold medal in giant slalom

Sarah goes on tour and there's a scandal when someone starts a rumour about her and her bodyguard. It gets massive publicity and Stephen doesn't know what to think.

Peace immigrates from Nigeria to Canada with her children Mercy (3) and Praise (1).

2004

Nikolai wins his first World Figure Skating Championship medal (silver)

2006

Nikolai wins his first World Championship gold medal

Stephen and Sarah divorce, and it’s messy. It's also highly publicized due to their respective statuses in sports and entertainment

Stephen is granted full custody of his son Sebastian

Mishka gets drafted into the NHL and begins his pro hockey career with an American team

Beth-Anne becomes Brett's coach

2007

Stephen retires from his athletic career and joins his father and aunt in the family's sports equipment company

Stephen adopts Sofia. She is seven, the same age as Sebastian

2008

Nikolai and Anya get married

Natascha marries local construction worker, Alex MacDonald

2010

Nikolai wins his second World Championship gold medal in a row and his third Worlds gold overall

Ginger also wins gold at Worlds

Ginger becomes a Canadian citizen

2011 (The Art Of Redemption)

Nikolai seriously injures his knee while competing at the four Continents Championship in January

Beth-Anne lets Nikolai stay at her place while he's recovering from his injury and dealing with his marital issues

Beth-Anne and Peace meet

Eden and Nikolai meet

Nikolai decides he wants to be a coach

Brett wins a medal in his last competition at Junior level

Beth-Anne decides she wants to find out what really happened to her sister Abby. Stan, Milena and Nikolai support her in her quest.

Anya retires from competition and goes to work with her grandfather in his photography studio

Brett and Nikolai have a one-on-one competition

Nikolai and Anya get divorced

Eden and Sebastian both compete in their first ISU events at Novice level

Haru discovers that despite his learning disability, he's exceptional at writing poetry

2012

Beth-Anne and Peace are in a casual relationship

2013

Ginger retires from competition

Nikolai officially becomes Eden's coach

Ginger has a whirlwind romance with British businessman Liam Harris

Mishka gets traded to the Mariners in a mid-season trade

Mishka and Nikolai meet by chance on Nikolai’s birthday

Ginger and Liam elope at Christmas

2014

Nikolai and Mishka have moved past simple friendship quickly and are in a relationship

Natascha and Alex get divorced. Natascha moves back in with her parents and grandfather

Anya continues to be an unwanted presence in Nikolai's life

Liam convinces Ginger to return to the UK with him

Ginger meets Sebastian and Sofia, who are attending a UK boarding school, and she becomes Sebastian’s coach

Ginger meets Stephen Fujikawa

2015

Eden wins gold at the World Junior Figure Skating Championship

2016

Eden has his debut at Senior level. It doesn't go as well as he expects

Ginger and Liam divorce

Ginger goes to Japan with Sebastian and Sofia at the end of the school year

Stephen offers to let Ginger live in a cottage on his property and Sebastian is thrilled because he gets to live so close to his “bonus mom”

Haru gets recruited as a J-pop trainee while performing at his school's music festival.

2017

After four years together, Nikolai and Mishka part ways, due to a number of issues. They promise to keep in touch, and to try and get back together some day, if and when their lives stabliize

Haru begins his adventure as a trainee and meets future bandmates Ryu, Keigo, Senjiro and Taiji

2018

TheJ-pop group Sugar Valentine debuts. Eden and Charlie are instantly huge fans

2020

Charlie goes to college to study cosmetology and aesthetics and starts taking Japanese classes. His dream is to become a professional stylist in the entertainment industry

Sugar Valentine goes on tour for the first time

2022 (We Are Sugar Valentine)

Charlie is ready to head to Japan to begin his adventure. He and Eden have never been apart, and Eden decides to go to Japan with him. Nikolai is heartbroken at this development, as he and Eden have been together as coach and student for years.

Despite not wanting to be separated from Eden, Nikolai hesitates to go to Japan because he's an extreme homebody and doesn't want to uproot himself from everything familiar in his life

Eden finds a new coach in Japan. It goes absolutely terribly.

Charlie lands his dream job, as part of the stylist team for Sugar Valentine

Haru sees pictures of Eden in Charlie's portfolio and begs to be introduced

Charlie introduces Eden and Haru. They quickly become an item

Nikolai eventually joins Eden in Japan, after learning how badly things are going for Eden. It's a difficult adjustment for Nikolai

Nikolai is delighted to discover that Ginger is coaching Sebastian at the exact rink where Eden is training. They've kept in touch over the years, but the physical distance between them has made things challenging. They waste no time in catching up

Mishka decides he's going to retire after the 2022-23 hockey season. He needs knee surgery that he's put off for too long

Sugar Valentine goes on tour again

Mishka contacts Nikolai and tells him that he's coming to see him for his birthday in December

Mishka gives Nikolai a kitten for his birthday. They name him Boris

Nikolai is juggling Anya's continued presence in his life and his feeling that maybe he and Ginger could be more than friends

Nikolai asks for time, and Mishka vows to wait for him

2023

Ginger and Nikolai experiment with having a relationship beyond friendship. It doesn't work out because as much as they love each other, they realize they'll never get past thinking of each other as siblings.

Eden wins his first World Championship gold medal

Mishka contacts Nikolai and tells him his surgery is scheduled for the first week of June. He asks Nikolai to come home for the summer, to help take care of him while he recovers, and Nikolai agrees.

Mishka moves into Nikolai's house during his recovery

Even though they haven't been together as a couple for several years, both Nikolai and Mishka realize their feelings for each other are just as strong as ever. They pick up right where they left off

Eden comes home around the same time as Nikolai. They mutually decide not to return to Japan.

Haru buys Eden a house in Brindleton Bay

Mishka does not move out of Nikolai's house in August, like they originally planned.

Mishka proposes to Nikolai at Christmas. They plan their wedding for the following summer

2024

Sugar Valentine undertakes their third tour

Haru gives Eden a horse for his birthday. He also gives himself one for his own birthday, which is only 19 days after Eden's

Mishka rescues a horse. He helps Eden and Haru with theirs.

Natascha finally decides it's time to move out of her parents' house and get her own place again

Mishka's sister Vika comes to visit him and Nikolai for the summer

Nikolai's grandfather decides to move into a seniors' community.

Grandpa Nikolai meets someone from his past, and has big feelings about it

Nikolai and Mishka get married in July

[fishsticksart]

looking for hope within myself

[The Anthropocene Reviewed, John Green // Mrs Sigrid Ring standing at a stone balustrade, Laurits Andersen Rin // Against the Kitchen Floor, Will Wood // Perfect Magazine, 2022, Ph. Zhong Lin // Letters to Milena, Franz Kafka // Mr Shwartz, Arctic Monkeys // The lamp (my bed reflected in the mirror), Ramón Gaya]

[annieguardian]

Noehflake's New Friend Defends Hurtcore Distributor Dom Lucre

https://archive.is/3OWH7 Noehflake's Nazi friend somehow manages to make Mr Girl look like a decent human being, by leaping to the defense of Dom Lucre, a conservative commentator who posted a censored version of Daisy's Destruction to Twitter. Note: Daisy's Destruction is an infamous CSAM video of a nine month old infant being abused, and is considered so horrific that before its creator was arrested, it was thought to be a creepypasta. Now, Mr Girl is a complete fucking creep for a number of unrelated reasons, but he had the appropriate response to this. That is, to rightfully condemn anyone who willingly defends Dom Lucre. Noehflake's Nazi friend is displeased with Mr Girl condemning hurtcore distribution, and brings up valid accusations against Mr Girl, but does so in an attempt to launder the reputation of someone distributing child snuff porn. Milena, I fucking warned you, and you didn't fucking listen to me. Do not even try to weasel your way out of this. THIS is the people that are emboldened by your harassment campaign, and I hope you have enough of a soul left to feel sickened by it. Update: After looking into this, the Mr Girl tweet was not in reference to Dom Lucre uploading Hurtcore, as he didn't post that clip until a week later on the 22nd. This was instead about a video about Adam22 and his wife Lena the Plug uploaded their daughter breastfeeding to their porn TikTok "Plug talk." Which Lucre also shared despite condemning it, much like what he later did with DD. In other words, Noehflake's Nazi friend still defending the sexualization of a child. It's still fucking gross, though not as bad as I initially thought.

[celestmilena]

After Our Wedding Vows. Mrs. Gigi Princeton-Milena and Mrs. Celest Milena-Princeton. The Happiest of Our Lifetime.

I Love You Darling.

[calebrhcdes]

closed starter for: @milcnasuarez location: the walk shopping strip

Meandering through The Walk, Caleb was taking his time as he reacquainted himself with his hometown. He wanted to know what had changed, if his father had acquired any businesses or made any new partnerships in the seventeen years since he had last lived in Covington. After all, he was on a mission. His sole purpose in coming back to his home town was to get any and all dirt he possibly could on his father, to expose the man for who he really was - not the kind benefactor he pretended to be. He hadn't really been sure where to start, hence walking through town aimlessly, hoping some of its' older members might let something slip through their local town gossip.

He had just turned a corner, when a flash of familiar brown hair caught his eye. Caleb froze, moving to get a good look inside the big bay windows of the store. Could it really be Milena fucking Suarez? In Covington? What the fuck? He watched her graceful movements through the store - completely oblivious to the fact that he was currently blocking traffic on the sidewalk outside of it. The woman had broken his heart, disappearing shortly after his father announced he'd changed his mind and would pull out of the race for Covington's Mayor. Caleb couldn't accept the two things as coincidence. He'd known she had to have some sort of involvement, but he'd never been able to prove it. And what did it matter when he hadn't seen nor heard of her in the five years since?

But here she was. In his fucking hometown.

His eyes stayed locked on Milena as she clearly paid for whatever she had purchased and began to head towards the exit. Just as she reached to pull the door open, Caleb's heart pounding with anticipation, a voice cut through the quiet. "Is that young Caleb Rhodes? Why, I had heard you were back in town but I simply couldn't believe it." Caleb cursed inwardly as he turned to face old Mrs. Chen, one of Covington's finest and nosiest residents, getting pulled into a conversation about how long he had been back and what his plans were.

[sacrificialmaiid]

"Go on." She says it lightly, condescendingly. Like she's talking to a dog. "This is what I pay you for, isn't it?" It's not got her usual bite to it: it's smug, the words curling into a laugh before they're done with. She's pointing to a zip, down her side, that stands half-closed but needing someone at a different angle. The svelte white dress is tasteful but - well, it's undeniably attention grabbing. One hand rests on her chest, an expression of daintiness and haughtiness both. The other? Angled upward to allow Milena access, and pressing to the back of her neck, feeling the clasp at the back of her necklace. If it isn't lust in her eyes, it's hatred. If it's not either, it's raw disgust at being delayed.

As she stares at the task awaiting her, Milena feels her heart jump right into her throat. She knows that she's blushing terribly and wills it away somehow. She's standing frozen in Mrs Dimitrescu's office, having only made it a step or two past the now closed door. Even if it were open - she thinks - even if she were to open it now and call for help, no-one would do a thing.

No, Milena wants to say. If she is being paid to do anything, it is certainly not this -- and if it is, then it should have been written in enormous bold letters right at the top of the job description.

She clears her throat and steps forwards and rests her fingertips on the fabric. The zip is already closed up past her hip, which Milena is intensely grateful for, but it hangs open to reveal the band of a very expensive white brassiere, the material of the dress parting just enough to allow a peek of one full cup to be glimpsed. She diverts her eyes quickly, but finds herself instead looking at her boss' face, which seems even more intense somehow. Even though the woman is significantly taller than she is, they are very close together. Milena can smell strong perfume, powder, and just a hint of tobacco.

She presses her lips together and grasps the zip, unintentionally grazing the warm flesh of Mrs Dimitrescu's waist with her cold knuckles -- how charmed a life it must be, she thinks, to work in a perfectly temperature controlled office whilst the rest of them shiver. What she carefully does not think about is how soft Mrs Dimitrescu's skin is, nor how dramatic the curve of her waist is.

"Sorry," she whispers at the touch and cringes internally. One hand pinches the fabric at the base of the zip and the other tugs it up, up, up...