#name pending. first she needs to see her second year

[mishkakagehishka]

Also i forgot to post this but PAPA TURTLE ALSO SPOTTED

[windser]

PLEASE write out that sylus work. The fandom beeds more spicy MCs and i can tell she would give him a run for his money

pairing: mc x sylus (soulmate!au) wc: 1.2k+

a/n: loooool here is just a bit of a teaser for how i imagined it all playing out. i highly doubt this is how mc and sylus will meet BUT its so fitting for how i image their dynamic playing out. but i really do want to wait for the official drop so I can confirm his characterization. [based on this post]

⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄ ⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄

"he’s asking for me ?"

"he identified you by your mark."

your palm immediately goes to cover your wrist, blocking the neat scrawl from view. but it was little too late at this point.

you had never really taken care to hide your soulmate mark from the world. to bear it publicly was often a act of seeking from the individual, showing it proudly as if it might attract their pair sooner.

but for you, it was just as obscure seen or hidden, the mundaneness lining the words that felt like it would never truly have meaning.

‘you’re beautiful’

in your youth days, you thought it was the most romantic gesture to know that your fated person had such a high option of you at first glance. but the years tarnished that same phrase, after hearing it from too many loose lips with hollower intentions.

now it was just a first tattoo, fated second.

the slouch of your shoulder is nonchalant in gesture, though equally weighed down by the situation. “he probably just has intel on it. i’m too careless in the field if i can be identified so easily."

it was a crude bluff, a mere diversion from the pending truth. because yes, it was an indefinite, but only one individual in the world would ever need to find someone based on it.

besides this was the presumed leader of onichynus.

even considering the idea was a headache.

tara shuffles to the right at the sound of your name and you both look up to see jenna waiting, ready by the door.

her quiet nod feels like a direct pang to your temple.

right, a headache indeed.

࿓࿓༄༄࿓

though captured, albeit suspiciously easy, the operation did not come without effort. reportedly there were no casualties but it had been a battle enough in the end.

jenna warns you of as much as the two of you descend further into lower levels of the security facility. there weren’t many criminals who fit the eligibility to be locked behind maximum security. the hiss of the heavy steel doors partying to grant entry spoke volumes about the threshold needed to hold such a threat.

the leader of onichynus was an old tale but not the first. it never occurred to you until now what other individuals might be stored away here for the safety of linkon city.

“ma’am”

the hunter standing before the last sealed door saluted jenna with a stiff salute, the action drawing your attention to the smear of red against his palm.

a battle indeed.

jenna answers with a more tempered gesture, less precise with exhaustion.

“any changes?”

you’d been sent home early into the conclusion of the operation, leaving the higher ups to decide how to deal with the sour victory. it had been less than twelve hours since then and you doubted jenna spent a second of it resting.

the same could he said of the officer standing guard who looked like if he leaned against the wall for even a moment he would slump over.

“none.”

his gaze flicked briefly to you, then down. “is this...?”

it seemed that the leader of onichynus was very vocal with his demands. even without tara's penchant for information, it was now no wonder how everyone knew of your predicament.

you had taken care to clasp your arms behind your back but it seemed the damage was already done.

“the deal was confirmation enough, though at this point it’s all formality.” jenna is addressing you now. her lips turn as she observes the door as if she could see through it. perhaps feeling the aura was enough.

“this is late to mention but you don’t have to do this.”

tardy indeed given that she had already led you to the lion’s den. your face seems to display enough of that sentiment given her sigh.

“if this is true-“ if this man if truly your soulmate, goes unsaid. “then council will reassess the situation.”

the words taste asinine even when they don’t come from your mouth. it wasn’t as if your fate could twist their judgement. the man behind those doors has earned his sentence, it was too late to draw you into the equation.

besides, what would you even do with a criminal as a soulmate? this early in the game, you could cut your loses and actually prepare for a non-fated pairing.

what you did know was that nothing was going to change with one-half meeter of steel between you.

“well let’s see what’s behind door number three.”

jenna doesn’t comment on the joke, likely attributing it to nerves. but in truth, you were just as ready as everyone else to get this over with.

given you had not been present at the exact capture, the face of onichynus still a mystery to you. though this close, you couldn’t help but recall that feeling of the ominous gaze hanging over you. it was one of the few times you had placed the feeling out of your nightmares. the knowledge that it came from the individual fate had decided to pair you with may as well have been the jest of the century.

so yeah you want this over with so you could get the last laugh.

with Jenna’s assent, the officer clears the few steps needed to join his peers where after a short order, the final steel doors began to part.

jenna doesn’t move forward, so neither do you. though you can’t help the slight tense in your limbs as you prepare for ... what a fight or flight?

there was research, anecdotes and stories about the first gaze but you never really summed up what you thought your experience would be.

‘you’re beautiful’

you’d heard it so many times before. would it really be so different this time?

what you notice first is the bareness of the room, appearing as just that, an empty space. well not completely empty; for at its center was a man. one who someone took up every parameter while only being rooted in a single square.

UNICORNS holding measures were … questionable, leaving him in a simple chair with only what you imagined were handcuffs to keep him rooted. this man who nearly cleared an entire squadron. though you supposed an escape wouldn’t come easy for him.

him, who was not just a man, but the dangerous leader to an illegal organization chasing the aether core. a figure with ashen hair and vermillion eyes. a figure with ashen hair and vermillion eyes, likely deprived of rest since his capture, though he didn't give off the impression of losing any sleep over it. he also sported more than a few smudges of dark crimson, making him appear every bit as dangerous as his lore suggested.

you think you hear a sound of protest from jenna as you take a challenging step forward, but it falls on deaf ears as inquisitiveness wins out.

he certainly fit the bill of a criminal figure. yet as he sat there, chained to a simple chair, chest rising with each breath with that slight tilt of his lips. there was just something else that made it hard to believe that this could possibly be your soulmate, questionable choices aside.

the man seemed to take your silence as an invitation as he spoke first.

“you’re beautiful.”

and in that instance, all of the violence and ominousness bled away, leaving just a man tied to a chair with dark eyes looking up at you with expectation.

you don’t realize your lips are curling downward as your eyes flicker back to his hands which were pinned behind his back.

and with your next words you sealed your fate forever.

“sorry, I’m not into subs.”

[sseomtada]

being [ruben dias]

the rekindling of your relationship continues, leaving a confession of your own pending.

warnings: 18+ | wc: 5576 | 5/8

Was there a name for a honeymoon phase the second time around?

There wasn’t a technical phrase, you checked. Interestingly, among your research, you came across an article that perfectly articulated what you were experiencing with Ruben. It was the stage of your relationship where you now saw their imperfections and flaws, where you didn’t see your partner on the pedestal you initially place them on in the beginning.

He was no longer the one person who could do no wrong in your eyes or the one who held all the answers to your problems. You weren’t the co-dependent and starry eyed girl who only viewed others through a lens of what you wanted them to be either.

You were okay with that and so was he.

After making quite the…mess in your office, there wasn’t much face to face interaction between you two. Ruben was quickly whisked away by his team to another country for a Champions League match. Even though that initially felt like an inconvenience, you shifted the perspective to something more constructive.

It gave you time to sit with your thoughts and emotions. You still had no regrets about getting back together with him, but you had to truly assess the decision from every angle within. The way it transpired seemed relatively rushed at first. In retrospect, you realized it was anything but hasty.

Your previously relationship with Ruben never came to an organic end. There was no fizzling out or love lost, only an obstacle that he didn’t give himself or you a chance to push through. Had things been different and he brought his fears to you then, would you have ever broken up?

All roads you took in that vein lead you to believe that you wouldn’t have. Of course, there was no way to know for sure what the future held for that version of events. Anything could’ve happened over the course of those seven years that might’ve eventually drove a wedge between you. However, as things were, there was no end in sight.

Maybe that was why it still was effortless with him, potentially even more so now than it was then. You’d both experienced a lot of growth as one naturally does when life progresses. The people you were currently and the past you shared left no room for pretense. He came as he was, raw and unfiltered in his accountability. You didn’t feel obligated to give him anything in return - you wanted to. And that carried the most weight.

“What happened to the sofa?”

Cindy’s question brought you back to a startling reality. You tried to reign in your nervous expression, smoothing fallen hairs at the back of your neck.

“I made a big mess with some takeout.” Even you had a hard time buying that. “It was irredeemable. A new one should be here in a few hours.”

Aki came in from the kitchen, munching on the lo mein. “Shame. I really liked that big, comfy thing.”

That nibbling guilt returned to your stomach. Compounded onto the fact that you still had yet to tell her about the first conversation was now the big revelation that you’d gotten back together with Ruben. Your apprehension only grew worse with the addition of the later.

It didn’t stem from a lack of trust or a fear of judgment. She was somebody that you could confess a murder to and it would only be met with a response like, do you need help hiding the body?

You just knew that it wouldn’t be highly celebrated news. The way things ended, her being caught in the crossfire and the absolute wreck you were would be the things playing at the forefront of her mind when you told her. It was no fault of hers, literally anyone else in the same position wouldn’t be able to not think back to that time.

Perhaps stronger than any of that was the worry that your confession would hurt her. The last thing you wanted was for her to feel like you didn’t consider the pain she carried silently in regards to Ruben. It was a complicated situation that you were still trying to navigate internally.

Luckily, for the time being, you had the distraction of work. Erling’s project was on its finishing touches. You’d finalized the website and had it ready to launch, Aki aced securing a major partnership and Cindy was working with his assistant to put together a small launch party.

Did they buy the excuse about the “takeout”.

You bit down on a smile as your fingers typed quickly.

I think so. The leftovers in the fridge sold it more than I did.

“What’s got you all giggly?” Aki materialized at your door.

You jumped slightly, startled by not even hearing her approach. The messages app flicked shut and you placed your phone down before feigning business at your monitors.

“My mom sent me another one of those videos of her cat.” You replied with ease that shocked yourself.

It wasn’t entirely a lie. She did often send you videos of Jason being a weirdo. Your pseudo sibling had to be the most uncoordinated and ungraceful feline in existence. The latest snippet shared actually did come in this morning with him leaping up and completely missing a tree branch.

“That little guy is spectacularly peculiar.” Her lips pursed. Another white lie seemed to have passed.

“Tell me about it.” You chuckled. “What’s up?”

She slung dramatically across your guest chair. “Just wanted to know if you were burning the midnight oil again.”

Though certainly not her intention, her words made the ache between your thighs prominent to your senses. You squeezed them together and shut down the flashbacks running through your head as you shifted in your seat.

“I should actually try to rest since we have the party in two nights.” You exhaled lengthily.

It was well into the wee hours when you got home this morning, for obvious reasons. And for those same causes, or singular driver, you were too hopped up on adrenaline to fall straight asleep. It didn’t help that you were giggling on the phone with him like you were twelve either.

“Ugh, you’re right.” Aki groaned, shooting back on to her feet to exit. “About the party and the rest, by the way. Not even my emergency kit can rescue you from those eye bags. Luggage at this point.”

Before you could hurl a playful insult back or a pen from your desk, she made quick her escape. You shook your head and decided to actually start getting a move on your tasks for the day. Being snug under your blanket at a decent hour actually sounded like a fantastic idea.

After a nice, long soak in your bathtub, you threw on a onesie and a sheet mask to really activate the relaxation vibe.

The next order of business was finding something good to eat. As much as you wanted to start munching on those delicious chocolate covered ice ream bars in your freezer, you refrained until you could actually get a meal in your stomach.

Rifling through your fridge and pantry was kind of depressing. You’d been so busy recently that there wasn’t time to do a good grocery haul. Most of the food you ate had been acquired on the go and you wanted to cook for a change, but that didn’t look as if it was going to happen tonight.

You wouldn’t complain about ordering in though. Opening the takeout app was just as exhilaration as going on your favorite retail sites. There were so many options and all of your favorites were right at your fingertips.

Your mouth couldn’t help but water as you scrolled through to decide what your poison was going to be tonight. Just as you were looking through the offerings at an Italian place nearby, your phone screen was taken over by a call.

“What are you up to?” The smile in Ruben’s voice was audible.

“I was mid pasta hunt before you interrupted.” You tutted.

“That’s funny, I’m making some right now.” In the background, you heard a pan meeting a stovetop.

So, he was already back home then. You didn’t watch the match earlier, but you did check in on the result. It wasn’t a shock that his team had won given that they were so dominant in the sport - a fact you came to know rather belatedly.

“I can make enough for two, if you want.” Ruben continued.

“Extra cheese. I’ll be there soon.” You grinned before hanging up.

The sheet mask stayed on until the very last minute after you threw on some sweats. It felt like you were holding your breath as you left your loft. Aki wasn’t some overbearing friend that kept tabs on your comings and goings, yet you found yourself easing the door shut to minimize any alert of your exit.

It wasn’t a lie when you told her you wanted to turn in early tonight, you reminded yourself. That was actually the plan and you were halfway there. But when the pasta gods intervened, well, who were you to shun them?

Your car left the garage with Ruben’s address set on the navigation. He messaged it to you, making you laugh silently. Seeing it brought you back to what you guessed was the first tug on the string that unravelled everything. You’d known where he lived since his name popped up on Nike’s mailing list.

A short and smooth twenty minutes - more like fifteen since you kinda hit the gas - found you pulling into his parking garage. One thing he did provide that you needed to know was the code for entry. You took the guest spot beside his jeep and made your way inside.

“So, this is what making a shit ton of money will get you.” Your brows raised as he let you in.

“Mhm,” Ruben kissed you quickly. Then slower the second time. “Wait until you see the view.”

You jokingly gasped and followed the scent of aromatics to his kitchen. While your cooking skills were described as survivable at best, he always had a talent for putting together a really tasty dish. A moan sounded from you as you leaned over the steaming pan.

“I set the wine out on the balcony. Go get comfy, I’ll bring your plate.” He nudged your hips with his.

“Yes, sir.” You bit your lip and made your way over.

When you first stepped into his place, you thought the air was running but the exterior door was cracked. A wide grin broke of once you stepped outside to see the small setup with the admittedly impressive backdrop of the city. He’d turned on the lowlights and lit a few candles. A bottle of red was waiting for you as promised, along with a blanket folded over one of the seats.

You wrapped the thick, knitted fabric around your frame before pouring yourself a decent amount of wine. As you sipped, you took a deep breath and enjoyed the atmosphere. It must be one of his favorite ways to relax away from what seemed to be a hectic life these days.

“Are you comfortable?” Ruben appeared with your food, as promised.

You nodded, extending a hand to help him out. He joined in on your state of coziness and you poured him a glass too.

“Cheers.” He held his out.

“To what?” Your voice lowered.

“Being yours and getting to call you mine again.” Ruben placed a hand over your own.

You shook your head, calling him corny. but it was impossible to hide the way his words flustered you. It was nice to know that the years apart didn’t rob him of his ability to be so romantic. Also pleasant to note was that his cooking had gotten even better.

Your eyes widened as you took a bite of the chicken. It was juicy and perfectly seasoned. As if you couldn’t believe what you’d tasted, you went in immediately for a second bite with the pasta this time. Your palate was being blessed, objectively.

“I asked one of the team’s chefs for their recipe.” Ruben chuckled at your surprise.

“It’s so good.” You shimmed on your third chew.

Over your delicious meal, you asked him a series of questions that you were curious about. The first of them being whether or not this was a date. Of course. You apologized for being underdressed. Don’t be silly, we’re matching. That was true, those grey sweats of his…

Your mind refocused onto the impromptu Q&A. One thing you were definitely intrigued about was that first night you ran into each other. What was he doing in that area? That time of night and the lowkey look he wore honestly screamed leaving a booty call. If that was what it was, you couldn’t be mad.

“Some friends from back home were staying at a hotel nearby.” He answered. “I thought I was going crazy when I saw you running and called out but-”

“Headphones.” You rolled your eyes.

“Yes. And then it became a whole thing when you dropped your keys. Nice swing, by the way.” Ruben tipped his glass to you.

The compliment was returned, “Nice reaction time.”

“Tell that to my back.” He grumbled.

You wrapped up your meal and headed back inside to tidy things up. Ruben knew better than to object because if there was one thing you hated, it was leaving a kitchen a mess before heading to bed. The least you would settle for was rinsing everything and placing them in the dishwasher, which you did as his eyes followed.

“So,” You walked over to where he sat on a bar stool. “Are you gonna give me the grand tour?”

His lips curled as he hummed. “This place looks best in the morning.”

Your body found itself between his legs after he pulled you close. Ruben grinned mischievously before tilting forward to taste you. It was instant, the way you opened up for him. His teeth flashing in between your tongues meeting showed just how much he liked that.

“Are you implying something?” You spoke into his mouth.

“Maybe,” He breathed. “Should I just come out and say it?”

You nodded slowly, hands sliding up the the soft fabric covering his muscled thighs.

“Stay with me.”

“Okay-“

Your acceptance was barely completed before it was replaced with a yelp. Ruben stood up and lifted you into his arms. In the time it took you to get to his bedroom, you could’ve scanned around a bit to see a preview of what was to come in the morning. You were too focused on him though.

The prominent vein running along the side of his neck was begging to be kissed. So you pressed your mouth to it - lips parted and hungry. You felt him shudder under the licks and sucks you gave it and all too soon, you were detached to be placed on top of his sprawling bed.

Ruben crawled over you, lifting the back of your knee with his own to hitch your leg over his hips. You giggled into his hungry kisses and then moaned. A sneaky hand of his had made its way under your hoodie, thumb brushing over your hardened nipple as he massaged your breast.

You bit down on his bottom lip, bucking into him - already on the hunt for some kind of relief for your thrumming core. He used his lower half to pin you still. It only made your urge grow into agony, feeling the one thing you wanted most concealed by too many layers. When you tried a stealthy maneuver of your own, he was quick to catch it.

“Always so impatient.” Ruben tutted as he caught your wrist.

“Always such a tease.” You gave it right back.

He chuckled in a way that said I’m gonna make you eat your words. By God, you hoped he did sooner rather than later. You pressed your palms to the bed and pushed up. The silent request was thankfully met with him at least removing your top layer.

You caressed his head and let your back meet the sheets once more as he kissed down your body. Ruben stopped at the waistband of your sweats, giving it a pull between his teeth. A vexed moan sounded in your throat. He shushed you, curling his fingers into either side of your pants before dragging them down.

“Someone came prepared.” His comment came in response to your lack of underwear.

Your look of annoyance didn’t last long. It was swiftly replaced with one of bliss when you felt his mouth close around your pussy, tongue slicing you open for him to get a taste. He exhaled deeply through his nose and tugged you flush to his face.

“Yes, fuck-“ Your breath caught.

Ruben arched his tongue around your clit in a full circle before settling under to push it upwards. You writhed beneath him. The voice in your mind was chastising you as loudly as your body was crying out. It was never a good idea to challenge him.

He was easily the most competitive person you’d ever met, proving it yet again as he held your swollen bud up with a glint in his eye. Chipping away at your resolve. Waiting for your concession. You knew when to choose your battles.

“Please...” The shakiness in your voice really sealed the deal.

His tongue finally licked up your clit and then all over it on the way down. Your thighs locked him in while he gave it his undivided attention, thorough as ever to avoid missing a single spot. Each nerve in the bundle got its kiss, flick and suck.

There were no other sounds in the room besides your labored breaths and cries, his grunts and wet mouth growing drencher with your never ending slick. Your fingers threaded through his hair, pressing him deeper still.

It was right there. The torturously slow buildup preceding the crescendo. You just needed a bit more. Your hips rolled in circles, side to side and then up and down. When he slurped at your hole before twisting his tongue inside, they stilled. He knew he hit the target then and so he kept going.

You mouth stammered over your words as your body did the same in his hold. They were both saying the same thing nonetheless. Ruben spurred you on, a hand coming down on the side of your ass while his tongue kept lapping at your clit.

A guttural noise clawed its way out of you as you tensed and released into his lingering mouth all over again. Once you were reduced to nothing but limp muscles and jolts of aftershocks, he resurfaced.

“So good, baby.” Ruben leaned over to press his glistening lips to yours.

There was no trace left of him in the kiss. The insides of his cheeks, tops and bottoms of his gums and tongue all tasted of you. It sparked life back into your bones, a physical manifestation of what your glasses met over earlier.

Yours.

Mine.

In an unsuspecting move, you flipped him over until you were straddling his hips. Your fingers dug into his shoulders as you dragged your drenched core slid over his hardened length. It was him that was left squirming beneath you this time, something you’d delight in if you hadn’t already been pushed over the ledge.

Ruben was in the same headspace. His eyes mirrored your own, nearly black with yearning. The layers of his clothing joined yours in a heap at his bedside. No underwear either. Your brows raised alongside your hips, someone was prepared.

A chorus of sighs and moans filled the air as you sank down onto his cock. Your head dropped back, hands pressing into his chest. The way his heartbeat ran wild under your fingertips made your lips tug.

To test your readiness, you arched your back. More glide than burn. You started building your rhythm, thighs tensing to help you move up and down. The more confident you became in taking him, the more your body loosened.

Your ass rolled like a wave, tempo rising each time your flesh came flush to his. Oh, God, you thought you heard him say. Actually, you were sure he’d said it. The way he looked up at you, hands moving to cup your breasts confirmed it.

Along with his noises and your own came the meeting of the back of your hips on the tops of his thighs. It was the only sound that ever made you understand the term music to my ears. You slammed harder, deeper, more pointed to draw even more of those notes out of his beautifully agape mouth.

His cock was a thing of wonder, the way it filled you up. So snug between your walls that you could feel the prominent vein running along its back as you worked him base to tip and back again. So intoxicating, your mind was stuck like glue on the feeling of how much of you he was coated in.

You folded forward, unsynchronized breaths mingling with his as you gave him a kiss that matched the same energy. A spell of confusion caused your compass to malfunction and made you lose your way. How was it even possible for him to feel this good?

Ruben was right there to guide you back as he so often had been before. His knees bent and his hands settled under your hips while his own raised into you. The vein in his neck swelled thick with rushing blood just like the one fucking into your pussy did with his seed.

Mine.

Yours.

The earth cracked and shattered and you quaked. His arms circled your waist tight, holding you as he weathered both of your storms. Everything around you crumbled and faded out of existence. For the next euphoric moments that followed, only you and him remained.

After a prolonged period of feeling the prick of his facial hair under your fingertips and his own running up and down your spine, he guided you to his shower. The water pressure offered a nice massage, but paled in effort to the relief his hands brought as they glided over your skin.

Ruben held the covers open for you to slip under, a call that would never go unanswered. You molded to him in a way that made you shudder. Your head rested in the crook of his arm that curled around your shoulders, a leg nestled snugly between his - not too spacious and not too compressed, just right.

You blinked slowly, lashes brushing his nearby skin. “Ruben?”

“Hm?” His chest rumbled.

“Promise me that even if this doesn’t last, things won’t end like they did before.”

He stopped breathing for a second and so did you. Back then, you probably would’ve said something like promise you won’t ever leave. You never thought to because you didn’t believe he ever would’ve.

Now, you realized the flaw in that sort of ask. If he said he wouldn’t and then he did, you couldn’t accuse him of lying. No one thought in the moments where they were deeply enamored with one another that they’d part, just as no one who got married for love would only do so to divorce.

Ruben inhaled again and tilted your face upwards, “I promise.”

Your eyes searched his for any trace of disingenuousness. When they were met with a steady, unblinking, challenging gaze, you were finally filled with ease. You kissed him gently and resumed your previous position.

“Besides,” He snuggled deeper into you. “If anything, you’re gonna have to get rid of me. I’ll be here tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, and-”

You pressed a finger to his lips. “I get it. Go to sleep.”

For the first time in ages, you must’ve clocked in more than five hours of uninterrupted rest.

When your eyes peeled open, they were met with a fully lit sky instead of darkness or the murky beginnings of a sunrise. Your back bowed and then froze in position. Instead of being met with warmth, all you felt were cool sheets.

Just when you thought you might’ve lost Ruben to training or something, you heard rattling coming from the kitchen. There was also the faint scent of espresso drifting from under the door. You slid on his discarded sweatshirt from the pile that moved to his armchair and ventured out.

“There’s my beautiful chainsaw.” Ruben smiled as you appeared.

You smacked his bare back to earn a hiss, “I do not snore.”

“Only when you’re exhausted, love.” He handed you a steaming cup. “Did you sleep well?”

Your hand extended, beckoning to him. Ruben bent to meet it and melted under your fingertips that drew him near. You kissed him appreciatively, not wanting a moment to go by where you didn’t show him how grateful you were that he looked after you with care.

“I did.” You took a sip of your coffee and moaned. “Now where’s my tour?”

He shook his head with a grin and whisked you away to the entrance. In true social media giant with millions of followers style, he walked you through his apartment bit by bit. There was the coat closet, riveting and the guest rooms, very spacious. Then his bedroom which you’d already gotten very familiar with, he added.

All that was really left was the main open living space. What you were really interested in was his shelf and the mantle with all of his pictures, medals and awards. He explained the occasion and meaning behind each of them. Premier Leagues, domestic cups, bests of the season. You ran your thumb over the one you knew held the most meaning.

“Champions League…” Though you were infinitely proud of his achievement, your heart was heavy.

Ruben had spoken so much about it from the time when you were kids. He always knew that he was going to become a footballer, and a great one at that. This title was one he longed for vocally on many days.

“When I lift the trophy again,” He hugged you from behind and kissed your cheek. “You’ll be there with me.”

You nodded, wanting that dream to become a reality more than anything else. Well, besides being with him when he won the World Cup. At least that would be a first you got to experience together.

He took you back to the kitchen where he’d already started on breakfast. The toast was ready and after frying some eggs and adding slices of avocado, you both dug in. Such a simple meal that never missed the spot.

“So, Erling’s party is tomorrow night.” Ruben shot you a look.

Of course, the whole team was on the invite list you’d spied over Cindy’s shoulder. You knew what he was getting at and you also knew that it had to be today when you sat Aki down to have that conversation.

“I’ll tell her when I get back.” You promised.

“You don’t have to be nervous. She loves you, no matter what.” He reassured. “Me on the other hand…”

That was going to be the interesting part for sure. You wished you had some words to dispel his fears, but you both knew that they didn’t really exist. Her dislike for him was palatable, nearly a match for your mother’s - which was another bridge you certainly weren’t remotely ready to cross.

“One step at a time.” Was the best you could come up with.

It seemed to be good enough for Ruben, who approved with a half smile.

Wrapping up breakfast and trying to leave to actually get your day started was the hardest thing you’d done in recent memory. All you wanted to do was stay in this perfect little bubble with him - his arms caging you in, lips peppering your face, his deep voice begging five more minutes.

On days like this in the past, you would’ve easily played hooky and called in sick. Alas, that was when you were working for someone you honestly hated. Now that you had your own company, there was no room for letting your work fall behind since it all rode on you.

Ruben gave you one final searing kiss that took up the last of his allotted five minutes before you got into your car. The way you were beaming on the drive back to your place was kind of mortifying once you’d snapped out of your butterfly induced haze.

Almost immediately, it was replaced with sweaty palms and a racing heart. And not in the infatuation sense. You gave yourself a pep talk in the elevator as you headed up, remembering Ruben’s words. He was right and so were you, there was nothing to be afraid of.

Still, you found yourself tiptoeing once the lift got to your floor. You’d adopted his stalling tactic of promising that in just a bit more time, you would head over to hers. Maybe you should tidy up the place beforehand and -

“Ahem.”

You wanted to scream, but instead became that the woman was too stunned to speak meme. Aki was sitting cross legged on your sofa. She’d clearly been there for some time based off the empty plate and drained glass on the coffee table. It was now or never.

“I’ve got to tell you something.” You made your way over to join her.

“Spill! You’ve been acting weird for a while now.” She griped. “Are you having doubts about the business? Is the shitty weather making you moody? Wait…are you seeing somebody?!”

“Yes!” The answer to her rambling barrage came out louder than intended.

Aki stared at you wide eyed and then began going on another spiel, this time of excitement. You reeled her in, literally, by taking both her hands in yours. A silent version of the affirmations you gave yourself earlier ran through your head as you took a breath.

“I am seeing someone, again. Ruben.” You finally admitted. “I know that sounds fucking insane, but let me explain.”

Seeing Aki take on a serious expression was something you’d only experienced a handful of times. Not many things made her completely shed the upbeat, fun-loving layers she wore, but it wasn’t surprising that your revelation was now one of them.

She listened as you started from the day you went to City’s training grounds and the car ride that followed. It wasn’t the most cheerful conversation to rehash, both your emotions and his in that moment still tugging viscerally on your heart. Your gaze dropped for a second, returning to hers when you felt her hands give yours a reassuring squeeze.

The rest tumbled out painlessly. You told her about him coming to the office when you worked late, how you and him realized that trying things again was worth a shot. And then, of course, your absence from your loft from this morning was cleared up.

All that was left out were the parts about the sex, especially the office couch incident. She probably would appreciate not having that visual, though you were sure her powers of deduction would do the work for you.

“Wow, that’s definitely not what I was expecting.” Aki chewed on her bottom lip.

You digested her response with a nod, your head bowing. It was more than a lot to take in, so you weren’t surprised that she wasn’t throwing a parade in congratulations for you reunion with Ruben.

She untangled her hands from yours only to pull you in for a hug. “I know it wasn’t an easy decision and I wish you didn’t feel like you had to make it alone.”

“I’m sorry for not telling you sooner.” You failed to hide your sniffle.

“Don’t be, I understand.” Aki pulled back, wiping your cheeks. “I only care about two things: are you sure about this and are you happy?”

Something like the grin you wore on your drive returned, “Yeah.”

She groaned and hugged you again, pulling you down to rest on top of her. Aki wrapped her legs around you, shaking your body side to side like she used to when you would try out the moves you’d seen on WrestleMania. You reached up to give her a peck on the cheek and she screamed, pushing you off.

“I bet you still have his spit in your mouth! Ew!” She scrambled from the sofa.

You ran after her, making kissy faces. “I thought you wanted me to be getting pounded religiously!”

That was enough to chase her right out of the front door.

[phantoms-lair]

Izuku 1/2 - better name pending -Snip

"You haven't used your quirk." Izuku looked up from the snack he got at the vendors. "The first two events of the Sports Festival are over." Todoroki stated. "You could have handled the obstacle course with ease with your wings, no one would have been able to touch you. Instead you handicapped yourself."

"This is not a criticism I need to hear from someone who's only been using half their quirk the entire year." Izuku pointed out.

"It's not a criticism, I just wanted to know if...if we're doing it for the same reason." There was an edge of desperation in his voice. An almost need that somebody would understand.

"It's not just that I'm not using it." Izuku unscrewed the the cap of his water and pour some on his exposed arm, where it beaded up unnaturally. "I've made it so I can't. There was a time when these water-based transformation quirks were a lot more common, so they developed a type of waterproof soap to prevent accidents." "Why?' Todoroki breathed.

"Because," Izuku seemed to falter for a second before steeling himself. "I love my quirk. I love how useful it can be in being a hero. But I am NOT my quirk. My potential, my capacity to help, to grow, to achieve, those things are me and not a magical transformation. So many people see a hero and their potential as as nothing more than their quirk and they're wrong." Izuku ended his impromptu speech with a snarl.

Todoroki sat down hard. Blood pounded in his ears as Midoriya's words repeated themselves again and again in his ears I am not my quirk.

Because his quirk was all he'd even been. He'd been born for it, his siblings had been born in their attempts to make what would be his quirk. His childhood, his training, everything he'd ever been was because of his quirk, and the bastard that gave him half of it.

I am not my quirk

They're wrong

"Todoroki, are you okay?"

"Do you really believe there's more to me than my quirk?"

Izuku was quiet for a moment. "Todoroki, who do I need to have Sensei beat up?"

Sheer confusion brought him back to his sense for a bit. "What?" "If I beat them up I'm going to get expelled. Sensei, he -he really doesn't care." "He doesn't care about going toe to toe with the number 2 pro hero?" Todoroki asked skeptically. To his surprise, Midoriya grinned. "Well, the last pro hero was a hugely disappointing fight, so this would probably be a treat."

"Who was the last hero?"

"Not gonna name names, but someone who thought me being quirkless meant I should be abused and be thankful for the opportunity to serve my betters."

That was sick. "I hope your Sensei kicked his ass." Izuku grinned. It wasn't a nice grin. "He did." Then his grin faltered. "I was a late bloomer. Eight years old." "Did things get better?" Todoraki asked. "Almost immediately." Izuku said bitterly. "But that was almost worse because, things didn't really change, I just wasn't someone less evolved, so how they treated me was wrong. But...that's not why it was wrong and the next quirkless person or person with an unactivated quirk would be treated just how I was. So I want to change the idea that quirks are what's important. I'm going to do my best to win the sports festival quirkless. I'll show everyone just what the quirkless can do!"

Todoroki's hands gripped his knees. "My father, Endeavor - the number two hero. He bought my mother because he wanted her quirk. He wanted to create a strong enough quirk to unseat All Might. It took him four tries to succeed. He doesn't really care about my siblings, just me - his masterpiece." "And your mother?" Izuku was almost afraid to ask.

"She's been in a mental hospital since I was small."

"Consider his ass kicked." Izuku took a swing of his water. "Todoroki...I completely support you not using your fire today, but you're going to have to use it in hero work eventually. So," Izuku grinned. "How would you feel about using it in a way impossible for Endeavor?"

"Impossible for Endeavor?" Todoroki tilted his head like a confused cat. "For all his faults as a human being, he's a master of the flame."

Izuku snorted. "Master? His abilities are no fire, yes fire, and unreasonable amount of fire. What I'm talking about is being a rescue hero."

Todoroki let out a small laugh at Izuku's description of Endeavor's capabilities. The first Izuku had ever heard him make. "What do you mean a rescue hero? I'm clearly most suited for combat."

"And according to the people growing up the only thing I was suitable for was a training tool for actual quirked people to practice their quirks on, so fuck was people say we're 'suited' for'." Izuku paled. "Please don't tell my Mom I said that. But your quirk would be perfect for rescue work."

"How so?"

"You can make fire at will. You could keep people warm in an avalanche - and your ice could do the opposite in an overheating situation. You could be light in a cave in or night rescue. You could combine your fire and ice to make fresh water, or use your fire to cook. Your ice could act as supports to prevent further collapse, kind of like Rock Lock's quirk. You would be an AMAZING rescue hero. And all of it would be using both sides of your quirk to help and comfort rather than just attack. And that's kinda of what I meant by something Endeavor wasn't capable of. He's sort of a combat monster, for a given value, but that's all he is."

That was...that was a lot of things no one had ever told him before. He was told since his quirk appeared that he was going to be the best hero, and to do that he needed to take down villains. But to Midoriya, he had potential outside of combat. To help those that needed it the most without causing harm. That the fire he hated so much could be used as a gentle warmth.

Midoriya was right. That was impossible for his father.

"A rescue hero. I...I think I like that. Thank you for you guidance."

"We both have something to prove." Midoriya he'd out his water bottle like a toast. "Let's mess with their conceptions."

Todoroki grinned and tapped his own water bottle to Midoriya's. "Let's"

~

"Your sensei is BATTLE GRANNY!!!!!!!"

[symphonic-scream]

Did I ever post about my JJK Persona au? A JJK as Persona AU?

If I didn't, well, here it is

JJK Persona AU

It's not fully based on one game more than the other, but the Dungeon mechanic is based on P4, with a more modern and Tokyo based overworld like P5, but. Timeline and boss escalation are kinda P3?

That's. I can discuss that if anyone is actually interested let's just get into the gang, with their arcana and shit

So our Fool, it's Yuuji Itadori. After the death of his grandfather, he's moved into a "temporary" foster with a salary man named Nanami Kento, starts at this small school halfway up the mountain, and he's warned, hella warned to come right home after school

He. Forgets. And maybe swallows a tarot card.

That's how his wildcard aspect works. He finds more tarot as he and his party delve deeper into the "memory zone" beneath their school, only accessible through a twisted mirror. However, on full moons, when stronger shadows crawl up to the highest floors and risk escape, he can't summon his persona

Instead, when he tries, he gets a special status. And instead of his persona, he summons the Big Bad, Sukuna, who controls his actions and sometimes attacks his teammates

Anyways. Let's talk about the others

To enter the mirror world, they have to accept their "memoric self", which is. My fancy way of saying their most hidden innermost self, like their false mask dissolves. Typically this isn't a smooth thing

In the case of the first party member, Nobara Kugisaki, she heard music drawing her closer. She convinces Yuuji and Megumi Fushiguro to come with her, back to school, at night and check it out. And she lifts the sheet off the mirror and freezes

What she sees isn't her perfectly crafted image. It's not even her "minor" rage issues. It's herself, arms and legs strapped down to a chair or something. Restrained. Uh and after that uh. Heavy "repressed lesbian" vibes. Inner Nobara is a bit of a perv??

It's about even how she's free from the country, she's still letting that ideology hold her back. Like she's not *ashamed* of being gay but,, she remembers the comments when she considers hitting on someone. Or tried to reciprocate the flirting of that hot ass second year

And she has to face that part of her and gets her persona and has to recover, and ahem maybe kisses a girl-

But her arcana is the Empress!

She lives in school accommodations. Tiny dorm apartment. The faculty in charge is Akari Nitta

I don't have those mirror plans for the others but I have their like, situations!

Megumi is living with his adopted dad and teacher, Gojo Satoru. Gojo finds the trio the morning after their first full moon and tells them the deals. Cause he and his friends dealt with it before and "held off" Sukuna, losing his old love in the process

Megumi is the Moon Arcana, and Gojo is a social link, the Tower

Joining the team next is Megumi's cousin and Nobara's girlfriend, Maki [Redacted]. Last name change is pending. She and her sister have been in foster care for years, but were never totally healthy. Long story short, Mai needs a new kidney at some point and Maki gives her one. Mai is still sickly and a little immuno-compromised, and Maki- she ends up type 1 diabetic and

Two sick kids in foster care? That's a doomed situation. They know it. Mai's been mad about Maki giving her that kidney since. Okay anyways Megumi asks Gojo to adopt his cousins and Gojo has a Better Idea

Anyways. Maki and Mai's moms are Shoko Ieiri and Utahime Iori. Maki plans to take Shoko's surname and Mai is taking Utahime's

Okay sorry sorry Maki is Strength and Mai is a social link, the Devil. Utahime isn't a social link as of now, but Shoko is Death

Next teammate is Toge Inumaki, Hanged Man. Then it's a second year nicknamed "Panda", he's the Chariot

Their final teammate is Yuuta Okkotsu. The Lovers.

Some others I have are Miwa, Sun, and Momo, Star. Aoi Todo is the Magician, and I'll think of more for later?

Incase I didn't say it Nanami is the Hierophant.

But Tokyo and Kyoto students are at the same school but different classes (1A vs 1B)

--

ANYWAYS YEAH IF YOU HAVE IDEAS AND SHIT HIT ME UP I WANNA MAKE THIS A BETTER THING, MORE FILLED OUT

I only have some more minor bits, like with Maki and Mai, and the GFs.

[destiny-in-the-universe]

Meet the Characters

Hoo boy, I’m going to separate this in two parts because there are a lot of characters and as much as I could just talk about all of them at once- that might be a lot for me to do in one-go so, without much further ado~

🌒 Name: Daisuke Norisu

🌒 Age: late 20’s?

🌒 Pronouns: He/Him

🌒 Occupation: Dojo Master / Martial Arts Instructor

🌒 First Born

🌒 Likes (✔️): tea, silence/quietness, reading, music, songwriting, being near the fireplace, his family being alright, honoring his duty

🌒 Dislikes (🚫): disorder, lack of cleanliness, dirt, arguments/fighting (even though he gets into them a lot), being late, his siblings being hurt

Brief History (Role Swap Timeline)

Daisuke is the eldest of his nine siblings. After their parents passed on, he became the head of the household and holds onto this title like a lifeline. He can come off as cold, blunt, and stubborn. While he does care a lot for his siblings, Daisuke seems to prefer making sure his family doesn’t slip through the cracks now that they live in Norrisville.

He took over his family’s dojo and works as a martial arts instructor; it’s enough to keep himself and his family afloat - though he also has some of his younger siblings have helped in taking care of costs.

Of course, there’s more to Daisuke than meets the eye… but we’ll get to that later!

🕊️ Name: Ayumi Norisu

🕊️ Age: about a year or two apart from Daisuke

🕊️ Pronouns: She/Her

🕊️ Occupation: PENDING

🕊️ Second Oldest

🕊️ Likes (✔️): swordsmanship, reading/books, archery, martial arts, her family, cats

🕊️ Dislikes (🚫): hardship, her family dealing with tough situations, arguments between her siblings, feeling like a burden

Brief History (Role Swap Timeline)

Ayumi was born the second oldest of the Norisu family. While she was raised with the intent for her to carry the family bloodline, in the end - she became known for her quick wits and gentle care when it came to her family. Unlike Daisuke, who’s more frigid, Ayumi is a more upbeat gal but don’t let this fool you. She can be quite mean and protective when it comes to protecting those she cares about.

She knows medicine, used to taking care of her brother’s scrapes, and of course her sister Aiko gets into mischief. Ayumi is determined to help her family no matter what, but with the rumors of the Ninja, well, she can’t help feeling a little concerned.

🌙 Name: Jiro Norisu

🌙 Age: ???

🌙 Pronouns: He/Him, ???

🌙 Occupation: Animal Shelter Worker

🌙 “Second Born” Son of the Nine / Third Oldest

🌙 Likes (✔️): animals, snacks, nature, martial arts, sparring, etc

🌙 Dislikes (🚫): feeling overshadowed, mistreatment of animals, stepping into things at work, wasps

His history will be discussed later to be honest because I am tired and I have plans to go see Despicable Me 4 with my family, so I need to catch some Z’s. Anyway~

Enjoy!

[sweetangelanon]

Stir Crazy Au; Part: 1 - The Love Story For The Ages

Stir Crazy Au (Name pending idk thought it was fitting since oz is trapped here) But, with all great au's we get into the back stories of the characters within them. Why not start from the begin of it all? When Will met his wife, Amée.

Under a read more cuz this is long

Amée started off by being born in a small American town, the classic everyone knew everyone else type of town. I haven't decided which state but I want them to be deeply religious. Christians, obviously as it's the main religion in america that has grabbed us by the balls since the fuckass in the past wrote the declaration. Amée's character arc and story explores the feeling of being abandoned by your parents/community, ostracization, and looking for acceptance through romantic love. The story kicks off with Amée's boyfriend breaking up with her due to her lack of boundaries and inability to go anywhere without her with him. (As he should) This sends her into a spiral, one that only ends as she takes notice of a collage program that will send her off to England. (No clue where in England) She takes this opportunity without telling anyone, and the sad part about this is the fact none of her 'friends' nor even her parents question or even are aware she has left in the first place. (Friends is used loosely here it's more people she hangs out with not to be alone) In England, Amée's plans are simple. She plans on doing a bucket list, to do everything she never could in her small town before killing herself. (She doesn't have a solid plan on how to do this. Only must is that she wants to die in a secluded place where her body won't be found. She doesn't want her body to be sent back to her town, way to be fully disconnected to it.) One of the things you hear about often in England is about the pub crawls and THIS, this is where William comes in. Not as some suave shining knight in armor, or even a friend, no what Amée gains at the end of the night is a stalker. William basically falls in love with her at first sight, or well more like gets obsessed with her at first glance. I wanted his reasoning to be something painfully simple, realistic as well. Maybe she smiled at him in her drunken haze, or maybe she bumped into him an apologized. Whatever it was it was the one thing this desperate mf needed to cling like a koala. I'm hammering home that he's a pathetic stinky mess of a man like he's gross an doesn't know how to take care of himself. He hasn't learned how to mask properly either an is sooo awkward. Think of awkward smelly nerds that aren't aware of their bodies needs. Currently while William is in his own robotics course at his local collage he spends his free days following Amée around. From bars, to shops, to nature walks. Wherever she goes he follows. He starts taking pictures of her on day three of this, not wanting to loose even a second of her smiles. Granted he's left to wonder why they look so forlorn at times. There is meant to be this slow increase in his unhinged behavior the longer it goes on until he gets brave enough to approach her at a bar. (I was thinking their 'love' story all happens over a year at least, or two depending on how these things last. Yes I'm that bitch that has to look up details for small things like how long do over sea programs last etc) Will, of course, after having gone through her bookshelves and read the romance novels she has laying around decided to try to reenact a scene from her favorite one. He fails miserably. Both him and Amée get kicked out on the street. Manz starts tweeking because he HATES when things don't go to plan, only for Amée to start sobbing on his shoulder. She's tipsy enough to start babbling about her life, the break up, the loneliness all of it comes pouring out because at the end of the day she just wants someone... anyone to listen to her to see her as her instead of just another face in the background. Will listens to her, he takes in every detail so he can write it down for later (he has a whole document on her at his home) while he helps get her back to her apartment where she spends the night on the couch eating ice cream while he maps out the surrounding area an goes snooping around for easy access doors an such into her apartment.

Yeah he breaks into her apartment more times then not just to be around her scent. Probs finds a drink of her in the fridge an drinks after her an gets flustered like 'omg.... an indirect kiss' like god you gross freak I hate his ass!!!! So, of course this has been building up for a long time, over the months he and Amée get closer there's this connection that's undeniable. She finds his awkwardness super endearing, adores how he rambles on about his work shares every piece of information, doesn't treat her as an idiot when there is something she doesn't get instead he excitedly explains it all. He adores her creativity, her determination, and willingness to learn about things she doesn't understand. She's open minded. Yet, at some point this sweet connection starts to sour. The time for her to go back to america is getting closer thus is her date to commit. So, she starts to push him away, ignoring calls, the knocking at her door as she gets herself ready to the best of her ability. She starts to feel guilty that she even befriended him in the first place she knew her plans from the start. She knew where this would lead, but she couldn't help herself. His attention, his adoration, his gaze that made her feel warmth bubbling up in her chest. She didn't want to fall in love with him and ignored said feelings but he had been chipping away at her. As you can guess William has put the pieces together that she planed to kill herself. Gets PISSED, (she's HIS she belongs to him ALL HIS SHE CAN'T JUST LEAVE HIM) kidnaps her and places her in her room. It's her room to the extent of it's things that he had taken home from her apartment an pics of her are plastered all over the wall. Amée is ofc scared shitless not knowing whats going to happen to her, then sense of betrayal from William until he starts going off on his crazy little ramble rant about how they are meant to be, that she can't see it but their souls belong together, that she needs to open her eyes (ironic because he has her blind folded rn) She's kinda losing her mind during this, shaking and shivering an not as scared as she should be. The more he talks about wanting her, needing her the more she starts to soften up, but she tries one more weak attempt to scream at him. (cuz i mean yeah duh) kick, an thrash only for him to take her blind fold off sending her into this shocked still silence. Pupils blown wide, frantically looking around the dim room, shadows hiding some of the pics that are hung up on the wall but she knows they are her. They are all of her.

She breaks.

Her tears are silent, her chest heaving, Williams gravely voice nothing more then white noise to her. This isn't her being left in some horrified shock. No, she is confused, in a sense of disbelief because no one. No one has ever gone through the effort to even get to know her. So, the fact that William put so much effort, and time into her without her knowing? Breaks down that last wall she had up. Her tears turn from silent to loud bawling which William kinda expected and is petting her hair telling her no one can hear her only to be smacked in the face with the words "I love you too!" So now man looks like he's been stunned locked, this wasn't the reaction he expected out of her. Doesn't let her go so there's this bit of back and forth for a few days of him taking care of her needs and her just being utterly smitten by him. Which only baffles him more until he's like "okay what are you playing at." then they have a serious conversation her about how she's amazed that he cares enough about her to do all of this and him being like well why wouldn't I etc etc. The time for her to go back to america is getting closer and by the time he believes she's not going to run she's more then late getting back. They fuck in the picture room like wild animals an they both come out of it looking like they had a fight with a bear. (Freddy fazbea- no.)

They are spiritually married, (not officially paper work that happens later) Amée doesn't care where they go or where they live as long as she's with him. William well doesn't like England very much, bad memories and his parents may or may not have been physically/emotionally abusive I haven't decided. But he does like america, why? Because his best pen pal buddy Henry is there!!! Henry Emily from good old... "insert any of the states around Utah" because I don't see Henry wanting to live in the place he grew up for the rest of his life like that's wack shit man. William reads the most recent letter, writes to Henry about how he's gonna get married packs his shit up and leaves to go meet him an introduce his wife to him. Henry and William have some kinda fucky relationship going on that's very queer but not Wirly style. They do not get together this is not poly happily ever after lmao.

So, with this we close out on William showing up at Henry's doorstep with Amée nuzzling into his arm in the middle of the night banging on his besties door (a bestie he has NEVER met in person I might add) while he's like "Hey Henry this is my wife!"

Chaos ensues.

[rainbowninja00]

title pending!

so there's this idea that's been bonking around my mind for... years? I'm not sure how many but it's been a while. so, it started with the idea of characters based on the 7 deadly sins (original I know) and grew into a whole false tv show in my brain. first off, LONG POST WARNING!!!!!!! just letting yall know. second, there is some inspiration from Ready Player One here, if you haven't seen it, dw you dont need the context of the story, just the idea of a VR kinda thing for the internet, EXCEPT your body ceases to exist outside of it when you arent in the internet (tm) so no bullshit someone's gonna get you while you're in there! I can and will go into the intricusies of how the internet (tm) works but there are other things I wanna expand on. mainly, our main characters!!! there are 8 main characters: one for every sin and the protagonist. (some images included to show off the general vibe/colour palette of the characters all from pinterest) starting with our main character, she doesn't really have a name cause i cant think of a good one, but she's 14-16, new to high school and experiencing the internet (tm) for the first time, she's been online, but never in the actual world before. I like to think she wears mainly black and white with hints of red or other colours in the beginning and gains more colours as time goes on and she learns more about herself and the world around her. she is heavily inspired by moon girl from marvel's moon girl and devil dinosaur

next, Pride! she is the general leader of the group since she's the most commanding and takes no shit. she tries to keep the kid safe and out of trouble, she has her own in securities and such that I can go over in a stand alone post about the specific characters. she is kinda inspired by garnet from steven universe but only in a design way.

then we have the most developed and a literal self insert: lust! he's the resident "heart throb" of the group and is probably the silliest of the group, also the one the protag meets first. he is the insighting incident in many a misadventure cause its easy to use him for that. I will go into this more later, but he's lust cause he lusts for a relationship, he's a sad boy (like me) inspiration is angel dust from hazbin but only in personality.

envy and greed are twins, identical within the internet (tm) and fraternal outside of it cause oh yeah, the 7 are all real people too. they work together very well and put on a show of wanting what the other has to outside observers. the only inspo I can think of is the general aesthetic of grossology and mammon from helluva from a design stand point.

(pretend there's an image of a big ol oversized hoodie here, almost all those photos have people in them and I dont feel comfortable with that) wrath was one of the hardest for me to pinpoint initially, his thing isn't being angry, he makes others angry by being goofy and messing with them. Like kel from omori, also his design SOMEHOW ended up being cowboy esque in my head??? so like clover from undertale yellow.

sloth is actually my favourite, she loves hyperpop, all things pink and pastel, loves performing songs with lust, but she's sloth because she doesn't do anything unless it interests her, no chores, no responsibilities, she leaves the internet(tm) the least out of them all. I saw an artist on twitter once and was like YEAH THATS THE VIBE but I forgot who they are TwT. she is also based on moon girl design wise. BEE AND PUPPYCAT AESTHETIC MY GOAT!!!

(idk if this is fan art, if it is and someone knows who made it lmk)

last and sadly least is gluttony, I don't really have them super developed, and if anyone has any ideas for them I would love to hear it!

If anyone wants to see or hear more I will happily yap about it for hours, PLEASE I AM BEGGING ON MY HANDS AND KNEES FOR PEOPLE TO REBLOG THIS I just wanna know if anyone would be interested on hearing more so I know if I should bother typing up more posts on these guys! (also id appriciate help w/ the title)

[witchhazelevesque]

I've talked about Hazel ending up at the Lotus Casino, I've talked about Leo ending up at the Lotus Casino, I've talked about Hazel and Leo gaslighting themselves into thinking Leo was actually Sammy, but you know what I haven't done?

Put it all together

Let's miraculous ladybug square this shit (au pending on that), because it could be that both of them remember who they are, or that only one of them remembers or that neither of them remember.

If they both remembered, then honestly, the shock of it might snap them both out of their comatose state, and that in and of itself would be a nightmare for them. Imagine them running out onto the street and just- Hazel canonically almost had a panic attack when she visited Berkeley, Vegas would literally kill her. And it could actually be kind of funny depending on how old Leo was when he first got trapped at the casino because he could have been as young as eight. So Hazel seeing this literal child (which is saying something because she is also a child) and being like... is this my boyfriend's son or... ?

If only Leo remembered, than nothing would happen, they would just exist near each other, and there's something kind of tragic and haunted even in that. Also kind of freeing too though. Like their meeting was always going to be painful for them, and they got to just be in the same place without that pain or weight to carry.

Also, like when they're actually on the Quest (tm) and during a group discussion Hazel casually drops how she spent year x to year y there because she's recovered her memories, and Leo, who's either kept the fact that he stayed there very close to his chest because it's Leo, or has loudly be announcing it to explain why he's so much younger than he should be- anyway he chokes on his drink because what kind of a coincidence is that?

If neither of them had their memories, then it would really depend on like... how sad you want it to be. Like, do they just float around each other and never take notice of one another? Do they meet and become friends willingly, of their own volition? Even if they don't remember all the pain of their pasts, it would still leave some kind of impact on them. If going the sad route, then Hazel still would have died in Alaska but maybe Juno or Thanatos or Pluto did something they technically shouldn't have done and gave her a second chance somewhere new. Because then Hazel would have reason to be proud of her decisions, because her story had come to a resolution, even if a tragic one. Or maybe none of what happened in Alaska happened, and she is just a kid spared a cruel fate that she isn't even aware of. If it's the first, then in comparison, Leo would be at the start of his story, always feeling something is wrong, that he's forgetting something that he knows he shouldn't be, something he did wrong, something that scares him when he tries to think about it.

Or if they weren't weighed down with those wounds, then, yeah, maybe they get a few years of peace and happiness and friendship before the world needed them back and everything they'd been able to forget comes crashing down on them.

If only Hazel remembered then... it really would be like seeing Sammy again. Like, that would be literally the only plausible explanation to her, she has no idea he would have been dead by then. And Leo, who hasn't really spoke to anyone in... he doesn't even know how long, who doesn't even realize he's forgotten his own name because he never has to think about himself in relation to anyone else... he's got no reason not to believe this girl coming up to him, saying they're friends and don't you remember me and seeming so heartbroken at the fact that he doesn't. He doesn't want her to cry, he doesn't want her to be sad, especially not in this amazing place, so yes, of course he wants to know about their old life, of course he wants to hear about their adventures and yes, he wants to be this person she's describing, and it feels so good to have an identity again, a name and past and friend, and-

[magical-girl-coral]

Happy WIP Wednesday! I am dying from stomach cramps so writing is off the table so here's a snippet for my update for Adventuring Party: Name Pending.

Chapter title: The First Seven Mornings of Lucy Frostblade

On the first day of Lucy's return, her hair was in its usual braided crown, not having a chance to change it thanks to just coming back from the dead by the combined miracle of Ankarna and Cassandra. She was on her feet surprisingly fast, especially in comparison to her party who have all struggle to maneuver their bodies after a year of possession. She greeted them, hugged them, healed them, and held back the vomit hanging at back of her throat, the voice at the bottom of her consciousness mocking her efforts, warning her she's going to get hurt again.

Then Jawbone came in, telling them about their families went for them in principal Aguefort's office, and all of Lucy's anxiety disappeared. She couldn't remember what happened as they walked, the words Jawbone spoke to them or the looks she received as students watched a ghost walked down the hallway. All that mattered was finally reaching there, her parents bursting through the doors and falling into their arms as she wept for the first time in a year. Coming back from the dead was not nearly as difficult as letting go of her mother's arms to seat in front of Aguefort's desk.

The talk was ruthless, the tension sickening. She held her father's hand the entire time, waiting for the other shoe to drop. And the shoe did drop hard. So hard in fact that their was a small chasm in the middle of the floor. Kipperlily's parents were just as revolting as Lucy remembered, shouting every awful thought that came to their head just so they could remain the main victims in a room full of people who suffered through their biggest nightmare for several months. She held Ruben close and tried her hardest to block out the Copperkettles' awful words. She was honestly jealous of Jawbone for getting to slam the door in their face.

They hurried to the exit, wanting to get home as fast as possible to see the rest of the Frostblade clan when the Bad Kids stopped them in the way. Lucy was getting impatient for the first time in her life and nearly started cursing until she heard why they stopped them in the way.

Forty thousand gold pieces.

For each of them.

Lucy immediately began brain storming with Kristen about their new pantheon and what that money can do for them, looking after the homeless and needy with the sorrow and compassion Ruvina had taught her. She was near screaming the ideas, feeling like her chest was on fire in that warm way when talking about her passions. Her parents had to push her away for their car, reaching their limit and needing their daughter home already. Lucy agreed but only after getting Kristen's number. She texted her all the way in the backseat, adding the night sky emoji to her contact name. Her mother opened the car door for her, and squeezed her hand before helping her up.

The second she entered home, all of her relatives crushed her in a group hurdle, touching her clothes and poking her limbs to make sure she is here, alive and that this is not the same beautiful dream they all suffered through a thousand times before. Lucy tried her best to keep it together, but her grandmother forged a patch to get her close directly without aunts or uncles or cousins getting in the way, there was nothing in the world that could keep the tears at bay.

She was ready to go to bed after the emotional reunion until she felt a buzz from her crystal.

Rubstar: my parents were being weird so i left with their weed and walking down to oisins. how bout u?

Lucy bit on her lip. She could tell just from the text that Ruben was feeling awful and wanted kinship. She looked at her parents. "Is it okay if I throw you guys under the bus to make Ruben feel better?"

Her mother laughed. "My love, you could take over the world in Ruvina's name and claim dictatorship over the country and we'd still support you. Just go easy on the wording."

Lucy smiled and went back to Ruben.

Me: my parents are suffocating me a bit with their love. Mind pulling a hot exit for me? Rubstar: already on it.

A Dimension Door opened in her living room with Ruben's tunes echoing across them. Lucy allowed her parents to put a tracking device on her wrist, giving her one last hug before she waved them goodbye. When she came to Ruben's location, she noticed right away how badly he was shaking, barely being able to hold back his tears. She hugged him close and let him cry into her sweater.

"They're just acting so frickin weird," he sobbed into her arms. "One second they don't care about anything and are all about the vibes and let me do whatever I want but now they are always on me. I couldn't breath around them, it's too frickin weird. I'm too scared to know what happened that makes them be like this and I think I'm a coward for it. It's all just too much, man."

Lucy rubbed his back. She didn't have the heart to tell him it's probably a good they changed considering how his parents were so neglectful that Kipperlilly said they should have their meetings at his place since she knew his parents won't question anything, no matter how bizarre they all acted. She wanted so badly for so long to just grab them by shoulders and scream at their face how could they not tell their own son is suffering. So she swallowed her anger like a bitter pill, and hushed sweet things in his ears as she always did.

When Ruben came down and used Cure Wounds on himself to make the eye bags go away (which Lucy found concerning, though that did not stop her from filing this useful trick for later), they made their to the Hakinvar's with heaviness in their footsteps. Lucy could only recall the first ten minutes before her mind became too foggy to remember anything except a few hazy memories. She does not remember shoving thirty french fries in her mouth at once (a new personal record), nodding along to Ivy's insane rant about how to break into HQ, starting a band with Ruben or accidentally posting her party singing a sea shanty together to her Instagram instead of deleting the video.

Oops.

[resi4skz]

This is just a PREVIEW! I'm working on so many oneshots and fanfic series so time is an essence!

Pairing: Chris Bang x Ariel Carter (OC), Han Jisung x Gianna Reagan (OC)

"Oh for fuck sake," I groan as I grab my phone. It had been ringing non stop all day today and I couldn't afford to lose any time. I had a lot of orders that were pending and I was on the last decorations for the third order when my phone rang.

But it was a number I didn't recognize. "Hello?"

"Is this Ariel Carter?"

"This is she."

"My name is Dr. Bahng from Blueprint General Hospital."

I freeze. And my heart starts beating faster. "I'm calling in regard of Ms. Gianna Reagan."

My heart drops and blood drains from my face. No. Please. Not her. "Are you sitting down, Ms. Carter?

"No."

"I suggest you si-"

I cut him off. "Just tell me."

I hear him sigh on the other end as tears threaten to fall down my cheeks. I clutch my phone tighter. "I'm sorry but Ms. Reagan is currently in a coma but in a stable condition."

"Coma?" I asked. "Wait, what happened?" If that son of a bitch touched her again....

"She was found laying outside the ER entrance in a bad shape. She's got a few broken ribs and a broken arm but the majority of the trauma was to the head."

Tears fall down my cheeks as a sob escapes me. I swear to god if I see Mark, I'm gonna kill him. "When can I come and see her?" I asked, wiping my cheeks.

"That's what I called. Because there are some forms that need to be filled out," he replied.

"I can be there in 20 minutes."

--------------------------------------------------------------

I don't know how I managed to drive to the hospital but let's just say I broke a few traffic laws. Making my way through the ER, I asked for Gianna and I was told to wait for the doctor. I'm not great with waiting so I called my other best friend. "Hannie."

"Noona, what's wrong? What's happened?"

"Gianna. She..." A sob escapes my mouth.

"Where are you?"

"Hospital."

"I'm heading there now." The line goes dead and I start pacing on the floor. I need to see her to confirm that it was Mark. That bastard. I told her to break it off the first time he raised a hand on her. But knowing her, she wanted to give him another chance. That chance turned into many and 2 years later, this was the outcome. "Fuck, Gianna. You should've called the cops or me or anybody."

"Ms. Carter?"

I turn around and my breath hitches in my throat. Brown styled hair, blue scrubs on with a white coat on top. "Yes?"

He gives me a quick smile. Holy dimples. "I'm Dr. Bahng, the one who spoke with you on the phone?"

"Ah, yes! How is she doctor?"

"Her vitals are good and her brain activity hasn't improved much so we can't really know for sure when or if she'll wake up."

"Please," I say, eyes full with tears. "She's.... she's the only one I have. Please, save her."

"Ms. Carter, I'm doing everything I can to make her comfortable as possible. And I will make sure she wakes up, no matter what, yeah?"

I didn't even realize that he had an accent. It was laced with honey, very intoxicating. "Can I see her?"

"Of course. Let me tell one of the nurses and she'll take you to her," he replied and smiles. "I'll check up on her in a bit."

"Thank you."

As he leaves, I see Han running towards me, wearing a hoodie and jeans. "Noona!"

"Hannie."

He crashes into me, enveloping me in a hug. I hug him back, burying my face into his shoulders. "Is she..?"

I shake my head. "She's in a coma. That fucker put her in there!" I cry our, tears flowinf down my cheeks.

"It's okay, noona," Han says softly, rubbing my back. "She'll be okay. She has to be."

Sometime later, the same doctor comes into the waiting room. He sighs as he closes the door behind him. "Ms. Carter, I'm afraid I have some bad news."

"Is she okay?" I stand up, feeling a bit dizzy but it goes away after a second.

"Unfortunately, Ms. Reagan's brain activity isn't improving," he replies. "But I am doing everything in my power to make sure she wakes up."

"Please." I sob, clutching my arms and Han stands beside me. "Save her."

"The swelling in the brain isn't showing improvement at the moment. I'm putting her in 72hr watch for now."

"Thank you," Han says on my behalf.

"I can't," I say, the dizziness coming back.

"Noona?"

Gravity takes me to the ground, a pair of arms go around me as a pair of arms go around me.

TO BE CONTINUED....

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 8,600 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or DM me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

TW: mentions of child cancer, child death, trauma, mentions of murder. READER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED!

Chapter 6.) Auld Lang Syne. Part one.

January 2024 came in like a lamb and left out like a lion. 

Many in the kingdom were still buzzing about the arrest and pending murder trial of Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux as well as the active eviction of the former King and Queen of South Cordonia. 

While many nobles decried the eviction, there was ultimately nothing they could do about it. Especially when they were evicted for helping Countess Alicia evade being arrested and charged with murder. 

The day before the trial’s official start, Their Majesties were having a breakfast meeting with Carlo, the prosecutor, to discuss the case. 

“Charging another female noble with murder? You’re beginning to have a knack for these things, cousin.”

Marquise snorted into his coffee. 

“I wouldn't have to charge them at all if these female nobles would quit killing their husbands out of rage, spite, or jealousy.”

“Hmm I don’t know, I think you got a kick out of charging the soon-to-be former Countess.” Shanelle quipped. 

“That's only because it pissed off her step-sister. Which brings me joy.” 

Carlo turned his smirk to Shanelle. 

“And you, my Queen, have evicted the former King and Queen of South Cordonia from their home?!” he asked in feigned shock. 

Shanelle shrugged nonchalantly. 

“First of all, Your Highness, that's MY palace to begin with. I gained control of it the day I said I do to your pigheaded cousin. That means I can evict anyone I choose from there at any given point and/or time. Secondly, they wouldn't have gotten evicted so abruptly if they hadn't instructed the palace guards to prevent The King’s Guardsmen from removing Countess Alicia from the premises. And besides, all they did was move from the old palace to Genevieve’s duchy. Thank you very much.” Shanelle said matter of factly.

Marquise arched an eyebrow at his wife. 

“Oh please! You have been dying to throw them out of the old palace for years. And second, who are you calling pigheaded?” Marquise asked her.

“You! Who else?”

Carlo just snickered.

“I love seeing you two together.” 

Marquise shook his head. 

“Now we should get down to business.”

“Indeed Your Majesty. Now have either of you seen the security footage from the night of the murder?” Carlo asked them.

Shanelle shuddered. 

“Yes, we have. And it's absolutely gruesome,” she replied. 

Marquise nodded. 

“Indeed it is. Part of me doesn't want you to show it but the Parliament needs to see the footage.”

“And what of their youngest daughter Alexis? The one who found Lord Amos?” Carlo asked. 

Marquise paused. 

“If you have to call her as a witness, please be gentle in your questioning. She's only 12.”

Carlo nodded. 

“Very well Your Majesty. I will go prepare my opening statement, and see you both at the trial tomorrow.” Carlo said before taking his leave. 

Shanelle looked at her husband. 

“Are you sure calling that little girl as a witness is a good idea? She's already been through enough.”

Marquise sighed. 

“I don't like it any more than you do but to know the full story the Parliament will want to hear from her. Which is why I told Carlo to be gentle in his questioning. I don't want to put her through any unnecessary trauma.”

Shanelle nodded. 

“Okay. Thank goodness my parents are here until June. With Khari at school, they'll happily keep the boys busy.”

“Indeed. So get ready my love. This will be another trial of a lifetime.”

“How long will this trial be?” she asks. 

“Standard week-long trial,” he replied.

“I will be ready for the start of the trial tomorrow.”

“As will I, my Goddess.”

The murder trial of Countess Alicia started promptly at 8:00 AM the following morning. With many in attendance wanting answers for the Earl’s death. Especially his daughters. After opening statements were made Carlo took two days and went to work laying out the very tumultuous marriage between Earl Amos and Countess Alicia. Including revealing that the youngest three weren't Earl Amos’s biological children and playing the full security footage that showed the murder of the deceased. Even hearing his youngest daughter’s pleas. 

“Help! Help! Someone help! My father is bleeding!” she yelled as the video rolled on. 

“Mama! What did you do? Why did you do this?” she begged her mother. 

“Please, Papa! Hang on! Please don't leave me!” the poor girl cried. 

When Shanelle looked over to her, she had her head down and her eyes closed. It broke Shanelle's heart to see her.

“As everyone can see, while young Alexis tried valiantly to save her father, it was too late. By the time Emergency Services got to the estate, Earl Amos had died. He unfortunately bled out in his youngest daughter’s lap.” Carlo explained as he stopped the video. 

“Marquise, I don't like this. I don't like seeing that poor girl like this. She shouldn't have to be here,” Shanelle whispered to her husband. 

Marquise rubbed her knee in sympathy.

“I know you don't. I don't like it either. But at least now the world knows what happened that night.” he whispered back to his wife. 

“It is now where I’d like to ask Lady Alexis Barbaroux to the stand,” Carlo announced to the room. 

Shanelle had a pit In her stomach. 

“Marquise, don't do this to her. She's been through enough.” Shanelle said quietly to her husband. 

“I don't have a choice, my love,” he said back to her. 

The 12-year-old apprehensively walked to the stand. When she looked up at Their Majesties, she was scared. 

“She's terrified! Stop this!” Shanelle pleaded. 

“Carlo. Remember my warning. You get to ask no more than three questions.” Marquise warned Carlo. 

Carlo nodded. 

“Of course my King,” he replies before turning to the little girl with a warm comforting smile. “Hello, my lady. Thank you for being brave enough to join us today. As I promised His Majesty, I won't take very long. Okay?” 

She simply nodded. 

“Now can you tell everyone what you remember from that night?” 

The little girl fidgeted with her hands before speaking. 

“I…I was in my room. Practicing for my solo recital, when I heard Mama and Papa arguing. But that was…that was…it was nothing new.” she said before letting out a small sob.

Carlo nodded with sympathy.

“I promise I’m almost done. Is there anything else you remember?” he asked.  

Alexis nodded. 

“They always argued and I started to ignore it, until I heard Papa scream. And when I went to see what was wrong…that's when I found him on the floor. And Mama was standing over him with a bloody…”

“Letter opener?” Carlo asked. 

Alexis nodded tearily. 

“Yes. She stabbed him. I tried to help him. I tried to…save him. I couldn't save him. I couldn't save my Papa…” the little girl broke down and cried. 

That's when Shanelle had seen enough. 

“Enough Marquise! End this now!” she demanded. 

“Carlo! It's alright. You don't need to question Lady Alexis any further.” Marquise said to him. 

Carlo nodded. 

“Yes, my King.”

Marquise looked to the Countess’s oldest daughter. 

“Baroness Amanda. Take your younger sisters home. There is no need for them to be here anymore.” he instructed her. 

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” the Baroness replied. 

That's when Lady Alexis looked up at Marquise.

“May I…may I speak to my mother?” she asked. 

Marquise nodded. 

“Go ahead.” 

The little girl nodded to him before getting up and walking gingerly to her mother. 

“Mama?” she asked gently.

Countess Alicia finally looked at her daughter. 

“Why did you do this Mama? Why did you take Papa away from us? Why couldn't you love him like he loved you?” she asked her mother. 

“Alexis…” Alicia said softly. 

“I love you. Despite everything you've done. I still love you. I forgive you, Mama. I forgive you.” Alexis said before sobbing. 

That's when her older sister came to get her. 

“Come on sweetheart. Let's get you home. Okay?” Amanda said to her sister. 

“Amanda, wait!” Alicia said to her. 

When the Baroness looked furiously at her mother.

“Don't you dare speak to me!” she snapped at her mother. 

“Amanda, I didn't–” she started to say before her daughter cut her off, “You didn't what? You didn't mean to ruin the lives of your children? You didn't mean to kill my father? Too little too late!”

“You don't understand Amanda.” Alicia tried to explain. 

The Baroness scoffed. 

“Oh, I understand perfectly. I understand that you murdered my father. I understand that you chose your own selfish, self-centered greed, over your children! How could you? How could you be so cruel, so cold, so goddamn callous? Do you know that because of your actions, I now have to raise YOUR children? Because as we all found out the girls were never his. You and especially your step-sister and brother-in-law forced him to raise another man’s children. On top of having that innocent man executed. Just so the world wouldn't know how much of a no-good whore you actually are!” The Baroness said to her mother. 

Alicia went to speak but her daughter cut her off. 

“I've known for years that you and Papa didn't always get along. It was something I just accepted and lived with. But never did I think you'd blatantly cheat on him let alone kill him. And for what? My father was killed for nothing! No wait. I take that back. He was killed because you couldn't get over being rejected by Her Majesty’s father. It's a good thing he chose Duchess Shantel over you because I can only imagine the hell you would've put poor Prince Damien through if he had actually gone through with the betrothal and married you.”

That's when Genevieve stood up furious.

“How in God’s name can you speak to your mother like that?!” she asked her niece. 

“Simple. Because of you and Uncle Edward. You two may not have put the letter opener in her hand but you certainly contributed to the way she acts! You enabled her to treat my father like shit! When without him she’d just be another noble whore. There's a bunch of them in this kingdom. Your husband would know.” the Baroness replied. 

Genevieve just seethed. 

“You know Aunt Genevieve, growing up I used to think Uncle Edward was the only sniveling coward in our family. Turns out I was wrong. That title now belongs to her.” The Baroness said to her aunt. 

“Amanda, please! I’m sorry!” Alicia cried. 

But her daughter wasn't having any of it. 

“No, you're not. Because being sorry means you're remorseful for what you've done. And we both know you're not the least bit remorseful about killing my father. You’re just mad that since your sister can't save you, you now have to face the consequences of your actions. Because of your actions, I was forced to not only bury him alone but now I have three more children to raise. All while you tried to hide out at the old palace to avoid facing justice. So please spare me the crocodile tears and lengthy excuses.”

The Baroness turned to leave before saying one more thing. 

“Alexis and even my sisters may forgive you, but just know that for the rest of my life, I will not. I will never forgive you for being such a callous, coldhearted bitch. You took my father from me! You murdered him for no other reason than your incessant greed, self-centeredness, and bitter selfishness! You had a good life and a good man. But you just had to ruin it. Because that's who you are. You're no better than your step-sister, grandfather, and especially your mother. May the latter two rest in hell. I will never again look at you and ever see my mother. All I will ever see is the monster you turned out to be.”

With that, the Baroness led her younger sisters out of the courtroom. Shanelle let out a breath she had been holding in. 

“And now I rest my case,” Carlo announced. 

“I think we can take a rest now,” Shanelle whispered to her husband. 

Marquise nodded. 

“Here is where we will stop for the day and reconvene tomorrow.” he said as he addressed the room, "Lord Pollard, as the defense, I expect you to be ready to present your case to the Parliament in the morning.” 

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Lord Pollard replied. 

“Very well. Everyone is dismissed for the afternoon.” Marquise announced before leading Shanelle out of the courtroom. 

When they got to an alcove Shanelle sat down, rubbing her temples. 

“Are you alright?” Marquise asked as he sat down next to her. 

“Physically? I'm fine,” she replied with a sigh, “but that was just awful to have to sit through.”

“I know. I wish it didn't have to come to this but unfortunately, this is the situation we find ourselves in,” he said as he rubbed her shoulders. 

“I shudder to think what the defense will come up with.”

“More than likely they'll look for a scapegoat.”

“You mean my mother?” she asked. 

“I would hope not. But I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't try to blame all of this on your mother,” he replied. 

“I swear to God if they dare…”

He kissed the top of her left shoulder.

“Let us worry about tomorrow when it comes.”

Shanelle nodded. 

“I still need to warn mom.”

“Later. Right now I need a drink and you, my gorgeous wife, you look like you need a nap.”

“Only If you carry me to bed.”

His Majesty happily obliged. Lifting his wife off her feet. 

“I will never get used to that,” she said with a chuckle. 

“The day that you get used to me adoring you is the day I know I've failed as your husband.”

Shanelle playfully rolled her eyes. 

“Lead the way, my knight.”

“As Her Majesty commands.”

He carried her from the courtroom across the palace to their bedroom with ease. Later that night after her children were asleep, Shanelle spent time with her mother. 

“How was the trial butterfly?” Shantel asked. 

Shanelle groaned. 

“In a word? Absolutely horrible.” Shanelle replied. 

“That's two words, baby.” 

The two laughed. 

“My heart breaks for those girls. Especially the younger ones.”

“What happened?” Shantel asked. 

Shanelle gave her mother a rundown of the trial. 

“Not even their oldest daughter knew?” Shantel asked. 

“No. No one knew. All thanks to your brother-in-law and his wife. But you should've seen The Baroness. She let her mother have it.” Shanelle replied. 

“I can only imagine. She was lied to. On top of the fact, her father was killed by her mother. Hell, all of those girls were lied to. It's a sad situation all around.”

“Yeah, but that's not what's worrying me.”

 “What is it, baby?” Shantel asked. 

“I’m worried that the defense will use you as a scapegoat,” Shanelle replied. 

Shantel rolled her eyes.  

“It wouldn't be Alicia if she didn't try to blame it all on me.”

“I will do all that I can to make sure that doesn't happen.”

“No need to baby. I can handle myself. Let her come after me.”

Shanelle shook her head with a smile. 

“And people say I never know when to back down.”

“You must've never met my mother. You used to call her Grammy.”

Shanelle snorted. 

“Fair.”

“Even if her defense does try to blame me for her actions, I didn't put the letter opener in her hand. And I certainly didn't force her to stab the poor man to death. Those were the decisions she made so those are her demons to face.”

“True.”

“Don't worry about me butterfly. I'll be just fine.”

“I know you will.”

Over the next 3 days, it was the defense’s turn in the trial. And as expected they went after Shantel and named her as the cause of Alicia’s spiral. They even alleged that Earl Amos was physically and mentally abusive to the Countess. And that she only stabbed him because she felt it would be the only to keep herself and their children safe. Even calling Queen Genevieve and King Edward as star witnesses. Once the defense rested its case, it was turned over to the Parliament. After 3 days of deliberation, they came to a decision. 

“Have you reached a verdict, Duke Ramsford?” Marquise asked. 

“Yes sire. We have.” Bertrand replied. 

“What say you?” Marquise asked. 

“After much discussion, and an 18-2 vote, the Parliament has decided to convict Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux of malicious intent of murder,” Bertrand replies. 

Marquise nodded as many sat stunned by the news. 

“No!” Alicia shouted. 

“This is not right! My sister doesn't deserve this!” Genevieve proclaimed.

“The Parliament has spoken, so shall it be.” Marquise said to the courtroom before addressing Alicia, “Countess Alicia, you have been convicted of murder, and will be sentenced in the coming days.”

“No! No! No! I don't deserve this!” Alicia cried. 

“Guards, you can take her away,” Marquise said to the guards.

As the guards went to escort Alicia out, her step-sister tried to block them. 

“Get away from her! You will not lay a hand on my sister!” she snapped at them. 

Shanelle rolled her eyes. 

“Since Queen Genevieve wants to join Alicia so badly you can arrest her as well,” Marquise instructed the guards. 

That's when Edward stood up shouting. 

“Don't you idiots dare touch my wife! Or I will have your heads!” He yelled at the guards. 

Marquise groaned while rubbing his brow.

“Hell with it! Arrest him too! And for the love of God, gag him!” he commanded. 

Many watched as the three were taken out of the courtroom screaming at Marquise. 

“Now that the circus is over, I want to thank the Parliament for your time and service to this trial and your kingdom. You are all dismissed.” Marquise announced. 

He and Shanelle watched as everyone filed out of the courtroom. Leaving them alone. 

“Well that's finally over,” he said. 

Shanelle nodded. 

“To be honest I half expected them to come back split down the middle.” 

“True. But I’m glad that they didn't. Otherwise, we would've been here for a few more days than I wanted to be here.” 

“When will she be sentenced?” Shanelle asks. 

“Before we leave for Paris,” he replied. 

“Paris? Why are we going to Paris?” 

“I mean do you not want to go to Paris Fashion Week, my love?”

Shanelle squealed happily. 

“Yes, I thought you might.”

True to his word, Alicia’s sentencing was the day before they were set to leave for Paris. Before issuing the final sentence, Alicia’s three youngest daughters asked to speak publicly on their mother’s behalf. 

“While we understand what our mother has done is wrong and unforgivable. And that our Papa is dead because of her, we ask you, Your Majesty, to be lenient in your sentencing.” her daughter Allyson read in a statement, “we have already lost one parent, we don't want to lose another. Instead of sentencing her to death, we are asking you and Her Majesty to sentence our mother to solitary confinement in the dungeons of the old palace if Her Majesty will allow it.”

Marquise looked at his wife. 

“Well, my Queen? Shall we honor their ask?” he asked her. 

Shanelle looked at him then to Alicia and finally to the girls. 

“As a mother, my heart breaks for you girls. You have been robbed of your father by your mother’s greed and bitterness. Your lives have been destroyed. I can't imagine what you girls must be feeling. Anger, sadness, shock, disgust, and maybe even resentment. As a Queen, I must decide with His Majesty that both serves justice and keeps the people safe. This was not just a random mistake. Your mother poses a great threat to us all. I can not overlook that. But since you three have bravely come forward to ask, I will allow your mother to be held in confinement at the old palace. But only for the sake of you three girls.”

Marquise nodded before looking at Alicia. 

“Very well. Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux you have been sentenced to life in solitary confinement within the dungeons of the old palace. You will be under 24/7 guard and will only be permitted to visit with your daughters. Supervised visitations will be three days a week for only 4 hours each day.”

He then looked at the girls.

“I want you girls to listen very carefully, while you will be permitted to see your mother, you three will not take advantage of this opportunity. You will not abuse this opportunity. Because if I hear that you have, I will revoke it from you and your mother will then be sent to the prison island of Grandevarea. Is that understood?” 

The three young girls nodded. 

“Good.” he said before addressing the guards, “you may take her to the dungeons and will await further instruction.” 

After everyone watched as Alicia was escorted out of the throne room, the couple stepped off the daises.  

“You did good by them,” Marquise whispered to his wife as they walked to the side entrance. 

“I had to. Those girls have been through enough. They don't deserve to have to suffer any more than they already have.”

He brought her right knuckles to his lips for a soft kiss. 

“And because you've done good by them, you deserve a reward.”

A slow smile started to break across her face. 

“Mon amour. Paris attend sa reine.”

“I can't wait!” 

“Let's go!” 

After saying goodbye to their little ones, The Royals were on a flight to the city of Love. 

Paris is one of their favorite cities in the world. And being there during Fashion Week has always been a dream of Shanelle’s. A dream her husband made come true. They were standing on the rooftop deck of their private residence enjoying the sunset view of the Eiffel Tower. 

“I love Paris,” Shanelle said with a contented sigh. 

He wrapped his arms around her with glasses of Lowyn Prosecco in hand. 

“I love you in Paris,” he whispered in her ear as he handed her a glass. 

“You love me everywhere.” 

“Guilty.”

They smirked at each other as they clinked their glasses together. 

“I'm sad we got here too late. I would kill for a ham and cheese omelet from our favorite brasserie.”

“I will have one here first thing in the morning.”

“You're a sap. You know that right?” she teased him. 

“Always and forever. Especially for you.”

“That's not how the song goes.”

“Improvising.”

Shanelle snickered. 

“Your improv needs work.”

“You are such a damn critic.”

“And your biggest fan.”

“I'm sure Khari would have objections to that.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

“This view is perfect. And here I thought you were going to this home into one of those AirBnB things.”

“Nah. I decided to keep a few places the family owns to myself. Although the AirBnB idea isn't bad. I'm glad I thought of it.”

“I would pinch you but I like my jaw right where it is.” 

“Smart man.”

The pair watched the sun go down and the moon rise in the sky before it became a tad too chilly for Shanelle. 

“Are you cold love?” he asked. 

“A little bit.” 

He wrapped his jacket around her. 

“Let's get you inside.” 

The two walked inside and down the steps to the main living area. Where bags of groceries and their guards were waiting.

“As requested, my Liege.” their guard Geraldo said to them. 

“Thank you,” Marquise replied

Shanelle became slightly curious. 

“What's in the bags Your Majesty?” she asked. 

“Guanciale, Pecorino, Parmigiano, grani di pepe nero, aglio, rigatoni e uova,” he replied. 

“You're making Carbonara, which is Italian food mind you, in France?” 

“That a problem?”

Shanelle shrugged and grabbed the bottle of Prosecco.

“Hurry up and get that sexy ass of yours in the kitchen!”

“By your command my Queen.”

She sat at the counter with a glass in her hand as she watched him roll up his sleeves and lay out his ingredients. 

“I love watching you cook.”

“If I remember correctly my cooking is what seduced you in the first place.”

“True. Now I get the guanciale, the cheese, the garlic, the black pepper, and I even get the eggs, but why Rigatoni? Especially when you normally use Bucatini?”

Marquise shrugged. 

“I thought I’d try something new.”

“Your daughter made you watch someone make it like on TikTok again didn't she?” she asked. 

Marquise cut his eyes at her. 

“Like I said earlier, you are a sap.” 

“Whatever.”

She watched as started the process of making his Spaghetti Carbonara. 

“Yay! You’re not dicing them into small lardons this time.”

“I should because those will render faster but I also want us to have something to snack on.”

“That works for me!”

“And now! We slice the garlic!” he announced.

“Like Goodfellas?” she asks. 

“Yes! Razor thin! You want it to almost melt into the guanciale fat.”

She watched him slice the garlic and then separate the eggs, grate the cheeses, crack the pepper, and whisk it all together. 

“This is gonna be so good!”

“Indeed. And now we add the guanciale to a cold pan and heat it slowly so the fat renders and we have snacks.” 

Shanelle clapped happily. 

“Enjoying the show beautiful?”

“Don't I always?”

“True enough,” he said as he opened a new bottle of Prosecco and poured himself a glass. “God this stuff is good.”

“We will be drunk by the end of the night.”

“With full bellies.”

“Why don't we do this all the time?” she asked. 

“Kids.”

“That's why we don't do this all the time.”

She loved watching him be so at ease. It had been a stressful time and she was happy to be able to spend time alone with him. 

“A snack for the lady,” he said as he passed her a small bowl of cooked guanciale.

“Mmm! I swear this stuff is like bacon!” she said as she popped a small handful into her mouth. 

“It is pork cheek so…”

“True. It still amazes me that a King can cook. And cook quite well actually.”

“I had to eat somehow while I went to Harvard.”

“You coulda just bought the meal plan.”

Marquise scoffed. 

“No thank you.”

“Why not? Were there no caviar and foie gras options for the Prince?”

He snatched her bowl away.

“Gimme my bowl back!”

“No! You just insulted me!”

“Gimme!”

Marquise cut his eyes at her before handing her the bowl back. He left a little bit of fat in the pan to fry off the garlic. 

“Ahh! Finally, it is time for the marriage of egg yolks, cheeses, cracked pepper, guanciale fat, and pasta water!”

While the meal normally didn't take him long to make, he enjoyed giving his wife a show. Plus both of them were halfway through their third bottle of Prosecco and feeling it. 

“And with just a smidge more pepper and more Pecorino on top dinner is served!” 

“Shut up and pass me a fork!” 

He handed her a bowl before they went and sat down on the couch to enjoy each other’s company and their food. 

“Okay I like the rigatoni but I think I prefer bucatini,” Shanelle said in between bites. 

“Agreed. Although I won't complain about this.”

“Not at all. You have mastered the art of Carbonara. Y’know if this whole being a King thing doesn't work out you could be a chef.”

Marquise snorted into his glass. 

“And give Jenna a reason to boss me around even more than she already does? No, thank you.” 

Shanelle snickered. 

After dinner was done, they laid on the couch under a handmade quilt. 

“I am sated, satisfied, drunk, and happy about it.

He kissed her forehead. 

“Anything for you.”

“Thank you for dinner babe. It was delicious as always.”

“My pleasure. It was a last-minute shopping request I sent out to the guards here.”

“I’m glad you did.”

She snuggled against him. 

“This is why I married you.”

“Why?”

“Because of these little romantic moments. You didn't have to cook for me.”

“Well, I sure as hell wasn't about to sit here all night and starve.”

Shanelle snorted. 

“Besides you know I love cooking for you.”

“I know. It's one of your most redeeming qualities.”

He smiled softly. 

“You know what?”

“Hmm?” 

"I can't stop thinking about kissing you."

"And what are you going to do about that?"

“This…” he said before he leaned and captured her lips in his for a soft sweet kiss.

“I hate it when you do that.”

“Why?”

“Because I always wind up agreeing to anything.”

“Good.” 

He kissed her again. Slower and more sensual than before. A slow smile crossed her face. 

“Stop.”

“Make me,” he whispers against her lips as he tightens his arms around her. 

As they lay together, she started to get sleepy. 

“I think it's past your bedtime, my love.”

“But.”, she said with a yawn, “I don't want to move from this spot.”

“Very well. This is where we will be until the morning.”

“Fine by me.”

“Goodnight beautiful.”

“Goodnight handsome.”

He watched her slowly drift off to sleep in his arms before going to sleep himself. 

They spent the next few days attending various shows. While Marquiss didn't understand many of the runway looks he saw, seeing his wife have the time of her life was worth it to him. As they flew home, she was still gushing about their trip. 

“That was amazing! I loved everything. And when I say everything I mean everything!”

“I noticed. Which show was your favorite?” he asks.

“Schiaparelli. Hands down. They were amazing. And all the outfits I got!” she replies. 

“As if your closet isn't big enough as is.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

“But in all seriousness, I am happy you enjoyed yourself.”

“And what was your favorite part of the trip, Your Majesty?” she asked.

He merely tapped the diamond cufflinks on his wrist. 

“You know I never come to Paris without seeing Pierre François.”

“True.” 

Once back at home, it was back to normal for them. Or so they thought. 

Their daughter had been having bad stomach aches for days but no one could figure out why. It wasn't until she started to catch a fever that they became concerned. 

“Marquise, she is on fire,” Shanelle said to her husband. 

Khari moaned in pain. 

“Mommy…”

Shanelle rubbed her forehead.

“I’m right here baby,” she said to her daughter before speaking to him, “call Nadia. Now.”

Marquise nodded. 

“I'll be right back.” 

“No Daddy. Don't go, please.” Khari pleaded. 

“I won't be gone long, my love.”

“Noooooooo!” she whined. 

“Come here, my angel. Come here,” he said as he scooped her up into his arms.

“I don't feel good Daddy.” Khari cried. 

His daughter was in pain and it broke his heart to watch. 

“I know you don't. I will only be gone for just a second. I have to call Nadia. I'll even leave your door cracked. Okay?” 

“You promise?” 

He kissed her forehead. 

“I swear it on my life.” 

“Okay.”

He gave her back to her mother. 

“I'll be right outside,” he whispered to Khari. 

Marquise stepped out to call Nadia when Damien walked up. 

“How is she?” Damien asked. 

“Her fever has spiked. So I’m going to call Nadia.” Marquise replied. 

“What do you need from me?” Damien asks. 

“To stand here and keep me calm. If you don't mind.” 

“Consider it done.”

Marquise nodded and called her pediatrician. When he hung up with her, he had a look on his face. 

“How bad is it?” Damien asks. 

“She wants us to bring Khari to the ER at St. Michael’s,” Marquise replied. 

“Go. I will handle the day-to-day here. And don't worry about the boys. Their grandmothers will keep them company.” 

“If I don't say it enough, thank you, Damien.”

Damien nodded. 

“No need. You forget I have a daughter too.”

“I know.”

“Go on then. I'll go let Shantel and Margo know.”

Marquise stepped back into his daughter's room. 

“Who was that Daddy?”

“Your grandfather, my love. He was coming to check on you.” 

“What did Nadia say?” Shanelle asks. 

“To bring her to the ER at St. Michael’s.” 

“Okay. I'll get her dressed. You call the car.”

Marquise modded before kissing his daughter’s cheek and leaving the room. Once Khari was dressed they were off to the ER in the wee hours of the morning. When they got there Khari wouldn't leave her Daddy’s arms after they were settled into a room. 

“Hello hello everyone. We have got to stop meeting like this. I need my little ones to be okay.” Dr. Nadia said as she entered the room. 

She looked at Khari who was clinging to her Daddy as she sat down. 

“Hello, sweet girl. What's wrong?” Nadia asked. 

“My tummy doesn't feel good,” Khari replied in tears. 

“Oh, you poor thing. Well, I’m here now. And I’m going to make sure we find out why your tummy hurts so bad and we’ll make you all better. Alright?” 

“Okay,” Khari replied quietly.

“That's my girl.”

Just then there was a soft knock at the door. The head of the ER Dr. Hadley.

“Your Majesties, do you both remember Dr. Hadley?” Nadia asked as he walked in.

They both nodded.

“Yes, we do. It's good to see you, Doctor,” Shanelle replied. 

Dr. Hadley nodded politely. 

“It's good to see you both as well,” he said to Shanelle before addressing Khari, “and it is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I'm sorry it's under these circumstances though.” 

“Hi doctor,” Khari said quietly. 

Dr. Hadley smiled at her.

“I know you don't feel well but that's why your great-aunt and I are here. We're going to find out what's bothering you and make sure you get all better. But first I need you to do something for me.”

“What’s that?” Khari asks. 

“I need you to be big and brave. Can you do that for me?” he asked.

Khari thought for a moment then nodded. 

“I can do that,” she replies. 

“Atta girl! That's what I like to hear. Now we're going to get you changed, get an IV going, and get some scans done. Okay?” 

“Okay.”

Dr. Hadley looked at her parents. 

“She’s doing great. And Your Majesties, you both have my word, she will be well taken care of while she's here.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Marquise said to him. 

“Alright, sweetheart. Let's get you changed.” Nadia said to Khari. 

Once Khari was changed into a hospital gown, a nurse came in to start an IV and had a wheelchair. 

“Princess, Your Majesties, this is Yvonne. She's one of the nurses here. She's going to start Khari’s IV so we can get some pain medicine in her then take her down for an X-ray and CT Scan.”

Yvonne bowed. 

“Your Majesties, it's an honor,” she said to the couple. 

“Can my mommy and daddy come too?” Khari asked Nadia. 

“Sure they can. But they'll have to wait in the waiting room. Okay?” 

“Alright.”

“Good girl. Now let's get going.”

Once Khari’s IV was in, she was in the wheelchair and they were off. While they took Khari back, her parents sat out in the waiting area. It's when they sat down, that Shanelle broke down in her husband's arms. 

“I know. I know. You’re scared. I am too. But it's gonna be okay. Khari is here and she's safe. And she's with some of the best pediatric doctors in the world. Shhh. Don't cry.” he whispered to her. 

“I’m trying to be strong, I promise. It's just…” Shanelle tried to say before her words were choked off by a sob.

“I know. I know you are,” he said as he rubbed her back. 

“Your Majesties?” a voice asked softly. 

When they both looked up a woman was standing in front of them. 

“Please pardon my intrusion. But I was sitting over there in the corner and I couldn't help but overhear you both say that the Princess is here.”

“Yes, she is. They just took her back. Who are you by the way?” Marquise asked. 

“Oh pardon my manners. I'm just a little nervous. My name is Lady Selene De Michele-Charroux. My daughter Elena is in school with the Princess.” the lady replied. 

“She's one of Khari’s classmates?” Shanelle asked. 

“Yes ma'am. They took her back before you all got here.” Selene replied. 

“If you don't mind my asking, why?” Marquise asked. 

They watched the lady wring her hands nervously. 

“My lady, why don't you sit down? You look about as stable as I feel.” Shanelle said to her. 

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Selene said gratefully before sitting down next to them, “to answer your question, my King, my daughter has a rare form of neuroblastoma. She's had it since she was 8 months old. She was being taken back for an MRI.” 

“Oh my God! I'm so sorry!”

Selene nodded gratefully to Shanelle. 

“Thank you, my Queen. When my daughter was at school a few months ago, before she got really sick, she was being picked on by another group of children. And the Princess stood up for her. She told the children picking on her that if they didn't stop picking on my daughter, she was going to tell her father. And she told them that her father doesn't like bullies.” Selene explained. 

Marquise just shook his head with a smile while Shanelle chuckled softly.

“For the record, she never told me.”

“I’m sure she didn't but it was the thought that counted for my daughter. She considered your daughter her only friend. And I just wanted to say thank you to you both for raising such an amazing young girl.”

“Thank you, my lady. You said your last name was De Michele?” Marquise asked. 

“Yes. It's my maiden name. You probably don't remember but I went to boarding school with Leo.”

Marquise nodded. 

“That's why your name sounds familiar.”

“Yes. As it just so happens you went to school with my cousin.”

“I did?” he asked. 

“Yes. Does the name Jean-Marc Archambeau ring a bell?” she asked. 

“As in Commander Hervè Archambeau?” he replied. 

“Yes. He and my mother Countess Gladys De Michele are brother and sister. According to him, you two were always butting heads.”

Marquise chuckled. 

“Yes, we were. How is Jean-Marc?” he asked. 

“He’s doing well. Thank you.”

“I haven't heard that name in years. I was told they had moved. What happened?”

Selene cleared her throat. 

“Your father is what happened to them.”

Marquise groaned. 

“What did he do?”

As she was about to answer, both little girls were wheeled out.

“Mommy! Look! My friend Elena is here too!” Khari squealed happily. 

It made Shanelle smile. 

“Hello, Khari’s mommy and daddy! It's very nice to meet you.” Elena said to them. 

Marquise bowed to the little girl.

“Hello, my dear. How are you?”

Elena smiled at him.

“I’m doing good.”

Selene tapped Marquise on the shoulder. 

“Your Majesty, is it okay if we speak privately?” she asked. 

“Of course my lady,” he said to her before turning to his wife and daughter, “you two go on back I'll be there soon.”

Shanelle nodded as she and Khari left.

“I'll be right there sweetheart,” Selene said to her daughter. . 

“Let's have a seat,” he suggested to Selene. 

They sat down. 

“I’m sure you didn't want to have this conversation in front of them.”

“Yes sire.”

“Now what happened?” he asked. 

Lady Selene cleared her throat. 

“Do you remember getting into a fight with my cousin?” she replied. 

Marquise thought for a moment. 

“Yes, sort of. We were 15 and if memory serves, and it was over a score at a football game,” he replies. 

“Yes. He swears you stole a goal from him.” 

Marquise snorted. 

“Oh geez! Now I remember.” he said with a chuckle, “And for the record, I didn't steal the goal from him. He was being too slow and I took the shot.”

“I believe you. Anyway, you two had words, started shoving each other then fists went flying and you gave him a black eye and he busted your lip.”

“Yup. I remember now we had to be separated. And Headmaster Boisseau gave us each a tongue lashing before we were suspended for a few days.”

“Unfortunately for my cousin, it didn't end there.”

“I don’t like the sound of this.”

“What should've been handled by the school, was handled by your father.”

Marquise let out a breath. 

“What did he do?” 

Selene paused for a second. 

“He had my cousin arrested and charged as an enemy of the crown.”

Marquise was shocked. 

“What?! Over a petty fistfight?”

“Yes. He sent a summons to my aunt and uncle and demanded an audience with them after he was arrested,” she said before taking a deep breath and continuing, “When they had their audience with him and Regina, he told them they could either pay a fine that would've bankrupted our whole family, be exiled, or worse, he would execute my cousin.”

Marquise groaned. 

“My God.”

“King Constantine said he sentenced him to exile because my cousin assaulted an active member of the Royal Family. But my uncle knew the real reason why.”

“What was the real reason?”

“Revenge.”

Marquise nodded. 

“Because of Sebastian. He still blamed your uncle for the ambush that killed him.”

“Yes. I'm sure you didn't know.”

“No, I didn't. But now that I think about it, his not coming back to school makes sense.”

“I swear I didn't tell you for sympathy I promise. But you deserved to know.”

“Thank you, my Lady. If you don't mind telling me, where is your cousin now?”

“Norway. They moved there after they were exiled. My aunt was originally from there.”

“And what about your uncle?” he asked. 

Lady Selene went quiet. 

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean to pry.”

“No no. It's okay. He passed away after my daughter turned 2.” 

Marquise nodded before pulling out his wallet.

“Here. Take this.” he said as he handed her a small business card, “have your cousin contact my office as soon as possible.”

“Yes sire. Thank you so much. I wish you and the Princess all the best.”

Marquise shook her hand. 

“The same to you and your daughter as well my lady,” he said before they went their separate ways. 

When he got back to Khari’s room, they and his aunt were waiting. 

“I’m so sorry I took so long. I didn't mean to make you all wait.”

Nadia smiled. 

“It's alright nephew. You’re just in time. I have the results of Khari’s scans.” 

Marquise sat down next to his wife and daughter. 

“As it turns out, Khari has a ruptured appendix,” Nadia said to them.

“What's that?” Khari asked. 

“It's one of your organs, sweetie. It's one of the things we all have. Except for your dad.”

“Daddy doesn't have one?” 

“No. He had his appendix taken out as a teenager. I would know. I had to treat him.”

“I wasn't that bad.”

“Hmm…I don't know about that.” Nadia teased. 

Khari giggled.

“Now because it's ruptured it has to be taken out. That will require surgery.”

“What's that?” Khari asked. 

“It’s where a doctor has to make a small cut in your stomach.”

Khari reared back.

“No! No!”

Nadia laid a reassuring hand on hers.

“It's not bad my dear. I promise. You won't feel anything. You'll be asleep the whole time.”

“I will?”

Nadia nodded. 

“And I will be there with you every step of the way.”

Khari chewed her bottom lip.

“Do you remember what Dr. Hadley asked you?”

“To be brave.”

“Can you be brave for me?”

Khari nodded. 

“Yes, Aunt Nadia. I can be brave. Very brave.”

“That's my girl. Now I have to talk to your father for a second outside okay?”

“Okay.”

Nadia pulled Marquise outside. 

“She’ll be transferred upstairs to a private room for surgery prep.”

“When is her surgery?”

“Because it's the weekend, it'll be tomorrow at 9:00 AM.”

Marquise nodded. 

“Thank you, Nadia. I appreciate it so much.”

She patted his arm fondly. 

“Of course, nephew. I'll see you tomorrow.”

When Marquise returned to his daughter and his wife. 

“What did she say?” Shanelle asked. 

“She said that Khari’s surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:00 AM so she’ll be sent upstairs for prep.” 

Shanelle nodded as she held Khari. 

“Okay. We’ll be ready.”

“Indeed we will.”

There was a knock at the door. It was the transporter. Marquise recognized him. 

“I remember you,” Marquise said to him. 

“Hello, Your Majesties. My name is Sammy. I'm here to take the Princess upstairs.” the transporter said as he introduced himself. “I was here when His Majesty had his surgery when he was 16.” 

“It's good to see you again.”

Sammy smiled. 

“It's good to see you too, Your Majesty.”

Sammy turned to Khari.

“Are you ready Princess?”

“Yes sir.”

Khari climbed into the wheelchair. 

“And off we go!” 

Once Khari was transported and settled into her room, it was time to meet her surgeon. 

“Hello! Hello! Good morning Your Majesties, and to you too, Your Highness. My name is Dr. Gaston Cormier. I am the head of surgery here at the hospital. It's good to have you all here. Although I am pretty sure one of you swore to me years ago they'd never come back.”

Marquise shook his head with a smile. 

“Hello again doctor. Thank you for coming to greet us.”

“And now that you all are here I want you all to know that the Princess is in very good hands. We will do everything in our power to make sure this process goes as smoothly as possible. And Princess you have my word, I will be very gentle. You won't feel a thing. Okay?”

Khari nodded. 

“Yes sir.”

“Very good.”

“Will I be able to eat?” Khari asked. 

“Yes. You can eat until midnight tonight but no later. Alright?”

“Okay.”

“Now I have some consent to surgery forms that I will leave for you both to sign and I will see you all in the morning.” Dr. Cormier said before taking his leave. 

After signing the consent forms, Shanelle let out a breath she had been holding in.

“You look exhausted, my love,” Marquise said to her. 

“It's been a long morning.”

“Indeed. Why don't you go home and get some rest?” Marquise asked. 

“I can't. I can't leave her here.” Shanelle replied. 

“It'll be okay. I'll be here with her.”

Shanelle shook her head no. 

“No Marquise. No. I'm not leaving.”

That's when Khari spoke up.

“It's okay Mommy. You can go. Besides the boys need you, they're probably wondering where everybody is.”

“But baby…”

Khari held her mother's hands. 

“We gotta be brave Mommy. Just like Dr. Hadley said. We have to be big girls. Okay?” Khari asked. 

Shanelle took a shuddering breath. 

“Okay.”

“I'll be okay. I'll get to boss Daddy around while you’re gone.”

Marquise made a face. 

“You always boss me around.”

“I know but now I get to be extra bossy.”

Shanelle shook her head. 

“Okay, you and your daddy win. I'll go home and check on the boys. But I'll be back later okay?”

“Okay, Mommy.”

“And I'll bring you your favorite things.”

“Yay! Thank you, Mommy.”

Shanelle kissed her daughter on her forehead. 

“I'll see you later Peanut.”

“Okie doke! Now we can eat!”

“How can you think of food at a time like this?” Shanelle asked. 

“The same way Daddy always does,” Khari replied with a shrug. 

“I beg your pardon madam!” he protested. 

Khari giggled. 

“Alright, I’m going. I love you, baby girl.”

Khari hugged her mother. 

“I love you too Mommy.”

“I'll walk you out love,” Marquise said to her. 

Marquise walked his wife outside before calling for a guard. 

“Take Her Majesty home,” he told the two guards outside. 

The guards nodded curtly. Marquise’s phone buzzed in his pocket. 

“Who is that?” Shanelle asks. 

“Your father. I texted him to put a statement out about Khari being in the hospital,” he replied. 

Shanelle checked her phone. 

“Thank you for naming him the new herald of the Monarchy.”

“He was happy to accept the job. Now let's get you home.”

Marquise pulled her into a loving hug. 

“It'll be okay my love. Khari is a big girl. And she's brave. Hell, she's braver than you and I will ever be. We should hold on to that.” he whispered. 

Shanelle held onto her husband. 

“I know. And I’m trying. It's just…I want to scream. And I just wanna hold her and make the pain go away.”

He kissed below her left ear. 

“I know you do and so do I. Now go. Go check on our boys. I'll hold down the fort here.”

Shanelle smiled at him before leaving with the guards.

You have reached the end of part one! Stay tuned for part two!

[recent-sonicfaan]

Don't have any art to show off + super exhausted from work, so I'll just ramble on about the differences between my main next gen au and the alt one.

Divorce AU(main Next Gen AU)

This AU is built on the simple premise of 'what if Sonic cheated?' And I just ran with it. I have a doc with the ships in it and all the fankids of each ship. Im still adding to it based on when I find interesting and what not.

But basically it's an AU built on a miserable situation that Sonic and Amy have to navigate.

Sonic: has to come to terms with the fact that he cheated, he hid it for years until he was caught, and that he fell out of love with Amy a long time ago. And has to try and raise and co-parent his son while picking up the pieces of a life he ruined.

Amy: has to learn to not beat herself up over what Sonic did, not blame herself for what happened + acknowledge it wasn't her fault. She also has to struggle and try to cope with her self image and body dysmorphia that got worst since the cheating incident. All of this while trying to run a business and raise a child.

Dash: has to learn that his parent's divorce wasn't his fault and not something he could have prevented. Like his mom, he has massive self-image issues that stem from the incident. Particularly thinking he's not good enough, that he wasn't a good son and thinks it's all his fault.

While the AU had other ships that struggle with their own issues, it mainly centers around Sonic, Amy and Dash trying to navigate this new phase in their life. It won't be easy but it's what was dealt to them, no way to go but up!

Alt New Gen AU(name pending)

This AU actually is much happier(?) then the Divorce AU and this is entirely due to a butterfly effect.

In the Divorce AU, Sonic is dating Amy and agreed to go steady with Amy despite knowing she wanted to settle down and build a traditional family household- something Sonic doesn't want. And that issue is why the AU goes the way it does.

In this AU, Sonic decides not to go steady and that ends up with him and Amy ending things since it's clear they don't want the same things. Amy goes off and starts dating Shadow and Sonic and Rouge start seeing eachother casually.

While in the Divorce AU, Rouge is happy in her polycule- she's stressed all the time and gets into verbal arguments with Knuckles a lot. In this AU, her and Sonic being casual and having the same view on relationships helps them both not feel trapped. They don't feel the need to get married, buy a house, or have kids immediately. Rouge doesn't infringe on Sonic's freedom, and Sonic doesn't either. They both put the expectation that they don't need to rush things just to ge together and that both of them are free to do whatever they want without the other constantly needing them around.

Even after perpetually dating for some years, after Rouge gets pregnant with their first daughter, things are putting pressure on either of them. Rouge and Sonic don't jump into getting married just because they have a child now. They still date and just co-parent Jewel, and it works for them so much that they actually don't fuss much when their second daughter, Sapphire, is born.

Overall, this AU has its own issues with some ships, but Sonic and Amy are happier as friends and being with other people.

[pennyserenade]

i remember you well 

pairing: javier peña x you , javier peña x female oc rating: e ( explicit ) warnings: language, allusions to sexual encounters, a dash of angst, yearning word count: 2.5k summary: There are memories that haunt and there are memories that merely linger; what they were that one summer is the latter to Javier. notes: based off of leonard cohen’s chelsea hotel #2. i made a little playlist for this if you want something to listen to while you read

There had been a string of words used against him when he was younger - attributes that had belonged to him, but that weren’t very favorable. It was some grand list of flaws that made him less of a suitable partner, descriptive words meant to pierce through what they believed to be his too-tough exterior. There had been words such stubborn, independent, and passive; there had been sentences like ‘capable only of having one-sided, loveless affairs. Not a dedicated bachelor, but a destined one.’ Some he took at face value and others, he still carried with him even now, decades later. The worst insult of them all, however, had not come in the form of these angry words and scorned sentences. It had come in the shape of silence.

Before Colombia and after Laredo, there was a stretch of time in which Javier had found himself aimless and lost, with nowhere to go and no one to see. He’d been exiled from home and he’d been too young to conceive that there was more of the world to be found just yet. Maybe he’d even been nursing a broken heart, despite that it had been he who had not made it to the altar that one hot Sunday afternoon. Even in the best circumstances, he’d come to find that breaking it off with anyone wasn’t a painless act, especially with someone you thought you would and could marry.  

He’d met her in this half-forgotten time of his life, in a shitty little bar by a motel he was staying at for a few weeks while he figured out a plan. She was beautiful and vibrant, and a local in that little town he can’t even remember the name of now. It was just a stopping place for most, some spot between a place you needed to leave and a place you needed to go. She had no business being there, either, and she moved like she knew it. He’d later come to find that she carried a lot less confidence in her than she presented to the general public, but at that moment all she had was a swing to her hips and smile that warranted a mirrored grin from him.

She had been the first woman to ever suggest to him that they have sex, without any work or suggestion on his own part. He’d only bought her a beer or two, and hadn’t said anything about her beauty (even though he’d been thinking it the entire time). She leaned close, smelling wonderful the way all women do, and said, ‘Honey, I liked to warm the other half of your bed tonight.’

They were around the same age - maybe he’d even been a year or two older than her - but she knew so much more than he did, about everything. Twice married and once divorced, with the second pending, her life story already played out like a Tennessee Williams play when she met him.  When she was only seventeen, she married her first husband to get away from home. He had been ten years older than her and a veteran of the Vietnam war. They had little in common, and she never felt that she loved him half as much as she should’ve, but then, she knew she couldn’t be picky if she wanted to leave. He had asked for her hand in marriage and she had said yes, thinking how nice it would be to have a little home of her own. Up until she married him, and he got them that promised house on the outskirts of town, she’d never even had her own room. Given he was older and all, he had the footing in the world that she didn’t. She decided that she could love him, if she tried. Maybe she might have once, too, but by the time they divorced two years later, she half wished he’d drop off the face of the fucking planet. For all she knew, he had.

From the moment she had spotted the second husband, she had loved him. Tall, dark-haired and undeniably handsome, this one was three years her junior. He spoke out the side of his mouth with an attractive country drawl and his entire wardobe seemed to be made up only of worn jeans, button up shirts, and a cowboy hat that had seen better days. She said - and Javi remembers this well, even now - that ‘he could wear anything and make it look just right. I suppose I was stupid to think I’d ever be the only girl he’d ever want, what with the way he looks and all.’

Javier was always most curious about this man, because he felt that maybe he still occupied some part of her heart. He’d had been too young to be sensible about that sort of thing, and he had this foolish notion that her having sex with him meant she should be most taken by him. It was only pure jealousy he felt about her talking of that husband, so he didn’t know why he drove her to do it.

She never seemed to mind, though, or notice the way Javi would tense as she answered his stupid questions. She talked of this second husband wistfully whenever he’d ask, like they had lived a whole life together and not a mere eight months. Whereas he didn’t even know the name of the first, Javi knew the name of the second, and he knew it well, half afraid some nights when he rutted his hips into hers, it’d be the one she said instead.

At the age of twenty-two, all Javi could recognize was her experience against his and little else more. Young with two ex-husbands and a world of knowledge is still young, no matter how you chalk it.

It pains him to think of any trouble he might have caused in light of that jealousy but for the most part, he thinks it went largely unnoticed. They talked about her life, sure, but what they did most was sleep together and pretend that they knew more than they did about life. What they lacked in their separate knowledge, they helped one another make up for. For example, Javi had thought he knew an awful lot about the female body before her.

‘Maybe in Laredo, sure, but not in any other corner of the world, you don’t,’ she had told him plainly, bringing a terrible red hue to his face. After assuring she hadn’t meant any real harm by it (because God, he was young and stupid and had thought he meant more than he did, the fool he was), she taught him all the ways he could learn. She taught him how to touch, how to lick, how to finger, and even in the positions that weren’t solely stimulating for her, she taught him that he could still see to it that they were. She never faked an orgasm, so when he began to draw them out of her after a few weeks of careful tutoring, he felt like something of a young God. Sometimes they found themselves having sex up to three times a day, just for the pure satisfaction of knowing they could do it well together.

Eventually she had even let him stay, rent free, in her home, under no conditions whatsoever. Technically it had been the home of the second husband, but he was off somewhere in California, with another girl. He told her he didn’t care what she did with the place - that she could have it and make it up, or sell it and move on. Before Javi, she’d thought about renting rooms out, not for the money, but for the company. She hated being alone. She’d given Javi the spare room, which had a sizable twin bed with a quilt that looked inherited. He hadn’t ever slept there, though; he stayed in the main bedroom, with her.

For a whole summer, it had been just like that. Aside from calling his father every week just to let him know he was alive, Javier had all but forgotten he’d once belonged to a town called Laredo or that he was the runaway groom bride of yesterday. Living had never been easier - and it never would be again.

When summer had passed and autumn began to creep in, she had told Javier he might want to think about his future. She had said he was made for better than her little town, and that even if he wasn’t, she was in no position to do anything sensible about him. She couldn’t marry him because she still was legally. He even remembers the joke she had made - the one about him not having such a good track record with that himself, and how she was simply too young and pretty to be left at the altar.

It was the only time that he had ever confessed to her that he hadn’t a single clue where to go or what to do. He became another one of the characters in her Tennessee Williams life in that moment, tragic and washed up, with no direction or aim. She liked him though, liked him a lot, because he wasn’t like the burly, brutal men or the heinous, backstabbing women who needed to be taught a lesson. He, like her, was one of those figures that made you ache, because you knew they deserved a lot better than life had given them. If they had any faults, they were excused because you sort of suspected that life had already dealt them their cards. Amongst the male gigolos, the unloved housewives, the distraught sisters, and the many other repressed characters dreamed up in Williams’ mind, he and her fit beautifully that autumn morning.

The following weeks, she helped him get signed up for the DEA. He had half an idea to go there the day he didn’t go to the wedding, because before Lorraine, that’s what he thought might serve him best. He wanted to leave Laredo badly, even then, and he’d heard that was the perfect way to do it. Javi didn’t know how she knew how to do that sort of thing - how to get those applications and those phone numbers - but she did. She’d even bought him a map and helped him figure out a route when it was all set up.

A part of him hated that she was so willing to help, because he felt that maybe she wanted him gone, despite her assurances that she didn’t. He’d waited so long to feel at home again and he’d found that feeling with her; he didn’t want her to not want him back. He liked that big house and that little town, and maybe he wasn’t intent on marrying her just yet, but he figured that he would.

He waited every day until the very one he left, hanging onto the hope that she’d tell him not to leave. Sometimes he’d go out for a little longer during the day just hoping she’d realize how lonely her big home was without him.

If she did come to that realization, it was never knowledge she told him. The only thing that kept him from feeling outright depressed was that the week leading up to his departure, she hung onto him like she was afraid to lose him. They spent longer hours in bed, with none of that quick-to-come sex, and they really admired each other. She let him hold her close; let him kiss her eyelids and her cheeks, let him kiss the back of her knees, and the place at her ankle where she had a scar from falling on rocks. They’d often just lie there, fingers loosely entwined, speaking of nothing and everything.

The last day she told him how fun he was, and that some day some girl would be really lucky to stumble upon him. When he asked her, half-joking and half-serious, to talk about him like she did her second husband, she smiled like she had the very first day. ‘Oh, Jav, I’ll say better things about you. You’re too good to keep and I’ve always known it. That’s what I’ll say,’ she had said, half muffled into the hollow of his shoulder.

As she stands behind the man who’s ringing him up at the counter, wearing a waitress uniform and packaging his food into a plastic sack, Javier wonders how many people she’s told about him. He doesn’t bother about the non-important details, like why she’s in this restaurant, or if she’s with the man ringing him up, or whether he should pretend to know her or not. Javi doesn’t even really try to consider if, in the few moments he’s allowing himself to look, he can see some sense of happiness in her recognizable and beautifully aged features. He just wants to know, selfishly, like he is twenty-two again, whether she has told this man who’s taking his money about him.

Nothing explicit, just that he was too good to keep, like she said she would. Or, maybe, if she felt like it, that she wished she had told him to stay; that all along, that whole summer, the words, ‘I need you,’ stayed in her throat and tried to escape many times, but that she was too good of a woman to let them. Javi decides he’d like that one even better. After all, he’d told a version of that story about her to a few women who didn’t mind listening in Colombia when he’d first got there. About ten of them, to be exact, just to get it out of his system.

She looks up to hand him the food and he sees it happen in an instant; the way her eyebrows knit together in recognition and her mouth falls open to say something on instinct, but never does. She fixes herself quickly, correcting her features and giving him the very best customer service smile anyone could, but in her eyes, he sees it: the remnants of a life once lived playing over. He feels it move in him too as she takes the food from her hands.

Javier wishes he knew her just a little better, or that the man wasn’t standing there, watching them, unaware, just so he could say her name fondly. He needn’t give any more information than that to her - only that he knows it is her and will always know her, no matter what; that no matter how many years pass, he knows that she is herself, and that he remembers one summer, she taught him an awful lot. Javi likes to think, as the man asks him what sort of sauce he’d like - if he’d like any at all, that is - maybe just by looking at her, she understands that.

It is a tortuous exercise of self-restraint, just parting his eyes from hers in that moment, but he does it. He looks at the man behind the register and says kindly that he doesn’t want any sauce.

“Thank you,” he says to them both, with no personality behind his words. He looks back at her though. He hopes with everything in him that she knows how personal it is - that really those words are just for her.

“De nada,” she answers sweetly, like she might.

She looks away from him then, heading back to her work, and he slips out the door, back into the warm Texas air.

Back to life.

[bensonsbobblehead]

I'll be home - Part 3

Pairing: Spencer Reid x FEM!reader (ft BAU!team)

Category: Angst with a bit of fluff

Content warnings: Prison Reid and sadness. Happy ending?

Word count: 1.1k

a/n: this is the last part of my first ever series :( but don't worry there may or may not be an Epilogue for this haha.

Part One, Part two, Final Part

*not my gif*

The day you had been waiting for was finally here. His court hearing would determine if he would be able to come home pending trial. We were all confident he would make bail but when his bail was denied by a judge who didn't care how Spencer wasn't a flight risk or a criminal. Using your pregnancy against him, saying how a real father would never leave his pregnant girlfriend for drugs.  Your heart broke into pieces for him, June, and yourself. He turned to you and said something about how he loves you and June.

You were at a loss at this point. You never imagined life without Spencer since you met him in the bullpen on your first day. You were making your coffee with extra extra sugar. In a rush to get back to the round table you turned too fast running into Spencer spilling your coffee all over him. You ended up giving him one of your extra graphic tees from your go bag. After the case he showed up to your apartment with a freshly folded Micheal Myers black and red tee shirt. You invited him in and you both talked for hours upon hours.  Since then you both have been in love with each other.

Now years later with a beautiful baby girl and lots of memories the love is growing stronger. The need for each other was growing stronger. Seeing him being taken to the back like he is some bad man hurts both you and the team. How could the judge not see that he would never do anything like this.

Spencer has taken blow after blow when it came to his life and you couldn’t imagine how he felt right now. You walked out into the hallway where Penelope had your daughter. She was asleep but you still held her regardless. Junie was her fathers twin and even so small just like him. You were so scared that she would never know Spencer. That she would never hear him read her a bedtime story or somehow have an answer to every question she could ask. This entire situation has taken a toll on your mental health but spending time with June helped you greatly. You knew with one parent not here right now you had to push how you felt to the side and show up for your baby girl. You didn’t want to hire a babysitter yet so with leftover paid time off you decided to hold off on going back to work.

Spencer only allowed you to visit him in prison once before taking your name off the list.

“I hate that they are looking at you like you’re a piece of meat.” he said quietly. You were visiting him for the second  and last time. The other prisoners were looking at you like a kid in a candy store.  “Spencer, I'm yours and no one else's. I don't care that they are looking, I'm here for you” you said with a slight smile that caused him to smile. He looked beat down and so sad it destroyed you. He told you about a friend he met that was actually helping him through this. Soon after visiting hours were over and you had to leave.

“I love you so much Spence and so does June. I'll see you next week.” You said as you got up to leave. That day Spencer took you off the visitors list. Spencer didn't want the mother of his child around this no matter how much it hurt you.

“Hey Em, why can't I go visit spence?”  Emily told you it's because Spencer didn’t want you to see him like this. You knew it was worse then she was letting on but you couldn’t afford to push. The truth was Spencer was attacked in prison. He was getting worse mentally and had to keep you away. He never liked when you would worry. You still had not officially returned to work yet but you were still helping with Spencer's case. Gracia would always keep you updated on days when you couldn't get to work because of June.

It’s been 5 months and June is getting more active and even more hungry. You had to focus on raising her the best you could without Spencer. You and the team were still working on the case and felt you were getting close to clearing his name. You were sending letters back and forth to each other talking mostly about June and how she looks so much like you both. You sent him so many pictures of you and June. Spencer also wrote letters to June even though she couldn't read yet. You would read them to her without caring if she understood. You could tell in his letters he wasn’t doing well from the way he talked about how the week would be going.

You knew that they weren’t getting anywhere with the case and it started to sink in. That he wouldn’t be here to see her grow.  Her first time sitting up, her first time saying ‘dada’ her  first steps and it terrified you. Spencer was ready to be a dad and he was just trying to help his mother. You had realized he hadn't even spent a full day with her yet. June was 6 months old now and you were afraid she wouldn't even recognize her own father.

You were on the couch watching a rerun of Boy Meets World while feeding June when you got the call to come to the BAU. You could tell it was urgent so you sped down there as fast as you could. You entered the bullpen pushing in her stroller while holding her bag in the other hand and that’s when he turned around. Spencer Reid, in the flesh, with a very new dad bod that you would get the full experience with later and his long scruffy, brown hair.

A wide grin appeared on his face as he ran up to you and took you in. He kissed the top of your head and finally you both made eye contact “I told you I’ll come home to you” he said as he brought his lips to yours. The moment was interrupted when a very loud baby girl began to wail. That’s when you and Spencer turned to June with her tight curls similar to his. As he went to pick her up you saw tears in his eyes. “ You have grown so much Junie baby!” He said smiling as he picked her up and June smiled back as if he had never left.

[saiyanprincessswanie]

Chrome & Leather - Chapter 13

Pairing: Billy Russo x OFC, Steve Rogers x OFC

Summary: Five years later we see what Jessie’s life is like with her son Ben and fiancé Billy. They seem like the perfect family to their friends and her family. Life couldn’t be any better that is until Steve and Bucky are released from prison. Steve and Bucky have fought for five years to be free and finally their lawyer Matt Murdock gets both men out of jail and cleared of murder charges. What happens when Steve discovers he has a son and Jessie moved on with the Sheriff that helped put him in jail?

Word Count: 4067

Warnings: Brief Smut, Family Reunited (yes this could make you tear up)

A/N: Thank you to my betas @pigwidgeonxo​ and @lfnr-blog-blog-blog​. Thank you to @whimsicalrogers​ for the page break. Picture of Chris on the bike is by Nix on IG. (any mistakes on spelling & grammar are my own)

A/N 2: Okay, this fic picks up 5 years later. That means our Jessie is with Billy. I know this is a Steve x OFC story so trust me as we navigate their lives.

Reblogs & Comments on Tumblr are welcomed and encouraged. Even if you leave an emoji you will make my day. 😊💜

I do NOT give my consent to have my work translated or reposted on any social media platform, apps, or third-party sites. If you see my work anywhere else besides my personal Tumblr & AO3 accounts then it has been stolen. I will NEVER give written or verbal permission to repost or translate any of my fanfics as they’re MY intellectual property. 🚫🚫

Five Years Later....

Steve and Bucky had been called into a meeting at their prison with their attorney Matt Murdock bright and early. Both sat down at the table facing the man who had been trying to set them free. Steve was nervous as his leg bounced under the table. 

Matt gave both men the news they had been waiting five years for. “Gentlemen, I have great news. You’re being released from prison. Thanks to the work of Assistant Sheriff Frank Castle he got John Walker to admit to lying on the stand. Walker was arrested this morning for perjury by Castle pending his charges. I know this may be a lot to take in but you’re going home today.”

After five long years, both men could finally go home. Steve’s mind went a mile a minute. He didn’t expect this day to come. He wondered what Jessie would be up to with their son. God, he had a son, and even though he missed the first five years he could still get to know him as a child. Steve’s one regret was telling Jessie to move on. Would she have moved on so easily? Bucky had never shared that information with him and honestly he doesn’t blame him. Steve did break his sister’s heart, something he swore he would never do.

Both men thanked Matt for everything he did to help clear their names. They were led away to start the process of being released. What or who would await them, well time would only tell.

Jessie groaned as she was in between sleep and being awake. Warm fingers were gently rubbing against her clit before they pushed into her wet channel. Instinctively she rolled her hips into the hand as wet lips kissed just below her ear. Another hand grabbed her thigh and placed it over the one that pushed in between her legs, while the other hand kept fingering her. Little moans escaped her lips as a “shhh” came from behind her.

“Not too loud my love, I need you to be as quiet as you can. We have maybe five or ten minutes before he comes barreling in here.” Billy’s gravelly voice spoke in her ear. Jessie nodded her head and turned her face into the pillow. He pulled his fingers from her, grabbing his cock and running it through her arousal before he pushed into her.

They both groaned in pleasure as he quickly thrusted into her over and over again. Jessie gasped into the pillow as Billy grunted into her neck. His hand made its way to her clit, his thumb strummed her clit to his thrusts and Jessie bit down on the pillow to suppress her moans. Together they chased their high and were cumming within seconds of one another. Billy tilted her head back and captured her lips with his. Just as they pulled apart they could hear little feet running toward their room. Billy quickly pulled out of her and tugged on his boxer briefs as Jessie pulled her shorts and tank top on. 

Jessie looked over at the clock noting that it was 6 am on the dot as the door swung open revealing her 5-year-old son Ben. His blonde hair stood up on end as his blue eyes stared at her. “Mama, I’m hungry.” 

“Well let’s go get you breakfast then. What would you like?” She asked him just as enthusiastically. 

“Pancakes!” Ben excitedly answered as he ran from the bedroom and to the living room downstairs.

Jessie couldn’t help but laugh as she climbed out of bed. Her son was predictable with his answer and was on a pancake kick for the past few weeks. If this was the worst thing he wanted to eat then she considered herself lucky.

Ben ate in silence as he munched on his pancakes while Jessie stood at the counter sipping her coffee. Minutes later Billy was walking down the stairs in his uniform and was greeted by Ben.

“Billy!” The child squealed in delight. 

“Ben!” Billy enthusiastically said back. “I see your mom has made pancakes again.” He leaned over Ben and ruffled his hair playfully. 

“She makes the best ones,” Ben answered before shoveling more into his mouth.

“That she does,” Billy answered, walking over to Jessie and placing a kiss on her cheek. If there was one thing he loved it was mornings in this house. Of course, the nights were just as fun once Ben went to sleep and Billy took Jessie to bed. If there was one thing not lacking in their relationship it was sex. They had been trying for a baby for several months now but nothing had come of it yet. Billy thought the more they tried it would eventually happen. Jessie was more laid back, saying “it will eventually happen when it’s meant to.”

Billy had moved in over a year ago after he proposed. There was some hesitation at first but she ultimately said yes. They were now officially going to be a real family once they got married. None of this playing house that they did for over four years. Soon enough Jessie would be pregnant with his child and that would make his life complete. He’s a patient man and has all the time he needs.

His cell phone rang with an unknown number. He excused himself to step outside and picked up. “Russo.”

“Boss, we have a big problem.” Jack's voice was nervous.

“Well, what is it? You know I don’t take these calls when I’m home so it better be good.” Billy was annoyed being interrupted in his normal routine.

“John is gone. Apparently, someone questioned him and he flipped. He retracted his statement against Steve and James and they are going to be released today! I’ve looked everywhere for John but he either fled or someone has him hidden. Word is it could be your boy Frank Castle but that’s not confirmed.”

Billy listened to everything he was told. Steve and James were going to be released today from prison. It would only be a matter of time before Steve starts sniffing around what was rightfully his. His grip on the phone tightened. “You find out where John is and get rid of him. I need to go and take care of things.” Billy hung out and made his way inside. 

Jessie was at the counter still but on her cell. She looked shocked at whatever was being told to her. He wouldn’t be surprised if Winnie had already heard the news and was letting her daughter know. 

After a few minutes Jessie hung up and tears were falling down her cheeks.

“Are you okay Jessie?” He asked.

She shook her head no. “My mom called. Steve and Bucky are being released today. She wants me to bring Ben over so he can meet his uncle and dad. I-I can’t believe they are getting out after five years. It’s like a miracle.” Her blue eyes filled with tears and Billy fought back his disgust over the news.

He wrapped his arms around her and held her for a few minutes. “Are you sure it’s wise having Ben meet them so soon?”

Jessie pulled back a little from him and looked up into his dark brown eyes. “I think it’s fine. Ben already knows about them both from stories I’ve told him before bed. He knows they have been gone but I didn’t say why, he’s too young to understand. I think this would be great, especially for my brother. As for Steve, well I have no idea how that will go but ma and Bucky will be there for us.”

“If you think so then I support you. Let me know when and I will go with you. I don’t have time for breakfast, I got a call saying they need me early. So I will see you later.” Billy leaned down and kissed Jessie’s lips. He pulled away and grabbed his keys off the counter. “I will see you later Ben.” He waved at the little boy who quickly jumped off his chair and ran to Billy, wrapping his arms around a leg.

“I'm gonna miss you,” Ben said against Billy’s leg.

“Gonna miss you too Buddy. Keep your mama safe while I’m gone.”

Ben let go and smiled big. “I will protect my mama.”

Billy laughed as he headed out the door and into the sheriff's SUV. As he climbed in his happy mood faded. He needs to find John quickly.

Jessie headed over to her ma’s house with Ben. If anyone could help her figure out what to do about Steve coming back it was her ma. Jessie was bitter the first year after what Steve pulled. But raising a child essentially on her own didn’t allow for such emotions. On top of it, Billy has helped her with Ben since day one. He helped her with her emotions when things got overwhelming and when she needed a breather he took over. Over the years she also had her friends and the biker club that helped when she needed a babysitter. Then there was her ma or what Ben called her mamaw. Ben absolutely adored her and Winnie found some healing by helping to raise him. To say Jessie and Ben were taken care of was an understatement to all the people who helped. As they say, it takes a village to raise a kid. Jessie’s village had to be one of the best.

As Jessie pulled up to her ma’s house Ben was cheering from the back seat. Winnie came out onto the porch and waited as Jessie got Ben out. Once she put Ben on the driveway his little feet took off as he ran towards his mamaw. 

“Mamaw! I’ve come to see you!” Ben screamed for all to hear. Jessie and Winnie couldn’t help but laugh as he ran into his mamaw’s arms hugging her tightly. 

“I see that. Have you been a good boy for your mama?” She asked as she lifted him up. Ben shook his head enthusiastically.

“He’s been good. He had to have some pancakes again today. I swear he just may turn into one if he keeps eating them.” Jessie laughed as she watched Ben hug her ma and place kisses on her cheeks.

“As long as he is eating, who cares what it is? Though mamaw needs to make you some french toast sometime. You would gobble that right up.” Winnie said as she pretended to eat him causing him to squeal. Ben wiggled in her arms until she put him down. Then he was running over to where his toy trucks were on the porch waiting for him. As soon as he sat down and started playing Jessie and her ma sat on the other side of the porch where they could watch him.

“So what’s bothering you this morning? Is it Steve’s release?” Winnie inquired.

Jessie nodded her head. “Yeah, I mean I didn’t think this day would ever come and now it’s happening today. Ben knows about Bucky and Steve cause I’ve told countless stories. But…”

“But what dear?”

“What if Steve meant what he said? That he doesn’t want a kid? I mean I have Billy now and he is like a dad to him. He’s been there for us the entire time Steve has been gone. I just don’t want to see my son hurt from Steve rejecting him.” Jessie watched as Ben played with his trucks on the porch. Her son was everything to her and she would be damned if he got hurt.

“Winnie’s eyes went from Jessie to Ben and she understood the hesitation. “Jessie, I have known Steve his entire life. If there is one thing I’m sure of it’s that he is going to love Ben. You both created a beautiful boy and I know Steve is going to want to make up for the lost time. The only question I have is what does Billy say about their release?”

Jessie’s smile falters just a little. “I think he is nervous about how I’m going to react to Steve getting out. I mean there is a history there but I’ve moved on. That’s what Steve told me to do. I’m happy with Billy and Ben. I’m open to Steve getting to know our son and if he wants to be in his life I will allow it cause I’m his mother. But yeah, I think Billy is worried. He said he wants to be here when the guys arrive. Of course, I don’t know if that's a good thing or not.”

“Well, we will cross that bridge together today. If anyone makes a fuss I will deal with them. What’s important is that they will be freed and cleared of that crime.”

Her ma was right, all that mattered was their release. Everything else would be dealt with slowly when it comes to Ben. She didn’t want to overwhelm him too much. Today was going to be a great day. A day of peace, a day to celebrate homecomings, and a day for families to be reunited.

Later on, around noon time Nat and Wanda came over to Winnie’s house to help get things ready for Bucky and Steve to show up. Winnie wanted to make sure to have normal food for the guys to eat. The women made the men's favorite dishes as they chatted away in the kitchen.

Natasha was excited to finally get Bucky back after five years apart. Nat had been faithful and stood by Bucky’s side, refusing to move on with anyone else. Jessie admired that in Nat and would have done the same with Steve if he didn’t tell her he didn’t want her anymore. 

Winnie and Wanda were finishing cooking while Ben was being chased around by his auntie Nat. Jessie watched as the little boy laughed when Nat caught him in her arms. There was no denying Nat loved Ben like family. That’s something that never lacked in the last five years. The club members helped Jessie with Ben when she had to work. Billy, of course, didn’t like it but she insisted they were good people. That was the only thing that ever bothered Jessie about Billy. The fact he didn’t like her friends despite them being supportive of her relationship with him. 

Jessie was taken care of financially by income from the mechanic shop. Nat ran the shop with Tony and they made sure Jessie would get Steve’s income for the time being. This left Jessie working part-time at the diner and raising Ben. The money she got from Becca’s life insurance was set aside so she could start building her dream house on the land that Steve bought all those years ago. Steve had signed the property over to Jessie who was waiting for the right time to build. Billy tried to get her to sell the property but she refused. This was going to be where she eventually settled down once the contractor finishes the blueprints. 

Jessie was lost in her thoughts when she heard the revving of motorcycle engines coming down the road. Ben stopped running from Nat and stared in awe as Tony, Thor, Loki, Clint, Sam, Bucky, and Steve rolled up. Shit, she didn’t know the guys would be here this early. Jessie’s eyes never left Steve as he parked. He looked different than the last time she saw him. Now Steve had longer hair and a thicker beard. Next to him, her brother Bucky was parking his bike, he had shorter hair and a beard. Both men looked more rugged than she remembers.

Nat ran up to Bucky as he got off his bike. She leaped into his arms and they both kissed. Jessie couldn’t help but smile at them both. Steve was met with handshakes from the men and Winnie hugged him. Ben walked up to Jessie and grabbed her hand. He looked nervous with the two new men here. Steve’s eyes wandered over to Jessie and the little boy who held onto her for dear life.

Steve sucked in a deep breath. This had to be his son that Bucky told him all about. He was a spitting image of Steve with blonde hair and blue eyes. Steve slowly walked over to them as Jessie and the little boy watched his every movement. His eyes caught a glimpse of a ring on her left ring finger. It was not the ring he gave her all those years ago.

Jessie’s eyes never left Steve's as they stood a foot apart. “Ben, remember me telling you stories about your dad?” The little boy nodded his head nervously. “Well, this is your dad. He has come home with your Uncle Bucky who is now approaching us.” Ben clung to Jessie's leg, nervous about the taller men. “Can you say hi?” Jessie knelt next to her son who held onto her. Steve finally knelt in front of them both to be on the same level as them. 

“Hi, I’m Ben,” the little boy shyly said. 

“Hi, Ben I’m Steve, your daddy.” Ben walked over to Steve and stood between his parents. His little hand touched his beard and the boy giggled. 

“Mama he is hairy like a bear.” Both Jessie and Steve laughed as the little boy took him in.

“That he is baby. Do you recognize him from the picture at home?” Ben nodded again and looked at the next man who knelt on the ground. “You should know who this is, Ben.”

“Uncle Bucky? You come home to stay?” he asked. 

Bucky smiled at his nephew. “Your dad and I are here to stay buddy. Promise.” At that moment Ben flew into his Uncle’s arms and hugged him. Then hugged Steve just as tightly.

Jessie watched the small reunion with tears in her eyes. It was then she noticed all her friends watching the four of them. Winnie and Nat wiped tears away as the men stood grinning at the sight of this family being reunited. 

All seemed to be going well until the Sheriff’s SUV pulled up to the front of the house where everyone was. 

Steve watched as the Sheriff got out of the vehicle and made his way to the four of them. Ben noticed Billy instantly, screaming his name as he ran towards the Sheriff who caught him in his arms and picked him up. Jessie, Bucky, and Steve stood as Billy approached them. Steve didn’t know why the Sheriff was there until Billy walked past him and kissed Jessie on the cheek.

“I didn’t know the get-together was already starting. Weren’t you going to call me sweetheart so I could be here?”

Jessie smiled as she looked at Billy. “They literally just showed up minutes ago. I was going to call you here in a few.” Billy nodded at her statement, his dark eyes looking at both bikers in front of him. He could see the anger simmering in Steve’s eyes while he held Ben. 

“Well I don’t want to interrupt but I wanted to say it’s nice to see you both out and cleared of your charges. I know we have all looked forward to this day.” He placed Ben on the ground and lightly grabbed Jessie’s hand. “I need to have a word in private with my fiance if you would excuse us.”

Steve’s jaw was about to hit the ground at the word fiance. There was no way she would end up with Billy of all people, would she? He watched the two walk towards the SUV and started talking. It seemed pleasant enough until Billy said something and made Jessie roll her eyes. As they parted he kissed her on the lips and headed to the driver's side of the SUV and got in. Jessie walked away from Billy as the Sheriff left the group of friends and family. 

Steve looked at Jessie as she approached them and asked, “Is everything okay?”

Jessie smiled awkwardly at him. “Of course, everything is fine.”

Before Steve could call her out on the blatant lie Ben came rolling up to them on his electric toy motorcycle that had two wheels on the back and one on the front. Steve, Bucky, and Jessie started to chuckle as the little boy stopped in front of them. 

“Mama, can I ride with them now that they are home?” Ben looked at her with determination.

“Ben, you're still too young. But, I’m sure your uncle and dad would love to see your skills on the bike.” The little boy got excited and started to ride around in the driveway for all to see. Their friends cheered Ben on as he rode around them. With Ben now occupied and everyone watching Steve decided he needed to chat with Jessie.

“Hey, do you have a minute, Jessie?” Steve inquired and Jessie nodded her head. The two of them walked away from the group of friends.

“What do you want to discuss, Steve?” 

Steve rubbed the back of his head as he asked the most obvious question. “So you and Billy are a couple? When did that happen?” He tried to keep the jealousy at bay but knew he sounded it.

“It happened when you decided to dump me while pregnant. Billy helped with anything I needed and we just sort of started dating when I was halfway through my pregnancy with Ben. He proposed a year ago and I said yes. Look, he is a great guy and great with Ben.”

“I’m just surprised you want to be with someone who helped put me and your brother in jail.”

Jessie looked at Steve, anger clearly on her face. “Billy was doing his job. I don’t expect you to understand. But know this, I’m happy, Ben is happy and that’s all I care about. I’m glad you’re both home but don’t expect me to end my relationship because you’re back again.”

“You can honestly sit there and tell me you feel nothing towards me?” Steve’s voice dropped an octave as he spoke softer so their friends wouldn’t hear. 

“I-I feel nothing. You made sure of that when you told me to move on. This is me moving on Steven so you just need to accept it. If you want to be in Ben’s life that means you need to accept I’m with Billy.” Jessie stormed away from Steve and headed inside her ma’s house. Everyone watched as Steve returned to the group and stood next to Bucky.

“Let me guess you pissed my sister off by bringing up her relationship with Billy?” Bucky calmly asked. 

“Am I that predictable?”

Both Nat and Bucky answered in unison. “Yup!”

Steve sighed, he didn’t expect to see Jessie with someone else. He had hoped this was going to be his second chance at life. That he would come back, sweep her off her feet, and apologize for what he said. With a son at home, he was hoping to get to know Ben better and be the father that he always wanted to be. With Billy and Jessie engaged he saw his future vanish before his eyes. Steve had only ever had eyes for Jessie and now that wasn’t going to be an option. He knew Jessie like the back of his hand and he knew she still had feelings for him. When Billy showed up she didn’t have the same happiness as when she introduced Ben to him. Maybe with time, there could be hope for them. Until she marries that sheriff, Steve knew he had to try with everything in him to save their fallen relationship.

Chapter 14

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