#someone. I… but I want to replay. I miss my husband and I miss my friends. I loved the letters updating you on quest outcomes years later. I

[ziracona]

I want to replay DA2; I miss my husband Anders so much and it was so fun but. Literally how will I ever make it past All That Remains again. The first pass nearly killed me. But I can’t beat Act 2 without it. But I can’t go through that again. But I have to replay DA2. But I’ll die. But I-

[scarletwinterxx]

first love and kisses - dad mark lee scenario

hello! i thought about posting something for Mark day and i kinda miss this family so here we go🥺 for context Minjung is 12 and Minjee is 6. I really really love this au that's why I keep writing about it. Hope you like it too💛

part1: day with dad mark lee

part2: another day with dad mark lee

part3: a day with the lee's

part4: (prologue) i don't know how to make eggs

part5: glitter pens and goodnight kisses with the Lee's

part6: first love and kisses

part7: naps and baby kicks

part8: then there was three

part9: just like you

if you have a request or scenario you want me to do, just send me a message I'll see what I can do😊💌

For my other works you can check them out here, and for my other story series’ you can check them out here.

All works are copyrighted ©scarletwinterxx 2023 . Do not repost, re-write without the permission of author.

(gif not mine, credits to rightful owner)

"Mom! We're home!"

From downstairs, you can hear your children's voices. Smiling to yourself as you listen to their hurried footstep climbing the stairs, a few seconds later the two kids burst through the bedroom door ready tackle you with a hug

"What did I say about running up the stairs?" you shake your head at them while arms wide open, Minjee runs faster towards you hugging you "Sorry" she tells you with a smile you can't say no to

"Go wash your hands, do you want any snacks?"

"Oh I want a sandwich please. Thank you, mommy" she says, kissing you on the cheek before walking out the door again. You let her be, chuckling as you watch the now 6 year old little girl

"And you, where's my hugs?" you say at your oldest, stepping in your arms and enveloping him in a tight hug. Now Minjung's 12 about to be 13 (he likes to remind you and Mark), and as he grows each day he reminds you more and more of your husband.

He's a bit shy but always so sure of himself. He loves to play the piano and guitar, also loves to play basketball with his dad on their free days.

"Anything interesting happened today?" you ask him when you break apart, returning to your previous chore of folding the new laundry on your bed

"School's school. I volunteered to play the piano for the school play" he tells you

"That sounds great, buddy. Your dad will be excited" you tell him with a big smile, feeling proud of your boy's achievement.

"Is he home? I need to tell him something too"

"He'll be home soon, what is it? Something bothering you?"

"Well, I think Minjee got a boyfriend and he told me to tell him when that happens"

You pause what you were doing to look over your son, his words replaying in your head. Oh Mark is about to come home to a surprise.

"Minjee got a wait what?"

"Yea uh this boy she's been friends with for a long time, I saw them playing together a lot in the school grounds. He even pushes the swing when Jee's on it. She loves it" he tells you

"Oh, well that sounds... okay. Do you know the kid? Do I know him?" you wonder

"I think so, he's been Jee's classmate for a long time"

"And how can you say he's her boyfriend, maybe they're just friends?" you chuckled at the innocence. Finding the scenario quite endearing.

"Well Minjee kissed him"

"Pardon me? She did what?!"

"Yea uhm on the cheeks" Minjung mumbles, wondering why you were acting like that "Was she not suppose to? Are we in trouble? Dad told me to tell him if a guy talks to Minjee, like when someone talks to you in the grocery"

Now that's new information to you. You chuckle at the idea of Mark having Minjung spy on you. His protective side never having a day off.

"No no honey, of course not. You only get in trouble if you kiss the other person who doesn't want you to. We never kiss people without their permission" you tell him, the young boy nodding at your words

"Don't worry about it, I'll tell your dad. What you do want for snacks?" you ask him, "Bread with nutella?" Minjung smiles at you, and whenever he does you're reminded of Mark. He looks just like his father.

"Got it. I'll just finish here, why don't you rest for a bit okay"

After preparing their after school snacks, the two kids retreat to their bedrooms to start on their homework while you prepare dinner.

You were just about to be done when your husband walks through the front door, "I'm home" Mark calls out

"Hey, just in time. Dinner's ready" you smile at him, Mark puts his bag down and takes his coat off before walking towards you to give you a hug

"Missed you" he mumbles against your head, giggling at your husband's antics. Even after all these years, after having two kids, he still gives you all the butterflies.

"Missed you too, want to change first before dinner? Actually there's something uh let's go upstairs" you tell him, already walking towards the stairs with a slightly confused Mark following behind you

"Can you close the door, love?"

"Oh uh we're doing that right now? I mean I missed you so I'm not complaining but the kids are here and dinner's-" "Oh my gosh, Mark! why are you taking your pants off?" you laugh out loud

"Oh it's not that kind of closed door conversation, got it"

You laugh again while waiting for him to change into his house clothes.

"What is it, everything okay?" he asks once he's done, all his undivided attention on you

"Well don't be shocked about what I'm about to tell you-"

"Are you pregnant?"

"Minjee got a boyfriend"

The two of you said at the same time, both processing each other's words.

"Uh what? You thought I was pregnant?" you ask

"Well I just remembered that time after Taeyong hyung's party and we you know wait don't distract me. Did you just say my daughter got a boyfriend?" he slowly said the last few words with emphasis

"Well Minjung told me, but it's probably just a cute crush type of thing" you tell him, trying to comfort him in a way. You're okay with the news, finding it cute even but Mark's very protective of his kids especially his daughter. His little girl.

No man will ever be enough for his girl. Not now not ever. You're afraid for the guy in your daughter's future, he already has a lot to prove. And rightfully so because not a day in Minjee's life did Mark ever forgot to treat her the way he deserves to be treated.

"Oh hell nah, do we know the boy's parents? let me talk to them"

"And tell them what, that our daughter kissed their son"

"SHE DID WHAT?!"

Okay maybe you should've phrased and eased into that topic a little bit better.

"Oh come on, don't freak out. It's cute. Harmless. Didn't you ever have your pre-school romance? First love?" you tease your husband, hugging him

"This is different, she's my daughter"

"Our daughter" you laugh, nuzzling your nose against his neck. "You know, you're so hot when you get all protective over our kids" you tell him. You feel his arms around you, hugging you back.

"Don't distract me" he groans, making you laugh again

"She'll be fine, you know our girl. If anything I feel sorry for the boy, he doesn't know what he's about to get himself into" you joke, this time Mark lets out a chuckle too.

"And what is that thing you told Minjung? To tell him when someone talks to me at the grocery?" you ask him, not forgetting your son's anecdote earlier.

"How was I suppose to know when someone tries to hit on you when I'm not around? I've seen it happened, and I was there. Your husband, me, standing there and some dude still got the nerve to talk to you. It's like the don't see the ring on your finger or they just totally ignore it"

"Did I tell you, you're even hotter when you get all possessive" you whisper against his ear, kissing it then kissing along his jaw down the hollow of his neck

"How am I suppose to talk when you're like this, baby?" he grips your waist, letting you continue your actions. Smiling against his skin.

You giggle before leaning up to kiss him on the lips, immediately he kisses you back with fervor. For a moment he forgot what the two of you were even talking about but he heard someone shout from outside the door.

"Mom! Is dinner ready? I'm hungry" Minjee shouts from the other side of the door making the two of you stop and laugh.

"God I love them" Mark says to no one in particular, then he looks down at you "Thank you" he mumbles

"For what?"

"For this, not gonna lie I'm still stressed about the whole boyfriend thing by the way she's not allowed to have a boyfriend until she's 30. But I won't have it any other way, I still and always will choose this life with you"

You smile up at him, kissing him again "Me too, I love you" you tell Mark. He smiles, kissing the tip of your nose "I love you" he tells you before walking towards the door

"Dad! You're home" Minjee cheers, jumping up in her dad's arms. Mark welcomes her, walking down the stairs with Minjee in his arms.

"Minjung, dinner's ready" you call out and wait for him, the oldest sibling exiting his room. The two of you walk down together

"Is he your friend then? Only a friend?" you hear Mark ask the youngest Lee

"Yes dad, mommy what's a boyfriend? Daddy says I can't get one until I'm older but like how older? When I'm 12 like oppa?"

You laugh at Mark's stressed reaction, seating across your husband while Minjung seats beside you. Minjee already comfortable on her seat beside her dad.

"No, maybe when you're 30" Mark tells her

"But that's a lot of birthday candles!" she tells him with a pout, "What about oppa?"

Minjung looks at you and Mark, as if waiting for your permission. "Your brother can ask who he likes when the time is right" you tell her, turning to Minjung "We'll talk about it later" you tell him, kissing him on the head before putting food on his plate and Minjee's.

"Can we talk about something else then?" Mark tries to change the topic

"Can I get a unicorn bicycle then?" Minjee says making the three of you laugh, Mark already nodding

"That I can give you, I'll get you one right away"

[deadmenandthedivine]

DEAD MEN § the DIVINE

chapter eight: dead flowers and garden bugs

Maetilda Targaryen, First of her Name, was supposed to be many things. What she became was entirely different.

table of contents

trigger warning!!! this fic contains many graphic topics and depictions. such as but not limited to: dead parents, abusive parents, toxic family systems, incest, medieval misogyny, forced marriage, threats of assault (sexual § physical), actual assault, imprisonment, kidnapping, murder, blood/gore, uxoricide, familicide, PTSD and other neurodivergence. i will do my best to update as i go along, but please let me know if i have missed anything!

word count: 3838

Everything around her seemed so calm. The gentle breeze barely disturbed the gardens and branches above. The birds sang their songs. Even the sounds of hustle and bustle of King’s Landing seemed quieter, more peaceful than usual. Her sisters breathed calmly and spoke softly as they flanked her sides. They hadn’t stopped holding each of her hands since they had grabbed them and led them out of the Great Hall. The princess shook like a leaf. The casual air that radiated from her sisters disturbed her suspicions. Had they seen someone die so gruesomely before? It had been their kin after all. They had known him far better than she had. Did they not like him? Were they relieved? Whenever she blinked, she could see the insides of his head. His tongue limply falling out of it to rest on the floor. She could not remember such a horrific sight since Lucerys took Aemond’s eye. The cut was horrific, but to the point where she did not want to peel her eyes away. What was left of Vaemond was abominable, and she was frozen in shock at the sight of it. The image of it was imprinted on the backs of her eyelids. Her father had been so swift, so nimble, and so very silent. It happened so fast she questioned if she had actually seen it. But she most certainly had, it replayed over in her mind in a constant loop.

If it weren’t for her two sisters, she knew she would have completely left her own body. It had all been too much. If it were not for their interference, she would have caused quite the scene. Yet the princess could hardly think of anything beyond how the two seemed to be acting so normal. Her mind was stuck on it. Yes, they had seen violent deaths bring the end to proud men from the time they were small girls. Tourneys, executions, duels for one’s honor. She had seen such deaths too. But this one had been different. They had to have felt something. He had watched over them at Driftmark while their grandfather was off at his many wars. They had known him far better than she ever had. She felt guilty for it. Her emotions. She cursed her own audacity to put herself above them in such a manner. I am fine. What I saw was fine. It was nothing. I am fine. I am fine. It was nothing. Everything is fine. It will all be fine. With the inner mantra and steady breaths, the princess fought to regain control of herself. She knew she needed to check in on them. She was their older sister and she was not acting like it.

“How are you both? Are you well?” She finally forced out.

Baela scoffed out a dry laugh.

“Are you well?” Rhaena asked.

The princess nodded stiffly, unable to answer the question verbally. Her sisters stared at her unconvinced, “Congratulations on your engagements.”

Baela laughed again, a bit more incredulously.

“Thank you, Til.” Rhaena smiled.

“Jace and Luke have always been very good brothers to me over these years.” The eldest stated, “It gives me no doubt that they shall make even better husbands. I hope you will let me know if they ever upset you. I swear I will straighten them both out — promptly.”

“I fear no husband.” Baela stated proudly.

“Good, they are not worth your fear. You’ll see once we eventually go riding.”

“I believe that we have been suitably matched.” Rhaena smiled, “Our future titles are quite fitting too.”

“Lady of Driftmark and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. They suit you very much. You will make a good queen someday, Baela,” The princess nodded, “Did you know ahead of time?”

“Yes.” Baela shrugged.

“Grandmother told us of the offer late in the night, but she did not tell us that she had accepted it.” Rhaena clarified, “But I am sure you have had plenty of proposals. Any pretty ones?”

The eldest sister shrugged. Her chest tightened again at the reminder of her perpetual solitude and shame. It seemed to be the only topic of discussion amongst the Seven Kingdoms. Soon, she would undoubtedly be considered a laughingstock. The proposals would surely slow over the next few years, if she was lucky they hadn’t already stopped. With every question, it seemed her days were dwindling. How long until she was referred to as the Spinster of Runestone? A dry, ugly hag? She would be mocked at every tourney, feast, or social gathering, perhaps even in songs. The sneers and taunts already echoed in her ears. Who would wed her after that? Certainly no one the those of Runestone would be pleased with. From how her knights spoke of other lords when they thought she couldn’t hear, she was sure of it. Would they even let her in her own castle if they didn’t approve? Hopefully Shrykos would be enough to convince them. But what if she wasn’t? What if the proud men of the Vale would rather see death by fire than an unwed spinster as their Lady? Like Vaemond would rather commit treason than see Rhaenyra’s son rule his family seat. It was a rigidly noble stance to take. Yet she could not blame them. Especially those of Runestone. They did not know her. They only knew of her parents, one they cherished and the other they wholeheartedly condemned. She had been cursed at conception perhaps. Parents such as hers should have never been given a child.

“No, uhh,” Maetilda answered quickly after realizing how long she had been lost in her thinking, “If there are, I do not know of a single one.”

Clutching her necklaces, Baela gasped, “That’s not true.”

“Certainly you have suitors, sister. Lining up all the way from the Iron Islands to Yi Ti.” Rhaena’s brows were furrowed as she looked at the princess with suspicion.

“Very sweet of you both. But there is not much that I can do about any of it.”

“I will have a word with Grandmother.” Rhaena disagreed.

“Grandmother can’t fix everything, Rhaena.” Baela retorted.

“If she cannot fix it, she will show us what to do.”

“No need, it is fine. I will be fine.”

“Maetilda, you do not look like you will be fine.” Rhaena stated matter of factly.

“What are you insinuating?”

“The way you looked at father in the Throne Room. You were terrified of him.” Baela crossed her arms.

“He was— It is fine. I was just shaken up from what happened. There is nothing to worry about.”

“I take offense to how stupid you must think we are.” Baela scoffed.

“Baela!” Rhaena scolded.

“I am not going to apologize! She is the one who called us stupid.”

“I made no such accusation!”

“You deem me a liar now? The gall on this one, Rhaena! Can you believe her?”

“I could call you worse things, if you would prefer.” The princess smirked, not being able to pass up the opportunity to make such a threat.

“I could call your mother worse things!” Baela stuck out her tongue childishly.

“I am sure your mother would be very pleased to hear what you have to say.”

“You may call for my mother all you like, she will not answer.”

“Do not underestimate her!”

“Pardon my lapse of judgment, your mother did call for me just the other day.”

“That is enough! Both of you.” Rhaena finally butted in.

“Now the fun is dead too.” Baela rolled her eyes.

“Since when were you the responsible one?” Maetilda teased.

“Since I was stranded in a Keep with grandmother and this one for years on end.” Rhaena smiled smugly as she gestured toward her older twin sister.

“My deepest apologies.” The princess grinned genuinely as her two sisters giggled alongside her.

The three seemed significantly more relaxed as they continued to pace about the gardens together. There was something so delightfully soothing about reuniting after so long. Like she could breath without any residual tightness in her chest. The last time they had seen each other had been the twins’ last nameday, their seven and tenth. The girls had gone riding over Driftmark together on their dragons. Their father had hired Pentoshi street performers and Norvosi bell dancers to entertain them as a reminder of their shared youth. The festivities and celebration lasted for days. By the end of it, the bell dancers had taught the girls a few moves and they had started to develop a tolerance to Dornish wine. Each night, they would drink more cups than the last until they would end up dancing up and down the corridors. It had been one of the best nameday celebrations the princess could remember. Their father was always a lot more generous with his pocketbooks when it came to the twins. Despite the fact that the two had never been left wanting in the care of their grandparents. Before the girls had dragons of their own, their parents would take them riding on Vhagar and Caraxes. The twins would normally ride together, either with their father or mother. Maetilda would ride with whoever they didn’t, which meant that she frequently rode Vhagar. Despite being the biggest most famous dragon in the whole world, the twins would almost always choose to ride with their father. The alone time with Laena had always felt a bit off to the princess. Her late stepmother had never been short of kind and loving, always spending extra time to help her with her stitching and calligraphy. She always made sure to hear the princess’s side of the story when the three girls fought. Yet atop Vhagar, all she could think about was her own mother. They would never ride dragons together. She was jealous that her sisters got to choose who to ride with. She was jealous of their engagement status. She was jealous of their caretaker and the elegance they inherited from her. She was jealous of the fact that they could keep their sanity in front of everyone. The jealousy had a tendency to eat at her insides whenever she was around them. She felt guilty for it. Such matters were not their fault.

After their legs grew tired, the three sisters took a seat on some shaded cushions that overlooked the waves. The sea mist was humid, but familiar. They talked for what felt like hours about books they’d read, frivolous gossip, and if they thought Rhaenyra was carrying a prince or princess. In reality, time moved differently in the warmth of each others’ presence. Eventually servants brought them tea and snacks, after seeing that they had ceased their walk. Apple fritters with honey and syrup. Different cuts of quail sandwiches, the perfect size to be eaten with one’s fingers. Assorted freshly cut fruit. Breads and cheeses galore. The tea was ginger, wheatgrass, and lemon. Maetilda added sugar to hers and they all dug in. The twins even ate as if their grandmother meticulously coached every movement. She tried not to gawk at her sisters for it. Especially Baela, who had always been the more rambunctious. Little to no crumbs fell. They fell silent while they ate, enjoying the food. Their lack of chatter allowed for them to take in the sounds around them. The crashing of the waves, the hum of life from the city, the chirping of birds, the passing bits of conversations from working servants. Even the buzzing of wings from the garden bugs that caught a whiff of the elaborately prepared cuisine. It was all broken by the sound of footsteps approaching, heard long before their owner’s identity was revealed due to the weaving of the garden paths. They were distinct, just like any knight’s. The armor was quieter at the joints. The crunching gravel from boots meeting the ground suggested they were made of a different material, almost sounding heavier. All three girls tensed as they passed looks of inquiry and speculation amongst themselves. Emerging from a path lined with browning bushes, one of the Cargyll twins approached and bowed. Ser Wyllam stood at attention and looked to his princess for direction.

“Ser Cargyll, good day,” Maetilda greeted, not entirely sure which twin it was.

“Good day, Princess, Ladies. You may call me Ser Arryk, less confusing.”

The logic would be sound, if she could actually tell them apart in the first place. She suspected she would lose that game the minute the brothers stood side by side again. Telling her sisters apart had never been hard. Even when they were babes.

“Pardon me for being forward, but what brings you here?” She asked.

“Not forward at all, I have been sent for a reason.”

“Yes, and that reason is?” Baela inquired suspiciously.

“My prince has sent me to see to your good health, Princess Maetilda. We are all quite shaken by today’s events.”

Her cheeks grew red as she felt herself sinking into her seat. Had she made a scene? Her father would undoubtedly have a word with her about it later. Especially if it was dramatic enough for others to take notice. Her sisters’ eyes bore into her worse than the sun on a hot summer day, “… which prince, Ser Arryk?”

“He did not want me to say.” The knight muttered.

“Yes, but I want you to say.” Maetilda smiled sweetly.

“Forgive me, princess. I do believe his order outweighs yours.”

“Whether that is true or not, we are certainly nicer to talk to, prettier, and some of those among us will be the future Queen, you know.” Baela shrugged as she glanced around inconspicuously and checked her nail beds.

“This is very true, Ser Arryk, you should tell us regardless.” Maetilda tried, “A strong, skilled, and valiant knight such as yourself should be able to get away with it.”

“I truly hope you can forgive me, princess, lady, and future Queen. If my head was not the wager, I would’ve already told you.”

Rhaena leaned forward like a lord over a war table, “Tell us this, knight. If that is even what you are. Why is this alleged prince not seeing after the princess’s health himself?”

The other two sisters dissolved into held-back giggles at the youngest’s genius. Even the Cargyll brother smirked. He sat his weight back on one of his feet and glanced up at the sky in thought.

“His grace is seeing to his brother.”

“Forgive me, Ser Cargyll. Your lack of answers is insufferable.” Baela grumbled.

“Truly! Do Kingsguard have no fun?” Rhaena teased.

“Not when under orders, unfortunately.” Ser Arryk bowed his head.

“Simply miserable.” Maetilda sighed, “You may fulfill your orders however you like, Ser Arryk. Tell the prince what you see fit. But if he wants to know the truth of my health, he must come find me himself.”

“I shall pass along the message,” The knight bowed, “Good day, princess, lady, future Queen.”

As quiet as a kitchen mouse, Ser Arryk turned on the balls of his feet and left the same way he came. The princess replayed the conversation in her head over and over again, milling over each person’s words. Her heart fluttered and sank at the same time. One of the princes had sent after her. The options were numbered, exactly five. Aegon, Jacaerys, Aemond, Lucerys, or Daeron. Six, if her father was to be counted, but he would not have sent a Kingsguard. By the same logic, Jace and Luke were unlikely to be culprits. Ser Arryk was not their knight, and they would have asked themselves. Neither of them were thoughtful enough to send someone after her. Daeron was not a strong candidate either. He was older than Joffrey, and likely at the age where he would have crushes on girls. A disturbing notion for the princess to think about. However, the King’s youngest son was also in Oldtowne with his great uncle as a ward. That left Aegon or Aemond. She really did not want the former to come looking for her. Something that she had just invited via the Kingsguard. The thought alone made her nauseous. Her stomach boiled and bubbled. He was married to Helaena, but she knew such bindings would not be enough to stop him from his pursuits. He could have laid the trap.

“Gods be damned, what did I just do!” She groaned as soon as the coast was clear.

“You took the reins, sister!” Baela proudly giggled.

“I cannot have the King’s drunken son harassing me in the corridors.” The princess snapped quietly.

“It wasn’t the drunk one. That’s who is being looked after.” Rhaena smirked, “Aemond is not subtle.”

“Aemond?” Baela sneered with disgust.

“Aemond?!” Maetilda simultaneously gasped.

“Baela, you cannot still hold a grudge against him. He was a wounded boy who wanted the world’s largest dragon for himself.” Rhaena sighed.

“Of course I can! I do not forget.”

“Sisters, we do not need to get into this. We don’t know it was him.” Maetilda attempted.

“He called Jace and Luke slurs. I would wager all the jewelry in my possession that he still uses them.” Baela ignored her.

“They both do. Yet one of them seems to have his eyes on our sister and would be politically advantageous.” Rhaena hissed.

“Politically advantageous or not, he’s not a good match. I will not see it happen.” Baela crossed her arms again.

“Father would never marry me to a Hightower.” Maetilda pointed out.

Rhaena frowned in agreement. Baela smiled as she threw her hands up in relief, “There’s always the Manderly Lord! Part of me thinks he has not yet taken a wife because he waits for you.”

The twins giggled until they cried at the shared memory from their nameday some years ago. But the princess felt knots in her stomach build at her sisters’ increasing interest in her engagement status. Briefly, she wondered if they could have an ulterior motive. They could work together to ensure her disgrace, yet their betrothal to the most sought after bachelors in the Kingdom took away all need to compete. They were no longer in the same race as her. They were promised. Soon, all of the Realm would know. It would be a disgrace for them should they not follow through with marriage. Neither Rhaenys nor Rhaenyra were the type to change their mind. In a perfect world, Rhaenyra would have a say over Maetilda’s marriage arrangements as well.

“Sometimes I wonder if father will ever have me marry.” She whispered barely loud enough for the two to hear, “Sometimes I wonder if he— what lengths he would go to keep my castle.”

It was as if all sound throughout King’s Landing and Blackwater Bay ceased for the span of a few breaths. The twins looked at their older sister with wide and shell shocked eyes. Their expressions were identical. The same sort of face that Laena would have made. It made the princess want to pause. The blood in her veins changed temperature.

“You think father would do something nefarious in order to keep possession of an old castle in the Vale? When he is to be King Consort?” Rhaena attempted to piece together the puzzle.

“Father does not want to be left without a contingency plan.” The princess pointed out.

“He has always been one to plot.” Baela nodded in agreement, “And brood.”

As the princess’s hands rubbed up and down the outsides of her thighs, they brushed past the bumps in her waist pocket. The stones were still in there. She had not moved them. They had all collected to one corner throughout her day. She could not tell her sisters. They would only run to tell their grandmother. She needed more time to find the caster and undo the binds. Princess Rhaenys would only put a stop to that. Panic flooded Maetilda’s every sense at the very thought of her losing such an opportunity to prove herself.

“Father is getting older, but he has time to change his mind.” Rhaena stated with a sigh.

Maetilda was not so confident. She pursed her lips to keep her dissent at bay.

“We shall convince him.” Baela agreed.

“We should go riding tomorrow.” Maetilda changed the subject.

“I have missed Shrykos!” Baela gasped happily.

“I do as well. She is not here. We all traveled by boat for Princess Rhaenyra’s sake.” The princess frowned softly.

“You must ride with one of us!” Rhaena insisted, “We could leave after breaking our fast. You could eat with us! We must ask grandmother.”

“Must ask me what?”

The regal woman appeared silently out of nowhere. Perhaps the bushes around them had disguised her footsteps. Their knights should have announced her arrival. Rhaenys must have told them not to. Each of the girls bowed their heads respectfully at her presence.

“We wish to go riding tomorrow, like on our birthday. May we please?” Rhaena replied sweetly.

“Grandmother, the skies call our name!” Baela interjected dramatically.

The Queen that Never Was smiled. There was a hint of a nostalgic gleam in her eye. Her hands that were neatly tucked behind her back moved to tuck in front of her.

“I may allow it. First, you both must come with me to ready for dinner.” Rhaenys sighed, “Princess Maetilda, I am certain you should be expected at dinner soon as well.”

All three of the younger girls nodded. The twins slowly and solemnly rose. Their arms hung limply at their sides as they glanced over to their sister. The three girls all shared goodbyes, with promises to reconvene in the morning. The twins' grandmother watched the girls with an unreadable expression. She was clearly deep in thought. Her eyes were staring forward, but she did not seem to be actively observing with them — at least for a moment.

Before officially turning to leave, Rhaenys lingered in her place, “There will be a family dinner tomorrow night. With all of you.”

Once more, the three nodded in acknowledgment. There was not much to be said. There was no room for argument or question. Only obedience. The twins began to follow the path out of the gardens. The same one Ser Arryk had followed. But Rhaenys did not move to follow them. She remained in the same place she lingered. Maetilda was almost too scared to look at her, to see what kept the elder princess from leaving with her granddaughters. Thoughts of what the next day would bring began to overwhelm her senses. A family dinner could only mean tension and trouble. Of which, she was already feeling overwhelmed by. Instead of looking up at her elder, she dropped her gaze to her lap in defeat.

“Keep your head up, Princess. Feel your fear on the inside, do not let them see it… lest they use it against you. And they will — do not for a moment think they won’t. They are jealous of you.”

A/N: i love a little sisters moment :P hope y’all do too!! i love baela and rhaena so much. the younger generation girl are all so precious imo.

also, thank you @marvelescvpe for your comment on my last chapter. this blog is linked to my other one and i couldn’t figure out how to reply from this blog on my phone! 😂 shoutout to you!! i’m so glad you’re enjoying!

xoxo messy

[romanreignseater]

Here’s some ideas maybe they will work for you female reader is married to Jimmy but she finds out on social media he’s cheating she ends up falling for Jey who has always been in love with her

I’m not too good with throwing ideas out lol

Is It Me or Him?! (Request)

Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso x Reader

Rating: 17+

Warning: Angst, Mentions of Cheating, and Slight Smut

A/N: Thank you so much for the request anon 💕!!

GIF: @oddsofffavorite

“I miss the way ride my dick, the way you look me in my eyes when you do it too. I gotta have you again baby, I got to…”

Your eyes welled with tears as you listened to your husband, Jimmy, tell another woman he misses her.

The voice memo replayed in your head over and over and over again. The man who spoke such beautiful vows to you at your wedding.

Only a year ago as well…

Was cheating on you with another woman. He laid in the same bed as you every other night, the same man begging for a child, the same man who you’d wait for after every show to FaceTime.

The same man… you were never really in love with.

His other half, his twin, his flesh and blood is the man you’ve always loved.

At the time you became friends with the Usos, Jey was in a committed relationship with a baby on the way. And, Jimmy was there, at the right place… but wrong time.

Jey was always there for you. You guys had a lot more things in common and conversations were never repetitive with the two of you. Jey’s eyes always lingered upon you for too long, as well as his touch. Many would say that he had feelings for you, but you blocked them out for a while.

After some time, Jey and his girl split up. You’d always been tempted to end things with Jimmy and start anew with Jey. Yet, your respect for Jimmy would never allow you to do so… until now.

The more racy and nude messages you saw the angrier you became. The words realization flew past your eyes. When you knew…

It was Jey.

Jey was always interested in everything you had to say and do. After his relationship ended, he became even closer to you. It all made sense it was Jey… it had to be Jey.

Immediately you spoke to the person you could always vent to.

The devastating news angered Jey, so much that he punched a hole in his bathroom wall. “WHY THE FUCK WOULD HE DO THAT TO YOU MAN?!” His words blasted through you as you could tell he was seething. “Imma kill him… I got his location. Imma drive down to y’all house and MURDER HIM!”

“Jey please come to me…”

“What?!” You took a deep breath. “Jey, I’ve always loved you, I know I have. But, you were with someone else and you had a baby… I-I didn’t want to disrupt that. It’s always been you…”

Call Ended.

You throw your phone across the room, regretting the words you spoke to that man. You wallow in your sorrows and curl up in bed, crying yourself into another dimension.

45 minutes later…

You began to pack your bags with your flight booked back to your mother’s house, when the doorbell rang.

Checking your Ring app, you saw it was Jey standing at the front door.

Quickly, you rushed downstairs and opened the door. Jey stood there breathless, taking in your gorgeous features as he always did. He took your face into his hands and kissed you passionately. Your lips moved in sync, as if they were made for each other.

His large hands traveled down to your waist and backed you into the house. His lips sucked your bottom lip in between his, taking the sweet taste of your strawberry chapstick. Tongues clashing together in a fiery battle, wanting more of what he had to offer.

“Let’s show that boy who really is the older and wiser one.”

Jey’s hardness grind upon your heat, as he took your breasts and enveloped them into his hot, wet mouth.

Your nipples perked up, reveling in the feeling Jey was gifting you. Just as Jey moved to remove your pants, the door swings wide open.

It was Jimmy…

Standing at the doorway in complete shock before charging his younger brother a top of his wife.

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?! This what we do to family now?!” You cover your breasts and come off the bed. “You already know what it is. You ain’t shit bitch.” As Jimmy moved to strike his brother you stopped him.

He looked down at you with broken eyes. “why?!” Jimmy’s voice cracked. You grew angry and slapped him across the face.

“THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN WHY?! You’re a cheating bastard, I saw those messages on your iPad from Instagram… you cheated on me.”

Jimmy’s eyes looked everywhere except for you. “Couldn’t find nothing better?!” Jey huffed out, not impressed by what his twin was saying. You chuckled lowly, “You know what?! I did find something better and guess what, you just lost the best thing that EVER HAPPENED TO YOU!! Go be with your new little girlfriend, cause by the looks, she ain’t got shit on me.”

“So is it me or him?!”

Jimmy watched as you took your the rest of your belongings out of the house and shoved them into Jey’s car. “I’m taking CoCo.” Your teacup pomeranian, her treats, food, clothes and accessories all loaded into car.

Jimmy looked defeated as you looked towards him, you excused yourself from the car and went up to him.

“One more thing… you can kiss this ass where the Sun don’t shine. Toodles!!”

And they you were, off to set and new journey with the man who always cared for you.

THE END!!

I like this… we’re getting the creative juices flowing!!

MY TAG SQUAD: @cyberdejos2 @thesamoanqueen @cococodysleevelesshoodie @nayys-world @mzv11 @babybatlover @vogueyonce @harmshake

[thelarriefics]

NEIGHBORS FIC REC: Below you’ll find fics where Harry and Louis live close to one another. 

📖 Light My Fire, Blow My Flame by @softfonds (98k)

the One Where…. Louis is a Broadway actor, Harry is a newly graduated lawyer, Liam is a radio DJ, Zayn is an English Professor at NYU, and Niall is a music producer. A Friends AU.

📖 to lure a hummingbird (you had me moonstruck) by @broken-beaks (81k)

An enemies-to-lovers fic where Harry and Louis are neighbours who are forced to get along due to the inconvenience (or convenience) of a broken lift.

📖 Little by Little by @absoloutenonsense (65k)

Harry discovers figuring out who you are is more complicated than a potato metaphor.

📖 the stars are smiling by @stylesthebrave (33k)

Harry’s new in town and just wants to spend his nights on the rooftop gazing at the stars. He gets far more than he bargained for.

📖 deFENCEless by @cursethedaylight (27k)

When Louis butts heads with his new neighbor who loves to garden a little too much, all he can do to protect his yard (and heart), is keep on building up his fence(s).

📖 In Dreams by @haydolce (23k)

AU. When Harry moves to a new city, his new flat come with a number of sweet, anonymous gifts and surprises that brighten his days. Could it be a friendly ghost? Another friendly presence in his new building is his tattooed neighbor, Louis, who seems determined to put a smile back on his face.

📖 That's How I Know by @allwaswell16 (19k)

the one where Harry’s African grey parrot spills his dirty secrets to his very hot neighbor.

📖 Cut to The Feeling by @pocketsunshineharry (16k)

AU where Louis is a ghostwriter working from home, and Harry is his firefighter neighbour who happens to have the cutest dog on Earth.

📖 in midnights, in cups of coffee by @suspendrs (15k)

Louis is overworked and cold, Harry is stressed out, and they might be in love.

📖 You're My Somebody by @fournipplesau (14k)

where Louis tries to fix his plumbing and cuts off both his and Harry's electricity.

📖 Replay by @itsnotreal​ (10k)

Harry moves in across the street and they really hit it off.

📖 Just Your Jinx by @larryatendoftheday (10k)

Harry Styles may or may not have accidentally jinxed his extremely fit new neighbor, and it's not so easy to make things right.

📖 I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by @haloeverlasting (7k)

Louis' heat is out, Harry's a terrible upstairs neighbor, and an empty Christmas tree is the perfect excuse to fall in love.

📖 Where Love Grows by @neondiamond (6k)

When his husband leaves without warning only weeks after the birth of their first child, a struggling Harry is forced to move in with a work colleague and raise his newborn in the desolate, dreary outskirts of London. There, within the walls of a shitty apartment complex, he meets Louis Tomlinson, fellow struggling parent and hopeless romantic.

📖 An Old Acquaintance by @getmehighonmagic (6k)

Harry moves into a new apartment building, after a shitty break up with his last boyfriend, with every intention of making a fresh start. That is, until he meets his next door neighbour, with whom he is quite familiar…

📖 Something Blue & Someone New by @littleroverlouis (6k)

Single Alpha Louis moves into a new apartment building and doesn't realize he misses courting someone until meeting his next door neighbor, a charming Omega named Harry.

Louis is working up the nerve to officially ask him to court, but what if Harry secretly beats him to the punch?

📖 I'll Keep You Warm by @parmahamlarrie (5k)

Louis is the kind of guy who keeps his head down and minds his own business. He’s lived on the same street for years and barely would recognize the buildings, let alone his neighbours. That’s all about to change however, due to a broken key and an unexpected snow storm.

📖 The One With the Lemur on the Fire Escape by @louisandtheaquarian (3k)

Louis is an overworked bartender hoping to save up enough extra tips to buy a new air conditioner before he literally melts during a scorching NYC heat wave. Harry is the new neighbor that wakes him up by moving in his sole day off at 6am. An NYC enemies to neighbors to friends to lovers AU featuring a rickety fire escape, the 2021 Euros, Lirry bickering like a divorced couple, and enough OT5 clichés to rot your teeth. (If Harry's pastries don't get them first.)

[rene-is-an-insomniac]

"Keep Behaving."

Mistakes have Consequences (Chapter 2)

Title based off "Basics in Behavior."

I haven't uploaded this in awhile and took my time with it.

I'll try to upload this at least every 2-4 months.

Isekai! Cyno & Isekai!Sibling Reader

The First Chapter is Here, please read it before you read this chapter, or you won't know who these characters are at all.

Temah and Shinu are my OCs, they aren't real characters.

Alright let's get started~

The streets of Liyue city were busier at this time of day. People have just gotten off work and come to the market to shop. Children would flood the toy stores begging their parents to get them something. And Woman or Husbands would flood Miss Ying'er store.

"Thank you for visiting!" You waved cheerfully to the customers as they turn the corner.

Re adjusting your apron, you walk from behind the register to help the others.

"Is there anything that I can help you with?"

A man holding his child faced Temah with a small smile.

" It's my anniversary, I was hoping to choose something for my wife." The child faced her staring up at her in awe.

The face of someone dear to her stares back toward her. The face of thean changes as the child takes on a face of her own. A bittersweet feeling washed over her.

"I see." She walks over to the display looking around for a specific one. A gold colored one catches her attention as she hands it to him.

"This is our most popular brand. Ladies seem to really love this one." The child tries to reach for it, only for the man to hold it high above them.

"I'll trust your judgment, you'd know better than me right?"

They laugh as she goes to ring him up. She bags the item and hands it to him. The image her brain had of him and the child wears off showing their real face.

"Thank you, Miss."

Temah pats her face, getting her emotions in check. Why would she start thinking of them now?

__________________________________

Ever since that night, Temah's family and Shinu have been trying to jog your memories about other past events.

Shinu during his breaks would come to the shop to spend time with you. He would bring up conversations about work and memories which you had no memory of.

He would get sad talking about it, but would continue on as if he wasn't upset.

You never really knew much about Temah. You did read her left over dialogues, but you couldn't perfect how she completely acts yet.

You did your best to avoid Shinu at all costs, hoping it would relieve him from his painful thoughts.

Unfortunately he would find you from time to time forcing you to communicate with him.

You prayed to Morax that this man would leave you alone today. Talking about her wasn't something you wanted to hear.

As you neared the house, you rushed to the door until, “your" name was called by Shinu.

His hand wrapped around your wrist stopping you from pulling out your keys.

"Hey I've been looking for you all week, why have you been avoiding me?" He pouts playfully.

If Temah were here you assume she would laugh, however you aren't her. You are not this man's lover. Only a shell of who she once was.

"I'm trying to readjust to everything." The pout on his face dropped instantly.

"That's right.. your amnesia." He puts his hands carefully onto your shoulders.

"Has it gotten any better lately?"

“I just remember past events that I told Ms- Mom about.” He nods, eyes narrowing at the slip up.

"So any more memories of us that you have seen?" He grips your hand softly raising it to his lips.

You grimace at the affection he displays.

"No, General Shinu."

He frowns looking down in Deep thought. Taking this opportunity you remove your hand from his clutching it to your chest.

"Have a good night." You quickly unlock the door and lock it behind. Walking further in the house you see "your parents" arguing about something silly.

Bittersweet memories popped up of that person replaying.

You miss them alot.

As you enter your room, you sit on your bed softly. You think about the situation as you pull out your notebook.

9/3

Recently Mother and Father have gotten into more fights. With my door cracked at night, I hear mentions of my mother's decline in good health. Every time I try to approach Papa about it, he shuts me down or tells me to continue about my day.

Shinu had been ignoring me lately which has been weird. He mentions going to the jewelers more often.

The passage cuts off from there leaving a vague message.

Shaking. your headz you focus on the small information you heard.

Temah's mother has a decline in health which has been Negatively affecting the entire family. In order for you to play her role correctly, you must know what problems affect her circle.

You open the door, approaching your next person to talk to.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mara’s pov (Cyno’s entrance in 3.2)

The deserts of Sumeru are blistering hot with cold nights that make you sneeze uncontrollably. The Mahamatra remained faded as he continued through reaching his destination

Within the shadows of the sands cyno watches Althaitham and Traveler enter Aaru Village.

Just as Alhaitham makes another step Cyno pounces.

Blinking harshly, Mara regains his conscious.A ceiling met his stare as he tried to get up. A hand pushed him back down telling him to rest more. Mara nods, closing his eyes once more.

He needed a few more minutes of sleep anyways.

Someone shakes his shoulder calling his name. No it wasn't his name it started with an M. They kept shaking him relentlessly, as he opened his eyes.

"He's awake." A high pitched voice called. Opening his eyes again, he saw Paimon floating above him and the Traveler eyeing him. Their hand clutching the swords hilt.

He sighs as he sits up. Looking around the room, he notices the room he was in was unfamiliar but the people were familiar.

He saw Candace making food, Alhaitham eyeing him, and Dehya helping Candace. Paimon nervously looks at him behind Traveler.

Why are these cosplayers taking care of me?

"Would you like to tell me how I invited General Mahamatra's wrath." The cynical tone of Alhaitham causes "Cyno," to look towards him.

Is he talking to me?

Mara looks around hoping to see Cyno in the room. Facing back to the group he sees mixed expressions of confusion.

"What?" He looks at Al Haitham confused. Rolling his eyes he repeated his question.

"I did what?"

Confused , Candace walks closer to his bed. She leans towards feeling his head for any additional injuries. He looks to the side waiting on her to finish her check.

"There's a knot on the back of his head." She gently touches the injury causing Mara to wince.

"Sorry. Can you tell me what you remember?"

Mara thinks hard until he remembers the plane crash, and him and his sister drowning. The next thing he remembers is waking up here.

The longer they waited for an answer, the more Candace became concerned.

"I'll go get a doctor. Stay here." She ordered Traveler to watch after him.

The room falls silent as she leaves. Traveler and Paimon walk over talking hushedly to Alhaitham.

Mara looks around getting more and more used to his surroundings and the people involved. Back in the real world, he didn't play the Sumeru Archon quest yet, as he is stuck in Inazuma. His sister, Y/N did and breezed through it fairly quickly.

Unfortunately, she didn't tell him any information about the Archon quest other than the division between the people of Sumeru in the desert and the Academia.

Re entering the room, Candace entered with a doctor that did a brief examination of him. After a few questions, the answer was clear that he had some type of amnesia.

"Permanent Amnesia?!" Paimon yelps clutching her hands close to her chest. The doctor nods explaining there's a good chance he might not get his previous memories back at all. As the doctor left, silence fell in the room.

Taglist: @seirenspinel @teyvattales @leftdestiny-posts @pochipop @iruiji @y2k-apocalypse @watatsumiis @ladyzsgolla @endlessmari

[indigosunsetao3]

Keeping Lines Blurry

Chapter 3 - London Bound

Masterlist of Chapters

Warnings: 18+ - No minors Please read the tags on A03 for any of your triggers

Kyle "Gaz" Garrick X Original FMC 8k words - AO3 Link

Olivia stayed in bed long after the sun had come up, sleeping in had become a habit for her particularly in the past few months. She was always so tired and had a hard time finding the motivation to get up every day. It wasn’t unusual for her to roll out from between the sheets at until almost lunchtime, especially when Henry wasn’t home. There was no one around to tell her to get up, no expectations and the house staff didn’t bother her if the bedroom door was shut. She at least had a viable excuse today; she had been up thanks to Henry until almost four and while he was up at eight am he didn’t bother her.

Exhaustion was weighing heavily on her and she hurt in places that weren’t just her feet as she shifted in bed. With a groan Olivia rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling, her mind playing back everything that had happened the night before. It hadn’t stopped really. She had laid in the dark and cried silently long past after Henry’s soft snores filled the room replaying everything and as soon as she woke up it was as if someone hit play in her brain again. She felt disgusting and needed another shower but the motivation just wasn’t there. Her stomach grumbled for food she didn’t want to drink and a headache was forming behind her eyes that she knew would linger if she didn’t take something for it.

“Miss?” A voice from behind the bedroom door in the suite came. They knocked a few times before calling out to her again a little more urgently. “I’m sorry to bother you, but you need to get up,” the man said and Olivia recognized the voice as Andrew, one of Henry’s aides.

“I’m awake,” Olivia answered begrudgingly as she scooted to sit up in bed. “That doesn’t mean come in!” She added quickly as the doorhandle jiggled and she heard the latch click as if it were going to open. Grabbing the sheets, she pulled them up to her neck to cover her still naked form as she stared at the door which didn’t stop opening, swinging inward toward the room.

“Get dressed,” Henry said as he swept into the room, donned in a suit as he added a cufflink to one of his sleeves. He didn’t seem to care that he had left the door wide open to the rest of the suite where people were working and a red-faced Andrew stood next to the jamb. “Something presentable, we have to make a statement,” he continued, turning around to look at Olivia with an impatient expression since she hadn’t risen and instead had shrunk down further into the pillows to hide herself. “Liv,” he stated impatiently.

“Shut the fucking door,” Olivia snarled as she glared at Henry before back to Andrew who seemed frozen in place. He was Henry’s lapdog, always on his heels, and he usually would have come right in behind his boss but he seemed to realize what Henry didn’t. Or Henry just didn’t care. “I can’t get up,” she added as Henry sighed before waving to Andrew to shut it, which he did quickly. “You can’t just barge in here like that unannounced. It’s lucky I was still in bed,” Olivia spat but she still didn’t get out of bed. “Give me my robe,” she pointed to the discarded item still in the same spot on the floor as the night before.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Henry stated before walking over to the bed and ripping the blankets off Olivia’s body and grabbing her by the arm to yank her up and out. “I’m your husband and you slept next to me naked all night, I think you can get out of bed,” he reasoned smirking a bit. “This wouldn’t be an issue if you would just get up like a normal person. Now hurry up,” he gestured to the closet. “Something dark and reserved,” he instructed as he went to the mirror to adjust his tie.

Olivia didn’t bother fighting him as he all but dragged her out of bed, it was just easier and she was too exhausted to put up a true fight. She needed to pick and choose her battles and this one just wasn’t worth it; she did need to get up anyway. Hissing at her feet, twisting her legs this way and that to get a look at them she took a few ginger steps toward the closet, pausing at the drawers to grab undergarments which she pulled on quickly. Some sort of barrier against her leering husbands’ eyes were needed, she could feel him watching her in the reflection.

“Why the sudden rush for a statement now? Surely, they already spoke to the undersecretary and heard from parliament and everyone else,” Olivia stated as she sorted through items in her closet, musing over an outfit and shoes to match that wouldn’t hurt her feet any more. All of these clothes cost more money than her four-year university education and this was just her travel wardrobe. It was a useless degree now since Henry wouldn’t let her work, yet her parents were still paying off the loan because Henry refused to take care of it. His reasoning was it wasn’t ‘his problem’ since she had the debt before they were married, even if he could pay it off without thinking twice. “Are you that important?” She asked sarcastically as she pulled out a simple dark grey cap sleeved dress that she could wear heelless ankle boots.

“It’ll be a bit hard for Philip to talk right now,” Henry answered as he came over to the closet to look at her choice before giving a small nod of approval. “Considering his throat was slashed in the middle of the night,” he continued before reaching around her to the safe in the closet and entering the code to pop open the door. “Him, his wife, kids and whole staff were murdered last night,” Henry finished explaining as he pulled out a simple diamond necklace and handed it to Olivia to add to her outfit before grabbing his own tie clip to match. He seemed totally unbothered and disconnected as he clipped his tie and smoothed out the silk.

“What?” Olivia gasped, feeling as if the world had tilted on its axis. Henry was so incredibly calm about this news, so unphased and unworried she thought he was kidding. “What do you mean they were murdered last night? When? How?” She asked as she turned to watch his back retreat into the ensuite bathroom to go fix his hair. “Henry what does this mean?” Olivia asked as she followed him with her dress draped over her arm.

“I already told you when and how. Though, I suppose, it was more this morning versus last night. They think it was about four or five am based on how the bodies looked,” Henry answered as he wet a comb in the sink before using it to slick back his hair. His movements were methodical as he moved and he barely spared Olivia a glance as he spoke. “It means that whoever attacked the gala last night didn’t get what they wanted and they are still trying to do whatever they set out to get done,” he explained simply. “If you had risen like an ordinary person, you would have seen already. It is all over the news,” he tapped the comb on the sink satisfied with his hair before reaching for a spray gel to set it. “I’ve been asked to make a statement and this could set the future for my run for the seat,” he explained with zero emotion. “We have thirty minutes until the feed is live with the BBC so I suggest your hurry,” Henry tacked on.

“Jesus Christ, Henry. Philip isn’t even cold yet and you are already trying to take his spot!” Olivia exclaimed, though she wasn’t sure why since she knew how cold he could be. Yet it was still unsettling to her. His boss had just been murdered, right after someone attempted to kill them all in a terrorist attack, and who knew if they were still trying to finish what they started. Who else was potentially on the list? “Are we safe?” She asked as she stepped into her dress and pulled her hair up so he could do up the zipper for her. Normally she’d handle it all herself, bending herself into a pretzel if she had to so she could avoid him touching her but there was no time. “Do we get to go home now?” At least at home she had more privacy and could avoid the world, and Henry for that matter.

“There is no time to wait in politics. If you want power you take the opportunity under any circumstances,” Henry answered as if he were just reciting off a well-practiced speech. “We’ve been ordered not to leave the room, or even open the door, until our reinforcements from SAS gets here,” Henry explained as he zipped up the back of the dress in a quick movement before snapping his fingers for her to give him the necklace to put around her neck. “Taskforce 141 has been ordered to get us out. Isn’t that convenient?” The words were dripping with cruel amusement and Olivia tensed under his fingers for a moment before he got the clasp of the necklace done.

Olivia wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction he was looking for as she walked to the second sink in the bathroom. They both knew Kyle was on that taskforce and she was going to be forced to face him for a second time in less than twenty-four hours. Henry was so confident in himself, in the hold he had on Olivia, and Kyle’s hatred toward her that the whole thing was just a game to him. He liked watching Olivia suffer, something she had learned early in their marriage and this was just like twisting the knife in her back. “I’ll be ready shortly,” Olivia stated in a way of dismissal to Henry as she took a comb to her wavy hair.

Gaz could feel people staring as they exited their car and headed into the ornate hotel, though no one tried to stop them. Not even the hotel security staff was brave enough to venture over as they watched from behind their desk. Gaz knew it was because of the large rifles they were all toting out in the open and they were in full military turnout gear. He himself had opted to strap his very large bowie knife onto one of his thigh holsters, his pistol on the other. Of course, there was Ghost with his skull mask which always drew attention, even from seasoned military members.

“Alex, Ghost,” Price said taking note of all the staring. He didn’t mind people know they were there, but he also didn’t want to draw too many eyes, such as the news. Too much exposure made it harder to hunt and track the enemy if they knew what you looked like. “Figure out their ride arrangements. I want a little traffic getting to the airport as possible,” he ordered and the two men nodded before walking over to the concierge desk. “You two with me,” he finished pointing to Gaz and Soap who nodded.

“What’s the plan, Sir?” Gaz asked as they walked over to the elevator after getting directions from the person working the desk. Gaz smiled and nodded at an older couple that rushed out, their eyes bulging a bit at the three of them waiting there casually with their hands resting the butts of their guns. “Getting them to the airport then going to the embassy? Is their plane lined up?” He inquired after they stepped in and the lift started to rise rapidly, dinging with each floor that they passed. He felt as if his heart was in his throat as they got closer to Olivia and Henry but Gaz told himself it was only for a short time and he’d be rid of them.

“Plane is on standby. When we leave, Laswell is going to alert them to be ready,” Price answered as he shifted his gun a bit on his shoulder, eyes staring at the elevator screen as they rose up. “Government wants them to have an escort home,” he cut his eyes over to Gaz for a moment. “From when they land in London to their house,” Price explained further.

“Send Ghost with them,” Soap cut in before Gaz could protest. The look from Price had told him everything he needed to know; Gaz was going to be the one sent with them. “He’ll scare them all straight,” he chuckled a bit but the look on his face was serious.

“I need Ghost here…and Alex,” Price tacked on knowing Soap would suggest him next. “Alex is a good liaison with the Americans, you know how they can be,” he reasoned. Though, in reality, of the whole group Alex or Price himself would be the best options to send with the entourage of government people. Gaz of course was not a bad option; he was friendly and level headed but the history with Olivia all of that went out the window. He knew it wasn’t fair of him to send Gaz after everything that had happened but the job came first. Always.

“I’ll go then,” Soap offered as the elevator dinged for the final time and the door opened. He never wanted to do escort duty; he’d rather be in the thick of things but after what this woman had done to Gaz he didn’t want him to suffer more. “I can play babysitter for those bawbags,” he continued, daring a glance at Gaz who seemed shocked but grateful for Soap’s offer.

“I’d rather not have to write a book for my mission report,” Price answered, giving Soap a sideways glance. “They want Gaz. Henry’s team asked for him personally and Laswell agreed before she realized what she was agreeing to,” he finally said before glancing at the sergeant, an apologetic look on his face. “MI6 is clearing their houses and has offered to be security when they get there. You just need to escort them on the plane and home then you’re done.”

“You’re joking,” Gaz said with a laugh that didn’t have a hint of amusement in it. “Why would they ask for me? Fucking hell, you’d think they would have asked you left me on the side of the road instead,” he continued, rubbing his jaw with his gloved hand before shaking his head. “Are you sure they asked for me?” He was in disbelief even though he knew Price wouldn’t joke about this, and judging by his face Price wasn’t pleased about the arrangement either. “They had to of been taking the piss Captain,” he didn’t outright plea but the sentiment was there.

“Just because you’re escorting them doesn’t mean you have to play nice,” Soap said as he glanced at Price who stopped outside of a door. Where there would normally be security no one was there, it was determined to not draw attention to anyone’s whereabouts so they had been moved inside the suite. “Be a downright prick, that doesn’t stop you from keeping them alive. Just take a page from Ghost’s book, you’ll be fine.” He cuffed Gaz on the shoulder though Gaz didn’t look the least bit reassured.

“And that is why Laswell didn’t even think to offer you up,” Price stated before knocking on the door. There were muffled footsteps inside before a voice came from the other side demanding Price to tell them who he was. “Captain Price, SAS, 9051210,” he rattled off before kicking his military ID under the door for them. There was another long pause as they went over his information on the inside before the locked clicked and the double doors swung open. “Just get it over with, treat it like any other mission,” Price stated under his breath before they walked inside.

“Steamin’ Jesus,” Soap said quietly as they walked in, and Gaz had to agree with him as he took in the room.

The hotel suite was gigantic. There was a mini kitchen off to the left with a full dining table that was covered in laptops and papers, the highbacked chairs full of staffers. The living room was bigger than Gaz’s own flat and there were lights and a camera setup aimed at the plush white couch which was situated just right with decorative pillows and a tasteful throw in Britian’s country colors. Off to the side was a door that led to what Gaz suspected was the bedroom, and straight back were floor to ceiling glass windows with another set of double doors that lead outside to a small deck.

“Ah, Captain Price,” came voice Gaz knew and that set his teeth on edge. “Thank you for coming. Terrible what happened to Philip,” Henry stated with an air of sadness, but professionalism nonetheless. He extended his hand to Price, who took it, and they shook before dropping hands quickly. Gaz purposely shoved his hands into his pockets as he looked around avoiding eye contact if he could, the last thing he wanted was to shake the man’s hand. “Kyle,” Henry stated after a beat of silence and Gaz internally cringed but turned his eyes to the man and gave a small nod of acknowledgement. “I never got to thank you for saving Liv. She was ever so grateful, as was I. She even asked if you could escort us home, poor thing is so shaken up. I think a familiar face will help with her nerves,” he grinned though the gesture didn’t meet his eyes and it seemed more like a taunting leer.

“Sergeant Garrick,” Soap interjected pointedly, ignoring the side eye from Price, “is one of the best. You are lucky he is available to be able to take you and your wife home,” Soap finished. His hands were hooked in the straps of his vest as he looked down at Henry, all of them had a few inches on the man and Soap seemed satisfied to have the upper hand in that department.

“Ah, yes forgive me. Sergeant Garrick,” Henry stated turning back to Gaz again, brushing Soap off completely. “I just remember you from all those years ago. Those family gatherings with our Liv and of course her stories about you. Old habits die hard and all that,” he smirked before turning over his shoulder as the bedroom door opened and Olivia stepped out, sliding a diamond earring in her ear. “And there she is, darling come over here. We have a minute or two before we have to be situated,” he extended an arm out to Olivia as she looked over.

Fuck. Gaz stared at Olivia as she walked over and he felt the physical weight of his emotions hit him right in the chest. This was the woman that was supposed to be his endgame, the one that he would come home to after missions and curl up with in bed. Take her dancing on nights that he was home since he knew she loved it even if she had no rhythm without him leading and eventually have a family with. He had been blindly in love with her, had spent way too much money on her engagement ring and was on his way home to her when the letter came and she blindsided him so hard he thought the world had dropped out from his feet. Now, here she was, just a beautiful stranger that he was so angry with he could barely breathe at the sight of her.

Gaz missed the words that Price and Henry had exchanged as he watched Olivia walk over, his eyes taking in the dress and the delicate twist of her hair. But also noting that she was limping slightly in the ankle boots she had on, she must have hurt herself more than Gaz realized the night before. She was elegant in her steps though, carefully stepping over the plush carpet as she secured her earring and stepped to Henry’s side in his extended arm. She had barely spared a glance at Gaz in her walk and Gaz swallowed a bit as Soap knocked the side of his foot subtly with his own, masking it with adjusting his stance.

“Isn’t that right Sergeant?” Price asked and Gaz nodded simply having no idea what he just agreed to.

“Of course, Sir,” Gaz answered, glad his voice was even and calm despite the roiling thoughts in his mind. “I’m glad you seemed to have made it relatively unscathed last night,” Gaz stated to Olivia as she smiled prettily at him. She seemed vapid, her eyes blank as she looked around the room, her movements while fluid seemed forced. Had she always been like this? “Just a small limp,” he noted and he caught the side glare from Henry, “hopefully nothing but a few days rest will fix.”

“Oh just a few cuts,” Olivia answered with a small laugh, “strappy heels don’t do much for protection when you’re running through glass and the woods.” She fixed her glazed over eyes pointedly at Gaz since it was him who made her run through all that but her smile didn’t fade. “Doctor already came to see me and wrapped everything up. No stitches,” she opened her mouth to say something else but Henry interrupted.

“Darling, we need to get ready,” Henry nodded at his assistant that had walked over to gather them. “We’ll only be a few minutes then we can make our way out of here. I know Liv is anxious to get home and put this all behind us,” he rubbed her arm in a soothing gesture as they turned to walk over to the couch.

“He’s a right snake,” Soap stated as they all watched them get situated on the couch. Olivia adjusting a few times to make sure she was present in the shot but ever in the background to her husband.

“All politicians are,” Price answered as Ghost game over the radio. They had the transport ready; it would be a tight fit in two SUVs and when everyone was safely situated on board the plane the 141 would be breaking off to the American Embassy sans Gaz. It was a quick ride to the airport so the Americans wouldn’t be waiting long, they were already antsy having to wait as it was. A few of Henry’s aides would be staying behind in Belarus with beefed up security pack up what was left and bring it back to London on a later flight. “As soon as they are done, we are moving,” Price said to a man that walked over after Price gestured at him. “They have five minutes to get what they want to take with them, we’re on a tight schedule. Might I suggest your team pack up what they need while they talk. Just essentials,” he finished in a lowered voice as the cameraman announced they were live.

“Hopefully the Americans have some information so we can start tracking right away. I am going to be on the first flight back here after I see the backside of them,” Gaz stated under his breath as Henry put on quiet a show of empathy and sadness over the events. He had even drawn some attention to Olivia to point out she had been injured in the attack the evening before but had been saved by a brave British solider and went on a small tangent about thanking the armed forces. He was good at the smarmy Gaz would give him that.

“You’re so brave, Gaz,” Soap teased lightly, trying to ease some of the tension that was locking up Gaz’s back and shoulders. “If they thought that highly of the armed forces, they wouldn’t be trying to cut funding every two seconds,” Soap admonished with an eyeroll as someone walked over with a duffle bag and dropped it at their feet, along with a suitcase. “What am I supposed to do with this?” Soap asked, toeing the bag, “I’m not bell services. Bit busy keeping you lot alive,” he tapped his gun with his pointer finger for emphasis.

“Right,” said a weaselly man who picked the items back up and dragged them toward the doors. He seemed frazzled as another person came and added more bags and other items. The amount of luggage these people had was astounding, they were going to need to get a cart at this rate. How there was going to be anything left for the people staying behind Gaz wasn’t sure.

“Even their luggage bags are designer,” Gaz stated as a purple Gucci luggage bag was rolled by. Gaz suspected that was Olivia’s since it was her favorite color, a fact that he hated he remembered. “I thought politicians were supposed to be paid at a moderate wage,” he stated sarcastically. It was obvious Henry had money that came from outside of his day job, Gaz knew he was the sole heir of a wealthy real estate family. “Think they’ll notice if I nick one?” He asked Soap raising an eyebrow who just smirked in response, “bet I’d get a nice check from a pawn shop.”

The quick interview wrapped up and as soon as the lights in the lightbox cut, Price walked over to start ushering everyone around. He ordered everyone to grab their own bags, get anything else they needed and prepare to leave immediately. Henry of course ordered his aides to get his and Olivia’s bags but he was insistent he handle his own brief case and laptop since he’d need it for the flight. Even Olivia opted to take her own bag and extracted the purple roll luggage from the pile and dragged it to her side.

“I’ll bring up the rear,” Gaz offered as Price took point at the door. It was going to take all three elevators to get everyone downstairs where Ghost would meet them in the lobby and Alex would be waiting by the cars. The elevator ride was mostly quiet as Gaz took his group, the people on board with him were a bit twitchy and nervous as they stood behind Gaz. He could see them in the mirrored reflection of the doors and guessed that these were some of the more junior staff based on how young they looked. Price had been the one to take Henry and Olivia, Henry wanting to lead the way out in case there was any press.

“How’d it go?” Alex asked quietly when they made it to the cars and Gaz stood outside the door next to Alex as the groups piled in.

“Fine enough,” Gaz answered simply as he held out his hand to help a woman step up into the SUV. It was cold outside and he found himself glancing over at Olivia who was in a simple flimsy dress standing on the sidewalk waiting for her turn to get in. “I get to take them home,” he mused tearing his eyes away as Olivia glanced over at him, as if she felt him staring. “You’re apparently too important to go,” Gaz smirked, “Americans,” he finished sarcastically with a shake of his head, though it was a friendly tease.

“I’d go if I could,” Alex said sincerely as the last person climbed in and he shut the door with a snap. “Shepard is going to be there, so you know his lapdog Graves will be as well,” he tacked on with a knowing look and Gaz merely rolled his eyes. “So, trust me, if I could trade I would,” Alex finished before moving around to the driver side to climb in while Gaz took the passenger. Ghost, Soap and Price were in the other car with the more high-profile targets.

“Honestly, I think I would take Shepard at this point,” Gaz said with a sigh as he set his gun down between his legs and instead unholstered his pistol to rest in his lap. “Least it’s a three-hour plane ride, maybe I’ll get some sleep,” he tacked on as they pulled out of the hotel and into traffic. The group in the car was mostly quiet and subdued, like the elevator ride, and Gaz glanced back at them a few times in the rearview mirror.

“We’re here,” Alex stated after about twenty minutes as they pulled up to a side gate. They had special access to get to the private jets area and Alex drove them straight through across some old tarmacs. Despite being behind barbed wire fences Gaz was on alert, sitting up a bit straighter as they neared the hangars and clicking his safety off as people came into view. “Stay in the car until we clear it,” Alex stated, though his demeanor was friendly it was definitely an order that everyone nodded yes in response to.

Gaz climbed out first, his gun tight in his right hand and finger ready on the trigger as he hauled his bigger rifle out and over his shoulder. His movement was fluid, as if he had done it a thousand times, never taking his eyes off the flight crew that was walking over. Car doors around him shut with a loud clap as the rest of the 141 climbed out. Ghost wasn’t even hiding the fact that he was ready to shoot, his large rifle raised and braced against his shoulder as he stood between the ground crew and the back door of the SUV. That stopped one of the women in her tracks for a moment as she stared at Ghost before the pilot waved her onward.

“Leon,” Price greeted as he shook hands with the pilot before turning around to the rest of his team. “He’s former Royal Air Force. I ran an op with him back in the day,” he explained to his team before introducing everyone. “Gaz will be riding with you back to London and if you could find him something back, I’d appreciate it,” he stated to Leon who nodded once before gesturing for his team to head back to the plane to prepare for takeoff. Price and Leon talked for a bit as the rest of the team cleared the group to exit the car and head to the plane.

Stepping away for a moment Gaz dug out his pack of smokes and lit one. If he was going to be stuck in a small confined space with these people, he needed something to take the edge off and drinking was not an option. As he puffed, Gaz watched as Olivia climbed out of the car, Henry having already exited it and didn’t wait for her to help her out. He raised an eyebrow as she adjusted her skirt before straightening up and walking toward the plane purposely, dragging her luggage behind her. Almost at the end of his smoke Price gestured for him to wrap it up with a wave of his hand and Gaz dropped the butt and smashed it with his boot before walking over.

“See you in a few hours,” Price said as he patted him on the shoulder roughly. “Don’t make me regret sending you,” he added with a raised eyebrow and Gaz shook his head. “Good man,” Price finished before walking toward the SUV where the rest of the ground had already climbed in. Gaz made eye contact with Soap for a moment who nodded at him before snapping the door shut, Gaz returning the gesture with a heavy sigh before walking to the plane and up the steps.

“We saved this area for you,” the flight attendant stated as Gaz cleared the last step and entered the plane. Gaz nodded as he moved to sit down in one of the leather seats that had its back up against the cockpit facing in toward the rest of the plane. His row was empty, it was only two seats, and the two seats facing him were also empty so he had the little pod to himself. “Can I get you anything?” The woman asked a bit anxiously as Gaz listened to Leon speaking with his copilot as they finished their last checks of the plane.

“Just water,” Gaz said simply though he smiled up at her. She didn’t seem like she wanted to be on this flight either though he was sure it was for different reasons. He didn’t want to be around his ex and her husband and this woman was probably terrified if being shot at after everything that had happened. “Appreciate you and your team willing to take this flight on such short notice,” Gaz tacked on before the woman could leave and she gave him a genuine smile. “I promise to not pester. I’m hoping this will be uneventful, I think we’ve all had enough action for a while.”

Settling down into his seat Gaz eyed the rest of the plane, taking in where everyone else was sitting. He noticed that Henry was cloistered in another pod of four seats with laptops out and a small table between them covered in papers. His team was seated around him and across from him, powering up their own devices and sending last minute messages before takeoff. Olivia was seated alone though, one leg crossed over the other and her foot jiggling as she stared out the window as if she were watching the most interesting thing out there. Gaz dared a glance across the aisle out one of those windows to see if he could see what she saw but it was nothing but the hangar out there. She was avoiding looking at him he suspected since they were right in one another’s eyeline if she looked inside the plane.

The attendant returned with his water and they made idle chatter about the weather and the flight before the pilot asked everyone to take their seats. Gaz fastened his seatbelt and downed half the bottle of water before they took off, his gaze locked on the window to watch the landscape disappear before they were up in the clouds. He hated this, hated sitting in the plane without any sort of information and feeling useless. He was tapping his fingers on the armrest of his seat to try and burn off some of the nervous energy as the flight attendants started making their rounds again. Olivia had asked for a wine and Gaz watched as she dug around in her purse before producing a pill that she popped in her mouth and swallowed it with the full glass of wine. She shuddered slightly before holding the glass out for the attendant to fill it again. When she glanced his way Gaz merely raised his eyebrows and stared at her for a moment longer before looking away again.

Slouching down some Gaz threw his feet up on the empty seat across from him, not caring that he was dirtying up the leather with his shoes. He was going to try and get a catnap in; nothing was going to happen on the plane that he could prevent so he may as well relax. Pulling the cap down over his eyes Gaz crossed his arms over his chest and shut his eyes, letting the vibrating hum of the plane engine lull him to sleep. He dozed off quickly, his head falling to the side a bit as he drifted though he didn’t sleep deeply. Sudden sounds and movements woke him right up and he would listen for a moment before falling back under again.

“Sir,” came a voice and a gentle tap on his shoulder. Gaz started slightly in his seat before pushing the hat back up off his eyes. “Sorry to wake you but we are landing shortly,” the woman said quietly as Gaz pulled his feet down to the floor to sit up properly. His eyes instantly surveyed the plane to make sure everything was as it should be. Henry was still in deep talks with his team and Olivia had fallen asleep, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders as her head leaned against the window.

“No worries,” Gaz said as he stretched a bit and felt his chest pop. He was about to ask for another water but the woman already had one in hand and gave it to him, along with a napkin. Shit, had he been drooling? He smiled politely as she grinned and moved to go wake up Olivia and Gaz unfolded the napkin read to wipe his chin when he found a name, quick message and phone number scribbled on it. Ah.

He smirked a bit looking at the woman as she gently shook Olivia awake and when she glanced back at him, he gave her a small nod and pointedly pocketed the napkin so she saw he received her message. Maybe he would take her up on her offer for drinks depending on when his flight out would be. If not, he would have to figure out the next time he’d see her, she was cute enough. He drank his water and his eyes followed the woman, Abby, as she continued to do her safety checks of the passengers. He was smirking to himself when he caught Olivia staring at him, her eyes narrowed as she glanced between Kyle and Abby, putting two and two together with an eyeroll.

For the landing Abby took a seat across from Gaz and they chatted for a bit, Gaz giving her his number as well. Turned out she lived in London not far from the airport, easier for her job, and had offered to meet Kyle if he had time at a small pub around the corner. She was about to be busy with some planned flights and Gaz had picked up on the heavily implied offer to come back to her place after drinks. It wasn’t the exact distraction he had been looking for but he wasn’t going to turn it down either if it worked out for him. He wanted to get back to the team of course but spending the night alone in a hotel or with an attractive woman he was always going to pick the latter.

“It’s not professional to flirt with the help,” Olivia stated a bit annoyed as she exited the plane behind Kyle a little while later. He had taken point to exit first, though the airport was empty in this area. There were a few cars waiting for them and Gaz went to the first bigger SUV and opened the door for Olivia. She tossed her bag inside before her without much care before grabbing a handle to pull herself up.

“Didn’t realize it mattered to you,” Gaz answered simply, his eyes sweeping the area, “and I think I qualify as ‘the help’ these days.” His words were clipped as Olivia hefted herself up and he watched her teeter a bit on her injured feet before he placed a hand on her lower back to help push her inward. She swatted his hand away and Gaz raised his hand innocently as she snatched the seatbelt and pulled on it. “Fine, fall on your ass next time,” Gaz said with a small shrug. When she opened her mouth to say something else Gaz merely shut the door in her face with a chuckle, knowing she was probably fuming inside.

“You know where we are going?” Gaz asked the driver as he stood next to the rolled down window, to which the man nodded yes. Henry climbed into the seat behind the driver while his aides loaded up all of his luggage in the trunk, not bothering to even acknowledge them, let alone thank them. When everyone was situated in all their cars Gaz climbed in the front passenger of Henry and Olivia’s and they were off. Everyone had been ordered to go right home, they would convene the following day at parliament but that was not Gaz’s problem. He just needed to make sure Henry and Olivia made it to the handoff with MI6 and he was done with them and he could do his actual job.

The car was dead silent on the ride, not even the radio was playing as they wove through the streets of London. It was already dark outside thanks to the time of year and a light rain was falling as they joined into the rush hour traffic. Gaz could hear Henry tapping away on his phone and he dared a look up in the mirror and saw Olivia just staring out the window, her eyes completely disconnected to what she was looking at. Bouncing his knee again Gaz stared out into the traffic when his phone buzzed, followed by another, then another. By the time he dug it out his pocket he had seven new notifications and he quickly swiped it up to unlock it.

The first text was from Abby, asking if he had figured out his flight yet. The next six, now eight, were from Laswell. Gaz scanned through them as yet another text came in, this one from Price. “Keep going,” Gaz said urgently to the driver who had thrown his signal on to take them to the street that led to Olivia and Henry’s house. The driver seemed confused and moved to turn the wheel to make the left and Gaz threw his hand out that was still holding his phone to grab the wheel and jerk it back straight as his other hand moved to flip the holster open on his pistol. “Keep going straight,” he ordered and the man’s eyes widened as he took in Gaz flipping the safety off his gun.

“What is going on?” Olivia asked as she sat up in the backseat, Henry still oblivious in his phone. “Kyle?” She asked as the driver tilted his wheel to the right to get back into the lane going straight. Gaz was ignoring her as he ripped off his glove with his teeth and typed in a response on his phone before clicking over to another text message and answering that. “Hello?” She asked and tapped the back of the seat that Kyle was in.

“Give me a moment,” Gaz snapped as his eyes scanned the area before telling the driver where he needed to go. It seemed Henry had been lured out of his phone at what was going on and he had set it in his lap. They were making quick turns and at one point narrowly missed clipping a minivan as Gaz gave a last-minute instruction.

“Sergeant Garrick,” Henry’s smooth voice came in. “I’d like to know what is going on. Now.” The last word was a demand.

Gaz flicked his eyes up in the mirror to look at Henry and Olivia before turning around in his seat to face them. His phone was vibrating with a call now and he reached for it, swiping to answer before speaking to Henry and Olivia. “Your house has been compromised. MI6 arrived to a break in and one of the agents was shot by a fleeing suspect,” Gaz supplied just as Price began barking orders in his ear from the phone. “I’m taking you to an undisclosed location as soon as I can safely ditch your driver,” Gaz continued as he gestured for the driver to pull over at the curb. He was dropping the man at a shopping mall and while the driver did not seem impressed with this idea as he clambered out, he didn’t voice it obviously not wanting to argue with the guy with the gun.

“Our house?” Olivia gasped out as she grabbed the back of Kyle’s chair as he slid over the center console not wanting to get out of the car and walk around. “Who are these people?” She asked turning to look at Henry who was talking on the phone now to someone on his staff or in the government. His normal unflustered persona he kept on for the public was gone as he snarled into the phone for answers and updates.

“Not sure,” Gaz answered as he threw the SUV into drive and shouldered his phone between his ear and shoulder to get directions from Laswell now. She was working on arranging a safehouse from MI6 and as Gaz whipped the car around in a quick u-turn he heard Olivia shriek as she was thrown back into her seat. “Can you just patch Price in? He is killing me with the texts,” Gaz asked as his phone continued to vibrate with messages. Laswell laughed and after a few moments she pulled the Captain in on the call. Kyle was quiet as the two of them yelled and cursed at one another, Laswell tossing a few directions there and there for Gaz to try and figure out. Price was more pissed at the fact Gaz was having to run this on his own when it wasn’t even their job, Laswell just impatient with Price’s grumblings.

“I can handle this Captain, I just need to know what you want me to do…besides dropping them on a street corner for someone else to deal with,” Gaz managed to wedge in between the two of them snarling. He glanced up in the mirror with a smirk at the look of indignation on Olivia’s face and Henry who seemed extremely unhappy with the situation. He had asked for Kyle specifically to be an asshole toward him and Olivia but now he was getting way more than he had bargained for.

“Just get to the safehouse and wait for further instruction,” Laswell answered before Price could continue to gripe and she ended the call.

“We’re going to Havering. MI6 has a place we can hole up in for the night,” Gaz stated as he tossed his phone into the passenger seat so he could concentrate on driving properly. He would need to work on some switch backs and taking different routes, Laswell hadn’t even texted the address just to be safe. “They are going to investigate the incident, secure your house and clear it. You’ll be able to go back in a few days,” he finished as he ran the yellow light as it turned red just to be sure no one was following them.

“That’s unacceptable. I need to be back in my own house,” Henry stated as he typed away on his phone. “I don’t want strangers trampling around. It was probably some stupid children,” he continued. “Take us home, Sergeant.”

“I doubt children have the same guns that were used at the gala in Belarus,” Gaz answered coolly as he turned onto a motorway, putting the gas to the floor to get up to speed quickly. “Trust me, I don’t want to be around you or Liv any longer than I have to but I’m going to do my job. Hopefully you’ll have your own personal agents assigned to you and I would suggest you do better checks on your security team and hire a different company. Sir.” He tacked on the last word with a bit of snark and he could tell Henry was seething at being told he was wrong and wasn’t having his orders followed.

“Just,” Olivia finally chimed in, her face pale as she looked between Henry and Kyle as he drove. “I just want to be somewhere safe,” she finished after a moment and felt the glare Henry threw at her. If they were alone, she knew he would have likely punished her for speaking against him, he had already left a nice bruise on her upper thigh after they argued in the car on the way to the airport in Belarus. He hadn’t liked the way he thought she had looked at Kyle as he stood there watching their interview. “I need a stiff drink and a bed,” she finished slinking down in the seat.

“You and me both,” Kyle answered simply as the sped down the motorway in the rain that had turned into a downpour.

[dragonking10]

Lancaster: Love is the Best Gift

(Summary: Ruby went out on a solo mission but went missing presumed KIA, Jaune was devastated as he was hugging his 3 year old son Garnet who doesn't know whats going on. 2 years later they went out on a Father and Son Camping Trip on the same day of Ruby's Death)

Garnet woke up feeling thirsty so he got up and grabbed his toy bear that his mother made for him when he was 2 before she went missing, he climbed out of the tent yawning when he heard someone sniffed. He stopped and turned to see his father back turned facing the fire. His dad sniffed again, he was about to ask if his dad was sick but before he could say a word his father turned and saw him.

Jaune: Son *he quickly turned to wipe his tears so his son doesn't see them, and turns back to Garnet* you should be asleep

Garnet: I was thirsty

Jaune takes a bit to gather himself and hold his hands out to his son: C'mere

Garnet quickly went to his father and Jaune lifts him up and put him on his lap, he reaches into his bag and pulled out a bottle of water and carefully helps his son take a drink. After his son drunk some water he grabbed a long stick and let his son grabbed the stick with him so they both poked some sticks in the fire.

Garnet: Dad

Jaune turns and smiles at his son

Garnet looked at his father as they both stopped poking the fire

Garnet: Are you gonna get us a new mom?

Jaune's smile dropped as he hugged his son close and kissed his head: I don't want another, your mom was the only woman for me

Jaune smiled and held his son close as they both looked at the fire: She was the love of my life

Jaune: But with love comes loss son, it's part of the deal. Some times it hurts but in the end *he looks at his son and smiles* it's all worth it.

Jaune lifts his son and puts him on his other knee as they both looked at each other

Jaune: There's no greater gift than love

Jaune and Garnet smiled at each other

Jaune gets up holding his son close: Now let's get back in the tent and get some sleep.

But what they both don't know is there in the distance watching the whole thing was no other than Ruby with tears flowing out like a water fall and her scroll recording the whole thing she was touched as she heard what her husband said. She mentally curses Ozpin with every fiber of her being for making her fake her death and wishing she could just quit this fucking mission and go back to her family

Ruby sobbing: Don't worry my loves, I will finish this mission as soon as I can. And when I do I will gladly retire for good and come back to you both. I promise

Ruby puts away her scroll, wipes her tears and walks away very determined to get this over with and retire, Fuck what the world wants because the only thing she wants now is to be with her family again and she will personally kill every Council member if she has to.

Ruby pulled out her scroll replaying Jaune's speech to thier son listening and hanging on to every word.

She pulls out a family picture they took together when Garnet was only a year old, she kisses the picture with a passion.

Ruby with a tear rolling down her face again: You're right Jaune, there is no greater gift than love.

[theheadlessgroom]

@beatingheart-bride

I'd never want to be without you, Randall thought, replaying Emily's words in his mind-he didn't want to poison such sweet words with his bitterness, and yet, he couldn't help but think to himself, But you were, weren't you? For far too long, you were without me...in the future, when I'm gone...

Brushing these thoughts aside (hating to ruin such a sweet moment between the two of them now), he instead focused on the sensation of his hand over her heart, the gentle rhythm thumping against his open palm, that steady beat putting a smile on his face as he breathed, "I thank her too. I...I think I'd feel just the same, had we never met-no matter what happened, I think I'd...I'd feel something was missing too."

How funny-from what his mother had told him, she and Wilhelm had had a similar conversation before he was born, June wondering aloud what life would've been like had her husband not stopped in New Orleans, and instead continued on his way to California; if he might have met someone else out there, had a family out there. Wilhelm, for his part, had shrugged and didn't rule it out as a possibility, with the addendum that he wouldn't have been as happy with this hypothetical wife-because she wouldn't have been you, Junie, he'd said.

Well, Randall could safely say the same: Even if he (through some miracle) found another woman to wed, it just wouldn't feel the same. He would never be as happy as he was with Emily with anyone else, he knew that in his heart, which ached at the idea of being with anyone else. Even entertaining the idea of someone else being his Mrs. Pace made his heart ache, and he gave Emily a loving kiss to soothe it, as he murmured adoringly, "I love you, my heart."

[ssumliveblogging]

Heads up, bit of a call ahead

Teo, why were you worrying so much? I’m not going to disappear from the face of the Earth you know.

Teo, slow the fuck down. Not even my irl boyfriend, future husband and love of my life, moved this quickly. Honestly, this section creeped me out a bit. The boy needs to be his own person still outside of a relationship.

Oh, he’s telling a story now

THE LITTLE PRINCE REFERENCE????

I want to go reread that book now

Teo. Please. I am not going to die the second you look away here.

And that puts an end to day 26. It was interesting to have Jaehee cameo and it makes me miss the MysMe crew even more. I think after this game I’ll do a replay of my favorite routes and finally play Ray’s After Ending and Rika’s story. If yall are interested in that, I’ll liveblog that too!

Anyway, I know Teo was designed to adapt to our personal tastes, but I didn’t really think about how unnerving that would be in context of Teo, who is supposed to be a person. Knowing that just gives me the vibes of someone who is letting a relationship consume them and melding their personality to fit their partner instead of maintaining his individuality. Idk, thoughts?

[the-nexus]

" ... you must return to hell soon, you say? To handle business?"

It isn't as if it's the first time Lu has had to leave to tend to his affairs. It's expected, marrying the devil himself, that certain obligations couldn't simply be brushed under the rug because he found himself a mortal lover... and, normally, Alastor doesn't complain. He always misses Lucifer and Charlie terribly when they are gone, but never has he tried to convince them to choose HIM over things he knew took priority.

... but, this time feels different.

He's felt paranoid for weeks now... like eyes have been upon him. Watching him. Like he's being followed. Like something very, very bad is going to happen to either himself or someone he loves... but, he won't say anything to Lucifer. No, the blond already feels terribly guilty for having to leave Alastor behind again, and the last thing the radio host wants to do is make it harder for Hell's king.

"Come back soon..." He offers, holding Lulu just a touch longer out of a silly, selfish need for some extra comfort. "I love you both. If it gets to be too much for you, don't force yourself to stay, my darling. Your happiness and health come first. I'll find a way down there myself, if I must, just to ensure you are taken care of."

Oh, if only he knew the reality he was speaking into existence... but, not of his own doing.

A kiss... two, three, four, five, a dozen, two dozen... and he lets go.

"See you soon, my love."

@radiodaemon

If he had known....

He never would have taken a step through that portal. He never would have left his husband's side. He would have been able to protect him He'd have been able to spend more time with him.

He would still be alive.

Yet, here the king sat, in the middle of the woods. He's coated in blood, cradling a body against his own. And he wails. Oh God, does he wail. His cries echo through the trees, his face soaked in tears. He is rocking his beloved in his arms as he sobs, every inch of his body trembling.

No.

NO!

NO NO NO!!!

This couldn't be happening to him! He was gone less than a day! And in that short time, Lucifer had lost the love of his life. His lover, his best friend, his husband was dead, an exit wound from a gun on his forehead and bites from hounds on his legs.

Someone had hunted Alastor like a fucking animal.

Lucifer clung to his fallen one's corpse, their last moments replaying in his mind like a broken record. Their shared kisses and Lucifer's promise to return quickly. The saddened look in Charlie's eyes as she knew they had to go.

How could he tell her? How could he look Charlotte in the eyes and tell her that Alastor was gone? How could he even go on living, knowing his one and only was dead.

Murdered in cold blood.

As he let out one, final scream of heart wrenching agony, the king sat straight up in his bed, his skin coated in cold sweat. He was panting and shaking, eyes locked on the sheet tightly clenched between his fingers.

It was a stirring beside him that snapped him from his daze, the king's turning his head to find Alastor waking beside him, likely roused from his sleep by Lucifer's violent awakening. Seeing the demon beside him, alive and well brought him to tears and he threw himself at the other, wrapping his arms around his loving husband and sobbing into his neck.

He was here.

[cicadaemon]

ayo gimme 14 for the oc ask

'Do they have a hard time opening up to people?' Idk which OC to even talk about! You're getting bombarded with all of them I guess.

For Hiromi (Yakuza)

She would have a hard time talking to anyone about her feelings other than her husband and maybe the mama who helped her realise she was trans in the first place. There's no point chatting with people about her feelings. Kind of a by-product of being apart of the Yakuza lifestyle I suppose.

Another Yakuza OC, Mizuki

Absolutely not. Why do you want to know things about her? There's no benefit to her to chat about herself and be open about her feelings. She's not even honest with her partner about her real feelings.

For Himeko (Yowamushi Pedal)

Depends on who it is. Arakita, oh he's getting an earful. Her parents. Nope, they don't need to know shit. One of the random little gremlins in the bike club. Depends on what it's about. She's a personable girl so it's easier for her to talk to people, but when it comes to the deep stuff, she's pretty tight-lipped.

For Ignatius and Philomena

Im replaying Elden Ring rn so Im thinking a lot about them. Neither of them know anything about the other person and they're keeping it that way. Fuck the mortifying ordeal of being known, they're sticking to being a mystery.

And lastly an OC I've never mentioned but I think about a lot. And I refuse to admit what media she's from cause it's embarrassing to talk about it. Yukina.

Natural born liar. Actually good at manipulating people. Her thing is to be the perfect person for whoever she is talking to. It is against her nature to open up to people. She's only done it once with someone she views as being similar to her and it didn't end well.

Just realised I've talked about all the ones from Japanese media, but they're the ones I've fleshed out the most. My other two girls, Ramona and Euphemia I haven't touched in a while so it's hard to talk about them. Which thinking about it, I miss those two girls. Period Drama ocs are so much fun.

[thesecretoflivereactions]

E-Excuse me? How can you say that? No wonder every other girl ran from you, if your first conversation includes a sentence like this.

So... after that... how the hell is this going to work out? ^^'

I am not sure what to think about the fact that they kept this "supernatural" - part away from us in the first episode. I did know from spoilers I've seen that one of the reasons she has been treated so badly, even by her own father, was because of the fact that she doesn't have any kind of powers, so I was surprised when in her sad flashbacks of the past, this wasn't even so much as hinted at.

I wonder if they didn't want to start out with anything supernatural in the first episode to focus more on the "normal" reasons for Miyos unhappyness.

No wonder they all ran away from him. She got up early to make breakfast and he immediately presumes she poisoned it. What an A**hole! I mean, I guess we do not know what happened to him in the past that he is so weary, but he could still have handled it differently. Like... making it less obvious that he assumes there is poison in the food and find a way to make her test it in a less obvious way or try something to make it sound less like she is someone who just came into his house to murder him. Gee...

She really needs to get out of this "I am the one to blame" - habit. She did nothing wrong. He was the one being all mean and paranoid for no apparent reason.

To be fair here, that is so not what he said and I am sure also not what he meant. It is perfectly reasonable that if he has firepowers, he makes the bathwater hot instead of someone else doing it. He is not telling her that she is incapable, he just told her not to do things that don't need to be done. Which makes sense. Why spend time and energy on something that he can do much easier and much faster?

(The translation says she calls him "sir" but I think she actually uses the word for "Husband", even tho he is not yet her husband.)

Poor girl. She is so happy about that praise that she started to cry and couldn't help but apologize for it, even tho he told her to stop doing it - its a bad habit I had too when I was younger. It is hard to stop doing that.

Lets move on to the third Episode in this post.

He is suspicious of her background and all that, but he still started to treat her nicely. (He said that the previous woman were all after his wealth and his status, so I get why he was weary. But it still doesn't make any sense that he though she would poison him. After all, as long as they are not married, she would hardly get anything from killing him. But maybe he is just paranoid per se and that just added up to not trusting any woman who comes to marry him.)

I am upset. Our pretty title cards are gone.

I am not a huge fan of the message that girls need make up to be pretty but I do understand that some girls need make up to feel pretty. So... I will not complain here, because I guess that is what the old lady was going for.

A headpat... always causes me to think of and miss my Rean and feel like I should go right back to Erebonia XD (I decided to NOT replay CS3 for once this year and pray to Aidios for a Rean cameo in Kai no Kiseki instead. So... I need to be strong here.) BY THE WAY, I think this is their first body contact. Like EVER.

Awwwww.

Oho! Then doesn't that mean that he wants to marry her regardless of what her true background is?

That got me a bit teary-eyed. She is finally treated with love.

So he found out that she doesn't have any abilities and what bloodline Miyo was truly from, but he doesn't seem to care at all. He actually wants to "heal the wounds in her heart" instead it seems. Really cute.

[caitsmith08-blog]

Today is hard, like most days I dwell on my past and try to make sense of it and what lesson I can take from it in moving forward. My sister, who recently lost a son, her baby, my nephew, tends to write meaningful words with every picture or video she posts of him. So much you can feel it, her pain, the love she had for him, the grief she is dealing with, and the regret mixed in with grieving she goes through every single day. My nephew unfortunately pass of an overdose, something that’s taking young lives away all too soon and common now.

I had just recently lost a friend two months before my nephews tragedy, due to the same circumstances. And, like my sister, I weigh a lot of that blame on myself. I carry it with me daily, running through several scenarios of how if I had just once more chance how I would’ve done things different. And how I would’ve easily had taken his place if given the chance. I replay it simultaneously everyday at least once if not several times throughout the day. When I hear a motorcycle, the sound of someone saying his name, songs we listened too in high school, nice days, gloomy days, you name it - I’ve had a reflection thought. But one quote my sister said, that stuck out to me was, “it’s hard to forgive other people, it’s nearly impossible to forgive yourself.” And man, is she right, she blames herself for not knowing the struggles of his addiction and why someone would chose to become an addict.

The reality is no one chooses this life, it’s a temporary escape from real world problems and thoughts. It hinders that little voice most of us have in our heads of how things should be; It’s masking the fact you don’t feel good enough, or you’ll never find love, you won’t be as successful as your peers or members of your family, you’ll never graduate from college, or in my case “you’ll wind up just like your mother”, which cuts like a hot blade through a stick of butter, because as much as I don’t want to be like her - I am. But not because she’s an avid alcoholic for which I carry traits of, but she had so much self love she never really learned how to love anyone else properly, almost as if she was too selfish, for her husband, for her kids, for her siblings, and even some friends along the way….. but that’s a whole other story.

The thing with addiction is the majority of us addicts use it as a crutch…. All the while usually digging us in a deeper hole of who we want to be and making it even harder to get out of and accomplish. Everything isn’t meant for everyone. And I say that lightly. I don’t believe there “is someone for everyone”, I think some people don’t deserve love bc of how they abuse it. I don’t think everyone’s meant to be as intelligent as the guy that cured cancer, or as strong as the guy with a full ride to OSU, or as hardworking as the single mom attending 14 credit hours and a job to survive. I think we all have our own little story here then that’s it, I’ve personally gotten blessed with the fact I found people to have loved me, no whether they love me for me or the front I put on most days I don’t think I would want to know. I’ve said with a smile on my face if the higher power takes me out right now I’ve lived a relatively decent life, I’ve traveled, I’ve tried new things, I partied, the lord knows I ate, and I laughed…. Man I miss really laughing. You see when you carry a burden like mine, it’s so much harder to laugh. You feel guilty for it, like “he’s not here to laugh, why are you having such a good time” and I catch myself purposely making sure I feel miserable. I am the queen of self sabotage. I’m the “if it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably is” glass half empty kind of gal. And since the passing of my good friend I have found sobriety is most areas, except alcohol. I cannot seem to let up on alcohol for the life of me. Bc it does, give me that “I’m normal” sense of feeling, it does ease me into a sleep for that which I cannot get when I am stone cold sober, it helps me talk about things I normally bury beneath my deepest darkest secrets, and yet it is still hell on two wheels. If I don’t get my way, if someone side eyes me, if I take what someone said personal, it takes me into a low state of depression and anxiety than what I began with. Now I’m contemplating suicide and telling myself no one would care or the world would be better off…. So how do I control this monster? How do I find forgiveness within myself? Will I ever have the chance at a normal life again? Will I allow someone to love me without thinking it’s temporary bc how can someone like me ever truly be loved? Hug your loved ones a little tighter today, tomorrow is surly never promised.

[infinitemelancholie]

We're back for another episode of late night insecurities dealings. I guess it's more dealing with how your mom and siblings ruined your relationship with women on the menu tonight... again.

Look I've already accepted I have mommy issues why can't that just be enough?? Because it's leaving me with regrets over how I've been towards other women in my life. Because it's making me realize just how much I've forced myself into some imaginary role of trying to be the perfect man for women that I end up replaying old roles from my childhood which only recreates cycles of abuse for myself. Because it's making me realize that so much of life was just missed out on because of these issues. Because I think this whole time a lot of what I did was trying to fill in what's been missing from my life. Because I'm still trying to live out a life that would make my parents proud. Because I'm still afraid of living out a life that I'd want to for myself.

I look back on people I've met in the past and even know now and just can't help but realize how much I've missed out on because of these issues. I've always had and wanted good things for myself but I've never thought of myself as deserving of those things. In a way what I did for pleasure was also something I did for self harm and self humiliation.

I'm feeling like a humiliated bi because the part of me into men and non women is a sign of how pathetic I really am. It's a reminder of how much of a failure I really am. I'm that way because I never deserved to have a woman's love in my life.

Now top that off with being sexually assaulted by my dad and boom you've just uncovered everything wrong with me.

How do people live such normal lives when mine is this way?

I shouldn't let this bother me or overtake me but I also don't want to run from it at all. Because it's my problem to work through and I know that I can work through it. Because I'm more than my parents' son. I'm my own person.

It's not shameful or humiliating to be into men and women. It sucks to have missed what I've missed, but also what's in the past is in the past.

I'm going to move to a future where my life is where I want it to be at. I'm not stopping or holding back because of this shit from my parents dammit. One day I'll live in the light with my friends and everyone else I know who'll be there every step of the way. It's going to be great.

The stuff that happened to me from my parents can't hurt me anymore. It's hindered me far too long and it's way past time to move past it. Yeah it made me make bad decisions and yeah it affected my self esteem and everything but it can't dictate my life for me. It can't stop me from living a happy and healthy life. My life is my own. Only I can live it.

One day I'll be as social as Charles. I know this because that's who I'm supposed to be like. One day I'll make an awesome boyfriend and an exceptional husband and I want to do that for anyone regardless of gender. I want to be someone's poison ivy to their Harley Quinn.

I want to accept that I can't always be that to everyone and that's ok because I can't solve everyone's problems. Maybe they're making mistakes but that's theirs to make. If I forever lose it on an opportunity than I forever lose out on that opportunity. Life moves on.

Ok the fomo thing's gonna be hard to move past but I'll make it work because I don't want to make the people in my life feel unimportant. I want them all to feel like they matter.

I'm going to work towards my happiness and start to live out a good life

[dear-grief]

It has been over a year. Over one year since I saw you. April was the year mark. I was wondering why I had this ache in me but realized once I saw the month we were in. The same month I got married. I missed her face at my wedding. The day we occasionally talked about but never knew would actually happen for me. Until she met my now husband. She even knew we were to get married and was so happy for us. I remember the day they met. The smile on her face when she saw us. The jokes she made with him about being my body guard and protecting me from getting hurt. I have had a rough past with men and women.

When she saw my current husband was different, it was great. I wished I would of seen her face. Her smile. Hear her laugh at my wedding. She would of loved it. I am also pregnant with my second son who is due any day now. She would be so excited to see him and be an aunt. She was like a sister to me. She loved my first as well. They got along great! He has occasionally asked about her. It’s hard to explain death to a child sometimes. Particularly when they don’t understand it fully. I’m not a Christian in any way but the easiest way to tell him where she is at, is heaven. Which if I was one, I know that is where she would be. She was such a beautiful and amazing soul. It’s hard when it is unknown though. We want to think our loved ones are in this magical happy place. I want to think she is up there dancing and having a grand time. Enjoying all that she loves and in constant bliss. Even if that means she is not with me. One day I really hope to reconnect. When I do see her again, I am going to give her the biggest hug. Hold her tightly and not let go. I have had dreams of us, none where she has visited but replays of old memories. I wish she would visit me just to say hello.

Anyway. That is my vent today. If anyone is reading this, I hope you are well. Thank you for listening to me. I really appreciate it. I have learned through this you never will get over losing someone, it just gets more manageable everyday. If you’re going through this, I send you my biggest hugs. I also encourage you to let yourself feel. Let yourself cry. Let it out. If you have anger scream it on the top of your lungs. Hit a pillow. Grief works in funny ways. You feel all and nothing at the same time. Reach out to people. Remember you’re not alone. ❤️