#tbotd

[haydenigmatic]

You are the King’s third child, a Princess/Prince third in line to the throne of the eight kingdoms,Third in line to the throne, you have nothing to worry about , well of course you have your lessons but not as extensive as your brothers because your older brother is the heir and even if something happened to him, there is your other big brother.

Maybe you will be a pawn for your father in a marriage alliance, However, who knows what the future holds, something or someone could ensure that your dynasty will be nothing more than dust and you will have to fight for the throne as the heir apparent, or maybe you won’t have to fight at all…

DEMO ✸ MOODBOARDS ✸ ASK ME ANYTHING YOU WANT ✸ FORUM ✸ PLAYLISTS ✸

RO's intro post: ✸ Aurelia/n✸Damon✸Doria/n✸Hanniel✸

               ✸ Jasira✸ Nesrin ✸ Odette ✸ Sorin ✸ Verena ✸  

Play as a Princess/Prince of a powerful dynasty.

Variety of dialogue depending on your gender

Find love among nine characters of whom two are gender selectable

Manipulate, or genuinely care for your people

Bond with creatures that used to be extinct

Blurry the line between good and bad

Form alliances to win the crown

Do anything to survive at court

♢ Lady/Lord Aurelia/Aurelian Mezzei (She/her - He/him) 2 years older than MC

Aurelia/n is a proud and skilled adventurer with a free-spirited nature, always yearning for new experiences and the freedom of the open road. Beneath their composed exterior, they possess a kind heart and a rational mind, but can become a formidable force when provoked.

"The world is a tapestry, woven with threads of wonder and complexity. With each step, I strive to unravel its mysteries and add my own vibrant colors."

♢ Lady/Lord Doria/Dorian Muriel  (She/her - He/him) 3 years older than MC

Doria/n is a complex and enigmatic individual, shrouded in a veil of cynicism and guardedness. Their ruthless actions and lack of remorse paint them as a hardened figure, while their hidden heart of gold and capacity for loyalty reveal a deeper layer beneath the surface. They navigate life with a cautious scepticism, harbouring deep-seated wounds and a relentless desire for self-preservation.

"There's no room for sentimentality or second chances in my life. Once you cross me, there's no going back."

♢ Hanniel (Connell) Almlinger  (He/him) 4 years older than MC

Hanniel is a chivalrous and principled knight, driven by a strong sense of justice and an unwavering dedication to doing what is right. Despite the shame he feels as a bastard, he possesses a warm and compassionate heart, and his experiences have shaped him into a resilient and empathetic individual.

"The measure of a person's worth is not determined by their birthright, but by the content of their character."

♢ Lord Damon Lavone (He/him) 4 years older than MC

Damon is a charismatic and ambitious knight, driven by a relentless pursuit of glory and recognition. His privileged background as the heir to the second wealthiest man in The Eight Kingdoms, combined with his natural talent and captivating presence, has made him a captivating legend and a force to be reckoned with. Beneath his confident exterior lies a fiercely loyal and protective nature, willing to go to great lengths for the ones he loves.

"To be ordinary is a fate worse than death. I was destined for greatness, and I will leave my mark on this world. Remember my name, for it will be whispered in awe and reverence."

♢ Lady Jasira Oursbar (She/her) 2 years older than MC

Jasira is a fiercely independent and outspoken individual, unafraid to challenge societal expectations and fight for what she believes in. As the daughter of a northern duke, she defies the traditional role of a lady, embodying strength, determination, and a rebellious spirit. With a background rooted in nobility, Jasira carries a deep sense of loyalty and a strong connection to her heritage, guiding her actions and shaping her unwavering pursuit of justice.

"I'd rather live a life of freedom and danger than one of safety and confinement."

♢ Lady Nesrin Parovus (She/her) 1 year older than MC

Nesrin is a cunning and intelligent individual, skilled in the art of manipulation and strategic thinking. Born into nobility as the daughter of one of the seven dukes, she exudes grace and elegance while harbouring a hidden depth of ambition and determination. With her background of privilege and a mind shaped by political intrigue, Nesrin is a formidable force, always three steps ahead in the game of power.

"There's nothing more satisfying than outmaneuvering someone who thought they had the upper hand."

♢ Lady Odette Lavone (She/her) 1 year younger than MC

Odette is a compassionate and idealistic individual, driven by a strong sense of empathy and a desire for justice. With her noble background as the daughter of one of the seven dukes, she possesses elegance and grace, often regarded as the epitome of a court lady. Her genuine kindness and unwavering devotion make her a steadfast ally and a beacon of hope in a complex and sometimes treacherous world.

"Love is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a profound connection that binds us together. With each beat of my heart, I choose to love fiercely, fiercely enough to change the world."

♢ Sorin of Soirsa (She/her) 2 years older than MC

Sorin is a resilient and resourceful individual, shaped by a challenging past as an orphan and a former courtesan. With a guarded demeanour and an independent spirit, she navigates the world with a keen intellect and a knack for survival. Beneath her tough exterior lies a tender heart yearning for connection, a hidden vulnerability that only a select few are privileged to witness.

"Life may have dealt me a difficult hand, but I'll play it with audacious grace, turning adversity into art."

♢ Lady Verena Sarpe (She/her) Same age as MC

Verena is a captivating and ambitious noblewoman, known for her seductive allure and calculated strategies. Born into a distinguished family, she carries the weight of her tarnished reputation and navigates the intricate web of political power with cunning and determination. Behind her enchanting facade lies a complex soul yearning for genuine love, battling her own insecurities and the shadows of her past.

"Love is a delicate dance, and I have perfected the steps. But be warned, for the fire that burns within me is as treacherous as it is enchanting."

[the-common-cowgirl]

About the author:

Hi! You can call me Leah! I am in my mid twenties, residing in rural Midwest USA.

My time zone is American Central Time!

What I write:

I’m a pretty devout follower of all things “A Song of Ice and Fire,” so most of my works are within that fandom!

I enjoy writing dark fics.

Requests:

Requests are closed!

• I will only take 5 requests at a time

• I will not write physical characteristics of the reader

• I will not write underage characters

• I will write any of my OFC if it’s a request compliant with the story.

• I will write depraved fics, they’re my fave.

Completed Requests:

She’s an Angel - Osferth x Fem!(unnamed)OC - Teen

Tooth Rotting Bliss - NSFW/+18, Modern Aemond x Wife (Reader/Third Person)

Dangerous Games - NSFW/+18, Modern Aemond x Girlfriend (Reader/Third Person)

Tumblr Masterlist:

False Dragons - Aemond Targaryen x Fem!OC, Dark fic, NSFW/+18

It’s Only Forever, Not Long at All - Goblin King!Aemond x Fem!Reader - Not Completed. NSFW+18, Mini-series

Greater of Two Evils - Dark!Aemond Targaryen x Fem!Reader. NSFW/+18.

The Lost Children - Osferth x Fem!Reader. Mini-Series. Not completed. NSFW/+18.

Aemond x Alice - (from TBOTD) - Non-Plot Explicit Drabble

My Fiancé’s Little Brother - Modern AU, Aemond x Aegon’s Fiancé Reader, OneShot, NSFW/+18

He Stopped Loving Her Today - Modern AU, Aemond x (Third Person) AFAB Reader, One-Shot, Mature

I Wish I Was Still My Mother’s Daughter - WIP

For You Did Murder Alys Rivers - WIP

AO3 only:

The Green Wolf - Dark fic! Aegon Targaryen II x Fem!OC x Aemond Targaryen, Explicit

The Blood of the Dragon - Aemond Targaryen x Fem!OC, Fluffy Dark Fic, Explicit

Something Wicked This Way Comes - HotD Big-Bang Entry

[giresthoughts]

”There will be a grey twilight-like light, both by night and by day, and at all times.” TBotD. ’In the mist’, 2013, Stokkum, ph Erik Gigengack

[discourse-by-candlelight]

FYI, ADN actually got the word tulpa from the Tibetan book of the dead, punished two years earlier than her book by some old friends of hers, including Dawa Samdup. The TBotD called it tulpai, but ADN wrote it the way she pronounced it, losing the final i. It was published in 1927 and can be found online, and you can read about Samdup and ADN's relationship just by googling them together.

You're missing a big step in your argument on whether it's appropriation and how closely connected it is.

We scanned the Tibetan book of the dead 1927 edition and found no such word inside it. We already know of her connections with Samdup though as it is referenced in Tracking The Tulpa.

If you could provide more evidence for this claim we would appreciate it, but for now we shall stick with what we have currently verified in it's transliteration.

[postambientlux]

• the broken cradle • the burial of the dead • bit.ly/tBc-TbOtD

[ajtorres0]

I know I promised to show some of the art books I own. Don't worry, I'm getting to it, I just wanted to show off some different books first. Like this one here to show you another way to see dragons. Honestly, when I first picked this book up back when I was in high school, I did it because dragons. Who knew that the art within was just so amazing and so inspiring that I wanted to draw dragons like this ... Haven't been able to yet, but I'm working on it lol. I only took some of the pictures from within, but trust me when I say that if you're a fan of dragons, I highly recommend picking this book up. It shows you a take on european dragons, magic, and tales that I found interesting at the time. I don't know now because I haven't read it in so long lol. Oh! Fun fact, this book definitely helped shape how to create dragons after reading Eragon. This book was just so fun to read and look at. Just get this when you can, you won't be disappointed. QOTD: What color do you want to see on a dragon? #KimmersBooks #Bookstagram #Writergram #Read #Reader #Reading #Book #Write #Writer #Writing #AmReading #AmWriting #HighFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Fantasy #Dragons #TBotD #EpicFantasy #Ciruelo #PortalFantasy #ScienceFantasy https://www.instagram.com/p/CGiU7RkAJLb/?igshid=1kkew8you2wvz

[shittytokudetails]

YOU'RE TOKUBOY OF THE DAY????? you are singlehandedly feeding this fandom

Indeed I am, what else would I do with this endless amount of screenshots? I'm the baddest bitch in this fandom for a reason.

Tokuboy of the day and shitty toku details are two halves of the same coin.

I also used to have a shitposting one called overquartzer and a parody one called toku character of the day, the idea for this blog came from the later.

[tokuboyoftheday]

it's official, tbotd is in indefinite hiatus

so hi, how long it's been, it's sad that we got reunited this way

one persistent question while running tbotd was if I was contributing to the fetishization and sexualization of the asian ppl, mainly japanese, and while I can talk about my intentions, that does little to the change the actual content or how ppl interacted with it. Bc as small as I am in the grand scheme, I have to still consider my actions.

If I can't find an answer if I'm contributing to the spread of dehumanization of asians through "look at how pretty he is" I just can't continue, and that is an answer I haven't found yet.

there's a post about some of the infantilization and dehumanization in the western toku fandom, for any anyone thinking it doesn't apply

and a post with links to support the stop asian hate movement

[haydenigmatic]

Aurelia/n Mezzei

Meet Aurelia/n, the firstborn and heir of the Duke Bricriu, yet burdened by the shadows of a turbulent family history. Raised amidst the opulence of noble court life, Aurelia/n's journey is a delicate dance between duty and desire, navigating the complexities of power and privilege while grappling with the ghosts of their lineage.

Their face and voice claim are: Medalion Rahimi and Şükrü Özyıldız

Family Dynamics:

Father - Duke Briston:

Aurelia/n's relationship with their father, Duke Briston, is strained due to the turbulent history of their family. While there is a sense of duty and respect towards him as their father and as the head of the house, there is also resentment and disappointment. Aurelia/n struggles with conflicting feelings of loyalty and betrayal, especially regarding their father's unfaithfulness to their mother. Despite this, there is an underlying desire for approval and acknowledgment from Duke Briston, fuelling Aurelia/n's drive to excel as the heir.

Mother - Duchess Elvina:

Aurelia/n shares a close bond with their mother, Duchess Elvina, who has been a source of support and guidance throughout their life. Despite the challenges in their parents' relationship, Aurelia/n finds solace and understanding in their mother's presence. Elvina serves as a confidant and ally, offering wisdom and comfort in times of turmoil.

Younger Sister - Izevel:

Aurelia/n's relationship with their younger sister, Izevel, is characterized by a mix of protectiveness and rivalry. While they care deeply for Izevel's well-being and want to shield her from the harsh realities of their family's dynamics, there is also a sense of competition and jealousy. Aurelia/n struggles with feelings of inadequacy and resentment towards Izevel, who is often favoured by their father despite being younger.

Deceased Younger Brother - Bisha:

Aurelia/n's relationship with their deceased younger brother, Bisha, is marked by grief and sorrow. Bisha's untimely death has left a profound void in the family, casting a shadow over their relationships. Aurelia/n carries a sense of guilt for not being able to protect Bisha and harbours unresolved emotions surrounding their loss.

Some details about her/him:

Their dangerous side is honed through rigorous training. Aurelia/n is a formidable combatant, skilled in the art of whip combat, a talent that is known and respected in both noble circles and less savoury territories.

Has a habit of regularly looking up at the sky when deep in thought. It's a meditative gesture that helps them centre themselves, especially before making important decisions.

Has an irrational fear of enclosed spaces, stemming from a childhood incident.

Despite their reserved nature, has a mischievous streak and enjoys playing harmless pranks on their friends.

They have a tendency to overthink situations, often analysing every possible outcome before making a decision.

Their childhood was marked by summers spent exploring the vast estates of their family's holdings.

Carries a heavy burden of guilt over the death of their younger brother, Bisha, feeling responsible for not being able to protect him.

They have an estranged cousin who resents them for being the heir and is almost always trying to undermine their position.

Harbours deep-seated resentment towards their father, Duke Briston, for his infidelity and the turmoil it caused within the family.

Feels a strong sense of duty to uphold the family legacy and honour their ancestors, despite the challenges they face within the family.

[the-common-cowgirl]

Aemond x Alice - NSFW Drabble

Intimate moment not seen in “TBOTD.”

Warnings: 18+, SMUT, JUST SMUTTY SMUT SMUT, ITS JUST SMUT, Breeding Kink (?), mentions of infertility, a tad bit of fluff.

==========================

He moved within her, dragging the aching length along her taught walls. The sensitive underside of his veiny cock brushing against her sweet spot, making her gasp, moan and throw her head down in ecstasy.

He held back, moving in slow, deliberate strokes for her. Despite Alice being on her knees and back arched for him, he was moving for her pleasure, because if he had his way, he’d be pounding his hips harshly into her sweet cunt, making her forget every name but his own as he slammed into her.

But this wasn’t for him, it was for her. She needed it slow, she was rather worn and sore from their previous coupling only hours ago. So he restrained himself and gave her what she wanted: slow, tender lovemaking.

“Fffuuu-“ she inhaled in blind ecstasy.

Aemond could feel her fluttering around his girth and knew she was teetering on the edge. Needing to view her divine face when she came undone around him, he regretfully extracted himself from her sinful cavern abruptly. She dropped her arms and whined at the loss of friction into the mattress then, in the very next second, yelped as she was flipped onto her back, falling into his soft bed.

His lips were on her own before she could gain much clarity. He slowly guided himself back into his favorite place and began bucking his hips in a slow rolling manner, driving Alice off the edge quickly.

She elicited the most beautiful moan and gasps while her taught room clamped down on his aching, needy cock. Her blissed out face and the contraction of her intimate muscles made his approaching orgasm chase her own without much delay. Before Alice could come down from her high, Aemond buried his cock deeply, his hardened tip bruising into her cervix painfully and spilled his seed against her womb.

The two laid there, coming down from their own respective highs, wrapped in the other’s arms. Aemond’s large, bony, icy hand traveled across her skin, leaving a trail of goose flesh in its wake, finally landing on the flesh above her womb. He caressed the skin softly, imagining what it would be like to have lived a life of hope. Hope for the future; children, grey hairs, wrinkles and grandchildren. He rubbed the soft, warm flesh of his lover, thinking how her life would be different if he were another man. Maybe she would have those things he could only hope for, maybe she would have been fulfilled.

“Aemond,” Alice cooed, bringing his attention out of the dark cloud that was his mind and where it ventured, to her: the sun itself. She reached down and grasped his hand, pulling it to her lips and kissing delicately. “You’re enough. You have always been enough.”

His lips quirked but he wasn’t convinced, “How do you know what I’m thinking?”

Alice’s warm smile appeared and her gentle hand reached out to caress his strong jaw, “I know you.”

“A thousand times over,” he added, leaning in and kissing her deeply. He’d never understand how a monster like him could be blessed with the spirit of a savior like Alice, and how she could have been formed from the darkest of evils.

“To, what may not be,” she breathed in between kisses.

And he felt his body growing hot once again for her.

=====================================

If you liked this drabble, check out my work it’s based on! Currently 32 chapters written!

[tomcuddlesfic]

Throw back of the day: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Hey guys! I thought it would be really fun if i do one of these things where I give a throw back of the day since I have so many stories from the past and in my archives. Hopefully, you can see the difference in my writing from then and now and hopefully, praying to jesus right now, that it's for the better.

I might do one for submissions too! So, send in some of your lovely stories and maybe you can be the throw back of the day later on next week <333 

TITLE: I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus

DATE ORIGINALLY POSTED:  December 16 2012

GENRE: Fluff / Romance / Christmas

AUTHOR: tomcuddlesfic

******READ HERE*******

[tokuboyoftheday]

Hey wait didnt you repeat belial at one point?

well yes, but actually no. Let me explain

that’s a piece of the masterlist, my spreadsheet that contains tbotd past and future, the first column is the number, when the first event started (shirtless tb month), it switches to ex to indicate that doesn’t count for the no repetition rule, and goes back when the event ends.

belial was posted during the villains month, that doesn’t count, then again normally. But keep in mind that sometimes I refuse normal requests for those posted in events bc I didn’t watched the show yet, and plan to do so in the near future. And in some special occasions I accept repetitions.

[haydenigmatic]

Dracarions - The Royal Family

Bhaltair III Dracarion - The King of The Eight Kingdoms

FC: Jim Caviezel

A figure both feared and revered, known to many simply as the Impaler King. His name evokes images of brutality and ruthlessness, his reputation forged upon the blood-soaked battlegrounds where he has claimed victory after victory. To some, he is a savoir—a beacon of strength in a world consumed by chaos. To others, he is a monster—a shadowy figure whose reign of terror knows no end.

Basilius Dracarion - The Crown Prince

Known for his kindness, just demeanour, and prowess in both diplomacy and the battlefield, he is a symbol of hope and stability in the eyes of his subjects. Basilius's reputation extends beyond his noble lineage, earning him admiration as a compassionate leader who navigates the complexities of royal life with grace and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Merindah Dracarion (Draeggert) - The Queen Consort of The Eight Kingdoms

Admired by subjects and nobles alike, she embodies the essence of regality with her dignified presence and unwavering composure. Known for her compassion and unwavering dedication to her family and kingdom, Merindah commands respect and admiration wherever she goes.

Drystan Dracarion - The Second Born

Known for his foppish exterior and penchant for revelry, he's often perceived as the charming black sheep of the Dracarion siblings. Wears his charisma like a second skin, weaving captivating tales with his words. Yet, beneath the facade of endless parties and a perpetual smile, lies a young man yearning for recognition.

Zhera Dracarion (Blancbaston) - The Dowager Queen / Queen Mother

FC: Lindsay Duncan

People view her as a pillar of tradition and propriety, deeply entrenched in the customs and values that have guided the kingdom for generations. Her fierce protection of her loved ones, coupled with her sharp wit and keen intellect, have solidified her position as a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Ser Branton Dracarion - The Commander of The City Watch (Kings Fall)

FC: Bradley Cooper

Beneath the armour and stern countenance, there lies a man torn between the burdens of responsibility and the desires of his heart. A figure respected and revered, navigates the complexities of a world where honour often intertwines with sacrifice.

[the-common-cowgirl]

The Blood of the Dragon - Chatpter 38: Sacrifice.

TBOTD CH 38 is being posted to tumblr first and A03 at an indefinite later date due to issues A03 is working through.

TBOTD is rated Explicit due to adult themes and I do not recommend reading this posted chapter as your introduction to this fic. To find the full fic, go here.

_____________________________________

Alice finally reached the bakery in Flea Bottom an hour or two before dusk with her feet aching, blistered, and bleeding…but she didn’t feel the ache on her soles. No, Alice couldn’t feel anything superficial anymore due to the heart inside her, that she was sure, no longer beat.

During the walk home, Alice used the time to think as her legs mindlessly took her home. The more Alice allowed herself to think, the more her heart began to break. The more her heart broke, the harsh understanding that she couldn’t stay under Aemond’s overbearing wing weighed heavier on her.

So, as soon as Alice unlocked the shop doors, she made a bee-line for the apartment steps with one goal in mind: to pack her bags. Alice wasn’t sure where she’d escape to but she knew there was nothing here, in King’s Landing, for her anymore. The bakery and everything she and her family worked so hard for: a lie. The family she knew and loved: gone. Even her best friend, Cat, no longer wanted her.

As Alice left her childhood bedroom with nothing more than a drawstring bag, she passed the bathroom one last time and decided, if she was going to leave, the last thing she could do was wash any evidence of her past off - almost like a ceremony. So, Alice stripped and hopped into the shower, turning the heat up as hot as it would go and letting the beads of what felt like, molten lava, hit her skin.

Closing her eyes, Alice thought of Aemond again. She thought of his devotion to her and she wondered if it was loyalty to her or who he thought she was or should be. Of course, the room of Alys’ was real, along with the evidence it held within. Alice had seen it with her own eyes, but, she thought long and hard, under that scorching water of the apartment shower head, if she was a real Alys or just another woman named Alice that Aemond had set his sights on and targeted selfishly for his life since she was born.

The water turned cold before Alice could reach an understanding of who she truly was to Aemond. She turned around and turned the shower off, flung the curtain open and grabbed a towel, wiping her face free of water and thought. She made a silent vow to herself then, reserve any thoughts of Aemond to only during her showers, that way, when she’s done cleaning herself, she could wipe her mind free as she dried herself.

Quickly, Alice dressed, grabbed her bag and started down the stairs with still dripping hair. She didn’t want to turn and give one final look to the place she had worked and lived for under the guise of a lie, but her head and eyes moved despite her brain and Alice gazed the bakery lobby once more before stepping out of the building. She felt nothing much to her sanity.

Turning, she locked the doors out of habit, then remembering, there was no use in the protection a locked door could give this bakery, it was corrupted from within, by it’s true owner, she left the keys in the door.

Alice took a deep breath, she would be leaving everything. All of it. Her life’s work, her family’s work, all behind her. She busted her ass as a teenager to keep this place open, she left and got a degree to run this place, she came back when her dad died and tried to pick the ruined finances up - all for nothing. All of it meant nothing. Resentment boiled up into her chest and Alice wanted to punch the door, shattering the glass… but she didn’t. She just turned and walked away, she supposed, as she always should have.

Alice had barely passed the bakery when she heard her name being shouted behind her by a familiar voice. She turned and furrowed her brows, “Cat?”

Cat came barreling down the empty sidewalk toward Alice and before she could realize what was going to happen, Cat jumped up and wrapped her arms around Alice’s neck, dangling. Cat’s signature sweet floral scent embraced Alice’s nose like a long long friend. It made Alice feel comforted, if only for a short time.

“Oh my gods Al, I’m so fucking sorry.” Cat was crying into Alice’s shoulder, buried in her wet hair.

“What-“ Alice began, confused then the memory of Cat’s action came flooding back in full force and Alice shoved Cat off of her. Alice held a composed face, trying to conceal her hurt and anger but Cat just looked devasted. “Sorry? That’s all? What about a fucking explanation Cat?”

Cat nodded and tears fell from her face at the speed of her nodding, “Absolutely, you deserve it.” Cat bit her lip.

Alice raised an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips, waiting.

Cat motioned behind her, “Let’s sit down in the bakery and I’ll explain.”

Alice shook her head, “No, here. I’m not going back in there.”

Cat furrowed her brows causing more tears to squeeze out of her blotched eyes, “Why haven’t you been there? I’ve came by everyday.”

Alice’s anger subsided slightly, “You came by everyday?”

Cat nodded looking up to Alice with weeping doe eyes.

Alice breathed a sigh. Not sure what to say. What could she say? Did she want to listen to another excuse? What could excuse what Cat did to their friendship? Abandoning her in Alice’s time of need? Blocking her without warning or explanation? Did Alice want an excuse?

”If you don’t want to go back to the bakery, fine. We can call an Uber and go back to my place. Talk in private.” Cat gave a weak smile but it reassured Alice. “Maybe you can stay overnight like when we were younger.” Cat motioned to Alice’s drawstring bag, “Looks like you’re all packed.” She gave Alice a weak laugh, trying to break the tension.

Alice’s lip broke into a weak smile and she looked down to the dirty concrete sidewalk, “Private? Where’s the fiancé?”

Cat’s smile dropped, “We have a lot to discuss.”

Alice allowed Cat to call an Uber. Not many words were shared between the two on the ride to Cat’s apartment and none of the words held much importance. Once the door to Cat’s apartment was closed, Alice noticed Cat had added two extra locks. Cat’s back was to Alice as she made sure all three, including the handle’s lock were secured tightly. The understanding that Cat most likely had a reason for the extra locks on her apartment door made Alice uneasy.

As Cat turned from the door, Alice turned, as to not draw attention that she was attentively watching Cat secure locks like she was in a doomsday bunker. As Alice turned, she noticed many cardboard boxes piled in the living room and kitchen. The once maximalist apartment now felt empty. Yet another reason Alice felt uneasy. “Are you moving,” Alice questioned to Cat as Cat opened the fridge and poured water from a filter pitcher into two plastic cups that Alice recognized as cups they had gotten from a movie theater when they were fifteen. It was an action movie, the girls weren’t impressed - they wanted to watch a romance but the seats were sold out.

Cat nodded, as she put the pitcher back, “Waiting on word back from a few landlords in the city.” Cat brought the glasses over to Alice and as she handed the plastic cup to Alice, for the first time today, Alice realized Cat wasn’t wearing her engagement ring.

“Where’s Brandon?” The question made Cat wince. Suddenly, everything started making sense. “He made you block me, didn’t he?”

Cat shook her head. “No, no he did that himself.” She didn’t look at Alice, she just stood perpendicular to Alice, staring ahead at the white wall. “He blocked Jaime too.” Cat brought her head up to look at Alice, her lip was quivering. “I didn’t realize it right away, but when I did, I started making plans to get out.”

”And how far along are you on that?” Alice moved and sat down on the couch next to her, hoping Cat would follow and save her trembling knees; she did, sitting opposite to Alice.

”He’s coming back from a band tour tomorrow. We don’t-“ she gestured around her with her free hand, the hand on the cup shaking, “we don’t share this lease so, as long as he doesn’t get in, he has no right to be here.”

Alice’s heart plummeted, seeing her best-friend in such a terrible situation. She felt horrible, for not seeing the warning signs or just plainly ignoring them. “Did he- did he hit you?”

Cat responded by immediately shaking her head, “No, no he never hit me. He just- well- he just controlled me. Everything I did, everything I wore, everything I ate.”

Alice’s own hand shook, Cat’s admission hitting a little too close of her heart. “You can’t stay here,” Alice breathed out as if simply an exhale.

Cat nodded, smiling at the simplicity of the solution. “I know that,” she whispered with a smile, tear falling down her cheek.

“I’m leaving,” Alice admitted, “the city.” Cat gave her a confused look. “Come with me.”

Cat shook her head, “I can’t leave, I just got a new job.”

”Please? Leave with me.” Alice did not beg, she just spoke. Calmly, coolly, motherly.

Cat shook her head. “I can’t.”

Alice took a deep breath, knowing she could not leave the city if her friend needed her. “You can’t stay here,” Alice added again. Cat nodded, again. “Stay with me, at the bakery.”

Cat gave a short, sarcastic laugh. “I thought you said you wouldn’t go back there? Are you staying with lover boy?” Alice shook her head. It felt weightless to do so, as if the weight Aemond had on her had not felt crushing. Cat sighed, unsure of how to comfort Alice in the wake her obvious hurt. “Brandon knows where you live,” she objected.

Alice threw her head back against the backrest of the couch, rubbing the bridge of her nose. ”I fucking dare him to try and hurt you in my bakery.” Alice said ‘my’ as if she owned it and it made her chuckle.

While Alice’s eyes were closed, Cat made a decision. “Okay, I’ll come live with you.” Alice’s breathed out a deep sigh as her heart warmed and plummeted at the same time. Alice would save Cat from her monster while living in the den of her own. Just as Alice’s life went, she’d sacrifice herself for those she loved.

”Thank you,” Cat said meekly.

[concreteheartscollective]

Throwback Video Of The Day: Kanye West - Can't Tell Me Nothing

Back in 2007 off one of his earlier albums, Graduation. Enjoy!

[haydenigmatic]

What tropes do the romances fall under?

Ooh! This one might spoil some stuff but I shall indulge you anyway:

Verena: Lust Turned Love/Deception and Betrayal

Jasira: Opposites Attract

Nesrin: Fake Relationship/Marriage of Convenience

Odette: Secret Relationship/Forbidden love

Sorin: Cross-Class Romance

Aurelia/n: Friends to Lovers

Doria/n: Rebel with a Heart of Gold/Revenge

Hanniel: Sibling's Best Friend/Everyone can see it

Damon: Playboy/rake in love