#wedding updo with flower

[wandamaximoffsbadgirl]

Revolving Around You

Beefy!Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your ex, Wanda Maximoff, invites you to her wedding. You have no reason to go, but find a reason to stay.

Word Count: 1.5K

Warnings: Tooth rotting fluff, alcohol consumption, and smoking weed

A/N: I really just wanted to write some Natasha fluff and I used the prompt [ wedding ] our muses are sat at the same table at a wedding for a mutual friend

You stared down at the invitation you had received from your long since ex, Wanda Maximoff, she'd be getting married soon. You really didn't talk much with Wanda anymore not since she got together with Vision, but when you did meet up and talk everything was fine.

You weren't expecting this though. Not this soon anyways as you stared down in shock at the lovely scarlet invite to their Spring wedding two months from now. Should you go? She sent the invite so obviously she wants you there, right? You grabbed your phone, scanning the QR code on the invite. It brought you to a page themed in such a way you could only assume it was their wedding theme. You checked off the box to RSVP. You held your breath after hitting send and even once the confirmation came through. Now you had to go through with it.

The ceremony was beautiful. Outside in the blossoming flower fields and apple trees of a rented out pasture. It honestly was a beautiful sight to behold. You'd gone wearing a light blue dress that fell at your mid thigh and a matching pair of open toed heels. Your hair in a half updo of a bun, the rest falling gracefully over your shoulders.

The reception itself was held in a renovated barn on the property. The table you were sitting at you knew no one. Well you didn't know anyone really at the wedding. You knew Wanda, Pietro, Vision, and the parents.

As everyone found their seats a raspy voice called out, “Looks like you're my seat mate for the next however many hours Wanda decides this reception should last.” Your head turned to see a red head, her hair in various braids. She wore a fitting suit that did absolutely nothing to hide all the muscles beneath the fabric. You could see her ear was covered in piercings along with her eyebrow and septum from the profile view you were currently getting. You couldn't help, but stare at the beauty sitting next to you. As you went to respond to the red head, she was shrugging off the suit jacket. The button up and tie she wore were almost the same as your dress. In fact if anyone were to give a quick glance they probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. She hung the jacket on the chair. Turning towards you and as she rolled up her sleeves, revealing the double sleeves of tattoos on her arms.

“Wow…they're beautiful…” you meant to keep that thought in your head, but it slipped past your lips. A blush adorning your face as you turned away to hide.

“Well thank you pretty girl.” She leaned onto the table, all her attention on you as you downed your drink, suddenly feeling like you couldn't swallow. A chuckle falling past the redhead's lips. “I'm Natasha by the way, what's your name? Though I'll probably stick to calling you pretty girl with a reaction like that.” You looked over to see her smirking, another blush coming to your cheeks.

“Y/N…” you spoke quietly, but Natasha heard and tested it on her tongue,

“Y/N…hmmm I think that's a beautiful name that suits a pretty girl like you.”

A few hours into the reception you and Natasha are talking as if you've known each other your whole lives. Once the dance floor opens up after the first dance, Natasha holds out her hand. “Care to dance, pretty girl?” Her sultry voice finds your ears, sending a shiver through you. You don't speak a word, instead opting to just set your hand in hers. The way her hand held yours felt perfect, it felt right.

Her hand in yours, the other holding your waist as yours sat on her shoulder. She led the dance of you two and everything around you faded away. It was only Natasha. All you wanted to do was lean in and kiss the redhead, but you controlled yourself even though your head was swimming from the alcohol you've been consuming.

“You're, like, really handsome and beautiful.” You blurt out making her chuckle.

“Well pretty girl now that we've both said what we think about each other's appearance maybe we could go on a date outside of this wedding?” She offers cocking the pierced brow at you.

“Where do you live?” you slurred, looking up at her.

“New York.” Your eyes lit up, getting up closer to her face.

“Me too!” She smiled, leading you two outside the reception hall. Grabbing her jacket on the way out, setting it on your shoulders. The air had gotten cold now that the sun was down, but a bonfire was being lit by Vision's brother Tony and Wanda's brother Pietro.

You wanted to go over and get a seat, but Natasha had you against the wall. She wasn't holding you there, but she towered over you as she pulled you closer.

“Are you cold?” She asked in a low voice.

“Only a little. Your jacket is helping and your body heat...” Your voice trails off as you wrap your arms around her waist. You looked up at the redhead who took a hand to your cheek. Her thumb brushing gently over your skin.

“I could warm you up a bit more if you’d like?” You bit the inside of your lip, nodding your head as she pulled you against her, lifting you onto your tip toes as your lips brushed together. “Is this okay?” You didn’t answer verbally as you leaned up further to press your lips into hers. Your hands fisting her shirt and you were sure you wrinkled the fabric, but neither of you could bring yourself to care as you went from a simple kiss to her tongue swiping across your lip asking for entrance. When you opened your mouth for her and her tongue made its way into your mouth you realized she had a tongue piercing too, making you moan into her. She pulled you closer and didn’t pull away until you both were desperate for air.

She looked down at you with a satisfied smile. You knew you probably looked a bit hazy, the alcohol still swimming in your brain. You were normally much more reserved than this, but with everything that was happening you would have let Natasha take you right here in front of everyone and not cared one bit. Instead the two of you shared a handful of slow soft kisses as little whimpers and moans escaped you. It had been too long and you wanted her so badly, but one of your major rules was no sex on the first date and this wasn’t even a first date. This is a first meeting.

After Natasha had her fill with kissing you she pulled out a joint, flicking a lighter to it until you saw the paper start to burn, red glowing as she inhaled. As she exhaled she looked up towards the sky. You watched the cloud of smoke leave her lips, your jaw slack as you watched feeling a dampness pool between your thighs.

When Pietro came over he handed you a drink and asked if he could take a hit from Natasha who didn't mind as the two caught up. You stood there in awe, downing your drink, as the two went back and forth with the joint and with conversation.

Eventually the three of you made your way over to the bonfire. Wanda sat on Vision's lap as stories were told amongst friends and family. Natasha had sat down and practically mirrored Wanda when she pulled you to sit on her lap. You bit the inside of your lip as she held you against her, carrying on in her conversations. Your eye caught Wanda's, a knowing smirk on her face making you huff and look down.

“What's wrong pretty girl?” You felt Natasha's cheek press against your arm.

“Nothing…” you tried to lie, but she gripped your hip tight. A moan wanting to rip through you. “W-Wanda was looking…” you quietly admitted.

“Didn't the two of you date for a bit?” You nodded in response. “I'm surprised she let you go for someone like him.” Your head turned to face her. “Wanda's my best friend, but I think she's stupid for letting you go.” You felt your whole body go hot and a puddle between your thighs.

“T-thanks Natasha.” You spoke shyly, turning yourself more into her, burying your face against her. The alcohol was wearing off and you were getting tired without more being added into your system.

“Get comfy sweetie. I'm gonna keep talking with my friends.” Natasha's hand found your back, pulling you close. Her other arm hooking around your thighs to hold you there. You smiled against her. You thought this whole thing would be disastrous seeing your ex getting married, but meeting Natasha and getting to spend the whole evening together. Getting to kiss her and her just holding you in her arms. You hadn’t felt this happy or this secure in...you couldn’t even remember how long. You slowly fell asleep against her chest, listening to her heart beat, the sounds of people talking and the bonfire crackling.

[esotericas-sims]

George and Ruby's outfits going into the 1890s represent the odd dichotomy of their new lives. On one hand, they live a relatively "simple" life on Ruby's father's farm, and are compelled to dress practically, in simple, sturdy clothes, in order to support a lifestyle of hard labor. On the other hand, they have Moses's consistent financial support - less so cash, more often in the form of lavish gifts, especially of expensive clothing. They often have multiple outfits for the same occasion, one more expensive, and one more practical.

George in particular has taken to Moses's habit of giving gifts. George finds the promise of wealth infinitely appealing, and although he hasn't yet obtained said wealth, Moses's expensive presents often make him feel as if he has. Because of this influence from his father-in-law, George's outfits have also trended more towards Moses's all-black color scheme, becoming darker in color and adding in more blues and jewel tones, to replace George's teenage greens and yellows. He dresses in Moses's gift-clothing whenever possible, only returning to more practical garments while working on the farm.

Ruby, on the other hand, seems discomforted by the expensive clothes her father throws at her. Her hunger for independence and identity tends to push her away from making use of his gifts, no matter how lovely. She does dress up when he asks her to, or when the situation arises, but otherwise Ruby favors sturdy, comfortable, practical clothing. Some of her outfits do retain her teenage greens and yellows, especially those given to her by Moses, but the majority of her clothes are in a soft, neutral color palette, made up of mostly creams and browns. Still, Ruby does have a taste for drama, and what she lacks in fashionable clothing, she makes up for in her variable, expressive hats, often covered in flowers or feathers.

Links below the cut

George

Genetics: Skinblend / Eye shape / Blush / Hair / Beard (High School Years)

Everyday: Outfit / Shoes / Ring (Basegame) On The Farm: Outfit Going Out: Jacket / Pants / Hat / Gloves (Get to Work) Wedding: Outfit / Hat / Gloves (Get to Work) Formal: Top / Pants / Hat Underthings: Pants Sleep: Union Suit (TSR warning) Morning: Robe / Slippers (Basegame) Hot Weather 1: Outfit / Hat Hot Weather 2: Outfit / Hat Cold Weather 1: Outfit / Scarf / Hat Cold Weather 2: Outfit / Scarf / Hat (Basegame)

Ruby

Genetics: Skinblend / Eye shape / Structure (retired) / Nose Details / Eyebags / Updo / Blush (High School Years)

Everyday: Glasses (TSR warning) / Top / Skirt / Apron Acc / Ring / Shoes (Post deleted) On The Farm: Hat / Top / Skirt & Apron Acc Going Out: Hat / Outfit (1880s set) / Jacket / Gloves (Get to Work) Wedding: Dress (Anachronistic) / Necklace / Veil / Earrings / Gloves Formal: Dress / Earrings (Growing Together) / Gloves / Flowers Underthings: Corset / Combinations / Socks (Dream Home Decorator) / Hair Sleep: Nightgown / Braids Morning: Robe / Slippers (Basegame) Hot Weather 1: Dress / Hat Hot Weather 2: Outfit (The Schoolmistress) / Hat Cold Weather 1: Top / Skirt / Scarf / Hat (Eco Lifestyle) / Gloves (Horse Ranch) Cold Weather 2: Outfit / Scarf / Hat

Playing with SeveralPerson’s Ultimate Decades Challenge Rules

Started: 1800

Current year: 1890

Family tree

Spreadsheet

CC Finds

[jttw-monkeybusiness]

Have Sophie's timeline on my whole AU! Some headcanons that I made: - After the journey, Sophie gets a title from Buddha when she announces that she will stay with Wukong. Her title doesn't have a direct translation but it's 敬愛 (Jìng ài) which means 'to adore' / 'respect and love' - She becomes one of Wukong's 'advisors' tho she doesn't participate in most of the meetings Wukong always wants to know her opinions on certain situations. She always advises a gentler and more diplomatic approach - Sophie keeps her hair mostly in a half-updo as a symbol of being unmarried especially when there are visitors or she is going outside of Mount Huaguo. It's a cultural thing that she respects to take part in her new life. - After Wukongs propose Sophie starts to grow her hair so she can properly make an updo as a status of married woman when the day comes. - When Sophie gets married she will officially become immortal and a Queen of Mount Huaguo (Flower Fruit Mountain) - Wukong gives her a Peach of Immortality as a wedding gift

[spelviin]

wait no actually i want everyone's opinions on this soooo i'm making it a thing

[loraluna]

Rating Rune Factory Wedding Dresses (Because I have some opinions)

Rune Factory (1)

10/10

I honestly think this dress is top tier in terms of design. The snowy white with pops of color, the scalloped flowy sleeves, the barely exposed shoulders, that lovely subtle headdress and veil, it's all so pretty and elegant to me. I believe it suits all the girls in RF1 beautifully, though I do feel like Tabatha (center) and Rosetta (right) are standouts~

Rune Factory 2

6/10

It's a very lovely design overall though I do think it creates a bit of an odd silhouette. There are still many elements to appreciate, like the lacey detailed edges and the bold but uncommon use of green. I also give them bonus points for containing a dress sprite of he/him character Ray (right) in the game's data (Trans RF character confirmed?) I think the dress best suits curvier girls like Yue (left) but it's also a real treat to finally see Dorothy's (center) lovely eyes~

Rune Factory Frontier

2/10

This dress really doesn't do it for me. I can tell they were going for more of a ceremonial robes vibe rather than a traditional wedding dress and from a distance it almost works but the outfit up close is just bulky and unflattering. Maybe if they fixed the headdress or gave the robe some really pretty accents or beading it could work, but as it is, it's probably the last thing I'd wanna be virtually married in. The one thing I do like is that it gives most of the girls a unique updo for their wedding day.

Rune Factory 3/RF3 Special

3/10

This used to be my least favorite RF wedding dress before that honor went to Frontier. The more I look at it, the more I realize that most of my disdain lies with the headdress and not the dress itself. The actual dress is fine, in fact there are some parts I really like, the sheer material on the upper arms for one, or the shawl, I just don't think it particularly looks like a wedding dress. That headdress though...oh boy, it looks like someone just glued a bunch of random sh*t they found to a headband and called it a day. It's just very cluttered and doesn't scream 'wedding' at all. If I have to pick a stand out it would probably be Raven (center) since her pose and hair color hide many of the design fails. Also Daria (right) because it seems like the sort of chaotic outfit she, herself would design.

Rune Factory Tides of Destiny/Oceans

5/10

This game didn't get the usual character portraits so the images aren't great, but my opinion on these dresses was very so-so, I definitely wouldn't call them ugly, and I do love the colors and rare use of a real bouquet, they just didn't seem to stand out all that much. Especially in terms of RF costumes. They seem a little bulky on the models but I honestly think they could have fixed that by just having character portraits. Not bad. Not great. Just middle of the road dresses. As standouts I'd pick Sonja and Electra (left and center). Their hair colors complement the dress and Electra is already suited to the poofy ballgown look anyway.

Rune Factory 4/RF4 Special

8/10

RF4's dress has a very ethereal, almost fairy-like look to it, which I personally find very gorgeous. It's pretty busy like many of the previous dresses, but unlike those, I feel like the elements here actually work together. The long flowy veil and blue rose accents are just beautiful, as is the detailed corset and neckpiece making up the torso. I'm not personally a huge fan of the flower petal looking design on the hips, but it does fit well with the whole aesthetic. As for standouts, It looks tailor made for Frey (left), but I definitely think taller, long haired girls like Dolce and Margaret (center and right) look amazing in it as well.

Rune Factory 5

9/10

I think this dress is beautiful as a whole, a bit more traditional and subdued than previous wedding outfits but personally I love it. The silhouette is flattering on everyone and the color scheme is unique among the other dresses by sticking with only warmer colors as opposed to the cool blues and greens of past games. I also love how the tint of the roses changes slightly depending on who's wearing the dress. All in all it reminds me a lot of the subtle elegance of RF1's dress and that makes it a win for me. For standouts I think Fukka's (center) complexion and hair go beautifully with the dresses colors. Ludmilla (right) also looks divine with the rosy aesthetic~

What's your favorite wedding look from the RF series? Who wore it best? Comment or tag if you feel like dishing some opinions of your own (Or just answer my poll ;)

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

What are your favorite royal wedding looks and flowers

I answered a lot of these in the other ask so I'm going to use yours to do a deeper dive into most of the Millennial royal weddings. You want opinions, you're getting opinions today!

Quick aside: I mainly follow only the British royals. I pay some attention to the other European royal families and a little bit of attention to the Jordanian Royal Family. So that’s what this commentary will focus on. Because I don’t follow the Middle Eastern, Asian, or African royals (and subsequently don’t know much about them), I don't feel it's appropriate for me to give commentary on their wedding looks/styles when I don't know who they are. Obviously, as you'll see, my favorites are the BRF so the commentary does skew heavily towards them.

Adding this halfway through: This is a really text-heavy post so I'm going to break up the rambling with my favorite photo from each wedding.

Crown Princess Victoria, June 2010

The Cameo Tiara is my favorite. It paired very nicely with the heirloom veil. Loved that she went for off-the-shoulder short sleeves. Not really a fan of how the train attached at her waist (vs being all one dress), but it really worked for her.

Kate, April 2011

I loved how timeless her whole look was. If you take everything out of the picture and just look at her and the dress, it's magnificent. It works in black and white 1950s vintage. It works in the modern fashion era. It works for her as the individual girl she was at that time. It works for the future she's growing into.

Not a fan of the hairstyle and the tiara. It was a complete miss for me. She should've gone full updo or full Chelsea blowout instead of the halfway compromise. The tiara, meh. Didn't really add anything to me. After seeing the floral headpiece she commissioned for the coronation, I would have loved to see what she'd have done for the wedding since a floral headpiece is what she originally wanted to wear. I also thought her hair was a smidge too dark, but maybe that's the contrast with all of the ivory around her. I much prefer the golden/bronzey highlights she has now and I think it would've helped the contrast better.

Thought the flower girl dresses were a tad too long and that her bouquet was out of place. It needed to be more substantial for such a formal occasion. Either more flowers/bigger shape or bigger blooms.

Something about Hugo Burnand's work always throws me off. I think it's the scale and the perspective he uses; the subjects are too far away from the camera that their backgrounds seem to swallow them up. Didn't like most of their wedding portraits because of that. They kinda ended up looking like cardboard cutout versions of themselves.

Overall, a perfect day. It was nostalgic without being maudlin. Modern without being trendy. Celebratory without being excessive. Traditional without being stodgy.

Charlene, July 2011

I like her dress. Reminds me a lot of Crown Princess Victoria's, but with a lovely embroidery detailing.

I don't really have a lot to say about the Monaco wedding. It looked like a lovely occasion. The dress is fine. The veil is fine. The photos are fine, but Charlene looks like she'd rather be anywhere but there marrying Albert (and the rumors that have come out since about the wedding makes me side-eye a whole lot).

Stephanie, October 2012

Very pretty dress, very pretty veil, very pretty look. Not really very memorable for me. A lot of the gorgeous detailing in her dress gets lost in most of the photos; the close-up photos of her dress are gorgeous and I wish there were more.

I do really like her bridal bouquet; that's what I expected from Kate.

Her tiara got lost in the look and her veil not being closer to the tiara makes sense (since the tiara really would have gotten lost) but I think we've come to expect royal brides wearing their veils and tiaras together so this is something different. I do, however, really like how the veil flows in this picture.

Princess Madeleine, June 2013

I don't mind that it's a lace dress. I cannot with the dust ruffle hem. This photo just killed the whole look for me, but this one (above) and this one redeem it to where I can pretend the dust ruffle doesn't exist.

The neckline also had its issues. It went rogue at one point during the wedding and ended up giving her a 1980s-one shoulder style look.

Her hair was very Swedish (they do like their big buns). Her veil was gorgeous too, tying with Beatrice for second. I prefer the way Madeleine styled her veil over how Victoria styled hers.

Madeleine has my favorite makeup look; dramatic eye with a nice pink lip.

Sofia, June 2015

My feeling is that this isn't the dress Sofia would have chosen for herself. I think she went more demure and modest because of her controversial background but she's had a lot of fantastic style choices otherwise. Something about the cut of her dress reads maternity to me - the skirt seems like it starts too high in the bodice.

She has the traditional big Swedish bun, but it's quite a slicked back/severe look for her. I think with the wide open neck in her dress, a softer, looser hairstyle would have made it work better. I do feel like her earrings needed to be bigger with the open neckline, or at least should have had emeralds to match the tiara. (This may be my least favorite tiara styling -- a little too "on top" of her head, not very integrated into the hairstyle so it looks kinda like an afterthought.)

Loved the colorful flowers she chose. Her wedding colors were my favorite before Eugenie came along.

Pippa, May 2017

I know, I know. Pippa's not royal and it wasn't a royal wedding, but it had a big royal turnout so it counts!

THIS is how you do a lace wedding gown without it looking like Granny's tablecloth or Miss Haversham (yeah, I'm looking at you, Kitty Spencer). THIS is how you do a classic English country garden wedding. The way she decorated the exterior of the church was a dream.

Her headpiece was invisible and added nothing. I get why she chose the piece she did, but come on. Hugely missed opportunity to get a major piece from her new husband or to pay homage to Carole in something like this (which I realize is Kate's coronation headpiece) or like this.

The matron of honor/children's minder was perfection. The flower girls were perfection.

Meghan, May 2018

I'm glad Prince Philip was able to attend. I feel like he attended more to support The Queen than out of joy for the couple. I kinda wished Zara would have gone into labor during the service.

Everything was just so darkly lit, even the bridal portraits too.

(Edit: Let me know if you're curious about why I like this picture for their wedding.)

Princess Eugenie, October 2018

Her floral design and colors were my absolute favorite. She wins, hands down, bar none. I loved the moody dark florals and loved how she embraced the autumnal vibes by making the chapel feel warm and inviting.

I thought the sleeves of her bridal gown were too long and too big, and felt oversized. They needed to have been more tailored, like Kate's were.

Eugenie's wedding portraits are my favorite. The scale and perspective was pleasing and the simpler white background of the Windsor room made the people pop.

Overall, it was a very princessy wedding. Very well done.

Lady Gabriella, May 2019

Her veil is my favorite. I like the fuller veil style, but it almost seemed too full because the details of her tiara was lost in all the tulle.

I love the story that she had originally planned for a pink/blush gown but changed it to white when she learned The Queen wanted to attend; that says a lot about her character and respect for tradition.

Bridesmaid dresses were a tad long. For some reason, her Hugo Burnand portraits don't bother me as much as Kate's do. LOVE that she got to do some portraits outdoors, and her outdoors portraits are so quintessentially England. I kinda wish Kate had had that opportunity given how meaningful the outdoors are for her.

So sad about her husband. Sending her all the strength, especially with their anniversary coming up.

Princess Beatrice, July 2020

I loved that she went for sentimentality above all else. She really made the best out of a terrible situation. Their wedding photos make it seem like she (and Edo) are the sort of people who prioritize the marriage over the wedding so I sense they don't mind all the changes too much.

Loved her simple make-up and her grandmother's dress. Loved the veil too. The hair felt undone; this hairstyle would have polished the look nicely.

Princess Iman, March 2023

Iman squeaks into this review by 3 months. She is the youngest millennial royal bride.

I love how soft and golden her portraits are. She ties with Gabriella's outside portraits for the #2 spot for me.

Her look was simple, and I feel this is romantic minimalism done correctly. The drape of her skirt reminds me a lot of Sarah Chatto's, a soft delicate look that's unusual for most royal brides (who tend to go with stiffer, heavier fabric for the formality). It works really well.

The tendrils are a little much and too loose for me; I'd rank her use of tendrils #2 between Eugenie (#1) and Meghan (#3).

Rajwa, June 2023

I appreciate that she went for a look befitting her own individual personality but it was a choice. Her bridal look is a case of "too much pageant fashion, not enough wedding" for me. The draping was strange, the fit of the skirt versus the train seemed like she was wearing pants with a huge overskirt behind her. But the dress "sits" very nicely and I suspect since the Jordanians do most of their weddings sitting (like above), the overskirt style may have been an intentional choice for the photos.

Veil was nice. Bouquet was too small. Not a fa of the earrings. I do think her tiara is a little too far back on her head.

Many congratulations to them for the new baby.

[cinnamonshay]

Next Contestant— Aemond Targaryen

aemond targaryen x f!targaryen reader, (reader is Aemond’s twin, I know yikes, but I will continue to support Targ!cest, and that is where it ends, Aemond and Reader are engaged, Aegon is decent in this, and a decent brother )

word count: 1,409

 ñuha jorrāelagon - my love ñuha gevie riña - my beautiful girl

TW; violence, death threats, non consensual touch (not sure if it counts but figured I'd give fair warning)

(idea popped in my head while I was cleaning my kitchen to nickelback, fic inspired by She Keeps Me Up and Next Contestant, lyrics will be interchanged, next contestant in bold)

“I judge by what she’s wearing, just how many heads I’m tearing,”

Aemond stabbed his fork around his plate, the dreary banquet boring him needlessly as he stared at the missing seat to him, his other-half missing and depriving him of any intellectual conversation and on his name day as well.

He finally sighed, dropping his fork as he exchanged it for a glass of wine, taking a long drink as he brought it to his lips, until the doors to the hall opened and everyone’s gaze shifted, You stood at the entrance, your eyes locking onto his as you were formally announced, the dress you wore making him quirk an eyebrow, 

The green dress had been worn by his mother, to Rhaenyra’s wedding, and now it had been tailored to your frame, as you stepped into the room. His smile dropped as he saw all the men who had turned to stare as you walked by, he stood to greet you, pulling your seat out as your gracefully arranged your skirts to sit, after he pushed the chair in for you, he narrowed his eye at everyone who was still staring at you.

` She’s got me nervous, talking a hundred miles an hour `

“You’re late, Y/N.” He whispered to you, his lips grazing your ear as he leaned into your space, you giggled lightly, “A princess is never late. She arrives precisely when she means to,” You shifted slightly, turning to give him your full attention, “I will only hope you mean to arrive on time to our wedding then,” he jested, “you look entirely divine.” He followed it up with a compliment, awestruck by how heavenly you looked.

Your silvery hair was done into an intricate updo, violet eyes painted with charcoal and a rouge had been applied to your cheekbones and lips. Aegon leaned over to Aemond, a mischievous glint to his eyes, “Careful with her on the dance floor, brother, every man in attendance seems to be undressing her with their eyes.” He snickered, antagonizing his brother jestingly, watching Aemond’s look of annoyance as he glanced about the room, noble lords were indeed gawking at you unabashedly.

He made a noise of irritation, a deep ‘hmm’ as he looked back to you, your head tossed back in laughter as you and Helaena conversated between yourselves,

` She’s more than worth it, I swear she smells just like a flower `

A few moments later you turned back to him, “Aemond-,” he knew he was fucked the minute your puppy eyes turned onto him, “Yes, ñuha jorrāelagon?” He probed, already aware of what you wanted, “I want to dance,” you pleaded, he laughed warmly, “I have yet to finish my drink, go dance then, ñuha gevie riña.” He replied flippantly, surprising even himself at turning down a dance with his beloved, as he cursed himself for not just agreeing, you frowned at him and then leaned to Helaena to question her, smiling brightly when she nodded, you then turned to Aegon, less sweet about your question, “Dance with me, Aeg, Aemond does not wish to partake.” 

Aegon sighed, wiping his hand across his face, and then downing his drink, before rising and sardonically offering you his hand. You smiled gratefully at him as you accepted and led him to the dance floor. Helaena looked questioningly at Aemond, “Why did you refuse her request?” She asked curiously, and Aemond pinched the bridge of his nose, “I haven’t the slightest clue myself.” He replied.

Aegon laughed at your glimmering eyes and saccharine smile as the two of you whirled around the dance floor, your elder brother had always been uncharacteristically kind to you, you supposed he was to be considered your best friend, considering your friends were mostly limited to your siblings and your mother.

Aegon spun you again, enjoying the unadulterated joy that filtered into your face as your skirts twirled around you, before the music changed and you were exchanged into the arms of your uncle Gwayne Hightower, 

“Princess Y/N, how are you this evening?” Your uncle smiled charismatically at you, you had always been the closest to him, “Enjoying my dance as of yet, uncle.” You replied as the two of you swayed, a respectful distance apart, before you were yet again dizzied by the change of partners, you knew of your new partner, yet the two of you were unfamiliar as you swayed with the second son of the Lord Reyne, Ser Willem Reyne smirked at you, pressed uncomfortably close to you, and his grip on your waist almost painfully tight, “Hello princess.” He drawled, as you attempted to loosen his grip on your waist, trying to wiggle away just enough, Aegon had briefly noticed, but your face was hidden from his, not seeing your unnerved expression he dismissed it returning to his conversation.

` Everybody wants to be the sister’s mister `

Aemond however had a perfect view as the mans hands dropped lower than appropriate, and the panicked look on your face, “Ser, please let go.” You kindly asked, not trying to offend the man, “Do you not enjoy my presence, princess?” He asked, a manipulative tactic, you felt tears sting your eyes, trying to make your face remain pleasant, as you shook your head and forced a weak smile, praying for the dance to end as he groped below your hips, a stray tear fell down your face.

` Is that your hand on my girlfriend `

You hadn’t noticed Aemond storming towards you, a murderous glint in his eye, and when he finally reached you, he roughly smacked his hand onto Willem’s shoulder, “I believe my dear sister has tired of your dancing, Ser Reyne.” He spoke lethally, and Willem’s grip tightened even more, one of his hands squeezing your wrist, so much so you feared it would bruise, by now Aegon had noticed the situation, and the scene Aemond was about to create, and stood by his side. “I do believe your beloved sister enjoys any man’s attention, in every way.” Willem Reyne, it seemed, possessed a death wish, and Aegon stated such with an incredulous laugh at the man’s idiocy, “You daft cunt.” Aegon snickered, intentionally provoking the man as Aemond’s grabbed the man’s wrist and twisted it harshly, effectively releasing you from his grip, and Aegon pulled you to his side, moving the two of you a few paces away from Aemond’s rage.

` This time somebody’s getting hurt `

“I have killed men for lesser insults to my betrothed, what should make you any different?” Aemond chuckled darkly, eyeing the man and releasing an unimpressed ‘hmm’, “I wonder, does your father know how stupid his son is?” Aemond mocked him again, twisting his arm further until he was in obvious pain, Willem Reyne was a proud man, and he wrenched his arm from Aemond’s grip before tackling him, landing a punch on Aemond’s face, managing to split his lip, “I will NOT be spoken to with such disrespect!” Willem shouted, and the crowd of dancers around you all parted with the scene happening in front of them, a few noble ladies gasped audibly at the violence, whilst Aemond howled with maniacal laughter, smirking as he used Willem’s momentum against him, flipping them around so he straddled the man, before he began landing punch after punch to the man’s face “If you ever so much as look at the princess again, I will end your miserable existence!” Aemond snarled, blood spurted up as he broke Willem’s nose, the crunch satisifying to him, and then Ser Criston was yanking Aemond off of the man, whose face had been beaten discolored and bloody, he was still alive though, and lucky to not possess pulp for a face.

Although Ser Criston did manage to “accidentally” step upon Willem Reyne’s bent leg, the resounding crack echoing through the hall. Your mother, the Queen Alicent, hurried towards the three of her children from the banquet table, where Helaena remained.

“Ser Criston, please escort this man to the dungeons.” She commanded, brushing her hand soothingly across you shoulder as Aemond made his way to you, pulling you into a hug. “I am sorry,  ñuha jorrāelagon, I should have danced with you.” He apologized profusely wiping his bloodied hands on his tunic shirt before tightening them on you. 

“I do not blame you.” You whispered softly, leaning into his embrace and allowing him to soothe you further. 

` There goes the next contestant `

[captain-gillian]

hi my sweet friend. returning the favor to you:

nancymarjan wedding (because they’re married to you and i)

what does their wedding look like? who does the majority of the planning? does clipboard marjan make a comeback? who is in the wedding party? and anything else you’d like to share with me!

since you wrote such a beautiful proposal fic i felt like you were extra qualified to talk about their wedding! 💕

i love this question, thank you friend for letting me ramble about our girls and your kind words about my fic 💕

clipboard marjan becomes wedding binder marjan, she is lowkey terrifying, she has clipboards, lists, colour coded binder tabs and an elaborate network of pinterest boards. nancy finds it very endearing, she doesn't really care what the placecards nor bridal party pocket squares look like as long as marjan is happy. marjan also buys a cricut machine and makes all their wedding stationery, and does all of the flowers for the wedding herself so they can have the bougie look she wants and still stay on budget.

they do a roller rink party with the catain crew as a joint bachelorette party, nancy pretends to be worse at rollerskating than she is so she can hold marjan's hands all night, marjan knows she's pretending but goes along with it to hold her hands.

i think they have a small, but very much elaborate wedding, it's mostly their families, their 126 family, some of marjan's derby friends. the wedding is in texas, and marjan's parents, sister and extended family fly out for it.

marjan has a floor length gown, with matching hijab, i'm picturing floaty chiffon fabric with a rainbow irridescent sheen. nancy wears a really crisp white pantsuit, with flared pants and no shirt under the waistcoat, and her hair braided into an updo, with some loose wavy pieces like her tarlos wedding hair. they both have a colourful wildflower bouquet.

judd officiates the ceremony, it's secular but with elements of both their cultures woven throughout. tommy and tk are nancy's co-maids of honour, and her sister is a bridesmaid. marjan has paul as her best man and carlos and her sister sahar as bridesmaids. charlie ryder is the flower girl. it's an outdoor ceremony, with a tonne of colourful wildflowers. marjan's dad gives a big speech at the reception about how proud he and marjan's mum are of her, and how happy they are she found nancy, everyone cries.

they have a signiature mocktail on offer at the reception, it's colourful and glittery. they have a rainbow colour scheme but it doesn't look tacky, leaning into the colour mostly in the florals table arrangments, and a bar with colourful glassware. they have a charcuterie snack table that tk and carlos help them put together to cut down on catering costs so they have can splurge on a dessert table with a tonne of colourful desserts, fresh fruit and a really simplistic white cake, it's an orange and vanilla bean sponge with white buttercream and decorated with candied oranges and flowers.

they have a pink and white dance floor, that gets plenty of use. in the spirit of overthinking my answers to all the asks i've gotten today, i made a moodboard for this:

[fortheloveoffanfic]

Better Late....

Andy Barber x Reader. Requested

Summary: Andy confesses his feelings to Y/n......on the day she's set to marry someone else. Masterlist Warnings: Angst, cliche romantic things

Flicking the edge of the ivory invitation with the tip of his thumb, Andy stood before the bridal suite with nerves bundled in his chest and a lump caught in his throat. Frankly, he felt a little stupid and a lot selfish; he knew he that didn’t belong there. Not just physically. Andy knew that he shouldn't have been there, on her wedding day, about to ask for something he had no right to;

A chance. 

The words hanging onto the tip of his tongue must have been rehearsed a dozen times, if not more- in front of the mirror, in his car, on the elevator ride up- and still, he didn’t feel ready. He would probably never be ready, but time was running out and if Andy didn’t push himself to confess what he’d been carrying in his heart for the past couple years that day, then he feared he’d have to keep it stowed away forever. 

Balling his fist, Andy brought it to the solid, creme varnished oak door in three short, hesitant knocks while dropping the hand with the invitation at his side. Within a couple minutes, the soft click of heels was followed by the door quietly creaking open to reveal a woman in a long, dusty blue, satin dress with delicate thin straps and a cowl neckline. It took a short stretch of thinking, but Andy eventually determined that she was someone he’d seen in framed photographs at Y/n’s place; her older sister; Natalie. “Can I help you?” She knitted her brows, and stunned speechless for a minute, Andy held off on responding. He didn’t know why he’d expected Y/n to be the one to get the door, it was ludicrous but that was how he’d planned it. 

“Uh….yeah, um,” he rubbed his palm over his mouth and down the side of his neck wearily, “Is Y/n here?” He shook his head hastily, “Actually, I know she’s here. Obviously,” he chuckled nervously, “What I mean is; can I see her?” 

Natalie regarded him curiously, “I’m sorry, who are you?”

“Right, sorry,” again, Andy chuckled dryly, “I’m Andy- a friend of hers. We work together- sort of. Not really,” he huffed, shaking his head, “I work for the D.A’s office and she-”

“I get it now,” she cut him off. With a sigh, Natalie glanced backwards, looking towards the rest of the suite, “Alright, Andy,” she tested his name on her tongue, an edge of irritation hanging onto her tone. It was obvious that she was peeved that he was attempting to bother her sister forty minutes before her wedding, and Andy couldn’t fault her for it, but he also hadn’t come so far just to back out at the last minute. “Why don’t you come in and I’ll go see if she wants to talk.”

With a nod, he thanked her and stepped past the threshold, shutting the door behind himself. Despite still preferring to have met with her directly, the wait wasn’t considerably long after Natalie had let him in; after she’d been gone for about three or four minutes, she emerged from one side of a pair of white double doors, just up the hall on the left and permitted him to go in. Again, he thanked her, and that time she warned him to make it quick. 

Upon entering the large room, Andy spotted Y/n instantly- all decked off in soft white, she was hard to miss. Truly, she was a vision. She was standing in front of a gold framed, full length mirror, teasing the edges of her lace, cathedral veil which was fitted to her half updo. 

“You look…..”

“Pretty?” She met his awed gaze in the mirror.. 

“Absolutely breathtaking,” he corrected, prompting Y/n to swallow thickly. He wasn’t wrong, Y/n was the truest picture of a modern, albeit elegant bride. The simple, form fitting satin dress that opened out like a mermaid’s tail with draped, off the shoulder straps; the flowers adoring the bottom of her veil; the pearl buttons running along the side of her silk gloves. 

“Thank you,” she said quietly, and as Y/n turned, her dress rustled softly. “If I could just get this…..” Bending her head, Y/n tried to close up the final button on her right glove and Andy watched her fidget with it fruitlessly before stepping forward to help her. 

“Let me,” he rasped, reaching out. Surprisingly, she offered her arm willingly and as they stood with only a few inches between them- so close that he could feel the subtle warmth radiating off her and he wondered if traces of her fragrant perfume would seep onto him. 

When he got the button done, they both lifted their gazes, allowing them to meet once more. That time though, he swore that Y/n was seeing into him; she was seeing the words on his mind and all his intentions. 

And as he stared back into hers, he thought that she might feel the same. 

“Why are you here?” Letting out a slow breath, Y/n took a couple steps back, “Cause I doubt its to help me finish getting dressed.”

“It isn’t.” Andy admitted bashfully, struggling to reclaim his usual confidence. Licking his lips, he raked his short nails through his full beard, “I just…..I realize that if I don’t say this today, right now, then I might never get to.” She seemed to know where he was going with his words because Y/n started shaking her head slowly and her eyes went glassy, but she kept her rosy lips pressed together, waiting for him to continue. “Y/n, I don’t know how else to say this,” because from the minute he laid eyes on her, his grand speech, along with the remainder of his courage, evaporated, “But I-”

“No,” she scoffed, shaking her head, “No,” her voice dropped and despite the tears in eyes, he could hear the disdain in that one little word. “No. This has to be a joke because you don’t get to come in here and say….what I think you’re going to. Not today, not less than an hour before I get married,” her voice broke, though more so from fury than sorrow. “You can stop right now and nothing has to change,” she pleaded, crestfallen. 

But he’d come too far; she needed to know and if there was even the smallest chance that she felt the same- and he suspected she did- then he had to try. “I can’t…..Y/n, I’ve felt this way for a really long time. I’m in love with you and I think I’ve been in love with you for longer than you’ve even known this guy-”

“Yet you waited until the day I’m marrying him to tell me,” shaking her head, she folded her arms, “God,” she scoffed, “Why now?”

Threading one hand through his hair, Andy strayed towards the bed, trying to make sense of every excuse he’d fed himself. He was too old for her, too jaded, she deserved better. 

He was scared. Scared of how different they were, scared of all the ways he could blow it. 

“You’re twenty years younger than me and……”

“And what?” She pressed harshly. 

“And I was scared. I am scared. The first person that I feel something like this for, since….” He shook his head, not wanting to dredge up the past and complicate things even further, “And you’re so much younger than me. I didn’t think there was any chance that you could ever feel the same. But I’ve spent the last week, maybe even more, turning everything over in my head. Every moment that we’ve spent together. Every time you made me feel like I was worth something. And I think that maybe you feel the same.” There was so much between them that couldn’t be written off as coincidence; pecks on the cheek that came a little too close to their lips, lingering hugs and familiar touches. 

Inside jokes, intimate secrets and knowing stares from across crowded rooms. 

She had to have felt the same, because friends didn’t look at each other the way they did, and they didn’t have more ‘almost’s than he could count on two hands. It was in the way it felt when she looked at him, like she was seeing all of him, even the parts he wished he could hide, but caring anyway. 

“Look, I get it, alright,” he broke the silence when Y/n didn’t offer as much as a letter in response. Slipping his hands into his pockets, Andy bent his head, he swiped at his nose with the back of his hand, “Coming here like this is really fucked up-”

“Yeah,” Y/n cut him off hastily, “Yeah, Andy. It is.”

“But I had to try. Because you’re worth the effort and the risk of getting hurt. You’re worth everything, Y/n.”

“Andy,” her voice broke and he couldn’t tell if the moisture in her eyes was pity or heartbreak, “I don’t know what to do with any of this.”

“All I’m asking for is a chance. One and-”

“I don’t think you get it, Andy,” she pressed, “I’m getting married- today. We’ve known each other for five years. We see each other almost every day. There were so many times you could have said something.”

“I know,” he threaded a hand through his tousled hair again, “I know you’re getting married and that my timing is shit and that he’s probably a thousand times better for you than I ever could be,” he pointed to his chest emphatically and while she kept her face turned away, Andy kept his stormy gaze trained on her, “But I just wanted you to know that there’s someone who’s willing to risk the only friendship he’s ever had for the chance to be with you.”

For a second, he could have sworn she was mulling over his words, maybe even considering what he’s said about giving them a chance. Hope bloomed in his chest; maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe she really did feel the same and thought that it was worth a shot. 

But she didn’t. 

“You should go,” Y/n relented softly. 

Andy gasped quietly, “What?” Everything felt like it was coming down around him; the foundation under his feet had been reduced to ever-shifting sand while the walls around him caved in. Every thread of hope that had held him together snapped in unison; he’d tried, he’d failed, 

It was too late for them. 

Or maybe she didn’t feel the same after all. 

“You should go,” she repeated finally, she turning to face him, and it broke his heart to see her eyes brimming with tears. Tears that he caused. “You don’t have to leave the wedding, but you need to leave this room.”

Then, as if the universe was insistent on booting him from the bridal suite, a knocking on the doorways preceded a soft voice; “Y/n? Ten minutes. The guys are already at the alter.”

“Coming,” her voice sounded thick with emotion and Y/n sniffled softly. “Right now,” she glared at Andy. 

Nodding stiffly, Andy began towards the door, heavy heart weighing down his steps. Twisting the knob, Andy pulled it open. “I’m sorry,” remorseful words were met with soft breaths, “Not about the way I feel, but about everything else.” And with that, Andy trudged out of the room, blindly making his way towards the door. 

Accompanied by flawless a rendition of Pachelbel canon in D and on her father’s arm, Y/n started the slow march down the champagne hued, rose petal adorned aisle. Gripping a bouquet of crimson and white roses with deep green leaves peppered in between, she swallowed thickly and tried to push everything from the past thirty minutes or so out of her mind; Andy’s impassioned confession and the conviction in his tone when he accused her of feeling the same. 

Was it really an accusation if it was true?

For almost four years, she’d secretly harbored feelings for Andy and for about the same amount of time, Y/n had convinced herself that he didn’t feel the same. He never acted like he did, and he’d been so happy for her when she’d called him about her engagement. It didn’t make sense how easily someone could hide their feelings- then again, she’d pretty much done the same.

“Everything okay?” Her father’s whispered words prompted Y/n to lift her eyes; she hadn’t realized that she’d been so submerged in thought. Head down, and brows furrowed contemplatively; the expression merely an elucidation of the singular question that backed her whirlpool of worries. 

Was she making a mistake?

Y/n knew full and well that her thoughts weren’t aligned with those of the blushing bride she’d presented herself as, but she simply couldn’t shake the feeling that she was truly about to take a left turn. Matt wasn’t a particularly bad choice for a spouse; he was kind, listened and respected her- but she didn’t think she’d ever felt with him what she always felt with Andy;

That little ember that roused in her chest when their eyes met. That warmth that started in her heart and trickled towards the very tips of her fingers and toes, a feeling she’d always associated with coming home after a long journey. 

Was Andy home? No, she had one of those. So he must have been something a little better; something that she could never accurately describe but only he could ever be;

Love. 

Abruptly, right as they reached the midway point between the beginning and end of the aisle and the music reached its crescendo, Y/n stopped. Her grip on the bouquet tightened and the musicians continued, presumably because they didn’t know what else to do, and stuck in a similar dilemma, she looked to her left, seeking out someone she hoped was there. 

When her eyes quickly met Andy’s, her lips fell slightly agape and for a split second everything was okay. There was a reason she’d specifically said that he had to leave the bridal suite but not the wedding; because she didn’t think she could get married without him being there. But now that he was, Y/n wasn’t sure if she could get married at all. At least, not to Matt. 

But everyone was starting and both their families had spent hundreds of dollars on nice clothes, presents and even plane tickets. Of course, there was also the thousands that had gone into making the day possible and the fact that only a jerk in the truest sense could do something like that.

Though, only an idiot would get married while the man she really loved was standing amongst the guests. 

“What’s wrong?” Her father probed, close to her ear. 

Maybe she was an idiot. 

“Nothing,” again, Y/n swallowed thickly, that time hoping to rid herself of the feeling that  she was making a mistake, because it was simply much too late for that. The rings had already been engraved, Matt was already at the altar and the catering had already been paid for- they were long past a reasonable cancellation. 

“Nothing’s wrong,” she broke her and Andy’s shared gaze, feeling the cracks in her heart grow a little wider. Practically forcing herself to move forward, Y/n started walking again, all while desperately trying to contain near overwhelming emotion behind glassy eyes, a faltering smile and a tight chest. It was going to be okay, she loved Matt and he loved her, they’re happy together. It would work because they would make it work- she could make it work. 

Finally reaching the altar, she watched her father shake Matt’s hand and then plastered on her best look of excitement as she stepped in front of her fiance. He looked the way Y/n hoped she did; bursting with unadulterated joy and eager to get on with the ceremony. “You look….stunning,” he breathed, awe evident in his breathlessness. 

With a faint, tight smile she thanked him before glancing over at the officiant expectantly, eager to move forward- for all the wrong reasons. Even as the officiant began though and she held onto Matt’s hands after passing her bouquet over to her older sister, Y/n couldn’t help but scan the crowd for Andy. Again, their eyes locked and that time, even with the distance, she could see when his jaw tightened. 

That time, he was the one that looked away first, forcing her to do the same in consequence. She still couldn’t focus though; her mind was run amuck with ‘what if’s and made-up reasons for her decision. The officiant had just finished reading a poem about marriage that they’d asked him to beforehand and had moved on to asking if there were any objections. When a mummer ran through the small sea of guests, Y/n sucked in a sharp breath and turned just in time to catch Andy standing among a row of seated family members. As a lump got caught in her throat, Y/n held the breath she’d drawn is, though she couldn’t quite define the feeling stirring in her chest; 

Worry that Andy would cause a scene?

Anger that he would take it this far?

Fear of what would come next?

Hope?

But soon after, Y/n found that none of it would matter because he didn’t say anything at all. Instead, they shared one last stare before he bent his head and shuffled past the two people that remained before the end; Andy wasn’t objecting, he was leaving. 

“No,” she gasped suddenly, panic suddenly rising up inside; he couldn’t leave her- she needed him. 

Confused, Matt followed her gaze as he stuttered, “What?”

His voice temporarily brought her back to him, only long enough for Y/n to regard him apologetically. “I am so sorry,” gently, she pulled her hands away, “I shouldn’t have….” Once more, she looked over to the direction that Andy was headed in, finding that he’d almost neared the doors that led to the building. “God, I don’t want to hurt you,” Y/n’s eyes panned down to her own shaking hands as she slid the oval shaped diamond fitted to a platinum band to her gloved finger, “You have to know that,” taking Matt’s hand, she pressed the ring into his palm, “But you deserve someone who…..”

She couldn’t even bring herself to say it; admit that she was pulling a move that only an asshole could. 

“Loves me as much as you love him?”  Matt finished for her. When her eyes flitted to his face, she found that his sullen expression offered a little more compassion than she might have deserved. “I should have seen it,” he admitted, shaking his head mournfully, “It was right there. But I don't know, I guess....I guess I thought you'd...." He sighed, "I guess I thoughtthat you'd see how much I loved and one day....things would be different,” he chuckled dryly before lapsing into a pitiful sniffle, “But if you two could see….what I’m sure everyone else does, then maybe we wouldn’t be here.”

It was a fact she could hardly deny, but Y/n was enormously ashamed that she had not only dragged Matt into her mess but had also racked up a fifty grand bill for a wedding that wasn’t going to happen and waited until she’d been in front of a hundred people to have a life altering epiphany. “I really never meant to hurt you.”

Matt drew in a long breath, “I know,” he sniffled again, “But you should go,” when Y/n took one step down, making everyone gasp loudly, and then hesitated, Matt further encouraged, “Go. I’m a big boy,” with the back of his free hand, he swiped at his face while looking down at the ring, still laying in his open palm, “I’ll get over it….eventually.” 

Gathering clumsy handfuls of the heavy skirt of her satin gown, Y/n took long strides back of the aisle, blocking out the mummers and whispers as she headed towards the big, arched double doors. She could probably pick up on some of their words if she tried hard enough but Y/n didn’t care at all. 

Approaching the doors, she grasped one of the shiny, brass barn handles and pushed it open. Upon stepping into the Italian villa, Y/n glanced around frantically in search of Andy, eventually spotting him straight up ahead, nearing the front entrance. “Andy!” Jogging as quickly as her elegant stilettos would afford, Y/n called out to him, though she suspected her voice was getting lost in the persisting chatter. 

Growing breathless as her ankles started to ache a little, Y/n called out to Andy again, a little louder that time, not only drawing his attention as he neared the door, but also the rest of the lobby’s too. “You’re leaving?” She stopped abruptly, leaving about six feet between them. Her breaths were still a little heavy and her bare shoulders rose and fell with the rhythm of her chest. 

Turning, Andy knitted his brows and titled his head slightly to the left, “You stopped your wedding to ask me that?” 

She shrugged one shoulder, feigning an air of nonchalance that her tone couldn’t accomplish, “I wanted you there,” she declared halfheartedly. She wished she’d thought of something to say before approaching him, something that at was at least half as heartfelt as what he’d offered her, but Y/n quickly found that all she could muster up was;

“You were right.”

And he deserved better than that, so she kept it to herself. 

“Yeah,” Andy licked his lips, “Well, I want you,” he slipped his hands into his pockets and bent his head, “I know you don’t wanna hear it, but its the truth. And I just don’t think I can be friends with you anymore,” as he spoke, she furrowed her brows and inched closer, “Which is pretty fucked up, but I know myself and I know that watching you love someone else is gonna kill me, so if that’s all you’re here to say then-”

Finally reaching Andy, she took his face in her hands, leading him down a little and smashed her lips to his in a heady endearment. It took a couple seconds, but eventually Andy responded with matching passion, hands quickly finding her waist and weaning her closer so she’d arch into his chest. “You really think I left my wedding to say that?” She grinned breathlessly when they broke. 

Huffing a chuckle, Andy pressed his forehead to hers while Y/n maintained her hold on his face, humming quietly at the feeling of his beard rubbing against the silk of her gloves. “Honestly, I don’t even know if this is real,” he chortled again, hands deserting her hands to encircle her wrists, “You’re really here.”

“I’m really here,” she confirmed, tipping her chin a bit to swipe another kiss off his lips, “And I love you.”

The warmth of his breath fanned her lips when he sighed quietly, right before pressing a soft, chaste kiss to her burgundy lips, “I love you too.”

[queen-of-the-avengers]

A Dream Come True

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~1.3k

Warnings: fluff <3

Request by anon: When steve and vixen ever settle down they might have a small wedding with their friends invited , loving vows , steve would have a simple yet beautiful rings for him and vixen, vixen herself would make her wedding dress (40's and 50s inspiration) bucky is the best man as for natasha as the maid of honor . Adorable part they ask tony morgan and pepper if morgan can be the flower girl they allow it , sam walks her down the isle even tearing up " i cant belive you two are tying the knot! ;-;" she smiles at sam "its alrigjt sam^~^ dont be sad”. Oh the reception is both sweet and little rowdy (best mans speach lol bucky remembering how they had good times in the past ) some cracked some laughs, theres tears and one did the protective brother mood "he better not hurt my sister" type to the bride and grooms first dance as a married couple ;-; 

Request by anon: If vixen and steve are getting married . Could vixen make her wedding dress inspired by 40s era and 1900s style hair updo . And we guess steve would be in his 40s military suit in the wedding lol both buck and sam are the best men morgan is the flower girl 🥲 hope its not much pressure

Summary: It's your wedding day, a day you never thought would come. You're marrying your best friend, the love of your life. After darkness clouded your entire life, you're finally seeing the sun.

Cat and Mouse Masterlist

Squares Filled: clint's farm (2021) for @star-spangled-bingo

Author’s Note: any and all comments are appreciated <3

x

Before you were taken, before you got your world turned upside down, you had a dream. You had a dream that one day you’d be wearing a beautiful white gown that closely resembles the one your mother wore (hers got destroyed in a house fire when you were young), standing in a room with all of your best friends who couldn't be happier for you, marrying the love of your life. You had that dream many times even after you got taken by Hydra. It’s what kept you from going insane in the beginning. When things got tough, you’d close your eyes and imagine your wedding day.

Never did you think it would finally come, and it finally did.

Instead of a room filled with a ton of your friends, it’s Natasha. She died giving herself up for the Soul Stone, but when you and Steve returned the stones, they gave her back in exchange for the stone. You didn’t think that was possible but it was, and you brought her home to everyone. 

It’s sad that Tony never knew she made it.

You stand in front of the floor-length mirror and admire the dress you made yourself. You drew inspiration from your mother’s wedding dress. It’s been so long since you’ve seen it but you can recall every detail by memory. It’s not an exact replica but is very similar. Natasha walks up behind you and fixes the dress from the back. It has an open back that clips right behind your neck, and the entire bodice is a flowery lace material. The dress goes all the way down to your feet and is loose and airy, nothing like those puffy dresses people where nowadays.

“You look beautiful,” Natasha smiles.

“Thanks, Nat,” you whisper.

She is your Maid of Honor while Bucky is Steve’s best man. You only have one person because the wedding is so small. Clint offered his farm for you to use which is why it’s so small. The only people in attendance are your closest friends and family--mostly Avengers and their family. There are minimal decorations but it’s very elegant and intimate.

Someone knocks on the door and you two turn to see Sam walk in.

“It’s time.”

“I’ll see you out there.”

Natasha kisses your cheek and leaves the room. When you asked Sam to walk you down the aisle, you could have sworn you saw tears roll down. Your parents are long gone and you wanted the person giving you away to mean something to you. Sam is that person. You and Bcuky are close but by trauma, and Sam was the next best thing.

“Wow, you look beautiful.”

“Thank you, Sam.”

“Are you ready for the rest of your life?”

“Is Steve?” you joke. You put your veil on and smile. “I’m ready.”

Bucky and Natasha go out first followed by Morgan who is your flower girl. Pepper had no problem with letting her little girl be part of your wedding. Toy has been a big part of your life, so having her be the flower girl is like having a part of the wedding. There is a picture of him sitting next to Pepper to symbolize his presence along with everyone else who has died.

Then, you and Sam enter the main ceremony room, and everyone rises. Steve stands at the altar wearing his 40s military uniform that Bucky and Sam stole from one of the museums. It still fits him like a glove. The second he sees you, he immediately gets tears. He never thought he’d get to his day with you. He was positive that a mission would take him out.

Sam reaches the altar and kisses your cheek over the veil before taking a seat in the front. The ceremony doesn’t last very long and you get to your vows quicker than you thought. Both you and Steve have written your own vows, and he lets you go first.

“I don’t know where to start, honestly. Growing up, I had this idea of what I wanted my wedding day to look like. I had the dress picked out, who I wanted my bridesmaids to be, where I wanted the wedding, and what my first song was going to be. Then, I was taken and forced into something I didn’t want to do. I was broken down, beaten, and shaped into what Hydra wanted me to be. I didn’t know I could have the things I wanted. Soon, my mind wasn’t even my own. 

“Then, I met you and it was like I could finally see. It’s like I’ve been in this tunnel all my life and seeing you brought me out of it and into the light. I got Hydra out of my head. I gained control of my life. I took back what they stole from me thanks to you. You saved me in more ways than one, and I can’t believe I get to stand up here and marry you.”

“I had a dream of my own. This was before the military where I wanted to marry a nice girl and make a family of my own. Like you, I was unable to. I had a duty to my country and gave it my all. The guy who went into the ice nearly a century ago had goals, and when I came out of it, those goals changed. I just needed to get through the day and face the next. I didn’t know I could have all this until I met you. You say I saved you when it’s you who saved me. I found myself wishing for the things I did in the 40s. Now I get to have them with you by my side. You’re a dream come true, Y/N.”

The rings you two have are simple ones but hold so much meaning. When you two kiss, everyone stands and cheers. The reception is in the same area as the ceremony but everyone makes room for your and Steve’s first dance as a married couple. It’s sensual. It’s intimate. It’s romantic. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted. Everyone else disappears since the only person who matters to you at that moment is Steve.

Afterwards, you go off to be with the girls and Steve goes off to be with his boys. Sam, Thor, and Clint toss back shots just as Bucky clasps a hand on his shoulder.

“Congratulations, man.”

“Thanks.”

“Do I have to have the hurt-her-and-I’ll-hurt-you talk?”

“No,” Steve chuckles.

“You know I’ll do it. I’ll kick your ass if you hurt her.”

“I know, and I’d let you.”

“She’d probably do the ass-kicking if we’re being honest,” Sam interjects with a smile.

“Yeah, she would,” Steve laughs.

One of the wedding games you planned is a game where you and Steve are sitting back-to-back with both shoes in hand. You have one of yours and one of his, and he has the other pair. Bucky has cards that he will read and you have to raise a shoe for the person you think is the most like the card.

“This is a great one to start with. Who wears the pants in the relationship?”

You immediately hold up your shoe while Steve holds up his own. Everyone laughs at the dynamic of your relationship, and Bucky moves on.

“Who is the best chef?” Both you and Steve hold up his shoes. “Who is needier when they’re sick?” Again, both of you hold up Steve’s shoes. “Who is the better driver?” This time, you two put up your shoes. You’ve had more practice. “I don’t know, Y/N, I’ve been in a car with you before.”

“You lived, didn’t you?” you grin at Bucky.

Nothing can ruin this moment. Hydra is gone from your head, Thanos is gone, and you can only go up from here.

x

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary​​​​​​ where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

[telekinetictrait]

"There was nothing but land; not a country at all, but the material out of which countries are made.” (My Ántonia – Willa Cather, 1918)

as the gentle opulence of gowns of the edwardian era began to decline, fashion continued to move closer to comfort and natural silhouette. hats shrunk and got less dramatic, but might still be adorned with a bow, a feather, or some small flowers. corsets were still worn, but they were much more for bust support than they were for figure – wait, what's that? surprise! it's world war one! when the great war broke out across europe, changes in fashion were (obviously) stunted. kind of. with many men at war, women took many of the common jobs and many began wearing simpler clothing. fabric rations also meant that trends would repeat, and "out of style" clothing would be repurposed. when the war ended, you began to see the freedom associated with the 1920s – specifically with loose hairdos and skirts rising to the calf.

1800s / 1900-1909

cc links under the cut!

see my resources page for genetics!

laurie : the-melancholy-maiden's aida gibson updo + bow / pickypikachu's peasant wedding dress

lenora : buzzardly28's edwardian wishes ida hair / lilis-palace’s seasons of ladies hats summer hat / gilded-ghosts' morning glories dress set (download here) / kedluu's ankle boots

lhilydd : twentiethcenturysims' pearl hair + bow overlay / dancemachinetrait's hattie outfit / kedluu's ankle boots

lileas : leeleesims1's perennial puff / simverses mistress mysterium hat / twentiethcenturysims' fern dress / waxesnostalgic's edwardian french heel pumps

ljiljana : buzzardly28's edwardian wishes ida hair / dancemachinetrait's priscilla outfit / waxesnostalgic's edwardian french heel pumps

llewela : waxesnostalgic's plain toque / linzlu's helen dress / waxesnostalgic's edwardian french heel pumps

lorelai : waxesnostagic's alpine fedora / waxesnostalgic's 1915 skirt

lucille : waxesnostalgic's tam beret / historicalsimslife's knitted shrug / waxesnostalgic's 1917 skirt / kedluu's ankle boots

l'vana : gegesimmers' yara hair / waxesnostalgic's armistice blouse + 1917 skirt / waxesnostalgic's edwardian french heel pumps

lynette : simstrouble's thema hair / waxesnostalgic's summer frock / waxesnostalgic's edwardian french heel pumps

thank you to @the-melancholy-maiden @pickypikachu @buzzardly28 @lilis-palace @gilded-ghosts @kedluu @twentiethcenturysims @dancemachinetrait @leeleesims1 @simverses @waxesnostalgic @linzlu @historicalsimslife @gegesimmer and @simstrouble !!!

[yuikomorii]

I was reading your post regarding your preference on Yui's outfits throughout the games and it made me curious, what are your honest thoughts on Yui's white wedding dress shown in some CGs? I have to admit, I love gloves and Yui in an updo looks even more beautiful, but a ballgown with a sweetheart neckline just doesn't scream Yui to me, maybe that's just me. I think an A-line dress with off-the-shoulder straps might fit her more? To be fair, I'm a little biased because I've never been big on ballgowns, they rarely appeal to me. Feel free to disagree with me tho!! I think many like her dress, but I always imagined her in something a little different. I love your blog btw! 💗💗

// I honestly have no complaints regarding the DF wedding dress. In my country, ball gown is the most popular type of wedding dress, therefore every time heroines wear that, I only see the default image, haha. Still love it; looks so puffy and comfy!

No clue why they made the necklace that color, though. It’s cute but it really doesn’t match with anything? I guess it would have been more aesthetically pleasing if the flower hairclips were blue too.

However, I can’t say DF is Yui’s best wedding dress when the HDB and MB ones exist. These give off the “Vampire’s bride” vibes more, you know? Besides, Yui looks much better in DARK clothes! ( ๑ ˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و ♡

Cordelia’s dress is iconic, simple but elegant at the same time. The rose in her hair is really pretty; I enjoy seeing Yui with loose hair even on her wedding day uwu. Also, “curveless” where?? Her body is literally stunning!

Yui's best wedding look is by far the MB one. A classy yet youthful dress that not only suits Yui perfectly but also the DL atmosphere!

[dorkydiaz]

BUT YOU DREAM SOME EPIPHANY [1.6k | coma dream | pre-relationship/platonic] {ao3}

a/n: all i have to say for myself is that i wrote the foundation of this in a fugue state on the bus home from work the other day (not when i was stuck for 4 hours) and it is in general not the coma dream fic that anybody wants it to be i don't think lol. so no screaming at me for it cause i did warn you, well there is one moment that e expect screaming about. and the title is from epiphany by taylor swift but only cause it had the word dream and epiphany in it which is related. spoilers for 6x10 and 11 i guess? i no longer never say never for spec fic, but this is highly unlikely. enjoy!

There are moments in life when things slow down. when you can know what’s going to happen as you watch in slow motion. Sometimes it’s happening to you. and sometimes to others. The nature of being a firefighter is you see those moments a lot. Both versions. and Buck had his fair share of them. That's what takes him by surprise, because one moment he’s in his turnouts under pouring skies, and the next he’s in a kitchen. And it’s warm, there are flowers on the table, curtains with dainty flowers on them. But something feels off. He's wearing a thick green sweater and a button up and some khakis. No shoes since he’s in the house. He misses his jeans and sweatshirts. He tentatively takes a step, peering out the window. Outside there is a literal white picket fence with a manicured lawn and a few planter boxes filled with blooming flowers. He looks further up to the sidewalk. Maddie had taken him here once.

—  His mother is in the kitchen with him now, she looks the same. Unloading bags of groceries, setting aside a few things that looked like they could be ingredients for a meal.   There’s another man, sitting at the table, he has dirty blonde hair that slightly curls at the edges, bright blue eyes, and a sharp jawline. 

“You know, you should think about selling that car yours before the wedding, Evan. Trade it in for something more sensible.”

“Mom-“ the other man says.

And a strike of recognition sparks as he looks at the man again. He’s looking at Daniel— he bears a striking resemblance to himself. Honestly could be twins if he didn’t have those few years on Buck.

“It really is a shame Ali couldn’t make it this trip, we were so looking forward to getting some details ironed out,” his Mother continues on– still the bubbly optimist Buck thinks sarcastically. 

So he’s marrying Ali in this upside down world.

“Yeah, she’s uh sorry she couldn’t make it— you know how her schedule is,” he chokes out remembering Ali's travels involved in her work. —

His fingers twitch, itching to find out what Eddie's doing in this one. And maybe run to him. He misses everyone.

Something tells him to open his phone and navigate to Facebook of all places and enter “Eddie Diaz” in the search bar. The profile is pretty much devoid of activity. There’s a profile picture, something unsettling about it but Buck can’t put his finger on it. He scrolls through his friends and reluctantly clicks Helena's name.

The page is a shrine to her grandson. He scrolls, the feed highlighting one comment from Eddie on a recent picture. Eddie Diaz He’s gotten so big. Tell him happy birthday for me.

It’s like a stab to his stomach. Gotten so big, as if he hadn’t seen him row in front of his eyes.  Tell him, like he wasn’t there. The realization hits him and it settles in the pit of his stomach. He wasn't there. Eddie wasn't there with Chris.

He swipes over to his own profile, the most recent post a picture of him and Ali— her hair in a half updo cradling the side of his face, a delicate ring on her finger. There are comments and likes from hundreds of people— none of whom he recognizes.

Apparently they live in Denver of all places. Where he is a teacher, for what seems to be young kids. That’s something that warms his heart. At least he wasn’t an insurance adjuster or something absolutely soul sucking. Also teaching comes with clipboards. 

— Maddie walks in the door, still in her scrubs. And he hadn’t realized he had been so worried about her until he scanned every inch of her for anything— finding nothing he wraps her in a tight hug holding back tears. At least one of them escaped something in this life.

“Sorry I missed dinner, shift was nuts!” She sighs, dramatically flopping onto the couch. 

And he can’t stop looking at her.

“Mom and Dad already in bed?”

He just nods, pouring her a glass of wine. 

“Danny being the goody two shoes he is and cleaning the kitchen?”

He laughs and nods again. 

“Okay so, tell me the story again. I need to know every detail of how my little brother got someone to marry him before I could be in a stable relationship for more than a month or two.” she takes a long sip, “I mean I’m hopeful with Eddie but he’s also dealing with a lot.” 

Buck nearly chokes on his beer, because she couldn’t mean– there was no way. But something in his heart twinges, telling him that this universe was cruel and unusual. And that thought should be entertained as the truth. 

And because he’s supposes he’s a masochist, he replies, “Well, I think that warrants you telling me more about him than me, a story I will probably tell over and over again until I die.” 

Maddie shoots him a glare. 

“Yeah Maddie, will we be meeting this Eddie anytime soon?” Daniel asks with a glint in his smile. 

“If he lasts until the engagement party,”she points a finger at Buck, “I will bring him. We could do a whole road trip and meet his family down in Texas too.” 

“Wow, quite the test of the relationship.” 

If he has to “meet” Eddie at his engagement party Buck might throw up.  —

“Buck, you have to find home,” Daniel says. 

“I- what? I guess Ali and I-“ he sputters trying to come up with something to say. 

“No, Buck. You don’t see it?” 

“No, I–” 

“You’re telling me all of this makes sense to you? That I'm alive? That you’re engaged to Ali? That Maddie and Eddie are a couple? That he left Chris?” 

“How did-?” 

“Buck-“ 

“I am the only person he told about how–” he takes a beat as something pulls in his chest, “This isn’t real.” 

Daniel shakes his head. 

“I need to- Oh God I gotta- Fuck. How do I-“ he looks toward the door, and leaps for it. The handle doesn’t budge, “How do I get out of here?” he practically begs Daniel. 

“I don’t know, I’m just a projection of you. What you think I may have been.” 

“But you–” 

“Just the messenger. You thought of that.” 

–- He looks down and his clothes have changed, a clean starched button up and slacks. The house is lit in soft warm light, sparkling decorations laid out on the table, poised and ready. Several plastic champagne glasses waiting to be filled rest on the dining room table. 

He finds his way back to the kitchen where he finds Maddie, she’s sitting at the table carefully arranging some paper flowers into a bouquet. 

“Can’t believe you actually caved and let Mom have the party here.”

“It was either this or the Wedding and there is no way that’s happening, so we made a compromise,” he replies concocting the believable line from thin air. 

She hums. 

“I guess that ruins your big road trip with Eddie though?” 

“Yeah, he’ll be here soon. His shift ran a little over.” 

Oh, so this was happening. 

His stomach churns. He knows this is all a concoction of his subconscious mind, but the mere idea that he doesn’t know Eddie. It was the weirdest combination of a dream and a nightmare, and it all felt so real. 

He’s pulled from the reverie by the doorbell sounding throughout his ears. And a familiar warm honey voice drifts throughout the house and there’s a tug at his heart. 

Maddie perks up at the sound the same as Buck. 

He can’t bear to follow her out the kitchen door. 

“Hey there, my Buckette.” 

He seriously wants to throw up. This was the worst timeline even if it was a fabrication. 

“C’mon help me out with a project in the kitchen.” 

Buck braces himself, and he watches in slow motion as they walk in, hand in hand. 

He finally takes Eddie in, he mostly looks the same, still with kind eyes but missing a spark and warmth. Wearing a soft henley and jeans, he looks out of place from the rest of the house that’s clearly decked out for a cocktail party. 

Their eyes meet and it’s the only thing that’s made even the slightest bit of sense the entire time he’s been here. He still wants to throw up though. 

“Eddie, this is my brother, the groom himself.” 

“Hey, so you are the famous Evan then,” Eddie replies, holding out his hand. 

The name sounds strange from his lips. Stilted and sharp, with a cold unfamiliarity, coming from a place of unknowing rather than place of care. 

Buck hates it. 

He doesn’t know how to speak anymore. So he reaches and takes Eddie’s hand. 

And it’s like a bolt of lightning coursing through him, wrapping around his hand and weaving up his arm– and there’s air in his lungs and his eyes snap open. 

The warmth around his hand is still there, and it’s tighter. He grabs back with as much strength as he has. And he finds those eyes again. And they are warm and kind, with that light shining and burning behind them. 

He can’t speak. Can’t scream. So he just lets the tears pool and fall. 

“Hey, you’re okay,” his voice is fragile in  a way that Buck has never heard before. And it sounds like he’s saying it for himself more than for Buck. 

Moments later they are no longer alone, but their gaze is fixed across the room. 

Find your home.  Oh.

[the-engdyssey]

@hetalia-rarepairweek

Day 2 & 5: Culture and History

Sharing this disgustingly late after getting my degree and moving. But here is a work for Rare Pair Week from 2023. I was very inspired by Victorian Era wedding photos, so here is a drawing of Arthur and Elizabeth at their wedding in 1887. I’ve been wanting to draw Arthur and Lizzy in Victorian Era clothing for years, and I’ve finally done it! Arthur’s hair refuses to be slicked back, I’m proud of how Lizzy’s hair turned out, but her hair would be in an updo as a married woman in that period of time. I tried with the details of her dress.

As for the Culture portion of this piece: Lizzy is holding a very distinct bunch of flowers called a Tussie-Mussie. They were small bouquets of flowers given to women of all ages by gentleman callers. They had decorative vases which could be pinned onto their dresses. (Apparently they’re quite collectible nowadays). Queen Victoria popularized these courtship gifts that have medieval roots and have given ways to the larger bouquets we see today. During the 1800s, they went hand in hand with floriography.

While they’re very poorly drawn, the flowers Lizzy is holding in the Tussie-Mussie that Arthur gave her are; a red rose for love and appreciation, larkspur for strong bonds of love, lily of the valley for happiness and sweetness, and marigold for comfort and protection. These are all qualities that Arthur think Lizzy possesses, and what he promises to always give her throughout their marriage.

[foreveranevilregal]

Encantober Day 12: Nerves

“Dolores?” Pepa knocked on the door. “Are you almost ready? Everyone’s waiting.”

Though she didn’t have Dolores’ superhuman hearing, Pepa could have sworn she heard her squeak.

“Almost, mamá. I’ll be ready in a couple minutes.”

Despite her claim, Pepa heard a suspicious lack of activity in the room. Normally someone scrambling to get ready would make some noise. But Dolores’ room was silent.

Pepa frowned. “Everyone is waiting. How about I come in and help you finish getting ready?”

“No, mamá, it’s fine, I-“

But Pepa had already opened the door. Her heart soared. Dolores was breathtaking. The dress, a creamy ivory, practically shone against her skin. Her beautiful curls were gathered in an updo, spilling over the sides to frame her face. Isabela had conjured up the loveliest flowers to decorate her mantilla, which was draped elegantly over her shoulders.

Pepa wiped the tear that had welled up in her eyes. “Dolores…you look absolutely beautiful.” She closed the door behind herself and walked around Dolores a few times, examining her. “The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

“Thanks.” Dolores’ reply lacked the enthusiasm Pepa was expecting from her on her wedding day.

Pepa took her hands and led her to the bed, sitting them both down. “What’s wrong, Lola?”

Dolores smiled, but the smile slipped off her face as she shrugged. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m getting married to the man of my dreams today. What could be wrong?”

“You tell me.” Pepa swept her hands out. “For someone marrying the man of her dreams, you don’t seem very happy about it.”

“I’m happy,” Dolores insisted, nodding her head and shaking some of her curls loose. “It’s just…”

“It’s just…” Pepa prompted.

“I can’t believe it’s happening, mamá. A year ago, I was miserable knowing Isabela would get to be with my dream guy. And now, here I am, marrying him. It’s just a lot to take in.”

Pepa smiled. When she and Mariano had first gotten together, Dolores had wanted to take things slow. But she was her mother’s daughter. Slow wasn’t in her nature. Once she knew she wanted something, she went for it. “I know, querida. It can be hard to believe how much everything changed in the past year.”

“It still doesn’t feel real, you know?” Dolores continued, smoothing down the front of her dress nervously. “Sometimes I wonder if I’ll wake up and realize it was all just a wonderful dream.”

Pepa squeezed Dolores’ hand sympathetically. It seemed like Dolores had inherited more than Pepa’s spirited nature. Apparently, she’d also inherited the worries that had plagued Pepa ever since she was young.

Oh, how she could relate! How many times had she wondered if Félix would wake up one day and realize he could do better than Pepa? That he wouldn’t want to spend the rest of his life with her? No matter how much everyone (and it really was an alarming number of people) insisted, Pepa’s worries weren’t assuaged until…well, she wasn’t sure if they were ever fully assuaged. He did everything he could to prove how much he wanted to be with her, but of course Pepa knew he wasn’t the problem. It was all in her head, but that didn’t make it any easier to deal with.

“It’s not a dream, mi amor,” Pepa spoke softly, drawing designs on Dolores’ hand in the same soothing way Félix would do to her. “It’s real. You’re getting married, today, to the man of your dreams. It’s happening, and no one can take that away from you.”

“No one can take that away from me,” Dolores repeated, her voice hushed. Her eyes widened with awe.

“I know it was hard to see Isabela getting to live out your fantasy. But that’s behind us now.” Pepa rubbed the side of Dolores’ hand rhythmically with her thumb. She tried to put as much conviction in her words as possible. “You get to have this happiness.”

“I do.” Dolores gazed towards the door dreamily.

“Let yourself be happy. You deserve it.” Pepa brushed an errant curl out of Dolores’ face.

Dolores hugged her gingerly, as not to ruin the delicate ruffles on the dress. “Thanks, mamá. Sorry I kept everyone waiting so long.”

Pepa waved dismissively. “Oh, let them wait. Today is your day.” Her eyes sparkled.

“Mamá!” Dolores exclaimed, surprised.

Pepa stood and extended a hand to Dolores, helping her up. “It’s important that you feel good before getting married. Trust me.” All too vividly she remembered the disastrous consequences of not getting her own nerves taken care of on her wedding day.

Dolores laughed, a soft tinkling sound. “I can’t make hurricanes, mamá.”

“Still.” Pepa faced her. “We don’t want any hurricanes in here either.” She placed a hand over Dolores’ heart.

Dolores rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “No hurricanes here,” she promised.

“Good.” Pepa fixed Dolores’ hair, which had become somewhat disheveled from all the movement. “Are you ready now?”

Dolores gulped, but nodded confidently. “Yes.”

Pepa opened the door. “Then we have a wedding to get to.”

[victoria-daydreams]

The Hare and The Tower

Chapter Five: The King’s Hand

AN: I’m not dead! Sorry for the really long wait, I work every day and it has been so hard trying to work on this chapter. I apologize in advance if the wedding ceremony customs are wrong, I researched it to make it as accurate as possible. I am barely awake as I post this, so sorry if there are mistakes. This chapter was so long I had to split it in two.

Trigger warnings: age gap

Word Count: 2.6k

Taglist: @riviaborns​ @dogmatic255​ @amethystwonders11 @snowymarvel1205​ @helloimlateforeverything @sweetwanderlust05 @newandykes

Summary: Wedding bells are ringing in King’s Landing once more.

Chapter Six: The Lady Hightower

113 AC, Westeros

The news spread like wildfire throughout the Red Keep. For some, it came as no surprise Lord Hightower asked for the hand of the eldest daughter of House Clarick. He had been courting her over the course of many months. King Viserys himself, amusedly remarked that it was about time when he personally congratulated them on the news.

A near five months of planning had gone into the wedding, and the day finally arrived. Today was the day most highborn girls looked forward, either with dread or with excitement. Jesmyn could count herself as one of the lucky ones. It was a blessing itself to marry for love, not duty, and she's more than grateful for it.

"Aren’t you nervous at all?” Celesse asked curiously. “I know I would be if I was devoting my life to one person,”

Jesmyn stared at her younger sister through the mirror, laughing quietly as she placed her hand on top of Celesse’s.

"I cannot think of a finer man to spend the rest of my days with,” she answered, smiling all the while. “It's nothing to be nervous over, more excited than anything," Jesmyn said, squeezing her hand. “Celesse, this is the most sure I’ve ever been in my life,” she assured.

Jesmyn’s grin was was so bright, her sister couldn't help but grin in joy. Reina, Jesmyn’s other younger sister, moved from her position behind Celesse and into Jesmyn’s line of vision, holding a rose to her nose.

“Your husband-to-be was most generous when he gave father gold in addition to his marriage proposal,” Reina said, lowering the flower from her face. “With the amount he gave us, it should stave off the dreaded process of finding a suitor,” she continued placing her hand on Jesmyn’s other shoulder. “Thank you sister, for asking him to do so,” she finished, smiling an honest and genuine smile.

“I would do anything for you two if it meant ensuring your personal happiness,” Jesmyn said, covering her hand over hers.

Reina looked at Jesmyn’s reflection in the mirror, “You look breathtaking sister,” she complimented.

Her sister was right, Jesmyn knew she was even more beautiful than ever today. The face paint applied to her made her eyes appear more doe-like and her lips red and plumper. She was a vision draped in a lavish gown made of ivory silk with golden embroideries clothed her. The sleeves were short, composed of Myrish lace which clung to her shoulders. The bodice to the dress was tight, pushing her breasts up and a gold belt cinched at her waist bringing attention to her full hips. The belt was shaped as a tall tower.

Adorning Jesmyn’s neck, ears, and wrist was a necklace made of gold and jades, with matching earrings and a matching bracelet. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, held by a golden hair pin with an ornamented hare. A knock on the door caused the three girls to look behind them simultaneously.

"Come in,” Jesmyn called, letting her younger sisters help her rise from the seat.

Lord Clarick peered in from the other side, her maiden cloak in hand.

"It is time, my sweet girl,” he said, entering into the room. “Go join your mother, Celesse and Reina,” he ordered softly.

“Yes father,” they answered in unison.

Celesse and Reina gave her one last hug, careful not to ruin her dress or hair. Reina pulled away from her, sending her an encouraging smile while Celesse took both of Jesmyn’s hands in hers.

“A magnificent life awaits you,” she stated softly, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

With that, she released Jesmyn’s hands and joined Reina near the door, interlocking their arms and leaving.

Lord Clarick smiled warmly, “Your mother and I are so proud of you Jesmyn,” he said, moving over to her. “You are to finally become a woman today!” he said happily, holding out his arms for a hug.

She wrapped her arms around him, “But you’ll always see me as your little girl,” Jesmyn quipped, resting her forehead against his chest.

“Always,” Lord Clarick echoed, kissing her on top of her head, his grip tightening.

After what felt like days, he let her go and shook out the maiden cloak. Gently, he draped it over her shoulders. The rich fabric was dark blue, made of heavy velvet with a brown hare embroidered on it. Lord Clarick's eyes gleamed as he looked over her covered in her House’s colors for the final time. Jesmyn didn't know whether or not her eyes were playing with her, but she thought could see tears welling in his eyes.

“Pride, dignity, and honor,” Lord Clarick said, fastening her cloak together by the golden hare clip with onyxes set in its eyes.

She smiled brightly, “Pride, dignity, and honor,” Jesmyn repeated, nodding her head.

He slid his palms down her arms, “I hope you have a happy marriage and blessed with many sons," he wished, kissing her cheek.

“Thank you father,”

Stepping back, he held out his arm for her to grab.

"It's time Jesmyn," he informed, and nervous excitement ran through her.

Graciously, Jesmyn accepted his arm, holding onto it tightly. Lord Clarick walked her out of the room and with every step, her grip became stronger. Her grip on his arm grew so hard, she thought she would bruise him, but when Lord Clarick placed a calming hand on hers and her nerves eased instantly. Standing outside the doors of the Great Sept, Jesmyn could hear the murmurs of the crowd waiting inside. Sensing her nervousness rising again, Lord Clarick leaned down to her ear.

“If anyone is to be nervous, it should Lord Hightower,” he whispered. “For he is about to marry the most beautiful woman in all of the Seven Kingdoms,"  he grinned.

The doors opened, all eyes turning to the back of the room. An awed hush fell over the large crowd as her and her father entered. Lord Clarick led Jesmyn through the Great Sept, his chest puffed out with pride. She had never seen her father stand as tall, or as proud than he did in this moment to give her to her husband-to-be. All eyes fell on them, and it took everything inside of Jesmyn not to curl into herself.

She was not used to being the center of attention, it might as well been the whole of Westeros watching her. There were so many smiling faces in the crowd, it was hard for Jesmyn to pinpoint who was genuinely happy for her and those who smiled only out of politeness. Jesmyn’s nervousness melted away when her eyes focused on her soon-to-be husband waiting for her on the dais. Otto stood just as tall and looked regal as ever, dressed in an emerald doublet bearing the Hightower embroidery; the sunlight streaming in from the large windows above him.

He awaited her with a squire holding the Hightower colors beside him. Jesmyn felt as though she was in a dream, at any given moment she was bound to wake up to reality. However, there was no need to pinch herself awake, Lord Otto Hightower was truly waiting for her at the end of the aisle, completely transfixed by her appearance. Soon, she was about to be cloaked in the protection of her husband's House

Lord Clarick and Jesmyn came to a stop in front of the Septon and next to Otto. Her father's hands moved quickly, unclasping the gold hare and shedding her of the Clarick cloak. A shiver coursed through Jesmyn’s body at the sudden lack of warmth. Lord Clarick placed a kiss on her cheek and squeezed her hand before retreating from her side. While Otto, accepted the carefully folded bride's cloak from the squire.

"You may cloak the bride," the Septon said, towards Otto. "And bring her under your protection,” he continued, his voice thundering through the sept.

With a grand flourish, Otto enveloped Jesmyn in emerald green, leaning close to fasten the bridal cloak at her throat. Jesmyn could feel the piercing stares of many on her, expecting her to be the perfect Lady Hightower, like his late wife was. Their eyes locked, their gaze holding a thousand words, but the only thing communicated between was a smile meant only for each other.

"My lords, my ladies, we stand here in the sight of the gods and men to witness the union of Otto of House House Hightower to Jesmyn of House Clarick,"

Jesmyn and Otto extended their hands out, allowing the septon to tie the golden ribbon around them. Otto’s hand was callous and warm on top of hers.

"I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one," he said, looking at the two of them. "Look upon each others, and say the words," he instructed.

Otto and Jesmyn shifted ever slightly to be able to stare into each others' eyes as they said their vows together.

"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger," Jesmyn said gently, still smiling but she could sense her eyes watering. "I am his, and he is mine, from this day to the end of my days,"

“Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger," Otto echoed in unison. "I am hers, and she is mine, from this day to the end of my days,"

"With this kiss I—" Jesmyn began, feeling herself getting choked up, but she swallowed and composed herself to continue. "With this kiss I pledge my love, and take you for my lord and husband," she said happily.

Tears shone in her eyes, one eventually falling down, but Otto was quick to gently thumb it away.

"With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my lady and wife," Otto declared.

He leaned forward and their lips touching for a lingering, chaste kiss. Otto’s lips were just as soft as the lines in his face.

The Septon raised his crystal high in the air, "Here in the sight of gods and men, I do solemnly proclaim Otto of House Hightower and Jesmyn of House Clarick to be man and wife. One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever, and cursed be the one who comes between them,"

Applause echoed in the sept at the declaration from the septon, but Jesmyn remained focused on Otto. The two staring intently into each others eyes, in a world where only the two of them exist.

“Lord husband,” she whispered.

“Lady Hightower,” he whispered back, a wide grin on his lips

~~~x~~~

The feast that followed the wedding was grander than Jesmyn believed possible. More food than the guests could eat in a week was served aplenty, while delicious imported wines were poured into goblets. Jaunty tunes from bards performing floated into Jesmyn’s ears. The song was led by a young man with a lovely voice which lords and ladies danced to throughout the hall. Sitting at the head table beside her new husband, Jesmyn watched it all unfold. She smiled happily, it was infectious. All throughout the hall, cheerfulness brimming from every guest in attendance.

Her and Otto conversed gaily with lords and ladies who stood in the receiving line to offer their congratulations to the newlyweds.Of course, the first people to send their well wishes was none other than King Viserys, Alicent, and Rhaenyra.

“Ah, look at us,” King Viserys said, with a grand smile. “One big, happy family that grows larger and larger with every moon that passes,” he beamed.

“’Happy’ is not the word, I would use,”  Jesmyn thought.

“It’s an honor to have you apart of the family, Lady Hightower,” King Viserys stated warm-heartedly.

“King Viserys, you are too kind. I thank you for your words,” Jesmyn grinned, bowing her head.

“Congratulations father, stepmother,” Alicent spoke up in her usual soft tone, and it took everything in Jesmyn not to wince at the hidden venom behind ‘stepmother’. “I wish you two a long and happy marriage," she said, her lips stretching in a thin smile which, Jesmyn noted, did not reach her eyes.

“Thank you, My Queen,” Jesmyn responded, smiling sweetly to maintain appearances.

“You are the vision of beauty, Lady Hightower,” Rhaenyra complimented, with a smile.

It was insincere, they both knew it, not to mention the backhanded compliment tacked onto it.

“Thank you Princess,” Jesmyn responded, a charming smile still on her face. “We all shall be one, big happy family indeed as King Viserys said,” she said.

Jesmyn knew Rhaenyra well enough that she didn’t expect an immediate reconciliation, but still the hope was there. With Alicent, Jesmyn was starting to think there was more to her anger towards her. She understood Otto was a recent widower, much like King Viserys, but Otto was under no obligation to remarry, and he did so regardless. To Jesmyn, no less, and she chose to accept his proposal. Quite unlike Alicent.

“Is it envy?” Jesmyn wondered.

An hour passed, and there were no well wishers to attend to, once again Otto and Jesmyn absorbed with each other. Always touching the other in some way: holding hands, her hand on his arm, his hand on her shoulder. Often, he would lean over and whisper into her ear, his lips grazing against the delicate skin there. A smile never failed to cross her lip each time.

Jesmyn’s uncle, Marcyl, was the second to dance with her, Otto of course being the first, telling her of how he never thought the day would come.

“You were incessantly picky when it came to suitors,” he joked.

Almost immediately, after the song ended her cousin Blane, swept her away for the next dance. The two of them reminiscing about their childhood home at Leavens Keep in the Riverlands. Her last dance came from her father still enthused about the match she secured. Finally, Jesmyn was able to return to her table to catch her breath. Four dances were enough for the night, if her feet were anything to go by.

Tiredly, she took her seat next to Otto who sent her a knowing smile. Jesmyn grabbed her goblet and brought it to her lips, peeking over her it to see Celesse dancing with Blane. They both shared a laughed at something he said. Even as she remained in good spirits, Jesmyn knew the banquet was slowly winding down and she could not help but dread what came next.

The bedding ceremony was tradition, and it was supposedly all in good fun. Yet, it sat like cold lead in her belly. Jesmyn knew it was mostly men who looked forward to it more eagerly than any other of the wedding festivities. The lords would undress her, they'd roughly tug at her gown, and they'd see her naked and make crude and vulgar comments about her. Jesmyn was certain she would not be able to survive the humiliation of it all.

"Let's have a lordly bedding!" a drunken lord shouted.

The hall echoed with the sound of fists hitting the table in agreement. Jesmyn seized up. Truly, the gods had a cruel sense of humor. Her very own apprehension had summoned the one thing she feared. With the notion was planted in every lord’s head, there was no getting it out. Benches and chairs emptied with a general thunderous scrap; the men made their way for her. Jesmyn was frozen, shrinking back in her chair, her smile nowhere to be found.

Otto noticed her discomfort immediately and his large hand came down on top of hers, his thumb gently stroking her skin.

He stood up, "My lords," he called over the clamor. "I shall have to ask you to restrain yourselves for my bride," he demanded, a hush falling over the hall. “However,” he said, briefly pausing. “The hour grows late and indeed, this wedding needs a bedding,” he agreed, smirking and raising his goblet in the air.

A statement which was met with cheers and whistles from the men, while blood rush to Jesmyn’s cheeks. Smiling nervously, she hid her embarrassment through a forced laugh.

“Small mercies,” Jesmyn thought. “Small mercies,”

Chapter Seven: The Lady Hightower Part II