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youwouldntdownloadapizza · 2 months

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The Pleasures of The Unknown | Kate Middleton x The Unknown (Glasgow Wonka Experience 2024)

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When Kate Middleton mistakenly ends up at a magical chocolate factory in Glasgow, she finds herself drawn to a mysterious cloaked figure with a penchant for dark chocolate.

pairing: Kate Middleton x The Unknown (Glasgow Wonka 2024)

rating: 18+, minors DNI

word count: 1.2k

tags: crack, crack treated seriously, crack fic, smut, mild smut, finger sucking, chocolate, sex and chocolate, light BDSM, choking, thigh riding, rpf, bald harry styles, balddry, infidelity, glasgow, willy wonka experience - freeform, glasgow willy wonka - freeform, Balmoral, british royal family, unhinged innuendo

chapter warnings: smut, infidelity

Kate Middleton stared at her bangs in the Buckingham Palace bathroom mirror.

"I can't go out like this," she complained to William. "The Sun will rip me a new one!"

"Kate, my dear," he kissed her on the cheek, turning to lean against the counter. She continued tugging at her botched fringe until he took her hand. "It's just hair. It'll grow back."

"That's rich, coming from you."

William looked down at his royal bunny slippers with a frown. Even they had more hair than he did. Perhaps he should have them fashioned into a wig. He'd have to ask his frenemy, Harry Styles, for wigmaker recommendations.

"I don't know what to do." Kate looked up at her husband with tears in her eyes. He wiped them away with his royal hanky.

"I do," he smiled. Sliding his hand into his back pocket, he produced the royal AmEx.

"Take a holiday, Kate. Go to Balmoral or Hollyrood for a few weeks. Grow them out. Maybe even get that BBL you've been talking about getting. Scotland is a great place to recover from surgery. What with all the free healthcare and all, innit?" he said Britishly.

"You're so right, William. I'll leave first thing tomorrow."

---

Kate double-checked the address her husband had given her as she stepped out of her royal Uber Black.

"This can't be the right place. Balmoral was never this colorful!"

The cabbie rolled down his window. "Don't worry, ma'am, this is Willy's place! Be quick and get inside, it's looking like rain."

With a soft 'innit', the driver pulled away, and Kate was left on Willy's doorstep.

She assumed 'Willy' was short for her husband 'William', but as she entered the foyer, she began to have her doubts. The place appeared to be some sort of magical chocolate factory.

Although sparsely decorated, the place maintained some air of whimsy. Well, less of an air, more of a spritz, but clamato, clamato.

"Soo la voo," Kate shrugged, walking beneath the sparkly, styrofoam rainbow and towards whatever fate awaited her here.

"Ahh, more guests! Welcome!" A depressed-looking woman in a green wig approached her.

"Here, compliments of Willy," she said, sliding a plastic cup containing a splash of what appeared to be sparkling lemonade into Kate's left hand. Into her right went a single jelly bean.

"What is this?" Kate asked.

"Our welcome gift to you! And only $40, such a deal."

Kate supposed $40 was a fair price for such splendor. After all, if bananas were $10, this was surely worth four times that. She popped the jelly bean and washed it down with the lemonade.

"Carry on down the hallway. Your future awaits."

Kate left her luggage and her empty cup with the so-called Oompa Loompa and proceeded down the bare linoleum hallway. That uncanny-valley candy landscape tapestry really ties the place together, she mused.

A voice greeted her at the end of the hall.

"What. Is. That?" A blonde man in a red top hat and coattails pointed towards an unassuming mirror.

Why, that's me! Kate Middleton! Kate Middleton thought to herself.

Kate nearly leaped out of her skin when the creature emerged from behind the looking glass.

"It's...THE UNKNOWN!!"

That's when Kate fainted.

When she awoke, her head was spinning. "Where am I?" She asked to the blackness that surrounded her.

A deep voice answered her. "You're in the walls. This is my home. My own dark chocolate factory."

"Your what?" Kate asked.

As her eyes adjusted, she realized she was in a small bedroom combined with a confectionary workspace, almost a studio apartment of sorts.

"My dark chocolate factory. You see, Willy Wonka seeks only to pump this world full of river-churned, high-fructose, milky delicious bullshit. What I aim to create is something far more sophisticated. Far more complex. And far, far darker."

"Oh? Might I try some?"

"Why of course," the silver-masked, black-hooded creature pulled back its sleeve to reveal long, nimble fingers.

He crossed to his chocolate worktable and dipped his index and middle fingers into a whirring chocolate fountain. The creature stalked towards her, extending the sample.

Kate leaned towards him, but froze. "Before I suck on your fingers, I should probably know your name."

The creature angled his head, as if considering her. "I have no name. I am only...The Unknown."

Kate's heart raced in her chest. That chocolate, those fingers, it all looked simply divine. And if William could be unfaithful, why couldn't she do the same? She deserved it, just this once. As a treat.

She opened her mouth, and The Unknown slid his fingers past her lips. She sucked deeply, the flavor sliding across her tongue and down her throat, the complex flavor and intensity of the delivery method sending shivers down her spine.

"Are you cold?" He asked.

"A bit," Kate admitted.

"Well then," she could hear the smirk in his voice even if she couldn't see it on his face. "Perhaps I'll have to warm you up myself."

Kate bit her lip. "Would you...put your willy? In my chocolate factory?"

His fingers closed around her throat. She drew a sharp breath.

She could feel his breath as he whispered in her ear, "Forget willies. Forget chocolate factories. Allow yourself to submit, to embrace the pleasures of The Unknown."

Kate let out a shuddering breath as she gazed up at that shiny mask. She didn't know what lurked behind it. She didn't care.

She kissed him then, the plastic of his mask hard against her soft lips. And then she was sprawled on the bed, his knee between her legs, and she was grinding against him.

"Oh, The Unknown!" She moaned.

"Please, there's no need for formality. Call me The."

So Kate did. She sounded like the gilded first word of a sponge's term paper as she wailed his name over and over again, into the dark stillness of this secret room behind the walls.

"I'm close," Kate moaned.

"Good girl."

He leaned down to kiss at her neck. The rough edges of the cheap mask scratched at her sensitive skin, but she didn't care. She was lost in the pleasures of The Unknown.

It was the hair that brought her to the edge, something her husband could never give her. The chemical scent of his cheap, black wig filled her nostrils as she rode his thigh, dangling there on the precipice.

"Ohh!" Kate screamed as she came, her thighs shaking with pleasure as she clenched around nothing.

A low, satisfied chuckle rumbled at her throat, and she swooned. After all these years of marriage, William had never rocked her world like this masked stranger just had. As they lay there together, she slipped into the chocolatey darkness of slumber, utterly content.

---

When Kate returned home, butt bigger and bangs longer, William had wanted to hear about her experience in Scotland.

"What was your favorite part?" He asked.

"I learned a lot about myself on this trip," she told him. "But the most valuable lesson was in learning to embrace the pleasures of the unknown."

"See, a little uncertainty is good sometimes!" He teased, tugging on her much-improved bangs before giving her a soft kiss.

"Mm," he smacked his lips. "Tastes like chocolate."

#ao3 #fanfic #fanfiction #crack fic #glasgow #glasgow willy wonka experience #willy wonka #the unknown #glasgow willy wonka #ai wonka #balddry #kate middleton #kate middleton conspiracy #kate middleton missing #kate middleton bangs #kate middleton bbl #kate middleton x the unknown

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mangoguy · 3 months

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"Map out the question"

John "Soap" MacTavish(2022) x GN! Reader

Warnings: none just fluff, never wrote for a Scottish accent before

Johnny goes a bit extra when popping the question. Use of prompt 12!

For @glitterypirateduck Soap It Up challenge.

"I'm going to marry ye'"

That was what Johnny said one year into your relationship, you talked about it before and agreed you both liked to get married someday. But you thought he wasn't being totally serious about it considering his friend, Kyle, recently proposed to his partner. But then he couldn't stop mentioning it at least once every month and said he had it all planned out. Again you thought he wasn't being serious...

Another 6 months pass, and he's been quiet about the topic for the last few months. Summer was when he normally went on his yearly biking trip across Scotland (when he wasn't on deployment), and this year was no different. Unfortunately, you couldn't go though you weren't too hung up on it, considering the last time you tried biking with the guy, you almost "died" as you put it.

"So over dramatic," he muses.

You did promise to meet him on the last day of his journey which he seemed to prefer since he said he had a surprise. Claiming it was going to 'knock your socks off.'

"What would that be, you all sweaty and out of breath? Not much of a surprise Johnny," you snickered, deciding to give him a hard time.

"Har har, I guess ye' will just have tae wait and find out," he grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.

"You better take lots of photos and videos," you playfully threatened.

"Aye, I will... I definitely will."

That was a month ago, it was the last day of his journey as he was set to meet you in Glasgow today. You were waiting by the waterside, a bit anxious for his arrival when you heard someone call your name. You turned around and saw him in all his glory, he looked triumphantly at you as you ran over and brought him into a bear hug.

"Miss ye' too," he mumbled into your shoulder, hugging you tightly in one arm while holding his bike with the other.

"How was it? I can see you got a few scrapes..." You pulled back and examined him, grimacing slightly at his legs.

"I'm fine, I'm fine, it was great! Loved seeing the scenery again" he grinned before kissing your cheek. He placed his bike on the railing.

"So, what's that surprise you mentioned before you left? You were hyping it up before your trip," you chirped.

"I'm getting there, I'm getting there..." He paused before speaking again.

"I took some photos like ye' asked, wanna see them now?" He started fishing out his phone from his backpack. You nodded your head, smiling as he brought the phone into your hand. You started scrolling through the album. It was mostly pictures of the scenery he saw and the occasional selfie, but one particular photo caught your eye. It was a screenshot of what looked like a map of Scotland, but that's not what caught your eye. It was the words that were drawn on it.

'Marry me ❤️'

The next photo was of Johnny holding an engagement ring. You slowly brought the phone down and saw Johnny on one knee, holding out the same engagement ring that was in the photo.

"I wasn't joking y'know? I can't imagine my life with anyone else but ye'... yer so beautiful and I find myself lucky every day to have ye' in my life" he expressed, his cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. He seemed shy all of a sudden, fidgeting slightly out of nervousness. Despite this, his eyes were looking at you with so much love and hope.

You were quite speechless yourself, words escaped you for a moment. Your heart felt like it was going to burst from the overwhelming amount of love Johnny was pouring on you. You stared into his eyes before gathering your voice.

"Yes, I'll marry you! Is that even a question??" You beamed, feeling some tears fall but you had the biggest smile on your face. He had the biggest smile on his face as he stood up and delicately placed the ring on your finger, wiping the tears that continued to fall from your eyes.

"Wait... there's no way you went biking across the country just to spell that... right?" You asked.

"Of course I did! I took this very seriously besides I needed to make it memorable and if you still don't believe me I have a video," he explained, going back to the boyish grin he loved giving you.

"Oh, a video you say?" You smiled playfully but brought him closer to you, planting a few kisses on his face before finally kissing him on the lips.

"Well, I needed to one-up Kyle's proposal somehow..." he mumbled into the kiss.

Oh, you gotta be kidding me, MacTavish...

A/n: So this is my first official long fic on here! I really appreciate any feedback. I was inspired by this story I read about this dude who traveled across Japan and proposed to his partner via drawing out 'Marry me' with a GPS tracker and thought, hey Soap would totally be that extra lmao hope you enjoyed it!

Words: 798

#call of duty #cod mw2 #modern warfare 2 #call of duty fanfic #john soap mactavish #soap cod #soap x reader #soap mw2 #soapitup #johnsoapmactavish #fanfic #x reader #Guy.Writes

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sunburnacoustic · 10 months

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More pictures of Muse in the rain in Glasgow because damn they look sobering, impressive and imposing af. Very cool. And yeah, kinda amazed the pyro worked in this!

Credit: gongchouy on r/Muse

#muse band #dom howard #matt bellamy #muse #muse live #musers #Muse Glasgow #Bellahouston Park #as @glorious-blackout said it's pishing it down #WOTP era #WOTP tour #2023 #@originofpwoper there's a pic in here you'll appreciate for your collection!#European tour

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toomuchracket · 2 months

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mark's bday omg i hope they all got him the best present ever (he deserves it for what matty puts him through) <3

#he laughed at something i said in glasgow and i was like omg am i d word girly lmfaoooooo #mads muses #chatty bits #mark

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virgoilluminati · 11 months

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Belongings

(Series Masterlist)

Chapter 1: “We’ll be a fine line.”

Idea: After performing to 70,000 people, Harry wants nothing more than to spend his night with his muse. Problem is, she isn’t technically his. (In all honesty that was supposed to be a very short fic!!? And I went overboard)

A/N: Hiya, so I went and saw Harry a couple of days ago in Edinburgh (I was also fortunate to go to Glasgow last year, but don’t worry I am not one of those people who are prepared to go to various cities across the world to see him. I just live in Scotland and luckily had the opportunity to see him twice). and OML HE IS THE MOST ADORABLE AND FITTEST MAN I HAVE EVER MET. In all honesty I have been in and out of Harry fazes as I have grown up to realise that I like too many men. But rn I am very much stuck in a Harry faze and Idc.

Warnings: toxic relationships, slow burn angst and a whole lotta tension.

Word Count: 2356

____________________________________________________

As Harry stands on stage, basking in the adoration of 70,000 people, his mind can't help but wander to his love interest, Y/N. Despite the overwhelming attention surrounding him, his thoughts remain fixated on the person he yearns to be with.

As the lights dazzle and the crowd roars, Harry's heart feels heavy with longing. Every lyric he sings, every note he plays, is infused with his unspoken desire for Y/N. In his mind, he envisions a future where they share their lives together, where their connection is stronger than any bond he's ever known.

Yet, Harry's hopes are currently overshadowed by the presence of his best friend, who occupies Y/N's attention. It weighs on his spirit, aching him inside. He wonders if his feelings will ever be reciprocated, if Y/N will ever see him in the same light he sees them.

But Harry knows he must persevere. He pours his emotions into his performance, channeling his yearning into every word, every gesture. Perhaps, through the power of his music, he can convey the depth of his feelings to Y/N, even if they remain unaware of his internal struggle.

Offstage, he longs for a moment to speak with Y/N, to lay bare his emotions and reveal the love that burns within him. But until then, he must continue his journey, both as a musician and as a hopeful lover, hoping that fate will eventually align their paths.

As the applause fills the arena and Harry takes his final bow, he glances out into the sea of faces, searching for Y/N's eyes among the multitude. And deep down, he holds onto the hope that one day, his love will be reciprocated, and they will find their way to each other's arms. Harry Styles was accustomed to being surrounded by adoring fans and captivated audiences. With his soulful voice and mesmerizing stage presence, whenever he took the spotlight, he had a gift for capturing emotions through his songs and making people feel connected to his music. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of fame and success, his heart yearned for something more.

His thoughts were consumed by her infectious laughter and the sparkle in her eyes. His thoughts were consumed only by her.

Y/N, a vibrant and compassionate woman who shared his love for music. They had been inseparable since childhood, spending countless hours jamming together, exchanging lyrics, and dreaming of making it big in the music industry. Their bond was unbreakable, and they supported each other through thick and thin.

“Thank you so everything.” He shouted to his fans, after a heavy encore, leaving him breathless. Every song sang today was for y/n. Who sat backstage watching his every move. On his way back to backstage, Harry found himself alone with his heart aching from the weight of his unspoken adoration, and he knew he couldn't keep it hidden for much longer.

In all honesty, that wasn’t the first time Harry had wanted to go straight to y/n and tell her how he felt. The more he performed songs, which had been written for y/n (without her knowledge) the more he felt himself opening up and shouting it out to her, hoping that maybe she would feel the same.

It was fine line which had really set it off that night. The song was about two lovers, neither one could explain how they felt for each other. And really it was always a in between stage of love and friendship. That’s how he truly felt about Y/N. That’s how he had always felt.

Whilst singing kiwi and medicine, all he kept thinking about was the things he wanted to do to y/n. He wanted to pin her down, tie her up with ropes and force her to stay still as he sucked and kissed all over her body.

He wanted to hear her moans as he bit on her neck, hickies covering her body. He wanted to make her cum, numerous times, with everyone being able to hear her from miles away. He wanted her to be his.

****************

In a crowded room, amidst a sea of people, there she stood, captivating all those who catch a glimpse of her. She was in a red dress, and exuded an air of elegance and confidence that is simply mesmerizing. Harry ran over to her, as soon as the show ending, wanted to waste no time but to be alone with her.

Her dress, a vivid shade of crimson, drapes gracefully over her figure, accentuating her every curve. The fabric, silky and smooth, catches the light and shimmers with every subtle movement she makes. It hugs her slender frame, embracing her with its timeless charm.

Her presence is commanding yet gentle, drawing attention effortlessly. With each step she takes, the fabric gracefully sways, hinting at her graceful and poised demeanor. The dress falls to a modest length, just below the knee, allowing her to maintain an aura of sophistication and class.

Her dark, lustrous hair cascades down her shoulders, framing a face that radiates both beauty and intelligence. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of hazel, hold a glint of mystery and intrigue, inviting you to unravel the secrets within her soul. A subtle smile graces her lips, capturing the hearts of those who dare to meet her gaze.

Confidence emanates from every pore, as if she is aware of her own allure. She moves through the room with grace and poise, effortlessly navigating the social landscape. Conversations pause as she passes, heads turning to catch another glimpse of this enigmatic woman.

In her red dress, she embodies passion and power, unafraid to make a statement. She carries herself with an air of self-assurance, leaving an indelible impression on all those fortunate enough to witness her presence. She is a vision, a symbol of strength and femininity, leaving an unforgettable mark in the hearts and minds of those who encounter her.

As she opened her eyes and saw Harry standing before her, joy flickered across her face."Harry, that was beautiful " she asked, her voice laced with happiness and aspiration. Her voice, made his heart flutter.

He smiles gently before sitting down beside her and letting her hug him. As she does this, he sniffs her perfume a beautiful mix of cinnamon and vanilla, one of his favourites. “The fans were crazy. I didn’t know what to do.”

“Well, I had so much fun back here. You’re a special man Harry. And they knew that. They were crazy because they love you.”

I love you he hoped she’d said. But in reality she didn’t. And rather she sat there mesmerised by the amount of people whose eyes never left Harry’s figure.

“Harry this world-. This is your world. I am so proud-“. Harry smiled again, before gesturing over a towel to wipe the sweat which had formed on his back.

“It could be your world too-“

“Har-“

“No, I’m serious. You have to show people your talent love! Get out of London, go big! We could even do it together!”

Y/N was a small time singer. Known only for her small gigs in England, and occasionally being pictured next to Harry styles. She’d performed in countless small venues, receiving applause from intimate audiences who recognize her brilliance, but the world at large remains unaware of her incredible gift. To Harry, her songs were filled with raw emotion and poignant lyrics, tell tales of love, loss, and the struggles of the human spirit. Though her talent is undeniable, fate has conspired to keep her hidden from the spotlight. She was a star, and needed her own break.

Y/N loved to sing and, if she was being truthful - ever since she was much younger - the prospect of being able to just sing as a full time career was a desirable plan. But after her mother died in her early teens, and she was forced to help out more at home - that dream also slowly died. Instead she got used to being humble with the smaller things, like having a best friend like Harry, or having a small apartment in Brighton - which was directly opposite her family owned bakery, which she loved.

That was where Harry and Y/N had met, so many years ago to count. He had gone in to her store during X factor days to buy an iced bun to proove to Liam at the time that it was the top tier dessert.

In a cozy bakery nestled in the heart of a bustling city, the alluring aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air. The sound of a soft melody accompanies the rhythmic clinks of utensils against mixing bowls as a talented singer, dressed in a vintage-inspired ensemble, steps into the warm haven. Behind the counter stands a young y/n, her hands adorned with flour, and a smile that radiates warmth and joy. Next to her was her father, a bearded man, whose eyes were pierced like a dragon.

The singers approaches the counter, Liam and Harry’s eyes lighting up as he takes in the delightful treats displayed before her. Unable to resist the allure of the bakery's offerings, Liam turns to the baker with an enthusiastic gleam in her eyes.

“What’s your favourite thing to bake?” Liam asks.

Y/Ns father laughs warmly "Oh, that's a tough question! But if I had to pick just one, it would be doughnuts

Harry laughs slightly before quickly paying attention to the young y/n who, had began to look down at the ground uninterested. “I told you Harry! The best ones in the business!” Liam responds shaking his shoulders

“Ok, but what about the iced buns. Iced buns have got to be up there too!”

“Iced buns? Yes we have iced buns, they are delicious also. Would you like me to get you both up to choose from?” Y/Ns father asked eager for an extra sale.

“What do you like?” Harry asks y/n who is shocked by the question. Not because she doesn’t know what was her favourite more so, she hasn’t expected him to notice her.

“I-I’d probably say, the iced buns. It’s a British classic.”

“Then we’ll get 5 iced buns please,”. Harry responds not waiting for Liam to protest. Y/Ns father nods his head before going to the back room to find some more iced buns. Y/N stood at the till, placing their order in the cashier.

“The iced buns aren’t just for us by the way. Our band, all wanted to have something.”

“Your band? What are you called?”

“One direction.” Liam proudly stated. Expecting y/n to suddenly start fangirling. Like other girls had done prior.

“Oh. Cool. Whereabouts are you guys playing, I presume you’re not from around here.” She responds. Her eyes only focused on Harry.

“Down by the beach. It’s a one off thing - for a friends birthday. We promised we’d do it.” Harry responds before handing her the money. Y/N smiles before handing over the iced buns.

“Well, I hope you have a nice time.”

Both the boys say thank you before leaving. Unlike Liam who went back to himself resolutely, Harry remained eclipsed with that conversation. Wondering if ever she would see him again. Funnily enough they would, and that would be at the friends birthday party. Because the friend was Will….

Will had been Harry’s friend since pre school, and had moved to Brighton when he was 15 which is where he met y/n. Through will, they both met at his birthday party, and together they became an inseparable trio. However this also meant that Will and Harry both ultimately became attached to y/n. And whilst Will believed y/n was the perfect fit for her given his thriving law career and being able to have someone who would be able to create a family with. Harry also desired a life with y/n, both being able to travel the world and share music.

Y/N came from a very strict family. One whom focused entirely on making sure she had someone that could help her to run her baking business and also create another generation of children. They cared enough for her to be with someone she loved, but they also needed to be able to provide, despite y/ns beliefs being totally against needing to rely on a man. Will fit that box. He was able to provide a wealthy life, with a lot of opportunities to grow and it allowed y/n to stay with everyone she knew.

Harry was too rogue, able to spread months away from home. And ultimately meaning he was not the right fit in her fathers eyes to marry him. Nonetheless this did not prevent Harry from wanting her.

Will stood as constant presence in their world, a bridge between their pasts and an embodiment of their shared history. Yet, his role as the y/n/ partner fuels an insidious flame of resentment within the Harry’s heart. Each encounter between them drips with tension, colored by the seething undercurrent of jealousy and disdain. Every smile shared, every touch exchanged, stirs a storm of conflicting emotions.

And overtime a silent battle rages within him, torn between loyalty and desire, unable to escape the torment of witnessing their connection blossom. In this intricate dance of love, friendship, and unrequited longing, the boy's heart bears the weight of an unyielding enmity, casting a shadow upon the delicate balance of their intertwined lives. He remained the most difficult thing to prevent Harry from telling y/n how he truly felt.

“Just imagine it, you’re my opening act. You, me touring the world. Will could come too if he wanted-“

Before he could say anymore, Will walked through, offering both a pint of beer. Harry inside grunts, knowing again that his time with y/n was limited. Will smiled before coming over handing over them each a pint. “You know what?, £5 for a pint this size, ain’t even half bad.” Will responded sitting next to y/n forcing Harry to stand up.

“Thank you.” Y/N responded, taking a hold of the pint before kissing him on the cheek. That kiss made Harry want to throw up.

“Have you told him yet-“

“Will-“

“Told me what?” Harry asked. Staring at y/n who had suddenly become uncomfortable under Wills skin.

“I was going to tell you later, I didn’t want to steal the show-“

“Tell me what?”

She looks down at the floor before looking back up to Harry. “We- we are-“

“We’re engaged!” Will stated. Interrupting y/n and leaving Harry numb.

As the words escape Will's lips, revealing his engagement to Y/N, a flicker of disbelief dances across Harry's face, quickly morphing into shock and aching disappointment. The weight of his unrequited love settles upon his shoulders like a heavy burden, threatening to suffocate the joy he once felt for his friend. In that bittersweet moment, Harry is caught between genuine happiness for Will's newfound happiness and the piercing ache of shattered dreams. Each word hangs in the air, pregnant with unspoken emotions, as the fragile dynamics of their friendship tremble on the precipice of a heart-wrenching realization.

He knew that this moment had been coming for a while, Will had often spoken to Harry and Niall about finally tying the knot with Y/N. However he never realised how it would truly feel if he actually did tie the knot. He’d never be able to look at Y/N the same. Dating is one thing, but marriage and then the possibility of children is a whole other ball park.

“That’s amazing! Congratulations!” He responded immediately hugging Will, before hugging y/n even tighter. He felt his heart fall to the bottom of his lungs, before smiling forcefully, allowing y/n to announce the words to the rest of the band.

The room seemed to spin as, Y/N, joyfully announced their engagement to, Will to Mitch and Sarah. A mixture of shock, disappointment, and a tinge of envy washed over him, threatening to drown him in a sea of unrequited love. Harry forced a smile, concealing his true emotions behind a facade of happiness, while his heart shattered into a thousand fractured pieces. In that moment, he realized that he had to come to terms with the fact that Y/N's happiness lay in the arms of another, and he would have to find a way to navigate the treacherous path of friendship, masking the pain that gnawed at his soul.

But in all honesty, he would never be able to get over the pain of losing the love of his life. Especially someone who seemed like his perfect match.

#harry styles #one direction #harry styles x reader #harrys house #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles concept #harry styles smut #harry styles x singer!reader #Harry styles x baker reader #harry styles fanfic rec #one direction fanfiction #harrystyles cute

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punkfortress · 2 months

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Episode 1 - part 1

Music blared throughout the cramped basement, Deafeningly loud, drowning out the chaotic voices of the crowd. The names of shitty, unknown bands and various people's nicknames cover the walls.

Scotty watched the drummer intently, studying his face and his movements from the back of the venue. Everything about the drummer was familiar, right down to the way he smiled at the crowd. He wondered briefly if the man was proof his shot in the dark wasn't in vain.

The frontman called for a brief intermission after breaking one of his guitar strings, and the drummer immediately jumped up from his seat, dashing towards Scotty.

He Fucking knew it.

“SCOTTY?” The drummer shouted, jumping off the stage and jogging towards the back corner of the cramped basement.

“How the hell have you been, man?!” The drummer asked, leaning against the wall beside Scotty. “And what the hell are you doing in New York?!"

“living the American dream!” Scotty joked, grinning before his face fell "Aye... I'm jus' chasin' work. Sendin' money back home to me mam.”

He hadn't seen this man since 1998... Even with the mohawk and the piercings, he was still the same man he had known for just a month back in Glasgow.

“but… why here? It ain't the best place to be right now, y’know? ‘specially not for foreigners”

That was true. The flight over was hell, and Scotty knew there were better places to find work...

Scotty paused, holding back a wry laugh at being referred to as a ‘foreigner’.

“Ye want the truth?” he held his breath. “this is where you told me ya’ lived back in Glasgow. I figured… no harm in hopin’ to run into an old friend, yeah?”

The drummer grinned widely at Scotty's answer

“I missed you, you bastard! It's been too damn long! We've got so much catching up to do! And what the hell happened to your eye?!” The drummer was visibly excited, his words coming out in a rush as he tried fitting all his thoughts in one breath.

“Sorry, was that insensitive? Roach tells me I ask too many questions…” he mumbles to himself, Looking away from Scotty. “I gotta stop doing that…”

“Aye, lad,” Scotty chuckled, pulling the man close to him in a half-hug, “A lot happened after ya’ left,” he mused.

“we’ve got all night to catch up, though, so don't you worry.”

Scotty missed him like hell, even if they only knew each other for a short time. A month between two strangers could feel like a lifetime.

Scotty’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of yelling through the shitty basement speakers.

"REX GET YOUR ASS BACK ON STAGE RIGHT NOW!"

“Sorry, Scotty, I gotta go! I’ll be back in an hour!”

The drummer, Rex, called, giggling dumbly as he pushed through the crowd and ran off towards the stage.

36 notes · View notes

angstyfandomhappyending · 1 year

Text

Soap, during one of the rare occasions when 141 are given a week off and he goes back to his empty apartment in Glasgow, is working on erasing a disturbing stain from the kitchen counter when there's two solid knocks on the front door.

Soap pauses, takes out the buds from his ears which wasn't playing any music any longer since he had finished arranging his misbegotten cupboards with an array of odd looking cereals - the battery on his phone died - and toyed with the idea of grabbing a recently cleaned knife from the counter.

But he had spent a god-awful amount of time cleaning the surface of the blades spotless as the remnants of the last conversation he had with a certain superior officer played louder than any music he was hearing.

His musings are again cut short by two perfect knocks, spaced out evenly and sounding somehow crisper.

How can anyone make knocks sound so confident?

One name pops up in his head like those half-burnt breads from the toaster that Soap had managed to finagle into working in the canteen. For others, the results would be less than favourable.

He wipes that name and the odd sensation in his chest away. He wraps his fingers around the scrubber more securely. He doesn't need sharp objects to maim anything walking.

He opens the door in a rush, not waiting to analyse why on earth he never thought before buying the room that there's no peephole at all.

He comes face to face with a chest covered in a soft cream - coloured sweater stretched fine over the shadows of collarbone ending in a high-neck collar and a non-descriptive face mask.

The hand of his lieutenant is still in the air, paused mid-way. His beautiful brown eyes are shadowed by those criminally ethereal blonde lashes, his ashen blonde hair hidden inside a coffee-brown patchwork of Beretta hat and - and Soap thinks he just lost touch with his brain.

Basic cognitive functions, do you copy?

Negative.

Ghost coughs, because it is actually him standing in his doorsteps and looking like the epitome of 'cozy adorable bear' results on Pinterest - not that he knows - in flesh. Is here, truly here in Scotland. In front of Soap - who is just in his worn down shorts and a dirty apron.

Jesus fucking Christ.

"Soap. May I come in?"

That quirk of the eyebrow should not make Soap tremble for fuck's sake.

"LT. What are you doing here?"

Ghost looks at Soap, for a moment the silence stretches and Soap kicks himself to high heaven for his brain currently seizing inside his skull when the man in front of him holds up a bourbon in a paper bag and another paper bag which floods Soap's nostrils with a sickly sweet fragrant.

"I have Shortbread."

If Soap tugs the sickeningly sweet and adorably stiff superior officer inside his house and proceeds to ravish said superior officer on the partially cleaned kitchen counter - top, well. It was his dear LT's fault for taking him up on the offer he made for company before they set out for the leave.

#long post #Ghos and Soap are eating my brain #no amount of Ao3 fics on these idiots can satisfy my #i need more #ghostsoap #simon ghost riley #soap mctavish #simon is a babygirl and that's a fact

188 notes · View notes

fakeoutbf · 6 months

Text

so much for (tour)dust

european leg

magic 8 ball and piano medley songs sorted by date

color coded by album ● repeated songs in bold

tttyg ● futct ● ioh ● fad ● srar ● abap ● mania ● smfs

October 17 - Hala Torwar, Warsaw, Poland

Piano medley

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Bang the Doldrums (Alias: DUMB AND DUMBER)

October 18 - Sportovní hala Fortuna, Prague, Czechia

Piano medley

- I'm Like a Lawyer With the Way I'm Always Trying to Get You Off (Me & You)

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- G.I.N.A.S.F.S.

October 20 - Mediolanum Forum di Assago, Assago, Italy

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

Magic 8 Ball song

- I Am My Own Muse

October 21 - Zenith, Munich, Germany

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

Magic 8 Ball song

- The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years)

October 23 - Le Zénith, Paris, France

Piano medley

- Golden

- What a Catch, Donnie

Magic 8 Ball song

- The Kids Aren’t Alright (Alias: NUTELLA CREPES)

October 24 - AFAS Live, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- 27 (Alias: PUMPKIN)

October 25 - Vorst Nationaal / Forest National, Vorst / Forest, Belgium

Piano medley

- Golden

- What a Catch, Donnie

Magic 8 Ball song

- Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year

October 27 - First Direct Arena, Leeds, England

Piano medley

- I'm Like a Lawyer With the Way I'm Always Trying to Get You Off (Me & You)

Magic 8 Ball song

- Don't You Know Who I Think I Am?

October 28 - The OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Young Volcanoes (First time live since 2018) (Alias: MIKEY MYERSs)

October 29 - AO Arena, Manchester, England

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- The (After) Life of the Party (Alias: ZEROOO)

October 31 - Utilita Arena Birmingham, Birmingham, England

Piano medley

- I'm Like a Lawyer With the Way I'm Always Trying to Get You Off (Me & You)

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball songs

- Halloween (Misfits cover) (Alias: DANZIG)

- You’re Crashing, but You’re No Wave (Alias: BEACH BOYS)

November 2 - The O2 Arena, London, England

Piano medley

- Mr. Blue Sky (Electric Light Orchestra cover)

- I’ve Got All This Ringing In My Ears and None On My Fingers

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball songs

- The (Shipped) Gold Standard (Live Debut) (Alias: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG)

- Young Volcanoes (Alias: SPOCK)

November 3 - The O2 Arena, London, England

Piano medley

- Don’t Stop Me Now (Queen cover)

- What a Catch, Donnie

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball songs

- What a Time to Be Alive (Full Band Live Debut)

- American Beauty / American Psycho (Tour Debut)

November 4 - Utilita Arena Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales

Piano medley

- I'm Like a Lawyer With the Way I'm Always Trying to Get You Off (Me & You)

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued (First time live since 2008)

November 6 - Rudolf Weber-Arena, Oberhausen, Germany

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Thriller (Tour Debut)

November 7 - Barclays Arena, Hamburg, Germany

Piano medley

- Just One Yesterday

- What a Catch, Donnie

Magic 8 Ball song

- Fame < Infamy

November 8 - Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball songs

- XO

- G.I.N.A.S.F.S.

#fall out boy #fob #so much for (tour)dust #so much (for) stardust #tourdust #magic 8 ball songs #magic 8 ball #please feel free to let me know if there's any mistakes or if you know the rest of the setlist names #again honorary mania color being respected here at least #patrick stump #pete wentz #joe trohman #andy hurley

47 notes · View notes

dreamwritesimagines · 2 years

Text

Enamored [28] - Friends

A.N: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback my loves, you’re amazing!❤ I hope you’ll like this chapter as well, and please let me know what you think, thank you! ❤ And as always, thank you @theskytraveler for helping me with the chapter and the story❤

Summary: Rebuilding a friendship requires effort.

Warnings: Regency era society and social rules.

Word Count: 5100

Series Masterlist

The wedding retreat had only taken a couple of days for you but it felt as if it had lasted years.

Returning to London after that was interesting for sure. Your brother and your best friend had stayed behind for their honeymoon that was supposed to last a week at Stormview before they would be back and of course now that everyone was back in the city, the rumor mill had started spinning again.

Well.

Not that you would know.

You had taken the decision to stay away from gossip and not read anything about it once again. Though you knew it probably wouldn’t last long, you still hoped it would be longer than before.

After all, you were going strong for five days now.

“I must admit, I have missed London a little,” Aunt Lavinia said at the breakfast table and the Duke pulled his brows together, tilting his head.

“Did you?”

“It’s fun, I keep running into old friends,” she thought for a moment. “Well…friends is a big word for them I suppose. I didn’t like most of them years ago and that apparently hasn’t changed.”

“I wish papa could be here too,” Iona heaved a sigh and Kenneth shrugged his shoulders.

“He has responsibilities back home Iona. Besides, he’s seen here numerous times, it’s not like he is missing anything.”

“Uncle Duncan doesn’t like London?” you asked and Aunt Lavinia shook her head.

“He likes Glasgow more, much like Kenneth,” she said and turned to him. “I still do not know why you changed your mind about spending the rest of the season here by the way. I understand why Iona wanted it but you?”

Kenneth stole a look at you and you tried to control your expression.

“It just sounded like an interesting idea,” Kenneth said and you lifted your tea cup to your lips to hide your grin.

It had to be because of Hugh, because Kenneth wanted to spend the rest of the season closer to Hugh.

“Who have you run into so far?” The Duke asked and Aunt Lavinia waved a hand in the air.

“Lady Oakley…”

“Oh she has an illegitimate grandchild!”

“Y/N.”

“Does she now?” Aunt Lavinia asked, ignoring the Duke. “From?”

“Her son and a kitchen maid,” you answered. “Her son refuses to acknowledge them though.”

“Mm, I knew Priscilla wouldn’t be able to raise a proper gentleman,” Aunt Lavinia said. “I also know the mother of that poet that tried to marry you Y/N. Louisa Sinclair.”

Kenneth repressed a chuckle, while the Duke just looked entertained.

“It is upsetting that he is heartbroken,” Iona mused. “Hopefully his heartbreak does not keep him from writing more poems.”

“Hopefully it does,” you and the Duke said at the same time and you bit down a smile before pushing at the food on your plate.

“And I also met the um..” Aunt Lavinia snapped her fingers. “This season’s diamond, the one your brother almost married.”

“Miriam?” You grimaced. “What is she doing lately?”

“Apparently she got engaged three days ago.”

Your eyes widened. “Miriam got engaged?” you asked. “To whom?”

“Earl Hayward,” The Duke said and you and Iona turned to him.

“Wow, Uncle Percy you know everyone!”

“I just hear things here and there,” The Duke said and you tried to put a face to the name but failed.

“Hayward?” Aunt Lavinia asked. “Any relation to Earl Hayward who was caught with another woman at his wedding breakfast?”

Your jaw dropped. “What?”

“That was his father Lav. He died a couple of years ago.”

“And this Earl Hayward that Miriam is getting married to?” you asked and the Duke shot you a small smile.

“People say he took after his father,” he said. “I doubt they’ll like each other much in that marriage.”

Aunt Lavinia hummed. “It’s beyond me how people willingly get married to people they are not in love with.”

“She’ll be a countess,” Kenneth pointed out. “That seems like a good motivation.”

“Getting a title in exchange for a life in misery?” Aunt Lavinia said. “No. That’s a terrible bargain.”

“But you’re a countess too mama.”

“I would’ve married your father even if he had no titles Iona,” Aunt Lavinia said, making you aww and press your hand to your chest.

It was quite saddening that you were never going to get this, but it still made you happy to see people in love.

“So we’re all meeting at the picnic today?” Aunt Lavinia said and you nodded.

“Absolutely! I just need to go to the modiste with Eloise and since I’m there, I will check on Cecily’s new wardrobe but after that we will join you—Iona, are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

Iona beamed at you. “Well I do want to actually but I already promised Ken and Lord Trenlove.”

“We will join you at the picnic,” Kenneth added hastily. “Hugh—Lord Trenlove mentioned this place I think Iona will really like, I want to show her there.”

“Percy?” Aunt Lavinia said, making him look up from the newspaper.

“Yes?”

“You’re coming as well.”

“I have things to do Lav.”

“You can do them later!” Aunt Lavinia said, “We’re all going as a family, you don’t have the luxury to lock yourself in your study today. It’s such a beautiful day out there.”

“Yes Uncle Percy, you should enjoy the sun!” Iona said, and the Duke suppressed a smile, heaved a dramatic sigh, then shrugged his shoulders.

“Alright then,” he said. “I suppose I could join for a short amount of time.”

Iona clapped her hands together happily and you and Kenneth grinned at each other while Aunt Lavinia sipped her tea.

“Honestly Percy, you’re such a recluse,” she said. “You’re lucky I’m here.”

“Mm hm, I feel very lucky Lav.”

You checked the clock on the wall, then pushed at your plate and stood up.

“I will see all of you at the park then?” you asked and Iona nodded.

“Yes!”

“Great,” you said and smiled at Kenneth. “Do give Lord Trenlove my best, Kenneth.”

Kenneth’s grin widened and he raised his tea cup as if toasting you, making you giggle before you walked out of the breakfast room.

When you got to the Bridgerton house with Lucie, Lady Bridgerton, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth were outside but the rest of the family was in the drawing room. Anthony was sitting in an armchair and reading the newspaper but as soon as he caught the sight of you walking into the room he sat up straighter like someone had just pricked him with a needle. Benedict was busy with drawing, Colin was reading Lady Whistledown and Eloise was writing a letter by the table but they all turned to look at Anthony as he jumped on his feet.

“Y/N?”

“Hello everyone,” you smiled slightly and waved, then turned to Eloise. “Are you ready Eloise?”

“Almost, I just need to finish my letter.”

“What’re you…?” Anthony trailed off, staring at you as if he couldn’t believe you were there and Eloise grinned.

“Oh did I forget to tell you?” she asked. “We’re going to go by the modiste, and then have a picnic at the park.”

Colin put the Lady Whistledown issue that he had been reading on the table to grin at you. “Oh well, isn’t that the lady who shoots through London’s marriage market like a comet?”

You grinned back and wiggled your fingers in the air. “Maybe.”

“And destructive as such,” Benedict commented. “Did you reject anyone’s proposal and ruin their dreams of matrimony with you today?”

“It’s not even noon so I haven’t got the chance yet,” you played along, crossing your arms to lean back to the wall and Colin raised the paper in his hand.

“Have you had a chance to read today’s issue?”

You blinked a couple of times. “Colin, I hope you realize what a terrifying sentence that is.”

“She wrote something about you,” Eloise called out, still busy with her letter and you groaned.

“Are you serious?” you asked and walked to Colin to get it from him before your eyes darted over the lines.

“Third paragraph,” Colin said helpfully and you tilted your head.

“It is to this author’s knowledge that Lord Gillingham was very much taken by Lady Y/N after their dance and is now planning on courting her. It seems that there’s another rival to—” you stopped reading as soon as you saw Anthony’s name and lowered the paper but Anthony’s brows pulled into a frown while you heaved a sigh.

“Who even is Lord Gillingham?”

“You literally danced with him at Elias’s engagement ball,” Eloise said and repressed a smile. “After the waltz, if that rings any bells.”

You thought for a moment, and shrugged your shoulders. “Ah.”

“I heard he says he wants to propose and waiting for Elias to come back.”

“Dear God Elias is going to shoot someone by the end of the season, I just hope there will not be a huge injury so that we can get him out faster.”

Anthony scoffed, glaring at the Whistledown issue as if it had personally offended him.

“May I?” he motioned for it and you handed it to him, then went to sit on the couch while he sat back down on the armchair.

“So I take it you’re not going to say yes?” Eloise teased you and you rolled your eyes.

“Well no, I’ve recently decided to become a spinster,” you announced and Anthony’s head shot up from the paper, Eloise finally looked up from her letter and Benedict stopped drawing.

“You?” Eloise said, her voice full of doubt. “You will become a spinster?”

You nodded and Anthony swallowed thickly, then pursed his lips as if he was trying to keep the words in.

“Well, I was actually going to become a nun,” you said. “But apparently I’m too vain for that.”

A silence fell upon the room and you looked around.

“Really? No one is going to disagree?”

“No.”

“Why would we?”

“Sounds like a legitimate reason.”

“Not even you?” you asked Anthony and he shrugged his shoulders.

“You get mad if I lie to you.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, then turned to Benedict and Colin who both looked very entertained.

“So yes, I’m going to become a spinster, and go after my calling.”

“Your calling?”

“I have a talent in matchmaking, I’m planning to do that with all this spare time I will have.”

Eloise blinked a couple of times. “You will be a spinster while chasing for love for other people?”

“History is full of people who get couples together but stay unmarried,” you said. “So is literature. Take Shakespeare for example.”

Eloise scoffed. “Yeah, you’re a classic Juliet.”

“Apparently I’m not. I’ll just be…” you waved a hand in the air. “I’ll just be the priest. He was the one who married them after all.”

“He was also the one who got them killed,” Anthony pointed out. “Are you sure that’s your favorite play? Everything you’ve said about it so far just makes me think you didn’t read the ending.”

You rolled your eyes at him and turned to Eloise. “Eloise are you writing a book or a letter?”

“I’m about to be finished,” she said, still scribbling and you walked to take the Whistledown’s paper from Anthony’s hand to take a look at the paragraph again.

“I honestly don’t remember this Lord Gillingham, who is he?”

“Tall—”

“Debatable, he’s not that tall,” Anthony stated before Benedict shook his head.

“Light hair, blue eyes, a lot of ladies find him charming.”

“He’s not charming.”

“He likes working with horses—”

“That’s what he claims.”

“Anthony, do you want to describe him or will you let me?”

“It’s not my fault if you’re giving wrong information.”

“It doesn’t matter,” you interrupted their banter. “I’ve made up my mind, I am to be a spinster.”

“Alright I’m done.” Eloise said and sprinkled some sand on the paper, then blew on it and took it from the table. “We can go.”

“Do you two—um—” Anthony said, standing up again. “You two need a chaperone right?”

“Not really, Lucie is coming with us.”

“My maid is coming with us as well.”

“I can accompany you,” Anthony said in a haste. “I’m not doing anything.”

“Good for you,” you deadpanned and Eloise repressed a smirk before turning to Anthony.

“There’s no need for you to come with us,” she stated and Anthony took a deep breath, shooting her a look.

“Eloise, do you remember that meeting in the city you wanted to attend to? For that book club with the other ladies?”

“Yes?”

“Do you still want to attend that?”

Eloise shot him a grin and turned to you. “On a second thought, he could come with us. You don’t mind, do you Y/N?”

You could feel your heart skip a beat but you shrugged your shoulders. “We will go by the modiste first though.”

“Not a problem, I can wait there.”

Benedict and Colin exchanged glances.

“You know what?” Benedict said. “Let’s all go to the park, that sounds like a good idea. We can stop by the modiste.”

Eloise frowned. “I thought you said—”

“I’ve changed my mind,” Benedict said, stealing a look at Anthony before clearing his throat. “Yeah, let’s all go. Should be fun.”

It was such a lovely day that apparently the rest of the ton also had the idea of going to the park to enjoy the pleasant weather. As soon as you got there after the modiste, Penelope and Eloise wanted to go on a boat ride and managed to convince Benedict and Colin to go with them. Iona, Kenneth and Hugh were on another boat but Aunt Lavinia and the Duke said they wouldn’t, seeing that they were swarmed by other people who were trying to talk to them.

Since you got seasick whenever you were on any kind of boat or ship, you had refused to join the rest on the lake, instead you and Lucie went on a stroll around the park. You stopped by the bridge to read the rest of the latest Whistledown issue while Lucie enjoyed the scenery, and it was only when your eyes found a familiar name in the lines that you tilted your head, your brows furrowing.

“I figured I’d find you here.”

Your head shot up from the paper and you turned to look at Anthony whom Lucie was glaring at.

“You didn’t join the others?” you asked and he shrugged his shoulders.

“Wasn’t in the right spirits I suppose.”

“Are you ever in the right spirits to have fun?” you asked back and he leaned back to the bridge railings, his dark eyes fixed on you while a fond smile played on his lips.

“The urge does strike me from time to time, now that you mention it.”

“And you wait for it to go away?”

“Most of the time, yes,” he said and stole a look at the paper in your hand. “Trying to find more information about Lord Gillingham?”

“I’m trying to catch up,” you said. “I’ve made sure not to read it since I came back and apparently a lot happened—which reminds me, what is a brothel?”

Anthony started coughing all of a sudden while you patiently waited for him to get his breath back and he cleared his throat.

“I’m sorry?”

“What is a brothel?”

“Where did you hear that word?”

You held up the paper. “It says here Pierre was seen leaving a brothel. What’s that?”

Anthony ran a hand over his eyes. “Jesus Christ.”

“Is it some sort of a park?” you asked. “Because if it is, you must tell me where it is.”

“…Why?”

“I don’t want to run into Pierre,” you insisted. “It will be so awkward if I do, so you must tell me what it is and where it is, so that I can avoid it.”

“It’s not a place you’d ever go, Y/N.”

“How do you know?”

“Because…” Anthony trailed off. “You— it’s not an establishment you’d be interested in.”

“Oh it’s not a park of some sort?”

“No. Nor is it in any part of the city you’ve been to.”

“But you know where it is?”

The tips of his ears went pink and he bit inside his cheek, nodding. “Uh huh.”

You tilted your head, curiosity urging you to ask more.

“What happens there?”

“I can’t answer that question.”

“Then I will walk away and find someone else to answer it if you don’t,” you said. “Hugh is still around, so I’m sure—”

“No!” he cut you off. “No. Don’t ask anyone else, least of all Trenlove.”

You raised your brows, looking him in the eye. “Then?”

“It’s a place of…” he trailed off. “Transaction.”

“Like a trade?”

“Mm hm.”

“What do they sell?”

Anthony rubbed the back of his neck, averting his gaze from you. “Ent—entertainment.”

You frowned. “Entertainment?” you repeated. “Why can’t I go there then? I want to be entertained too!”

“Y/N—”

“You must take me there!”

“I’m not going to do that.”

“Well, you don’t have to join if you don’t want to, you can just watch me have fun.”

“Please stop saying that,” he muttered as if he was being tormented and you rolled your eyes.

“I’ll find a way,” you told him and clicked your tongue. “I suppose Pierre is not heartbroken if he is having fun though.”

“Do you want him to be heartbroken?”

“Not really,” you said. “I mean I knew he wouldn’t be terribly heartbroken, I could tell when I turned him down. It’s good that he went to that place to be entertained, perhaps he will find love in someone else.”

“Quite literally.”

“Hm?”

“Nothing.”

You pursed your lips, fixing your gaze on the lake while trying to ignore the ton’s glances on you both.

“You know you being here is just going to fuel more rumors?” you asked and he stole a look at you.

“I can leave if you wish.”

You frowned, then shook your head, making that hopeful light appear in his eyes again.

“No?”

��Do you want to leave?” you asked back and he paused for a moment.

“No, but it doesn’t matter,” he said. “I’ll do whatever it is you want me to do.”

You could feel a warmth spreading inside your chest but you forced yourself to ignore it as you turned to look at his handsome face.

“I don’t think avoiding each other will help,” you said slowly. “You’re Elias’s best friend and I’m his sister, so it’s very clear we will see each other a lot.”

His eyes searched your face. “Is that all?”

“What?”

“Is Elias the only thing that connects us?”

No.

No, Elias was not the only thing that connected you. What connected you was your hopeless, endless and naïve love for him.

Even after everything that had happened, you were still completely in love with him, and it wasn’t going to go away, you knew it.

No matter how much you pretended, it wasn’t going to go away, but living with heartbreak was in your blood after all.

Your mother could do it, and now you were going to do it.

You took a deep breath and shrugged your shoulders.

“Regardless of what connects us, I think we can become friends in time.”

And surprisingly enough, that hopeful light in his eyes didn’t disappear. It was as if that was still an improvement for him, he stared at you before he nodded fervently, a small smile appearing on his face and for the hundredth time you couldn’t help but notice just how irresistible he looked, even more when he was smiling.

“I mean that is if…” you trailed off, trying to bite down a smile. “If our—what was it? Our undeniable attraction doesn’t prove to be challenging for our friendship?”

He blinked a couple of times as if he couldn’t tell whether you were serious or not.

“I’m not the best at proposing as it seems?” he said carefully like trying to test the waters and you raised your brows.

“One could say it was a humbling experience.”

“Humbling?”

“For you,” you pointed out. “Not me. I was just standing there.”

He stared at you but a look of relief crossed his eyes as you shot him a grin, making a bright smile appear pull at his lips. He hesitated for a moment, then cleared his throat.

“Very humbling,” he played along. “Do you have any advice you would be willing to give me to improve?”

You hummed as you caught the sight of Iona, Kenneth and Hugh’s boat coming back to land and Hugh jumped down, and helped Iona out of the boat as well.

“Well, my mother always used to say that it’s a strength to know your weaknesses, so perhaps you should just swear off romance and become a priest like I wanted to become a nun,” you said, making him chuckle.

“Oh that’s your advice?”

You pushed yourself off of the railings you were leaning against, then heaved a dramatic sigh.

“You’re right, it’s not a good advice,” you taunted him. “You wouldn’t make a good priest at all, you’re too vain for that.”

With that, you walked away from him to go to Iona, Kenneth and Hugh, with Lucie following you suit.

Elias and Cecily were supposed to arrive in London before noon but apparently they were going to be late, because their carriage was nowhere to be found in the afternoon. It was a hot day, so Aunt Lavinia wanted to spend time in the backyard while the Duke had shut himself in his study again, claiming he had documents to go over. Kenneth was outside with Hugh and you had decided to join Iona and Aunt Lavinia in the backyard, enjoying their conversation.

“I’m telling you, we must throw a ball when Cecily and Elias comes back,” Aunt Lavinia said, “It will be Cecily’s first ball as a marchioness, and the whole ton is waiting for it already.”

“Oh that would be fun mama,” Iona said, “I wish I brought more gowns with me.”

“Iona we can get them done!” you told her. “We can go to modiste today if you wish, after Cece and Elias arrives. And if you want, you can check my wardrobe as well, I have more than enough ball gowns I haven’t got to wear yet.”

“I’d love that!” Iona said, “I like your gowns, you have amazing taste.”

You pressed a hand over your chest. “Aw Iona, you’re the sweetest.”

Aunt Lavinia’s gaze found someone over your shoulder by the house and turned to you.

“You have a caller as it seems.”

“What? No, the Duke was very clear—” you started as you looked over your shoulder and the second your eyes caught the sight of Anthony descending the marble stairs to the backyard, you felt your heart skip a beat. You stood up from the picnic cloth you were sitting on, and offered him a small smile.

“Lady Ashdown,” Anthony bowed when he reached you. “Lady Iona. Lady Y/N.”

“Viscount.”

“Good afternoon,” Iona said. “It’s lovely to see you again!”

“Lord Bridgerton,” you greeted him as he smiled at you.

“My lady.”

“I wasn’t aware you were coming.”

“Oh I just wanted to drop by to bring my wedding gift and see y— say hello.” he corrected himself, motioning back at the house. “And I thought Elias and Cecily would’ve arrived by now.”

“I thought the same,” you admitted. “They’ll be here at any moment I think.”

Anthony gulped down and stole a look at Aunt Lavinia before turning to you.

“Would you like to walk around the garden while we wait?”

You blinked a couple of times, your heart beat getting faster but you scolded yourself in your mind, then nodded.

“Of course,” you looked around for your fan but realized you hadn’t brought it to the yard, so you grabbed the latest Whistledown paper to fan yourself with in case it got too hot while you were walking. You smoothed down the skirts of your gown, and Aunt Lavinia cleared her throat.

“Walk where I can see you, Y/N,” she said. “Lord Bridgerton, do try to stay away from anything that can break please. We do not want another accident.”

You bit down a smile and the tips of Anthony’s ears got pink before he pursed his lips and nodded.

“Of course Lady Ashdown,” he said with a bow of his head before you both started walking side by side and Anthony rubbed the back of his neck.

“You’d think she would’ve forgotten about that by now.”

“I’m planning on asking her for more embarrassing stories,” you pointed out, making him chuckle.

“Don’t you dare.”

You let out a laugh and looked up at him.

“I didn’t know you got Elias and Cece a wedding gift,” you said. “What is it?”

“A fine china set.”

You narrowed your eyes at him playfully. “No really, what did you get them?”

“I’m serious, I got Cecily a fine china set.”

You pressed the Whistledown paper on your lips just so that you could hide your smile but of course Anthony could tell from your eyes as he shot you a mischievous grin.

“More of a gift to your father rather than Cecily, but…”

A giggle climbed up your chest and you shook your head, then bit on your lips as you fanned yourself with the paper and he stole a look at it, still grinning.

“Anything interesting?”

“Not really. Just that um— Earl Buxton is marrying Lady Tabitha and there’s supposed to be this huge ball for their engagement.”

Anthony hummed. “Finally he asked, I suppose.”

“You know him?”

“From gentlemen’s club. He has been planning to ask her for a month now.”

“Ah,” you said. “A love marriage?”

“Mm hm.”

You let a small smile curl your lips. “So I scored a point then?”

That made him stop dead in his tracks as if he couldn’t believe his ears, that light glimmering in his eyes again as he let out a breath, mirroring your smile. You raised your brows, looking at him in anticipation for his answer.

“…You certainly did,” he managed to say and took a deep breath, trying to pull himself together. “But I’m scoring a point soon as well.”

“You’re that sure of yourself?”

“Lady Miriam and Lord Hayward. Match made in hell.”

Your head shot up. “What makes you say that?”

“I know Hayward.”

You pointed at him with the paper. “You need to tell me everything right now.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Well, Lady Miriam probably chose him because he’s an earl, he chose her because she’s the diamond.”

“And it’s a match made in hell because…?”

“The only reason he’s getting married is because he needs a legitimate heir, but he has a mistress in the ton. That, and Lady Miriam’s dowry I’m guessing.”

You made a face. “Well, she always wanted to have a high title,” you muttered. “I can’t believe if it were up to you, you would’ve supported Elias marrying her.”

He held up his hands. “I saw the light later on.”

“More like I made you see the light.”

His gaze on you was soft and full of fondness.

“Yeah,” he said after a beat. “Yeah you did.”

“We’re back!” Elias’s voice reached you, making both you and Anthony turn your heads and you gasped, then lifted your skirts a little to run at them at full speed before throwing yourself into Elias’s arms. He caught you mid-air and hugged you tight, making you giggle as he laughed.

“Welcome back!”

“No one proposed in my absence, did they?”

“No!” you said as you pulled back and hugged Cecily, making her laugh. “I missed you!”

“I missed you too, so much!”

“Elias, I decided to become a spinster!”

“Jesus Christ—”

“Welcome back my dear,” Aunt Lavinia said and Elias beamed at her before hugging Iona, then turned to Anthony.

“It’s okay, you can admit that you missed me,” he said with a grin that Anthony returned before he pulled him into a hug to slap his back.

“Took you long enough.”

“Cece, your wardrobe is only half ready but I will show it to you!” you said, holding her hand to pull her into the house much to Elias’s protests but you paid no mind to them. Cecily giggled, running with you upstairs.

“How was your honeymoon?” you asked her breathlessly as you reached the top of the stairs and she shot you an abashed smile.

“Absolute perfection,” she said and you pulled your brows together.

“Why were you late?”

“We um, we woke up late.”

“Will you tell me—”

“I cannot,” she said, fanning herself as if her face was on fire and you gasped.

“Cece!”

“I will tell you when it’s time for you to get married, deal?”

“Oh I will never get married, I decided to become a spinster,” you said and she ran a hand over her face.

“You’re not serious.”

“I am!”

“And what was Anthony doing here?”

“Well he—” you paused. “Wait a second. Anthony? You never call him by his name, you always call him the rake.”

Cecily shrugged her shoulders.

“Well, he’s Elias’s best friend so I decided to give him another chance,” she said. “So? What is he doing here?”

“He came to bring your wedding gift.”

“That’s all?” she asked. “He didn’t look like he was busy with my wedding gift when we got to the backyard.”

“Oh, we…” you trailed off. “I decided that since I shall be a spinster—”

“You will not.”

“Yes I will— and since he’s Elias’s best friend, we will be seeing each other a lot. So I’ve had a conversation with him the other day.”

Cecily pulled back slightly, her brows furrowing.

“What kind of a conversation?” she asked. “Please tell me he didn’t propose or said something foolish again.”

You shook your head. “No,” you said. “No, I just— I told him that we could become friends in time.”

A smile full of disbelief curled Cecily’s lips and she tilted her head.

“Oh?” she said. “Friends? You and Anthony will be friends?”

“Well, I think I will always be in love with him but I—” You paused before waving a hand in the air.

“Enough about me and my heartbreak,” you said as you held her wrist and pulled her deeper into the hallway. “Let me show you your new gowns, Marchioness Westcliff.”

Chapter 29

#anthony bridgerton x reader #anthony bridgerton #bridgerton

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