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dilemmaontwolegs · 9 months

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Fallen || CL16

Pairing: Charles Leclerc x fem!devil!reader Summary: When a young driver wants to make a deal with the devil to get his greatest desire you find yourself forgetting what side of Heaven and Hell you are on. Warnings: supernatural themes, mention of deaths (Jules, Hervé & Hubert), angst, fluff WC: 5k

F1 Masterlist || Bonus Scene

16th October 2013 The kid had no business standing at the crossroads. What could a boy need so desperately that he was willing to part with his soul for it? But it wasn’t your place to question, merely to answer.

The boy murmured to himself as he knelt on the gravel and started to dig with a pink trowel he had borrowed from his mothers gardening tools. The quiet mutterings brought you amusement as you thought of the surprise he would get when his doubt was proven wrong and you appeared.

He carefully followed the instructions inked on the page that had been torn from a very old book. He reached up to his dark hair with a small pocket knife and cut away a small patch before laying it in the hole he had made. Turning the knife on himself, he whined as he pricked the tip of his finger and squeezed it until three thick blood drops fell onto the strands of his hair.

You would usually laugh at the poor attempt of the incantation to call upon you but instead you sighed as you grew tired of the theatrics.

“What do you want, kid?”

A small shriek filled the night as he fell back on his ass. “But…but…you…but…”

“Shit, you’re not even old enough to talk properly,” you said as you knelt down to his height. “Go home.”

His mouth snapped closed before scrambling to his feet and wiping the dust that covered his jeans. “Sorry, you gave me a fright. I was expecting…” he looked around and frowned, “never mind. Do you need help?”

“No, do you?”

He looked genuinely concerned as he searched the dark road and you tipped your head to the side before you remembered that to a human you looked like a 21 year old. It didn’t matter that you had roamed the world for a thousand years, your physical form remained the same.

“I guess not,” he sighed as his shoulders slumped and he kicked his vans at the loose stones as he whispered, “it didn’t work anyway.”

“It was your pronunciation, Latin is a tough language. I’ll let you in on a secret, you can say the incantation in any language and it will work.” You leaned in closer and chuckled darkly. “The devil just enjoys torturing people.”

“But…but…”

“Great, we’re back to that, are we?” You rolled your eyes and opened your palm, a ball of fire erupting into the night and the scent of sulphur lingering after the flame burned out. “What did you expect when you called me?”

“You…you’re the…dev…”

“Devil,” you offered as his face paled and he stumbled backwards. “Say it with me. De-vil.”

“You’re the devil? But you look like an angel.”

“More or less, there’s actually a lot of us.” You clapped him on the back and grinned when he jumped. “So what can I do for you, kid?”

“I heard you could grant wishes.”

“I’m not a genie, I’m a dealer,” you said with a shake of your head. “You tell me your dream and I make it happen, for a price.”

He chewed on his lip, his conscience trying to warn him it was a bad idea. “What price?”

You flicked your hand out and the piece of paper on the ground flew into your fingers. “You know the price. How old are you anyway, kid?”

“I’m sixteen, today actually.”

“Congratulations!” You frowned as it didn’t sound quite right and he did the same. “Wait, it’s happy birthday, isn’t it? We don’t exactly have them since we are fallen, not born.”

“That's really sad.”

“Hell help me, you are an emotional one.” You pinched the bridge of your nose as you felt the waves of empathy rolling off the teenager. “Listen, I’m all up for taking souls, it’s my job and I’m pretty good at it, but you seem like a nice guy so I’ll help you out pro bono as long as you don’t cry.”

“Really?” His excitement was almost as infectious as his smile as he grinned at your offer and you could tell that with a few more years of growth and maturity he would be as handsome as those goody-good angels.

“Really. So what’s your dream? And don’t go all ‘Disneyland’ and that shit, make it big.”

“I want to be a Formula One World Champion.”

“Fuck, okay, I said big not gigantic,” you said as you cracked your neck and then your knuckles before rolling your shoulders. “That will take some time to pull off, but we got this, kid.”

“Charles, my name is Charles Leclerc,” he said as he held his hand out. “Do devils have names?”

“Of course we have names, but names have power and I don’t know you well enough to share mine with you.” You shook his hand and he jumped a little at the heat difference since the hellfire made you run hotter than humans. That same heat flickered up your spine as you felt another calling at a crossroad half a world away and so you stepped away. “I’ll check in once a year to see your progress.”

“Wait, that’s it?”

You laughed darkly as thick smoke began to gather at your feet where the earth was opening to your home realm. The teen yelped as a lick of flame encircled his wrist but the scar that appeared just as quickly healed so no one would know he had been marked by the devil. “Goodbye, Charles.”

16th October 2014 “I wasn’t sure you would actually come, I thought you were a figment of my imagination.”

You stepped out of the shadows and looked around the modest home that should have been full of his friends celebrating his 17th birthday. The air was thick with grief and it made your back ache from the weight of it bearing down on you as you watched the teenager stand with his back to you at a bookcase.

“Maybe I am,” you murmured as you walked over to him and saw his eyes fixated on a photo.

Placing the photo back carefully on the shelf he turned and you saw the difference a year had made. “I want to make a deal. My soul, take it.”

“Woah, slow down, Birthday Boy, you don’t know what you are offering.”

“I don’t care, I just need him to be alright.” Tears were swimming in his eyes as he grabbed your hand and squeezed tightly. “Fix Jules, please.”

Unable to resist, you reached out and touched the tear that ran down his cheek. Pain obliterated your chest, crushing your insides as waves of memories flooded your senses until you knew Jules just as well as he did.

For the first time since your fall a thousand years ago, you were envious of the angel you had been. You wanted to be the cause of his hope, but that wasn’t something you could give and you tugged your hand from his hold before they could blister his skin. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”

“Bullshit! You are a dealer, you said so yourself.”

“That’s not how it works, Charles, I’m a devil. Don’t you see? The deals I make are selfish, the things people want for themselves. You want a miracle,” you sighed and felt the familiar ache where your wings once were, “I can’t do those anymore.”

“You got me into Formula Renault.”

“You got yourself there, kid,” you said as you stepped away. “I just whispered a few suggestions to people I knew would listen.”

It was a little more threatening involved but you weren’t going to let him know that. You hadn’t needed to do anything other than get someone to give him a chance since he had the talent to win all on his own.

“There has to be something you can do,” he pleaded, his green eyes swimming with tears.

You sighed as you stepped away, rubbing your temple as if you could actually get a migraine like a human could. “I can’t make any promises, but…let me see what I can do.”

You faded from the room before you could see the hope that filled his face and followed the memory of his visit to Jules, finding yourself in the shadows of a hospital room. The room was empty except for the young man laying on the bed, wires and tubes keeping his breathing steady. You were struck by the pain you felt and knew it wasn’t real but the lingering effects of sharing Charles’ memory of him, but that knowledge still didn’t ease the ache.

“Azrael, come down here.”

It only took a second for the angel to appear and she didn’t look pleased at being called away from her duties.

“You’re not an archangel anymore, you can’t just snap your fingers at me.”

“Obviously I can since you showed,” you pointed out. “I need a favour.”

“You don’t do favours,” she said as she narrowed her eyes.

“I do now. I need you to leave him alone.”

Azrael looked at the comatose man before reaching forward and touching his forehead and shaking her head. “He’s one of ours, he has to come with me soon.”

“You have no sense of time, whatsoever. Soon could be 50 years from now.” You crossed your arms and stared the death angel down. “I’ll deny three souls in exchange for his life.”

“You’d turn down three deals for Jules? Who is he to you?”

“No one, but he means everything to someone else. Do we have a deal?”

“Deal, he has until I next come back down, no more.”

You nodded in agreement hoping her sporadic trips to earth erred on a lengthier time away this round. Unfurling her wings, you felt a pang of jealousy arise as you watched her fade away only to hear the strong beats of her wings carry her higher.

You aparated back to Charles and found him slumped in a leather reading chair, an album of photos open on his lap. Droplets splattered on plastic sleeves, only to smear into streaks as he wiped them away at your arrival.

“I bought him some time,” you said softly as you fell into the seat opposite him. “I can’t say how long because I don’t know but for now he will live.”

Charles dropped the book as he fell to his knees and clutched your hand tightly, the gesture making you uncomfortable. “Thank you,” he choked as his tears hit your knee through the rip in your skinny jeans and turned to steam. He didn’t seem to be affected by the heat radiating off you, he didn’t seem to feel it at all as he closed his eyes and rested his head on your joined hands. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet, kid,” you said ruefully, pulling your hand back from the touch. “Healing was never my gift. He will have to do that on his own.”

“He will, I know he will,” Charles said with certainty as he rose to his feet. “He’s the strongest man that I know.”

You stood up with a nod and realised this year he was the same height as you, seeing eye to eye after his latest growth spurt.

“I hope you are right,” you said, feeling the floor start to give way beneath you as you willed yourself home. “Until next year, Birthday Boy.”

Charles’ nose wrinkled at the smell of sulphur filling the room and he stepped back at the sight of the black plume swirling around your boots. “You don’t have to wait a year, you can visit anytime.”

“Have you forgotten who I am?” you laughed as the smoke climbed higher.

“Just because you’re the devil, it doesn’t make you bad,” he said with a shy shrug. “You’ve been nothing but kind to me.”

He was right in the fact you had been kind, something no one else would say about you. You couldn’t explain why you were different with him, why you couldn’t treat him like any other advantageous young man wanting to get ahead. There would surely be hell to pay if word ever got out about it.

The smoke reached your throat and pulled you down. “Maybe I made a mistake.”

16th October 2015 Charles would never know it but you had visited him throughout the year. You had kept to the shadows, watching from afar as he graduated to Formula 3 and came one step closer to reaching his dream. You were there by his side when he received the phone call that had devastated him, you had felt Azrael’s presence on the mortal plane and immediately went to him. You didn’t reveal yourself, not when the gut wrenching sound he made had you hate having fallen. You could offer him nothing so you remained hidden, torturing yourself with the knowledge of what could have been.

It was a little before midnight when you arrived at the busy nightclub. You should have just apparated into a bathroom stall but instead you had to produce a fake ID so the bouncer would let you in.

“Guess I can’t call you kid anymore,” you said as you found Charles in the VIP area and took a seat beside him. “Happy Birthday.”

“Who’s this angel, Charles?” his friend asked with a confident grin.

You tipped your head back with a laugh before you recovered enough to say, “You’re barking up the wrong tree there, but you call me D.”

Charles nearly choked on his drink at the snort he gave. “What are you doing here, D? I don’t remember inviting you.”

You leaned closer to see his cheeks flushed pink with the alcohol he was now legally allowed to imbibe in and whispered, “There’s only one place I need an invitation, and despite the name on the door outside - this isn’t Heaven.”

With a huff of annoyance he stood up and made his way out of the VIP area to the packed dance floor. Knowing everyone was completely inebriated you didn’t bother to follow him, instead you suddenly appeared in front of him.

“Leave me alone,” Charles growled as he turned his back, but everywhere he went you were in front of him.

Finally he gave up escaping and you shoved a hand on your hip as you asked, “What’s your problem?”

“My problem? You lied to me, that’s what!” The drink in his hand spilled over the rim of the glass with the angry shaking overtaking his body. “Jules died…and you weren’t even there. You never visited me and…I needed you. I needed to know why!”

You took the glass from him and tipped the liquid back, relishing the burn of the alcohol down your throat as he stared daggers at you. “I don’t have to explain myself to you, mortal.”

“Well, we never made a deal, so there’s no need for you to be here, devil.”

The words hurt more than you cared to admit and the glass shattered in your hand, ichor flowing from the wounds before they could heal as quickly as they came. Charles' eyes widened at the dark liquid coating your palm and he almost looked worried for you but you weren’t looking at him. Your eyes were fixed on your heels, the shoes uncomfortable compared to the boots you normally wore but you had wanted to fit in. For him.

“You’re right,” you muttered as you freed your hair from the constricting hair tie and kicked the shoes off. There was nothing to be done about the tight red dress until you were home, but you would be there soon enough. “Goodbye, Charles.”

16th October 2016 Try as you might, you couldn’t stay away. Unbeknownst to Charles, you regularly checked in to see what his latest accomplishments were. As it was, he was leading the Formula 3 Championship and was a sure graduate to Formula 2. He raced like he had the devil breathing down his neck, pushing the boundaries to the brink of disaster.

Maybe he knew you hadn’t abandoned him, or maybe he just didn’t care. You knew you definitely shouldn’t have cared but still you watched him grow into a man and mature as his career evolved.

16th October 2017 You had nearly started another war the day Azrael came for Charles’ father. For three days you stood ready to fight the angel of death for Charles’ biggest supporter while he visited the hospital to say his goodbyes. He had lied to his father, telling Hervé that he had signed to a Formula 1 team for the next year and you promised to make it happen - with or without a soul to bargain.

It wasn’t a difficult task to achieve, a small incident with Pascal Wehrlein making a seat available in Sauber. All Charles had to do was keep his head in the game and go fast like he always did.

When you watched him celebrate his birthday his eyes had glanced around the room and you wondered if it was you he was looking for. It was only when those green eyes landed on a family photo you pushed the silly thought away, he was just missing his father.

16th October 2018 “How long have you been there?” Charles asked the empty room.

How he sensed your presence, you didn’t know, but since you no longer needed to hide it you let the shadows fall away. Turning away from where he had been styling his hair in the mirror, he leaned against the dresser and crossed his arms over his broad chest.

His room hadn’t changed all that much, Ferrari posters still covered the majority of the walls but they were also joined by some models posing on hoods of cars. The twin bed had been upgraded to a double and was covered in a red and yellow bedspread that clashed with your trademark black outfit as you lay across it.

“How often do you do that?”

“Do what?” you asked innocently as you stared at his ceiling and not his narrowed eyes.

He waved a hand over your leisurely state. “This.”

You got off the bed and stalked across the room to the Formula 1 racer and found you had to look up at him even with the heels on your boots. “Don’t mortals leave home by now? I thought the 21st birthday was some big right of passage.”

You reached for the tub of hair product and sniffed at the vanilla scent before it was swiped from your hand. It smelled edible and there was another scent that was just as good but you weren’t sure what it was or where it was coming from until you leaned closer to him and inhaled.

“I just bought an apartment but it’s not ready for me to move into for a few more weeks. Will you stop that?”

“What is that smell?” Your head was swimming as if you were high but that wasn’t possible. “My head…”

You could barely stand upright as you felt drunk all of a sudden and Charles caught you as you stumbled back. “Sit down,” he said softly as he guided you to the edge of his bed. “Why did you come back?”

Your head lolled onto his shoulder and the room spun as the truth tumbled from your lips. “I never left you,” you admitted, your words slurring as the intoxicating smell left you dazed. “Not when Jules died…or your father, never…”

Charles frowned as your eyes closed and you fell back on his bed. He had spent so long blaming you, being angry at you, believing you had abandoned him when he needed you most but as you murmured in your strange state he realised he had it all wrong.

“D?” he called out as he shook your shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

You tried to open your eyes but they were too heavy and you curled into a ball as your stomach churned. “Because I shouldn’t care. You’re just a human.”

“But you do care,” he surmised as he grabbed the blanket and draped it over your shivering body.

“Devils don’t care.” You could hardly talk through your chattering teeth, the blanket doing nothing to warm the ice that had seeped into your being.

Charles curled himself up against your back and tightened his arms around the blanket as he tried to warm you. Nothing seemed to work until his voice spoke softly in your ear, “Then maybe you’re not like the others.”

The silence grew and he thought you had passed out when you muttered, “I had nowhere else to go.”

“What do you mean?”

“There was a war…couldn’t choose a side…threw me out.” A yawn silenced your words and you snuggled into his arms, your nose finding that delicious scent strongest on his neck where you nuzzled deeper.

“My cologne,” Charles whispered and you realised you had asked aloud what it was. “You’re like a cat high on catnip.”

“Haven’t been high since I had wings.” You giggled, a sound so unlike you, but it turned to a sad sigh. “I miss my wings.”

Charles brushed your hair back from your face but you didn’t have the strength to open your eyes. “What colour were they?”

“There isn’t a colour to describe them. But you can see it at dawn…look to the east…the last star in the morning sky.”

“The Morningstar?” Charles looked down to see your lips parted with a soft snore and reached into his pocket for his phone. There was no way he was going to leave you in the state you were in, not even for his own birthday party.

16th October 2019 You had thought Azrael had forgotten the deal you made but she made sure to remind you of it when she crossed paths with you at the Belgium GP. Charles’ head had snapped your way the moment he heard the crash and you shook your head sadly. The only reassurance you could give him was that the young driver’s soul was at peace.

Before leaving with her precious cargo, Azrael had given you two months to keep your end of the bargain and you didn’t want to test her patience. The crossroads had been quiet and it took nearly the whole time to find three souls worthy of denying a deal, most people who offered their souls for their greatest desires deserved the eternal damnation in return.

As soon as your task was fulfilled you returned to Charles, to the only place you felt at home. After waking in his arms a year ago you had struggled with the duties expected of you, finding more and more excuses for the downturn in deals. After waking in his arms, you wanted to be more than what you were. You wanted to believe you could be more, like he believed in you.

“D,” Pierre greeted as he joined you at the bar. “Still looking as lovely as ever.”

“Still the charmer.”

His attempt to shift closer to your side was blocked by the heat radiating from you and he pulled back with a frown, brushing the oddity off in his tipsy state. “Where have you been?”

“Here, there, everywhere,” you answered absentmindedly as you felt Charles’ presence before you spotted him. “I travel for work.”

“Let me guess - modelling?”

“Dealing.”

“No way!” His eyebrow shot up and he leaned in to whisper, “Drugs?”

“Not quite,” you said with a laugh. “Something far more lucrative.”

Charles’ hand came to rest on the small of your back and his lips brushed your cheek. “Sorry I’m late, ma diablesse. What are you drinking?”

“I could do with a-” your voice trailed off as a fissure ran through the air and you turned to see what had just walked in the door. “Hold that thought.”

“What’s wrong?” Charles asked but you were already weaving your way through the crowd.

Waves of power rolled off the beast but no one would see the tusks spearing out of its face or the black soulless eyes, they would merely see a mountain of a man and a vibe that warned them to move aside.

“This is a bit out of your territory, Fowler. What are you doing topside?”

The demon looked over your shoulder and smirked. “Heard some interesting rumours.”

“And what rumours were those?”

“That some darling angel was caught up with a mortal, helping out for free. You know the rules. No soul, no deal.” Fowler’s hand snapped out and caught your throat, his claws threatening to tear it out. “Don’t forget who took you in when your family threw you out.”

“Fuck you, I’ve more than paid my debt,” you spat as you grabbed his wrist and seared his skin with the lick of your flames. “Don’t come and threaten me.”

“I don’t have to threaten you,” he chuckled as he cradled his hand to his chest and looked past you to where Charles was pushing his way to your side. “Mortals are so weak, a little accident is all it takes.”

There was no way you could let Fowler return to Hell with the information he had, your weakness, so you did the only thing you could to protect Charles. You rushed the demon as the ground opened, disappearing into the pit with him before Charles could follow. You called all of your power and funnelled it into your fire, pouring it down the demon's throat until he was smothered by the flames and a smoking husk that turned to ash as you crashed to the ground.

“Morningstar, what is the meaning of this?”

You bowed to Beelzebub before kicking away the ash that had settled on your boot and painted a dark smile onto your face. “He interrupted a deal, I couldn’t let that grievance go unpunished. Or did you want me to forgive him?” You challenged him with an arch of your brow until he huffed a sigh and waved the question away with the whip of his tail.

“So where is the contract for the soul?”

“Did you miss the part where I said he interrupted the deal?”

“I’m not sure if I liked you less as an angel or not,” he uttered from his throne of skulls.

“I have that effect.” You started to leave the way you came but a chain snared around your ankle and locked into place before you could escape.

“Not so fast.” You were thrown onto your ass as he yanked the chain and dragged you to the foot of his throne. “I find myself short of an enforcer,” he said as he looked pointedly at the pile of ash you had created.

“So find another,” you growled as you tried to melt the chain but it merely absorbed the heat you poured onto it, “there’s no shortage of brainless fools ready to serve you.”

“But look how that ended,” he laughed. “How about a deal? Ten years as my enforcer for your freedom.”

Freedom. Ten years was nothing, just a blip to an immortal, but you weren’t thinking of yourself. You were thinking what ten years would be for Charles. Would he have a wife and kids? Would he have won his world championship? Would he remember you?

“Two,” you countered.

“Five.”

“Deal, but on one condition.” You stopped fighting the chain and rose to your knees. “I want a soul.”

16th October 2024 You were beyond exhausted when you stumbled into the bedroom, using the last of your strength to find your way back to him. The last five years had been brutal and it was a miracle that you had survived to complete your end of the deal, much to Beelzebub’s chagrin. The bastard had thrown every impossible task your way but you had something he could never understand, hope. And it kept you fighting to the bitter end.

You crashed onto the bed as your legs gave out and he leapt up at the intrusion, the bedside lamp lighting up and illuminating his silhouette as he stared at you wide eyed. “Ma diablesse? You came back…”

“Always, Birthday Boy.” You reached for him, needing to feel him with your own two hands after missing him for five years. It was his face that had kept you alive and you cupped his jaw to pull him closer only to freeze at what you felt. “Charles?”

“What? What is it?” he asked with panic as he placed his hands over yours, holding them tight to his cheeks.

“You have a beard,” you whispered, turning his face to the side to see the styled hair on his jaw. “When did that happen?”

Charles laughed and pulled you into his arms, burying his face in your neck as he crushed you against his chest. “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

“I would have been back sooner but I made a deal with the devil.” You reached into your pocket and pulled out an unassuming medallion. “A soul, my soul.”

Charles frowned in confusion as he trailed a finger over the symbols of an ancient language long forgotten. “What do you mean?”

“No more devil deals, if you’ll have me, I would be human.”

Shock rippled through his features. “You would give up immortality for me?”

“Hell is an eternity without you,” you said before you pressed your forehead to his, sharing his breath of life. “And if I never make it back to Heaven at least I will have had a moment of it here with you.”

Bonus scene here.

#charles leclerc imagine #charles leclerc x you #charles leclerc fanfic #charles leclerc x reader #f1 fanfic #f1 imagine #formula one imagine #formula 1 fanfic #formula one fanfiction

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red-viewe · 10 months

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I need a part two of 'Dear secret admirer' twisted wonderland fanfic! That was so good.

If there is a rivalry with these boys this is going to be one of my top ten favorite fics! PART 2!!!!!!!!!!! PART 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear secret admirer(part✌)

'In which he sends you an anonymous gift, anonymously.

Part 1

---

'I'll stay for decades just to see you everyday. You've ruined me. You've engraved yourself into my heart, and now my stupid heart yearns for your presence everyday. You should face the consequences of your actions.

-your secret admirer.'

Leona puts the note into an envelope, sealing it and uses tape to put it on a small box. Today was just like any other day, where he was skipping classes- again. But this time was not napping, but was secretly preparing a present for the Ramshackle prefect. Inside the box, was a small but sharp custom made pocket dagger with (eye color) details. The envelope was black, and contained his short but sweet note and pressed flowers.

Leona Kingscholar was a man who liked taking naps, so he was almost, if not- always at his favorite napping spot, the botanical garden. Y/n passed by everyday, to either stop to pick some flowers or to chat with a student, you'd never go a day without going to the garden.

So it was inevitable that you and the beastman would enounter. Whether it was some back and forth banter or some random topic, he expected to be able to see your face everyday. He started staring at you whenever you would pass by, and commanded the sacanaclaw students to treat you nice and with respect. Soon, it became too much for him to ignore.

He had fallen in love, and it's all your fault.

Leona closes his eyes, imagining your warmth hugging him, and his face warms up.

"Damn you, herbivore."

---

"Stay with me and we can live happily forrrrevvvverrerr and we can hug and kiss and live each other so much. I hope when i confess, you return my feelings.

-love, your secret admirer"

Floyd was known for being seen as scary or intimidating- when really he just had alot of mood swings. It used to be lonely, but now didn't care.

However, Floyd leech found himself falling in love with a Shrimp who was just so...understanding?

You were one of the few people stayed with him no matter what.

The way you always listened to how he was feeling, and that you wouldn't give up trying to understand his feelings, the way that you would hug him and make him blush whenever you cheered him on. Th e way that you would make a witty remark back at him whenever you two were in a bickering type of mood. He loves you so much, it wasn't hard to see.

"Floyd, do you have a crush on the prefect?" Jade asked after Floyd just told him in detàil what you didn't and did like on pizza.

Floyd smiled widely, a faint blush reaching his cheeks. "Maybe."

"You don't want to scare them, maybe try sending them anonymous gifts slowly confessing your love so it's easier." Jade suggested one day, when Floyd was complaining about how hard it was not being able to confess his love without making it weird.

Floyd's face brightened at the idea, thanking his brother before excitedly making your gift.

The box was black, and covered in all kinds of stickers and was tied together with a messy teal ribbon. Inside, was a pair of gloves he decorated (with the help of jade and azul) and 3 packs of sea themed stickers.

Proud of his work, Floyd almost gave it to you in person before Jade stopping him and reminding him,

"Floyd you can't give it to them in person, it's supposed to be anonymous."

----

Red's note

The 2nd part of the ask of where yhey have somesort of rivalry if DUCH A CRUNCHY IDEA i already have a fic abt it but i ahve to finish it😍👊 whether i release it or not is dependent on my mood when i finish it😚

#twisted wonderland #twst x you #twsited wonderland #twisted wonderland x yuu #floyd x mc #floyd leech #floyd leech x reader #twst fluff #floyd x yuu #floyd x reader #floyd x y/n #leona x y/n #leona x mc #leona x reader #leona kingscholar

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gayerthanevertbh · 1 year

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content..? | i want you pt.4

natasha romanoff masterlist | series masterlist | navigation

pairings: dad’s best friend!natasha x fem!reader

summary: your father doesn’t know it yet, but you’re in love with his best friend. and what makes it better is that you’re sure enough that she feels the same way. the sad part is, neither of you can word out your love for each other properly.

warnings: angst, age difference (natasha is 38 and reader is 19), implied sexual themes, just a sad sad chapter.

notes: yeah im back idk why but im here did ya’ll miss my juicy stories

“You’re too old for her.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Natasha. She’s too young for you, think about how the people would react to your relationship with her.”

That night, I couldn't sleep. Those words haunt me, as I was thrown into a circle of hallucinations from which I couldn't escape. I needed some space. No, I needed her. I needed Y/n to take those thoughts away from me and reassure me that what we were doing was okay. But Wanda’s words were beating me up, I couldn’t breathe.

I noticed the skies were perfectly blue as I lit up my cigarette and dragged it to my mouth. The clouds were perfectly aligned, and everything was in order. My concerns faded as I silently hoped that someone higher up would solve my problem. I looked down and noticed that the grass on my feet was starting to burn me. I needed to o back inside, but I had no energy to.

She’ll never love me, I thought to myself. She thinks I’m too old for her, an old woman begging for her love.

As soon as I finish my cigarette, I hear murmuring sounds coming from the pavement area. I looked closely, unable to take my gaze away from the scene. Bucky clung to Y/n's waist, smiling and giggling at her words. What is she saying? Was she purposely making him laugh? I thought, almost crudely, if I have to be honest. She gave him a gentle smile as she looked at him. That was the same expression she gave me whenever we made love in her bed. However, I could be mistaken. I had two glasses of beer today, so maybe I was overthinking it.

No.

Y/n walked towards me and smiled at me. “Hi,” she says. “I thought you were at the market?”

“Change of plans,” I replied, my voice deepening with sadness. Or anger. “You weren’t asleep?”

"I left around 8 a.m. this morning," Y/n yawned, her smile faltering as if I didn't treat her the same way. “Wait, did I do something wrong? What happened?” I wish she didn’t notice that.

“I’m just having a stressful day, that’s all.” I sighed. “Where did you guys go?”

Bucky took in before Y/n could respond. “We went to a pet store,” he said, smirking at her. “She wanted a dog so much, so we decided to talk to Steve about it.”

“Are you sure he’d like that idea?”

"Yeah," he scratched his chin. If I was given a chance to tackle him, I would. "In any case, is he here? We'd like to speak with him for a few minutes." I wanted to lie about his absence, but what was the point if they were going inside? If I don't tell a lie, Y/n will spend more time with this boy. I couldn't stand him, especially considering how much he dominates Y/n. My Y/n.

I sighed defeatedly, standing up from the ground with a pack of cigarettes in hand. I’d save this for later. “Yeah, he’s just in the kitchen.”

“Great. Thanks, Nat.”

Before I could even reply, Y/n took him to her home and left me all alone in their garden. I looked away from the scene of them laughing, wishing deep inside that I could make her laugh like that. But that could never happen, we were just a secret after all.

I lit up another cigarette before going to the market.

YOUR POV:

“You think she’s not upset?” asked Bucky while he eats the egg sandwich that my father made for him.

“I don’t know,” I replied. That was the truth, I don’t know whether she was upset with me or not. Either way, I have to speak to her as soon as she comes back home. “Maybe she’s just having a bad day.”

“Or maybe she hasn’t been laid.”

I cringe at his words. The thought of her having sex with someone else makes my stomach churn badly, almost as if I needed to vomit the toxicity in my fluids. I looked at him briefly, then back at my sandwich that I lost appetite for. He ruined my lunch.

I replied, obviously out of my mind, "Maybe." I closed my eyes and took a bite of the bread as I visualized Natasha kissing my lips. She seemed to be everywhere, and I was powerless to let her go of my thoughts. “Natasha is a lonely woman, she doesn’t want anyone in her life.”

“How do you know that?”

“I’ve been her godchild ever since.”

“Yeah, I know that, but how do you know that she doesn’t need someone in her life?”

Because she has me.

“We’re pretty close,” I said, drinking from a glass of water near my plate. “She tells me everything.”

“Everything?”

"Why are you asking as if you need to know everything?" I've become irritated, it’s like he has to know every step I make – like a baby learning how to walk. “Me and Natasha are just close, period.”

“Does it look like I’m bothering you?”

“If you keep asking about her life, yeah.”

“Well, I’m sorry,” Bucky placed his beer on the table and hung his head low. I suddenly felt guilty for using my higher voice at him, so I reached for her wrist and comforted him – not wanting to cause another fuss. “I just… she looks at you differently.”

“How differently?” I sat up straight in my chair as my interest in our conversation grew. This did not make me feel good whatsoever. "How different, Buck?"

“I don’t know,” he sighed again, pinching his nose bridge. “It’s like whenever I would come to see you, her eyes would linger on you. On your hair, nose, everything about you. She’s…”

“She’s what, Buck?” I beg you, finish your sentence.

“She’s interested in you.”

I recall being with Bucky when Natasha was present, and I admit to catching her staring at me - almost as if she's in love with me, which I highly doubt. Or perhaps she is. We've never confessed our feelings for each other because we believe what we're doing is just for fun, if not more. Now that I think about it, maybe her lingering stares are more emotional and vulnerable, but I can't explain what I'm trying to say out of my mind.

“I don’t think that’s possible—”

He cuts me off, looking at me with a blank stare. “But she is,” he whispers. “And I don’t like it.”

“Why would it matter, though? I’m not yours.”

It stung him, and it did for me too.

"But I-" he pauses for a moment, calculating what to say, and looks to his right at the wall. He started flexing his hands as if trying to contain his rage. His assumptions would wash away like a sea if I held his hand now. But if I don't, he'll start looking into her, which I don't want to happen. “...I love you.”

I looked at him with a spacious face and sat back on the chair where I could rethink what he had confessed. Love me? I thought. How could he love me when I don’t love him back?

“W-What?”

“I love you and I hate how she has you.”

“I don’t think you’re understanding what you’re trying to say.”

"I don't love Natasha," I said quietly, my heart pounding with sadness and fear. I can't tell him about us because it would ruin my relationships with everyone. And, while it may appear selfish, I'd be alone. I couldn't even have Natasha all to myself. “Buck, can you please look at me?”

“If I look at you now, I’d never get out of your way.”

“What do you even mean by that?”

“Meaning that I’ll never leave you,” Bucky looks at me again with glistening tears in his eyes, biting his lip so hard that it might draw blood. “And if she gets in the way, I might have to hurt her.”

I shook my head, grabbed my hand, and placed it on my chest. He looks at me deeply and gets closer – until our faces are inches apart. I could feel his eyes lingering on my lips, and I begged not for him to kiss me. If he did, I’d feel guilty. I feel as if I’m hurting the one I truly love. But no one could know about my love for Natasha, not even God above.

Before he could kiss me, I watched as Natasha appeared in the scene, looking at us with wide eyes. We stared for a moment, not knowing how to react in a way that it doesn’t explode everything. But as soon as I stand up, she walks upstairs with a grudge in her heart. I’ve hurt her, I’ve hurt her, I’ve hurt her.

“See what I’m talking about?” he looks at me once again before standing up from his seat. “I’ll go home for now, there’s a party tomorrow night. I’ll meet you there.”

“Bucky, wait-”

"Make up your mind," he said, wrapping his unbuttoned yellow blouse around his torso. He walks up to the doorframe and gives me a sad smile. "You just can't love her. You know you can’t.”

Deep inside of me, I knew he was right.

I finally broke like a dam.

"I know," I said almost to myself, covering my mouth with my hand as if I'd been hit by a bus a million times, "but she's lovable."

Bucky sighs and nods, his head dropping once more.

“I know.”

I walked inside Natasha’s room and saw her having a cigarette while sitting at the foot of her bed – She didn’t look up and saw me walking in. Instead, she said: “He knows.”

I nodded, licking both of my lips.

“Yeah, he knows.”

Natasha chuckles, scratching the back of her head and flicking her cigarette on the ashtray beside her. I didn't know what to say or do, so I stood by the door, watching her smoke herself out of her misery. How can love be so demanding? So exhausting? But I'd rather go through that with her than with Bucky, who I couldn't fall in love with.

“You love him?” she asked, her reddish eyes looking at mine. She looked so… tired.

“Nat, I don’t love him.”

“You’re only saying that because you don’t want to pity me.”

I scoffed quietly to myself, but I had a feeling that she heard me.

“I didn’t say that I want to pity you.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

What was more to say than are you in love with him? Did she not trust me with my actions? Was I not obvious enough to show my love for her? I bit my lower lip with anxiety, and whispered: “I’m not in love with him.”

“Then who are you in love with?” As I watched her stand up from the bed and walk towards me, her voice was ridged with irritation. She placed her index finger on my chest, the cigarette smoke entering my nostrils. “Tell me, malyshka.”

My thoughts of being caught raced through my mind as I began to speak. Let me be in peace, I thought to myself. Let me express, let me show her how much I love her.

“Please,” Natasha begged quietly, as she kissed the tip of my nose. “Who are you in love with?”

“Tasha…”

“It’s not that hard of a question, Y/n.”

I sighed, nodding at her statement. It wasn’t so hard, but why can’t I breathe whenever she’s in my presence?

“You.”

It took me a minute to respond to her, and I watched as her eyes glinted with the hope and desire that I'd been longing for from her. She moved her gaze up and down my face, then to my lips. I could feel her thumb running across the lower one before she kissed me with a moan.

We kissed like there was no tomorrow.

She held me from behind, her hands lowering down to my waist until I was turned around from the other side, pushing me slowly back to her bed. Natasha drew her lips away from mine with her eyes closed, whispering: “I’ve always known, baby. I just needed to hear it from you.”

We stripped naked and began passionately kissing each other as if my father wasn't at home. She kept one hand on the headboard while the other ran up and down against my ribcage, moaning every time her cock brushed up against my core. I felt her pulling away all of the sudden and looked down at my chest, which was slightly heaving – she smiled wickedly.

“You’re really beautiful,” she stated, out of breath. “I’m going to make you mine today, my love.”

That she did. Every gesture and touch she gave me that day was felt everywhere. She clung to me like a bear to its prey, grunting and whispering words I'll never understand until I let it overpower me. But I knew her words "I'm in love with you" couldn't leave my head or my soul. I felt her exploding in me, claiming me as someone she cared about and clung to. And I recall stealing every inch and every moment from her. I didn’t complain.

She lays beside me, holding my hand on her chest, as she looked at me deeply with those shrilling green eyes. She smiled, and kissed my forehead.

“I love you,” Natasha claims. “I’ve always been in love with you.”

I chuckled, resting my head against her left shoulder.

“Since when?”

“Since the day I realized I’ve fallen in love with you.”

We are both interrupted by silence, but not in an awkward way. I could feel the vibration of her humming on my cheek, which always brings me comfort and warmth. So, this is love? I asked myself in my head. It feels… good.

“Do you think Dad knows?”

She pauses for a moment before responding, "If he does, you know I'll take you away so we can be happy together."

“But what if our wants don’t meet?”

“Then I’ll let you go.”

That didn't sit right with me. The thought of her leaving and not seeing me hurts me on the inside, especially in my heart. I tightly closed my eyes, attempting to push away any negative thoughts that might arise. He'd let me love her, wouldn't he?

But knowing my father, I know he would never allow this to happen; my love for Natasha is unstoppable.

“I don’t like that,” I said. She only sighs and held me tighter in her warmth, still humming a song that I couldn’t process in my head. A person once said, if you love someone, you let them go. But is that nearly possible? Could they be wrong with their advice? She answered, “We don’t like that thought. But at some point, you do need to experience being an adult. I can’t take that away from you, especially when you’re still youthful and free. All I can do is support you and… wait for you.”

“But what if I don’t want that?” I asked, fighting back her thoughts as I looked up at her. “What if I don’t want you to let me go?”

She looked down at me and shook her head, I could feel her hand holding my jaw as she brought me closer to her face. She kissed my lips, then took a deep breath.

"I don't want to, baby girl," she admitted as she rested her brow against mine. "I really, really don't want to. I know I have to if he finds out or if you ever need to leave this relationship that we have."

I couldn't fight back because I didn't have the energy. Instead, I turned away from her, tears streaming down my cheeks. Natasha kisses my nape and holds me close, hushed and whispering sweet words to take my mind off my problems. But unfortunately, that didn’t work. I still cried that night.

taglist: @trans-wolf-boi @generousfartdragon @marvelogic @that-one-gay-mosquito @wandanotsosure @madelineleong @kksalexa @karsonromanoff @natashaswife4125 @florojas @natashaxwife

#natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff x you #natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff fanfic #black widow x reader #black widow x you #i want you series

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juliansswimmingpool · 1 year

Text

Merthur Fic Masterlist (Updating)

These are some of my favourite Merlin fics so far. A lot of these will contain spoilers for the show. They are listed in no particular order. I have also cropped some of the summaries to save people the scrolling time.

Updates since first posted: 1

Under 10k:

The Tulip Thief by Polomonkey | Complete | 3.2k, 1 chapter | General Audiences | Modern setting, fluff, pre-slash, misunderstandings, hand-holding | 'Sometimes I steal flowers from your garden on my way to the cemetery, but today you’ve caught me and have demanded to come with me to make sure the “girl is pretty enough to warrant flower theft” and I’m trying to figure out how to break it to you that we’re on our way to a graveyard'

10-20k:

to go with grace by andiwriteordie | Complete | 17k, 1 chapter | Teen & Up | Post-canon, character redemption, Morgana POV, angst, introspective, forgiveness | Morgana Pendragon is dead, at Emrys’s hand. Just as the prophecies had foretold. But before she can enter Avalon and find peace, she must first pay penance for all the sins she committed in her life. Her penance is quite simple: look after and heal Arthur Pendragon, the Once and Future King, until the time comes for his return to the land of the living.

The Sorcerer and the Lionheart by just_a_wavefunction | Complete | 16k, 1 chapter | Teen & Up | Post-canon, historical references, friendship, Immortal Leon | Merlin spends fifteen hundred years waiting for Arthur's return. Luckily, he doesn't have to wait alone.

Hear Your Heart Sing (Love, Love, Love) by schweet_heart | Complete | 15k, 8 chapters | Mature | Soulmates AU, fluff, humor, angst, office romance | Merlin used to like the idea of finding The One – until he fell in love with Arthur Pendragon. Now he has a boss he can't date (but can't stop thinking about), a soulmate he can't find (who has terrible taste in music), and a best friend who can't believe he still hasn't got his act together (even though it's seriously not his fault).

From This Day On by lady_ragnell | Complete | 19k, 1 chapter | Teen & Up | modern setting, canon era (it'll make sense), mystery-solving? (idk how to describe it) | While on a hike, Merlin and Gwaine stumble upon the Lost City of Camelot, cursed to wake up every morning a century in the future, and Merlin decides it's his duty to break the spell--with help from a prince, an imprisoned seer, and quite a few others. A Brigadoon AU.

21-50k:

and with my opened mouth i join the singing light by intothefirewego | Complete | 33k, 6 chapters | Mature | Graphic descriptions of blood | Heavy angst, major character injury, emotional hurt/comfort, angst with a happy ending, magic reveal | Merlin frowned, and tried to inhale, but choked on a cough. He opened his mouth, trying to speak but his mouth was sticky and full and he felt warm, warm, warm, warm spilling down down down down… The world tilted on its axis a little bit, and Merlin leant into Arthur’s body. Why was the world tilting? Arthur’s face shifted from annoyance to horror.

Destiny That Darkly Hides Us by Nympha_Alba | Complete | 40k, 7 chapters | Explicit | Angst, WWI, Edwardian era, college AU | It's 1913, the practice of homosexuality is unlawful, so is the practice of magic. When Arthur Pendragon and Merlin Emrys meet as Cambridge undergrads, they're both hungry for a real and true connection without secrets. For a short time they believe they may have found it. But war breaks out and separates them, and it seems unlikely that they will meet again. After all, what are the odds?

A.S.S. (Agents of Secret Stuff) series by supercalvin | 39k, 8 parts | Mostly Teen & Up | Mostly none, one fic is marked with Graphic Depictions Of Violence | Spy AU, modern setting, humor, crack treated seriously, BAMF characters | Merlin & Arthur are an unstoppable spy duo. Basically merthur + the knights and other characters do whacky spy shit

51-100k:

Tributes by TheAvalonian | Complete | 88k, 10 Chapters | Mature | Graphic Depictions of Violence | Hunger Games AU, angst, enemies to friends to lovers, emotional hurt/comfort | It is the 57th annual Hunger Games, and Merlin Emrys stands at the Reaping ceremony with his best friend Guinevere Smith at his side. In a twisted game where death seems the only certainty, Merlin will find himself tested in ways no one could have ever predicted - and may even find himself fighting for more than just his own life as he enters into an unlikely alliance with Arthur Pendragon, the Career tribute poised to win it all.

Over 100k:

To Bare Our Teeth and Our Hearts by queerofthedagger | Complete | 124k, 14 chapters | Mature | Graphic Depictions Of Violence | An execution was not exactly on Merlin's bucket list, wasn't even what destiny had intended for him. Arthur, for his part, really wants to catch a break, and to stop thinking about his late manservant. Or sometimes, things have to go downhill first before they get better, and if Uther had known about the eventual outcome, he might've changed his mind for once in his life.

What I'd Have Done by Flight_of_Fantasy | Complete | 119k, 14 chapters | General Audiences | Canon era, magic reveal, heavy angst, gen or pre-slash, Arthur-centric, character study | For better or for worse, Arthur knows Merlin's secret. The problem? Merlin doesn't know Arthur knows. This leaves Arthur with a predicament… and an opportunity. A test. Three trials and three opportunities for Merlin to prove he doesn't deserve death. Arthur hopes he will pass them. Maybe then the image of Merlin's golden eyes will stop haunting him.

The Heart's Search by rotrude | Complete | 115k, 2 chapters | Explicit | Some violence | Romance, AU - dystopia, modern setting | For thirty-five girls/boys, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Arthur. But for Merlin Emrys, being Selected is a nightmare. Leaving his home to enter a fierce competition for a crown he doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Some bonus non-merthur Merlin fics:

Everyday Destiny (ffn, ao3) by Searchingforangels (ffn) or DancingInTheStorm (ao3) | Complete (only on ffn) | 53k, 200 chapters | General Audiences | Drabble collection, golden age AU, exploration of themes, non-linear narrative | Great destinies swing of small hinges; a collection of small moments that shape Albion. A pre- and post-reveal drabble collection.

#merthur #bbc merlin #merlin #arthur pendragon #merlin fic rec #merthur fic rec #merlin x arthur #merlin emrys #fic masterlist #fic masterpost #fic rec list

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foxymoxynoona · 2 years

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Fae Lord Jimin x human Reader + 'You will not touch her'

Another drabble game response to ideas sent in by @readyplayerhobi in this post

Characters: Fae Jimin x human reader Words: 3100 + 2100 or 820 depending on your choice CW: References to abusive household, physical assult For ending A: mild yandere themes; For ending B: violence/assault, mild body horror

Note: This story has two possible endings. At a point in this short story, you will get to choose which ending you continue with. It's an experiment! I hope you enjoy it.

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

The rain hadn’t let up for days despite your fervent wishes, your nose pressed against the bubbled parlor glass. You’d drawn spirals in the fog of your breath. You’d walked spirals into the worn rugs. You’d rolled spirals in your massive four-post bed, tangling up into the blankets until your own body heat became oppressive.

But today, finally, the rain had stopped. It had made the injustice of a busy day even worse as you watched the rising and then falling sun, anxious down to your bones to flee the manor. What right did your family have to hold you? Was it fair that you had to manage things since your mother’s death so long ago? Was it fair your father’s broken devotion and bouts of rage created an environment so dull that the faintest laughter thudded to the floor? Was it fair your grandfather’s iron will and heavier hand tightened around your home, your life, your arm, controlling everything with the threat of no more money? If you managed to hide even the slightest act of rebellion from him, your father saw it instead, and consequences were severe.

It wasn’t the little ones’ fault either though. They had lost their Mama too young and knew nothing but you. So when your father deemed you would pass on married life in order to stay home and care for the family, you bit your tongue. When expenses for your clothing or education were cut in order to pay household bills that shouldn’t have been an issue for your grandfather anyway, you bit your tongue. When the thanks for your work as a replacement house matron, head of staff, and mother were received as harsh words and an occasional blow, you bit your tongue and tried to be smaller.

There was only one escape left to you at the moment, one guilty pleasure that hurt no one, didn’t interfere with your duties, but meant the world to you. One teensy little secret joy you protected ever since you had discovered it months ago.

It was late afternoon by the time you managed to slip away. Though the rain had gone, the sky remained a blanket of gray over your head, swirled in spots like tufts of mousse. The air was heavy against your skin as you dashed from the house, skirts flapping around your legs most undignified. That might have been enough for someone to stop you –so you had to not let them catch you. The light made it look like outside ought to be cold but in fact it was warm; it felt like you were running through a dream, like if you swung your arms, they’d cut the air like knives.

Across the wide yard you fled, through the paths of overgrown meadows, past the treeline looming always in the distance of your childhood. Many years ago you’d made happy memories with Mama, gathering raspberries in the summer, collecting leaves to make wreaths in autumn, dragging branches through the snow to draw pictures in winter when the fireside became briefly too warm and you both wanted a chill. After her death, this whole area had remained empty and abandoned for years–

Until those months before, when desperation had driven you further than the small garden nestled by the house, further than the treeline. Until those months before when you had met him.

Sort of.

Your steps slowed as you neared the place. You let your fingers trail across the bark of three specific trees –originally you had done it just to regain your balance after a sprint, but he’d later admitted he could feel it in a way, like a door chime except one that sent a shiver up his spine. He’d said that! And you had blushed at what seemed like an awfully bawdry comment. Imagine giving a man shivers! And him telling you so! But you didn’t know if he meant it literally. And anyway, you’d heard they were like that. In the stories. The fake stories that nannies and grandmums told their little ones to help them sleep at night.

Carefully you lifted your skirt and stepped over the rise of forget-me-nots and impatiens. If you didn’t know any better, it just looked like a line of flowers among many in this beautiful little glade –daylilies, foxgloves, daisies, cowslips, irises, peonies, and so many ferns you could disappear if you laid down beneath them. But you knew better. You knew that line of pink and blue little flowers was actually a big, unbroken circle, just like you knew to expect the instantly cooler air on your skin as you stood still inside the ring.

The innocuous sounds of the forest on a drizzly afternoon eerily faded inside. The birds and bugs you’d ignored during your run were still there, but it sounded like they were miles away. You felt certain you could have heard a pin drop now, even among the ferns tickling your ankles beneath your skirt, even over the thumping of her heart in your chest as sweat cooled on your skin.

When nothing happened, you turned slowly. You were always afraid to step anywhere until you knew where he was, even though that always made him laugh and pull your hair. He was too fast to get stepped on. Too fast to be seen, in fact. For months you had been visiting him and he had never once shown himself to you.

“Jimin?”

Your voice sounded overly loud in the glade. You expected a flock of birds to erupt at the sudden noise, but no such thing happened. Nothing happened, in fact. No breeze, no rustle in the undergrowth, no flutter of flower petals. No voice at your shoulder. Nothing.

It had been six days.

What if he’d forgotten?

What if he’d left?

You had no way to actually find him if he didn’t come to you here, or sometimes in the garden back home –but you’d asked him not to do that. It was too risky.

What if he had come though? What if your father or grandfather had discovered him? Harmed him? What if he’d drowned trying to catch you in that garden during the downpour?

“Jimin!” you called again, more urgent this time. “Jimin, are you here? Jimin, please–”

“Ah, are you in a hurry today?”

You spun habitually at his voice, as you would for anyone suddenly speaking behind you, despite your desire to stay still inside the circle until you knew where he was.

“I’m here,” he whispered behind you again. This time you stayed put, gaze narrowing into a sulk. He loved playing that game. You never caught him.

“You scared me. I thought you could feel it when I touched the trees.”

“Yes, I can.”

“Then why did you make me wait?”

“You’re impatient. I kept you waiting for less than a minute.”

You shook your head, “It was longer than that. Your minutes run short.”

“Your minutes are like a second to me,” he conceded. “The blink of an eye.”

“Tell me more, old man,” you joked, knowing he got huffy when you teased about his age, but also that he liked it. He teased far more than you did, sometimes too much, but he was equally as quick to flatter and soothe when his words landed poorly. It was why you had grown to trust him over the months, why you had opened up to him, why you believed him about what he was even though you had never seen him. For all you knew, he could be a scoundrel hidden in the trees–

Except that his voice was always right there in your ear, and sometimes you felt the tickle of him brushing against your neck, or your collarbone, or your hand. You swore you did. You believed him. And he promised someday to show you for true.

“How long have you kept me waiting?” he countered. “It felt long to me.”

“It’s only been six days.”

“Never that long before.”

“It’s been storming nonstop,” you defended. “Even if I could have gotten away, I would have caught my death of a cold. You don’t want that, do you?”

“It wasn’t raining in here.”

“Well I’d have to get here.”

“Not if you stayed.”

“In this circle of flowers in the forest?” you laughed. It was not the first time he had suggested this. The first time was after you had casually mentioned the occasional violence at home. Before that he’d been such a kind and supportive listener about your other complaints and frustrations, but the bruise on your cheek had been serious to him. You had grown complacent to such treatment but his anger had reawoken those old feelings of injustice.

You sat carefully on the ground and demanded, “Where would I sleep, Jimin?”

“On a bed of peony petals, covered by a blanket of ferns,” came the disembodied reply.

“What would you feed me, Jimin?”

“Silver bells and cockle shells–”

“And pretty maids all in a row?” you interrupted, head falling back in a laugh. “You don’t know what people need to eat!”

“The vegetables that grow in your garden.”

“Yes.”

“And… I can hunt.”

“Hunt… mice?”

“Yes.”

“I need more than mice,” you pointed out. You let your legs stretch in front of you and leaned your weight back on your hands, wistful he would settle on your knee.

“Not if you’re my size.”

“Are you the same size as a mouse? Or smaller?” you asked, casually looking around. You would never find him though, not unless he wanted you to. “How dangerous exactly is it hunting a mouse?”

“Rats are dangerous. We only hunt mice if they invade our crops. They’re more of a gentle nuisance. Rats are fierce though.”

“You… farm?”

“Well not me personally,” he admitted with a chuckle to his voice.

“Yes, I couldn’t really picture it. You don’t really sound like a farmer…” You didn’t know how to explain what you meant, but it just seemed at odds with the wispy boy you pictured in your mind attached to that voice, that laugh. In the beginning you thought his laugh sounded like the breeze through bluebells –not a sound you had actually ever heard, but what you envisioned it sounded like. Over time though his laugh had lost some of the mystery. Not any of the beauty, but it didn’t make you think about flowers anymore, it made you think about him.

You thought you might be in love with him.

And you had never even seen him.

You couldn’t ever see him because his size was unknown but at least smaller than your hand. What kind of romance could that be?

“What do I sound like?” he demanded. “Can you guess what I do?”

“Hm… maybe…”

You tried to think of something funny and inoffensive. He was so clever when he teased you and you often struggled to keep up. Your brain grew rusty, dull, mushy from your days doing nothing more demanding than checking the housekeeper’s menu and chasing after your brother and sister.

“Not a single guess?”

“A mouse trainer.”

“That would be rude, they aren’t subservient to us.”

“Um… a dragonfly rider.”

“Why would I need to ride a dragonfly?”

“Aren’t they faster than you?”

“Rude!” he cried, but didn’t refute it.

“A cobbler,” you suggested, veering in the opposite direction.

“I’m Fae, not Elfin.”

“Ah, my mistake… I’m not well versed in mythical creatures–”

“Creatures,” he repeated and you felt a tickle by your ear. You resisted the urge to slap it as if a bug crawled up your neck, and instead stood very still. “I am better versed in your kind of creature…”

“Surely not.”

“Would you like to know?”

Sometimes Jimin said things that made your skin tingle, and a fluttery feeling burn low in your belly. Though your sexual and romantic educations were essentially non-existent, you’d heard things from the other girls back when you were in school. Not enough to confirm, but just enough to suspect that he could be making a naughty joke.

To call his bluff, but also thrilled at the prospect he was not, you murmured, “Yes.”

A pause.

And then the tickle at your ear was gone, a breeze brushed your face, and his voice came from the right as he laughed, “I’m sure you would but my lips are sealed.”

“More than I know about men, do you think?”

Again with that pause. There was no breeze this time, just a heavy stillness. Jimin’s voice was lower as he began,

“Y/N. Are you asking me about–”

“Y/N!” another voice called, to very different effect. The low, angry voice of your father boomed through the trees not far off. You jumped to your feet with a gasp. Why was he searching for you? How had he come so close? He couldn’t possibly have followed you…

“Can he see me in here?” you asked Jimin, spinning as if he could help you. “Can he hear me?”

“Who is it?”

“It’s my father,” you gasped, wrapping your arms tightly around yourself like that would make a difference.

Before Jimin answered your question, circumstances did it for you.

“There she is, sir,” the groundskeeper said, bracing himself against a tree and pointing right at you in the clearing. You turned to face them, obviously visible.

“Papa? Were you looking for me?” you asked, putting on the brightest, more casual voice you could. “I’ve just gone for a walk.”

“Where’s the boy?” your father demanded, striding forward, his face set in a hard scowl. You flinched as flowers and stalks and leaves crunched beneath his heavy boots. The steel toe ripped right through the line of impatiens and forget-me-nots and you felt the world shiver around you.

“What boy?” you asked, voice light and breathy like you’d been punched in the stomach. You looked around, miming confusion as you tried to cover for yourself and hide the fact it felt like something in the world had just broken around you. “I’m not here with a boy.”

“We heard you, fool girl.”

“Who did? What boy? Papa, I’m not–” You broke off as he reached you, his big hands grabbing hold of your arms and shaking.

“Don’t fuck with me, little girl. I know you’re sneaking off here to fuck boys! He saw you,” he said, jerking with his head towards where the groundskeeper used to be. You could barely make out his retreating back. Whatever was about to happen, he didn’t want to see it. Your father continued, “He told me all about it, you coming out here. I knew he must be lying. No fucking slag daughter of mine would be so stupid–”

“Papa, I’m not,” you pleaded. “What boy? There’s no boy! No footprints here but mine–”

“Silence! Where are you?” The shout wasn’t meant for you. He turned away from you, throwing you to the ground in the process. He stomped around the clearing, crushing the flowers over and over. You felt the earth cry beneath your palms. “Where the fuck are you, huh? You come here to fuck with my daughter? Show yourself!”

“Don’t,” you whispered, hoping Jimin could hear you. Not that he could do anything. You knew next to nothing about Fae magic, but the things Jimin told you about were all silly little things, parlor tricks basically. Turning people around in the forest, shrinking a pair of shoes one size, hiding something until you made an offering and they would then allow you to find said thing. Tricks. Nothing that would help you with an angry father. You just needed to let him stomp around, see for himself there was no one here with you and… and then you’d be more careful the next time you came–

But you wouldn’t be able to come back, you realized. You might not understand it, but you knew there was something special and important about this fairy ring your father had just broken. Whether it was what allowed you and Jimin to meet regularly or what, you weren’t sure, but if nothing else, you couldn’t let your father once again intrude in this sacred place. This place belonged to JImin –and, in a way, to you. But you had led danger here.

You feared Jimin might try to do something. You feared he wouldn’t. You feared he couldn’t. What in fact could a tiny Fae do against your father’s rage?

“There’s no one here,” you insisted. “Mama used to bring me here, that’s all–”

“Don’t bring her into his,” he scowled, spinning back to you. His heel dug a crescent shape into the dirt. His gaze fell on you for a moment and then an idea lit up his face. “You think you’re a woman like your mother now? You think you deserve to run off like she did? Who is it you’re meeting out here, Y/N?”

“No one–”

“You won’t tell me? Then let me show you. Do you see her?” he shouted into the quiet of the forest, like nature held its breath. He stomped back to you and wrenched you from the ground by your arm. You cried out in surprise and pain, only to gasp as his hand slammed against your face. “Do you see this?” he shouted, practically laughing as he spat at you, “You see? No one comes for you. Men do not care about you, little girl, they only want to fuck you and you’ll get fat with child and your mother’s shit father will cut us off completely–” He gave you a rough shove towards home. You were shaking too hard and stumbled. He grabbed your arm and yanked you up again as he passed, clearly meaning to drag you all the way home. You ripped free of his grip only once but the force sent you reeling.

“Get up!” he shouted, lurching towards you, anger bubbling over again. You braced yourself for a strike–

That never came. An obstacle simply appeared in between you, the form of a man who wasn’t there one second and then instantly was.

“What the–”

“You will not touch her,” Jimin’s voice said. It was Jimin, a human Jimin, but man-sized, no wings, standing between you and your enraged father. He turned suddenly to you and held out his hand and you were struck in an instant by his face, so much more beautiful than you had anticipated but every bit as warm and kind and open. You had never imagined anything close that face and yet at once it seemed so right, so familiar.

Jimin held out his hand...

You take his hand.

You hesitate.

#jimin ff #jimin fanfic #fae jimin #jimin x reader #jimin x y/n #jimin x you #jimin fanfiction #jimin fic #fairy jimin #park jimin fanfic

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southisup · 11 months

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I'm doing a kind of winter solstice celebration today. It's a few days past but it's just to mark the occasion. I didn't have time to really think about it a lot.

Having a slow cooker pumpkin curry but subbed in some kūmara because it's strongly associated with this season (unfortunately it's also $15/kg this year which makes it the most expensive vegetable available).

We have a fancy dessert.

Going to try a spiced coffee!

Invited my Mum over.

I like to do gift but wasn't sure what to do but the kinder surprises at the supermarket are supposed to be "ice" themed so got them.

Maybe have candles, I like light symbolism at this time.

Also a book I ordered online for my husband arrived and I gave myself a macrame kit I already had. Like, activities for being indoors for winter.

I was given a bunch of flowers that contained dry flowers so hung them up seperately - seems appropriate since there are so few flowers now. BUT also the bunch of flowers and leaves was all from her garden so it's all appropriate right now. The rest are in the hall.

Oh, and I bought some mead, which was an unexpected find at the supermarket. Shh, it's a secret!

I guess the idea of the winter solstice is to prepare for the cold couple of months coming, while also celebrating light. Also about hope, and faith in the sun actually doing it's thing. Maybe appreciating the small changes and believing they mean something.

#winter #june #winter solstice

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chasesylvan · 5 months

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School’s Out

CHAPTER 5’s OUT BABYYYY

SAME TAGS AS BEFORE LES GO

AND OF COURSE, THANKING THE AMAZING @plasma-ghoull FOR THE IDEA, and credit to @terzosmainhoe for the idea of Dew’s birthday party theme 🤍🤍

imperator finally gets her shit together and gets her head out of her ass and finally accepts Dew.

Dew’s 5th Birthday was today, Omega couldn’t believe it, and neither could Terzo, they had set up Dew’s party to be themed of Cars, because ever since one of the Sisters showed him the movie, he’s been obsessed ever since, so he wished for his party to be Cars themed. Presents and gifts had been presented to Dew the day before as they wanted him to be preoccupied with his party on his actual birthday, and he got lots of cool toys to play with, new clothes, that were also Cars themed, and they had to make sure today was perfect for their baby boy.

Omega and Terzo were going to surprise Dew with the party, so he was sent to the nursery while they planned and decorated it, they decided to have it out in the main garden area, because that was enough space for everything to fit, everybody in the Clergy was invited, and everybody accepted the invitations except for one person, Imperator, who insisted that she will not be attending otherwise “shit will hit the fan”, if that meant she would harm Dew, Omega wouldn’t let her see another day in her life. Dew was playing with the kits in the nursery, playing peekaboo with them and coddling them, and Sister Taylor walked through the nursery’s doors and Dew’s eyes light up like the northern lights, “Taywa!!” Dew said, not quite getting his pronunciations correct, but everybody being able to understand what he says.

Sister Taylor walked over to Dew and scooped him up and threw him up into the air and caught him, and snuggled him into her arms, “Whewe wis Daddy and Dada?” Dew asked the Sister, “They are doing something very special and secret!” She whispered to the tiny ghoul in her arms, who gasped and covered his mouth in shock, “Tan I know?” He asked in a curious tone, Sister Taylor looking down at the cute, tiny ghoul in her arms, booped his nose, and replied to the fire demon, “Not yet, little firefly, patience.” She told the ghoul, he pouted but obliged.

She put the tiny ghoul back down onto the ground so he could go and play with the little kits again, as Sister Taylor was about to leave, he ran over to her and hugged her knees and told her, “I wuv you Taywa.” And smiled as he said that, he giggled and ran back over to the kits on the play-mat and she smiled and watched as Dew so carefully played with the kits that were tinier than him. She walked to where Dew’s party was being held and constructed, Sisters, Brothers and Members of The Clergy helping with decorating the garden, as Sister Taylor walked around the garden, she noticed a lot of things that stood out to her and made her smile hugely, a Cars themed birthday cake sat on the table, carefully preserved so it didn’t go off, Cars themed party streamers hanging from the archways in the Garden, little tiny cars lined the table next to Cars themed plates and cups. She walked and found Omega and Papa standing near an opening that led further into the garden where all their precious flowers and plants were planted and cared for by the Earth Ghouls and Farmer Sisters and Brothers.

Omega saw and noticed Sister Taylor and smiled as she walked to where they were standing, “Good morning, Omega and Papa,” She bowed to them, and they bowed back, “Good morning, Sister Taylor!” They both said in unison, “Wow, the garden looks incredible! The cake looks awesome as well! Such detail in the cars, the background and the colours are so amazing! Dew is gonna love this so much, he deserves all of it for being such a good boy.” She said to them, who in return, held her hand and smiled, “He told me he loves me.” She said to them, who went wide eyed and started smiling so widely, and hugged her, “That’s so incredibly sweet, Taylor! We have raised such a kind hearted and mannered boy!” Omega said, Papa giving Omega a kiss on the cheek and nuzzling into his side. “He plays so gently with the younger kits as well, he’s such a gentle boy as well!” They were all so happy that Dew was raised to be such a sweet boy.

Someone from out in the garden yelled out, “It’s all finished guys! Everything is decorated and it’s all good to start his party!” Everybody cheered and looked around at the garden, it was so beautiful, Dew was absolutely gonna adore this, the effort put into it by the whole Clergy shows that they really have a strong love for the little fire demon. Now, it was time to go and get Dew to surprise him with his party. Now, Dew had been expecting it to be a small party with a few people attending, but he was in for the surprise of his life. Omega went off on his own to go and collect Dew from the nursery, saying hello to a few busy Clergy members on the way, he finally arrived and melted when he saw Dew playing peekaboo with one of the younger water kits, the kit giggling when Dew would peek out from behind his hands, causing Dew to giggle as well. It took Dew a while, but he finally looked over and saw his Daddy standing near the entrance, got up from his spot on the floor and ran over to Omega and jumped in his arms, Omega catching him and spinning him around while hugging him, Dew giggling the whole time. “How’s my big boy?” Dew replied, “Good! Was pwaying wit the kits to teep them busy, and den Taywa tame and swaprised me!” Dew smiled widely at his Daddy, who smiled back at him, “Well, sounds like you’ve had a great start to your birthday, baby,” Omega said back to his little fire demon.

He held Dew in his arms for a moment, cuddling him close and patting his bottom when he told Dew, “We’ve got a surprise for you, baby,” Dew looked up at Omega with curious and hopeful eyes, “What is it, Daddy?” He asked Omega, “It’s a surprise, but let’s go and find out shall we?” Dew nodded, “Wait Daddy, before we go, I gotta go potty first,” Omega replied back, “Ok baby, let’s go bathroom first then,” He carried Dew to the bathroom and went in and helped Dew do his business, helped him wash his hands and picked him back up and held him on his hip again and took him to the garden, “Close your eyes, baby,” Dew put his hands over his eyes and made sure not to peek, he walked out into the entrance of the garden where everyone was standing and Omega motioned with his hands a “1, 2, 3” and everyone shouted “HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEWY!” This shocked Dew, who took his hands off of his eyes and had the most shocked expression on his face, smiling at the same time, “D-Daddy, ‘dis all for me?” He asked in a shy tone, “Omega picked him up once again and hugged him tight, “All for you, baby, you deserve it so much for being the bestest boy, everyone loves you so much, and me and your Dad do so so much, and we wanted to surprise you with a party this size, because you deserve it baby, happy birthday, baby boy,” Omega kissed him on the forehead and put him down and he ran over to Papa who in return did the same as Omega. “Happy Birthday, baby boy!” Papa said to the little fire demon, Dew giggled and thanked his Dad and Terzo put him on the ground and Omega stated that it was time to cut the cake. So, everybody sat down at the massive table set out in the middle of the garden, surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants, with the sun shining down on them, it truly was a beautiful day for Dew’s birthday.

Everybody sang Happy Birthday, and after it finished, Omega helped Dew cut the cake, Omega passed slices of cake down the table and everybody was chatting with everybody, happily eating cake until a familiar set of heels could be heard on the concrete at the entrance to the Garden. Everybody looked over and everybody’s jaw dropped, they saw, the one and only, Sister Imperator. She was stood in a suit, and holding what appeared to be a present in her hand, she walked over to the table, blank expression painted on her face, and she handed Omega the bag, “Happy Birthday, Dew.” She said, and patted him on the head, everybody was shocked by the gesture, coming from the women who almost killed him, literally. Omega gave Dew the present, and he opened it to find a rare collection of signed cars from the movie Cars, a signed Lightning McQueen, a signed Mater, a signed Sally, a signed Doc, a signed Luigi and Guido, and the rest of the cars from Radiator Springs all signed by their voice actors. Dew was in shock, “How did you get these?” Omega asked Imperator, she smiled and said, “I have my ways.” Someone coughed and Imperator looked to find Sister Taylor eyeing her down.

“Imperator.” Sister Taylor said in a firm tone, which made her turn around. “What are you doing here.” She asked the Head Sister, “I was merely showing affection for the child, because, someone gave me a stern talking to, and made me realise that my actions weren’t acceptable at all, I apologise for what I did to Dew a few years ago, I have come to the conclusion that Dew is staying, and will be part of the Ghost Project when he is old enough.” Omega’s eyes widened at this, flabbergasted by Imperator’s words and apology. “That is Dew’s decision and his decision alone, Imperator, he does not have to play an instrument if he does not wish to.” Imperator sighed and said, “Alright then, but just know, he is always welcome to join if he wishes to, the band will welcome him with warm and welcoming arms.” The Head Sister said with a smile, which in turn made Omega smile a little as well, he got up from the table and walked over to Imperator and held his hand out, “I appreciate you coming to terms with how horrible your actions were towards him as a kit, I am glad you now have affection for him, if he so wishes to become part of The Ghost Project, I will not be there to stop him, only to support him.”

And, after Dew’s party came to a stop, everybody went back to their jobs and Omega decided to take Dew out of the Abbey and take him to get ice cream for being such a good boy, and still thinking if Imperator meant what she had said about Dew, and the expensive present she gave Dew, he drained those thoughts and just focused on spending the rest of Dew’s birthday happy, knowing that he did a great job as a father and at raising Dew to be such a good and mannered boy, that if he ever has kids in the future, he will be sure to teach them the same as Omega and Terzo have for Dew.

He took Dew to the local ice cream parlour to let Dew pick out his favourite ice cream, which turned out to be just plain chocolate chip, Omega got vanilla and Terzo got mint chocolate chip, they sat down at a table and enjoyed their ice cream together, no painful thoughts, just a calm atmosphere, Omega hoped that these moments never end.

#chase writes #the band ghost #the band ghost fic #dew’s awakening #dewdrop ghoul #omega ghoul #papa emeritus lll #terzoxomega #CHAPTER 5 IS FINALLY HERE GUYS #CONSUMEEEE

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ipomoea-batatas · 2 years

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Random and unorganized thoughts™ about houseplants and OMFD

As a longtime hobbyist and plant professional, I’ve had a lot of these thoughts kicking around my head and adhd brain decided that 12:30 AM was the time, so here we gooo

Disclaimer: I have no formal horticultural training or anything, I’m just someone with a deep love of houseplants and a ND brain prone to info diving, who has managed a plant shop for a few years. This is just a combination of stuff I already knew and some light googling. Also between last night’s supermoon and Ao3 being down I am TIRED so a lot of this might be totally incoherent. Sryyyy

While people have always kept potted plants (usually for medicinal or culinary reasons), the species we commonly keep as houseplants became known to Europeans for the same reasons that piracy flourished—colonization and imperialism. the vast majority of common houseplants are tropical understory plants endemic to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Plants are just another thing white people took during this period.

Botany as we know it in the Western world would well and truly become A Thing roughly twenty years after the events of OFMD, when Carl Linnaeus published the Systema Naturae in 1737 (Stede is a little ahead of his time with his whole Gentleman Naturalist persona). By the end of the 18th century, botanic gardens were also very much a thing, showcasing the new Linnaean classification system, as well as “rare” and “exotic” specimens Europeans had taken from colonized places.

Linnaeus’s Systema Naturae was what made binomial Latin naming (scientific names) a thing, so Stede giving the scientific name of the moth is anachronistic (although one of the least anachronistic things on the show—again, only off by about twenty years).

Buttons is also ahead of his time here, giving the scientific name for Bluefish, but if OFMD tried to tell me that Buttons was Linnaeus’s long-lost father I would absolutely not question it

(Btw, the scientific name Stede gives for the moth is a slightly altered version of a real moth that does exist, but wasn’t formally described in scientific publications until decades later. The common name he gives is totally made up.)

I can’t quite identify the species of fern Stede loots from the fisherman, but ferns are considered generally pretty finicky houseplants today. They need to be kept lightly moist without being soggy, and most species prefer greenhouse/terrarium levels of humidity that can be hard to replicate in modern homes. Interestingly, ferns were incredibly popular houseplants in the past, since older homes didn’t have our insulation or HVAC systems and were less dry. So it is a good choice for an 18th century ship in the Caribbean, which I have to imagine would be quite a warm and moist location. (Fern collecting, specifically, was a trend in the Victorian era, as was the rise of the Gentleman Gardener, where wealthy men would have things like canes with secret pruning shears that popped out of the end. Stede would have loved it.)

A fern is also a poignant symbolic choice because, as previously noted, these are not plants you can just set and forget—they need frequent, steady watering, and on a ship I have to imagine that would be a small but important sacrifice, using fresh water stores!(They are also lower light plants that can’t tolerate full sun—good for Stede’s cabin, which is not the MOST brightly lit during the day—and symbolic of an interior life that we don’t bring out into the light.) The idea of choosing to nurture yourself and those in your community in small but important ways certainly resonates with the themes of the show.

THAUMATOPHYLLUM BIPINNATIFIDUM

The way we classify plants has changed a lot since Linnaeus. Back then, plants were classified based on apparent shared characteristics, which was limited by the technology of the time—people were making calls based on field drawings, or pressed and dried samples, so they got a lot of things wrong. Today, DNA technology has cleared up a lot of things, and as a result, plants get moved from one genus to another, or whole new genera get created.

One example is one of the plants you can see plenty of during the treasure hunt—Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, formerly known as Philodendron bipinnatifidum. This change was only made in 2018, so you’ll still see it listed as Philodendron in most plant shops. (All plants in Thaumatophyllum were formerly members of a subgenus of Philodendron.)

Another annoying thing about colonial-era plant naming that still keeps certain plant shop managers named me up at night over three centuries later: sometimes colonial dickfucks would both “discover” the same plant and give it different names (often naming after themselves, ofc). So to this day, we’re striking redundancies from the record. This happened (before the genera switch) with the above-mentioned species Philodendron bipinnatifidum and Philodendron selloum, which is why you also still see this plant sold as Philodendron selloum. (In case you’re wondering, when this happens, whichever species was formally described first gets to take over the name.)

This species is actually from South America, but has naturalized all over the place, including Florida, so it doesn’t strike me as out of place in those scenes. I’m not certain of when naturalization would have occured, but I can guess that colonization and trade sped it right along.

#ofmd #our flag means death #longggg #ofmd meta

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miraculous-trinity-leo · 3 years

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Whacky Gotham, Goofy New York, and Chaotic Paris.

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7)

Chapter 5: Then Let The Games Begin

•—–—–·†·–—–—•

Soooo, the Batfam is panicking, Gotham's confused as to why Iron Man is flying over Gotham like a madman, and Maria is with two of Gotham's Sirens (but only Ivy and Harley know this) having a wonderful time playing with Bud and Lou.

Let's start with the Sirens.

Harley is watching over Maria and Tikki as they sleep with Bud and Lou, Ivy walkes over to sit next to Harley, handing her a cup of tea.

"So, what's the diagnosis?" - Ivy

"She has some sort of trauma, has class issues... and handles more than she should, but still does everythin', on top of bein' a hero. She's been through some sh-t Pam." Yeah Harley may have found out Maria's a hero (if the tiny god and magic were anything to go by).

"Is she alone?" - Ivy

"No, thankfully, she has supportive parents, and friends that aren't little sh-ts. I think they're also heroes, she also has a lot, and I a mean A LOT of pent up emotions, she doesn't show anythin' negative, only positive things. She seems to shrink in on herself if she thinks she does somethin' wrong. Pam, we both know there's a limit to how much crap a person can take before they snap, and she's such a sweet kid. There has to be somethin' we can do to help her Ives." Ok she found out alot, but in Marias' defense, they have trustworthy souls, and they were the only other people (besides her friends) that she talked to about it, yes she had her Maman and Uncle to talk about hero stuff, but for the stuff her class does, she only ever vented (without being negative) to her friends.

"Her class is visiting the Botanical Gardens in three days, and it's a 2 part tour, so we can see just what's going on. If it's bad then we scare them a bit, if it's bad bad... they can handle a few slightly poisonous plants right?" - Ivy

"God I love the way ya think Ives, do ya think she can stay with us? I mean look at how cute she is with Bud and Lou... Oh my god, she's cuddlin' dem, and ya gave her a flower crown, how'd I miss that?! Where's the camera?"

Harley took a picture to remind her of this wonderful moment. As Ivy and Harley looked at the picture, they both promised to keep Maria safe, and maybe become sorta kinda-ish parents to her while she's in Gotham.

•—–·Now back to the Bat-Chaos Bat-Cave·–—•

Tim took over the chair and was now searching the possible locations with Jarvis, Damian was sitting on a different chair, trying to act cool, but he wouldn't stop looking over at Tim, to see his progress. Bruce was talking over the comms with Tony. Dick and Jason, weren't helping (they kept feeding each other worse and worse ideas of what could have happened to Maria). Then they heard Jarvis speak.

"I have found the most likely area Ms. Dupain-Cheng would be in. Her phone died about 56 blocks away from her hotel, if we don't count kidnapping, or murder, she would have thought about asking for directions, but may have decided not to considering the city she is in. So that leaves us with a possible 15-25 mile radius from her last known location. I think it best to divide into groups of two, have Oracle stay and update you if anything on security, and or traffic cameras happens. Bruce will be with Tony, Dick will go with Tim, and Jason will go with Damain to search within the area. Stephanie and Cassandra will search around a 5 mile radius near Wayne hotel." as Jarvis continued to explain the other details, the Batfam began to suit up, Batman met up with Iron Man, and they took the North area, Nightwing and Red Robin took the East area, while Red Hood and Robin searched the South. Steph and Cass were on foot in civilian clothes, searching the West area they were assigned.

They searched for the whole day, and came up with nothing. Until Oracle saw a video from a traffic cam around 9pm, 15 blocks away from where her phone died. She called it in and everyone went back to the cave. Once everyone was at the Bat-Computer, Oracle pressed play, the cameras didn't have sound, and it wasn't close enough to see if she was ok.

They watched as she went to an overgrown parking lot and sat down. She was looking down at the ground, and that's when they spotted two figures round the corner and spot her. They watched as the two figures approach Maria, and saw the startled reaction she had. They realized it was Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy that were talking to her, then they saw Maria collapse. They watched as Harley made sure she was ok, looking over to Ivy before looking back to Maria and picking her up. The last thing they saw, was Maria being carried away by two of Gothams' most dangerous rouges, but now they knew where to look next.

•—–· Back to Ivy and Harley ·–—•

Harley continued to take adorable pictures of the children.

"God, they're so f-ckin' cute!" - Harley for the 20th time

As Ivy continued to watch while caring for her plants, Catwoman walked in.

"Hey girls, got the stuff for movie night, so what are we- Holy mother of cats! He adopted another f-cking child didn't he! Where the hell does he keep finding them?! 7 was ment to be the god DAMN LIMIT!!!" - Catwoman

Maria jumped at the sudden shouting and may have accidentally summoned a yo-yo (one made useing creation magic and protection magic) before saying.

"Tikki where's the akuma?! How long was I out?! Forget it Tikki spot-" she then realized she wasn't in Paris, and seeing a new face, she also realized she just spilled her secret to another person within the same day... kinda

"Fffffffffffudge sunday that fell on the pavement!" - Maria shouted in baker profanities

"That's not how ya curse sweetheart. It should go more like-" Harley was cut off by a vine Ivy had summoned.

"Harley, cursing makes the plants sad, you know this." - Ivy said removing the vine

Harley just walked over to Maria and whipsered it in her ear.

"You're supposed to say it more like this, ' ..... .... ... .. ....... .. ... .....' ok?" - Harley ended with a big smile

"... I will never see this world in the same frickin' light ever again." - Maria

"ehh close enough." - Harley

"Can someone please tell me, WTH is going on here, on our special girls day off?!" - Catwoman

"She is a new member of the Sirens as of today, and as a member, she's unda our protection, so effective immediately." - Harley

"Cool." - Maria

"Harley." - Ivy

"Wut... first things first, if she is going to join, she needs to be very flexible, know how to fight, and be incredibly intelligent." - Catwoman

"She beat Ed's @ss with a gun pointed at her, and solved every riddle with ease, so I'm positive she'll be an amazin' addition to the team." - Harley

'God she sounds like a new mother now' "But we don't know how good her flexibility is." - Catwoman

"I know, hey Maria, ya wanna do some tricks with me, of course we need to stretch first, but do ya wanna give it a go?" - Harley

"Sure." - Maria

Ivy and Catwoman sat down on a couch a few feet away from where Maria and Harley stood in the empty part of the building. They started out with stretches, and to Catwoman's surprise (and Harley's delight) Maria copied Harleys streches perfectly.

"Ok, now that that's done, we'll start with some cartwheels, then move on to flips, then handsprings and so on." - Harley

Maria gave Harley a nod... and they were off... literally, Harley did a cartwheel into a handspring, and a few backflips, Maria executed it flawlessly. Harley did some more complicated gymnastics tricks, and Maria did it, Harley did triple backflips going into a cartwheel, into a summersault, and Maria did that perfectly as well. This went on until both Harley and Maria were slightly out of breath, both having massive smiles on their faces.

"Ives, please let her join, she's like a mini me." - Harley then hugged Maria and they somehow both tripled in cuteness as they both did puppy (or Puss In Boots style) eyes at Catwoman and Ivy.

"Sure Harley." - Ivy said walking over to give Harley a small kiss on the cheek.

"Okay... but she doesn't have a costume yet, and she still has to think of a name for herself." - Catwoman

"Is a mouse good, like a mouse themed costume, that or a Turtle themed one. What do you think Harley?" - Maria

"Mmmm, I like that with the mouse you can always toy with Cat, ya know, cat an' mouse stuff, turtle seems... weird even fawh Gotham, so personally I would pick mouse, just because of the cheesy jokes you could do." - Harley

"Very funny, ok then, give me a moment." Maria then reached out her hand, her eyes then started to glow an icy blue, and a small portal opened in front of her, she reached in and pulled out a small pendant necklace. After she put it on a small mouce appeared and greated itself, Marias' eyes going back to normal after closing the portal.

"Hello I'm Mullo, nice to meet you all."

"Omg omg omg, It's soooo f-ckin' CUTE!" - Harley

"Best to assume all of them are extremely cute Harls." - Ivy

"What the Hell did I miss in the week I was gone?!" - Catwoman

"Ehh, not much, oh but Iron Man did fly aroun' Gotham a few times earlier this mornin' like a madman." - Harley

"Oh sh-t." - Maria

"Maria are ya ok? That was ya first official proper curse in my presence." Harley said looking over to the girl.

"He's gonna kill me." - Maria

"Wait, what do you mean Marigold?" - Ivy

"... He's my Uncle, and I never got to text him I was ok, since my phone died before I met you." - Maria

"Hey, I'm sure he'll understand, now what are we watchin'?" - Harley

"I think we have more important matters other than movies at the moment!" - Catwoman

"Ok, Me Myself and Irene it is." - Harley

"No! You basically kidnapped Iron Mans' NIECE!!!" - Catwoman

"Technically, she fainted and us bein' the good Gothamites we are, decided to take her with us, to make sure she was a-okay." - Harley

"I'm ganna need more than just a six pack of soda to get me through this... Just put the movie on already." - Catwoman

Catwoman sat at the far left end of the couch, next to her sat Ivy, then Maria, and then Harley, Bud and Lou by their feet. All of them sharing one big blanket (Becuase if Iron Man did show up, or any of the birds, then Maria was in a protective burrito and they may not see her right away) and they started the movie.

•—–·–—•

"Oh god, the poor cow." - Maria

.........

"Hahahaha, he stuck a whole f-ckin' chicken head in that guys @ss" - Harley

"The poor chicken." - Maria

"Maria you don't want to see this part." - Ivy then lightly covered her eyes for the ehem, chicken extraction.

.........

"Anyone up for another movie?" - Harley

"That depends." - Ivy

"Any suggestions Cat?" - Harley looked across to the other end of the couch to see Catwoman already sleeping.

"She took her cat-nap already? Seriously?" - Harley

"... What about Pirates of The Caribbean?" - Maria

"I'm good with that." - Ivy

And they started the next movie, Maria was happy, it felt like when her maman and papa would sleep with her when she made a pillow fort. It was a loving atmosphere, it felt safe, and nothing could ruin it. Marias' eyes became heavy, and she leaned her head on Harleys' shoulder, falling asleep after a few minutes.

Ivy paused the move looking over to see both Harley and Maria sleeping, soon Ivy also fell asleep in the comfortable silence.

…………………………

Around an hour later Maria woke up in a panic, she had a nightmare, and kept looking around frantically for someone with tears running down her face.

"What's the matter hun?" - Harley said looking around to see if someone had gotten in. When she looked back at Maria she saw that she was crying.

"What happened?" Harley asked in a kind voice that was filled with motherly love.

"I, just *hic* had a bad dream that's *hic* all, I'm fine." - Maira said trying to wipe the tears away.

"You're ok, I promise nothin's goin' to happen to ya as long as Ivy and I are here, ok hun?" - Harley hugged Maria, and she could feel the girl let out a few more sobs, and quick breathes.

"Thanks Maman." Maria didn't even realize what she had said, it just felt natural for her to say it.

"You're welcome hun." 'Omg I'm gonna cry, she called me maman!' Harley rubbed small circles over Marias' back, and began humming until she fell asleep, she continued to hug Maria until she also fell asleep.

•—–· Back to the Chaos Bat-Cave ·–—•

"What do you mean she's with two of Gotham City's Sirens?!" - Tony

"Tony, calm down, I'll call Selina, she can talk to them and get this all sorted out." - Bruce

"Your fiancee is a Gotham Siren too?! Why didn't you tell me?!" - Tony

"Why isn't she picking up? And unlike some people, this family doesn't like outing our secret identities... on live TV." - Bruce

"Oh well excuse me for not keeping my secret identity a SECRET!" - Tony

"I'll try calling her one more time." - Bruce

"Bruce, it's 3am. Who in their right mind ever stays up this late.... aside from this family." - Tim with a giant coffee mug in hand.

"... I'll just call her one more time." Bruce then connected it to the Bat-Computer so everyone could hear.

•—–· Back to the Sirens ·–—•

Catwoman's phone is ringing like crazy, waking everyone up, including a tired, annoyed, and confused Selina.

"Wth does he want at 3 in the morning?!" - Selina

"Just answer it so we can keep sleepin'." - Harley still hugging Maria

"I'm putting it on speaker, so you lot can testify against his @ss in court, for disturbing the peace."

•—–· Over to Batsy ·–—•

"Selina I need to ask-"

"WHAT THE F-CKING HELL DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND ABOUT A GOOD NIGHTS REST!" - Selina

"Oooooh, she sounds pissed Bruce." - Jason

"I'm sorry to call you at this hour, but we need to find a girl that looks just like every single one of my other kids." - Bruce

"Bruce... I thought we agreed that 7 kids was. the. f-cking. limit." - Selina

•—–· Back to the Sirens ·–—•

Selina looked over to Maria before muting the speaker.

"Do you want them to know you're here Kitten?" - Selina

"... I'm tired, I haven't had coffee, I have no filter, so f-ck it, act like you never saw me today, and let them drown in chaos. " - Maria

"I think I like filter less Maria." - Harley

"Okay." Selina shrugged her shoulders and then un-muted her phone, putting it back on speaker mode.

"Where was she last seen?" - Selina

"She was last seen with Harley and Poison Ivy, I want you to see if she's still with them." - Bruce

Selina looked over to Maria and Harley, both of them shook their heads with mischievous grins.

"I've been with them all day, and I haven't once seen a girl that looks like your kids. Now can I go back to sleep, and forget this ever happened?" - Selina

"WHERE IS MY NIECE!!!" - Tony

"Oh, hey Tony, didn't know you were there, don't know who, or where your niece is, but good luck trying to find her. Oh and Bruce, I'm shutting my phone off so you don't keep calling till the butt crack of dawn. And congrats it's now 4am. you owe me a lunch date, uh-ba-bye." Selina then hung up her phone and turned it off.

"That went pretty well if you ask me, now I'm going back to sleep." - Selina

•—–· Back to Batsy ·–—•

The room was silent for a few minutes before Jason spoke up.

"Does that mean that Pixiepop ran away and is even more lost now?!" - Jason

"Oh god, what do we do, what if she got hurt?!" - Dick

"What if she got kidnapped?!" - Jason

"What if she's with a big time Gotham Villain?!" - Dick

"... What if she got more coffee?" - Tim

"Oh Hell No" - Jason/Dick

"... Lets all go to sleep, and when we wake up, we'll head over to their base and double check. She could've just said that because I called her at 3am." - Bruce

"But my niece is still out there!" - Tony

"You're going to sleep Tony." - Pepper then dragged Tony to his room.

•—–· Back to Maria ·–—•

Selina went to a different part of the building, where Maria assumed the bedrooms were. Ivy had gone to the greenhouse to be with the plants, and now it was just her and Harley left on the couch, and she couldn't sleep.

"... Harley?" - Maria

"Yeah hun?" - Harley

"I can't sleep." - Maria

"Well, watcha wanna do till ya get tired?" Harley asked sitting up a little straighter to get a better look at Maria.

Maria gave a sly smile, and looked Harley in the eyes "Want to go free-running on the rooftops?"

"... Alright, but lets get some coffee, and a snack in us first." - Harley gave her a side hug, before getting up to go make the coffee, and grab some snacks.

After they had their coffee, they climbed to the roof of the base. Harley was in her outfit, bat in hand and ready to do some bonding.

"So, how does ya outfit work?" - Harley

"Like so, ready Mullo?" - Maria

"Yes Maria" - Mullo

"Ok, Mullo, Get Squeaky!" A bright light flashes, and when Harley could see again, Maria was in a dark gray suit, wearing black knee high boots, with a strip of pink at the knee, and black elbow length gloves with the same pink strip at her elbow. Her mask was a slightly lighter gray on the top part, and pink on the bottom. Her hair was pulled into two buns with pink ribbons that faded to gray, and to black at the very tip. Her jump rope around her waist forming a tail going just below the back of her knees.

"Just when I think ya can't get any more adorable. So what should I call ya?" - Harley

"You can call me Multimouse." - Maria

Soon they were racing and doing tricks off different roofs, they were really enjoying themselves. From one of the roofs they heard a commotion in one of the alleys, when they looked down they saw a man holding a woman at gunpoint.

"Not good, seems like he's got issues, probably lost his lover, most likely has additions to drugs and alcohol, and seems to be a little tipsy." - Harley

"I've got a plan." - Multimouse

…………

Multimouse droped a little way behind the guy, grabbing his attention while Harley got the lady to safety.

"You know there's a help center two blocks from here that would be more than willing to help you." - Multimouse

The crook just raised his gun to her trying to keep it steady as he spoke.

"Give me all your money little girl, or else I'll hurt you."

"1. That's not how you hold a gun. 2. That is no way to treat any girl. and 3. Instead of money, I'll give you my jump rope." - Multimouse

"Why the hell would I want your jump rope, that thing looks worthless." the crook lowered his guard enough as Multimouse pretended to hand over her jump rope, only to use it in a quick motion to dismarm the man, as Harley promptly knocked him out with one swing.

"Lets neva have ya at gunpoint again, okay hun? I'm afraid my heart can't take it." - Harley said while tying the crook to a lamppost.

"Sorry, but it was the best idea I could come up with at the moment, besides, any guy with a gun would feel like they have the upper hand if they're facing a random little girl with a jump rope, rather than Gothams' Harley Quinn with a bat." - Multimouse

"Sadly I'm just too popular with the kiddos on the street." - Harley

…………

They continued to stop a few more muggers on the way back to the base, and when they got back they peaked around the corner to see the whole Batfam plus Iron Man talking with Ivy and Selina.

"How much you want to bet we can get back out before they see us?" - Whispering Multimouse

"... Lets try hidin' in the kitchen." - Whispering Harley

As they tried to sneak by (still in their costumes) Selina just walks over and draggs them to the group.

"Here, now let me sleep!" - Selina

"Dang it Selina we wanted tah see just how long we could hide out in the kitchen!" - Harley

Selina did a double take now realizing they both went out.

"... You didn't." - Selina

"We wanted tah go free-runnin'! So what?" - Harley

"She could've gotten hurt Harls." - Ivy

"My suits magic, I am invulnerable to bullets, normal magic, swords, knifes, anything staby staby, and I can withstand any temperature in it." Multimouse said with a slight pout.

"Hold up, is she a magical girl?" - Red Hood in the background

When Selina let go both Harley and Multimouse went behind Ivy for protection.

"We can still make a run for it." - Harley whispered to Multimouse

"... Ok, I'll meet you on the roof." - Whispering Multimouse

Harley gave a nod as she slowly inched her wasy closer to the door that lead to the roof, as she saw Iron Man approach Multimouse.

"Please get out of your suit, we need to talk about why you're here-" - Iron Man

"Multitute!" - Multimouse

Harley then saw Multimouse shrink into dozens of tiny little versions of herself as her clones spread out in all directions, one of which was heading right for her.

"Wth, you never told us she could use magic!" - Red Robin

Harley picked her up, and slipped through the door without anyone noticing.

"That was great, but how do ya get back tuh normal size?" - Harley

"Simple, I just merge back with my clones." As she said this, all her clones came back, and she merged with herself, becoming normal sized again.

"Where to?" - Multimouse

………… So now The Batfam is trying to find many long gone Mini-Multimouses, and Harley seems to have disappeared with her. Harley and Multimouse are now running over the roofs, heading for Wayne Manor.

"So why are we going to Wayne Manor?" - Multimouse

"Because, Batsy will neva think of lookin' for us at his own home, at least not fawh a little while." - Harley

When they arrived at the Manor, Multimouse de-transformed as Harley knocked on the door.

"Ms. Quinn, Ms. Maria, pleasure to see you here, please come in." - Alfred

"Are any of the bat-birds here?" - Harley

"Ms. Barbara, Ms. Stephanie, and Ms. Cassandra are the only ones here at the moment." - Alfred

"Do ya think you can keep us bein' here a secret from Batsy?" - Harley

"Harley? What are you doing here with Maria?" - Barbara

"It seems that Ms. Harley and Ms. Maria are now playing hide and seek with the rest of the family." - Alfred

"Did someone say hide and seek?" - Steph

"Yes, so could we maybe try and keep this a secret from everyone else, please?" - Maria

"Sure, it was starting to get boring around here. We can all hide in the living room no one ever use. Barbara you show them the way, I'll get the food/drinks and boardgames." - Steph

"Is this alright with you Alfred?" Maria

"It's all right Ms. Maria, you can hide out in the old living room." - Alfred

"Thanks Alfie, ya the best." - Harley

"Thank you Alfred." - Maria

"Ok then, follow me." - Barbara

…………

In the old living room, Harley, Maria, Barbara, Steph, and Cass began to formulate a plan.

"Ok, so the best way for them to never find you is to have your phone off, stay away from any and all cameras, and show your face to no one." - Steph

"So, do you have anything in mind that you might want to do?" - Barbara

"Can we put them on a wild goose chase?" - Maria

Cass nodded to Marias' suggestion approvingly.

"I can hack a few traffic cams to help with that." - Barbara

"We can also throw in some useless hints, to throw dem even further off our scent." - Harley

"Good idea Harley." - Barbara

"Thanks, but how long do ya think we should make it last?" - Harley

"As long as Maria wants it to." - Barbara

"Then let the games begin." - Maria.

•—–—–·†·–—–—•

Chapter 5 complete. Hope everyone is stayin' safe, Rockin' those Positive Vibes, and havin' an absolutely wonderful day. BUG-OUT 🐞💮🐞

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mypoisonedvine · 3 years

Text

A Beautiful Little Fool | dark!Sebastian Stan x reader (The Great Gatsby AU)

well, The Great Gatsby entered the public domain today, so I thought I’d besmirch it with some filthy dark smut. overall I did not put too much effort into relating my story to the plot or themes of the novel, just the setting and basic instigating actions, so don’t look too hard for an obvious allegory or familiar characters. this stunning moodboard (and, best of all, the incredible edits of seb as gatsby) was made by @nsfwsebbie who was also so kind as to beta for me and be my sounding board, thank you so much!!

summary: a reclusive millionaire throws extravagant parties in hopes that his lost love will attend and he can get one more chance to win her back. one can get used to getting whatever they desire, a little too comfortable with the idea that money can attain anything.

word count: 5.2k

warnings: smut (noncon/heavy dubcon), forced infidelity, a touch of breeding kink, period-accurate sexism (if anything it's a bit more toned down compared to 'period-accurate'), very slight yandere energy, obsession, one (1) slap

all my works are 18+, if you are under 18 please do not read

I was within and without; simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.

You could already hear the music and you were still a block away. “Sounds like quite the ball,” Walter observed, and you clung tighter onto his arm as you walked with him along the damp pavement. “Seems like the rumors might just be true about Stan parties.”

“All the rumors are true,” you informed him quickly, pulling your shawl up to protect your shoulders a bit better from the chilly evening breeze, “except for one.”

You took in a slow, deep breath as you observed the mansion from the outside; partygoers were mingling about in the yard and gardens, even though it was much too cold to be outside for very long, in your humble opinion. Walter opened the door for you, being polite that way, but you found yourself hesitating before you stepped in out of the dark and the cold into the overwhelming light and warmth of his mansion.

You thought maybe you could avoid him, at least for the first hour or so of the party, but it was like he had been waiting at the door just for you to arrive, twiddling his ring-adorned thumbs in that gaudy tuxedo of his.

“Darling!” Sebastian greeted with a beaming grin, outstretching his arms (a cane in one hand, and a drink in the other) to wrap you in an embrace. “You’re late!”

“Fashionably,” you defended with a nervous laugh, pulling back from the hug a little sooner than he seemed to want you to. You almost forgot Walter was standing right beside you, and an awkward beat made you suddenly remember they ought to be introduced. “Oh! Sebastian, I’m not sure you’ve met my fiancé, Walter Penner.”

“Pleasure,” Walter offered his hand for a handshake, smiling warmly. “Your home is stunning, I must say. You… really know how to throw a party.”

Sebastian just shrugged like it was nothing before returning the handshake, but his cheeks were a little pinker than they were before— maybe it was just the draft you’d let in when you and your date had entered the front door. “The pleasure’s all mine,” he assured, “I’ve been hearing so much about you from your lovely fiancée here, I’m excited to see if it’s all true.”

“Walter said the same thing about you, outside,” you admitted with a sheepish grin, and your date cast you a brief glare of embarrassment.

“She’s never been too good at keeping secrets,” Sebastian chuckled, “yours, mine, or hers.”

The negging comment made your cheeks warm a little, wondering if you should defend yourself, but Walter spoke instead. “You must be used to it by now, I hear the two of you have been close friends since you were children.”

Memories of summer flashed in your mind, of green soft grass between toes and secret hideaways in trees and warm sunshine casting the countryside in a golden glow. It seemed like that was all so far away now, the hilly landscape replaced with industry, the sun outshined by the electrical lights that seemed to cover nearly the entire mansion these days.

“Yes,” Sebastian agreed, tearing you from your train of imaginative thought and turning to address you, “you’ve known me since I was just a penniless dreamer with two good legs.”

You were a little surprised he was so comfortable admitting that he didn’t come from wealth. Maybe some people thought it was more inspiring that way, but others would say that it was impossible for him to truly shed his place in society as a poor sharecropper’s son.

But then again, they would say the same thing about you, and you’d become engaged to the wealthiest bachelor in Manhattan, as well as a man you were lucky enough to say you were truly in love with.

Sebastian let the two of you go and enjoy the party for a while, though you were sure you could feel his eyes on you all the while. Walter went and fetched the two of you some drinks, while you waited beside a small statuette that Sebastian must have collected some time, tilting your head as you observed it. He had an eye for art that you couldn’t relate to, although you at least understood why he might enjoy a bronze cast of a beautiful nude woman.

As some young women flocked in a group beside you, their conversation became impossible to ignore. “He’s single,” one of them announced, “and fabulously wealthy. The perfect man.”

“Yes,” another agreed, “but he’s so reserved.”

“I like that!” the first defended.

“I think you’d like anything about somebody who could afford to throw a party like this,” yet another accused with a smirk. A fit of giggles made it seem like the rest agreed with that sentiment.

“You’re all just jealous because he was looking at me,” she frowned defensively. “He’ll want a wife sometime, and I’ll be here waiting.”

You were almost compelled to butt in, but if you told them the truth they probably wouldn’t even believe you. Some papers had reported that the elusive Mr. Stan was disinterested in dating or engagement, but usually attributed it to eccentricity or promiscuousness. What they had not discovered was that he was still hung up on his childhood love, the girl next door who had captured his heart as a boy and never given it back— not for a lack of trying.

It wasn’t like you hadn’t considered it, in fact you had returned his affections many years ago when he left to fight in the Great War. It seemed that with you and Sebastian, it was always the right person at the wrong time; and maybe, deep down, you knew that Walter had been the wrong person at the right time, but your love for him was true if forced. He didn’t make you laugh like Sebastian could, but in the end it was best that the two of you stay friends and that he finally take up any of the lovely girls vying for his affection. Maybe some were only seeking his money… okay, maybe all of them were only seeking his money, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a girl worth his time in the bunch. An ambitious man like Sebastian wouldn’t have much trouble forging a real connection with someone like the woman standing beside you know, gossiping about how secretive and handsome he was.

When the chit-chat stopped, you looked up to see what had garnered their attention… only to find Sebastian standing right beside you. “I bought this in Sicily, thinking it was an original, but I learned recently that it’s a fake,” he informed you. You furrowed your brow in confusion until he pointed forward and you realized he was referring to the statue you’d been staring at.

“Oh! Right,” you mumbled.

“I still keep it on display because as of yet, nobody else can tell the difference,” he admitted. There he was lifting that façade again, letting his guests see a glimpse of the dirty truth he usually hid away.

“What’s inspiring this openness, Sebastian?” you asked him with a nervous giggle. “Are you high on something?”

“Just your presence,” he returned with a flirtatious grin, “and a bit of opium.”

You knew he was joking, although the ladies eavesdropping nearby didn’t seem so sure. “Yes, I think an opium addiction would suit you nicely,” you rolled your eyes, “to go with all this excessiveness you indulge yourself in.”

“I think I’ll just stick with the champagne for now,” he decided. “Have you had some yet? It’s exquisite.”

“Walter went to fetch me some,” you remembered, glancing out into the crowd to see if you’d find him there looking for you.

“Oh, perfect!”

You weren’t sure what was perfect about that.

“I’ve been meaning to speak with you, in private, if I can,” he explained.

That idea didn’t sit right with you. Even just speaking to him now without your fiancé nearby was a bit scandalous, but at least there were plenty of people nearby to witness to the fact that nothing especially untoward had occurred. Being truly alone with him sounded much more dangerous. “You can,” you replied solemnly, “but I can’t say that you will.”

“Please,” he whispered, just a hint of his desperation becoming apparent. You nodded and he smiled back at you, guiding you across the foyer and up the stairs. He grabbed a drink from a waiter and handed it to you as you dutifully followed him upstairs, glancing down over the banister at the merriment before he led you into his room, the sounds of the party fading to near silence behind the door as he closed it behind you.

"Do you like the party, darling?" he asked as you swallowed a gulp of champagne which tingled at the back of your throat and did less to calm your nerves than you’d hoped.

"Yes," you nodded, "your parties are always… lavish."

"It's all for you," he informed you with a gentle smile. "All this: the music, the fireworks, the champagne—" he motioned to the glass in your hand— "it's all for you."

"For… me?"

He stepped closer with a chuckle, that light little chuckle that you’d grown to understand meant ‘oh, you silly little thing.’ “Of course. Who else? I love you, darling, I’ve loved you all my life— you know that.”

“And I’m engaged to Walter,” you reminded him. “You know that, too.”

His smile faded slightly, and you saw him trying to shake that anger that was always waiting just below the surface. “Yes, I know that. I’m not stupid—”

"You must be if you think this is going to work, that I’ll leave him for you because… because what? You threw me a party?”

“I threw you a thousand parties. Every single one, it was all a show— all the dancing and the small talk, I don’t need it. It could just be the two of us, for all I care.”

“I could hardly imagine we’d finish all the booze…”

“Don’t joke with me. Do I look like I’m joking?”

“You’re funny either way; you hardly speak with me, you hardly know me, and you think you love me.”

You gasped as he stepped forward, grabbing your wrist tightly. A sharp sound made you understand that your champagne flute had fallen to the floor and shattered, but you didn’t see it because you couldn’t look away from his icy blue eyes piercing through you as they burned with rage. “I love you. I’ve never loved anyone or anything like I love you. And you’re gonna love me, too.”

Protests died in your throat as the air was knocked from your lungs when he pushed you back into the wall. He forced his lips over yours, holding the back of your neck so you couldn’t turn your face away. Your free hand beat at his chest before it, too, was pinned by the wrist while he sighed and moaned against you, pushing his tongue between your lips. A swift kick to the shin deterred him more effectively, knocking him back just enough to let you run for the door. Your fingertips just barely brushed against the cold metal of the doorknob before he grabbed you at the waist and pulled you back. “Help!” you screamed hoarsely.

“Nobody’s gonna hear you,” he laughed, pressing his chest against your back, his breath hot on your neck. “The party’s too loud.”

He spun you around quickly, leaning in for another kiss. “Walter!” you yelped, purely out of instinct, but he stopped you with a hand clamped over your mouth.

“How dare you say his name,” he hissed. “How dare you bring him into my house?”

You couldn’t answer with his strong fingers holding your mouth shut, but you could mumble indistinctly as you began to cry.

“Has he fucked you? Hm?” he interrogated coldly. Afraid of giving no answer at all, you hesitated before shaking your head. Sebastian smiled a little bit as he let his hand slip down from your face, his expression softening.

“He’s… he’s a real gentleman,” you explained weakly.

“Oh, I’m sure,” Sebastian chuckled incredulously. “Never thought you’d want someone so… traditional.”

“He treats me right,” you continued.

“That can’t be true, if he hasn’t taken you properly,” he smirked. “God, you don’t even know how good you can feel, do you? Poor girl. I have half a mind to throw you over that bed and show you right now.”

“N-no, Seba, please, you wouldn’t,” you stammered anxiously, watching his eyes drift from your own down to your lips, and your neck, and your chest. You knew the plunging neckline was a bad idea.

“You haven’t called me that since we were children. I miss that, when you still cared for me.”

“I’ve always cared for you, it’s you that pushed me away,” you reminded him. “But it’s okay, we’ll be close again, like we used to. We’ll be friends. Just… just let me go, we should go back outside… your guests are expecting you.”

“What was that game we used to play back then?” he wondered aloud, ignoring your suggestion entirely. “It was your favorite.”

“Ch-checkers?”

He grinned, more devilish than before. “No… it was ‘I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.’”

You looked away, wincing at his mocking laughter as he held you a little tighter; the back of your dress was rather low, meaning that his rough hand was stroking your exposed back which made the hairs at the nape of your neck stand up.

“Do you still remember how to play?” he purred as he spun you back and tossed you onto the bed. You tried to sit up but he was already on you, reaching under your dress to grab at your pantyhose.

“W-wait,” you whimpered, but he had already found your undergarments and begun to pull them down your thighs.

“These legs,” he growled, “god, I can’t get enough of ‘em. You know what you do to me, sweetheart?”

He answered his own question rather quickly as he grabbed your hips and pulled you closer to where he was kneeling on the bed— pressing the back of your thigh against the hard shape tenting his trousers. You grimaced and looked back up at the ceiling, but he grabbed your chin between his thumb and pointer finger, pulling your face back down to look at where he was hovering over you.

“No, no, darling, don’t look away,” he cooed, “I want you to see this.”

He lifted your leg as he turned his head to the side, never breaking from your gaze as he started to kiss your skin, moving up your calves and dipping lower to reach your inner thigh. You weren’t entirely sure what he was doing, but you felt it sending shivers up your body as he moved closer and closer to somewhere he was very much not supposed to be. “Seba,” you whimpered, not sure what you were pleading with him for but hoping it would get through to him anyways.

He just smiled wider, letting his teeth nip the delicate skin just beneath your hips. You yelped a bit before biting down on your lip to keep quiet; you knew that if someone walked in now, you wouldn’t be able to say that he’d forced himself on you… not when you were lying back and letting him do this to you.

Just when you thought his mouth couldn’t get any closer to the part of you that was suddenly throbbing of its own accord, he pulled back and pushed up your dress even more, growling at the sight of you spread wide for him. “What a gorgeous pussy, darling.” It didn’t seem like a sign of approval though, when he brought his hand down against it with a harsh smack, forcing you to cry out and throw your head back. It hurt, at first, but then it felt so oddly good and you couldn’t explain why. When he did it again, the pain and the pleasure were even more intense than the last time, making your legs quiver a bit. “Oh, you like that,” he realized proudly. “You’re getting so wet already.”

He hit you again, and again, until you were sobbing and begging for him to stop— not just because he was hurting you, but because you knew if he didn’t stop, you would reach your peak and that could not happen under any circumstances. You couldn’t like this. If you came, he would be able to tell so easily; he was literally staring right between your legs, there was nowhere to hide from him.

“Fuck, I can’t wait any longer,” he groaned, “I need to get a taste of you.”

You, being foolish and innocent in these regards, thought he was going to kiss you again. In a way, he did; he grabbed your thighs tightly as he leaned down and latched his mouth onto your aching, swollen sex, moaning loudly as he explored you with his tongue. Your eyes shot wide open, your hands reaching down to push him away only to falter halfway through and dig into his hair instead. Between his lips, his tongue, and his teeth, it was like you couldn’t keep track of all the ways he was touching you. Each moan from him vibrated right through you, until you were moaning even louder. It was shameful, and your heart ached to know you were betraying Walter like this, but you were lost completely in the throes of pleasure that Sebastian was giving you.

Forcing your eyes shut only made the feeling more intense as your hands tightened into fists, gathering the satin-y through beneath you in your clammy palms. But opening your eyes and looking back at him wasn’t much help either, with the way he was staring back at you so intensely. You’d never seen his eyes so dark before, not in all the years you’d known him, and it made your skin crawl.

He stopped briefly to catch his breath, his prideful smile glistening with your arousal; it was awfully lewd, and you hated how attractive he looked all disheveled and hungry like this.

“You really ought to be spoiled,” he decided, his voice deeper and rougher around the edges. “It’s a waste if nobody’s making you come like this every day, getting a taste of this sweet little cunt.”

That word made you wince, and you realized you were more offended by what he was saying than what he was doing, oddly enough.

He got back to it with more vigor than before, pushing his tongue into you as you bit down on your lip to keep from screaming. How could something so wrong feel so thoroughly right, so perfect? You hated him just as much as you loved him in that moment, and you wanted him to stop just as much as you wanted him to keep going. The tricky thing was that you didn’t get to decide if you loved or hated him, or he stopped or continued. Your body and mind were his playthings, pliable to whatever he wanted to take from you.

Apparently, he wanted to take more from you; when he had pushed you to your peak against your wishes, and done so much more easily than you would’ve liked to admit, he sat back and tossed away his jacket, freeing him to shirk his suspenders and unbutton his trousers.

“N-no, Seba, you can’t—” you whimpered mindlessly, attempting to crawl back away from him on the bed.

“You’ll let me devour you until you come, but don’t want me to get mine, too?” he grinned. “Greedy little girl.”

He grabbed you and pulled you back down into him, gripping the neckline of your dress and tearing it down the front in a few quick rips. You fought back but it was laughably useless, your strength nothing against his.

“I hate when you wear things like this— things he bought you,” he explained with a snarl. “These pearls, too, he got you these, right?”

There wasn’t even time to answer before he grabbed the string and snapped it, sending the pearls flying everywhere and rolling across the floor. You felt more naked without them than you did without the dress. Still, you felt especially naked when he pressed his hips forward and his length slid through your folds. “No,” you sighed, “no— stop, it’s not funny anymore.”

“Funny?” he grimaced. You yelped when he grabbed your jaw tightly, forcing you to look back up at him with wide, watery eyes. “I love you. You hear me? I love you.”

“I know,” you sighed shakily.

“Say it back,” he demanded. “Say you love me, too.”

“I can’t,” you shuddered, crying when he released your jaw to slap you harshly across the face.

“I’m sorry that I had to do that,” he sighed. “I don’t think it’s right for a man to strike a woman, even if it’s with an open hand, but you need to get some sense into you. I know you love me, darling. You just need to say it.”

That false impression of mercy faded quickly when you only responded with silence.

“Say it!” he yelled, dripping with rage.

“I love you!” you finally cried, and he made swift work of reaching down to push his cock right up against your entrance, driving forward with brutal force. Your back arched and your head fell back, your hands gripping at his half-buttoned shirt— some kind of silent plea that he slow down a bit, perhaps. It didn’t seem to work, each thrust deeper and faster than the last already. The only sounds now were his quickening breaths right beside your ear, his skin slapping against yours, and your weak little cries that you choked out each time he pushed himself all the way into you.

It stung and burned inside you, just like your eyes stung with fresh tears and your chest burned with some incomprehensible storm of emotions. You wouldn’t call anything about this a relief, and yet there was something cathartic about it as well.

“He’s not gonna want you once he knows what I’ve done to you,” he whispered in your ear, tickling your leg as he pulled it to wrap around his waist. “Once he knows I’ve taken your innocence, made you mine.”

You whimpered as sobs made your chest convulse, but said nothing; you knew he was right.

“He’s not gonna want you once I’ve knocked you up. Nobody will… but me.”

You started to struggle underneath him, pushing at his shoulders helplessly. “No, you can’t— you have to stop.”

“You’ll make such a beautiful bride, darling, especially if you’re already showing,” he grinned, bringing his hand to rest just below your bellybutton— just over your womb. “I’ve dreamed all my life that you’d carry my child,” he admitted wistfully.

Crying did more to egg him on than anything, it seemed, as you barely managed to speak enough to plead with him not to finish inside you. Maybe you were naïve, but not so much that you didn't know how easily you could become pregnant if he didn't pull out, or how quickly your engagement would be broken off and your reputation ruined if that happened.

He ignored your denial and moved faster, running his hands all over your body with a few brief detours to grope your breasts and pinch the hardened nipples.

As his lips attached to your neck, you felt his teeth sink into your skin as he sucked just by your pulse. “Don’t,” you whimpered, “you’ll leave a mark.”

“Good,” he mumbled, breaking away from his work at your neck to teasingly nibble on your ear. “It’s no trouble to me if everyone knows what I’ve done to you. I want them to know. Don’t you think they saw us come into my room? Maybe if you moan loud enough they’ll get to hear you coming for me.”

It should’ve made you try even harder to stay quiet— and it did, it just didn’t work at all, and soon your moans were echoing around the room as he smiled down at you. “Close again, already? You’re so sweet for me,” he praised, somehow angling his hips just right to hit the most sensitive places inside you, your walls rippling and convulsing around him.

“You have t-to stop,” you breathed, holding the waves of pleasure back with everything you had.

“I can’t,” he groaned, “you feel too good. It’s okay, darling, just let go…”

He continued with a string of whispered praises, but you couldn’t hear it anymore as your body began to erupt in jolts of pleasure, your arms and legs shaking uncontrollably where they were wrapped around his neck and hips, respectively.

“Keep going,” he encouraged gently, “you sound so beautiful when you come, darling.”

But the sensation threatened to consume you, burned you from the inside out until you couldn’t take anymore. It was overwhelming to the point that you lost all control over your words, needing this to end more than you needed to preserve any dignity you had left. “Please,” you sighed, “please come, Sebastian…”

He laughed a bit, kissing your ear again. “Sweet girl, I knew you’d come around. Want it inside, darling?”

You shook your head, he laughed again.

“Yes you do,” he sing-songed condescendingly, “you want to have my baby, don’t you? Wanna leave that awful man and be with me, like you should?”

He must’ve known there was only one way to get you to agree to that.

“Remember, darling,” he whispered, “it won’t end until you say yes.”

“Yes,” you choked out, “I want to be with you, Seba, I want your baby— just please come and get off of me.”

He grinned and fucked you faster, the slapping of skin so loud now that surely anyone in the hall would hear it. His own moans were quiet but desperate, breathless as he started to pump and flex inside you, his warmth coating your insides as he groaned your name weakly. He laid on top of you, motionless, for quite some time until finally sitting up and pulling out; unfortunately, you were too weak to do much with that freedom, just laying there and staring up at the ceiling as numbness chilled your extremities and fogged your mind.

“You just stay here and catch your breath,” he instructed gently as he gave you one last kiss before sitting up, readjusting his trousers and suspenders before finding his jacket on the floor to put back on. He circled the bed to look out his window into the gardens, seeming much too relaxed and satisfied with himself.

“W-Walter,” you remembered suddenly. “He’ll be looking for me.”

“Hm, doesn’t seem like it,” Sebastian frowned, “I can see him now, having quite the conversation with a fine young woman.”

“What?” you shivered, sitting up to look at him as he stared down into the yard.

“I’m looking right at him, darling. I figured you knew about his… reputation…”

You did, but you never really believed it; the papers lied about Sebastian all the time, so surely rumors about your fiancé could be just as unfounded.

“I need to go,” you decided as you jumped up off the bed, trying to cover yourself with your torn dress.

“Sweetheart,” Sebastian cooed sympathetically as he looked back at you, “where are you gonna go dressed like that? Or, should I say, not dressed like that? I know my parties can get a little wild, but we try not to have any nudity.”

You hated that he was right; you were trapped here, until you found some way to dress yourself. And frankly, leaving his room dressed in different clothes than when you came in was nearly as bad as leaving his room naked.

“I’ll get you something to wear, just give me a moment, alright?” he offered, stopping to give you a peck on the forehead before slipping out of the door and back into the party.

He took a deep breath when he shut the door behind him, closing his eyes briefly to stabilize himself before putting on a smile and rejoining his guests. A lot of people tried to stop him on his way, congratulated him on the party or asking him mundane questions, but he shrugged them all off as he continued his search for Walter Penner. He found him looking rather lost somewhere by the west wing of the house, a drink in each hand.

“Two at a time, I like your style,” Sebastian boomed as he patted Walter on the back affectionately. “The drinks, I mean. I don’t believe everything I read in the papers.”

“Good,” Walter chuckled, “because it isn’t true— about girls or drinks. The second glass is for my lovely fiancée— you haven’t seen her, have you?”

“Oh, I believe I have,” Sebastian put on a face like he was thinking about where he’d last seen her. “She was just leaving.”

“Leaving?!” Walter pshawed.

“Yes, she said she’d forgotten something she had to do and scurried out the door. I tried to stop her, but you know how she is when she gets her mind on something.”

“Hm,” Walter frowned. “I suppose I’m meant to go looking for her.”

“Take a coat, it’s cold out there,” Sebastian offered. “And if you see her, do tell her I give her my best.”

“Always,” Walter nodded, setting his drinks down and merging back into the crowd as he navigated out of the party. Sebastian hummed a little tune to himself as he made his way back to his room; he could hardly wait to see you again already, tell you all about how your unfaithful betrothed had run off with one of his more promiscuous friends, but he had to be careful not to run too fast on his bad leg. He figured you wouldn’t believe it, truly, but you’d give in to the story anyways if it was reason enough to justify your affair with him. You had a talent for accepting whatever reality served your purposes best, and he was happy to give you whatever you wanted. He figured you’d want an extravagant wedding, too; that would be easy enough.

Ascending the stairs and resting his hand on the knob to open his door, he braced himself to see you there and finally know you were his— and only his, forever. All he’d ever wanted, just on the other side of a door. If a poor boy can become a millionaire in spite of everything, and he can finally get his girl in spite of a pesky engagement, then maybe anything’s possible. It was you that had told him since he was a boy that dreams were just dreams and couldn’t come true; such a fool you were, a beautiful little fool— the best thing a girl can be, and now that you were his girl, he intended to cherish your foolishness rather than attempt to educate you. Because truthfully, you were a smart girl, and only a fool for him.

#sebastian stan x reader #dark!sebastian stan x reader #dark!sebastian stan #dark!sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan smut #sebastian stan dark fic

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yostresswritinggirl · 3 years

Text

Abandoned By The Altar

Part 3.1; were you really meant to be? VIBE

A timeline oriented story focused on your once perfect childhood relationship as Diluc’s bride to be, soon becoming estranged after the death of his father and his neglect. You only wish now that he looks at you the same way he did when you heard you were supposed to be together forever when you were young.

Pairings -> Diluc x Reader

Word Count -> 3510

Themes -> Reconciliation, Cyno was here, estranged relationships everywhereee

Series -> Part of Sojourner and Bonafide (event masterlist) Part 2

Warnings -> Goddamn violence

In the winery empire of the city of wine and freedom, this world is ruled by two unmatched tycoons that never fall from the top pedestal, with the mastery over wine-making and business marketing. Truly when it comes to this matter, Diluc Ragnvindr and (Y/N) (L/N) are the scariest and most charming duo to befall such economical prowess.

So when parties and gatherings are held in the Winery, noblemen and businessmen all over Teyvat scramble for a chance of invitation to level themselves to at least a humble chat with the prestigious business duo.

Yet even if they were witness, they will never be privy to the true secrets those two hold within.

"Apologies, esteemed guests. Master Diluc must excuse himself for a while," your stare shifted to the side over the rim of the glass you were cradling. His ruby eyes meeting yours after sparing the wine glass a stare, a meek nod you then reciprocate as he goes past your side with the Fatui Harbinger, the Seneschal and all other company joins him at a private room.

"But there is no cause for concern. The party shall continue under the supervision of the Mistress," you set down your drink upon hearing your name, stepping up to offer a humble yet radiant smile. You hope things work out on his end, was your thought as you finally entertained the remaining guests who recognize your prowess.

Behind your back you flicked your wrist as the Albino silently slinks away from the limelight to prepare.

The intervention was not as long as it was in terms, and yet the moment was painstakingly slow for your side. Many noblemen seeked not only your prestige as the master practitioner of economics but also the perfect wife ready for the taking. Your fingers uneasily fumble with the infinity ring on your hand, something they barely paid mind to as they continued their attempts to woo you, something you can only sigh over.

Unfortunately your 'relationship' with Diluc was still something only a few people know. There was no need to make it public yes, but it also caused a lot of unpleasant interactions that you wished you could easily avoid by telling, something you couldn't do to ensure your safety. Diluc was still a huge mystery to you despite the assurance of your encounter in the garden of cecilias.

But you thought to yourself with a sigh, a promise ring is different from an engagement ring.

A hand suddenly slides around your shoulder as you were distracted, and your head whipped to the side where the presence was with your elbow read to break a rib- "I hope I'm not intervening an important discussion," Diluc’s eyes bore straight ahead to the Fontaine businessman you were half-heartedly conversing with and your arm immediately drops to your side, "But I must discuss an urgent matter with the lady as well."

The Fontainian grumbles as he pries his head away from the hand on your head, producing his best smile in forced understanding as Diluc sweeps you away to the back. This is for a serious matter but the consistent grip on your shoulder had your mind reeling. It was only when he revealed his equipped Delusion did you have the mind to finally focus and work on your own attire.

"Guards! Take down the assassin!"

The blunt end of your polearm smacks painfully against the back of the chest plate of the guards, knocking three out as you look over to the Darknight to see him dispose the two nearest him. You then watch in awe as he summons chains from thin air, gripping them as he expertly throws it at the escaping Master Krupp, and like a lasso he was captured by the slithering cage.

Diluc's power always intrigued you since the day you were first witness of it. Not a Vision but definitely not far from it. He's also in the dark of its true meaning but even you know that he had a little bit of information from his four years of isolation, something he didn't want to tell you.

As your raise your head from staring at his Delusion, hearing their grunts of interviews, a glint to your right suddenly alerted you of another presence. "Wait-!"

"Master's planning to-"

You muffled your horrified gasp at the sight of the blood shooting out of Krupp's side, your polearm shakes in your hand before tightening your grip once again as you two turn to the assassin. Il Dotorre stands there in great poise two giant needles hovering by his sides.

He just killed his own companion, such thoughts made your face twist under the black veil that covers your identity as much as it could. And those thoughts distracted you from the one-sided conversation in front of you, "Keep up the good work and hone your unimpressive powers.

But this visionless one," an arm slinks around your waist in a blink, a masked face inches away from yours that forced you to hold your breath, "is much more remarkable than you."

Before Diluc could even reprimand him, he disappears within seconds after bidding his farewell. And your knees would have buckled if not for your fiancé catching you in the nick of time, collapsing at the tense situation that had passed.

You could have died like Krupp.

But the feeling of Diluc's arms squeezing you protectively reminds you of your existence.

Not even a day old of cecilias were swept off the stone slab in place of newly harvested ones, both batches can be mistaken to be the same with how healthy they still seem to be. This was Diluc's observation as he watches you replace the flowers on his father's grave. Crepus Ragnvindr.

Perhaps it was his own neglect and adamant refusal that made him forget about this isolated cemetery. He expected the grave keeper or at least a member of the Winery to keep it well-kept, not you who seems to have come to this place on a daily basis.

The smile he enjoys and dreads is wiped from your face as you offer a silent prayer. Eyes closed and hands together. Next to you Diluc only stands with his arms crossed as his gaze continues to linger at the engraved words.

Lisa was at the mansion earlier to investigate about the recent Fatui incident, and as the interrogation ensued by the gazebo of the Cecilia gardens, Diluc realized that you lingered in the distance to eavesdrop. In the span since your arrival and before his, did anyone else explain the accident to you? What did you hear? Did anyone actually tell you anything?

And maybe these questions were the reason that he willingly accepted your invitation to visit his father's grave just like that.

Four years without your constant touch and smiles had broken Diluc into who he is now, an empty shell of a man who once had high hopes. A helpless puppet who struggles to grasp the man he was before. And as he moves closer enough for your shoulders to touch, it was an unconscious gesture that cries for your help in the turmoil that spirals in his head.

But when you look at him with a reassuring smile— Diluc's walls fortified by four years of hatred and isolation all came crashing down with the heavy wave of his tears. The pain of that day pours out of his lips as he felt small within your arms, eyes painfully avoiding your face.

The true story of his father's death, the disaster that lead to his resignation from Ordo Favonius, his quest to find answers in all the years he had abandoned his life in Mondstadt.

There were details that you were unaware was truncated from his confessions, the only ones that mattered were those he spilled.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," words the both of you repeated for the pain you two couldn't confide to with one another ever since that day.

No, things wouldn't be fixed in one day. Hearts destroyed for years cannot be melded back today, but it is that moment that solidifies the trust between you two:

That deep within the abyss of your souls lie the desperate desire to reach out to one another like they used to before.

The petals of the Cecilias on Crepus' gravestone tilts in respect, but within it blooms a new hope you were both not witness to.

Only the elderly and close acquaintances knew of your original existence in Mondstadt, and only a few ever recognizes your prior occupation and childhood before you left for Sumeru. Even if you had only been gone for two years, changes so drastic happened in your wake.

The most painful one always lingers in the back of your mind, never failing to bring a frown to your face.

"You loved Ludi Harpastum when we were children, so what's with the long face?" Your eyes that lingered on Amber and her new friend looks up to the ones next to you, eyes also distant as it comes upon yours.

You couldn't tell him or even ask about Crepus, not now at least. But the words he spoke washed away the melancholy off your face, smile brightened at the idea that he still remembers such precious memories. He looks away immediately. "I do, but I'm not a kid anymore, the festival caters to children's participation."

Diluc hums in agreement and the talk ceases like so. He's not into small talk but the short conversation still had you feeling light and euphoric.

Soon enough Amber had come over to introduce the two of you to her demure friend Collei, shy and hesitant but still trying her best to be polite. An imagined arrow pierces through your heart at the cute child in front of you, and you couldn't help but coo and oogle at her.

So adorable with beautiful green hair, unique and paired perfectly with her wide eyes. Every compliment makes her face redder. This only makes your fangirling worse, already hugging the flustered child who's having an internal mental breakdown.

"Oh, I wish I could have a child as pretty as youuu!"

Amber looked up upon the sudden shift of his posture, absolutely baffled at the sight of Master Diluc's face as colorful as his hair as his gloved hand desperately tries to hide it. The knight felt like she had witnessed something she shouldn't, immediately snapping her head back to you and Collei with her lips trying its hardest not to break into a smile.

You were on your knees to be eye-level with Collei as you held her hand, placing on it a bag of mora as you told her to use it to enjoy the most out of the festival. Her previous embarrassment still lingers as evidence on her still flushed cheeks, yet her eyes had in it a gaze of awe.

There was hesitance when Amber finally dragged Collei away to venture through the festival more, leaving you in exaggerated tears at the departure of 'a little angel' with a still silent Diluc next to you. The sun had already set, and yet you two stood in place for a little longer.

The thought of having children passing by your minds.

If there's a recipe for a good time in Angel's Share, Kaeya knows what it is.

A cold glass of Death After Noon, raucous laughter spurred on by joyous tunes, and just the right company. It was a while since he'd last felt such comfort with company, he thought as he holds back a smile and grimace as he sips the sour grape juice in his mouth, eyes twinkling as he watches your already flushed face intensify as you down your drink.

When Kaeya had heard from multiple yet scarce accounts from the servants of the Winery on how you act drunk, he felt it was his mission and privilege to find out how such moment happens. And so one night when you two had the time to sit down at Angel's Share, what should have been a night of a single drink and grape juice after switched around to nothing but liquor.

"You've been looking at us weird the whole day, do you want to fight?" The Cavalry Captain reached for your hand to settle down your glass, but when you literally threw your drink against the wall with a loud bang, he knew he was done for when at his peripherals he saw the horrified look of your Fiancé as he was immediately alerted with the breaking of glass.

"Oh shit, she's feral," Kaeya breathed incredulously with a small, small hint of awe as he watched you pull up your sleeves to throw hands.

"What the hell is going on here?"

"Luluuuu!" The swordsman did NOT miss the minute detail of Diluc's red stare recognizing the switched drinks on the table, exposing his involvement on the matter. If it were not for your intoxicated self barreling towards your fiancé, he would have been given a scalding glare.

A jumbled mess of a conversation transpired before the captain, made up of hushed grumbles and slurred whines sometimes filled with begging or with rage from the random person you'd set pure hatred upon seconds ago. Your hand clutched his sleeve as his other one was placed on your shoulder to ground you, somehow this proximity and interaction... made Kaeya remember the first time he met you.

"Alright, that should be enough for tonight," the third wheel clapped his gloved hands together as he stood from his table. "This commotion is on me, I'll take her home-"

"What gave you the idea that I'd let you?"

The same hostility that started four years ago made the man of frost- freeze where he stood, challenging the accusing glare with a playful squint. The mini stand-off already made the other patrons too curious as all attention was caught by the trio, while you had your face buried to Diluc's fluffy ponytail as his bargaining chip for calming/distracting you.

Diluc isn't familiar with taking care of a drunkard, only kicking them out. If he were to leave you at your current state, he'd be clueless as is on the mistakes that would pile up.

Kaeya raised this point as he reached over to take your arm, the redhead publicly wrapping his arms around you protectively in response. The blunette wasn't even wary of the increasing agitation his sworn brother wore but the scandalous gasps and gossips the customers around them now speak at the action.

Get a grip, Diluc, you wanted to keep this hidden, didn't you? By some miracle, he managed to communicate this telepathically through side glances and gritted teeth.

But if there was one thing the Ragnvindr had inherited from being with you for more than ten years:

It was your stubbornness.

...

When you roused from your slumber, you were in an unusual place yet one so familiar. The nostalgia hit you tenfold more than the headache your hangover dangerously inflicted, "How did I get here even?" It was four years since you've last seen this place, set foot in this room even.

The moonlight hitting through the room's balcony tells you it's around midnight.

The room didn't change a bit last you remember it, as if it was well-kept despite being abandoned. The lamp that was tilted a little bit, books of stories you've read long ago were arranged the same way you'd left it. Not a single dust catches on to your soles as your feet touched the wooden floor of your room in the Ragnvindr's home.

It was still creaky at some parts of which you expertly maneuvered around bare, shoes discarded in place for stealth as you exited to the corridor. No sounds or light emanates from the underside of Diluc's room across from yours, without checking you weaved through the hall to climb down the main stairs.

You find your man seated by the fireplace. You may not live here anymore but even you were well aware of his insomnia that stretches past sunrise.

"You're awake," he speaks when you reached the main floor.

"Look who's talking," you mumbled cheekily as you sat adjacent to him, noticing his quick glance at your bare feet.

Tight lipped as it may, you saw a little quirk to the edges of his lips that lifted up your spirits through the small chatter and mostly silent time after that. The crackles and embers of the furnace was good company too, and yet it was not enough to distract you from the obvious stare he was giving to your leg.

Anxiously you hid one your foot behind the other, folding your legs under the chair's shadow when his gaze didn't waver. Perhaps it wasn't that bright of an idea to leave your room barefoot, maybe it was too childish, for him especially if it was bothering this much.

You opened your mouth to excuse yourself, or maybe defend your actions,

"Can I touch you? Nothing- Nothing sexual, there's just something I need go check."

You didn't have to ask, was what you wanted to say. But you held back your tongue in favor of giving a meek nod, curious and faintly doubtful of whatever it is that he would do.

Yet when he kneeled down and gently took your leg upon his hold, you can't help but smile solemnly as his gloved touch reached your thigh where the scar from long ago lingers. Diluc's eyes stayed on that spot, soothing the long lost pain with rubbing circles.

Ticklish, as he leans down to graze a soft kiss to it. It almost made you cry with how gentle this Diluc is in front of you.

"I promise... I'll do better. With every heartbeat I have left, I will defend your every breathe."

You're crying now.

One faithful morning in a miraculous setting where Diluc was the only one available to tend to the reception, a young man presents himself by the entrance with a passive look. This unfamiliar man was someone he knew, something he realized when he finally looked down for a better view past the black hood.

"I am here in the guidance of an old address. Is this where (Y/N) (L/N)?"

"I'm (Y/N)'s fiancé, what do you want?"

"... That does not answer my question, but I am only here to see how life has been faring since two years past."

Diluc never felt discomfort in silence as heavy as this. Having to walk with Cyno the whole way to Mondstadt from the Winery was not part of his itinerary, nor did he wholy agree to the arrangement. Perhaps it was because he knew how you two were good friends back from his 'observations' in the Academia that he felt responsible.

Or it was his pride to not let the shorter guy know that you were in fact, not resident to his home despite being betrothed.

It would have been very weird.

"What the actual- Cyno?! Is that really you?!" Why you were near the gates that day was a mystery to them both, but at the sight of the familiar figure had you barreling towards the foreigner, tackling him into a hug with a laugh so carefree it almost pained him.

That was your signature move to when you always met him excitedly in your childhood. Diluc shakes away the thought as he stood at the side to watch and eavesdrop. You're around the same height as the Sumerian, although the hood and ears? makes it hard to distinguish who was taller between you two.

"What are you doing so far out from the Academia? Aww, did you miss me?" Playful as always to those you are close to.

Scarlet eyes found its way to him in a split second. "I came here under the request of Lisa, she needed scholarly help over an important matter," your pout had him smile a tiny bit, "but it is relieving to meet you once again."

In a honesty, it was a curious case as to why he was even there, lingering. He has work to do, the Tavern's first shift was his. But when he took a step away Diluc found it very difficult to leave you be, to leave you with this... person.

He has no business here.

He shouldn't idle.

He's not the type to idle.

You turn your head at the sound of footsteps as you realized Diluc approaching, who you honestly thought already departed during your reunion with Cyno. "Ah, senpai, I wanted to introduce to you my-" full and pale lips captured your words in a quick swift dip, a grip on your waist to steady you before he stood back too quick for you to react.

"I'll get going, stay safe."

Quick and concise like his kiss, Diluc left in hurried steps as you stood there, a mess. He'd never- he has never-

"How amusing," the words the Sumerian uttered barely registered into your short-circuiting brain.

I can't believe this. I'm actually cutting this to a fourth part what the fuck, I swear the next one is the last,holy-

@optimestick @moaa @dandelion-dreams @witchsungie @lehra @zelos-simp @legionqueensav @snackgod @rxsalinee @cala-ran @wind-wheel @lilydewi22 @yellowflowre @traveler-lumine @nonniechan @creation-magician @hanniejji @gojos-baby @just-some-stars @volleybloop @mortifiedmoon @dankchikorita @endeavors-big-dick @karlitaburrito @bunniesrorange

#genshin impact x reader #Genshin impact Diluc #Diluc x Reader #exile.flower #exile.pocketwatch #gender neutral #female reader #sojourner special #I hate tumblr

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cheri-translates · 4 years

Text

[CN] Victor’s Tender Regards Date (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date (心意之约) which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

[ This date was released in CN on 16 Sep 2020 ]

Dedicating this translation to @kshiro for her constant, wholesome support since the early days of this blog ❤️

The date begins with MC in the office on a summer afternoon, musing over the “Snail Mail” collaboration event officially commencing the next day

She finds the name of the company very familiar, but she just can’t remember why

After ending a call with Anna (who reveals that the event would be taking place in the same camellia garden as the one in Maze Date), she receives a message from Victor, who invites her to dinner

She heads over to the camellia garden, and spots a familiar figure:

Under the eaves not too far away, Victor is wearing a black shirt, facing the curtain of rain as though in a trance.

Water droplets follow the branches which curl around the carved balustrades. He lifts his head slightly, and his expression is nonchalant.

We’re separated by some distance, so I can’t clearly identify the flowers in the bouquet he’s holding. I can only see his handsome chin.

All of a sudden, he lifts his other hand gently. A water droplet pelts onto his palm, as though pulling him into the pattering rain.

Seeing this, I find myself subconsciously frozen in place.

Because of the enshrouding misty rain, the Victor before me appears warmer and more tender than usual.

Taking a deep breath, an idea surfaces in my mind. I blink slyly, then deliberately lower my umbrella.

I brisk walk across the puddles towards the stairs, covering myself with the umbrella, attempting to furtively skirt behind Victor--

Victor: What smart idea have you come up with this time?

MC: ...!

My eyes widen in shock. Victor stands in front of the stairs. The moment our eyes meet, resignation flashes across his face, and also a hint of mischievousness.

Victor: Is it very shocking for me to recognise you?

MC: I thought you were in a daze...

Victor: I was at first. But someone’s “style” is just too unique, and I couldn’t ignore it even if I wanted to.

While he speaks, a smile appears on Victor lips, and his eyebrows rise slightly.

MC: Yes yes yes, my “smart idea” is too childish.

With this proximity, I can finally see the bouquet in his hand clearly: pink camellia flowers which are in full bloom.

[Trivia] Pink camellias symbolise longing, desire, and unreserved love

MC: Are these flowers from the camellia garden? It’s so rare to see CEO Victor with a bouquet! Looks like your plans for this afternoon are very important.

While glancing at him, I raise my volume, deliberately adopting an official yet curious tone.

MC: I wonder who’s the lucky person to receive flowers from CEO Victor?

You thought Victor would counter with a “childish”, but all he does is hang a faint smile on his lips, quietly listening to everything I say.

Victor: I have nothing much in the afternoon. Though I have plans in the evening.

In the next second, the flowers are handed to me. Standing against the backdrop of the misty rain, Victor’s expression exudes tenderness.

Victor: I prepared this for a certain dummy.

Accepting the flowers, I burst into a grin.

MC: Come to think of it, what are you doing here? Are you looking for Curator Kim?

Victor brushes off the water droplets on my shoulder. Instead of giving me an answer, he tilts his head upwards and responds with a question.

Victor: Are you here at this time for the “Snail Mail” event?

MC: Mm. The event will officially begin tomorrow, so I’m here to check up on this place again.

Victor: Looks like you’ve been listening to what I say. At least in work, you’ve become more conscientious. Not bad. It’s a good thing.

I straighten up, eyes crinkling as I respond.

MC: Of course! I’ve always been a very serious and responsible producer.

I place a lot of emphasis on the word “always”, and mirth appears in Victor’s eyes.

Victor: Let’s go then. I have some time, so I’ll accompany you to have a look. And also see if there’s a correlation between the state of the venue and your self-praise.

They take a look around the garden, and Victor’s gaze lingers on mailboxes on the wall at the back:

Everyone who sends Future Mail can write down the exact time they wish for it to be sent - whether it be a month later, a year later, or five years later.

The staff would then add a heart-shaped postmark. After slipping it into the mailbox, it’d be considered as sending a “gift to the future”.

On the wall behind the mailboxes, numerous stamps form the words “Snail Mail”, as well as the small words on the bottom right: A gift to the future.

Noticing Victor’s gaze, I move closer to him with a joyful smile.

MC: Don’t you find the name of the theme very creative?

Victor: “A gift to the future”... did you come up with this?

My eyes light up, and I nod quickly.

Victor: I could tell it was your style the moment I heard it - flashy and without substance.

MC: ...how is it flashy and without substance?

MC: Do you still remember the special episode on “Feelings” from before? Actually, this theme was inspired by that episode. Giving gifts is a common way to express how one feels. But it’s not that easy to send a gift to the future. With Future Mail, the sender can convey their feelings and surprises in this gift to the other party across time.

Victor is silent for a while, an unreadable depth in his eyes.

Victor: ...I see. I can more or less understand today’s Future Mail.

MC: Huh?

I furrow my brows. Before I can clarify what he means, Victor has already walked closer to the wall, pointing at the words formed by the stamps.

Victor: Why did you use stamps to form the words?

MC: To complement the idea of “Future Mail”. Even though few people use stamps nowadays, I feel they better convey the idea of sending something. For example, this one! It might look unremarkable, but its journey is hardly normal.

I raise my head, pointing to a stamp at the corner with slightly yellowed edges.

MC: In a time before the development of communication technology, an elderly man, who was still a young boy at the time, pasted this stamp on a letter and sent it out.

MC: By the time the letter reached its destination, the elderly man had already proposed to the elderly woman. Because it was lost, it took a whole two years for the letter to arrive...

MC: Back then, the elderly man would never have guessed that this letter would go through an unexpected turn of events to become a gift to the future.

MC: How does that sound - from its form to its stories, they all tally with the theme of the event, don’t they?

Victor: The creativity is satisfactory. You did a lot of homework. No wonder you have the confidence to praise yourself.

Gaining his affirmation, satisfaction bubbles in my heart. Pulling on his hand, we walk to a table at a corner.

MC: If we’re talking about creativity, it doesn’t stop at the words formed using stamps!

Victor picks up the small, red lacquered crescent-shaped block, holding it on his palm.

Victor: You’re referring to this?

MC: Mm, poe divination is definitely considered creative!

[Trivia] Poe divination is a traditional Chinese divination method where a pair of crescent-shaped wooden or bamboo blocks is thrown on the ground, with the positions of the blocks determining the divine answer

Clearing my throat, I use my most serious and stern expression to explain this “creativity”

MC: After all, it’s sent to a future which is filled with uncertainty. So people will definitely struggle in deciding if they should send such a gift. At this point, the poe divination blocks will contain the answer.

Victor suddenly leans a little closer, tapping my forehead with a bent finger.

Victor: Are you sure you didn’t prepare it just because you like it?

MC: ...

MC: When faced with unknown circumstances and being unable to make a decision, many people will wish to borrow some help from “fate’s direction”.

MC: It’s been statistically proven!

Victor: ...you always have a reason for everything.

A gust of wind carrying water droplets courses in through the window. Victor turns his head to gaze outside the window. Beside the enclosed corridor, a small candy coloured shed is concealed behind the trees.

Victor: Is that shed also part of this “creativity”?

MC: Not only that. It’s the “secret weapon” of this event - a shed for Future Mail videos!

Victor ponders for a moment.

Victor: From what I understand from the words, it’s a gift where videos are sent at a scheduled time?

MC: That’s right. Even though letters and objects are more ceremonial in nature, videos could be even more vivid and interesting.

I suddenly think of something while speaking, and grip his sleeve.

MC: Victor, why don’t we give it a try first? I haven’t officially seen how a recording would look like.

Right after I finish speaking, Victor tilts his face downwards, his lips pursed together slightly. Seeing his expression, the answer I predicted is readied--

Victor: I’m not interested.

...as expected.

MC: Just a short two minutes of recording will do... it’s so meaningful!

I attempt to canvass my explanation. Before I can weave together what I prepared, a stranger’s voice pipes up.

Staff: Hello, may I know if you’re Miss MC?

Before us stands a young man who is dressed in the attire of an employee of the garden.

MC: I am. Is something the matter?

Staff: That’s great. We just discovered that there seems to be a few more decorations. Could you come take a look?

MC: Sure, I’ll be there immediately!

Watching as I immediately become enlivened, Victor speaks faintly.

Victor: I can see that you’re very invested in this event.

MC: As long as I’m doing something, I’ll give it my all. You were the one who taught me this.

I tilt my head cheekily, but Victor looks as though he’s deep in thought.

Victor: So... the reason why you took up this “Snail Mail” event was simply because of the program?

MC: Yes... should there be another reason?

Staring at him a little blankly, I have no idea what it could be.

Victor: Nothing. You should go ahead.

I walk towards the door, but hesitate and swivel my head around because of his words. Seeing that Victor is remaining silent, I turn back, deciding to complete the work on hand first.

Watching the girl’s back as she runs off, Victor’s gaze returns to the small shed not afar off. Mottled lights are cast onto his face, and his expression can’t be seen clearly.

After a while, he turns and walks towards the small shed.

By the time they leave the camellia garden, evening has begun to set in and the rain has stopped

MC thought Victor would bring her to Souvenir for dinner, but the car stops at his house instead

Thinking of how I’d get to enjoy Chef Victor’s “special dinner”, I place the bouquet on the coffee table and happily plop myself onto the sofa.

MC: Huff... I can finally have dinner. What should I order... With so many things I want to eat, it’s suddenly a little perplexing.

Seeing my slightly sly smile, Victor tosses a sweeping glance at me, then sits on the sofa as well.

Victor: Take your time to decide.

Victor: First, come here. Look at this. I received this in the morning.

From a gift box at the corner of the coffee table, Victor retrieves a sheet of paper which resembles an envelope. On the back of it, I think I see--

A heart-shaped postmark?!

I hurriedly straighten up, wanting to grab it from Victor’s hand. Apart from the letter, there seems to be an exquisite-looking, petite bottle...

MC: ...camellia essential oil?

The words slip out of my mouth.

After Victor and I visited the maze in the camellia garden back then, the staff gave us a bottle of camellia essential oil which was made in the garden.

As pre-opening guests, Victor and I were the first to walk out of the maze. And this bottle of essential oil was also their first unique gift.

This unique prize seemed to be telling me that no matter which direction I choose, as long as I keep moving forward, I’ll definitely be on the same path as Victor in the end.

Back then, I had “monopolised” this bottle of essential oil, which carried the sentiments I couldn’t say aloud.

MC: I remember hiding this bottle of essential oil once I got home. Why is it with you?

Victor: Are you sure? Think through it again.

Sensing Victor’s deep gaze, a forgotten memory surfaces in my mind...

[ flashback ]

A while after parting with Victor, a small shop brimming with warmth comes into view.

MC: “Snail Mail”... what does this mean?”

Filled with curiosity, I push the doors open and enter. With the staff’s explanation, I finally get the meaning of this shop’s Future Mail.

MC: It sounds really interesting - I’ll send him a gift then! What should I send?

Biting the pen cap, I stare at the white letter paper and suddenly see the bottle of essential oil, which is still causing undulating emotions in my heart...

[ end of flashback ]

Victor: Looks like you remember now.

When the faraway memory returns, I suddenly understand what Victor was referring to when he said “I see” after I had explained the theme earlier in the afternoon.

The sky gradually clears up after the rain, and the corners of Victor’s lips seem to be dyed with the warmth of sunset. He looks at the letter in his hand.

Victor: “To a certain ‘CEO Victor’ who always surprises me.”

Without warning, Victor actually starts reading out the contents of the letter! I subconsciously try to stop him.

MC: You’re not allowed to read it out!

As though he didn’t hear my objection, Victor continues reading in a composed manner.

Victor: “Even though you’re taciturn most of the time, and love criticising me mercilessly, you always bring me unexpected hope whenever I'm at my wit’s end...”

Hearing Victor’s unchanging tone of voice, this somewhat “public confession” causes me to turn completely red in the face.

MC: S-stop reading it!

I reach out to snatch the letter, but Victor simply raises his long arm, easily lifting it out of reach.

Victor: It’s a letter you wrote yourself. Why aren’t you letting me read it?

MC: ...just give it back to me!

Seizing an opening, I pounce forward fiercely, but am still not as fast as his sharp eyes and deft hands.

Abruptly losing my balance and slipping on my feet, I stumble towards Victor. Instinctively, I reach out to grab something to stabilise myself--

Rip--

Accompanying a soft sound, a button ends up in my hand. I lift my head in astonishment, only to be greeted by Victor’s suddenly loosened tie and bare skin...

It turns out that I accidentally tore off the button near his neckline!

Glancing at his chest, I subconsciously swallow the words I was planning to say. I stuff the button into his hand, then quietly huddle in a corner.

MC: ...here, the button.

Victor: Looks to me like the state of your cerebellum deserves to be re-assessed.

[Trivia] The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for a number of functions including motor skills such as balance, coordination, and posture :’D

MC: I didn’t do it on purpose!

MC: It’s your fault for reading the letter aloud.

Victor: Sophistry.

Thinking that Victor would continue with his criticisms, he unexpectedly sets the letter down, then retrieves the essential oil in the box.

Victor: Not reading the letter is fine. Tell me - why did you send this bottle of essential oil to me using Future Mail?

Victor turns his head towards a still-blushing me, as he unhurriedly tugs his neckline closed. I take the unopened bottle from him, and give it some thought.

MC: I didn't put in much thought back then. I was really happy when we were at the camellia garden together...

MC: And this bottle of essential oil seemed to be telling me--

MC: That no matter which direction I choose, you’ll definitely be the first, and the only person to walk the same path with me.

MC: The reason why I sent it using Future Mail was so that you’d re-experience the beautiful memories I did after a period of time, and feel how I felt.

After hearing this, Victor’s brows soften, and he looks to be in a pretty good mood.

Opening the bottle, I take a whiff. Even after such a long time, the fragrance of camellias is still clear and refreshing.

MC: Does essential oil have such a long shelf life? It’s not spoilt at all! Take a whiff - isn’t it still very fragrant?

Watching him arch his brows in objection, I purse my lips. Something occurs to me, and my eyes crinkle as I hold the bottle in front of him.

MC: Why don’t I sacrifice myself for a while! I’ve been so busy with this event that my neck and shoulders are sore. I wonder if I have the honour of troubling CEO Victor to give me a shoulder rub? We could also test if the essential oil is still effective.

Victor doesn’t take it, but shifts his gaze towards me.

Victor: ...you’re ordering me to give you a massage? The reason you found was very pompous. Are you sure you’re sacrificing yourself?

I smile, ignoring his protests and stuffing the bottle into his hands. Then, I lift my hair up, turning to the side to signal that he should hurry up.

A while later, along with a sigh, the cooling liquid is gently dripped onto my neck region.

Victor: You’re sitting so far away. It’s not my problem if its effectiveness is compromised.

I immediately scoot backwards, shifting slightly closer to him. Victor laughs like he’s in a good mood, gently encircling me into his chest.

Separated by the thin, see-through gauze material of my clothes, it’s as though his hand is directly on my skin, soaking it with the warmth of his palm. I subconsciously hold my breath.

Victor: Is this the place which feels uncomfortable?

MC: A little more to the left.

Victor: Here?

MC: Mm... around there.

Just as I prepare to doze off and properly enjoy this experience, the soft fingers suddenly move away. Victor shifts slightly, leaning close to my neck.

The searing breaths from his nose course through the air, descending on the nape of my neck like the quivering wings of a cicada. It feels warm and ticklish.

Victor: The fragrance isn’t bad. Looks like it still has effectiveness.

His baritone voice comes from behind me. He sets down the bottle, and finally kneads my neck gently.

Without realising it, the afterglow of dusk breaks through the earlier overcast, casting golden light spots across the bright and spacious living room.

Victor’s hand is still around my waist, and I relax, resting against his shoulder.

On the coffee table, the shadow cast by the bottle is drawn out by the setting sun. Looking at the bouquet of camellias and thinking about the chance encounter in the afternoon, my heart suddenly stirs.

MC: Victor, the reason you were there today... Was it because you received the gift, thought about how we went to the camellia garden before, and wanted to revisit it?

Victor: You’ve finally come around.

My lips curl up in satisfaction.

MC: When you first received the gift, did you feel astonished, surprised, and touched?

Victor: ...I received your fevered imagination.

Victor: But I was slightly touched.

Victor: Just like what you said in the afternoon, this gift cut across time and awakened past memories and feelings.

I lift my head. The world before me has shrunk infinitely, and can only accommodate his smiling eyes, and the tiny me reflected in them.

With such close proximity, the surroundings seem to be dyed with Victor’s unique scent, causing my heart to feel warm and contented.

Victor: Although Future Mail is uncommon, whether it’s Future Mail or express mail, they are all just mediums.

Victor: The feelings they contain - that's the important thing.

Victor: This unexpected gift... just like what you intended when you sent it, enables me to sense your feelings.

Victor: To me, that is its significance.

I blink, smiling with great happiness.

MC: Come to think of it, I also want to receive the feelings given to me from someone...

As the colours of the afterglow grow heavier, Victor’s side profile is layered with a soft halo.

Just when I think he has nothing more to say, Victor’s lips curve into a smile.

Victor: Perhaps you can look forward to it.

MC: Hm? Look forward to what?

With this, he stands up and heads into the kitchen. No matter how much I probe, he remains indifferent. Resigned, I have no choice but to give up.

The faint yellow light of the kitchen illuminates Victor’s shoulders. Basking in the warm halo, the air surrounding him is especially tender.

A month passes by quickly, and the Future Mail event is completed successfully.

On this early morning, I suddenly receive a package. When I remove the plastic covering, there’s an envelope with a heart-shaped postmark on top of the gift box.

My heartbeat stutters out of rhythm.

Carefully opening the box, I see a videotape and a photograph. Picking up the photograph, I’m greeted by familiar, bold handwriting:

“Looks like you should have received this Future Mail. Apart from supporting your event, I’m only going to do this once. This will not be repeated. The things I want to say to you are all in this videotape. It only belongs to you.”

Morning sunlight filters in through the curtains, illuminating the bedroom floor, and also gently illuminating my heart...

Calls: First // Second

#mlqc #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc victor #HE'S REALLY CHARMING #even his use of 782346 idioms in this date is charming #what a MAN

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imissjoongsmullet · 3 years

Text

My Prince (5)

Pairing: Minghao x reader

Genre: fluff/(angst)

Summary: Life is not exactly easy being the royal gardeners’ daughter but at least it’s simple. When you’re suddenly called upon to serve as the prince’s personal servant, things get a little more than complicated, especially considering the secret history you and the prince share.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Warnings: general angstiness, a bit of a slow burn, very romantic, very soft, the fact that this will most likely become a long series cause I have no chill

Word Count: 7K

Author’s Note: this is long overdue but also, this is just long! I just couldn’t stop writing and so now this chapter is 7K so yeah ENJOY!! ✌️

Let me know what you think, good or bad, I love the feedback ♥

►

Fine.

Those last words he'd said to you kept playing in your mind the following days. Technically he'd said other words since but they'd been cloaked in formalities; commands from a prince to a servant, nothing more. You'd really screwed up this time, you'd lost him forever. It was a thing you'd known would happen from the start but that didn't soften the pain now festering in your chest.

Minghao had met with Zhong Mei, as he had supposed to that day. He'd been a perfect picture of royalty, graceful and pleasant; and she'd been lovely as she always was, smiling all the way through the meal. Meanwhile you had stood flanking the wall with Tou Ma, trying to keep your tears from spilling over. You'd kept your eyes down, counting the colorful mosaics that threaded the shiny black flooring until the whole thing was over.

Not that any of it was over of course.

After the prince and his bride's first official meeting, the two were ushered out into the gardens to "spend some time alone" while you helped Tou Ma with a another seemingly endless string of wedding-related tasks.

Slowly but surely your body reverted to autopilot, working your hands raw and your legs sore. You barely realized you were spacing out until at last, you lied down in your sheets on the floor of the maid's quarters and cried. You cried and cried in stuttered silence, praying the sun would not come up again. You didn't know how you'd face another day. You thought about feigning illness but knew Tou Ma would not be so easily fooled.

“You’ll be out in the gardens today,” the head maid explained with a weary expression. This whole wedding business seemed to have taken a toll on the old woman as well. “Floral arrangements need to be decided on and I need you to oversee the whole thing gets done in time. Can I trust you with that?”

Your head bobbed up and down faster than was polite. A rush charged through your chest at the idea of spending time with the flowers. Despite your frequent complaining as a gardener, you’d always enjoyed taking care of the vivid, fragrant plants that grew in the royal gardens. But more than that, you knew what this request must mean.

“Mother!” you cried, breaking out into a run. She looked older and shorter somehow, but her embrace was as tight as ever.

Of course, your parents would be working on the flower arrangements as well.

“Look at you!” she said, holding your face in her dirt-stained hands, “my daughter, a real part of the castle.”

Overwhelmed with grief for the life you’d left behind, a sob welled up from the back of your throat but before it could break free into the morning air, Tou Ma interrupted.

“There is lots of work to be done so we better start at once,” she said matter-of-factly, unrolling a long piece of parchment, “I have sat down with both the royal family and the Zhong family respectively and decided on a theme and color scheme for the celebration. I have listed all requirements specifically. The types, the arrangements, the placements, all of it has been meticulously planned.” She then turned her head your way. “I’m leaving you in charge of making sure everything is accounted for on the day. This is a big task, but regrettably, I am far too busy taking care of everything else to take this on as well. And you are the gardener’s daughter, after all. Do not disappoint me.” With another one of her stern looks, she handed you the scroll, gave a curt bow to your parents and walked away.

Now this was a task you were up for. You gazed around you, at the stretches of colorful flowers that ran as far as the eye could see. There were rows and rows of chrysanthemums that spawned in colorful formations, bushes of peonies flanking cobbled pathways, a whole field of the most delicious-smelling lavender, lilies and azaleas and roses and narcissus flowers and you felt all at once, at home. For a moment you seemed to forget the prince and your feelings. It was like a giant slimy toad had just slipped right off of your shoulders, leaving you feeling light as air.

Looking over the list, you were up for quite the challenge. The sheer amount of flowers that would need to be harvested for this event, on such short notice, was startling. But with the help of your parents and their staff, you were confident you’d be able to pull it off. You spent the whole morning and most of the afternoon rushing from one end of the garden to the other, figuring out which plants would be needed, when they’d need to be cut and who would craft what particular piece. It was a little strange, being in charge when all the gardeners were quite a bit older and definitely more experienced than you, but your parents kept encouraging you whenever you stuttered.

“I’m so proud of you,” your mother said as you both sat down for a rest underneath a pine tree on a hill overlooking the garden. She pulled out a packed lunch for the both of you: rice wrapped in bamboo leaves with plum fillings.

“Mother,” you sighed, not knowing how to react. You felt like a fraud. You weren’t what she thought you’d become at the castle. You weren’t some high-standing servant, near and dear to the king and queen. You were a screwup. You’d caused so much trouble since your arrival at the castle you were quite frankly surprised you hadn’t been banished yet.

You could see most of the royal gardens from here; well, the most beautiful parts anyways. There was almost no one out there today. Everyone was most likely busy preparing for the wedding except—

Minghao was strolling through the rose garden ways away from the hill you were sitting. You could see him clearly, his upper body sticking out over the bushes. Zhong Mei was beside him, wearing a white robe with some sort of lilac pattern on it. You couldn’t see the expression on their faces but the close vicinity with which they walked by each other made your stomach turn upside down. Your eyes followed the two figures until their path ventured right and a large chestnut tree obscured your view.

“Let’s just keep working,” you said, getting up as you folded your lunch back closed and slid it in your pocket.

“Tell me what’s on your mind, child.” Your mother’s voice hadn’t changed at all, croaky like a frog but filled with warmth.

You kept your back turned to her, hugging yourself close.

“What do you mean?” you asked.

“My little flower,” her voice came from behind and you felt a hand land on your shoulder, “something is bothering you.”

“I’m fine.”

She chuckled at that. “Liar. I can tell by the way your shoulders hunch,” she said, turning you around to face her, “and look, your eyebrows are all droopy.”

You shook your head. “First of all, that doesn’t make any sense and besides, I don’t want to talk about it.” You knew at once it had been a vain attempt to fend off the stubborn woman. You watched her heave a deep sigh. She was shorter than you but somehow always managed to make you feel like a baby. Her wrinkled eyes scanned your face quizzically for a few seconds before her lips curled into a knowing grin.

“You need to let go, flower,” she said, poking you in the chest with a dirty finger.

You stared at her incredulously. “Let what go?”

The old woman rolled her eyes, smiling still. “Whatever it is that’s causing all of this good-for-nothing heartache!” She patted you on both shoulders. “Go on, away with it!”

A tiny smile crept its way onto your face. “It’s not that easy.”

Your mother sighed deeply once more and turned to look out over the gardens and the castle.

“I know, dear,” she said, “the castle comes with complications these gardens could never carry. That’s why me and your father stay out here, between the fruits and the flowers. You on the other hand,” she went on, turning back to you and taking your hand, “you have some reason for staying at the castle, no?”

Your face burned at the words. You didn’t know what exactly your mother was implying but the way her deep eyes bore into yours now made you feel awfully exposed.

“You can always come back to us, of course,” your mother explained further, squeezing your hand, “but if your heart lies no longer here—”

“It doesn’t matter where my heart lies,” you cut in, taking a step back, “how I feel doesn’t matter.”

Your mother’s eyes creased as they filled with something you hated to see. Was it pity? Understanding? Whatever, you didn’t need any of it. For the smallest of moments you’d thought your problems might be solved with some wise parental advice but that had clearly been a child’s thinking. This problem didn’t have solving. You just had to learn to live with the fact that Minghao was gone forever and he’d never look at you the way he had that night under the orange trees. He’d never smile at you the way he had when he taught you how to read, he’d never touch you the way he had that evening in his chambers— or even— you couldn’t bear remembering his kiss. It was too much. It should haver have happened.

“Let’s just keep going, please,” you said at last, keeping your eyes on the grass between your feet.

The rest of the day went by like a tidal wave. In a matter of hours, you’d crossed the whole of the gardens at least half a dozen times, hauling around heavy equipment, making lists, delegating tasks and making stupid amounts of mini mock-ups of the flower pieces Tou Ma had asked for. By the time you entered the castle, you were so exhausted you thought you might just crash in a closet on the way to your room. The hustle and bustle inside the castle walls had died down as well. Aside from the occasional servant, the dark hallways were deserted and quiet. Yawning freely, you shuffled your way through them, only to get startled by the sudden noise not so far away.

“Silence, son,” a voice whispered irritably, “the castle is asleep.”

“I’m sorry.”

Hao.

Without thinking, you approached a door you’d passed before. You didn’t know what lay behind it, only that, right now, it was being occupied by the emperor and his son, prince Minghao.

“You’ve heard by now the protests haven’t seized I assume. We’re losing not only the Shingmin people but all the highlands. I have tried to protect you from your destiny for far too long I’m afraid.”

There was a long pause. You felt the pain of it right through the wood of the door.

“My son,” the emperor added wearily, “I did not want to leave this country to you on the brink of war. But the season of peace has run out. You are young and overly frivolous at times but we must believe you are capable. It is time to stop thinking about yourself and take on the responsibility you’ve always known was yours to take on. You have the power to free us all. Your legend will be told for centuries to come.”

“My legend,” Minghao spoke at last. His voice was dry and void of emotion. You wanted to go to him. You wanted to help but you didn’t know how.

Krrrr

The floorboard creaked under your feet as you’d subconsciously leaned in closer to the door. There was no way they hadn’t heard that. You pushed away from the door and set off at a run, heart racing, all the way to the maid’s quarters.

Your covers were warm and your eyelids heavy but regardless, you couldn’t seem to find your way to sleep. You tossed and turned until you were sure your hair would be a rat’s nest the following morning. Your body was lying on the floor, between dozens of happily snoozing servants, but your mind was still at that door, listening in. You knew Minghao wouldn’t appreciate it but you felt sorry for him. The weight resting on his shoulders was colossal compared to the slimy toad that tended to bother yours. His legend was beyond famous. Every person in Namin knew it like they knew the color of the sky. Every person in Namin was counting on him. You could tell by the way they looked at him. He was a savior to them. But he was just a boy. You knew that. He knew that. He was a boy, desperately trying to figure out how to live up to a legend that was born with him; a boy trying to solve an impossible riddle, trying to unlock some big secret, trying to somehow heal an entire nation.

All these thoughts floated haphazardly through your head, bouncing and clashing within the walls of your skull until, sudden as a bolt of lightning, they clicked together.

A Vast Unfathomable Secret.

That’s what the book must have been for all along. You shot up from the floor, wide awake now, and set off towards the prince’s library.

It made so much sense you cursed yourself for not seeing it before. You burst through the heavy oak doors and went to light a candle. The room looked beautiful at night, moonlight shining through the circular windows, casting hazy glows on the walls of books.

You had no idea how to start. You’d searched for this book so many times. Then again, you hadn’t been able to make your way through the entire room yet. Filled with stubborn determination, you grabbed your candle tightly and climbed up to a section you hadn’t explored yet. You could read the spines now, thanks to Minghao. In this particular section alone were books about geography, fortune telling, animals and plants you’d never even heard of, as well as poetry. You were tempted to open some of them but knew you had a more important goal. You made the mental note of reading as many books as you possibly could when all of this was over; if Minghao would continue allowing you to come here, at least.

When the first section revealed nothing, you moved on to another, and then another. You’d finish off the whole room before you’d give up. You had to help the prince in any way you could; if you couldn’t be with him, at least you could still be of use to him.

When you woke up, bright sunlight was already streaming into the room generously and your body ached in all kinds of places. You immediately knew you were in trouble. You’d fallen asleep slumped against a bookcase and were now most likely extremely late for your appointment in the gardens.

Tripping over your tunic, you burst through the library doors and onto the long deck. It was a humid and hot day. Up ahead in the distance, like tiny brown specs against the vibrant green grass, were the gardeners’ huts, where you were supposed to meet with everyone to start harvesting and putting together the flower pieces for the wedding.

Oh shoot, the wedding. The wedding was tomorrow. It was actually tomorrow. Not wanting to waste any more time than you already had, you jumped over the railing and tumbled into the grass below. One of your feet landed in something wet but that didn’t matter now. You ran to the huts, not caring about how the long grass and prickly bushes dirtied your clothes, but when you finally arrived, panting like a dog, there was no one there. Instead, a note hung lifelessly on your parents’ door.

Flower We’ve gone ahead and started harvesting See you soon

A huge wave of gratitude coursed through you at those words.

Thanks mother

You raced through the gardens, catching up with everything that was going on.

Thanks to your parents, you were still somewhat on schedule. Aside from delegating tasks, you helped in creating bouquets and garlands and wreaths in rich oranges and reds, as well as deep pinks and purples. The air was sticky and dense. Sweat crawled down your temples as you worked beside your parents, but you were glad for the hard labor; it distracted you. Your nails blackened and your hair filled with twigs and pollen. It felt good. You were surprised when the sun had only just started going down as the last of the decorations got finished.

“Don’t underestimate us,” you dad said with a grand smile, “I don’t know how you fancy people do it at the castle, but we work fast.”

You smiled back at him, glad to have made it in time.

You moved the decorations to a safe place they could be preserved until the morning, which took another hour or so but after that, you were all done. Tou Ma hadn’t even given you any other tasks for the day, which meant, you were free.

All at once, an unavoidable exhaustion took over you. The hot sun and humid air had drained your body that had grown unaccustomed to the life of a gardener. Another reason was probably the fact that you’d slept propped up against a bookcase the night before. A hot bath sounded amazing right about now. And after you might even be able to take a nap? Yes, that sounded good. You needed sleep.

Sighing and panting, you dragged yourself back to the castle. Instead of the main entrance, you chose a smaller door on the left wall that was meant for servants mostly. Coming around the corner you let out a sudden gasp, finding the door blocked by a broad-shouldered man with a long scar across his cheek.

“Identify yourself,” he said sternly, looking your muddy form up and down. The side door had never been guarded before. You supposed it was another wedding-related thing.

After explaining who you were and what you’d been doing outside, the man stepped aside, grunting something inaudible as you passed. Whatever, you thought, entering a modest-looking corridor. At least you’d be able to reach the maid’s quarters without running into—

“WHAT IS THIS MESS?!”

Tou Ma.

The tall lady strode towards you, looking like an underfed but furious bull.

“Look at the floors, they have been polished just this morning and now!” her voice reached a crescendo, “look at this! You want me to seizure!?”

"I'm sorry," you blurted out, "I've been preparing the flowers and—"

"Are they done?"

"They are—"

"So something has gone right today at least! Honestly it's suffocating, all this work in so little time I swear the emperor wants me to lose my marbles I've still got so much to do, this whole thing is ridiculous! Could they move the wedding to next week so the castle can prepare to its fullest abilities? Probably but will they? No, no of course they won't that would make my job too easy, wouldn't it?!"

You were staring into the face of a deranged woman. Tou Ma was sweating the white powder right off her face, fanning herself for dear life.

"Um," you tried, once the woman seemed to be taking a break to catch her breath, "is there anything I can help with?" You regretted the offer the moment the words left your lips but you couldn't stand seeing her this way. No matter how much the vile old woman tormented you, seeing her usually strong personality weakened like this made you feel sort of bad.

Tou Ma eyed you suspiciously for a few moments before she caved.

"Very well," she said, "you will run an errand for me. In my haste I forgot to bring the empress' scarf out with the rest of her robes for the celebration. They need to bask in the moonlight tonight."

"Of course," you replied, though you had no idea what she was talking about. Wealthy people really did have all kinds of strange rituals.

"They will be in her private chambers," she went on, "I'd fetch them myself but I'm on my way to a meeting with the chef and I've yet to go over the guest list with security and her majesty will need her bath before nightfall and I haven't had a scrap to eat since sunrise and—"

"That's alright," you cut in, for the head maid was panting again, "I'll grab her scarf and bring it to the deck, I guess?"

"The south east deck on the top floor, child, that's where we're leaving them out," Tou Ma explained, clutching her chest.

"Got it," you said, turning on your heels.

"It is a scarlet thing," Tou Ma call after you, "silk with gold-thread details."

"Okay," you called back as you made your way down the corridor.

"Child!" her screechy voice cried before you could round a corner, "I beg of you, wash up first will you?"

You did as you were told and had your bath. It was not the long, relaxing bath you'd hoped for but it did manage to wash away some of the exhaustion from your body. You allowed your muscles to relax for a few minutes, hopped out and hurried towards the royal quarters. You'd only ever visited Minghao's chambers; his parent's area was completely new territory. The place was guarded heavily by men who only let you in after a thorough interrogation and once inside, you realized you had no idea of where to look for the scarf.

You were in a rectangular room with shiny, red-toned walls and floors. It was completely bare save for the golden candelabras that lined the walls. Two black and gold doors that faced each other waited for you.

Clueless, you tried the first door. You knocked twice and waited until you were sure you weren’t disrupting something. When nothing happened, you opened it. You were met with complete darkness. With a bit of a struggle, you pulled free one of the candelabras from the hallway and entered the dark room.

It was extremely minimal. There were no windows. Only a simple bookcase and a large writing desk. Scrolls of parchment and bottles of ink lay spread out across it. Seeing them made you feel suddenly feel as though you were seeing something you weren’t supposed to. This was the emperor’s private study.

Backing away fast, you found yourself in the hallway once more. You tried the room opposite the study, entering after knocking. This room was anything but dark. The whole west wall was non-existent, giving sight to stretches of grassland and the mountains up in the far distance. As the sun set, it cast a breathtaking pink veil over the master bedroom. The bed, sitting on a raised platform was impeccably made. You could just envision Tou Ma arranging the perfectly white pillows by size, making sure not a single crinkle was left in sight. The room was so clean though, you couldn’t imagine the scarf would be here. There was no closet or dresser for it to hide in either, however, there was a small doorway in the corner of the room, half-covered by a silk curtain. As you approached you smelled the sweet aroma of incense. Gently pulling back the curtain, you peered inside, finding a room that was more or less the same size as the bedroom, but which felt smaller due to the abundance of stuff that was in it.

The walls were virtually covered with dressers, all identical, ornate and black lacquered. There were ottomans in various jewel tones on which piles of discarded robes lay, and in the corner stood a intricately carved wooden vanity with a mirror that reached the ceiling.

This must be it, you thought as you entered. You carefully went through the clothes on the stools. You wished you had time to admire their craftsmanship but Tou Ma’s exasperated expression kept your mind on the mission at hand. The vanity was cluttered with all kinds of trinkets you’d never seen before. You supposed there were the creams and powders used for beauty purposes. There were a couple of small drawers that opened to reveal more beauty products and a couple of scarves that clearly weren’t the one you were looking for. You began to feel tired again. Gingerly, you sat down in front of the vanity. Gazing at yourself in the mirror it occurred to you how much you didn’t belong in a room like this. You let your eyes drift over the the reflection of the cluttered space, until they landed on something they hadn’t noticed before. There was an unlocked chest sitting in a corner by the entrance. Multiple colored fabrics were spilling out from its mouth. You rose up and hurried over. There were so many scarves it was hard to make out where one piece of fabric ended and the next began. Getting impatient, you started pulling out the contents of the chest, keeping a lookout for anything scarlet and gold. Your heart sank however as you were reaching the bottom without having found something that even remotely looked like the empress’ wedding scarf. Not before long, the chest was empty, except for something dark and solid that lay all the way at the bottom, and bunches of fabric lay all around you on the floor.

What were you going to do? You’d promised Tou Ma.

Sighing, you peered into the chest. You now noticed the leftover item was a small book. You knew you should leave it alone; this was clearly an item the empress liked to keep to herself, but your curiosity got the better of you. You pulled the book out of the chest and held it up to the light. It was a small book, the brown leather cover a bit tethered and the gold writing on the front slightly faded. The golden lily, however, was still unmistakable.

You heart lurched as the title registered in your mind.

A Vast Unfathomable Secret.

It was right here in your hands; exactly as Minghao had described it. What wisdom was inside this little, brown book? And why was it here, in the empress’ wardrobe of all places? Nevermind. You forced your questions behind closed doors. None of those things mattered right now.

This was it: your chance to help Minghao.

You were at his door in no time and in your haste, you didn't even pause to knock before coming in.

"Minghao, I found it! I f—" you gasped as something warm crashed into you, sending you to the floor.

Minghao stood over you with a blank stare on his face. The coldness in his eyes sent a pang of doubt through your system. You shouldn’t have barged in like this. What were you thinking? Just as you were about to apologize and leave however, his eyes landed on the book clutched tightly in your hand. They widened, his eyebrows crinkling slightly, his lips opening in stunned silence.

"I found your book," you tried again, barely able to look at him.

Nothing happened for a good few seconds in which you wondered whether Minghao had fallen in some sort of trance, but then he knelt down beside you and took your hand. Your heart leapt as he pulled you up. His hand was so warm.

“You—” he said, staring from you, to the book held between you and then right back up to you. You noticed his eyes start to burn with intense emotion. He looked happy at first but you soon realized there was much more than joy behind his expression. He stared at you unblinkingly, standing perfectly still as a statue, but clearly waging a violent war within himself. You thought for a moment he might cry, his eyes turning sadder and sadder until, to your surprise, his lips formed the tiniest smile and he let out a sigh. You had not a moment to react to this strange turn of events because the next thing he did was grab tight hold of both your arms and kiss you.

This was nothing like the kiss you’d shared in the gardens. This kiss was the unleashing of desire. He held you close as his lips claimed yours with desperation. He did not let go when you thought he would and neither did you want him to. The book lay forgotten on the floor as, at last, you were all his. You felt his hand move up to your face, brushing a bit of your hair back, then cupping you by the back of the neck, begging you to stay close for those few last moments before, inevitably, reality struck.

He pulled back abruptly, looking completely stunned.

“You can’t tell anyone,” he said, his face swiftly filling with hurt again.

“Hao,” you replied, out of breath yourself, “wait,” because the prince was already pushing past you.

“I have the final wedding rehearsal,” he said, hurrying out the room before you could do anything to stop him.

You stood with yourself in quiet for quite some time, staring at the door.

Emotions were starting to bubble up inside you but you were so sick and tired of crying you forced your tears at bay by focusing on the only thing that could possibly distract you right now.

The book was still on the floor and now, it was begging to be read.

You sat down on the floor and picked it up. It didn’t feel heavy at all. You always imagined the book Minghao had been looking for would be huge; some grand exposition of wisdom. Maybe battle techniques? Or secret information on dragons, perhaps? But what could a tiny book like this one do to save an empire, or in the least, its prince? Heart pounding, you opened it, only to stare in confusion at something that made no sense to you at all.

Once upon a time, it read.

Once upon a time, there was a mountain. On that mountain stood a castle so tall it could reach the clouds in the sky and in it lived the great ruler. The ruler was very proud of his castle, because it stood taller than any other castle. The inhabitants of the castle sometimes complained about the cold winds that blew through the windows. They muddled up their long hair and blew away their paperwork. But of course this was all worth the magnificent views they got when they looked outside, according to the ruler. At the bottom of the mountain was a cave that lead to a whole underground town. In that town lived many people. Their days were clouded in darkness but the earth around them kept them warm and safe. One night, the ruler’s son was asleep when the wind whooshed right into his bedroom. It picked him up like a newborn baby and took him out through the window. The son shouted and cried for help but no one could hear him over the raging wind. The little boy shrieked all the way down until the wind plopped him down unto the grass. There he continued to cry in the darkness, helplessly, for no one would be able to hear him so far down. Little did the boy know, someone did hear him cry. All the way down in the cave town, a girl was sitting up in bed, wondering what that whining noise was. Curious, she crawled through the tunnels of her town, following the strange sound until she was at the mouth of the cave and saw the boy sitting in the grass. “What’s wrong?” she asked the boy. The boy jumped up at the sight of the girl, his cheeks flushing. “I fell down,” he answered. “From all the way up there?” the girl asked with big eyes. “Of course,” the boy said, “where else would I come from?” “I live in the ground,” the girl said, “how strange is this?” The boy and girl sat together in the grass, talking about their homes all night. The boy explained how cold his room was, and how the wind took his toys away from him, tales to which the girl hollered in disbelief. She then told him that she couldn’t even see her toys because it was so dark in her house and the boy laughed at how silly that was. When the sun came up the boy and the girl noticed a black dot in the sky. They watched as the dot grew bigger and bigger until the boy recognized his father. He was hanging from a big balloon that was slowly letting him down to the ground. “What is this?!” he bellowed when he noticed the girl. “She is my new friend,” replied the boy with a big smile, “she lives in a cave.” Just then, murmurings roused from the mouth of the cave. People emerged from it, chattering to one another until they set their eyes upon the scene in the grass. “What is this?!” they all cried at once. “He is my friend from the mountain,” said the girl, eyes sparkling, “the wind brought him to me.” The ruler and the cave people were outraged. It was plain as day that people from the castle shouldn’t get along with people who lived underground. “You should be ashamed of yourself!” shouted the ruler. “It’s a disgrace!” the cavetowners roared. The ruler grabbed his son by the arm and tied him to his big balloon, just as the cave dwellers took hold of the girl, dragging her back into the dark. Days and weeks and months passed and the boy and the girl didn’t meet, at least, that was the people around them thought. Every night, the boy crawled onto his father’s balloon while everyone else was asleep and drifted down below, where the girl would greet him with a smile and they would spend a wonderful time. Over time, the boy felt something grow within him; it was a secret. It started small as a little firefly, hovering around his empty chest. But by the time the boy was as tall as his father, the secret had become so vast and unfathomable, it was like a fiery blaze that enveloped him entirely. At any moment, he felt the secret might burst free. He could not let that happen. It frightened the boy so much, he began to keep his lips shut tight. When people around him spoke, he just stood by and watched. When his father asked him a question he simply nodded or shrugged. Only at night, when he ran free with the girl, did he open his mouth. The most beautiful sounds spilled out, laughter and song and shouts of glee. As he did so, he felt the secret grow and grow but he did not care in the night; he did not care how the inferno within him swelled against the confines of his body, how it roared on inside, begging to break free. As much as the boy ignored these happenings, like all secrets, break free, it did. He felt it rumble in his stomach first, then move up towards his throat, just as he’d sat down for breakfast. He clasped his neck in surprise. He wanted to shout at the people around him to hide, for the secret was surely coming, but not a second later, it exploded from his lips like a flaming tornado. It took over the room in an instant. Soon, the whole castle was set aflame. People cried for help but they were too far up for anyone to hear. They crawled up on the roof, shouting to the clouds in desperation but no one called back. Trapped by the flames, the boy knew only one thing to do. He heaved himself over the ledge of the dining room window and looked down. In a voice as loud as he could muster, he called for the girl. His ears picked up something of a reply but he couldn’t be sure; after all, the fire around him crackled obnoxiously loud. But she must be there, he thought, she would never abandon him. Gathering all his courage he leaned over the edge and let go, falling away from the castle and his father and the people who didn’t understand, towards the arms of freedom, where there was no need for secrets, where he was alright, just the way he was.

The book trembled in your hands as you finished the story. This was nothing like you’d imagined A Vast Unfathomable Secret to be about. So many things ran through your mind but right at the forefront was, overwhelmingly, Minghao. Minghao, Minghao, Minghao. All this time, you thought the book would reveal some kind of clever solution to help him save Namin. In the end, the book had revealed nothing more than his heart.

You knew you weren’t supposed to be here. You were probably supposed to check in with Tou Ma and help prepare for the celebration but you couldn’t do that. You had to see him, even if it meant watching him from the sidelines as he ran through his final wedding rehearsal. You were half hidden behind a wooden pillar, feeling as if your knees might give out. Minghao walked aside his mother to the front of the room, where a tall monk waited on a raised platform. The room wasn’t decorated properly yet but it had been filled with so much candlelight, the whole thing looked enchanting nonetheless. Zhong Mei came out as well, skin glowing in the warm firelight. She joined Minghao on the platform, facing him. There was a bit of a pause as Mei’s parents did some fervent explaining to the monk. The spectators in the room began murmuring amongst themselves. Your eyes never left Minghao though. He looked nervous. His cool mask wasn’t sliding on as easy as usual. He looked down for a long time before starting to scan the room. A shiver ran up your spine when his eyes suddenly met yours. He was quick to look away though. It seemed like Mei was saying something to him then because he nodded awkwardly at her in reply, though he couldn’t look at her.

Finally, Mei’s parents stepped aside and the monk stepped forward. He cleared his throat as he straightened out his robe, ready to start his speech.

BANG

A thunderous crashing sound broke the silence and the whole room shook.

104 notes · View notes

oh-for-fic-sake · 4 years

Text

Two More Bedrooms

Masterlist

The baby is on his way and who better to help you through slow labor then nurse Paige!

Warnings: Swearing, Graphic birth sort of?, Terribly Written Birthing Scenes, Fluff! and humor

A/N: So this is the last one of these for a while guys got a few other things I want to concentrate on however I did enjoy writing this one had a right laugh! any way I hope you enjoy as always xx

Taglist: @two-unbeatable-beaters @thatgirly81 @angelofthorr @iloveyouyen @sofiebstar @thefangirlsblog

Henry opened the boot of the car with a groan. It was go time. Well not really he had finally got back from filming late. It was late October and he was running around doing his fatherly duty of putting together the furniture for his sons nursery. His son. Each time he said it he got a huge wave of fatherly pride. He was having a little boy, he would be here in a matter of days! Well he was due in just under ten days. Henry was ecstatic. And behind he had a lot of things to get done. Starting with the cot. You had been terrified that he wouldn't be home in time and it was to late in the pregnancy to fly out to him either and you'd already sorted out your birthing plan here! To say you'd got yourself in a state was an understatement especially with the drama at the nursery, but Henry was here now he had taken care of everything!. He heaved the first heavy box up the stairs you and Paige watching from the sidelines neither of you had let him see the nursery on the phone wanting to keep it a secret. As tempting as it was to do a dc theme you'd decided against it.

Paige wanted a 'zoo room' and well to be honest it was a better idea then your 'generic pale blue'. He walked into the large room smiling you'd both done a hell of a job...so some of the mural was tilted and out of line, he didn't care it was Paige's first time helping to hang wallpaper and he was damn proud of his little nugget!

It was incredible the largest back wall was a custom wallpaper mural it was a white background with strategically placed palm trees jungle vines an 'life sized' elephants, giraffes ,zebras you name it! In the trees there was monkeys and various brightly coloured parrots perched and in flight. The floor was sanded leaving it a lighter oak and the rest of the walls painted a very light sage colour. There was boxes and boxes of toys, soft furnishings and essentials packed n the far corner including a five foot tall giraffe teddy that Paige had wanted to buy the baby...That was just one of her many gifts to him.

Henry loved it and had praised the both of you for what you had achieved. Finally four trips later he had retrieved all of the furniture and it was now time to assemble. Moving he quickly unclipped his drill box flipping it open then turned when he heard the door open and saw Paige peeking in, she had a bowl of cut grapes and apples with her, he smiled you must have gave her snacks to come an watch.

"Hey Nugget..You want to help?" She nodded and walked over to him and sat down next to him still in her pajamas even though it was two in the afternoon. She had been relaxing with you on the sofa watching tv She watched carefully as he began to pull out the flat packed crib from the box.

"Hold the box for me okay..one..two..three....there we go!...see can you guess what this is?" She looked at it skeptically humming.

"Cot?" Henry chuckled nodding.

"That’s right this will be the cot and we have a changing table a wardrobe and chest of drawers to make....then We have to get the rocking chair from the snug in here....Do you know where everything is supposed to go in here?" She nodded popping another grape in her mouth then offered hi one. He smiled plucking a red grape from the top.

"Good because mummy isn't allowed in here until we are done!" She giggled at him and began the hard task of supervising him.

Remarkably everything was much easier to put together then last time ...though he didn't wing it this time and read the instructions which Henry has decided he will do in the future, everything ran smoothly. Paige was giddy as she got to help make the furniture. Henry had held the drill a few times letting her pull the trigger and she was over the moon. Henry had given her a little lesson on drill bits and proper safety showing the little girl how it worked and she had loved it, he thinks it was less about the lesson and more about having one on one time with her dad. It was nearly three hours later but finally the room was done he and Paige had even unpacked the baby clothes. You had broke down in tears seeing the finished room, it was beautiful and calming. The wood of the furniture was all a mix of white painted and oak that was only one shade darker then the floor.

It was now four days to go. The nursery had been moved about every single day. You were nesting, it frustrated you, you needed to clean but the 'cavillry' had been on your case not letting you do anything. You just couldn't explain it, you wanted to hoover,mop,dust, clean, wipe! You wanted to nitpick! You just... you was on edge you could feel it, he was close so close to being here but you couldn't settle. Thankfully though Henry being home meant you didn't have to worry about much you were all ready!

Henry gulped...well shit if you wasn't on edge before you would be now if you found out. 'She'd be raging' He had just realized he hadn't packed a bag. Fuck. He now had to covertly pack this thing without you finding out he had forgot...he needed a sneaker.

"Paige! Can you come here a moment poppet?!" The little girl came into your Shared bed room.

"Yes Daddy?"

"Right...Daddy messed up....and i need your help can you be sneaky for me today?"

"Sneaky daddy?" He nodded

"Yes we need to get mummy's hospital bag ready! And daddy forgot so i need you to help me get all the things we need for when your brother gets here....can you do that poppet?"

"Okay daddy whats first?” and so began a morning of creeping around the house trying to pack the bag he had said was packed three days ago. Paige he been caught stealing the baby wipes but finally everything was laid out on the bed.

"Right nugget it looks like we did it now the final check okay."

"Tag on the bag? Check, wet wipes nappies-"

"Wow daddy will he be this tiny?" Henry chuckled nodding as Paige placed the tiny nappy in the bag on top of the others

"Yes nugget so tiny and cute...I truly can’t wait for him to get here, your going to love him! And hold him and snuggle him"

"I-I get to cuddle?" He nodded sitting beside her on the bed

"Oh yes baby girl! You can have as many cuddles as you want! You are his big sister...When he grows up he is going to learn a lot for you, you get to play with him teach him your games and how to grow the fruit in the garden and teach him to walk and talk, your going to be so close baby girl...your- your baby brother wont be just a brother...But a best friend for life!" She grinned wide still smoothing her little fingers over the small pamper.

"Now what else-ah bottles, formula, cool scarves check check check....reusable sanitary pads witch hazel check double check...wheat cushion and sports bottle..where the - Paige is Mummy’s sports bottle in there?" She dug around to the bottom and nodded

"Uhuh its there daddy and juice!"

"Good right then its just the baby grow! And I know that's in the front pocket! Woohoo we are all done!" Paige shook her head frowning

"No-No daddy wheres the snuggy! He will need his snuggy I got him A snuggy daddy!" Henry smiled at her.

"I know baby girl but Mummy and I think its better if you gave it to him when you meet, then he knows its from you" at that Paige calmed down...

"Really Daddy? I can give it to him...will he like my snuggy?" Henry nodded to her zipping up the bag and picked her up placing her on his hip.

"Absolutly baby he will love it...Its the wolf one mummy showed me isn’t it?" She nodded as Henry moved out of the bed room and down the stairs.

"I thought so a very good choice nugget, so soft and small enough he will be able to hold it straight away, you keep it close to the door when me and mummy go and daddy will come and get you when he is here. You remeber what we said?"

"That-that you and mummy go to hospital and get him out then I can see him in the hospital after!" Henry placed the bag by the front door so he just had to grab it on the way out when the time came.

"Forgot the chargers" Henry jumped up

"What-hey sweety what are you doing up and about thought you were in the den reading?"

"You think I wont notice my own husband and daughter skulking about the house all day collecting things?..... Come on move knew you hadn't packed idiot..." you moved over to the bag placing two chargers in the side pocket then stood up right kissing him on the cheek as he blushed at being caught out.

"Daddy does Mummy know everything that happens...." he chuckled watching as you waddled back towards the kitchen muttering something about pickled eggs.

"Yes baby yes she does...we are...bad a sneaking I think"

"We need to get better at it daddy" he nodded to his eldest and followed you to the kitchen hoping you wasn't angry, but by the soft giggles he doubted it

"I can hear you two you know! There will be no more sneaking about now come have some lunch!"

Lunch was a bad idea! You groaned holding your stomach rubbing the taught muscles, sure you had twitches but fuck! You thought they were braxton hicks! You had them for three days none stop about a week before Paige was finally born. But no you were slowly realizing that this might be it!

You rolled onto your side holding your tummy as another slightly powerful contraction pulled Kal had just left the room barking and you could hear henry stampedeing throught the house to your side Paige running in a few moments behinde...Dressed as a nurse...Oh for fuck sake...Why the hell did he get her the nurse set!

"Babe! Oh god babe are you? is it time?!" You shook your head and held out your hands signaling him to help you sit up he did kneeling before you

"Is...Is it the baxtons again? Have they started?" You took a deep breath.

"I...I don't think so had them on and off for the past few days but they are getting worse...I think I'm in slow labor can't do anything yet, gotta wait it out!" Paige interrupted by putting her 'baby headphones' on which was her toy stethoscope on your tummy and nodding

"He wants to come out got to hospital" you and Henry laughed at her.

"Oh my god haha! Paige-y Poppet!"

"Nurse Paige Daddy...I'm a nurse today!" you calmed down

"Well your right nurse Paige he is on his way...But we have to wait until he is just about to come out until we go to the hospital...A few more hours at least..Not only that I'm not leaving this house till I’ve fucking pooped! And have a coffee Henry...don't need to falling asleep again!"

"Again...Mummy have you did this before?" You and Henry shared a look.

"Yes baby with you....You were in my tummy and we went to the hospital and got you out..daddy passed out cos he looked

"I did not look woman! It was stress! And low blood sugar!" Paige meanwhile was quiet trying to process the fact that she had come out of you....The little girl knew she was in your tummy at one point but never gave it much thought....

"You-you I'm not poop am I? You didn't poop me out did you mummy?....Rose still says you poop out babies I don't want to be a poo!" You smiled at her and chuckled.

"No poppet your not poop? You were a baby just like your brother will be...but mummy does need to try poop before she leaves"

"You want a coffee mummy? You can't poo until after coffee...Daddy make mummy a coffee so she can poo and go get my brother" Henry chuckled and saluted

"Yes nurse Paige...do we still have decaf love?." You nodded to him smiling

"Yes thank you love I'm gonna get changed then I will be down" he hummed

"Nurse stay with your mum...come get me if anything happens okay poppet?" She nodded and 'helped' you up towards the stairs.

The coffee did not work as time ticked on it became clear that you was definitely in labor, the pains were bad and contractions worse then you remembered. You sat there on the toilet determined that you would empty your bowels before leaving but you were cutting it close. Your waters were slowly trickling now, but your adamant you can last you are not shitting yourself during birth! You held the side of the tub cringing at the harsh tugs of your muscles as your body tried moving the baby lower. You squinted trying to forget the pain and focus on the task at hand it was hard to go with Paige standing at the door with Kal.

"Paige?...Can mummy poop in peace?"

"Yes" you gasped as another wave started and curled over on yourself.

"....Alone maybe?" Her face lit up and she smiled

"OOOH alone? no" your face dropped what?

"Paige please?" You begged really needing her to understand and leave you to it like Henry was, though you suspected he was at the top of the stairs listening out

"...No mummy you need a nurse here in case...Me and Kal are nurses" oh for fuck sake

"Incase of what baby?"

"..If you push to hard you might poop out the baby..." you sighed rolling your eyes trying to control your tone not wanting to scream at her but at the same time you wanted a fucking shit in peace!

"Paige I promise I wont poop out the baby"

"But daddy said he's coming" you growled fisting your hands having just about enough as another contraction began pulling at you, really you should be on your way to the hospital already.

"Paige honey...I promise you I will not poop out your brother...But mummy really really needs to go and your putting me off..."

"Okay mummy..." she turned around and patted Kal

"Come on Kal turn around mummy can't poop when your watching"

"Paige please go downstairs"

"No mummy...Just poop already! Its okay if its smelly...I've been to the toilet after you before...And we got this see?" She waved a small can of air freshener that you failed to notice until then okay right that's it!

"Oh for fuck sake-BABE! COME COLLECT YOUR OFSPRING!" Paige blinked confused as Henry came in and collected her, scooping her up sheepishly.

"Come on nugget! Lets got double check the bag...Micah and his mummy will be here soon..."

"But daddy mummy needs me! I'm a nurse!" He shushed her and turned to you.

"Their five minuets away babe might want to wrap this up-"

"GET THE FUCK OUT I NEED A SHIT!!!" You swear for a second you really was married to Clark kent at the speed he left the bathroom as you flung a bottle of bubble bath at the closed door.

What felt like a few moments later you were being ushered out of the door by Fran giving Paige and Kal kisses promising to see them soon. You and Henry pulled away from the house in silence tense and excited.

"You ready?" All he got was a loud groan in reply as you gripped the door and dashboard you had left it to late

"H-henry put your fucking foot down! He is comeing fast!" Started by the change in tone he did as asked flooring it, the hospital was only five minutes away thankfully livjng on the same side of town was ta god send.

"Fuck babe are you- why didn't you say anything inside!? It he that close?!"

"YES HERNY BUT I WAS NOT SHITTING ON MYSELF BIRTHING HIM NOW FUCKING SHUT UP AND FUCKING DRIVE THIS FUCKING MOTHER FUCKING CAR TO THE CUNTING HOSPITAL!!!" You ended with a low pained groan but henry in his panic just continued his blathering

"Do-did you go for the epidural? Can they?-"

"ITS TO LATE! JUST OHHHHH FUUUCKING HELL NO!" your groans got higher and louder as the pain and awful need to push became almost to much to bare.That did the trick. Henry soon realized that you were in the middle of active labor.

"What the fuck? babe why didn't you say something?! breath breath remeber-"

"I AM FUCKING BREATHING!!! IF NOT ID BE FUCKING DEAD....oh fuck me- sorry babe these things hit hard...I didn't ant to worry you or Paige be he wants out now- OOOHHH GOD NOO FUAUHGK JUST FUCKING TOOT THAT CUNT GO AROUND HIM HENRY?! GET OUT OF THE WAY ASSHOLE! PUSHING A BABY OUT HERE!!"

"Babe the windows open-"

"FUCK THE WINDOW MY FUCKING CERVIX IS OPEN!!oooh and done wow...You know I'm done after this one...Fucking done" You pressed back into the seat taking deep breaths laughing in delight as the hospital came into veiw patting your tummy

"okay...okay breath this is it baby boy~ fUUUCK ME! Auggghhh! no don't that's whats got us here", Henry tried not to laugh but he couldn't hold it he chuckled as he sped past the barriers and skidded to a stop by the maternity unit swearing

"Fuck fuck fuck HELP HE'S COMING FAST!!! okay bag bag and plan- we have the birthing plan- whats the birthing plan babe?!" he panicked as you both made it into reception you doubled over legs spread wide baring down as the contraction built in strength.

"TO GET HIM OUT- THAT’S THE FUCKING PLAN FUCK THIS WAS SO MUCH BETTER WITH A FUCKING EPIDURAL-!" suddenly seeing what was happening you were whisked into a room by midwives that already knew this baby was coming much faster then expected.

You were quickly placed on the bed legs spread and a midwife checking she swore and pressed a button above you on the bed raising an alarm. she turned to Henry asking him questions

"Dad? this your first baby?"

"No second, our second" he lifted your papers as you screamed out again he was panicked

"Okay right was it a natural birth last time?" Henry nodded to the woman then suddenly there was two younger women in the room

"Shes crowning fast, the baby will be here in a matter of minuets okay...I need a bassinet, blanket tools the lot, get those notes off dad and get a ecg in here I want baby's heart rate!...Right dad you with me? good up here hold her hands there's no time for pain meds this baby wants out now!" you groaned holding Henry's hands tight swearing panting

"Its-He's coming! he will be here soon" you had a holter monitor on your tummy and there was another alarm pinging you looked to one of the younger women who had brought in the .

"What-whats that? is everything okay? is he okay?"

"Yes ...Your baby is just a little stressed out okay? nothing to worry about love its just that your in the end of labor already " she quickly moved around

"Right Mrs Cavill take some deep breaths for me darling...Okay in...Out good and again....Good right your baby is right here...Can you feel my fingers? Yes? that’s their head right there sweetheart now I need you to push okay? on the next contraction as hard as you can its really important okay-" you pushed with all your might but noting he didnt move, the woman tensed.

"Okay...Right Mr Cavill she doesn't have any blood condition's does she? hiv? anemia?" Henry shook his head

"No-no she hasn't why?"

"Right okay get them over here...Right Mrs Cavill I’m going to have to cut you my love" you screeched shaking your head

"N-NOO PLEASE-please don't I can do it- please" henry tooka few secons to catch up...They were going to cut you? cut your-Oh god! he moved forward holding you tight trusing the midwives to do their job, they new more about this then the both of you.

"Shh shh I know its not nice but the baby is stuck honey their shoulder is trapped my love if you keep pushing you could hurt him so just one tiny little snip and he will be here okay?" you whined crying into Henry nodding who relayed the message as the woman was already poised with the...Terrifying scissors between your legs.

"Yo-you pro-mise?"

"I promise, you wont feel a thing it will be so quick, and after we will get you a nice morphine drip how does that sound? but right now the baby needs to be out asap, you left it to long to get here, if they wasn't stuck you'd have had them in the car on the way here in the car!"

"She wouldn't leave the house till she went a loo... Didn't want to poop giving birth" the midwife rolled her eyes.

"oh sweet pea we have seen it all before, okay now ready, as soon a this contraction it over you will have your little baby I promise you love" you nodded reaching for Henry who curled over you holding your hands kissing your face

"Henry I’m scared! don't pass out-don't fucking pass out Henry! I need you please please stay with me!"

"I'm here! I'm with you love...I'm not going anywhere just think our little boy!" you nodded and screamed loud as your final contraction came on building then- nothing the burning pain was all you felt then a loud sigh of relief as your son was born.

"There we go I told you! Well done! A little boy! congratulations!" you wept as the midwife held him higher for you to see and burst out crying. Henry couldn't believe it! his son his little boy was right there! he could see him hear him!

"Dad...ready here cut just there" Henry held the scissors cutting the tiny baby from his mother the room was full with the cries of the newborn.

"C-can I pass out now?" you slapped at him watching as the midwife called out time of birth.

"And that is Cavill, male, born at three minuets past seven pm October thirtieth..ooo nearly a halloween baby~"

"He was due November third...Four days early" Henry added wiping tears from his eyes watching as they washed him up and measured and weighed him.

"Well no wonder you had to be cut lovey! he is a big boy! 9lb 9 ounces! and 22 inches in length...definitely going to take after his daddy!...Okay okay here we go fussy little monkey~" Henry was handed your son first as you were being stitched up and a morphine drip being inserted, you didn't feel anything other then shock. he was here...your baby your little man! Henry froze looking at the bundle.

"He is so...Perfect! I-I can't-love he is" you nodded leaning over as Henry sat down shushing him rocking the boy gently. The nurse who had finished putting in the canular and started the drip came over.

"Would you like me to take some pictures? first cuddles?" you both nodded handing her Henry's phone and posed with your son...Son you had a son he was here...and a noisy little bugger if you did say so yourself. Henry handed him to you pressing kissed you your head

"Thank you so much my love! you've made me the happiest man on the planet!" the nurse took some more photos then you were left alone. You both sat in awe of the little boy as you held him steady feeding him quietly rocking.

"you want a coffee love? and I will call Fran get her to bring over Paige" you nodded then looked to the bag

"Did you bring?"

"Yes I did they are in there wrapped up and ready I will be back in when they get here...Want some snacks to?" you nodded

"A coconut late with extra syrup...Double shot oh and some milky bar! the big one and some monster munch!" he nodded already on the phone to Fran to deliver the good news.

Twenty minuets later there was a knock on the door and in came Henry Paige was uncharacteristically hiding behind him unsure of herself, he must have told her to keep quiet. she tiptoed in and stood at the bed on tip toes trying to peek."I-Is he here? where is he Mummy?" you moved the blanket letting her see the blue bundle.

"Henry lift her up-Oh hi Fran?" you nodded smiling noticing she was filming the siblings meeting. Henry hoisted Paige to sit next to you she was scared stiff just looking eyes fixed on her brother. she looked to you then the baby.

"He's mine? my baby brother...He is so small daddy look at his little fingers" Henry smiled to her nodding getting all choked up already.

"Y-yes baby girl he is very small...The nurses said he is going to be tall tho...Well aren't you going to give him the snuggy you got?" Paige bit her lip and tentatively crawled over you him crouching

"I-I can touch him...He wont cry" Henry chuckled at her worried expression.

"He shouldn't do baby and if he does its just because he is a tired little baby!" slowly she made her move, moving to give him the toy placing it near his tiny hand, once he felt the softness his hand clenched around it.

That was when Paige lost it, almost as if realizing that he was a real baby, not a toy the flood gates opened and she quickly moved in over her brother crying softly into his blanket trying to cuddle him softly you rubbed her back as she was overwhelmed sobbing quietly to herself rocking slightly.

"H-hi B-baby...I-I'm you b-big sister" you and Henry smiled to each other knowingly tears welling up fast any doubts you'd had vanished as Paige coddled the tiny boy. You moved nodding for her to come sit on your side.

"Come on poppet time for his big sister to get a cuddle!" she gasped looking up wiping her eyes.

"R-really I can ho-hold him? but I th-thought dad-dy just said that to-to make me fe-eel better" Henry shook his head moving to stand beside you both so Paige as in the middle

"No of course not sweet pea...now here this is for you little lady" she blinked looking from you to Henry

"Presents?"

"Yes love a present's from the baby to you see? here open it see what he got you". you watched as she opened the gifts, one was a small wolf teddy that looked a little like the snuggy Paige had just given her brother, the other was a worlds best big sister t-shirt. she looked around stunned

"Daddy- Mummy look- look he likes wolves...Just like my snuggy I got him- see its almost the same daddy look look!" Henry smiled at her chuckling

"I see that princess..not what about this one here~" she tore open the paper holding the t-shirt

"A-a T-shirt daddy whats it say?"

"It says worlds best big sister! see he already knows your going to be the best big sister! want to put it on?" she nodded already having he top half off before he even asked once dressed in her new top you decided it was time for cuddles and pictures you both moved her little arms so she could support him properly.

You all smiled as Fran stood by and took a few snaps with Henry's phone tears streaming. Paige looked down in awe as the child wriggled she looked up alarmed.

"No- Mummy I didn't-"

"shh shh its okay see he is just waking up...It must be your snuggy he wants to have a look~" Paige watched in fascination as her brother opened his eyes yawning at her.

"Soo? what the little ones name?" Fran finally asked buzzing with excitement

"Silas...Silas Cavill" Paige quirked a brow and shook her head.

"No-no Daddy I don't like it" you and Henry burst out laughing.

"Well I'm sorry nugget that's on his birth certificate nothing we can do now-" Henry tried to explain but was cut off

"Rub it out you did it in pencil didn't you?"

"I'm afraid not Paige, He is called Silas" Paige huffed looking down at Silas bouncing him a little.

"Oookaayy but the next one is a girl and I’m naming it" you and Henry blinked

"W-what Paige-y?"

"The next baby is a girl and I wanna call it Pearl...so its Paige and Pearl." Henry waved his hands in the air exhausted by his eldest.

"Unbelievable- Paige how about we see how you and Silas get on-"

"No daddy go have sex I want a sister- there are two more bedrooms at home!" you burst out laughing as Paige said this whilst rocking Silas slowly before kissing him on the cheek.

"My baby brother...I love you and cant wait for you to meet Kal...He is a bit like a wolf...And bear so your going to love him!...He is loud sometimes but he is a good boy" you tilted your head before going to take Silas back but Paige whined and twisted him away.

"N-no mine my brother! I want to hold him longer" you and Henry shared a look and sighed choosing to let her hold him until her arms were tired.

Fran walked over taking a quick peek at the baby before handing Henry his phone giving him a quick hug which he returned.

"Here I best be off congratulation the two of you, I'm so happy for you all"

"Thanks again for watching Paige...You sure you don't want a cuddle before you go?"

"No no let Paige have her snuggles I'm sure I will get a cuddle soon see you soon" Henry moved sitting at the bottom of the bed watching his family happily. Before flicking through the pictures readying one for twitter and family. He chose one that melted his heart Paige staring down at Silas with you and Henry staring at each other smiling, glowing with pride, Silas' face was partly hidden. he posted the photo announcing to the world he was the proud father of two healthy children, life couldn't get any better then this! Henry was on cloud nine...But Paige did have a point...There was two more spare rooms, Henry will give it a few months before bringing it up. But for everything he was worth he had a feeling you'd be pregnant by the end of next year. Paige was spoilt in a sense and he just can't refuse his little princes and Sister was now on the list he would try not to disappoint.

#henry cavill x reader #henry cavill imagine #henry cavill #henry cavill fic #henry cavill x y/n #henry cavill x daughter #henry cavill x you

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steve0discusses · 3 years

Text

S5 Ep6: Joey Wheeler is on Fire, Yet Again

Came down with a little sickness-not the biggie, just a little sly guy. But I took some meds, I’m a little floaty, I’ve only been listening to baroque music all morning for some reason? And I hate baroque music usually? But I’ll leave it to bro to tell me if this is fluid enough.

Just so you know, these caps were kind of a hot mess for a while and some of them read like that Garfield in of hot eat the food comic until...today. So pls don’t judge me, Judge my damn DMV where no one was following Covid regulations because I’m pretty sure that’s where I got this damn cold.

We start off with Roland getting more attention than he ever has in his entire life. Like honestly, I don’t know what Roland’s job really is...but he’s got a very diverse set of very useless skills. One of which, is knowing how to announce sports games that aren’t really a sport, while those games he’s announcing slowly fall into chaos.

Anyway, Roland’s taking so long cherishing his sweet time before everything goes to hell, that he’s boring Joey, who’s kinda turned into a ball of stress in the waiting room.

A lot of this episode is us watching them watching Joey having a break down moment by moment, TBH.

(read more under the cut)

Yugi telling Joey to study his cards and straight up--what?

Like at this point they know what’s on the cards, right? Like there comes a point where even Yugioh cards have a finite amount of words and I’m just going to assume that like...Joey probably knows them all in his own deck, right?

(bro note: they have no limit on what they will put on a card)

Then again, maybe Yugi doesn’t know what “study” means?

Also, appreciate how some artist crosshatched the hell on Joey’s nose there and I zoomed out and ruined it.

Now for some reason every duelist is hanging out in the duel lodge, including our current arch-villain guy who’s brought a book. I want to know what book this guy even reads so no one could suspect he’s actually a hacker who uses computers. He’s reading romance, right? And I don’t think he’d even be into Twilight, I think he’s straight up into hard core Mom romance like a lame ass Nicholas Sparks over there reading “Dear John” for the millionth time because he is completely un-phased by anything else happening in this room.

Joey, our hero, just out there being an asshole for no reason.

After Tea is pushed into a locker or something screaming about her need for female friends (which she screamed in earshot of Rebecca again, who I figured was on friends terms with her after last episode...but I guess not) Leon hops up to remind us that we should be caring about the fact that his character exists.

And like, I love Leon’s hair color--that’s a good choice, and legit that is the color I tried to dye my hair at the beginning of the epidemic (it didn’t work PS, my hair cannot take dye for the life of it) but also like...he just kinda feels like a weak Rebecca as far as characters go. He’s young, he’s good at cards...I think he goes to a private school? That’s all I can think of about Leon.

He mostly just reminds us that the big prize of this tourney is to duel Yugi, who anyone could have dueled at any point even without the tournament.

On the way out of the...duel room? lounge? Area? Joey decides to like...make peace with Zigfried, and I gotta tell you, I kinda have to side with Zigfried, because Joey spent the last ten minutes being a freak in the dressing room/lounge/bathroom and at one point looked like he was going to hold the entire locker room in a stranglehold.

I would also want some space from Joey Wheeler, is what I’m saying.

After insulting Joey’s style (which honestly, Joey...has a style? He pops his collar, that’s his entire style.) Zigfried assures us that Joey’s gonna lose and like...

...probably, right? Just looking at the plausible direction this season will go.

Anyway, Joey is such a mess (which is the theme of the episode, that Joey needs to learn to chill in order to win at card games) that Rebecca is like “I understand if all of you leave me to go help our poor baby Joey.” And no one felt bad for her.

Mokuba comes over to tell everyone all of the Kaiba family secrets because Mokuba has no filter.

Seto has devoted himself to staring at a computer screen for the rest of this episode. I guess he’ll put their names into Google, realize that social media hasn’t been invented yet, and then just lie his head down on the desk and take a power nap until the tournament is over. Much like I did after taking Dayquil this afternoon.

I like how Seto dressed for success and then locked himself in the server room for most of this arc so far. Maybe he’s just...really tired, I dunno. I don’t really blame the guy, he’s had a hard time.

And then Yugi was like “DAMN IT MOKUBA, JUST ONCE CAN YOU NOT INVITE THE ILLUMINATI???”

And we had a weird scene where Yugi just started talking to the ghost and it was while he was talking to everyone else, and the show didn’t treat it like that’s a weird thing to do...but it was a weird thing to do.

This show does that sometimes, where I guess they imply that Yugi’s Pharaoh conversations are split second conversations but...they’re not, right?

Also this chick ain’t gone yet, and Mokuba is just failing at his entire job for not zeroing in on vibes coming off this chick like stinky cheeseman.

So listen.

Did the Kaibas make like 3 types of Blue Eyes Caboose to one up Noah? Because Noah made one choo choo dragon, and then Mokuba and Seto were like “how dare” and then made sure that everyone ride every single version of the blue eyes caboose just to see how proud of them they were.

How many months of troubleshooting was the train? Like how long in development did Seto and Mokuba spend on these? A lot right? Like most of the time?

I did not check the subs to see if Roland said Jumping or Champion but I like to believe that Roland thought it was a cool new name he gave him.

Then these guys all showed up.

Hey so...can we talk seating arrangements?

Tea decided not to sit next to Yugi after complaining about not spending time with him for like how many episodes? Or was it too awkward to sit on top of what was probably Pharaoh?

Or did Mokuba go like “please, Tea, I cannot sit next to the others because I’m pretty sure one is a mole that is about to go cray” and was Tea like “Good, I need female friends, these ones are driving me crazy!” and then was Mokuba like peering desperately over the edge of his self made dragon train prison realizing he has to listen to Tea complain about boys for the rest of his ride across molten lava?

Headcanons abound about this weird seating arrangement that the animators drew for the reasons they did...but reasons I cannot fully understand. That and the Dayquil is making me overfixate on random stuff.

And also, Tea is kind of the Kaiba’s security’s understudy. Just there to always protect Mokuba with her ass because she’s the strongest woman alive.

PS I missed the tumblr wars because at the time I was trying to like...run a proper business on blogger. When Blogger died and I jumped over here it was like a weird ruin where everyone was like “tumblr is the most toxic place alive” and...I’ve had a really nice time here, actually. Completely missed that civil war period and I have no regrets.

Now I was there for the Petz wars (warz, I guess) where people were very militant about Petz abuse (abuze?) where apparently people were using the spray bottle on their catz too much and people were very, very upset about it to the point that they were like campaigning about it on their angelfire websites with the most bizarre grassroots campaigns that I still recall, to this day because they were like...well they looked like this:

PLAPA. Not only am I 100% positive that only this one guy ever called this movement PLAPA, but I’m 100% positive that not only are Catz not real people, but also this wasn’t actually happening and we never had any proof that it was. Either way, if people knew or suspected that you hadn’t deleted the spray bottle from your game (which at the time I had no idea how to do because I was a wee child) they would basically assume you were on a one way road to being a mass murderer in real life.

In real life we were 7 years old so like...thanks?

But that’s the closest I got to toxicity and at the time I was too young to make an email account and actually converse with these people. I was just there to download their Petz hexes, and I already made a post about how wonderful and incredible Petz Hexing was.

And y’all, I heard, just now after a little deep dive into the Petz Abuse debacle (which yes, is on the wiki), that apparently, like gardening, Petz Hexing came back in a big way during the epidemic--and I have found an active Petz forum in this the year 2021. The only problem is that I no longer remember how to use old timey forums...and I think I’m locked out of seeing most of these threads (and like this forum is so old I think I have to send them a letter in the physical mail to apply). But, I’m pretty sure they’re hosting a picture contest for who’s dogz poses the best. And I’m pretty sure someone created a hexxed Pickle Rick. Or it’s a photoshop that was made to look like a hexxed Pickle Rick.

Dammit why did it have to be Pickle Rick? That’s not worth re-installing Petz and getting it to run on Windows 10...

Guys is this the Dayquil? Is this really happening? I feel like I’m losing my mind for so many reasons...

Anyway, speaking about useless hexing it’s about time that our villain did something that was actually dangerous, so Zigfried decided to install a new virus that does more than turn off the lights. (it still turns off lights)

the Spreadsheet Virus!

Confounded by the spreadsheet software, it...um...it does this:

Straight up how does Excel make a volcano erupt? Is that why I have to pay for Microsoft office now?

All this because Joey made fun of Zigfried’s naturally pink hair? Which is the most normal hair on this series outside of like...Tristan?

Hey guys...Joey’s fine, right? Like how many times has Joey been on fire? And once in an iron cage next to like...a Fire Golem?

Joey’s fine.

MAN I miss Fire Golem. He had a good mug.

And then we just kinda watch chaos go across the park, chaos that includes: Too many ghosts in the haunted mansion (which honestly--you’ll get your money’s worth, sounds great!), the Ferris wheel goes kinda fast and thus might accidentally be fun, the lights turn off at some concert stage that only had 2 people on it (so it might just be motion detector lights and not even a virus), and um...literal fire and magma are going to set Joey Wheeler on fire.

Just...one of these events does not seem like the others. In fact most of these things sound like good improvements to the park and they should just hire Zigfried at this point.

Roland puts down his microphone and jogs across the stage, about a mile through the audience bleachers, and into the staff lounge, to go and bother Seto Kaiba, who is in a room that has a hi-def classical painting copy-pasted on the wall and I can’t look away from it.

I almost did a Google search on this painting but then thought better about it. There’s like...a billion classical paintings that look exactly like this, and they wouldn’t use like a Monet, they would have to do something that’s harder to catch to avoid copyright issues (because yes, even old ass paintings have copyright issues, but no one tell NFT’s which are going to be so freakin screwed and was such a bad idea, that I can’t even start).

Anyway, I have no idea who it is and it is legitimately driving me up a wall, but I’m on too much meds to do the effort of putting it in a reverse google image search.

Plus, a reverse google image search would only pull up Seto Kaiba.

So Kaiba takes us on a little flashback to his weird ass past, a weird ass past that just...doesn’t follow any of the established timelines, but I assume was shortly after adoption but before Seto got into a phase where he wore his school outfit everywhere and tried to shove his MMO off onto his Dad as a business model.

Seto is like 8 for some reason. I don’t know why, they kinda drew him younger this season anyway, like maybe they got a lot of fan mail and realized “Hey I think we made the 16 yo boy too sexy?” And they just toned Seto the hell down. That, and it’s a different animation team, and maybe they looked at Seto’s character design and were like “we don’t get paid enough to draw this well.” So...since Seto actually looks like a teen again, I guess his 12 year old self has to look like he’s in Elementary school.

Also, I only recognized this, because at some point in S3 as I was roasting Noah Kaiba’s weird fashion:

I remember distinctly roasting that little bow tie. I don’t remember when I wrote it, I think there was a version of this outfit that was in color...but I don’t remember where.

Anyway, it’s not the same jacket...but man that’s kind of awkward, ya? Like the maid who dressed Mokuba deffo got fired?

He um.

Turned the lights off a little bit.

Guys this villain is like...

...why does he think lights are scary? Like look at little Seto here. The boy is already bored. Seto duels on the edges of cliffs...he doesn’t care about the freakin dark.

We had a guy who killed everyone on the planet last season, and this season we have a little fashion gremlin standing in the corner and flicking the light switch going “wooooo you never catch me!” and it’s like...

...I’m starting to think this guy isn’t a witch.

Like we’re at Episode 6, there’s still time for this guy to be a witch...but I really am starting to think this guy is just...straight up not a witch. It’s everything Seto wanted, a rival who isn’t a freakin magic person...and sets Joey only fake on fire instead literally on fire like last time...

and Seto is just completely unhinged by it.

Anyway, I’m off to go drink a bowl of soup and pass out. If you’re new here, this is a link to read these in chrono order.

https://steve0discusses.tumblr.com/tagged/yugioh/chrono

#yugioh #yu gi oh #ygo #S5 #Ep6 #Yugi Muto #Seto Kaiba #Joey Wheeler #Tea Gardner #Tristan Taylor #Mokuba Kaiba #zigfried von schroeder #rebecca hawkins #I talked about catz again #leon #but not the kings of leon guy #I mean he could be

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