"What if someone could take away what makes her special?"

"Her powers are innate. You know that better than most."

"What if she could have a chance for a normal life?"

"I don't know what Ciri would consider normal. I just need her to survive this."

Jamie's Perfect Date, by Baxter Ward

Summary: For his date with Jamie, Baxter spares no effort or expense. She is very appreciative.

Rating: K - Intended for general audience 5 years and older. Content should be free of any coarse language, violence, and adult themes.

Words: 2200

Notes: My college was full of stray cats. The professors loathed them, but they were so amicable, so cute!

Today simply has to be flawless. Baxter will not accept any less, not when it comes to Jamie.

Of course, he holds himself to high standards in all things, but the thought of providing anything less than perfection for she is one that pains him to even consider. Especially now that he had finally gotten the courage or, rather, found the right and proper time to ask her to spend the day with him.

She approaches him at the university quad on her way out of class not long after noon that day. Her pace slows down as she eyes him before he has noticed her, he is sitting a few meters away on a wood bench, tapping his feet and resisting the urge to check his phone for the time again.

Since he could not miss his morning classes again, thanks to a habit of sleeping much too late for his own good, Baxter had also just gotten out of a lecture hall and did not have the time to go home and change, being noticeably dressed in a more casual ensemble of jeans and a t-shirt. Without his usual elegant set of button-downs and designer shoes, she can appreciate the way constant training and a dancing background have toned his slender frame.

Appreciate it, Jamie most certainly does. Though he soon, much too soon, turns to face her, and her eyes dart back up from a rather ignoble place to meet his instead.

"You're as radiant as ever, I see.” He says with a warm smile.

He offers her an arm and she takes it, replying with a grin, "You've already got me for the day, Baxter. There's no need for flattery."

"Flattery implies a measure of falsehood.” He says with confidence, leading her towards the parking lot. "I could never bring myself to lie to one so lovely."

She would have offered to just walk into town, as she often did when she was alone, but it is rather far from campus. The weather was also warm enough to break a sweat under the midspring sun, and the vehicle proves to be a convenient place for her to leave her heavy bookbag, so she raises no objections as he opens her door for her and whisks them away in the traffic.

As they arrive at the town centre and their time together proceeds, Jamie cannot help but feel that, some way, somehow, Baxter has a kind of psychic insight into her personal preferences. Everywhere she turns, whatever her heart could desire is immediately available and set before her with hardly any negotiation at play. At the first flower stall they find, he takes a moment to exchange words with the owner while she admires the sprawling array of colourful blooms and, by the time he returns, he is holding a woven crown of delicate little white flowers.

With an admiring smile, he carefully places it on her head, a hand trailing down a lock of her hair as he pulls away to observe her. With a shy grin, she performs an exaggerated curtsy, prompting the young man with the dark grey hair to laugh fondly and take her by the hand.

He twirls she slowly under his arm, watching she all the while, then says, "They suit you every bit as wonderfully as I'd thought."

"They're my favourites.” She replies.

"I know! Erm, that is, I know of a superb bakery down the block this way.” He seems a bit red in the face, but she chalks that up to nerves.

Baxter is not wrong, though. This bakery is something else. The selection and quality of ingredients is on an entirely new level compared to the grub a poor student like Jamie has had to get used to, and she finds herself overwhelmed even reading down the list of items posted to the wall. By her third pass over the full range of options, the words are starting to dance in her eyes.

A warm touch at her arm shakes her focus, though. The young man leans close to be heard over the rapidly growing crowd at the bakery's counter.

"Might I make a recommendation?" She nods, and he goes on, "I happen to have it on good authority that there's an item not included on this menu that you may like. It incorporates three different treatments of Equatorian cocoa, if that is of any interest to you."

Her eyes light up and she can practically feel the rich sweetness across her tongue already.

"That sounds incredible.” She replies, enraptured by the very thought.

When she starts to ask how he had heard of such a thing, he has already turned to speak to the worker taking orders, and her words drown among the crowd of customers. The speed at which he acquires this mythical pastry only fills her mind with more questions.

How did he manage to purchase an off-menu item so quickly? Would the cost of something requiring those many luxurious imported ingredients not be astronomical?

Baxter returns to her side and guides her out of the crowded shop, and the sight of the delectable chocolatey treat in his hands dashes all other thoughts from her mind. He hands it to her wrapped in a black handkerchief, probably one of his, and she cannot help but immediately plunge in for a bite.

She wears an expression of pure bliss as her mouth fills with sweet, savoury chocolate. "Oh, Baxter, it's so good!"

When Jamie glances up at him, he is watching her with a strangely heavy expression. Once more, his fair complexion is painted a light red. She tilts her head curiously, and he seems to resurface from whatever thoughts had taken him for the moment.

"Here, you should try some.” She breaks off a piece and hold it up to him.

"Are… Are you quite certain? I had intended for you to enjoy it to your heart's content.” He stammers out, evidently still a bit flushed.

The college girl nods. "I want you to get to have some too. Please?"

She hates to resort to puppy eyes with him, but it is hard to argue against the results. He leans forward and accepts the piece of pastry from her hand. She does not shy away from him in the slightest, and so a brief brush of his lower lip along the tip of her finger simply cannot be avoided. He does his best to move past this without acknowledgement, and the two enjoy their treat together as they take in the leisurely bustle of the town around them.

The day continues in kind, with Baxter apparently having painstakingly arranged every element of this date from start to finish. At a local seller of antiques and luxury goods, he secures permission to view and explore rare and dazzling paintings from around the world. Here, he is rather uncharacteristically reserved. Wandering the storage area like their own personal art museum, he watches her with evident warmth as she exclaims at the rich and varied pigments, the innovative expressions of human form, and so on.

After this, he brings Jamie to a family-owned restaurant at the far end of town, where he has reserved the second floor exclusively for them two to enjoy a quiet, intimate meal together. By this point, she has finally gotten around to considering just how much money must have gone into this singular date.

"Baxter.” She says cautiously. "Are you sure it's okay to go through all of this and spend so much just for…?"

He raises a hand to cut she off, then replies, "I assure you that it is.”

The profligate young man takes her hand in his, holding it warmly from across their private table. It is so soft and warm that she has difficulty keeping her mind in what they should be discussing.

He smiles warmly. "Wealth has no value that we ourselves do not assign to it, and I have chosen to spend it on your pleasure. I can think of no greater use for a stack of dollar bills."

The rest of the early evening is filled with pleasant chat and the occasional subtle sweet-talk. As they discuss everything they have seen and experienced that day, the young man engages his date with surprisingly astute comments and observations. He is always at his best when he feels permitted to simply talk with her, as one person to another, free of the pressures and expectations that he shoulders without a thought.

The sun is steadily lowering behind the hills and buildings of the surrounding town by the time they make their way back to the car together.

As they walk hand in hand watching, he clears his throat abruptly and says, "If I may steal you away for just a little while longer, there was... Actually, there is someone I thought you might like to meet."

"Oh? What an honour.” She says with a smile. "Do I get any hints?"

He gives a good-natured chuckle and responds, "Only that I think you'll get along splendidly."

As Baxter pulls over back at the campus, Jamie notes that they are quite a few ways off either her dorm of his apartment. They are right in front of the Psychology lecture hall, on the back, and she can hear the small bustle of students leaving on the other side for the day.

"Eloise?" He calls out in a gentle voice. "Eloise, come say hello, Ellie? Come now, don't tell me you've chosen tonight to become bashful..."

At his call, a svelte black cat with delicate little white paws comes trotting out to meet she. Her heart positively aches and melts at the sight of it eagerly approaching Baxter with clear comfort and familiarity.

"Baxter, you... Have a cat?" She says with obvious disbelief.

"She's one of the school’s strays, to be perfectly honest.” He explains. "She appeared to me a few months ago, hungry and flea-ridden. I took her to the vet and gave her food, but my apartment block does not allow for pets, so I keep her here. Eventually, she grew a bit fond of me."

Fond seems an understatement. The cat very clearly adores him. With a chorus of happy little mews, it circles his legs and rubs against him until he crouches down to offer it his hand.

As he does, a shred of paper flutters from his pocket onto the ground. Eloise targets it like a seasoned warrior and pounces at it with gusto. With a laugh, she kneels down to retrieve whatever this paper she's captured might be.

"Now Eloise, none of that! You must behave genteel-like with guests."

As he firmly lectures the cat, Jamie glances at the paper in her hand. Nearly every inch of it is covered in an elegant, curling script that she imagines must belong to Baxter. It looks like a list of some kind. As her eyes scan down the page, she begins to recognize a pattern. Her favourite flowers, favourite desserts, favourite types of books and places around town. Plus, to the side, the word "cats?" underlined several times.

For a moment, she simply covers her mouth to hold in a snort of laughter. Then, she come to kneel beside her silly date as he is failing to convince his pet to stop swatting at his hair.

"So, you've been taking very thorough notes lately." She says, nudging his arm playfully.

He turns to face she with an immediate look of panic. Dark eyes widen and glance down to the paper in her hand, then back to her.

He visibly deflates and says, "Goodness, you must find me such a fool-"

Jamie presses her lips firmly to his before he can say another word. With a soft noise of surprise, his eyes flutter shut and he leans into her kiss. His lips are wonderfully soft, and the subtle scent of his cologne surrounds her senses as she tilts her head to seal her lips to his more firmly. She is not certain how long they remain like this, only the dull ache of kneeling on the dirt and the incessant sound of Eloise bopping its paw against the paper in her hand bring her back to her surroundings.

When she parts from him, she brushes aside the silky curtain of his curiously-coloured hair to run her hand along his face, and says, "I had a wonderful time today, Baxter, and it means the world to me that you put so much thought into this. But next time, you don't have to study so hard, okay?"

For a moment, he seems speechless. Then, he gives a shy chuckle. "You have bested me yet again, it would seem. How can I ever hope to become a man worthy of you when you are ever more lovely with each passing day?"

Eloise gives an insistent chirp and rubs once more against his leg, evidently tired of distractions from the attention it feels it is owed. Her smile widens, and she scratches its ear fondly.

"I think there's at least two of us who like you just as you are, Baxter."

*_*_*_*_*

Our Life Masterlist

nicer

day 1: facade @zelinkweek2021

ao3

* * *

Years later, when Link faces the castle’s crumbling walls, he thinks about the Princess.

* * *

The day King Rhoam announces this year’s Harvest Festival is also the day his subjects know they're doomed. Officially, it’s supposed to be a normal holiday. Unofficially, the language in the announcement—“the last celebration before the fight against Calamity Ganon”, “the last time the palace will be open to Castletown until the fight is over”—convinces everyone that they’re partying in the face of the apocalypse.

“They have no faith in me,” Zelda says, putting down her pen. “Ganon is brewing deep beneath the castle. Everyone knows it. Everyone knows I can’t stop it. This is their last chance to let loose before all hell breaks loose.”

Impa frowns and hands her the final page of raw Guardian data to clean. “You're too hard on yourself. You still have time.”

“I just have Mount Lanayru next week.” She focuses on the Silent Princess above her desk. It's wilting. “Do you think I’ll be wise enough? Maybe Hylia will smite me right then and there for being an idiot.”

“Princess!”

“I know, I know.”

* * *

They wrap up that afternoon’s study, an incredibly useful session in quantifying the powers of the Guardians, to get ready for the ball.

Zelda’s dress is her signature blue, but a bit more fluid and feminine than the one she normally wears. Made for dancing and a summer night.

“Collarbones,” Impa notes, and Zelda laughs. “A little off the shoulder as well! And the subtle constellation pattern in the tulle--how stunning!”

“Don’t act as if you didn’t design it.”

“Guilty.”

Impa’s dress, an even deeper blue, is similarly gorgeous. It’s long sleeved, form fitting, and silky.

“Impa, I just want to say—” Zelda pauses, looking at their reflections in the mirror. When will they ever look this nice again? “Thank you for being my friend.”

Impa' smiles. “Of course. And Princess—if I may.”

“Yes?”

“With all your talk of the world ending, of doom coming.” Her voice gets small. “Do you think it would be worth telling him?”

Zelda stiffens. She thinks of him somewhere in the castle, dressed in his best uniform, walking to find her.

She lies. “No.”

Three quiet, efficient raps sound against her door. Zelda’s heart lurches.

* * *

In the hot, overcrowded ballroom, she can’t stop wondering if he thinks she looks pretty.

There are important people here she needs to talk to: researchers from the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, religious leaders, captains of industry, and so on. She finds her father and tries to reach some common ground on the one night they aren’t preparing for Evil Incarnate. (She fails.) She should find the court poet and give him the dance he’s been writing about for the past month.

But all she wants is for Link to look at her.

He’s indeed in his best uniform. His gloves and boots are blindingly white; his collar sits high and stiff against his neck. He’s uncommonly handsome, and the uniform emphasizes it. When someone pulls him in to dance (technically he should be keeping watch, but that someone really insists), she hates the jealousy that blooms in her chest and takes the hand of the poet. When she twirls, when she makes conversation, when she curtsies--she tries to see it all from Link’s perspective, if he can even find her in the crowd.

“Princess, are you feeling alright?”

“Oh.”

The poet looks at her in the way that a puppy looks at its master. The neediness satisfies and repulses her.

“Yes,” she says, smiling quickly. “Thank you for asking. How are you?”

“Wonderful. I was sitting in the courtyard the other day and...”

It’s easy to tune him out and appear to be interested with the right amount of “mhmm” and “oh?” and eye contact. But every time he twirls her around, she tries to spot the top of a Royal Guard cap in the crowd.

She knows she’s being stupid. Even in the incredibly unlikely scenario where Link’s interested, what could they do? Given that her powers aren’t working, there’s only a sixty percent chance they’ll get through the Calamity. She thinks back to what Impa said earlier. Something about letting him know in the face of impending doom.

(Maybe it doesn’t make sense to do something that would possibly be useless, a tiny voice in the back of her head says. But on the flip side, it’s also possible that nothing will matter soon, so why not tell him?)

She scowls and lets the poet dip her far too low for common courtesy.

* * *

Link is definitely lost in the crowd now. The next song requires that they rotate between multiple partners, and she can’t spot him anywhere. There’s no way that he’d be looking at her anyway, because why would he? He’s the chosen one, kind and strong and handsome and blessed. She’s the failed reincarnation, mean and headstrong and cursed.

If (when) the world ends, it’ll be on her.

Zelda admits to herself, swaying in the arms of someone else who doesn’t matter, that because the world has an uncomfortably high probability of ending, it follows that maybe, possibly, probably it makes sense for her to say something.

A sense of urgency unfurls in the pit of her stomach. Where is he?

* * *

She tries to find him. She doesn’t know what she’d do--ask for a dance? Strike up a conversation? Maybe it's the heat getting to her, but it worries her that she's lost him. She walks the length of the ballroom and comes up with nothing.

There’s no way she could summon him, but…

She grabs a glass of water and walks out the ballroom to the nearest balcony.

Except in this very specific circumstance, it’s infuriating how easy it is for him to find her. Even when she doesn't want to be found, even when she’s actively running away (and nearly dying in the process), there he is. The knowledge that he’s almost always aware of her presence burns.

“Hello,” she says after a respectable amount of time.

He steps out behind her. Unfortunately, the moonlight’s softness makes him look angelic. “Hi.”

Zelda very rarely has no plan. She’s the one always bossing him around, deciding where they’ll go next and how they’ll get there and what they’ll do. She’s at a loss for words right now.

“Ah--hm.” A cooling night breeze passes by. “Are you--are you enjoying the festival?”

“Yes?” He looks confused. And hot, her unhelpful brain adds. Very hot. “Are you?”

“Yes. It’s quite warm inside, but I enjoy the music and the dancing.”

“The band is nice.”

She agrees and scrambles to find another conversation topic. Damn it. Still no plan. Think, think.

“Uh--” he starts the same time she asks, “Are you ready for Mount Lanayru next week?”

He nods, and she hates how she made the conversation about work. But he looks more confident now--talking about work is easier than trying to have whatever kind of conversation she had in mind. “Yeah. I read about the region and it seems relatively safe. We might see Naydra too.”

“That would be incredible,” she says. “I’d love to capture it on the Slate.”

He nods again. A silence passes (a horribly awkward one that eats at her) before she asks: “What were you going to say before I interrupted you?”

“Oh yes.” Link clears his throat, and the fact that he looks a bit nervous sends her heart pounding. Can he tell what her subconscious is trying to do? “I’ve been meaning to ask (oh God, oh God, what has he been meaning to ask)--are you avoiding me?”

She blinks. “What?”

He won’t make eye contact with her. Triforce of courage, my ass. “Are you avoiding me?”

“No?” She’s stunned. Avoiding? All she’s been doing for the past week is pining!

“But, I feel like.” He pauses to look at her briefly. Again, his nerves kick off her own. “Ever since we got back from the desert, you haven’t really talked to me.”

She needs to think. A week ago, what happened?

They were at the Kara Kara Bazaar, and she nearly died because she intentionally (stupidly) lost him. She relives the feeling of it now--the panic that came with facing certain death when she realized it wasn’t Link following her, but the Yiga, then the shock when he appeared out of thin air wielding the sword. His back, so strong and sure. His concern as he helped her get up afterwards.

How once she could process what happened, something kicked in her chest, and everything was so obvious so suddenly.

Then getting back from the desert, what did she do? She wrote a diary entry, spent a sleepless night deciding she had feelings for him that she didn’t want to name, and tried as hard as possible to conceal them. The pining was unbearable, and--oh. Looking at him made her face burn, so she turned away. She never knew what to say around him, so she chose to say nothing at all.

Perhaps she approached her yearning by offsetting it with its opposite.

They really haven’t spoken. Zelda shakes her head, and mentally kicks herself. How can someone like you back if you don’t even talk to them? “I promise, I’m not trying to avoid you.”

He furrows his brow a little. Cute. Unfair. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Ok. If you do--if you ever need more space, let me know.” He smiles a little. “I do have to follow you, but I can do it farther away or something.”

She smiles back. Please always follow me. “Thanks. No need.”

“Alright,” he says. He glances at her arms.“Do you want to go back inside? It’s a bit cold. You’re getting goosebumps.”

She didn’t even notice. An idea is forming in her mind, bright and hot and something that needs to rush out right now or she’s going to overthink it to death.

“Going back inside sounds good. When we do, would you--would you like to dance with me?”

The question leaves so quickly that she’s not too sure if he understood it. She holds her breath; she might throw up.

“Sure,” he says, and the disappointment that she expected to punch her gut doesn’t come; a flood of something wonderful washes over her instead. Sure is yes, her mind sings. “How about I find you before the last song? I’ve been doing a bad job of keeping watch.”

“Sure,” she echoes. Hopefully her excitement isn’t too obvious when she turns back and nearly runs into the ballroom.

* * *

When the band announces the last song of the night, Zelda lets go of the poet and steps back immediately.

“My Princess,” he says, and the normal repulsion she would feel turns into joy when she spots a navy blue cap making its way through the crowd. “I would be honored to have your final dance, if you would have me.”

“Another time,” she says, already turning to pick up her skirt and mosey her way through the last group of people separating her from a flash of sandy blonde hair. “Thank you though!”

She doesn’t wait for the poet’s response because the crowd is gone and Link is right in front of her, handsome and smiling slightly. Her heart is at a million miles a minute when she drops her skirt and steps forward to place her hand in his.

This isn’t like her. He must think she’s acting so strange. Either that, or it’s obvious just from looking at her what she’s thinking. It’s a frenzied array of thoughts, ranging from the obvious (handsome, handsome, smells so good?, handsome, kind eyes) and the embarrassing (The smallest, least repressed part of me has dreamed about this all week.)

The music starts and swells and she’s still dreaming. His hand on her back is firm. Thanks to the design of the dress, she can feel his glove pressing into her. She wonders if he can feel the heat of her skin.

“How are you doing?” he asks when they fall into a rhythm, and she smiles too fast, idiot, calm down.

“Great, how are you?”

“Good,” he says, and they spin. He smiles back. “Good to know you’re not avoiding me.”

“Of course not.” Stupid, you avoided him!

He dips her a perfectly appropriate amount.

She feels brave. It’s the adrenaline getting to her, because the rational part of her can’t stop (giddily) telling her that she’s dumb when she asks, “Why would you think that I'd avoid you?”

“Hm.” He looks away to consider the question. The tips of his eyelashes catch the chandelier light. “I thought that maybe last week was a bit too much.”

She thinks about how warm his hand was when he helped her get up after saving her life. “It wasn’t.”

“It’s ok if it was.”

“No, no, you’re too kind.”

Link clears his throat. “So you’re not avoiding me because I kept trying to follow you through the bazaar when you clearly didn’t want me to?”

She laughs. “No, it’s also incredibly stupid that I tried to lose you. Besides, what would’ve happened if you hadn’t?”

Link clears his throat.

She chooses to change the subject by asking an easy “What did you make for dinner tonight?” in an attempt to soak up the final minutes she has in his arms. He starts talking about mushroom risotto, and she can’t stop smiling.

* * *

At the end of the night, when he escorts her to her room, it’s late enough that silence is acceptable.

She’s decided that she needs to do something, but she doesn’t know what. A hug would be different, but too strange. I like you is simple, but too plain. Thinking about you makes my heart soft is embarrassing. I know I’ve been an incorrigible bitch but now my walls are down and I like you is too honest.

She turns around when they reach her doors.

“Tonight was fun,” she says.

He smiles. Zelda knows romance books don’t lie when her heart jumps at the sight of it. “It was.”

This is the moment. She takes a deep breath as quietly as she can. She has that nauseous feeling again. If nothing matters, tell him. Everyone knows the apocalypse is coming.

“Hey, listen,” he says right when she opens her mouth. He pauses to look at her. If she thought he looked nervous earlier when he asked her if she was avoiding him, it’s nothing compared to now. He does a visible gulp, and—

“I think I have feelings for you.”

She blinks. What?

“And I understand if you don’t feel the same way,” he continues, tense and fast, looking right at her, “especially in light of everything going on right now. But I just had to put that out there.”

What?!

She closes her eyes--what is happening right now--and when she opens them he’s still there. This isn’t a dream.

Holy fuck. “Really?”

He nods. “Really.”

“Huh,” she says. He beat her to it. “Huh.”

“Huh?”

She laughs. He beat her to it, and now all she has to do is the easiest thing in the world.

“I think I have feelings for you too,” she says. It’s so dark now she can’t see the blue of his eyes, but she can imagine it easily.

He’s surprised. “Really?”

“Really. In fact, I was meaning to tell you just now.”

“Really?”

She laughs. “Really.”

She smiles and takes his hand. He stiffens at first, then relaxes as she threads her fingers through his.

“Oh, actually, here, let me—” He lets go. Disappointment hits her briefly before she sees that he’s taking off his glove. Some of his scars are alabaster in the moonlight. He has so many.

(She wants to kiss all of them.)

His hand is warm and rough and lovely when he slips it back into hers.

“This feels nicer,” he says, and his voice is almost shy.

There are a million things she wants to say--what are we going to do if I end the world, what are we going to do if you save the world, how long have you known for, Hylia is going to smite both of us for being fools--but she settles on squeezing his hand instead. He squeezes back.

“Yes,” she agrees. Very gently, she cups his cheek with her other hand and leans in. He’s closed his eyes already. “Much nicer.”

A Chime of Bells

Benedict Bridgerton x Reader

Part 5 of the If You’ll Have Me Series

Word Count : 3190

Warnings: 18+ Only - smut at the end obvs!

A/N: So this is the last official part of the series but I have so many spin off ideas and little moments I’d like to write about, as well as a prequal of how Y/N comes to be Duchess of Pembrokeshire ... also more Granville. Basically this series isn’t over and I will write more!!!

***

The warm summer breeze hit you as you stepped out of the church, the clear bright sky making the arches of blush roses stand out against the stark blue. You wobbled slightly as you stepped on the old cobbles of the church steps and you gripped tighter to the arm around yours, looking up to see Benedict smiling down at you. His gloved hand covered yours as you walked together to the awaiting carriage. The small ceremony had been held away from London, in the little church of the village nearest your new home. Benedict had never favoured London society and, London society, had never really favoured you. To that end Benedict had purchased a reasonably sized house on the Kent coast, only a short distance from Aubrey Hall but far enough that the ton would not easily come calling.

Benedict proffered a hand to help you into the carriage. “Mrs Bridgerton” he beckoned to you with a lopsided grin which you mirrored. Following after you, into the carriage, Benedict slid in beside you and rested his arm around your shoulder as the carriage began to move – the sound of church bells and his siblings cheering your departure ringing behind you. As the carriage trundled down the country lane, on its way to Aubrey Hall Benedict turned to you. “Are you happy to be Mrs Bridgerton?” he asked suddenly. You looked over, shocked.

Of Course, you were happy to be a Mrs Bridgerton, to be his wife. Surely, he knew how much you cared for him, how much you loved him. Your engagement hadn’t been particularly long but you both knew you knew each other long before you were seen together for the first time. “No. I’m ecstatic!” you smiled at his worried brow, cupping his cheek as you pulled him in to a kiss. He pulled back a little after returning the kiss. Only enough to see your glossy eyes staring back at him – his hand coming to cover yours that was placed on his cheek.

“But you were a Duchess.” He whispered just to you, leaning in closer to touch your foreheads together. “Now you’re just Mrs Bridgerton.” You laughed. His tone suggested that was a bad thing; and you knew, Benedict of all people cared as much for titles as he did for what ribbons his mother had chosen for Hyacinths bridesmaids dress.

“You should know by now that I do not care for titles. And being Mrs Bridgerton, is most definitely better than any title.” Your hand stroked his face, realisation blooming on it of how stupid he was being. Neither of you cared for a title and he knew that; but you were always expected to marry up in society and Benedict knew that by marrying him, you were marrying down. His arm wrapped behind you came to pull you in closer, so you were almost in his lap. His hand left yours and pulled your legs over his, so now you were. Your arms wrapped themselves over his broad shoulders and pulled him back to you, determined to show him just how happy you were.

Though the ceremony was small, which you had both wanted, Benedict had argued (unsuccessfully) for the size of the reception. It was a grand affair, held at Aubrey Hall, and true to his mother’s ‘suggestions’ the ballroom was crammed full of the crème de la crème of the ton. Although a lot of the ton were in attendance, thanks to Benedict’s last-minute interference with the guest list you made sure to only invite people you actually wanted there, including a lot of your artistic friend’s, making a surprisingly good impression on even some of the more reserved members of Society.

“Mrs Bridgerton.” A deep voice spoke from behind you. You turned to see Sir Henry Granville smiling at you over his glass. He bowed to you before joining you watch your guests.

“Sir Granville.” You smiled as you curtsied to him, “I do hope you are enjoying the evening?”

“Immensely darling.” He sighed “I do hope that now you are a married lady that will not mean that you, or your gorgeous new husband, will stay too long away from town.” Your eyes flit over to your gorgeous husband. Benedict stood by the wall of large arched windows, laughing with Colin at something Penelope Featherington had said. Oh the poor girl, her mother had dressed her again: a shimmering orange gown that matched her hair, with a delicate green lace to cut the two in half … she looked like a carrot. Your eyes drew back to Benedict; you could see from the other side of the room the laughter lines by his eyes, and the slight crookedness of his teeth that seemed to make him all the more cute. You only managed to sigh in response as you were lost in the scene before you, so content with your life for the first time in forever. Granville took your wispy sighs as confirmation he would not see either of you at his soirees for some months and stifled a giggle into his glass as he took a sip.

The party carried on until well into the evening, dancing and merriment stretched through several rooms of Aubrey Hall, and the gardens, where one lady of the ton was taught to juggle by several circus performers who had arrived earlier in the evening. By one in the morning you and Benedict were waving the last of your guests off from the front steps. Slumped against one another with silly grins on both of your faces, it was safe to say that the both of you were a little tired and a little tipsy. Violet Bridgerton had retired to bed just after midnight, shooing her youngest two back up the stairs with her from where they had been watching the party. Daphne and Simon had departed to their room shortly after as well, followed by Francesca who had to be carried to bed by Colin after falling asleep in a chair in the library. You and Benedict turned back to go inside. The footmen and maids had already started the clear up of the ballroom and gardens, picking up dropped napkins and sweeping away smashed glass. You bid Anthony and Kate goodnight, thanking them for hosting the evening; Colin followed after, cravat loose and waistcoat already unbuttoned. You didn’t even see Eloise go to bed, but you were told by Colin she had snuck away when one unfortunate young lord had made a most ungentlemanly remark and received a heeled slipper to the shin.

You and Benedict giggled at Colin’s retelling of the event, watching in contented silence as the last of the Bridgerton’s ascended the stairs. Well almost the last of the Bridgertons. You turned in Benedict’s arms to face him, smiling lazily at each other as his face came to rest in the curve of your neck. The light feeling that had been growing in your stomach bloomed in your chest as he began leaving soft, butterfly kisses along a column of soft skin there, just where you liked it. Your fingers clung onto his shoulders as your knees weakened. His hands roamed your back, the wide expanse of them and the heat they exuded seeped through your gown and sent goosebumps rippling over you.

By the time you were outside your room Benedict had you up against the wall, kissing you passionately as he searches blindly for the knob to open it. When he finally got you inside your honeymoon suite, he didn’t put you down, pressing you against the closed door as his hands slid up your thighs and under the layers and layers of chiffon and silk. Hastily ridding you of your silk stockings, the feel of his rough, artists, hands on your thighs made them quake around him, pulling a smirk from his mouth as he bit at your lower lip. Your hands found their way to his hair; the soft thick curls running through your fingertips felt divine and mad you cling to him further as he moved you over to the bed, pressing you back against the bed post so he could lower you to the floor.

His hands not leaving your body he pulled your long gown up your body as he stood to his full height. Pulling at the small bow at the back of your neck, he lifted the dress clean off of you – leaving you leaning against the dark oak bedpost, in your thin chemise. Benedict stared in awe at the practically see through garment: the pale fabric skimming down your body like warm milk. Your name echoed deeply from his chest as he eyed you hungrily; his eyes, usually so soft and tender, now looked dark and possessing. He stood for a moment, mind racing with the view before him. He had made love to you before, but now you were his wife. His. Wife. Forever. And the way you looked up at him through your lashes, not coy but knowing. You knew what you did to him, what you were doing to him. He could feel the length in his breeches growing with every movement of his eyes over your body. Breathing steadily through his nose to calm his heartbeat he tried to ignore the growing throbbing at the restraining fabric.

“You’re wearing too many clothes Mr Bridgerton” your silky words pulling him out of his daze as he looked to your face once more, stepping closer to encompass you.

“As my wife.” He paused “Mrs Bridgerton. I believe it is your responsibility to solve that.” He finished, his deep smooth voice mere inches from your ear. You slowly pushed his jacket from his shoulders, watching with a smouldering gaze as he assisted by pulling his cravat from his collar. Your eyes burnt into one another as neither broke eye contact, smiling, even as he toed off his boots. He made short work of his waistcoat, shucking it off as you began to unbutton his loose shirt, feeling his warm skin through the billowing linen. One he was free of it his hands wrapped back around your waist, not wasting a second in pulling you back into a steaming kiss, his tongue tracing your soft bottom lip, begging for entrance as his hands delicately try and pull the pins keeping your hair in place.

You spoke his name into the air like a prayer when you felt his heat seep into your bones, trailing your hands down his strong chest to pull his shirt free from his trousers, fingertips gently brushing over his stiff cock – trapped in confinement as you did so.

“Oh my love” he moaned as your hands brushed against his length. “Y/N, darling” he murmured, kisses departing from your lips to trail down your neck once more, his breeches falling no sooner than the buttons popped. As he bent down to kick them away, he grasped your legs again, circling them around his hips as he turned to kneel on the bed, walking you up onto it. His lips remained on yours, worshipping every piece of skin he could lay them on before lowering you back, softly so your head rested gently on the pillows beneath you.

As you landed on your back you smiled giddily up at him. The fleeting image of your last wedding night flashing before your eyes before you blinked and Benedict reappeared. Happiness flooded you as you thought of the comparison. Benedict’s soft kisses drew you out of your haze and you found yourself stroking his cheek as you had done in the carriage earlier. The soft murmur of his name drew his eyes back up to yours

“Yes, darling” the way his deep voice said those words, you don’t think you’d ever be used to that.

“I love you” you pushed at his chin to kiss him, savouring the way he felt above you, on top of you, how he tasted. You never want this moment to end and you couldn’t believe he was yours, Your Benedict. Smiling int your kiss, he pulled back when he felt wet on his cheek, realising you were crying into the kiss.

“Y/n, what is the matter?” he asked, worried.

“I’m just so happy my dear” you smiled as you cried some more; brushing a soft curl from his eyes that had flopped over into view. A comforting hand came to circle your waist once more, pulling you ever closer to his as his worship of your skin continued.

“Y/N. I love you so much.” His muffled words pressed into your neck in the form of kisses. “I will love you until the day I die and continue loving you long after.” He whispered “for as long as you’ll have me.” He smiled, tears in his eyes too.

“Make love to me?” you whisper into the space between you.

“Always” he smiled, kissing you once more on your lips, and continuing to press meaningful kisses down your clavicle and between your breasts, cupping them and inhaling your sweet scent as it surrounded him. As he descended lower on your body, his hands roamed and rumpled the soft silk of your delicate chemise, pushing it up your legs in a silent plea. You sat up to pull the chemise over your head, falling back again as Benedict’s soft lips graced your thighs, making you jump when he used his teeth to gently scrape at the soft flesh. You loved when he settled between your thighs, the way his tongue slide over your centre, the way it gently parted your lips and pressed you open against his face made you feel so alive. His eagerness to please you and draw any sound he could from between your lips made you shake with lust. As he sucked at you bud his eyes looked up at you through long dark lashes – the piercing blue of his eyes just visible above your thatch of hair. Your hand came down to card through his hair, pulling at it, not knowing whether you wanted him to stop and fuck you properly, or have him keep going forever.

“Every time I taste you, you get more and more exquisite” he growled, crawling back over you to steal a kiss from your bitten red lips, making you taste yourself from his glossy tongue.

“Benedict, get this off” you pleaded into his mouth, pulling as his open shirt.  Complying with your wishes he tugged it over his head, revealing himself in all his glory. You’d never get tired of that sight.

“Now” he growled possessively “Where was I?”

“Taking your wife for the very first time?” you laugh softly at the insinuation. He lowered himself to cover you once more, his hand pulling your leg up over his thigh.

“Ah yes” he crooned smoothly “The very first time” his words punctuated by is head pushing into you. Since your re-entrance into society, many eyes had been beadily spying on you wherever you went, making rendezvous’ with Benedict all the more difficult - and when news of your announcement spread, any meeting outside of customary events had completely ceased. The stretch of his girth as he moved deeper into you sent a chill up your spine. You had missed the way he made love to you, the way he felt inside of you, and the way you could make him feel. Ever since that fortnight at Pembroke House, you had made it your life’s mission to give Benedict every ounce of pleasure you could.

As his thrust’s became rhythmic your moans began to echo into the darkened room. You began to roll your hips up to meet his, revelling the fullness and ecstatic ache of his cock inside you. His slow steady thrusts were scratching an itch but not fulfilling your need for him. You needed it faster; harder; you wanted to feel him in the morning and remember it whenever you found yourself in boring company. Benedict was getting lost in his rhythm, you could tell. His head was bent forward between you as he watched where he disappeared inside of you. His deep moans and hot heavy breaths hit your chest.

You raked your nails up his back, drawing his attention to your face as his head tipped back at the sensation. You took the opportunity to roll him over, pressing a hand to his chest to lay him down as you straddled his hips. Benedict’s hands came to rest on your hips as you pushed yourself back over down his thick silken cock, his fingers pressing into your soft flesh bound to leave their mark in either colour or feel.  As you began to roll your hips you watched with delight as his head rolled further back into the pillows, the long column of his neck exposed fully. The sight of him, you were sure, could soothe the blind and, if only you were an artist, you would be sure to capture this very image.

“Oh Fuck” Benedict moaned after a particularly forceful roll of your hips. He began thrusting as ell as he could under you; opening his eyes to see you bracing one hand behind you on his shin, rolling your nipple in the other. The debauched scene before him made him double his efforts, grasping your hips and fucking up into you from below – allowing his thumb to stray down to your bud.

“Benedict” you prayed once more, arms giving out as you lay across him, only managing to hold yourself up with your elbows by his head. The change in angle allowed him to take more control from under you, biting into your shoulder as he drove you to orgasm, determined to feel your velvet hot core tighten around him. His calloused hands slid over you, brushing the soft peaks of your nipples as they cupped your breasts. He pulled one into his mouth as the other hand pressed you down onto his length. “Please”

“Yes “he breathed, feeling you pulse around him. “You’re so close my love. Come on, do it. I want to feel you over me.” His demand tipped you over the edge. The deep rumble of his words vibrating through you as an electric storm coursed through your veins. Benedict followed after you with a groan muffled into you neck. His cock pulsing seed into you until he was completely spent.  

Rolling over next to him you collapsed back onto the cool sheets – turning your head to see him already looking at you, both sharing lazy grins as you caught your breath together. Benedict moved his hand just an inch to encapsulate yours, slowly dragging it up to his mouth to press a kiss to the back of your fingers.

“That was amazing.” You sighed, just about managing to speak and certainly not having the energy to move. Benedict’s hand flopped back down onto the bed, still holding yours.

“Yes it was” he whispered, pulling a thin sheet over the both of you as you settled into the stillness of the night.

Singing in the Dead of Night Pt 3

Lucy and Damian visit Metropolis.

Past chapters are under my tag 'lucy quinzel' and the whole fic is on my AO3 (url in my description). Please reblog and leave comments.

Flock of Robins

Timtiminey:Guys. Guys. Guess what???

Jason: I thought I deleted this chat.

Timtiminey: Ha funny you think I’d allow you to do that

Timtiminey: And you didn’t guess.

Dickbutt: Tim I’m on a mission.

Dickbutt:.....

Dickbutt: TIM CHANGE MY NAME

Timtiminey: You’re still not guessing.

Dick Grayson’s name was changed to DickiestButtiest

Stephaluffagus: Whatever Is It, Tim?

Jason: Why is Stephanie even on here?

Stephaluffagus: I was a Robin!

Timtiminey: And she asks the questions. Well, you SEE

Timtiminey: DAMIAN GOT A GIRLFRIEND

Stephaluffagus: WHAAAA?!:?HSLHFADSKLJFKL?????

Dick Grayson’s name was changed to DatAssTho

DatAssTho: Awwwww, that’s so cute!!!

DatAssTho: Our little hellion is growing up

DatAssTho: It’s like it was just yesterday he was threatening to stab us all

Jason: That was last week at dinner.

Jason: Who the hell said yes to go out with him?

Timtiminey: That’s the best part! The old man set them up.

Stephaluffagus: ALKSDAN LFKSNDAFLKNDASKLF

DatAssTho: Well thats just not fair. He never set up me on a date.

Jason: He put you on the Titans.

DatAssTho: Watch it, Todd

DatAssTho: Also, you type like an old man

Jason: With proper punctuation?

Stephaluffagus: Guys, we’re straying from the topic: Who is it??

Timtiminey: Harley’s niece, she’s got some like, clown ballerina thing going

Jason: QUINN?!?!?!

Jason: LIKE JOKER’S GIRLFRIEND????

DatAssTho: Dude, they broke up ages ago

Stephaluffagus: Yeah, she’s basically more hero than you are

Jason: You really want to go down THAT route Brown?

Timtiminey: OOOOHKAYYY

Timtiminey: Rest assured, the old man vetted the girl. She’s…..unique? I’ve only seen her file, or part of it anyway

DatAssTho: Bruce has secret files doesn’t he

Timtiminey: I think I made it through the first encryption, but I’m working on the next between other cases.

Timtiminey: After all, we have to make sure she’s alright for our little Dami-kins

Stephaluffagus: Isn’t he on this chat?

Timtiminey: He’s had this muted for ages

Jason: YOU CAN DO THAT?!

Timtiminey: I mean, YOU can’t. I will turn it off for you

Jason: …….

Jason: Well you know it’d be a shame if I

Jason: @DamianWayne

Timtiminey: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!

Damian: You’re dead Drake

DatAssTho: RIP

Stephaluffagus: He will be remembered

Jason: Prick.

“Get on already,” Damian said, exuding as much disinterested and grumpy energy as his body could manage.

Lucy skipped over to him, and looked at the seating arrangement on the Robin Cycle. “Hmm”, she said, “I don’t know if I’ll fit.” She climbed up to the back of the cycle only for her tutu to spring her backwards.

“What the hell is in that thing?” Damian asked, scowling. whatever had hit him was way more solid than fabric.

“Oh all sorts of things!” she said, “It’s my utilitutu!”

Damian really should have been used to this by now. “Your what.”

“Utility Tutu. I’ve got my balloon animals, my gas bouquet, my tamborine…”

“Well get rid of it or something,” Damian said, and was somehow surprised she did as was asked. Left in just a leotard, she hooked the tutu around her arm and jumped up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Luckily, he was wearing his helmet, so no one could see him blush.

He revved up the motorcycle to try and drown out his thoughts. They’d been particularly loud ever since Tim said what he said...and, maybe since Lucy said what she said.

Were they dating? Is that what was happening? Lucy had called it a date, but Lucy was weird. It wasn’t like Damian understood how these things were supposed to work. This was super not in the training regime for the League of Assassins.

Did he...want it to be a date? He was even less sure. Lucy was...odd, but she had grown on him. She was the exact opposite of him, cheery where he was brooding, she was peaceful, he was violent. She was...kind and funny and playful. He was super not. they were both smart, but that seemed to be where the similarities ended.

And yet, it kinda worked. She was pretty, in a girly way, or at least thats what he could tell from under her makeup. He’d never been...really interested in girls or anyone. He didn’t know what it was supposed to feel like. If this was how it was supposed to feel like.

Well, he wasn’t going to be forced to be in a relationship with anyone. If she tried anything, he would tell her no, in no uncertain terms. Then he could get Tim and the others to shut up.

Once the decision was made, of course, he was left to ruminate for the remainder of the ride. He might have welcomed some of Lucy’s chatter, just to get his mind off things. Damn Bruce, not letting him use the batmobile…

Finally, a blur appeared beside him. “Need a lift?” Jon asked, rushing along beside him. Damian couldn’t help a smirk as he followed him through the city.

They came to a stop in an alleyway, though it didn’t hide much. “Whoa,” Jon said, eyebrows raised, “Hello, who’s this?”

Lucy stood on the top of the motorcycle, slipping her tutu back on and giving a deep curtsy, “Greetings! I am Commedia, The Dancing Delight, Columbina of Gotham and--”

“She’s Harley Quinn’s niece,” Damian said, cutting her off, “Lucy, Superboy, Superboy, Lucy.”

Lucy jumped down, eyebrow raised, “Now, come on. Surely you boys know how hard it is being defined by those who came before you.”

“Yeah, Robin,” Superboy said, holding out his hand for her to shake, “Honestly, no manners. Nice to meet you, Comme...Colum..um.”

“Lucy’s fine,” she said, “Aunt Harley said it’d be good for me to go and see some of Metropolis, maybe get some shopping done.”

Jon smiled, “Well, there’s plenty to do around here, and you picked the perfect tour guide! Come on, Mom and Dad are working today. I’ll show you around.”

Damian followed the pair of them around at a pace where you could just barely tell he was part of the same group. He was in his black outfit again, with sunglasses so that Lucy couldn’t tell who he was, and all of Metropolis wouldn’t know Robin wasn’t in Gotham.

Jon took them on the full tourist tour, going to see the many wonders of Metropolis. Though, a few stops Damian was pretty sure weren’t on the main route, like when they went to the top of the Daily Planet building. Other than that, though, it was a lot of pretty buildings, old buildings, the Superman memorial/dedication (they just left it up when Superman came back) and other sites that were considered important.

Damian sulked, having seen all these before and not finding them any more impressive than the first time or any time after that. What did surprise him was that Lucy didn’t seem any more impressed than him. He would have thought she’d go Gaga over the tourist trappings, considering she react to abandoned (allegedly) mines like a family at Disney World.

But she looked at each one, nodded in appreciation, and went onto the next thing.

Jon was kinda weirded out by it too, Damian could tell, not that Jon was ever subtle. He kept looking to Damian as if to try and explain her behavior, not that he was ever going to be doing that.

“Ok,” Jon said, as they sat outside the capitol, “Is there anything you WANT to see?”

Lucy shrugged, “To be honest, buildings don’t really interest me that much. But I’m glad to have gone with you, of course.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Damian said, “What’s the point of going around like this if you don’t even like it? We went around all damn day for YOU!”

Lucy tilted her head, “We went so that Superboy could show us things and we could get to know him.” She smiled at him, “You clearly admire Superman a lot, and you’re clearly like him. I’m glad you get along with your dad so well.”

Jon smiled, confused, but appreciative, “Thanks?” Damian grumbled. “But, I’d like to get to know YOU better as well. So if there’s something you like, the city has everything.”

Lucy hummed, “I honestly mostly just like to people watch in my free time.”

Jon beamed, “Oh man, I have the perfect place then.”

With a hop, skip, and a kryptonian-powered jump, the three of them were in the rafters of the Metropolis Subway station, looking down at everything and everyone as they went by. Damian was just glad they were inside, and being underground had him feeling a bit more at home.

Lucy practically sparkled, leaning way too far over to look at everyone. “What are they saying? Can you hear them?”

“Uh, which ones?” Jon said. She pointed aggressively. “Well, that one’s a family on vacation, the dad there is going over the itinerary, he’s got it printed out. The daughter there is trying to get him to skip the museums so they can get to the aquarium faster.”

“Ohh, what’s at the aquarium?” Lucy asked, kicking her feet like a child.

“Some fish, jelly fish are cool...Oh, they got a new shark there, I think.”

Damian groaned again, “Ugh, who CARES? If you wanted to go to the aquarium, then lets go to the aquarium! Instead of just watching someone TALK about it! These are all just normal people!”

“Robin, dude,” Jon said, “If it’s what she wants, why not? We are here for HER after all.”

That in of itself would have been enough to shame Damian, but Lucy was staring at him. She stared unblinking, and unsmiling. It was actually creepy. Like she was staring through him.

“Nobody’s normal.” She said, very seriously, her voice no longer taking on the cheery affectation. “Not a single one that I’ve ever met. Many of them TRY to be normal, but it is an illusion. A moving target, an ideal that doesn’t exist and people are shamed for not attempting to achieve.”

Damian could feel himself resist leaning away from her. “Uh, Lucy?” Jon said, “Something you want to talk about?”

Lucy blinked like she was remembering she was supposed to. “I suppose it is personal to me,” she said, “My…mother was always a little scared of Aunt Harley. First scared of her success, then scared of her villainous career. She always wanted to be normal. She wanted…me to be normal. She was scared of what I’d be. Who I’d be like.” She smiled, an echo of her previous smile, “It’s not quite the same as being a disciple for a great hero like Superman or Batman.”

Jon was suddenly looking very awkward. “Well,” He said, “I mean, having Harley Quinn as your aunt isn’t that bad. And you’re good anyway! So, no need to worry.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Lucy said, “It doesn’t matter if I was good or bad. It just matters that I was strange.” She tilts her head, looking down at the mass of people rushing back and forth. “Ever since I was little, people didn’t feel…real. They’re just. Stories. I couldn’t relate to my peers, as my teachers would say. I don’t know how to explain it. The only time I tried, my mom was so scared she sent me to a camp. One of those meant for bad kids to help them behave.” She tilted her head, “But they weren’t bad. They all had different stories. I realized there were no normal people. Just people with stories.”

Damian couldn’t have spoken if it was to yell for help. He stared at Lucy, trying to decide if he should be concerned or sympathetic.

Jon cleared his throat. “Well, I think you’re nice. And that’s what’s important. No problem with learning more about people and helping them.”

Lucy smiled, “Thank you.”

Jon’s head whipped to the side. “Ah, shoot, Dad’s calling me. I’ll be right back.” Lucy’s cheery attitude was back and she nodded, as Jon took off.

Lucy looked over at Damian for a moment. Damian felt he should say something. Apologize, maybe? He wasn’t sure what would be appropriate, and if it was appropriate, would Lucy want it. She worked on a whole other level, that was clear.

Lucy went back to watching people below her.

“My mom,” Damian started, not sure where he was going to end his sentence. Rule one of being in his family was to not reveal details about himself. But it was Lucy and she…she was his friend. “She was a…she’s a villain. I was supposed to be too. Maybe would have been if I didn’t go to live with Batman.”

Lucy nodded, “That sounds like a very interesting story,” Lucy said, “Thank you for telling me.” She tilted her head towards him. “Hey Robin, there’s this comedy place here in Metropolis I looked up. I was hoping maybe we could go tonight? I’m kind of a comedy nerd, and it’s always good to support people at an open mic. Maybe you’d even laugh once.”

Damian braced himself. This was a date. She was asking him on a date. He had prepared himself for this. “I can’t,” Damian said, the words practiced, “I don’t think of you that way. We can hang out and…be friends, but no.” There. No question about it.

Lucy looked at him, and tilted her head, thinking. “Ok,” She said, simply. Didn’t seem too heartbroken. It was a relief. “Hey Superboy,” She said, voice raise just slightly on the sounds of trains, “Do you want to go on a date to a comedy club tonight with me?”

There was a brief pause, then with a burst of wind, Jon jumped up back to the rafters. “Yeah, that sounds good,” and they shared smiles, “Robin, I can get her back to Gotham if you want to head home.”

Damian blinked, trying to process what exactly was happening. “I–,” technically, he wasn’t supposed to leave Lucy, for reasons Batman hadn’t been overly clear about. But if something was going to happen, she’d be plenty safe with Jon. Still, he wanted to argue this, even though he had nothing, and he knew he had nothing. “Sure, that sounds fine.”

Jon held out his hand to help him down, but he could easily get out by himself. And so, alone, he went home. And he didn’t understand the strange feeling in his gut.

Bruce stretched his neck coming down to the batcave, seeing Tim on the computer. “Commissioner Gordon has kindly invited Batman and Robin to the Wayne charity Christmas Party on my behalf,” he said, “I’ve got Dick coming down to wear the Batsuit for me. I’m going to work to have Damian as Robin, but would you and Steph take on patrols that night? At least some of us should actually be doing work.”

Tim didn’t answer. He stared blankly into the computer. Bruce sighed, most likely he didn’t hear him. “How long have you been down here? You’re going to ruin your–”

“Are you planning on telling Damian?” Tim asked.

Bruce paused and looked at what Tim was staring at. It was medical records of Delia Quinzel, specifically of her pregnancy.

Specifically the fake pregnancy records that Bruce had made. “What are you talking about?” Bruce asked.

“Please don’t insult me,” Tim said, face stoic, “You really think I can’t recognize your digital fingerprint all over these files?”

Bruce took a few deep breaths. “Have you told anyone?”

“Hell no,” Tim said, finally looking up, “And I cleaned up your mess. But I don’t know if anyone else has looked into this before now.” Tim glared at Bruce, “So I ask again, are you planning on telling Damian that you’ve put him in charge of protecting Joker’s biological daughter from her own father?”

Bruce came over and looked at the corrected records. They were, in fact, cleaner. Bruce’s were too normal. Tim added in complications that could have happened, just enough to make people think they’d already found what was wrong. “We don’t know what Joker knows.”

“Oh, and he just happened to escape Arkham and disappear at around the same time a teen starts hanging around his ex-girlfriend.” Tim said, dryly.

“If he does know,” Bruce said, “Then its our job to stop him. If he doesn’t, then we still stop him. But Lucy has a target on her back one way or another.”

“Which is why you put Damian in front of it?” Tim said.

“I trust Damien,” Bruce said, “To protect her. But I don’t want him to be biased against her because of her parents.”

“So, you’re putting him at risk, so that he can make friends?” Tim demanded, arms crossed.

Bruce took a deep sigh. “One day,” he said, “Lucy is going to have to confront where she’s come from. And the rest of us are too. I’m trying to give us all the best chance.” Bruce said, “Besides, Damian needs more friends other than Jon.”

Tim screwed up his face, then snorted. “Alright, old man,” he said, “I’ll go with your plan for now. But if something goes belly up, I reserve the right to at least one ‘I told you so.’”

“A fair compromise,” Bruce said, “What have you found about Joker’s movements?”

“He’s going quiet right now, which isn’t much like him,” Tim said, “But I think I’ve tied him to this fancy surgical robot that’s gone missing from Gotham Hospital.”

“Well, I’m sure there’s nothing mind-breakingly awful he can do with that,” Bruce said, sarcastically. “Let’s take it to the streets.”

Tim jumped up and followed him to the batmobile.

Mea Bella | Chapter 2

Pairings: Reader x Jaehyun, Reader x ??? Genre: NCT royalty!au, angst, fluff, subtle flirting Warnings: flashbacks, forbidden love, smutty Words: 2.5k

Chapter 2 - One More Day

You were hanging laundry up to dry on clothespins when you saw Jaehyun and his advisors and planners with him in the garden, picking out what flowers to use for the decorations. When they caught your eye, you curtsied and allowed them to continue. However, you felt Jaehyun's eyes lingering upon you, gazing at your features and beauty. Jaehyun was so distracted that he almost fell into the fountain.

"Prince Jaehyun, please look where you are going," said his royal advisor, Taeyong.

"R-right, thank you."

You smiled as you walked back into the castle to finish cleaning before helping the needs of Jaehyun. You cleaned and organized his room, closet, and office and eventually met up with Jaehyun around noon. You went to serve them lunch, and they were discussing the guest list.

"The Lees, Suhs, Moons, Kims, Wongs, and Parks have RSVPed so far."

"Fantastic. Hopefully, everyone else will as well."

"Prince, I am required by law to invite princess-"

"Yes, I know, and I am fully aware that she and her family have RSVPed."

"Now that everything is in order, you still have a tasting of the food and outfit fittings left for the Prince Jaehyun."

"Thank you for your kindest services, now let's eat."

When you walked away, you wanted to know who the lucky princess is. You hoped some of the other maids in the kitchen had heard anything. From what you heard, they said that she was a flirt and slept with wealthy men to reach the top, which is how she became a prospect for Jaehyun. You felt sick by this and hoped that Jaehyun wouldn't fall for her, but he might have to marry her.

Jaehyun finished his lunch but still had to taste the food for the midnight ball. You walked out to see him sitting by himself, awaiting food with a list and quill in his hand. He notices you walking in and smiled at your presence. You walked over to him, and he immediately gave you a quick peck on the lips.

"Is this the first course I'm tasting?"

You laughed while blushing.

"Because this tastes REALLY sweet."

He pulled you in for another kiss that was longer than the first one, but you pulled away in fear that someone would see.

"I'll go get your actual course."

"Come back quick before I perish from loneliness."

"Don't be so dramatic."

You brought out some hors d 'oeuvres such as deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, and pate. Jaehyun ate and checked off or crossed out the foods he wanted for the ball. But he had been talking about 10-15 minutes with each hors d'oeuvre, and you still had more food for him to taste.

"y/n, tell me what you think of this"

"b-but Jaehyun, it's caviar, you should be tasting these things."

"Yeah, but I need another outside opinion, you know?"

"I don't know…"

"Do it for me?"

"Fine…"

Jaehyun put some caviar on a cracker and fed it to you. You swear it was the best thing you have ever tasted in your life, and you wanted more of it.

"Jaehyun…This is really good, and it's creamy and salty. I like it."

"Do you know what's also creamy and salty?"

"Oh, shut up."

"Here, try the smoked salmon with cream cheese."

Jaehyun fed it to you again, and you smiled back as you tasted the smokey fish and cream cheese touch your tastebuds. It was a perfect combination of food.

"Hey you got a little cream cheese on your face, let me get it for you."

Jaehyun licked his thumb and rubbed it against the spot on your cheek where the cream cheese was, and you felt your face turning red.

"I-is it gone?"

"Nope. I missed a spot."

"Whe-"

Jaehyun pecked your lips, which made you throw your head into his lap out of embarrassment. Jaehyun caressed your hair and attempted to calm you down while smiling at your shy figure.

"Ahem."

You and Jaehyun turned to see his mother staring at you and Jaehyun intently to intimidate you.

"I understand that both of you are close friends, but you must not act this way at the ball, we have guests and a reputation to uphold. Jaehyun, your father would not be too pleased to see you like this infant of your potential wives. If you both continue to fool around, then you won't be matching this year, understand?"

"Yes, mother, I understand, I'll continue tasting now."

"y/n?"

"Yes?"

"Can you please go to the fitting room, to kill two birds with one stone so that Jaehyun can focus and that you can get fitted for your dress."

"Of course, enjoy the rest of your afternoon."

You bowed to both of them and walked up to the seamstress' room where they took your measurements and fitted you for the dress. They also took notes on what hair and makeup you'll be doing to accommodate the dress as well. You noticed a suit that looked similar to the fabric the seamstress was working on.

"Is that Jaehyun's suit?"

"Yes ma'am, would you like to peak?"

"If I may?"

"Of course."

She pulled to mannequin out from behind the divider, and you saw a beautiful royal blue suit with black detailing, symbolizing the colors of the kingdom, meaning confidence, wisdom, intelligence, and strength. You felt the soft fabric and saw on Jaehyun's suit a sash with all of his badges from the military and inherited ones from his ancestors. Each badge was perfectly polished and shined brightly in the light. You admired Jaehyun, and he had accomplished so much for an (almost) 18-year old. However, one badge caught your eye; it was an amber gemstone in the center of what appeared to be a flower or a daisy. That badge was a badge you gave to Jaehyun for helping him pick flowers with you, it was a cute badge at the time, but now you look back and realize it was a badge Jaehyun never took off. The seamstress noticed you were staring at the badge for a long time and decided to give some input.

"Ever since Jaehyun was young, he refused to take off that badge. It was very special to him. I also heard that he never took it off in battle too, whenever it was becoming rusty or old he constantly wanted it polished and fixed right away, it was very sweet. When I asked him about it, he said someone very special gave it to him, and it motivates him that he can do anything as long as he has his heart set on it."

You smiled and have never felt warm and fuzzy about something in your life. But it only made it bittersweet when you realized that Jaehyun was going to be courting people wearing your badge. You said your goodbyes and thanks to the seamstress and continued your daily routine. Preparing bread and food for dinner, cleaning and dusting several parts of the castle, and having to assist Jaehyun when he needed it. You were helping Jaehyun with selecting flowers, and he asked for your opinion.

"y/n, roses or lilies?"

"roses, they look more elegant and fitting for the ball."

"hm, good choice."

Later that night, it was dinner time, and you were helping serve dinner as usual, due to this, you were always exposed to the daily conversations at the dinner table.

"Did you see if your suit fits?"

"It does mother."

"How about the food is everything suitable, presented perfectly, and tastes lavish?"

"Of course."

"Have you looked at the list of princesses attending tomorrow evening?"

"…no.."

"Jung Jaehyun! I told you look at that weeks ago! You must have done some research in the library!"

"My darling, leave him alone, I didn't even research you because there was no need once I spoke with you."

"Can you stop being so irrational right now! I just want what's best for our son!"

"He will choose what is best, I've taught him to have a good heart."

"Have you heard of the rumors of some of these princesses? If my son marries, please excuse my language, but a whore, I won't be able to breathe."

"Mother, will you please relax, there's nothing to worry about."

While Jaehyun's mother looked in distress, she saw you fill her glass with more water, and she turned to you and began to speak.

"Ah, y/n, since you are attending, can you please make sure that Jaehyun stays clear of the troublesome princesses? I trust you because you know as women, we know how vicious we can be."

"Of course, my queen, I will try my best."

Great, picking Jaehyun's future wife while you are secretly dating, doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. You turned to Jaehyun, giving him a small smile before returning to bring out dessert, raspberry tarts.

After dinner, you helped clean up when you saw Jaehyun waiting so you could help him with his nighttime routine of bathing, getting dressed, and going to bed. You walked up to his room to see him sitting against his window, still looking out into the starts.

"I'm not ready, y/n."

"I don't think anyone is ever ready."

"It's a big moment in my life. I don't think I'll be able to do it, especially when you are going to be there."

"Don't worry about me. I'll be okay."

"But it's not okay!"

"…"

"I- I love you, y/n! to have you watch me go off with another girl is just wrong! I-I don't want to hurt you!"

"Jae, it's fine, we both knew this day would come eventually….trust me, I'll be okay."

"Are you sure, my daisy?"

"Of course, I will always love you, no matter how many times you could break my heart."

"I promise I will find some way for us to be together, and I promise I will have a dance with you at the ball."

Jaehyun kissed your hand as you bitterly smiled, and you went to go prepare his bath filled with rose petals and lavender. The aromatics in his bathroom were warm and florescent. Jaehyun noticed how monotone your face was while filling his bath, so he came behind you, only in a robe hugging you from behind.

"Join me."

"W-wh-"

"Please, it might the last time we have this chance together."

"B-but Jae I'm just a maid I'm not supposed to- let alone see you naked."

Jaehyun looked at you with puppy-like eyes begging you to take a bath with him, and you couldn't resist.

"Fine, but you are getting in first."

Jaehyun smiled as you turned around because you were too shy to see Jaehyun naked, your mind would go lewd places. Jaehyun laughed as you heard him, slowly dip into the bath. You started to strip your clothes and tie up your hair with a black ribbon so your hair would not get wet. You hesitated to turn around once you removed all of your clothes, but Jaehyun encouraged you to turn around. You turned around slowly looking at the floor, but you could sense the smile forming on Jaehyun's face. He reached out a hand for you to join him, but you were still looking at the floor when you walked to the edge of the bathtub. You looked at Jaehyun's loving gaze as you slowly dipped into the bath, now only looking at the candles around you trying to avoid looking at Jaehyun and his body. Your back met Jaehyun's chest, and you felt Jaehyun pull his head down into your neck. His hands started to rub your arms and legs lightly, massaging them. You felt your cheeks blush, and your whole body feeling hot.

"J-Jae-"

"Shh, let me love you, my daisy."

Jaehyun started to kiss your neck softly, and his hands moved all over your body, making you become breathless under his touch. You turned your head to meet his eyes, kissing him delicately while the bright candles and warm water hug both of you. It was as if time stopped, and you turned your whole body to straddle Jaehyun deepening every kiss. Jaehyun wrapped his arms around you hugging your waist tight, wanting you to be closer to his body.

"God, you are so beautiful," Jaehyun moaned.

You felt his member get harder against your thigh begging to enter inside you, and you felt hungrier for Jaehyun. You looked at Jaehyun's eyes filled with lust, pleading for you. Jaehyun whispered in your ear.

"I'm going to put it in, okay? Relax, you'll be okay love,"

With that, he entered inside you, kissing you every second of the way and whispering words of encouragement to keep you relaxed. You felt the pain and pleasure scratching Jaehyun's shoulders, moaning loudly like music to his ears. Tears streamed from your eyes from the pain, and Jaehyun lifted your head from his neck and wiped them away, kissing your neck.

"Is it okay for me to move?"

"M-maybe one more- ah- second- mmh-"

"Of course, take all the time you need."

You took about 2 minutes before you told him that it was okay for him to move, and he began moving at a slow pace, for you and him. Jaehyun eventually picked up the pace while kissing you and caressing your entire body, splashing water, petals, and moans scattering all over the bathroom. It eventually led to Jaehyun, making you both reach your climaxes at the same time. You both panted, taking deep breaths to relax your breathing. You straddled off of Jaehyun, sitting in between his legs, and you laid against his chest, fiddling with his fingers.

"Are you alright, my little Daisy?"

"Yes, Jae, I love you so much."

"I love you too, y/n."

Jaehyun got up from the bath and carried you out, knowing that your body would be a little sore, and you would not be able to walk. He wrapped you in a towel and laid you down on his bed, letting you dry off and relax.

"Wait, Jae, I'll clean- the bathroom- ah-"

"No, no, no, you've cleaned up after me several times, let me."

"But-"

"Please rest, for once, let me take care of you now."

So, you laid on the plush bed as Jaehyun started to clean up the bath, throwing the petals out the window and draining the tub and cleaning the floor with a cloth. Once he finished, he kissed your forehead to wake you up from your small nap. You smiled, looking at Jaehyun, who smiled back and left to get your nightwear from your room. He removed the towel and helped you get dressed. He also prepared clean clothes for you the next day when you woke up. You could barely walk, so you stayed with Jaehyun for the night. Jaehyun changed out of his robe and into his pajamas, cuddling up next to you, kissing your neck.

"Goodnight, my daisy."

Follow me for updates and to follow the series! also, dm me your thoughts I would love to know 🥺

~ n ✧*:･ﾟ

“𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚” 1/5

CHARACTERS: Crown Prince!Todoroki x Midoriya!Reader, Prince!Bakugo x Midoriya!Reader, (slight)  Crown Prince!Todoroki x Regina!Yaoyorozu

PART 1 PART 2

WARNINGS: none for now?

GENRE: little angst, lotsa fluff, and maybe a lil make out shesh later ;)

WORD COUNT: 1.3k 

A/N: first time writing >.< I hope y’all find this and like it! I’m planning to divide this into parts! I got this idea from the manhwa “ The Justice of Villainous Woman ( What It Takes to be a Villainess )”.  English is not my first language, so please do not be afraid to correct me! Also accepting constructive criticism! Thank you, and enjoy <33

“You’ll be sent to the crown prince’s palace to be a regina.” Yes, I may be in love with the crown prince, Shoto Todoroki, but I know he loves my friend. “Father, I don’t want to compete with Lady Yaoyorozu. She’s my friend.” Oh, how I wish they would just listen to me. “Oh dear y/n, there is no such thing as friends in this place. You have no time to be making friends.”

 And that is how I’m here. Preparing a lavender soaked bath for yOuR hIgHnEsS. He has my heart, but of course I’m only the daughter of the duke his father is acquainted with, who was sent here for fun. For the sake of a competition. “Lady Midoriya, we will take care of this! Please go rest!”

 “No! It’s fine, I don’t have anything to do anyways! Would you like to join me for a cup of tea after this?” Father said no friends, but the maids are all just so cute and friendly! “M’lady, it is inappropriate for us to-“ “I invited you, so it should be fine!” As the tub filled with water, and the bathroom was scented by the relaxing scent of lavenders, I looked over to the tense maidens avoiding my eyes. “Please, do come and join me. It gets lonely every once and a while.” Showing them a sad smile that I could only show to close friends, which by now, I have lost. I closed the faucet of the tub and immediately erased any trace of me being there. Before I had closed the door to the hall, I said “I’ll be waiting in my room.”

 And I did. It took about 10 minutes before they had come into my chambers. “M’lady, we got some snacks from the kitchen! The weather outside is very nice and the flowers have fully bloomed. Would you like us to set this up in the garden?” Oh yeah, the roses are in season. It must be looking wonderful. “Sure! I’ll carry the-“ “No, your highness!”

 Your highness? “I apologize for yelling, your highness!” The petite girl bowing in front of me seemed to not know that she had just called me “your highness”. That’s just absurd. It’s kind of funny. “Your highness?” Oh no this is so mean. Why am I laughing at her? “No, no, it’s fine! It’s just weird that you called me your highness when I have no chances of winning over the-“ “That is not true, your highne- m’lady! It’s been months since you’ve been here and you’ve been-“ the head maid came in and covered her mouth immediately. “It’s improper to be yelling at the regina. Have some shame.” She whispered to the poor girl. I saw myself in her. Not being able to say what you want just because of hierarchy. “It’s absolutely fine with me, ma’am. She was only trying to comfort me for I was having doubts in myself about the competition.”

 “Still, your highness-“ again? “Please, address to me as ‘Lady’, I do not deserved to be called ‘Your highness’. I am merely a duke’s daughter. Now, ma’am, would you like to join us for some warm darjeeling tea in the garden?” They look surprised. Didn’t lady Yaoyorozu always invite them? “M’lady, it would be an honor to do so.” Oh no does this mean they’re committed to me? I hope it doesn’t. “You don’t have to bow down! I believe we’re all equals here, so please, don’t bow.”

 They responded with a quiet, almost unheard, “Yes, m’lady.” Finally, some company. Sitting in the garden while enjoying a cup of tea had never felt so nice. It truly is different when you have people around you, laughing, talking with you, and not judging you. What I didn’t expect to see was the crown prince looking at the scene of us laughing. Why did he look disgusted? Did he hate me that much? I chose to ignore it and proceed with tasting the cakes that they had brought with them.

 “M’lady, I hope you don’t mind us asking, but how come you never talk with your highness?” I glanced over to the crown prince and saw him sort of listening. “Well, Lady Yaoyorozu is my friend, and I don’t want to be in the way of their relationship. That is also why during room sharing, I always escape in the middle of the night.” I took another small glance and he wasn’t there anymore. “Now that you know, please do help me next time.” Saying things I don’t mean with a smile is hard. Why did it have to be Momo?

 The maids were looking at me with pity. I don’t like being pitied, but I understood why they felt that way.

 •

 Yaoyorozu is a dream come true. She’s a goddess, with a great heart and intelligent. But all that was pushed into the gutter when I first saw the other regina from the house of Midoriya. She was in the garden, admiring the roses that mother had planted, even tending to them as if they were her own plants. I had heard from his brother, Izuku, that she was in love with me. “But how come she ignores me like I’m the plague?”

 Izuku looked confused before saying “Honestly, I don’t know what goes on in the head of my own little sister, sire. But, I think it has something to do with lady Yaoyorozu being her friend.” Somehow everything was kind of connecting. I had neglected her, too. Come to think of it, who dances her during parties? Regret was starting to settle in my heart.

 I asked one of the servants to send her a bouquet of roses from the garden. What I didn’t expect was for her to return it to me. As I neared her chamber, I heard laughter. From her and a man. “That voice sounds awfully familiar.” Walking up to her door, it suddenly dawned on me how he had obviously been prioritizing Yaoyorozu. Her door looked so beat up.

 “Shut up shitty woman! Stop teasing me!” Is that duke Bakugo? What is he doing here? I knocked on her door quietly and didn’t expect anyone to hear. She opened the door and looked at me with wide eyes. “Your highness! I wasn’t expecting you! I, uh, have a guest. Is tonight our room sharing? Allow me to fix my room-“

 “Hey, half and half bastard.” Aggressive as ever “Katsuki, back to your seat at once.” She sounds like his instructor, but wait, Katsuki??? “Are you two close?” She still looked very puzzled as to why I was asking her. “We grew up together, your highness. Please excuse me, as I have to calm down the angry porcupine.” She curtsied and smiled at me. That smile. That goddamn smile.  I knew it wasn’t very genuine, but it was enough. I’ve neglected her way too much. I heard more yelling on the other side of the door, and it made me wonder if she would be like that towards me too.

 Tonight is indeed room sharing night. Maybe I’ll be lucky and catch her leaving the room. Before I knew it, evening came and we were in our sleepwear. She looked very agitated. Though I understood why she was feeling that way, I can’t help but get hurt. Had I really been that mean to her to the point she doesn’t like being around me? “y/n, are you okay?” she looked at me with panic “Yes, your highness!” has she always been like this? Just moments ago she was pushing king Bakugo into his carriage, how come she’s all fidgety now? 

“Your highness, should I get the royal doctor?”  “Do I look sick?”  she looked at me with hesitation evident in her orbs. “No, your highness. But you’re acting very unusual, your highness.”

We go together~

The Request: Hey I have a request! Arthur Fleck x deaf!reader(eventually). The reader was a clown for hire like Arthur and they we're both assigned a party to attend. They worked perfectly together, but Arthur didn't understand why Y/n never said a word only smiled and giggled. Arthur tries to talk with her but thinks shes not interested when she doesn't look at him. She just couldn't hear him. Fluff? Sweet?

Tagging: @vemazing ; @i-eat-mud ; @ultra-marine-scales ; @thekillingjoke-haha

Warnings: None

Pairing: Arthur Fleck x reader

Notes: so i changed a few things about it, but its mostly the same. I hope you like it!

You walked down the short hallway, following behind your new boss Hoyt. He turned to you after entering a small room, and you were able to read his lips. 

“This is where we get ready for gigs. Your locker is over here.” He said. You nodded and he pointed to a locker. “You have to be at the retirement home by 6. You’re going to be working with Arthur here” he walked over to a man sitting in front of a mirror. A brush in his hand, about to paint his face. He looked at you in the mirror, a meek smile crossing his face. You smiled back, waving slightly. He was a handsome, causing your breath to hitch. 

He leaned over Arthur’s shoulder, whispering something in his ear. You could see Arthur listen to him, and he nodded a bit. Hoyt walked away, winking at you as he disappeared down the hall. 

You set your things down and opened the locker, seeing the emptiness of it inviting. Like a new apartment. You opened your bag, pulling out your clown costume. A cute, bright purple dress with frills that bounced when you walked, and a green wig. After taking off your jacket, you slipped the dress on over your shirt. 

“Shit” you thought, forgetting the zipper, which was almost impossible to reach on your own. You decided to leave it for last, putting on your wig and your large clown shoes. 

Arthur looked up through the mirror at you, seeing you put on your green bouncy wig and your large shoes. He smiled a bit, finding the way you stumbled around nervously adorable. 

You looked around, wondering who you could ask to zip you up. Being the only girl clown they seemed to have, you felt you should be cautious of who you talked to. People are dangerous in Gotham, and not just outside on the streets. You looked over at Arthur, who was in the process of finishing his makeup and putting on his own green wig. You decided that he was your best bet, being your partner and all. You walked over to him and while you made your way over he seemed to notice, turning to look at you as you approached him. 

“Can you zip me up?” You asked softly. He nodded and you turned around. 

As he slowly pulled up the zipper, he worked up his confidence to speak to you. “I- I like your dress” he said, but you didn’t respond. The curves of your body mesmerized him as he finished with the zipper and snapped together a small clip. You just turned around and smiled at him as you walked back to your bag. He looked at you confused, but shrugged it off. Maybe you didn’t hear him?

The retirement home wasn’t far from the office, and since it was nice you had asked Arthur if he’d be ok with walking. He had said yes, which surprised you. As you walked beside him, you could tell he was a nervous person. His hands fidgeted a lot. You were silent the whole time, feeling the vibrations of the subway below, and the cars driving by. A few times someone would walk by you, scaring the absolute shit out of you. Not being able to hear people was difficult, but you’d done it your whole life. The thing that was difficult was adapting to the city life, where nobody knew that you couldn’t hear. Those few times where someone would come up beside you with no warning, you nearly grabbed Arthur’s hand. The one time you did, you quickly removed it, worrying that he would be upset. 

“I normally work alone, so I’m sorry if I have a hard time adjusting to a partner...” Arthur said. You didn’t look at him. “You don’t mind?” He asked. Again, no response. she hates you he thought. Every time he looked at you, his heart swelled. you just met her Arthur he reminded himself. This did little to help his mind. 

You stood in the retirement home, looking at the half asleep elderly. You looked at Arthur who, who began his act. He pulled out a wand, showing it to anyone who would look. After a couple seconds he gestured to you. You smiled as he handed the wand to you, and once he let go it turned to rubber, bending in your hand. You gasped and pointed to it, earning a reaction from the elderly. You glanced at Arthur who simply stared at you. You nudged the wand towards him, and he got the hint. 

He twirled around and did a little dance before taking the wand from you and with a move of his hands, made it straight. You gasped once again, clapping your hands together and jumping up and down. Being a clown means being entertaining, and by god you were going to try your best. 

The gig lasted an hour, each magic trick proving to give little to no entertainment to the elderly people in front of you. That didn’t bother you though, because the only thing you could really think about was how well you worked with Arthur. Time and time again, gigs would become a bore when your partner would steal the show, leaving you off to the side to make funny faces, but Arthur? He let you do your skits, and sometimes even stepped off to the side to let you take the reigns for a while. You felt like he saw you as an equal in the show, something that felt new and welcoming. You found yourself looking forward to when he would touch your shoulder or hand. 

A man in the corner of the room waved his hand at you, catching your attention. He pointed at the clock coldly, telling you that your time was up. You looked to Arthur who also had seen. He grabbed your hand, and gestures to you to bow. You curtsied sweetly and gestured to him, as he bowed deeply. 

You packed up your props, and watched as Arthur walked over to the man. You could see the man say something to him, which caused Arthur to look down at the floor. what is he saying? you wondered, the man too far away to read his lips. 

As you zipped up your bag, Arthur approached you. “What did that man say to you?” You asked. You saw him sigh and read his lips. 

“It’s nothing. Called me a freak. It’s nothing new, don’t worry about it..” he trailed off. You frowned. Arthur wasn’t a freak. 

After picking up your things, you made your way to the front of the building. As you walked quickly, you could feel Arthur’s presence just behind you. Stepping onto the sidewalk, it was nearly dark out. “Shit” you whispered. You knew that Gotham wasn’t the safest city to begin with, but at nighttime it was a different story. You looked to Arthur, who seemed unaffected by the darkness of the city. He began walking in the direction of the office, but you reached your hand out and grabbed his. “Arthur?” You said quietly. He turned to you and it looked like his eyes softened at the sight of your nervous face. “I don’t feel safe walking” you looked around and it seemed like every shadow was a threat. 

“It’ll be alright” he said, moving to face you. “I’ll be here if something happens” he assured you. You nodded and walked to his side, not letting go of his hand. 

“Do you mind?” You asked. Looking at your hand in his own. He shook his head and you could feel his hand tighten around your own. 

shes scared arthur he thought to himself. shes scared and you have to protect her Arthur wasn’t sure why he felt so protective over you, it seemed like a part of him just needed to be by your side. “No I don’t mind at all” he whispered, and expected you to look to him, but you didn’t. why won’t she look at me? he asked himself, and worried that maybe you thought he was a freak.

You made it back to the office safely, and it was just the two of you in dressing room. You placed your things down and sighed. After you’d removed your makeup and wig, you looked over to Arthur, who had no face paint on, shirtless. He was staring down at a notebook, and you wondered what he was writing. 

You looked at his face in the mirror. He was extremely handsome, the second time you’d thought that today. The smirk that toyed on his lips caused your stomach to flip. He seemed to have noticed your staring, looking up a few seconds later. You felt your cheeks become red, and walked towards him. You pointed to your back, and he got the message, standing up as you turned around. 

His large hand rested on your shoulder as his other unzipped you. You felt like you couldn’t breathe. 

Arthur thought that his hand felt wrong against your soft skin. How could someone so delicate let him touch them? Once he reached the bottom he removed his hand and watched you walk back to your bag. You put your dress in the bag, and wrapped yourself up in your large jacket. “I’ll see you tomorrow” you said as you turned to him. He smiled, buttoning up his shirt. 

A grin spread across your face, and you opened the door. As you stepped onto the dark street, a sense of dread washed over you. Walking home was never an easy thing, but there’s no way you could ask Arthur to walk you home. He probably lives halfway across the city.

As you walked through the streets of Gotham, you realized something. Every time you turned a corner, you could spot someone behind you, just slightly. You shrugged it off as normal, people were everywhere in Gotham. 

Walking down a dark and empty street, your mind wandered to Arthur. He had been so sweet to you when you were afraid to walk back to the office, and when he was ok with holding your hand. 

A couple yards behind you, Arthur slowly walked, making sure you made it home safely. His mother could wait a couple more minutes. As he kept watch, he saw someone approaching you. Arthur saw the glimmer of a knife in his pocket, and he knew you were in danger. “Y/N!” He yelled, throwing out any hope to stay anonymous, but you just kept walking. “What the fuck!” He breathed to himself. Then, he felt himself running. 

Your thoughts were interrupted by a man who had been walking in your direction. “Put your fucking hands up bitch!” He yelled, running towards you. Your eyes widened, unsure of what to do. You raised your hands, dropping your bag. The man suddenly looked behind you, and before you could even look around, someone came from behind you and punched the man. 

You gasped, stumbling back a few feet. “Arthur?” You whispered. Arthur proceeded to punch the man, a knife falling out of his hand. You looked at it, realizing what he had in store for you if Arthur hadn’t been there. After a few more punches, Arthur stood up and looked down at the man. 

“Leave” Arthur said in a harsh tone. The man slowly stood up, reaching for his knife. Arthur stepped on it before he could, making the man unable to grab it. He huffed and ran away, leaving Arthur and you alone. Before you could say anything, he began to laugh. You looked at him confused until he finally subsided. “I have a condition…” he muttered.

He looked up to you, a look of concern replacing his firm look. “Why didn’t you turn to me?” he asked. You cocked your head, confused. “I called out to you, and you ignored me. In fact, it seems like you’ve been ignoring me all day. Did I do something?” He asked, and your mind finally put the puzzle pieces together. 

“I’m deaf” you stated bluntly. He stepped back. 

“It all makes sense now” he said. “But how can you…” he pointed to your lips.

“I can read lips” you giggled. He really didn’t know? You thought it was obvious. 

“And how can you speak?” He asked. 

“Years and years of speech therapy.” you smiled, leaning over to pick up your bag. 

“Im- im sorry” he said. You smiled at him.

“I thought Hoyt had told you, but I was wrong. I’m surprised it took so long for you to notice.”

Arthur thought back to every single instance that day that should’ve given him a hint.He smacked himself on the forehead. “Stupid” he said. 

“No, you’re not stupid. You actually an amazing clown, better than I’ll ever be…” you trailed off. He smiled at you and his heart softened. No one had ever complimented his work as a clown. You walked up to him, wrapping your arms around his large torso. You felt him tense slightly and relax a moment later. His arms enveloped you. A few seconds later he pulled away far enough for you to read his lips. 

“Do you think…” he started. “Do you think I could take you out for a drink sometime?” It had taken the entire day to work up the courage to ask you, he had thought about it moments after meeting you. 

“I’d love that Arthur.”

** Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it **

Christmas in New York | Jisung

summary: is there anything more wonderful?

words: 2.9k+

category: not really a full story just a blurb, eloise at christmastime au, jisung as bill, eloise as eloise, nanny as nanny, lots of references to eloise at christmastime, looked at prizes of plaza rooms for this and geez, the reader is a female model from england, joanna fleming is one of my favorite designers, here’s the dress mentioned in the story

The Plaza. Ideally situated on Fifth Avenue. Elegance Unmatched. 

At least, that’s how the website describes it. To Jisung, it’s just home, and work, and everything his life has been centered around since he was a child. Growing up in the service industry with parents who worked long nights as room service attendants, Jisung has always known hotel etiquette. He’s known hotel living, as he’s spent upwards of eight hours a day in rooms alone. 

He knows all about guests and their preferred champagnes. He knows which rooms like heated towels and which ones ask for extra toilet paper. He knows how to keep oatmeal from becoming dry before he can get it to its appropriate room. He knows about the stock market and horse races and a bunch of other nonsensical things rich people seem to prattle on about for hours without a break.

He knows the names of bag designers and which ones to be especially careful with. He knows how to respond when he receives a tip. He knows how to hold his tongue when some rich old man tells him he doesn’t know “real work”. He knows when the ballroom isn’t in use; he knows how to sneak in and play the piano before the security guard catches wind.

During Christmastime, the Plaza is especially busy. Balls and galas and dinner parties and lodgings are booked every hour of every day. Employees work double shifts and sometimes triple, if there are enough demanding patrons. There a poinsettias everywhere (real, because the Plaza doesn’t do fake flowers) and red tablecloths the color of cranberries. 

There’s some melody of Christmas songs being played in one of the many parlors, and the sound drifts through just enough vents to be caught by Jisung’s ear, as he makes his way to one of the many ballrooms — this one waiting to be decorated for Hanukkah. Jisung has silverware cleaned and ready to be set out, but other than that,  the majority of the decisions are left to the hostess (a rich woman from Manhattan) and the official event planner, Prunella (who always seems to be in a sour mood, no matter what.)

After he lays the silverware down and asks a few questions about appropriate manners when refilling drinks, he leaves, desperate for a bit of respite before the Winter Gala being held in just a few hours.

His respite comes in the form of Eloise, a six-year-old child who lives in one of the apartments with her nanny. She lives on the sixteenth floor, though she prefers to refer to it as the tippy-top floor. Jisung prefers to refer to it as the only joyful room in the hotel; the only place where he is free to release his inhibitions. 

Nanny (as she is so lovingly referred to) is a british woman, who is, apparently, the world’s best caretaker. At least, that’s what Jisung assumes. He knows how much Eloise’s mother pays for their apartment, and a wealthy home like this wouldn’t be left in the care of just anyone. 

Eloise is another story entirely. Jisung has no idea if anyone can tame her (not that she needs any taming.) Of course, most put up with her shenanigans, but uptight guests find her erratic and intrusive behavior rather alarming.  

Jisung finds her to be one of the most fun people he has ever meant. Of course, this could be said about most six year olds, but Jisung doesn’t know any other six year olds as well as he knows Eloise. 

Eloise has a habit of getting into everyone’s heart, whether they want her to or not.

He knocks on the door, ready to serve Nanny’s evening tea, when the door is jerked open. Eloise appears, blonde hair covered in so much red tinsel that it looks like a wig. “Jisung, Jisung, Jisung, you are oh so late for Nanny’s evening tea. I have been waiting around for ages for you to help me plan my spectacular entrance tonight!”

“Tonight?” Jisung pretends to be surprised as he pours Nanny’s tea. “Are you attending the Winter Gala, Eloise?”

Eloise grabs a tea biscuit from off of Nanny’s saucer and stuffs the entire thing in her mouth. She answers his question, mouth still full. “Of course! Mother went to the gala every year when she was younger. I must, must, must carry on her legacy!”

Bits of biscuit crumbs spray onto Jisung’s lapels. He brushes them off as discreetly as he can. Catching Nanny’s apologetic glance, he winks. Then, with a swift bow, he puts on his “princely” accent — a little bit French and a little bit English. “Well, Miss Eloise, would you care to accompany me to the kitchens? I’m sure we can find some napkins to fold for the Winter Gala.”

Is Jisung trying to get out of his room service duties by working the gala? Yes.

Is Jisung trying to distract Eloise from the fact that she hasn’t been invited to the gala? Also yes. 

Eloise’s eyes grow wide with excitement. Then, as if remembering she’s still pretending with him, she does a small curtsy. “Why, Mr. Park, I would absolutely adore coming to help with you.”

Jisung slips a few raisins onto the coffee table, where Skipperdee , Eloise’s pet turtle, resides. Weenie, the pug dog so beloved by Eloise and her nanny, bugs Jisung for his own treat, so Jisung digs a Pupperoni out of his pocket. “Then if you would so kindly take a seat astride my royal carriage, we shall make our way to the Terrance Room.”

-

The Terrance room is just as beautiful as it was described. The tables are lavishly decorated in burgundy velvet tablecloths. Wreaths of ivy and winter berries remind you of a winter forest. Lights fall from the ceiling, mimicking snow flakes mid-fall. 

“It’s beautiful, Prunella,” One of the models in the tour group comments to the event planner.

You break away from the group and twirl around, imagining what it will be like to dance in the ballroom tonight, when the Winter Gala begins in full spring. You’ve been chosen to wear a gown by Joanne Fleming. It’ll be her designing debut at the Gala, as well as your modeling debut in America. The ballgown you’re wearing is an embroidered flower blouse tucked into a tulle and silk shirt. Perhaps your favorite part of the outfit is the red silk shirt underneath that features poet sleeves and an oversized bow neckline. Paired with hair and makeup, you’re bound to be just as good as the big names here.

You head down the steps away from everyone else, where a large tree stands tall, decorated with tinsel and red candles. Not lit, of course, as that would be a fire hazard.  Your strain to see the topper atop the large, nearly ten foot tree. You back up, and with it nearly in your sight... you fall back into someone.

“Oh my gosh,” you squeal, as two hands grab you waist. As soon as they push you up, you whip around to apologize. “I am so sorry, I was trying to see what the tree topper, uh, was.”

You smile sheepishly at the boy. He’s clearly a waiter, based on his white tuxedo jacket paired with a gold-plated name tag. “Jisung,” you read. “That’s a lovely name.”

“It’s Korean,” the boy says, risking a smile at you. His eyes are wide, whether naturally or just at the fact that you fell on top of him, you don’t know. “I mean, because I’m Korean. I mean, not that you asked, it’s just... you said my name was lovely, so I thought you might like to know where it’s from.” He closes his mouth tightly after that and scratches the back of his neck. “Sorry.”

“No worries,” you hold your hand. “I’m Y/n.”

Before he can shake your hand, Jisung is pushed away by a very small girl.

“Hello!” She grabs your hand and shakes it as vigorously as she can. “I’m Jisung’s best friend, Eloise. I am six.”

You giggle. “Hello, Eloise. What are you doing in a boring room in the middle of the day?”

“Jisung and I are folding napkins,” Eloise says, gesturing to the one (and only one, that you can see) napkin folded into a swan. “They’re for the Winter Gala tonight!”

“The Winter Gala?” You clap your hands together. “How wonderful! Will you be attending?”

“Unfortunately, Jisung and I have far too many duties here in the Plaza.” Eloise falls back against Jisung’s leg and drapes a hand dramatically over her forehead. “Why, if the two of us leave for just ten minutes, the entire hotel may fall apart!”

You look at Jisung for confirmation. The tall boy shrugs, his bow-shaped lips curled into a smirk. “She’s right. We’re kind of the glue of this entire place.”

“Ah,” you say as seriously as you can muster when Jisung has such a distinct twinkle in his eye.

He’s cute, you have to note, in the hustle of listening to one erratic six year old. He’s much taller than you, but it isn’t as intimidating as one might think. Perhaps it’s the way his shoulders slouch forward just a bit, or the obvious youth in his face. 

“Well, if either of you would like to attend, I do have a few companion tickets,” you say, pretending not to care as you fiddle with your scarf. “Of course, I understand if you’re too busy holding this place together. It’s an important job, after all—“

“Are you kidding?” Eloise jumps up and yanks the scarf out of your hands. “You must, must, must allow us to go as your dates. Jisung and I will be on our best behaviors. I shall wear the gown my mother brought back from Milan last month. We went to a fashion show, and I threw up on Coco Chanel!”

You burst into laughter, despite the seriousness on Eloise’s face. “I’m sure that was quite an unforgettable show.”

“Indeed.” Eloise grimaces, ribbing her stomach. 

“I have the night shift,” Jisung says, his deep voice so obvious when spoken right after Eloise’s pitchy one. “But they might place me here,  so I can watch you. I mean, not watch as in leer, or anything. Just a drop by to say hello–“

“I would love it if you would, Jisung.” You clasp your hands in front of you. “Speaking of, I’m sure my stylists are having a fit. I’m about an hour late for all of my appointments, though it was worth it to meet the two of you.” You bend down to Eloise’s height. “I shall see you tonight?”

“Yes!” 

“I’ll save you a dance,” you assure her. Then, straightening up, you glance at Jisung. “Shall I save you one as well?”

Jisung blinks. Perhaps the invitation goes directly over his head, but he averts his eyes and answers you, cheeks red with nerves. “That’s not necessary.”

“Oh.” His rejection seems a bit blunt, though you understand. You’ve just met, after all, and it isn’t like strangers to dance with each other upon first (second?) meeting. “Well, I’ll be seeing the two of you.”

-

Jisung hides in the kitchen, helping out when needed and playing mobile Fortnite on his phone when he’s asked to stay out of the way. He’s sure they might need extra waiters at the Gala, with all the hungry models and their plus ones. Plus, the drinks will be offered up soon, and Jisung wonders just when the Gala will turn into an all-out party. It’s possible that these things stay graceful until the end, but Jisung know how rich people can be around a good bottle of wine. And The Plaza has the best bottles around. 

Eloise has already been taken home by Nanny, as her eight o’clock curfew doesn’t quite match up with the Gala’s full schedule. Jisung only knows that she left because she snuck into the kitchen, and just before Nanny found her, she had climbed atop the counter and licked a spoon full of meringue. “Y/n looks so beautiful, Jisung. You really must go dance with her.”

“I really must finish working,” Jisung had said, grabbing the spoon out of Eloise’s hand. Truthfully, he doesn’t want to see you after making a complete fool of himself earlier today.

It’s not like it matters, anyway. He’s a waiter; you’re a model. There are far more important men in your radar, he assumes. You won’t even notice if he doesn’t go.

So he doesn’t. He finishes his shift and takes his leave out the front door, where the snowfall greets him. 

He has his own apartment; a little studio flat across town. It’s a subway ride away, and Jisung has come to find that one of his favorite parts of the day is his commute home.

But he stays outside a bit longer, watching as the carriage drivers begin to undo their horses’ harnesses. He watches the fake Santa Claus down the street ring a bell for the nearby children’s hospital. He listens to the taxicabs honk their horns as they disobey basic traffic laws. 

“Thought you had to work.” It’s you again, your voice just as bright as it was this morning. 

Jisung feels his heart drop into his chest when he spots you at the top of the stairs, dressed in a gown that makes you look like some sort of winter fairy. The ruby-colored fabric matches the makeup behind your eyes, and Jisung has to stop and stare at the way your eyebrows seem naturally dark and unkept. It fits your face, and he draws his eyes down to your lips, where a dark tint resides. “H-Hi. I just got off. Work, I mean.”

You giggle. It’s not a mean laugh, so Jisung tries to file that into the “not embarrassing” category. Then he remembers the words that pour out of his mouth daily, and he thinks he needs to reorganize his mental filing cabinet. “Well, I saved you a dance. Can’t imagine you’d want to go back into the ballroom though.”

“Drunk socialites?” Jisung guesses.

“How did you know?” You wink at him before descending down the steps. The hem of your dress gets wet from the snow, but you don’t seem to mind. Jisung has a feeling your designer will, but maybe that’s not his business.

“Lucky guess,” he drawls, shuffling his feet. “Sorry about the dance. I thought you were just saying that because Eloise was there.”

“I wasn’t,” you say. “I wanted to dance with you.”

“Wanted?”

“Still want to,” you correct yourself. “Do you think I would be out in the snow in a sheer blouse if I didn’t want to dance with you?”

Jisung feels his cheeks flush. The blood rushes to his cheeks, and then to his hands when you reach for them, tucking your fingers in the spaces between his and pulling him close to you. “You lead,” he rushes out. “I’m not very good at dancing.”

You hum. As the wind briefly subsides, he makes out the tune to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” You place one of his hands on top of your shoulder, and keep the other one in your grasp. “Tell me, Jisung, do you celebrate Christmas?”

“Yeah,” he says. “You?”

“Yeah.” You’re rubbing your thumb back and forth against his waist, urging him to move, but Jisung feels himself freeze up with the wind. Then you’re leaning forward, lips close to his ear and warm breath sending a sharp chill down his neck. “Relax.”

Jisung breathes in. Out. In again. He squeezes your hand and squeezes his eyes shut. “Okay,” and he follows your lead.

It’s a simple dance. A bit of a one-two thing going on. Jisung has never danced before in his life – never needed to, but he has natural rhythm, so he follows along without much complaint from you. “Do you dance with every waiter you meet?” He manages to joke.

You lift your joined hands and gesture for him to twirl beneath them. “Just the cute ones,” you say.

“And how many is that?” Jisung hates the waver in his voice. Hates that he manages to gain feelings so quickly. Hates that one (count it: one) nice person dances with him and suddenly he wants to be the only one they ever dance with.

“Just one,” you say, casually. Casually, but you avoid his eyes, and your grip slips just enough for Jisung to catch it. “Tell me, Jisung. Do you work tomorrow?”

“I’m off tomorrow,” Jisung says. “Christmas Eve, and whatever. Family things, you know.”

“Oh,” you say. “I leave tomorrow morning.”

“Family things don’t start until noon,” Jisung rushes. Heat returns to his chest as soon as you smile up at him. “We could have breakfast together. I know a nice place down the road. It’s not fancy by any means, but it’s really good. You’ll have to say goodbye to Eloise, too, of course. Maybe send her some letters when you return home. She loves getting mail–“

“Jisung, can I kiss you?”

Jisung feels himself nod before he can really register your words. By the time his mind finally catches up with his body, your lips are on his, smooth and chilled like a marble surface, and Jisung is shivering into your touch.

Your soft hands cup his face. You pull him down to your height, smiling at the way Jisung’s shaky hands clasp your waist. 

When you pull away, you’re still smiling, so Jisung smiles with you. “I would like to send you letters, too. If that’s alright, I mean.”

Jisung sputters and shakes his head. He feels his heart pound as the wind picks up around him. “That’s more than alright.”

The Cat’s Meow - Jumin Han x Fem!Reader Pt 3

Confession time: I wrote like the first 9 chapters of this last year. It’s only recently when someone told me they liked the story that I decided I need to finish it and put it here. So I’ve got a lot of chapters to come out on the regular and a few more to flesh out...It’s going to be a long, angsty ride. ^-^

Part 3 - Eyes Only For Me

                Several weeks have passed since I met Jumin. We keep in contact and I get an invite to a party he and a handful of others are hosting for a charity event. Amber is also invited so I feel better knowing someone there.

                “Wow, this party has so many huge names,” I mumble to her, looking at all the famous people that had come.

                “Yeah. This place is amazing. Just six people did all this.”

                “Yeah, but you have to consider the people that those seven people are,” I reply, thinking about the sheer amount of people Jumin employed and how competent his assistant is. I notice Jumin walking towards us and feel my skin burn.

                “_____, I’m glad you could make it.” His deep, smooth voice sends shivers down my spine.

                “I did. Thank you for inviting me. This is an amazing party.”

                He smiles. “I’m glad you think so. And it’s a pleasure to see you as well, Miss Carlton.”  Amber returns his greeting. Someone starts calling and he glances away. “Please excuse me. I hope you enjoy yourselves tonight.”

                “’It’s a pleasure to see you as well, Miss Carlton,’” Amber mocks as he walks away. Despite that, she’s grinning ear to ear. “It’s nice to know I was just an afterthought.”

                Genuinely concerned that she might be insulted, I ask, “What do you mean?”

                “He clearly didn’t come this way to see me, _____. He only took a two second glance at me when he addressed me. Otherwise, he couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

                “I-I don’t think it was intentional,” I stammer, looking away.

                “Are you kidding me? Do you see how you’re dressed?” she goads. “If he didn’t have a reputation, that man would have probably kidnapped you right there and then.”

                “That sounds really creepy…”

                “Point stands.”

                Not much longer after that, we’re approached by a couple. They’re dressed to the nines and I suddenly feel extremely underdressed despite having purchased a rather expensive dress for the occasion. To my surprise, they’re looking for me. Turns out they have a cat who’s acting strange. I give them a bit of advice and make an appointment for them right there and they walk away rather pleased. Several times after that, people approach asking me questions about their pets. I didn’t bring that many business cards, but I almost run out. This is turning out to be a great networking opportunity.

                An area is cleared and the hosts play music for the guests to enjoy. Honestly, I would prefer music at a club, but the kind of music they played for their audience is nice for classical dance. It’s actually impressive how many guests were taught the classical stuff.

                “This is a bit weird,” I mutter to Amber.

                “Yeah, but some of the guests really enjoy it and those who don’t can just go over there and talk,” she explains.

                A slow song starts and I see gentlemen take their wives out onto the floor for slow dancing. I can’t help but think of how cute every couple looks.

                “Well, I’m gone,” Amber suddenly hums, practically running away.

                “Huh?” Before I can catch up and question her, I see a gloved hand offered to me. My skin burns at the sight of Jumin asking me to dance.

                “Care to dance?”

                It’s like I have no control as my hand slips into his and Jumin pulls me out onto the dance floor.

                “Can you waltz?” he asks casually, pulling me around to face him.

                Somehow, he’s caught me off guard enough to cause me to blather on. “N-Not really, I mean I learned basics in high school, but it’s been awhile and-”

                “Just follow my lead.” His smooth, sure attitude makes it impossible for me to argue.

                At first, I’m so nervous that I make a few missteps and run right into him. Before I can run away, he always pulls me right back to him to start again. It doesn’t take long for his confidence to spread and my nerves melt away, making dancing with him effortless.

                “This song is a bit intimate for a dance between friends.” I’m still working on my bravery, causing my statement to be barely above a whisper.

                “Isn’t that how most slow songs are anyway?” he points out. “Besides, when you’re not nervous, you dance beautifully. It would be a shame not to show off such talent.”

                I feel a blush creep across my cheeks. “I don’t know about that.”

                “I do.”

                He has that all knowing smile that often plays when he knows he’s caught me by surprise. It’s like a game he plays that only works in the most unconventional circumstances.

                There’s a round of applause and I practically leap into Jumin’s arms in shock. He chuckles and I realize that everyone had been watching us. That blush erupts across my face and I try to hide it with my hands.

                “Don’t be shy. Give a bow.”

                “Huh?”

                He takes my hand, bowing to the audience. I take a handful of my dress and curtsy awkwardly before he leads me out of the spotlight.

                “I didn’t know you could dance so well, Jumin,” a young blonde tells him as we approach a small group.

                “Even I did not know you had such talent.” I recognize his assistant who I’ve become acquaintances with.

                “It comes quite useful when you meet as high-class people as I do,” he answers calmly.

                Suddenly, a silver-haired man takes my hand, kissing the back of it. “And who is this lovely lady?” His gaze has hidden traces of a glare as he looks to Jumin. I recognize him as a rising actor in theater.

                “This is my friend, Dr. _____ _____.” Jumin swats Zen’s hand away from mine. “Keep your lips to yourself. Where are your manners?” Zen doesn’t attempt to conceal his glare this time.

                I wave bashfully. “Hello.”

                “Oh, she’s the vet who found Elizabeth,” the blonde answers. “Hello. I’m Yoosung.” I shake his hand.

                That’s when I notice a familiar red-head. “Luciel?”

                He perks up from the back of the group. “_____?”

                I smile, stepping forward to hug him. “How have you been?”

                “You know, same old.”

                “Wait, you know _____?!” Zen half shouts at him.

                “Yeah. She lets me come play with some of the cats at her clinic sometimes.” The words coming out of his mouth are so weird, but he says them so calmly.

                The group of five is so strange but it’s easy to see that they’re actually really good friends. It’s fun to see how they all contrast and react.

                Amber comes up, putting a hand on my arm. “I’m gonna head home, _____.”

                “Okay. Thanks for coming with me,” I reply.

                “No problem. See you later.”

                “See ya.”

                The party guests trickle out in small groups until nearly everyone is gone. I’m picking up my jacket and purse when Jumin approaches me again.

                “I didn’t get a chance to mention earlier, but you look stunning tonight.”

                “Well I must say, that suit there is just the cat’s meow,” I reply cheekily, proud to have amused the corporate heir.

                “Would you like to get a drink with me?”

                “Mr. Han, I wouldn’t figure you a drinking man! How garish,” I feign shock.

                “Well I don’t know about you, Dr. _____,” he replies with a smug grin as he straightens his cuffs. “But I prefer the finer wines more than anything.”

                “Do you have any idea how prissy you sound?” I laugh.

                “I only took cues from your comment on my drinking habits,” he retorts. He holds a hand out to me. “So fancy wine? Or not?”

                “Sure.” He makes sure everything is taken care of before escorting me to his car where we leave to his place for wine.

Painted Crown: Part 1

Description: You have faithfully served the royal family for years. But as reality sets in, Jungkook, a prince from a neighboring kingdom, offers you something you had never dreamed of having.

Warnings: N/A

Posted: 08/24/2019

Tags: Jungkook x reader, Prince!Jungkook, Prince!Taehyung, Prince!Hoseok

?: 2,039 words

A/N: I’ve been working on this for ages, and technically I still don’t have the last part of it finished but it’s sitting in my drafts driving me batty.

You stood next to the man you saw as the most charming and handsome man in the nine realms, your prince, as he stared at the most beautiful woman the kingdoms had ever seen. That’s when you knew. You were struck once more with the knowledge that all of your daydreams were actually delusions. He would fall for her. And you would support him. You would have no choice. He was your prince, the crown prince of the kingdom, and you would serve him no matter what happened to yourself. That was what it meant to be a loyal servant to the royal family. “Ask her to dance, My Prince, she will surely agree,” You told him, smiling as if you didn’t feel the pain of sending someone you were in love with into the arms of another. You were a lady of the court, trained to hide your true thoughts in case you one day entered into a strategic marriage. Taught to conceal your thoughts and opinions from those who determined your fate. To please. Smile, sit, look pretty, play the harp, embroider tapestries, act demure and helpless to attract suitors. And do whatever it took to serve the royal family and ensure their continued reign. “You think so?” Prince Taehyung asked, still watching her with awe. “I know so, she’s glanced this way at least three times and you are the prince. Any woman you chose to dance with would accept.” “Not you.” “No,” You agreed, blinking back the truth. “Not I. I do not dance as well as I would wish to if I were to dance with Your Majesty.” Lies. All lies. You dared not dance with him for your heart’s sake. For his sake. For the sake of the kingdom. “Y/n,” He said with a look that told you just how much he cared about whether you were a good dancer or not. “My Prince,” You returned calmly, keeping up the formality. He had to go to her. For the good of the country. He almost looked hurt. “You’d best hurry if you wish to secure a dance with her,” You urged him, lightly tapping his arm with your fan. “What about you?” He asked, looking around. You’d never quite fit in with the other ladies of the court, instead tending to his younger sister as her ladies maid since she loved you plenty. You’d also been helping him learn some of the finer arts, such as painting, for the past four years which meant he talked with you quite often. This also didn’t earn you any favors with the ladies of the court (the prince was ‘swoon-worthy’ as demonstrated by them swooning if he so much as looked in their direction) who saw you as some sort of fortune hunter. Thus, you were usually alone at balls and parties. “I thought I would talk to some of the ladies from the visiting princes’ party,” You told him, smiling. “Go win your fair maiden’s hand.” He grinned at your dramatic words, then slipped into the crowd, heading toward the woman who must have been a princess. “You are close to Prince Taehyung, then,” A man asked from behind you. You turned, dropping a curtsy the moment you recognized the younger of the visiting princes. “Prince Jungkook.” You curtsied as fit his status automatically. “I am his sister’s ladies’ maid, we’ve crossed paths before. We speak on occasion.” “You hit him and were teasing him, something which usually is reserved for friends, not occasional conversation partners.” He looked amused. “Your Highness must forgive me for asking if there was a goal or question behind this line of inquiry you are pursuing? Or do you question my relationship with the prince to alleviate your own discomfort with the large crowds?” His eyes widened, smile a little stunned. You smiled and looked away. “Your discomfort will not have been noted by the royal family, I assure you. I do not think they could even fathom a person being uncomfortable in such situations as they thrive in. However, you, in a new place surrounded by strangers, tend to stick to the walls and corners, avoiding the thick of the crowd and sticking relatively close to those that you know. I have the luxury of too much time on my hands to observe those around me along with more education than my father deemed good for a woman,” You explained, seeing his face relax into a sort of puzzled smile. “Is it unusual for women to educated here?” “That depends entirely on what they are educated in. My mother insisted that, along with the tradition education a lady in my position should receive, I should be taught strategy and logic, along with arithmetic, and politics. Books were my teachers, and I was given leave to read as many as I would. It’s unusual for a woman to be well-read.” “You possess the air of a queen,” He said, looking completely genuine. The weight of his words making your stomach flip-flop. “But I am not, nor am I likely ever to be anything more than I am. Behind you,” You replied, nodding over his shoulder. He turned and the ladies pounced on his weakness like a cat pounces on a mouse, leaving you to escape through the crowd that you weren’t fond of but could tolerate after far too many social gatherings. His older brother, Prince Hoseok, was the one to stop you, bowing slightly. “May I have this dance, Lady y/n?” You smiled and accepted, knowing it would be frowned upon more were you to refuse than if you were to accept. Prince Hoseok was an exceptional dancer, light on his feet and fluid in his movements. Dancing with him, his friendly conversation and the brightness in his eyes and smile, was most agreeable. “You are by far my best dance partner of the night,” He said, grinning at you after having guided you off the dance floor following the completion of the song. “You flatter me, Your Highness,” You replied, but you were smiling genuinely. Until you saw Taehyung looking at you with an alarming amount of sadness. “I asked you to dance to make up for my brother’s…quite possibly rude behavior. He sometimes doesn’t know how to behave around others, especially ladies. However, I am very glad I did. I’ll remember you for another dance, yes?” You curtsied. “I’d be delighted.” He bowed and slipped away to find his next dance partner. “You said you weren’t a good dancer.” “Go back to her, My Prince. She will get the wrong idea if you abandon her to speak with me,” You kept your face neutral. “She’s dancing with Duke Redford. Why did you lie to me?” “To release you from the idea of duty to me to dance, that you might go dance with her, the woman who catches your gaze even now. I am inconsequential. She is a princess, is she not?” “She is. Princess Rose of Vareliath,” He answered. “She’s…incredible.” “That is excellent, Your Highness. I wish all works in your favor.” He frowned at you. “Lady Y/n, may I have this dance?” Prince Jungkook appeared from the crowd. You blinked in surprise, your body automatically dipping your head and taking his hand in agreement when your head was scrambling for a reason to say no. Unfortunately, between trying to get away from Taehyung and refusing a dance to the prince of a neighboring kingdom, getting away from Taehyung was far more important. Jungkook was as good of a dancer as his brother. But he seemed uncertain of how to talk to you, which took away from the dancing experience. “Do you often interrogate ladies of the courts you visit?” You asked, breaking the awkward silence. It came out light, thankfully, teasing. He looked a little sheepish. “I apologize. It was…the wrong way of starting a conversation. I just desired to know what possessed Prince Taehyung to…” He seemed to struggle to put his thoughts into words. “I do not mean to…you’re a lady of the court, yes, but he speaks to you with ease. As though you were a trusted adviser and friend. I wanted to see why, and you did not disappoint. You’re a delight to speak with.” You were a little stunned, turning your gaze away from him casually, keeping a soft smile on your face. “How so?” “Your wit and ability to move the conversation. I’ve always been a little clumsy with conversation but you seem to know exactly what to say and how much to say.” He guided you closer with slight pressure to your shoulder. You lifted your chin, meeting his gaze boldly. “Is that why you said I had the air of a queen?” He met your gaze steadily, seeming to come even closer. “It’s one of the reasons. But your intelligence, your knowledge of what is best for the Prince,” He said, gaze sliding past you. You turned your head slightly, seeing Taehyung dancing with the Princess again. You looked away from them. “It is my duty to serve the royal family as best I can.” “And what if your duty were to become princess of another kingdom,” He asked, voice soft. You looked at him in surprise and watched him smile softly at your reaction. He guided you to the wall, the song having ended. “As the second son of a king, I could marry you. My father would approve. My brother would surely approve. You told me you were given more education than most women, and though you may never be queen…you could help me help my people.” You looked away from the intensity of his gaze. “We’ve only just met.” “I know, but I want you to know that I’m courting you. I want things to be as clear as possible. I am courting you, Lady Y/n.” He brought your gaze back to his with a feathery touch on your chin, his thumb lightly grazing your lips. You’d never felt more terrified or thrilled. “It doesn’t hurt that you’re the most beautiful woman here.” You shook your head. “She is far more beautiful.” His nose crinkled cutely. And not that you were looking at him, you could see both the cute and the manly features that created his regal figure. Chiseled jaw, round eyes, cute nose, and a quiet sort of confidence. “She is nothing compared to you.” You tilted your chin down, looking up at him through your eyelashes as you tried not to let him know how excited and flattered you were. After years of telling yourself to stop feeling something for Taehyung, after searching for purpose for years, here he was, offering you everything you could ever dream of. “I know it’s a bit sudden. I’ve been watching you ever since we arrived, but this is the first chance I’ve had to talk to you,” He said, looking at his shoes. You dipped your head, acknowledging the truth of his statement. You both had been busy since his arrival, which would prevent both of you from interacting too much. “Your highness has not been here very long as of yet, we were bound to converse eventually, though it is likely that it would have been more limited in topic. The crowd helps with secrecy.” “May I court you, then?” He drove the conversation back to it’s true start. You let your gaze sweep the ballroom, unfazed by almost every face you saw. But his face…his personality…it was the personality that your friend always used to say you would fall for. A little awkward, but regal, charming but shy. Someone important. You hated when she was right. But you didn’t hate his attentions. There was no harm in allowing him to court you, after all. If you felt it was unwise, you could simply turn him down or perhaps he would turn you down. Harmless flirtations. “You may,” You replied before you could change your mind. He grinned. “Then shall we dance?” You took the offered hand, smiling in return and allowing him to lead you to the floor.

—-

Part 2

Masterlist ~ Jungkook Masterpost

Nights Like This - Kol Mikaelson ft. Damon Salvatore

//Requested:  Can i request an imagine where the reader is Tyler's sister who is also one of Klaus' hybrids and catches Kol interest while taunting Damon at the ball and later they sleep togather? And others make a big deal of it, cuz even though she isn't really freinds with MF gang(maybe just Bonnie&Caroline)mainly because she and Elena were always at odds with each other, they still sees her as one of their own? Like idk if this makes any sense but i would love to see how it turns out...//

//Pairings: Kol x Reader, Damon x reader. Warnings: Language, mentions of sex. Tag List: @akshi8278 @simonsaysyasss//

Everyone always said you were just like Tyler, just nicer. The star athlete, the one everyone wanted to be with - romantic or platonic - and now one of the first Hybrids. The only downside to being one of the strongest beings on the planet was that you belonged to Klaus Mikaelson. Your brother was sired to Klaus but you simply did what he told you to do because you were a pack mentality kind of person. Where Tyler went, you went. Which was how you ended up at that stupid ball.

Being at the ball wasn’t the worst thing possible. You got to see people you hadn’t realized were still in town. You got to dress up in a beautiful gown. You got to feel like you were someone who mattered.

“Why not just leave?” Elena asked for what seemed like the millionth time since you expressed that you didn’t necessarily have to stay and answer to Klaus. “If you’re not sired-”

“You may not get this but Tyler is my family, my pack.” You said frankly. “I can’t - won’t - leave him behind.”

“Y/N, I have a brother too. I get it.” She tried to loop the conversation back to her.

“I’m leaving this conversation.” You announced before her next statement could drop. “See you girls later.”

You wandered the ever-growing crowd, hoping for a familiar face. There was a list of people you wanted to see and a list of people you wanted nothing to do with. You knew the other Mikaelson siblings would be at the ball, but Klaus had taken careful steps to keep you and Tyler away from them for the time being. You wanted to put them on your ‘Do Not Disturb’ list but you couldn’t avoid someone you didn’t know.

“Well well.” You said as you approached Damon. “And here I thought Stefan was the only one who could pull off a suit.”

“Hello Y/N.” He smirked at you. “Never thought I’d see you in a dress.”

“What do you think?” You smiled, giving a flirtatious twirl. The sleek gown spun effortlessly with you, your hair whipping around you. “Like what you see?”

“You do look stunning, in case it wasn’t obvious.” He winked, leaning in a bit as he complimented you.

“If you ask me, this dress looks much better on the floor of a hot guy’s bedroom, but that’s just me.” You shrugged.

“Is that an offer?” Damon quirked an eyebrow.

“Do you want it to be?” You teased in return. “I can open my schedule.”

“Well, let me show you upstairs and we can test that theory.” A new voice spoke at your side. “This way you’ll have a worthy man’s bedroom to be in.”

“Hello handsome.” You grinned. “Got a name?”

“Kol Mikaelson.” He smirked, bowing slightly. “And you?”

“Y/N Lockwood.” You gave him a curtsy.

“Ah, one of my brother’s newest creations.” He nodded with that same lopsided, boyish smirk. “I have to say, my brother doesn’t give you enough praise.”

“Which is why I don’t quite care for Klaus.” You winked to the boys before turning and disappearing into the crowd, throwing a little more sway to your hips as you walked.

Meeting Kol had thrown you for a loop. You knew the Mikaelson siblings were an attractive group, but you had never seen anyone so beautiful. Kol radiated a chaotic energy, one that could feed into your wildly unpredictable personality. His eyes held the light of the stars and the mischief of the Devil. His lopsided smirk was magnetic, teasing, and tempting all at once.

Later that night, you ended up being dragged to the dance floor when Elijah asked for everyone to join them for a ‘century old waltz’. You had begun your dance with Tyler before being spun and landing in someone else’s arms.

“I saw you earlier.” Your brother said with a chuckle.

“Gotta be a little more specific there, Ty.” You laughed lightly.

“With Kol and Damon.” He specified. “I thought you were gonna stay away from Klaus’ siblings?”

“I didn’t know it was his sibling till after I had talked to him.” You shrugged. “Besides, is it a crime to flirt with a cute boy?”

“Klaus might think it is.”

“It’s a good thing I don’t care what Klaus thinks then, isn’t it?”

Before Tyler could respond, you were spun into the crowd, landing in Damon’s arms.

“Hello, Y/N.” He smiled.

“Hello, Damon.” You smiled in return.

“How are you enjoying your night?”

“Much better now that I’m with you.” You looked up at him with a smirk. “This dress is annoying though.”

“It looks stunning.” He whispered in your ear.

“While I don’t disagree, it would be so much funner if my dress was off.”

“In front of everyone?” He chuckled. “How naughty.”

You were spun into the crowd again. This time landing with Klaus.

“Ah, my favorite Lockwood.”

“We both know you like Tyler better. Don’t start with me.” You rolled your eyes.

“Snippy tonight, aren’t we?” He chuckled. “My brother says he’s met you, rather pissed I didn’t introduce you myself.”

“Is that so?” Your eyebrows raised. “I thought I wasn’t allowed around your siblings.”

“It seems like Kol has taken a liking to you, meaning that he will be quite persistent.” Klaus nodded in thought. “I know that you despise me, Y/N, and you only stay for Tyler.”

“Wolves are pack animals. You know that.” You shrugged. “What are you getting at?”

“You respect me, but you don’t necessarily listen to me.” He commented to which you nodded, knowing he was right. “That being said, if you want to be with Kol so be it. Just know that I expect loyalty and submission from you when the time comes.”

“Meaning?” You challenged.

“Meaning when I ask you to do something, you do it.” He said sternly.

Before you can ask him what he intended you to do, you were spun through the crowd yet again. You landed awkwardly in the arms of the boy who you had gone into the evening expecting anything from.

 “Nice to see you again, Darling.”  He said, shooting you the boyish smirk you remembered from earlier in the night. 

“Well, if it isn't my new favorite vampire.”  You replied, countering his smirk with a flirty smile of your own.

“And here I was thinking you didn’t like me.”

“What’s not to like?” You winked.

As the song ended, Kol offered you his arm. He asked if you’d spend more of the night with him, saying he’d be honored if you’d let him get to know you. Admittedly, you had come to the ball to try to get Damon’s attention but you were quick to realize that one Elena showed up, that was all he would focus on. So you took Kol up on his offer and spent the night getting to know him. The crowd still seemed to grow with every minute and you grew bored of the idle conversations.

“You seem bored.” Kol said when it became just you two again.

“Quite frankly, I am.” You nodded. “It’s just so repetitive, y’know?”

“If you’re still open to it, I’d love to take you upstairs and see what that dress looks like on the floor.” He whispered in your ear.

“Then what are we still doing down here?” You said, turning so your lips ghosted over his.

With a giddy smile, he took your hand and pulled you upstairs. You thought you heard your brother calling out to you, but the blood rushing in your veins drowned out any other noise.

You two locked yourselves in Kol’s bedroom and he quickly pressed you against the wall, lips crashing into your messily. Your hands quickly found their way to his hair, running through it and tugging lightly at the ends. His hands gripped your hips, lifting your just enough to wrap your legs around his waist. This action caused your dress to ride all the way up your thighs, exposing your bare skin to him. You kicked off your heels, hooking your ankles around each other.

Your lips were moving together, both of your desperate for the other. Your hands slid from his hair down his chest, tugging on his tie in an attempt to pull him closer. He chuckled against your lips, pulling away to remove the tie and his jacket. He tossed the tie purposefully on the bed, his jacket was dropped at this feet. You admired him in those quick moments, lips pink and glistening from your sloppy makeout. His hair was wild from your fingers.

“What is it, Darling?” He asked gently when he faced you again, his eyes softening to a look of admiration. His fingers danced on the exposed skin of your legs as they stayed hooked around him and your arms were wrapped around his neck loosely.

“You’re really pretty.” You said with a breathy laugh.

“I’m glad you think so.” He laughed and kissed you, softer than before, more intentionally than before.

Slowly, he began to deepen the kiss, his hips grinding against yours and the action pulled a gasp from you. Kol took this chance to slip his tongue into your mouth, dancing around yours. Without you realizing, Kol had taken you off the wall and dropped you carefully onto the bed.

You leaned forward, slowly unbuckling Kol’s belt and his pants. Then your hands slid up his stomach and chest, unbuttoning his shirt with slow and intentional movements. You stood as you undid his shirt, peppering kisses on his collarbone and neck.

“You’re killing me, Darling.” He groaned with a satisfied smirk when your hands went back to his hair and tugged gently.

You turned with a giggle, pulling your hair over your shoulder. Kol’s fingers danced along the open back of your gown, slowly undoing the knot in the middle of your spine. It sent a shiver through your body. He undid the zipper for your skirt and the fabric fell from your body.

“Seems you were right, Y/N.” He said, turning you to face him again. Your hands pushed his shirt off and a hum left your throat, signalling for him to keep talking. “Your dress does look better on the floor... But the most beautiful sight is what that fabric was hiding.”

You sat back on the bed, laying on your back as Kol climbed on top of you. He gently took your hands and lifted them above your head, using his previously discarded tie to tie your wrists to the headboard. He slid off you, placing kisses down your chest and stomach until he stood and removed his pants.

“What a tease.” You laughed and tugged lightly on the tie. “Am I supposed to play along?”

“Just for now.” He winked, coming back to meet your lips.

The next morning you woke in a bed that wasn’t yours, next to a boy you barely knew. You sat slowly, wiping the sleep from your eyes as you scanned the room for your heels, dress, and underwear. Finding them in a trail leading to the bed, you slipped out of the sheets and dressed yourself as quietly as you could.

“Sneaking out already?” You heard Kol mutter in a half-awake state.

“Sorry, pretty boy.” You smiled slightly, hurrying back to place a quick kiss on his cheek. “Gotta go before either of our brothers comes looking for one of us.. Call me, though.” You added the last part slowly and you heard him chuckle in response.

You managed to sneak out of the Mikaelson house successfully. If someone had asked you how you didn’t, you wouldn’t have a good answer for them. You walked with heels in hand to your own home, where you didn’t have as much luck. You walked in to Tyler, Caroline, Elena, Bonnie, Stefan, and Damon sitting in your living room and all eyes landed on you once you opened the front door.

“At least let me get changed?” You sighed tiredly. Physically, you were fine. You felt small bruises and hickies healing on spots hidden by your dress, but you were mentally exhausted. You knew there’d be questions. You knew there’d be a lecture. And that was the last thing you wanted.

You quickly made your way to your bedroom and let the dress slip from your body yet again. You tossed it over a chair and put on one your old t-shirts and shorts. You brushed your hair and teeth, washed last night’s makeup off, and put on your slippers before meeting the group again.

“You slept with him, didn’t you?” Elena said first.

“Kind of obvious, isn’t it?” You laughed. “I’ve seen your walk of shame out of the Salvatore house so don’t talk to me like your some virgin.”

“How could you do that?” Bonnie added in shock. “Y/N, the Mikaelsons are here to kill us!”

“Klaus already killed me... And Tyler...” You shrugged.

“Exactly my point!”

“I don’t see why it’s such a big deal.” You announced in annoyance, dropping to sit next to your brother. “No one here cares when Elena sleeps with Damon or when Caroline sleeps with Tyler. Or even when Bonnie slept with-”

“This is different.” Bonnie interjected quickly, not letting you mention Jeremy.

“I can make my own choices!”

“It’s a one time thing, right Y/N/N?” Your brother cut in.

“We’re just looking out for you.” Stefan said gently. You would’ve believed him if he hadn’t been sneaking around with Rebekah.

“Bullshit.” You scoffed. “Where’s this intervention circle when Stefan comes back from screwing Rebekah?”

“You’re with Rebekah now?” Elena asked, eyebrows raised in accusation.

“No.” Stefan shook his head.

“I’ve seen him sneaking out of her room so Klaus doesn’t see him.” You laughed. “You all want to sit on a high horse and look down on me for sleeping with a guy? You’ve all done the same thing.”

“Y/N...” Caroline said softly. “You’re like family to us.. We want what’s best for you and it’s not Klaus.”

You laughed loudly at that. “You guys think I slept with Klaus?” You shook your head.

“Who else would you have slept with?” Elena asked.

“Oh my god, I can’t stand Klaus!” You threw your hands forward in exaggeration. “I’d rather chew off my own foot.”

“Then who-”

“Kol.” Tyler cut off Elena.

“Bingo.” You smiled proudly.

“Y/N, Kol is no better than Klaus.” Elena tried to reason.

“But Damon is so much better?” You countered. Her eyes dropped. “Exactly. Just mind your business, all of you.”

“Are you two going to be together?” Tyler asked carefully.

“I don’t know.” You said honestly. “He was so much fun last night and I couldn’t help myself. It might just be sex, it might not. I might never talk to him again. But with all of you jumping down my throat, I’ll never know.”

“Whatever makes you happy then.” Tyler said with a sigh. “You’re going to be the one to answer any and all questions Klaus has, if any ever come up. And if he gets pissed, you’re dealing with that.”

“Understandable.” You nodded as your phone vibrated in your hand. You looked down and saw a message from who you assumed was Kol.

I had fun. See you again soon?

Dopey

*Not my Gif*

Request: Hey! Can you do an Bellamy x Reader where Bellamy and the reader are best friends in the Ark and he realizes his feelings during the Ark dance? (Where Octavia doesn’t get arrested), super fluffy 💗💗

Requested by: @zaynkilam1

Post Date: 8-25-19

Paring: Bellamy Blake x Reader

Word Count: 1.9K

~Master List~

~Prompt List #1~

~Prompt List #2~

Open Requests for The 100

Your feet padded in the hallway as you raced towards your favorite place on this flying piece of metal. Bellamy Blake’s room. You were close with the Blake’s, you knew all about Octavia, Aurora loved you, and Bellamy was your best friend. They were practically your family for the for the past 10 years or so. Bellamy was the one you were closest with the most, he was almost always by your side and you by his. Sometimes whenever he was on guard duty you would head down hallways he was stationed at many times just to mess with him. You knew he was just finishing up his rounds right now and you had something you wanted to give Octavia.

You knocked on the Blake door, a secret knock you, Bell, and Octavia came up with when you were younger so Octavia knew she can open the door for you. It swung open as you dashed inside, wrapping your arms around her as you laughed.

“You know my brothers not here yet, right?” Octavia joked as you rolled your eyes.

“You know I don’t always just come here for him right?” You mocked as you tossed your bag at her. She knew your secret. You liked him. But she wasn’t gonna go blab on you. “Finally cleaned out my closet. Think there some things in there you could fit, O.” She gave you a smile as she dumped the bag on her bed, looking at a few cute tops you had. You helped her dig through the clothes, not noticing the door open behind you. Octavia on the other had seen her brother come into the room, putting a finger to his lips to tell her to keep quiet. She smirked as Bellamy got closer to you before wrapping his arms around your waist. You let out a slight shriek as he picked you up and spun you around a few times. Octavia had doubled over in laughter as Bellamy carefully put you down, only for you turn around and playfully smack his chest.

“What the hell Bellamy!” You yelled as he chuckled, looking down at you trying to suppress the smile on your face.

“Oh come on Princess. Can’t admit it wasn’t fun.” He jokes as you shake your head not realizing your hand was still pressed against his chest until Octavia fake coughed. You sucked in a breath, letting your hand fall as you turned around to face her. “You’ll never guess what’s about to happen.” Bellamy tells Octavia as you take a seat next to her, both of you looking up as Octavias face fell.

“I don’t want to hear about another moonrise when I know I’m never gonna get to see one!” She frowns as you wrap an arm around her and give Bellamy a sad smile. But he just shook his head.

“You’re gonna see one right now.” He says before pulling out a mask and explaining about the Unity Day masquerade ball. You knew about the ball but you always felt bad that Octavia couldn’t go so you always chose to stay in the room with her. But now you didn’t have to, Octavia was going out. Bellamy handed Octavia her mask before pulling out an identical one for you.

“My lady.” You let out a small laugh as you put the mask on your face, turning to grin at the happy girl next to you. Bellamy looked between you two, grabbing both of your hands before leading you out of the room and towards the window just outside. You all stood there, staring as the moon came up past the ark. Bellamy looked down at you, the moonlight shining in your eyes as he smiled. He felt his heart speed up a little before shaking the feeling away, turning towards his sister as she pulled his hand.

“Come on! I want to go to the dance!” She exclaimed as you laughed at her, following as she let go of Bellamy’s hand.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” You questioned watching as Octavia entered into the teen filled party. Bellamy squeezed your hand causing you to look at him.

“It’ll be fine. She’s got a mask. And besides I’m on guard duty and you’re also here. She’ll be fine.” He slowly let go of your hand as he headed towards the back wall. You glanced around the room, feeling the rhythm of the music as you caught up with Octavia. She threw her arms around you as you both danced to the up beat music. Your hair was practically flying around at this point as you both threw your head back in laughter.

Bellamy felt like he was in a trance watching you. His eyes were glued to the smile on you and for the first time ever he felt like he was actually seeing you.

“You know I always thought you two would get together.” Zach, The guard to Bellamy’s left said. He was typically the one standing next to Bellamy on shifts where you came by to distract him. Bellamy turned to him, letting his eyes leave you for the first time that night. He tilted his head, telling Zach to keep taking. “I mean, you guys are like attached at the hip. I mean I actually don’t think I’ve ever seen Y/N not with you. Actually until last month I thought you and her were already a thing.” He admitted as Bellamy licked his lip in thought. He nodded his head, turning to look at you one last time before stepping closer to Zach.

“Why?” Zach smirked, knowing exactly why he thought that.

“Well, you tend to talk about her a lot. Anytime I mention someone close to me you would bring her up. I know I already said this but you and her are always together. And whenever she would visit you on shift you would completely lose focus and then whenever she left you had this dopey look on your face like you had a few minutes ago when you were staring at her.” He justified as he crossed his arms watching as Bellamy took in his words. Bellamy just furrowed his brows, giving the party a once over and letting his eyes linger on you for a few seconds.

“Dopey?” He asked as Zach chuckled, turning to face the crowd as Bellamy copies, making it look like they weren’t focused in the conversation instead of being guards.

“Yeah, dopey. You got it bad Blake.” He finishes as Bellamy lets the dopey smile, as Zach so elegantly put it, appear on his face as he watches you. Zach was right, Bellamy had it bad for you and he had to tell you.

“Hey Zach-“

“The DJ owes me a favor. You get one song free tonight Blake, don’t waste it.” He gives Bellamy a pat on the back as he makes his way to the DJ, asking him as nice as he could to play something slow.

You and Octavia continued to bounce around as if your lives depended on it as the music took a turn. The upbeat melody became soft as you and Octavia sighed in exhaustion. You looked around as boys and girls began partnering up. A kid around Octavias she had convinced her to dance and you smiled a little before a tap happened on your shoulder. You spun around seeing the blushing face of Bellamy.

“Can I have a dance Princess?” He asked bowing a little as he stuck his hand out. You giggled as you fake curtsied before resting your hand in Bellamy’s. His other hand came to rest on your hip as you placed your empty one his shoulder, pushing your bodies together and resting your head on his chest. Bellamy could swear his heart was going to beat out of his chest and he had no idea how in the world you couldn’t hear it. But the truth was, you could hear it and it made your stomach do flips as you closed your eyes and listened to the beat. Bellamy knew the song wasn’t going to last long and that he would have to head back to his post soon, so without much thinking he pulled you away from him enough to look into your eyes.

“I think I’m in love with you.” You felt like you couldn’t breathe at his words as he rubbed little circles on your hip.

“W-What?” Bellamy’s smile faltered a little but he pushed past his nerves, needing you to know how he felt.

“Well I said I think I’m in love with you but that was a lie because I know I’m in love with you.” He whispered as he leaned down closer to you enough for your foreheads to touch. You closed your eyes, letting the sounds of your breathing’s overtake the music before you bit your lip. He loved you. He just said he loved you. A second later your lips were pressed on his and he was kissing back. You pulled away to breathe for a second before Bellamy’s hand left yours to hold your chin, guiding you into another kiss as you both smiled into it. When you finally stopped kissing the music had turned back into an upbeat song, but neither Bellamy or you cared as he wrapped his arms around you and kissed your head.

“I’m in love with you too.” You admitted as Bellamy squeezed you tighter, causing you to giggle at the warmth. Bellamy looked up from you, catching Zach’s smirk as he tapped his wrist telling him it was time to come back. He slowly pulled away, letting you know he had to go back to work as you frowned. He leaned down for one last kiss before leaving you in the hands of his sister. The walk back to the wall was the worst but the view as he turned around was worth it. You and Octavia were talking and he knew O was teasing you by the blush on your cheeks. You shushed her before turning to Bellamy, a big smile on your lips and Bellamy felt his heart skip again.

“See there’s that smile again.” Zach joked as Bellamy turned to him, grinning as he shook his head.

“Shut up man.” He tried his best to sound intimidating but the smile on his face showed otherwise. His eyes were trained on you as you and Octavia continued your night dancing before Unity day ended. After events like these, where Bellamy was working and you hung out with Octavia, you typically spent the night in their place, and tonight was no different. The only thing was instead of sleeping on the bed with Octavia where you both kicked and messed with each other until you both laughed yourselves to sleep you ended up laying on Bellamy’s chest, falling asleep to the rhythm of his heart. Bellamy couldn’t help but watch the way your face softened as you slept, or the way you got extra cuddly whenever you shifted a little. He smiled as he let sleep take him as well, the dopey smile plastered on his face as he came to the conclusion for the second time that night. He did have it bad for you.

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Crowned : one

Summary: Two blonde princesses, two dark-haired princes, and one plotting marquess. Lily is in love with a secret admirer. Shanna doesn’t want to ascend to the throne. Jughead wants to spend the day writing poetry. Sweet Pea would rather be out on his horse. And Reggie just wants to be king. <ao3> <masterlist>

Pairing: Sweet Pea x OC, Jughead Jones x OC

Word Count: 5k+

Warnings: none!

Part One: Betrothed

“Shanna, Lillian, I have an announcement.” The King said with a broad smile. The two blonde girls looked up from their plates. Shanna had a mouth full of food as Lily was picking up a piece of meat with her fork.

His eyes glittered with excitement, “as of a week ago, you are both of age. And you know what a princess’ duty is when they become adult women.”

Lily dropped her utensil as Shanna nearly spit out her food. They knew this was coming, but not this soon.

“Shanna, I have promised your hand to Prince Forsythe of the Southside Kingdom.” The King said, observing the displeased look on her face with amusement. “And Lily, you will be marrying Prince Sweet Pea, also from Southside. This is to help solidify the bond between our two kingdoms. Our alliance is rocky at best and in order to prevail against any future war with Greendale, then we will need a combined army.”

Lily sat back in her seat at the news. “Really daddy? Arranged marriages? Isn’t that a little barbaric?” She was less than happy to be marrying the boy that she merely only saw as a friend and nothing more.

Shanna went back to eating, trying to ignore the disgust pooling in her stomach. “It is barbaric. I’m not marrying Prince Jughead. He’s a weirdo.”

“Shanna.” He said, his voice sharpening, “it’s not a negotiation. This weekend there will be a royal announcement during the annual summer ball. All of the nobilities in Riverdale will be there. Including your betrothed.”

“Okay but why does Lily get the cute one? They’re both princes.” Shanna grumbled as she stabbed a carrot angrily.

The King tried not to roll his eyes at his oldest daughter. “Because Prince Forsythe is the heir to the throne. Since you are the first born, you will marry him. Why are you protesting this so much? You knew this was inevitable.”

“I thought you’d hand me off to Reggie, not Jughead. Duke Mantle was driving a pretty hard bargain.” Shanna replied. Of course she had known she wouldn’t get to choose who she married, but the Mantles had been trying for the throne for years now.

The King snorted, “Please. The duke’s son was never a contender for your hand. Everyone in the kingdom knows how he treats that boy. I can only imagine how he’d treat you.”

Both girls let out sighs of relief. It had been rumored in the Northside Kingdom that one of them would be married out to Reginald Mantle and the thought made them both want to vomit.

A silence befell them. Shanna and Lily merely picked at their food while their father ate normally. They were both too angry to have their fate decided for them at the young age of eighteen.

Bile rose in Lily’s throat as she couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that she’d never find out who had been leaving her little love notes around the castle. How she’d never be able to marry someone that truly loved her and not just for her status. She quickly stood up, leaving in a rush before vomit could escape past her lips.

Worried about her sister, Lav jumped up and followed after her. The King let out a disappointed sigh, continuing to eat his meal in silence.

Shanna quickly caught up to her sister, having just emptied her stomach into one of the many potted plants in the hallway. “Lils,” She said softly, pulling Lily’s hair back out of her face as she leaned over the large pot. “We’ll figure this out. We always do.”

Lily sniffed back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. She just felt so overwhelmed from the news, not knowing how the rest of her life was going to play out. “I got another letter today.”

“You did?” Shanna asked curiously, having not known that. The past few months Lily had been finding love letters addressed to her by an anonymous writer. “What did this one say?”

The younger princess sat back on her heels and took a deep breath. “That my eyes shine brighter than the emeralds in my tiara.”

Lavender held back a gag. “That’s so cheesy.”

“It’s so sweet!” Lily said, burying her face in her hands. “And now I’ll never get to be with him. I’ll be stuck with…with Sweet Pea the rest of my life. You know he doesn’t have the capability of writing love letters. He doesn’t have a romantic bone inside of his giant body!”

“Romantic? No. But sexy? Yes.” Shanna said with an amused look, “can’t imagine Jughead being any good in bed.”

Lily shot her a frustrated look, “how would you even know what good sex is? You’re a virgin.”

Shanna stiffened before she shrugged, “I can imagine. And the chambermaids say that the younger prince is much more…endowed.”

“Lavie, just because you want to be with a man that warms the bed of every of-age woman in the two kingdoms, doesn’t mean that I want to be.” Lily replied, clearly aggravated.

“I don’t want to be with him!” Lav protested, “I don’t want to be with anyone! I just want to be able to live my life without some man telling me how to do it.”

Lily pulled her hands away from her face and sighed, “Jughead wouldn’t tell you how to live your life, Lav. He’d let you rule as an equal.” She seemed almost disappointed that she wouldn’t be the one by his side instead.

Lav helped Lily up, grabbing her upper arm gently to get her back on her feet. “You know I don’t want to rule, Lils.” She said in a quiet voice. “I just want to ride Persephone off to some neutral land to just live out my days in peace with someone I love. No more corsets that are so tight that they crack my ribs. Or dresses so big that I can’t even sit down comfortably. Or only being able to eat certain foods with certain utensils. If I want to use my soup spoon for ice cream, then I can because no one is hovering over me telling me that it’s wrong and improper and that I’m less of a lady for doing so. And Christ, no more crowns!”

Lily offered her a sympathetic smile. Lav had always complained about becoming queen. She didn’t want the load of responsibility of hundreds of lives on her shoulders. However as first born it was her fate to ascend. Lily on the other hand, wouldn’t mind it so much. She had a knack for leading people. More so than her sister did.

“I know, Lav. Maybe if we find who wrote the notes, we can just run away together.” Lily said with a small smile.

Lav shook her head, “That’s your fantasy, Lily. Not mine. Thanks though.” She let out a sigh. “Let’s get some sleep. We have our fittings tomorrow for the stupid ball.”

|\/\/|

“Introducing Princess Shanna Elizabeth Owens of North Riverdale and Prince Forsythe Pendleton Jones the Third of South Riverdale.” The royal announcer’s voice boomed over the crowd as a Lav and Jughead stood arm in arm at the top of the grand staircase. They descended slowly in time to the soft music that played. On their lips were forced smiles for appearances as photographers took their pictures.

Their engagement had just been announced. Lavender felt like she couldn’t breathe under the choke hold of her corset. Jughead was just trying to keep his mind off of a certain other princess.

Once they were at the bottom, the spotlight moved back to the top. “Introducing Princess Lillian Elise Owens of North Riverdale and Prince Sweet Pea Jones of South Riverdale.” They repeated the walk down the staircase. Although Sweet Pea clearly had the most difficult time of keeping a smile on his face. More than once it slipped into a look of annoyance. Settling down was not something he wanted to do any time soon.

The four took their places on the dance floor. A new song played, one upbeat enough so that they could glide around in well-timed circles. Shanna did her best to not look totally bored, using her muscle memory to keep in step with the prince. Jughead noticed how distracted she seemed, especially when she laid eyes on Duke Mantle’s son. Her bright eyes seemed to darken considerably in an emotion he didn’t know her well enough to discern.

Lily was looking up at the dark prince who stood over a foot taller than she did. Unlike Shanna, Sweet Pea wasn’t bothering to hide his boredom. He hated dancing, he hated balls. The only thing they were good for was getting to bed a beautiful girl in an equally beautiful dress. The young princess’ eyes were focused on him but he could tell her mind was elsewhere. She was smiling but it wasn’t genuine. Clearly she wasn’t happy about their engagement either.

In fact, none of them were.

All four of them had been lectured on the importance of this alliance. The Southside needed food for their people. They needed funds for their army and to repair damaged roads as well as old buildings that needed renovation. Jughead had a duty to his kingdom as the next ruler. The Northside had money. Money that would fix all of the Southside’s problems.

The Queen of Greendale had been threatening war with the Northside for ages. The tension and strife between the two kingdoms was palpable. What the north had in money and riches, they lacked in manpower. They needed soldiers that were expertly trained in combat and soldiers that were capable of teaching their techniques to their own. The Southside offered that.

The Northern King had two daughters and the Southern King had two sons. It was an easy solution to both of their problems. The bad blood between royals was quickly drained.

The dance ended and both couples separated maybe a little too quickly. The girls both curtsied in mock appreciation for their partners. Lav made a beeline for the punch bowl that she knew to be spiked. It was Marquess Mantle’s signature move at any Northside ball.

Prince Forsythe moved to Lily, a soft smile on his face. “May I have this dance, Princess Lillian?” He asked, holding out his hand to her. Lily gave him a tentative look before grabbing his hand, nodding her head. She wasn’t sure why the first born prince would want to dance with her.

Deep down Lily wanted to go hide in a dark corner and try to look over the crowd to figure out who had been writing her notes. She didn’t care if it was a commoner or a member of the guard. She just wanted to be with him.

Jughead took her out back onto the dance floor and grabbed hold of her hip in his free hand. He held the other hand up so they could get into position to follow the music. He led her gracefully, letting her twirl in time with him.

His eyes glanced at the glittering tiara sitting neatly on top of her fair hair. “The emeralds of your tiara are shining very brightly under this light.” He said in a tone that only she could hear. She wore her green jeweled tiara in special hopes that her admirer would notice and say something. She had hoped and prayed that he’d make himself known. Suddenly it had all become clear and her swollen heart seemed to burst.

The man writing her beautiful poetry on embossed parchment was the same man set to wed her sister. She stopped dancing abruptly, pulling out of his reach. Jug watched her curiously, having wondered what her reaction might be to his compliment.

Lily picked up her dress so it was a few inches off the floor before bolting away from him, through the crowd of dancers, and out of the ballroom. Tears pricked her eyes but she willed them not to fall until she was alone and out of sight.

Meanwhile Shanna was drinking her cup of alcoholic punch. She was right in guessing that Reggie was going to spike it. He was so predictable. Her eyes moved to the towering figure next to her. His dark hard had to be gelled neatly in place to keep from getting into his eyes. Her mouth suddenly went dry.

She quickly found her nerve and quelled the butterflies in her stomach. “Poor Lily has to marry a troll.” She said, loud enough for Prince Pea to overhear her. He turned, eyes narrowed dangerously.

��Too bad Jughead has to marry a dwarf.” Was his reply, making her huff indignantly. Before she could say anything back, Marquess Mantle walked up to them.

“Your Highness, may I have this dance?” He asked with a petulant smile on his lips. He glanced at the prince as if to size him up. Sweet Pea let out an annoyed snort before going back to his drink.

Shanna took his outstretched hand, allowing him to guide her to the dance floor as a slow song started. She held back a groan as Reggie put his hands on her waist, pulling her close to him.

“Don’t you think this is a little inappropriate, my Lord?” Shanna asked, not even hiding her disdain as her hands went to his shoulders. “I am engaged to Prince Forsythe now. Or did you forget?”

Reggie just smiled, something cruel and sinister that made her stomach drop and heart jump with anxiety. “For now, Princess, but you forget. I know your secret.”

She tried pulling away from him but his grasp on her was too tight. “Reggie, you’re not telling the king what we did. You’re not telling anyone. You promised.”

“Right, I promised.” Reggie said, his tone alluding to the fact that his word had just been a joke to him. “You promised me the crown.”

“Please, it’s not my call.” Shanna said, trying to act like she wasn’t trying hard to get away from him. “My father decided that the Mantle heritage was best left out of the royal line.”

The young lord didn’t seem too pleased to hear that. His hands tightened around her. Shanna was sure that the only thing keeping her skin from bruising was the tough exterior of her corset. The steel boning protecting her delicate flesh from his biting touch.

At the refreshment table, Prince Sweet Pea seemed to notice the distress the princess was in. He watched carefully, his dark pupils honing in on how tense Reggie’s hands seemed to be.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Reggie hissed between clenched teeth. “The King thinks some Southside trash Prince is better? A Jones?”

Sweet Pea had come behind Reggie, overhearing his insult to him and his brother. He wasn’t really a Jones, not by blood. The King and Queen had taken him in at a young age. Still, the Joneses were family to him and he did not make light of someone insulting them or the kingdom in which they ruled.

“Excuse me, Lord Mantle, but I believe that trash prince is going to be King of Riverdale while the best you can ever hope for is the title of Duke.” Sweet Pea said proudly as he stood to full height. He used the handful of inches in difference to his advantage.

Reggie, wanting to save face, quickly let go of his captive. “Your Highness, I didn’t know you were right there.” Shanna took a step back, giving Sweet Pea a look that was a mix of relief and aggravation. She was sure she could have handled it herself.

“I was going to ask the princess if she knew where her sister was.” Sweet Pea said, lying. He had seen Lily run off during her dance with Jughead. He assumed Jug just confessed his feelings or something sappy like that. His romantic antics made Pea nauseous on numerous occasions.

“Lily’s not here?” Shanna asked as she looked around. “I thought she was with Prince Jughead.” Sweet Pea watched as she ran to the other Jones boy. He was speaking with a few other Lords, pretending to be entertained by whatever drivel they were going on about.

Sweet Pea looked at Reggie, glad that she had gone. “If I catch you speaking like that about my brother, your future king, or my kingdom again, then I’ll make sure your family is stripped of their sovereignty.” He said in a low, serious voice. His frame loomed over the somewhat shorter boy with a fiery look in his eyes. “And if you lay a hand on a princess like that again, I’ll do something even worse.”  

Reggie looked flabbergasted as Sweet Pea turned around and went to find perhaps a conquest for the night. It wasn’t often he was this far North. Most of the women here were new to him. He could use another notch in his bedpost.  

Meanwhile Lav was interrupting Jughead, “Prince Forsythe, can I please speak with you privately?” She asked, trying to not feel too much concern. Jug nodded towards the men he was talking to before allowing Lavender to pull him away.

“Thanks for that. I was pretty sure they were about to torture me with more advice on how to keep a mistress.” Jughead said, wondering what was up but also knowing it couldn’t have been that serious.

She gave him a frustrated look, both at the thought of him having a mistress and him not taking her concern seriously. “Where is Lily? You were dancing with her, where did she go?”

Jughead shifted his weight in an attempt to quell his nerves. The girls were very close, if she had perceived that he hurt Lily in any way then she’d probably lash out at him. Not that Jughead couldn’t take some verbal abuse, he would just rather not make a scene on the night of their announced engagement.

“She ran through the double doors halfway through our dance.” Jughead stated calmly, looking off into the direction where his favorite princess had disappeared too.

Lavender’s brow furrowed as she stared at him, “she ran? What did you say to her!?” Her voice raised enough to cause a few nearby nobles to give them curious looks.

The prince let out a soft sigh, “I merely said that the emeralds in her tiara were shining very brightly.” He didn’t know if Lily had shared his notes with her sister, but he had assumed that she had. It wasn’t a secret how close they were. They weren’t exactly known for having a lot of friends outside the castle.

Shanna’s hazel eyes widened, “you…you?!” She stammered, trying to put together the pieces of information she was receiving. Jughead was the one writing the notes? How?

Suddenly anger overcame her and she shoved him, “do you have any idea what you’ve done?!” She said, her heart swollen with pain for her sister. “You can’t tell my sister you want her when you have to marry me!”

Jughead didn’t budge, her force not nearly strong enough to set him off balance. He frowned as he looked down at her. He hadn’t realized how his admittance would affect either of them. Clearly he was wrong in outing himself. “I’ll make it up to you,” He said, confusing the reason for why she was so upset.

“Don’t make it up to me,” Shanna said in a low voice so no one else could hear her, “make it up to her.”

With a twirl of her dress she was turned around and marching into the direction where her sister had gone to. She knew exactly where she was hiding.

Lav went to a cupboard in the kitchen that they used to hide in when they were young to get away from their nanny and now more often times, their father. She could hear her quiet sobs behind the door.

She opened it slowly, peeking inside to see Lily with her knees up against her chest, crying so hard that her shoulders were shaking. “Lils.” Shanna said softly, crawling in with her and shutting the door back so they’d have privacy.

“It’s him.” She mumbled into her arms, “He’s the one that’s been sending me notes. I can’t believe it. I found him and he’s engaged to you.”

Lav couldn’t sit next to her because of how narrow the space was. She sat in front of her instead, in the same position with her knees up. “I know.” Lav said softly, “it was cruel of him to tell you. I made sure to tell him so.”

Lily was quiet for a moment, “no, I’m glad he did. It is better than guessing for the rest of my life.” She sniffed back snot that had built up in her nostrils, playing with the hem of her dress to distract herself. “What are we going to do?”

“You know I don’t care about Jughead, Lily.” Shanna said cautiously, “I don’t want to marry him any more than you want to marry Sweet Pea. He can write you all the love letters he wants, it doesn’t hurt me. Sometimes…I just wish someone cared about me like that. Then again that would make this all that much harder so it’s probably better that no one does.”

Lily wiped her eyes, hoping to fix her running makeup in the process. It didn’t help much. “Do you think…dad will reconsider?” She asked, “Maybe he’ll let me marry Jughead?”

Shanna was quiet, thinking it over. “I don’t think so.” She said truthfully, causing more tears to fall down her sister’s face. “Because I’m first born. I have to be queen. I don’t want to be, you know how shit of a leader I am. But…he’s a traditionalist. I don’t think there’s any use in even asking. He’ll just get mad. Maybe even call the whole thing off, in which you’d never get to see the prince because he’d be king of an enemy state again. I’ll have to marry Reggie. Please…God please, do not make me marry Reggie.”  

“I wouldn’t do that to you. You know that.” Lily replied with a frustrated sigh. “So you don’t care if me and Jughead…”

She shrugged, “do what you want. It’s not like I love him. I’d share anything with you. Even a husband.”

A ghost of a smile made its way across Lily’s lips.

|\/\/|

Shanna walked into the royal stable, letting the servant know that she’d be going out for a ride to clear her head. Her knees still hurt from being cramped into the cupboard with Lily almost all night. They spent the time hidden away from guests, giggling and talking about their future dreams that didn’t include their betrothed.

All she could think about was how much her sister must be hurting. It caused her to toss and turn all night as she tried desperately to find a solution. She didn’t have much success in thinking of anything.

The princess looked up, seeing the black head of a stallion peeking out from over a stall door. He snorted softly when their eyes connected. “Oh? Who are you?” She asked, the dark thoughts disappearing from her mind as she walked up to him slowly, not wanting to startle him with her excitement.

“Did daddy buy me a new horse and not tell me?” She asked, reaching out to let him sniff her hand. He leaned his head out further, and Shanna put her hand delicately on his snout to pet him. “Maybe an engagement present? What’s your name, huh?”

“His name is Hades. And he’s not your present. He’s my personal horse.” A sharp voice came from behind her. Shanna’s hand didn’t leave the horse as she looked over her shoulder to see the tall, dark prince. He looked strange in fitted jeans, t-shirt, and old boots. He looked the opposite of royal, in fact.

Hades made an annoyed noise when Shanna pulled her hand away from him, as if he missed the contact immediately. In contrast, Shanna was wearing full riding gear. Tight pants, jacket, a nice pair of boots, hair braided back, and even a pair of riding gloves hanging out the back of her pants.

Sweet Pea refrained from letting his eyes sweep over the skin tight pants that showed off her rear perfectly. He also didn’t look at how small her waist seemed in the way the jacket was tailored to fit her form…at least he tried not to. “I’d rather you not touch him.”

She gave him an offended look, “please. He wanted me to touch him, practically begged me to come over and get him a pet. Didn’t you, Hades?”

Hades seemed to nod his head, much to Sweet Pea’s chagrin. Shanna grinned. “You just wanted attention from a beautiful girl, huh?”

Sweet Pea forced his way between them. Hades nuzzled his back between his shoulder blades, making him to take a step forward closer to the princess. She gave him a skeptical look. “I didn’t peg you for an animal guy.”

“I’ve raised him since he was a foal. I watched his mother give birth to him. He’s not just some gift my father gave me because I bitched about wanting a pony.” Sweet Pea said angrily.

Shanna’s eyes hardened. “Are you trying to say I don’t care about my horses?”

“They’re just trophies of wealth to you.” Sweet Pea said hotly. “You and every other royal girl in the kingdom across the continent.”

“Excuse you, but you don’t know a thing about me.” She snapped angrily, “you don’t know my feelings towards my horses in the slightest. I may not have watched Persephone being born, but she is my everything. How dare you insinuate that I only see her as a toy and not a living creature, you stupid troll!”

She stormed over to the stall a few doors down, opening it and leading out a pure white horse. Persephone forced her head into Lav’s arms in an attempt to comfort her. She wrapped her hands around the horse in a gentle hug. “Looks like Dooley got you ready for me already.”

“You don’t even saddle your own horse?” Sweet Pea asked condescendingly. Shanna shot him another angry look as she led the white beauty out of her stall by her reigns.

“I do. Sometimes the stable hand gets wind that I’m coming and does it for me to get in my good graces. I’m future queen. Something like that goes a long way in my kingdom.” Shanna replied, her voice hotter than fire as she mounted Persephone.

Sweet Pea got the necessary tack needed to go for a ride himself. “I bet you don’t even know how to ride properly.”

Shanna looked down at him from on top of her horse. “What to bet?” She asked, her voice blossoming with a dark threat that was looming over Sweet Pea’s head. A threat he couldn’t ignore.

“A race.” Sweet Pea suggested, putting the saddle blanket on first. “To Sweetwater River. Winner has to clean the loser’s horse stall.”

“Fine.” Shanna said, having never been able to back down from a bet. “I’ll be waiting outside for you. Then we can start.” She guided her horse outside the stable doors, listening to the sounds of Sweet Pea mumbling incoherently to his steed as he saddled him up.

A few minutes later Sweet Pea joined her, lining Hades with Persephone. The two horses eyed each other, nickering at one another happily. The riders looked at one another, begrudging the fact that their horses seemed to be getting along a little too well.

“On the count of three.” Shanna said before counting down. Once she hit one the two dug their heels into their horses, sending them into a gallop.

The two raced neck in neck. Naturally Hades had more power being male, but Persephone held her own. At least, until three quarters of the way through, she started pulling back.

Shanna knew she wasn’t tired. She had raced her like this before against other horses for fun. She could easily make this trek. However, her mare insisted on slowing down despite her urging her to keep going.

Sweet Pea made it to the edge of the river, slowing down his horse and turning him around to see his opponent. The white mare trailed behind the black stallion. She shook her head and let out a whinny as she got to the river.

Displeasure ran across Lavender’s face. Her eyes narrowed in frustration. “That wasn’t a fair race. She wouldn’t run.”

“Don’t be a sore loser.” Sweet Pea replied in a bland tone. “Just admit that I’m the superior rider.”

“I’m not admitting shit.” Shanna spat back, turning Persephone around to be in line again with Hades. The horses nickered to one another once more. “Persephone, stop fraternizing with the enemy.”

Sweet Pea scoffed as he motioned for Hades to start the walk back. He started at a slow place to help him cool off. Shanna followed after him to do the same. “Want me to brush him down too since I’m cleaning up his shit?” She grumbled after him.

“I’m not letting you touch my horse.” Sweet Pea replied, not even turning his head to look at her. “You won’t do it right.”

Shanna reached over and pet Hades’ rump defiantly behind Sweet Pea’s back. “I know how to take care of a horse, you ass. God, I can’t believe my poor sister is stuck with you.”  

“Yea. Too bad Jughead will never care about you.” Sweet Pea said back, successful in his attempt to hurt her. No, her husband would never care about her. Not in the way he cared about her sister.

Sweet Pea heard her sniff and looked back at her, “you going to cry now?”

“Shut up!” Shanna snapped back at him, pulling Persephone away to take a different path back to the stable. “You’re insufferable!”

Once alone Sweet Pea leaned over, rubbing Hades’ neck affectionately. “Don’t go catching feelings, boy.” He warned him. “That mare is nothing but trouble.”

((Top image by @the-gargoyle-queen ; bottom image by @lilhemmo))

Barry Allen X !Fat Reader - A Flash Of Love Ch.2

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"(Y/N)...(Y/N)..." 

You vaguely heard your name being called, but only snuggled into the warmth of whatever was wrapped around your plush form. Before you could lull back to your dream land filled with fantasies that you wished were real, a soft nudge to your forehead busted that dream. 

"Ah, there she is!" Your eyes blinked open, sleep still calling you, but that damn nudging was getting on your nerves. Bleary eyes focused upon the culprit: Barry.

With a huge grin on his face, he held out his hand for you. Needless to say, you were surprised at the sweet gesture; not having been shown this kind behavior from a man before. Shrugging the blanket off yourself, you grasped Barry's warm hand and stood up.

Your legs were a little wobbly from sitting so long that getting out of the aisle was a bit of an issue, but thankfully Barry noticed and helped you out. With his hand still holding onto your smaller one and wrapping his other one around your soft waist.

Once free and in the somewhat spacious plane aisle, Barry still held onto you, as you sent him a smile in thanks. It was a cute and sweet moment, until a throat cleared making you both jump away from each other as if you were caught doing something you weren't. 

Glancing up, Bruce stood there, arms crossed with a brow raised and behind him stood Diana who just had a wide grin on her face, her eyes darting between Barry and yourself.

"Now that the googly eyes have stopped, let's get down to business." 

Your cheeks flushed at his words, your eyes gliding up to Barry's face, seeing he was in the same state as you right now.

Bruce and Diana started out as Barry and yourself followed, silence hanging in the air like some disease. Walking down the stairs of the plane, the sun shined and beat against your skin, waking you up fully as you made your way to the car.

"Sorry if I made it awkward back there," Barry followed in step with you, walking right beside you. "I tend to do that... a lot actually, you know, that might be my other superpower." Laughing, you shook your head.

"Trust me, the only one who made it awkward was Bruce and his serious face." 

The speedster laughed at your words and nodded. "Wouldn't be the Batman if he wasn't always wearing the serious face." He breathed out just as you got to the car. You wanted to say something witty and funny, but with Bruce right in front of you; you didn't want to chance it because if he heard, you'd get a personal butt kicking from the Dark Knight. 

"After you, milady." Barry bowed down, swooping his hand across the air, presenting the open door to you. Giving a curtsy to your "Red Knight" per se, you climbed into the car, seating yourself on the far left side. 

Barry slid in right after you and plopped himself down beside you as he slammed the door shut. You could feel the warmth of his side as it brushed against your soft one gently; the feeling sending a shiver up your spine. 

To your left, Diana was seated next to Bruce as they shared a glass of what looked like wine. Of course Bruce still liked the lavish scene and well, you knew Diana enjoyed a nice glass of wine once in a while. "Here," Her voice cut through the silent air as she presented two glasses of the same beverage she and Bruce were enjoying.

"Can't forget you two, now can we?" A smile played on the hero's lips. 

Barry cleared his throat and accepted the two glasses. "Of course not, who else is going to liven things up while we're here?" Diana chuckled as she took a sip from her glass and turning back to Bruce to continue their conversation. The glass of sweet looking white wine was suddenly in your face, your chubby hands grasping the thin, glass stem.

"Cheers," Turning to Barry in your seat, you left the glass lifted as you waited for Barry to finish. "Cheers to making new friends, my first time on a private plane, fancy wine and actually getting to meet someone who isn't brooding all the time to socialize with." Grinning at his speech, you both clinked glasses and took a sip – the sweet wine sliding down your throat, the taste making you smile, but then again, that was also due to Barry's face when he drank his glass. His face scrunched up in mild disgust, as he took a bigger sip than intended.

"You know," You started, taking a tiny sip to prove your point. "Wine is usually for sipping, not for chugging...just a heads up speedy." Barry scoffed, scooting closer to you. Your legs were flushed against each other's at this point.

"Speedy, huh?"

"I mean, if you can come up with another name, by all means, please do."

"Alright, you're on (Y/N), how about we make this a little bit interesting?"

Finishing off your wine, you were feeling good, the awkwardness gone as you looked up at Barry who had a playful grin on his face. 

"How exactly do you mean by making it a little bit interesting?" Before he answered you, he handed you his glass of wine which you gratefully took. With both of his hands free, he shrugged, placing his hands on his knees, the side of his hand was gently rubbing against the side of your knee as he repeatedly rapped his fingers against his. He most likely didn't notice, but that was fine.

"How about if I come up with another, much better name, I take you out for a night on the town – dinner, dancing, crime fighting, whatever you want to do, how does that sound?"

The offer was wonderful – a chance to hang out with Barry, getting to know him and the fact that he even wanted to take you out was great. You've been so busy with work and traveling with Diana that the thought of actually having a legitimate relationship was so farfetched to you, it seemed like a dream.

But, looking up at Barry's silly grin, you thought that maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't be a dream. Sticking your hand toward him to seal the deal, he shook your soft hand with a wide grin, like he won the greatest prize on Earth. "You got yourself a deal... speedy." 

"Okay," Barry tapped his chin in thought. "Now to think of the best superhero name ever for a once in a lifetime chance to take a pretty girl out on a date... no pressure at all." His ramblings were adorable honestly and he was taking this little deal so serious; it was interesting to see it all unfold in front of your eyes.

As the car came to a stop, you glanced out the window, seeing unfamiliar surroundings, tall buildings, bustling streets and the annoyance of blaring car horns. The car door opened, the driver ushering you all out, Barry slid out with ease, offering his hand to you to help you. Once outside and still holding onto the speedsters hand, you took in the large building in front of you.

"Welcome to Gotham City." Diana's cheerful voice brought you out of your gawking as you glanced over your bosses face, a knowing smile playing on her lips as her eyes darted down to yours and Barry's intertwined hands.

Your little group headed into the fancy hotel, Barry still holding onto your hand while looking around in wonder at the grandness of it all, well, you weren't any better, your eyes darting around like a child in a candy store. Of course you've stayed in nice hotels before since you traveled for work with Diana a lot, but this... this was on a whole different level. Glittering, crystal chandeliers lining the ceiling as if they were a mere party decorations. The walls you swore were painted in gold and silver itself and the décor put everything you've even known about interior design to shame.

"If you two keep gawking, your jaws might fall off." Bruce's deep voice boomed against all the chattering happening around you as it brought you out of your slack-jawed state. 

"They looked so cute like that though." Diana's words brought a flush to your cheeks. Bruce only raised a brow at Diana who just shrugged, keeping her smile on her face as usual. 

"Anyways," He handed out separate room keys before continuing. "Here's everyone's room keys, numbers are on the back." Flipping yours over, the numbers '549' were etched onto the expensive looking plastic that was lined with a fancy black design.

"We meet up with the rest of the league in the morning, tonight, rest or explore the city, whatever you'd like to do, but remember to always have your guard up." With those words, he was walking away, but what did you expect from brooding Bruce in the first place. With the three of you still standing around the lavish lobby, you felt Barry finally let go of your hand. 

"If you'll excuse me you two, I have some documents to look over before tomorrow." With a small wave, Diana went toward the elevators, but not before giving you a sly look. You just knew once you and your boss were alone tomorrow, she'd be asking for details or whatever and you weren't looking forward to it one bit. Your mind was a bit on overdrive, because what details were you going to give, was anything going to happen, would he even come up with a kickass superhero name, I mean there were too many 'what if's' in this situation.

"The Flash."

Your head snapped to the grinning speedster. "Huh?" 

"The Flash," Stepping closer to your form, you could feel the heat radiating off his lithe body. Placing his hand on your shoulder, he went on. 

"That's my awesome superhero name; The Flash, much, much better than speedy, don't ya think?" 

You nodded at his words, the name having a certain ring to it. I mean, that's how you met him on the plane; in a flash. Yeah, it was catchy for sure. "Okay, I admit defeat," Throwing your hands up in mock defeat, your fingers grazed up his clothed abdomen lightly as you could feel the outline of his muscles, leaving a tingling sensation on your fingertips. 

"That is a pretty awesome nickname Barry... I mean, Flash." You could see his cheeks light up at you saying the new superhero name out loud. 

Clearing his throat, he grabbed your hand again and this time, you didn't flush up, you just smiled at the sweet gesture. 

"So, since I won fair and square, how about dinner and a drink or five at the bar down the street tonight?" His thumb was running across your knuckles lightly, making a shiver go up your spine at the contact.

"Dinner and those 5 or so drinks sound great Barry, meet you right here at say, eight o'clock?" 

He nodded and pulled you toward the elevator. Out of curiosity, you glanced down at his room key and silently laughed because etched onto the plastic was the number, '550'. As the elevator door closed on the both of you, your mind was reeling because now, there weren't any 'what if's' as the clock ticked closer to eight.   

It’s Only a Game (Part 4) (Colt x MC)

A/N: This is completely AU and has gotten so far away from me, I don’t even know how this happened. This will have 8 parts once we are done (at least that's the plan...). Still pretending that Chapter 10 never happened.  Also, anyone else excited/terrified for tomorrow? Only me? Ok then.

Pairing: Colt x MC

Rating: PG-13 (swearing and kissing)

Length: 2929 words 

Summary: The crew needs three rare cars to pacify The Brotherhood so Ellie and Logan go undercover.

Tags: @deimosensblog @alegria1580  @choicesarehard @thefarrari @client-327

Disclaimer: I own nothing. This is only for fun.

Ellie slid into the rideshare, making sure to gather the fabric of her dress in alongside her. It was undoubtedly the nicest thing she had ever worn, the delicate beading falling in waves down her body and the thin fabric skimming her hips.

She turned to Logan as he shut the door behind him. "You look dapper." She grinned and reached out to straighten his bow tie. He was in a tux, black, tailored to fit. For someone who had never been accustomed to the finer things, he sure pulled it off well. 

“Thanks,” he grinned at her. He pulled on the lapels of his jacket and struck a pose. “It is going to be weird living it up like rich people tonight. I am definitely looking forward to being a fly on the wall.”

“You know Brent. Didn’t you get enough of that lifestyle at his parties?” Ellie leaned back in her seat and pulled her purse closer. It contained two tickets to the Los Angeles Arts Association Masquerade Ball and she needed to be conscious not to lose them.

Logan looked at her and shrugged. “This feels different. Brett is rich but these people are on another level; not only did they pay to get in, but they are donating more than most people see in a year.” He grinned at her and winked. “I also have the most gorgeous date in the house.”

Ellie chuckled and elbowed him. “Nice try, charmer. Here we are.” The rideshare pulled up to the elegant gates of a West LA mansion. The owners, some couple who owned a baseball team, had a palatial home and Ellie felt her jaw drop as she stepped out of the cab.

Logan let out a low whistle. “Not too shabby.” 

Ellie could only nod and look at him. “Ready?” She pulled out the elaborate gold mask out of her purse and grabbed the tickets.

“Ready.” They took turns fastening their masquerade masks. Finally, with their disguises on, Logan held out his arm and they headed up the marble steps together. Ellie’s heels clinked with each step and she had never felt more glamorous in her life. 

After handing over their tickets, they entered a receiving line to greet the hosts. “Thank you for having us," Ellie smiled and shook the hand of a distinguished looking gentleman. His giant watch sparkled in the chandeliers of the entryway and he looked vaguely bored. This was all so formal she felt like she should curtsy. Next to her, Logan put a hand protectively on the small of her back and forced a grin.

"Hello. I'm Danny." The boy next to the baseball owner smiled, all teeth, and instead of shaking her hand, kissed her palm. He looked like he was Ellie’s age and would have been cute if not for the aggressive leer on his face. She forced a smile and could audibly hear Logan's teeth grinding next to her.

Ellie plastered a smile on her face and began the slow process of extracting her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm Logan," he aggressively butt in, shaking Danny's hand, eyes hard.

"Of course," Danny smiled again but this time, it did not reach his eyes. "Please enjoy our party." 

Logan led her through the party with a hand on her back. Dipping low, he whispered in her ear, "I am so looking forward to lifting a few cars off their hands." The squeezed though what felt like an interminable mass of people until, finally, they were able to separate from the crowd. Together, they headed over to a quiet corner to strategize. Logan looked at her intently. “Do you remember the plan?”

“Of course.” Ellie nodded, trying to contain the butterflies. “We mingle and, in five minutes, you sneak out the back and open the garden gate for Colt and Mona. I stay here. You get the cars. I watch the back door to the garage. If anyone goes down...” She trailed off. The earpieces hadn’t been discrete enough for this mission so they were relying on a bit of improvisation.

“If anyone goes down, try to head them off. If you can’t, try to be loud so we know someone’s coming.” He placed his hands on her shoulders, their weight comforting Ellie as she nodded. “You’ve got this.”

“Ok. Let’s do this.” Together, they wandered over to get appetizers, stole a flute of Champagne (Ellie decided against drinking it, but couldn’t deny it looked stunning against the navy of her dress), and circled the party, mapping out possible exits. 

All too soon, Logan nodded. “Ok. I’m headed out.” He squeezed her elbow and looked intently into her eyes, nodding. “Have fun. You’ve got this.”

Ellie watched him walk down the hall and fade into the distance. She took a deep breath and looked around. “Ok.” She muttered to herself. “Go time.”

She started to mingle, trying to make the most of the party while keeping an eye on the back entrance to the garage. She tried appetizer after appetizer, fended off advances from a couple of people who probably shouldn’t be driving home, and tried to look as natural as possible. It was hard when she didn’t know anyone but, given the theme, she supposed she was lucky. She could hide behind her mask and no one knew her either; she felt a certain safety in that.

She was edging down the hall, heading towards the bathroom, when she saw the creep from the front door, Danny, stop outside the door to the garage. He looked around, completely confused and then, to Ellie’s horror, he opened the door and peered inside. Before she could move, he had taken two steps inside and shut the door behind him.

“Crap. Crap crap crap.” Ellie walked as quickly as she could towards the door, frantically thinking as she went. She had no idea what she was going to say but, before she could talk herself out of it, she opened the door and quietly ducked in after him.

Once she shut the door, it took a minute for her eyes to adjust. There was some moonlight coming through the windows but it was mostly dark. She squinted, trying to find where he went. The cars were there, at least, so she couldn’t see anything dramatically askew in the room; hopefully, Danny was also seeing nothing.

She crept down the stairs and finally saw him, standing next to the giant garage doors. “Hello?” he called out, looking around. He must have heard something; if they made it out of here, she was going to be sure to give Colt hell for this.

Internally debating, she thought that she might be able to get the jump on him, but decided to try something safer. “Danny?” she called.

He twirled around, startled, and she continued down the stairs. “Hi. Sorry. I saw you duck in and just had to follow you.... It’s Ellie, remember me?”

As she stepped into the moonlight, he visibly relaxed. “Of course I remember you. Where is your date?”

Ellie sighed. “I think he actually left me here. He was talking to some girl and now I can’t find him anywhere.” She trailed off, biting her lip. “It’s just so sad being here alone; I think I might head out and wanted to say good-”

“No, no, no.” Danny interrupted her and moved closer. “Are you sure you want to leave?”

She looked up at him, biting her lip and trying her best to play the part. “Well, I mean, I was having fun but it is so lonely-”

He cut her off. “Stay with me. I was just looking at our car collection and I would love to show you.” 

Her eyes widened and she had to think fast. She turned her lips down and sighed. “I was actually hoping to dance but now....”

Danny grabbed her arm. “Would you dance with me?”

“Really?” She lowered her eyes and then gazed up at him. “I mean, I don’t want to bother you...but it would be nice to get to know you.” She cocked her head at him and touched his shoulder, letting her hand trail down his arm. She thought she heard a thump in the darkness of the garage, but relaxed when the only thing Danny did was take his sweet time looking down her body and back up to her face.

He nodded eagerly and grabbed her hand, leading her back up the stairs. “Of course.” She had to suppress a smile; were boys always this easy?

~~~~~

Ellie had no idea where they were in the timeline but she knew that having him see either the crew or the missing cars would throw a serious wrench in the plans. Unfortunately, while rerouting Danny was a success, that meant she now had a new shadow at the party. Gratefully, he didn’t insist on a second dance but now he was at her shoulder and would not be dissuaded. He was telling her some story about the Maldives and Ellie thought she would fall asleep of boredom when she felt a gentle hand on her elbow.

“Excuse me. Could I have this dance?” Ellie looked up in confusion. Colt was standing there, looking slightly out of place, wearing Logan’s tuxedo jacket and mask, with a devil-may-care grin on his face.

Ellie opened her mouth and then closed it again. He only grinned wider. “Sure,” she said, clutching his outstretched hand. 

She could hear Danny sputtering behind her about how she said she was tired but she was only paying attention to Colt. He led her though the crowd, to the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by couples swaying and laughing. Turning around, he grinned impishly at her. “Hey.”

Ellie looked around at the couples gliding to some slow pop ballad. When no one was paying attention, she stopped to stare incredulously at him. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“What do you mean? And you don’t know who I am; I’m in disguise.” He jiggled the mask on his face at her.

“Seriously?!” Ellie rolled her eyes at him. “I would know you anywhere. And I also know that you have somewhere else to be.”

Colt shrugged. “We had ten minutes to wait before we could sneak out the driveway. I figured that I should enjoy the festivities too.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. “So....you should know that I don’t really dance.”

Ellie sighed, putting her arms around his shoulders. “Then why are you out here?” Her dress was so thin that she could feel all of his fingers resting on her back. She could not afford to get distracted.

"For the caviar?”

Ellie cuffed his ear. “This isn’t part of the plan.” They were slowly swaying now and, if Ellie closed her eyes, she could almost imagine she was at prom. That was a different world, one where she had continued on her same-old muted path; she couldn’t go back now. There the everything was drab, grey. Here, it was vibrant, almost too intense. She was different too; she was both terrified and bold but she couldn’t give up the life between her fingertips.

“I made the plan. It’s my plan. I can change it.” He smirked, tightening his fingers around her waist. “I also wanted to make sure Richie Rich over there behaved himself.”

Ellie glared at him. “Seriously? You thought I couldn’t handle one dance with him?” 

“I just...” Colt trailed off. He looked at something behind her for a few seconds before turning back to her. “I just-”

“You just what?” She shook her head before she froze, realization dawning. “Wait, you were there. In the garage.”

“Yeah, we were there. Nice save, by the way. Much better than plan B.” He pulled her closer, fingertips on her lower back. “Plan B would have been rough.”

“What was plan B?” Ellie looked up.

Colt shrugged. “Probably make a break for it.” He smirked at her dumbfounded expression.

“Didn’t you say that you needed to prepare for anything?”

He grinned, reaching up and tracing his fingers over the delicate mask on her face. “And didn’t you say that I wasn’t prepared for you?” He trailed his fingers down her cheek to the back of her neck.

“And you’re not.” Ellie tilted her head and looked up at him with a smile, but he wasn’t looking at her face anymore. He was watching his fingers slowly trail down her neck to her shoulders, a ghost of a touch. Ellie froze; Colt glanced at her and, emboldened now, continued. The gentle fingers kept going, sliding under the strap of her gown and he slowly trailed them down, tracing the line of the beading as it curved delicately across her chest. Whereas Danny’s eyes on her had made her feel vaguely dirty, Colt’s focus was different. She felt warmth blooming in her stomach and she couldn’t move, couldn’t think. She was paralyzed and could only stand there, watching him watch his fingers trace along her dress, over and under the hem, over fabric and bare skin, to stop at the lowest point of the delicate beading, right in the center of her chest.  

She drew in a shaky breath and Colt looked up, looking into her eyes. Her mouth was suddenly dry and her lungs wouldn't inflate. She had no idea what he saw there but he turned back to his fingers, sliding them up the dress, slowly, to her opposite shoulder and playing with the strap there. 

Ellie realized her legs were shaking. She couldn’t breathe.

Colt looked at her then, right into her eyes. “I just didn’t want him dancing with you.”

Ellie grabbed the sides of his face and pulled, throwing their lips together in a frenzy. Colt reciprocated in kind, sliding his hands down her back, pulling her to him with rough hands. His lips were hungry on hers and she groaned into his mouth as he gently bit her lower lip and then soothed it with his tongue. She had no idea how long they kissed but he was all she could feel, touch, taste; he was everything in that moment and nothing else, nothing, mattered. A hand slid down and somehow found the high slit in her dress, tracing her thigh and setting her absolutely aflame. She was on fire, a delicious burn throughout her stomach, lower, and nothing was strong enough to put her out.

“Ahem.” Ellie heard something but couldn’t tell where it was coming from. Nor did she care until, again, a louder “Ahem.”

She came up for air and saw a disapproving woman in a fur stole glaring at them. “The song is over.”

Ellie looked around. The song was indeed over and couples were edging around them, heading to the bar or to the appetizers. Her cheeks burned and she averted her eyes until the woman huffed and walked away.

Colt gently touched her waist. “I have to get back.” His hair was mussed, lips chapped and a blush on the tips of his ears. I did that, Ellie thought. He leaned down and kissed her, deeply, fingers lightly mapping the curves of her cheeks as if he was mapping her features, afraid they would disappear.

“Ok, now I really have to go.” He turned and made his way through the crowd, ducking quickly through the back hall. Ellie watched as long as she could, then turned and slid through the crowd. 

She could not afford to get distracted.

~~~~~

Ellie stumbled out of the cab and through the back door of the shop. She was exhausted and would have pulled off her heels, but she didn’t know what Toby had left on the floor of the shop. She yawned and made her way towards the stairs to the loft when a sudden movement made her freeze. She peered into the dark floor as a shape stood.

“Colt?” He had been sitting on the stairs to the loft and he looked as tired as she felt. "What are you doing up?”

“Where were you? It’s almost 5am.”

“I had to wait while they questioned every single person at the party. They took a special interest in me because Logan disappeared, so I was talking to the police forever.”

“What did you tell them?”

She smiled. “That he ditched me to go hook up with a cocktail waitress there. Played the whole jilted date card and everything.”

Colt chuckled quietly. “Good thinking. Do you think they suspected?”

“Not at all. Did everything go ok?”

“Like a charm. All three cars out and hidden around the city.” He rubbed the back of his head, looking at the floor. “Thanks for being there today.”

“Wait...were you waiting up for me?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “You were supposed to be back hours ago. And you didn’t have your phone. I didn’t know what to think.”

“You were worried.” Ellie smiled, secretly pleased.

Colt rolled his eyes. “Well, I need to make sure that the crew gets back....and now you’re back.” His smile softened and he nodded at her. “Good night, Ellie. Good job.”

He was almost past her before she moved and she was able to just barely grab onto his elbow. “Colt?”

“Yeah?”

She took a deep breath and bit her lip. “I just....I don’t want to sleep in Logan’s bed tonight.”

His eyes widened and he swallowed hard. He stopped for a beat, looking at her questioningly, but didn’t say anything. He just nodded and laced his fingers in hers, leading her down to his room.