#but also joy for what they both have now especially after the epilogue party | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

himehikoshrine · 3 months

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The Central Nation of Kielce - a History

[I/D : Screenshot for Sissia of the Central Nation showing Levi, Adra, and Crowley on the wall. Crowley is saying "Hahaha! How have you been, little wall?! It’s like you’re a part of our origins!"]

Having now read through every route's game script of the Central Nation of Sissia, I figured I'd tried to put together all the Kielce lore across the different routes into one. If you want to read them yourself, you can do so either on the game menu if you've finished the game, or [here]. This will contain details unique to most of the routes, so technically, there are spoilers, but they are discussed entirely within the world of the play. I will edit in a few minor clarifying details with no route plot information from routes as I find them now that I'm going through things with a finer tooth comb. It will spoil some things that are in the stage script only epilogues too, so please read at least one of them before reading this, or you'll be really confused. Two, ideally, especially if the first one you picked was Crowley's.

Don't ask me why a rather big piece of character information, that is kind of a twist, is hidden within epilogues only on the stage script in the menu. We're nearly the full year into Havenna Lore drops, apparently this is just how Neji writes. (And given all the lore hidden in weird bonus material, also how Ishida and Towada write.)

The Nation of Arbine and the Republic of Quatra, which is to its east, were at war for 77 years. Many lives were lost on both sides, and there were plenty of children made orphans in the process. We know little about Quatra before the end of the war, but Levi describes it as having "warmth" and Crowley says it had a very strong culture in the arts, including song and dance. After Arbine wins the war, 20 years before Sissia joins the troupe, Arbine begins calling the 77-year-war the 'War of Joy.'

They force the people of Quatra into servitude, build a wall around the country, and mark them with a tattoo of a horse on their shin. The hostility gets so bad in the upper military ranks of Arbine, that they begin calling Quatra "the nameless country" or "the nameless servant country." The culture of Quatra is stamped out within the nation, possibly beyond simply forcing everyone into labor for the sake of Arbine, and anyone in Arbine who even discusses it with anything but scorn is suspected of treason.

Arbine is ruled by its "commander and king" (always said together like that) who has the surname "Arbine" like the nation he rules. His top advisor, confidant and strategist is Major Azur Hybird. The military elite make up the aristocracy of Arbine, and their positions are expected to be passed down.

Arbine is a strict military state, with border patrols and street patrols in addition to a standing military that citizens are quite acquainted with. They are able to freely interrogate and detain anyone, but murder seems to be considered a crime in Arbine, regardless of the nationality of the person killed, even, seemingly, for low ranking patrol officers. (We only have Crowley's potentially joking word here, though). The high ranks can order and carry out death sentences sans trial of any kind, of course.

The military aristocracy is also the high society of Arbine, and they attend parties and engage with what they consider 'high culture' including national dances - Arbine does have a national dance troupe.

Arbine's language is called "Arbine". It appears to be different than the language of Quatra or at least a different dialect, though one suspects they have some degree of mutual intelligibility. Carlo says the further east one goes in Arbine, the simpler the pronunciation of its language gets. Accents are shared to some extent in the border region, as well as words. Carlo says Arbine has 'a certain roundness' and that the first letter of Carlo is pronounced 'more elegantly' than Sissia's accent usually does.

Carlo illustrates the linguistic drift with the word Kielce - which is the Arbine term for Circus, a word used in Quatra. Carlo says no one but a historian or a suspected traitor would know that word these days, so maybe once it was also used in Arbine, or maybe a historian would merely be more familiar with the arts from Quatra.

So, 20 years ago, the war ends. As for the future members of Kielce at this time, Chance, at least, wasn't born yet.

Levi Caineman, who was born to Arbine parents, was orphaned by the war and was taken in across the then-wall-less border when he traveled there in search of food. Once the war ended, he was taken into an orphanage on the Arbine side of the wall, while his foster mother, a Quatra, was left behind it.

At some point, Levi will meet Crowley. Crowley is, though it's unclear who knows this but him, an illegitimate son of the 'commander and king' of Arbine, so his full name is, in fact, Crowley Arbine. It's never explicitly stated in the play if Crowley creates Kielce as a troupe or not, or the origin of its name "The Central Nation of--" but in the practice dialogue it is confirmed that Crowley and Levi are the founding members of the troupe.

As for when it was founded, Crowley considers the first Border Performance, which takes place ten years before the present of the play, and thus ten years after the end of the war "part of our origins." It is likely the name, too, partially a form of protest. Given the troupe's founders - an openly avowed revolutionary with a personal connection to the throne, and a fascination with Quatran arts, and an Arbine boy raised for a time by a Quatran foster mother, I'm sure this was very much part of their motivations.

Crowley is, after all, enthusiastically a traitor. (He maintains everyone in Kielce knows this, and no ones statements fully discredit that assertion in other routes. No one ever quite says the first performance WASN'T an act of rebellion or treason.)

Crowley says he's the one who brought Levi in and raised him up to be ringleader. At some point, Kielce, including Crowley and Levi, ends up performing at a party for military aristocrats. How this happened or how it went down, we don't know, other than apparently everyone was thoroughly amused. At this point, they aren't suspected of anything treasonous, but are considered 'low' entertainment.

In attendance is Major Azur Hybird's son, Adra Hybird. At this point, Adra has already been dancing for most of his life. It is unclear how old he is. But he decides that this is the kind of dancing he wants to do. He leaves the life of a Military Aristocrats son behind and runs away to join the circus -- Kielce.

(It is not implied Adra is younger than the other two - on Levi's route, Adra remarks that Levi has grown into quite the man, which, if anything, implies Adra may be a bit older than Levi.)

By the time of the first Border Performance, which is ten years before the present, Adra is a well established member of the troupe, enough that he is involved with choosing to do it. He seems to be one of the senior members in the troupe.

Fan Carlo Albus, on the other hand, is a newcomer to the troupe ten years ago. It seems she joined enough after Adra that she's talked about as another sort of 'generation' - when talking about Kielce's style being a talent showcase, Crowley says its more pronounced now that Carlo and Chance have joined.

Carlo watches the border performance from the side, not on the wall. Also watching that day is Isaac Bazmaz, an Arbine child from the border region who lives near the wall. He is watching with a friend of his. On Isaac's route this friend is explicitly Sissia, a girl from Quatra who he met through a crack in the wall. Isaac talks about the wall as having always been near his house, suggesting that he is under 20 years old, or at least, not much older. Chance Orlando, as stated, is under 20. He doesn't watch the border performance, but hears rumors about it as a kid in Arbine that later inspire him to join.

Crowley is one of the leads in the performance, which he also wrote. This is, to him, intentionally an act of rebellion and revolution. The fact that it doesn't overthrow the nation makes it kind of a failure in his book. Adra says his motivation is sort of to stick it to the military aristocracy and their backwards ideas, both about Quatra and discrimination and their authority and control in general. Adra is also quite annoyed at their elitism. Levi doesn't give an explicit reason for it the first time, but when asking to do it again, he mentions love of theater and love of freedom as absolute principles he leads Kielce by. One imagines his foster mother on the other side is a motivation, as well.

The performance is seen as treasonous and puts the entire troupe on a watch list. According to Major Azur, the 'commander and king' of Arbine has pushed to imprison everyone in the troupe since that day. (It is completely unclear if either the Major or even the 'commander and king' himself have any idea who Crowley is.) Every member who was around at the time tells Sissia that it was quite the controversy and ordeal, and caused a lot of trouble.

Isaac makes a promise to his friend to one day stand on the wall with Kielce together. Sissia, watching from the Quatra side, is already being forced into labor, despite seemingly being a child. Sissia dreams of one day standing on that stage, too. Both Isaac and Sissia will eventually follow that dream to Kielce.

It seems that despite the displeasure of the ruling elite, Kielce continues to operate and have many fans. Their popularity is seen both as a threat, and, one assumes, a bit protective, as it's quite clear that Arbine is aware of the precarity of it's absolute control.

Adra notes that even members of the military attend the shows. Not all the fans share their ideals, of course, and will report things to the authorities.

Kielce has a standing theater within Arbine, but their base seems to keep a very 'traveling circus' aesthetic. It is possible they are both a traveling company and one with a home base. It's unclear when this was built.

Chance and Isaac are recruited the same day by Crowley. Isaac says that if it weren't for Kielce, he'd 'still be working at a factory'. They are still considered relative newbies by Carlo by the time Sissia is recruited, but they seem to have been around long enough to be pretty established as staples of the troupe.

#sissia of the central nation #jack jeanne #jack jeanne meta #lore hunting #kielce #i told you i have kielce brain rot #yeah the characters are based on quartz and its a love letter to quartz but its not slacking on the worldbuilding or messaging #like the characters may feel less inspired since they're taken from their actors but damn if this play doesn't have a MESSAGE and LORE #if we get an isaac character poem for sou's next birthday i will be digging a grave #i have so many more thoughts to share but lets get the history down first #so many. thoughts.

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ahundredtimesover · 2 years

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Fight for You Epilogue (11)

11: Finale part 1: What happens when you learn to accept love

Pairing: Jungkook x (f.) Reader

Genre/Tags: established relationship - FFY couple; fluff, smut (18+)

Warnings: Everyone’s emotional, that’s it 🥺 talks of a family, sexual content (breast play, straddling, unprotective penetrative sex [please be safe!])

Word count: 5.7k

A/N: The (first part of the) end is here and it’s bittersweet. 💍 Their love story was such a joy to write, especially since it ends like this - tears and emotions all around 🥺 A shoutout as well to a scene from my favorite episode of Outlander (01 x 07) that inspired that first morning of FFY OC and JK as a married couple! 🥵 I hope you like this as much as I loved writing it.

And as always, thank you to Ash @jimilter for this banner. 🥰

Epilogue Series Masterlist || Previous || Next

You look at your hand and the engagement ring on your finger, one that Jungkook put on you 7 months ago. The way he looked and held you while you stood on top of that mountain - and where he’d screamed he loved you, as he always wanted to do - is so vivid in your mind, like you could play it back in your head everyday and not miss a detail.

You smile at the memory, thinking of how time went by so fast.

It was a fairly quick engagement, as you wanted the wedding and the honeymoon done before the last quarter of this year, knowing how busy you and Jungkook tend to be. But really, you could’ve married him the day after he proposed and you wouldn’t have minded.

The wedding planning started right as you got back from your New Zealand trip, when you arrived at your house to a not-so-surprise party with your loved ones, which - more surprisingly - was attended by your parents.

They took the reins on everything - the venue, ¾ of the guest list, all the decor and favors, and the costs. They insisted it’s their gift and so that you and Jungkook wouldn’t worry about anything, but you knew it was their way of making sure the celebration would be up to their standard. That was also one of their conditions when Jungkook asked for their blessing, you’d learned, and he couldn’t say no.

The intimate celebration you’re set to have when you get back from your honeymoon is all on you and Jungkook, though, as you both still want something you planned and paid for.

But that’s several weeks from now; in a few hours, you’ll be officially starting the rest of your life with him and your heart flutters at the thought.

After all the wedding planning meetings where Jungkook choked every time the coordinator stated the price of something; after all the times you needed to leave him with your mother for his suit fitting; and after all the ‘social etiquette classes and excursions’ that your father subjected Jungkook to; even past the occasional article about the ‘nobody’ who’s marrying the Lee Group successor - you’ll finally get to have Jungkook for yourself and build a life you only imagined.

You smile at the future that’s waiting for you as you look at your engagement ring once more.

“It’s only a short while, sweetie, then there will be another one added to that,” Mrs. Hwang grins as she approaches you. “It feels so surreal that my little girl is getting married.”

“You raised me so well, you know that? I learned happiness through you,” you say, kissing her forehead like you always do.

“And you deserve all of it that the world has to offer,” she kisses yours this time. “Jungkook is the luckiest man alive.”

You smile in agreement and beam widely as you hear your best friends enter the reception room, and Mrs. Hwang leaves you to be with them.

Hoseok excitedly runs to you and gives you the tightest hug, reminiscing all the times that you described to him your dream wedding and saying that it’s nothing like the one you have now.

“What matters is who I’m marrying, and that’s quite the dream, isn’t it?”

“It is,” he smiles. “I’m so happy for you, ___. It’s been a long, tough road but we told you, right? You can have everything.”

He takes his handkerchief to wipe the tear at the corner of your eye before it falls, giggling at how he’s gonna have to keep doing that today so your makeup won’t get messed up.

Not far away is Yoongi, standing at the side and biting his lip, not meeting your eyes.

“Can my other best friend give me a hug, please?” You say softly, knowing that the separation anxiety that comes with his best friend getting married is hitting him a lot harder.

He approaches you slowly, scowling at your teasing smile, but you pull him and he gives in, hugging you immediately, perhaps the tightest he ever has, and you smile into his hold.

“You know, I may be getting married today but that doesn’t change the fact that both of you are my first boyfriends,” you tell them, intertwining your fingers with theirs. “I know love because you two have given that to me unconditionally.”

“You’ve always deserved it, and now someone else gets to love you even more,” Yoongi says. “Jungkook’s lucky he gets to do that. Although him being your husband doesn’t change the fact that I’d still beat him up if he hurts you.”

You tighten your grip on his hand, his protective nature always making you feel emotional.

“I’m sure he knows that. But thank you for always looking out for me,” you choke back your tears as you shift from looking at one best friend to another. “If it’s okay, can you both continue doing that?”

“Always,” Hoseok says, pulling Yoongi so they could sandwich hug you, like you always ask them to. “We’re making a promise to you today, too, ___. We’re never leaving your side.”

The three of you stay like that for a while, with you reveling in the kind of love that’s saved you multiple times - from yourself and the world.

It’s the knock on the door that breaks the moment, and the two know it’s time to go.

“We’ll see you in a little while, okay?” Hoseok says. “Your groom is probably hyperventilating out there.”

You giggle and nod, knowing he’s not wrong. Your best friends leave and you look at yourself in the full-body mirror, wondering what Jungkook would think.

Your gown is the only one from your dream you got to bring to life, as you run your fingers down the beaded and floral embroidery. You trace the lining of your sweetheart neckline and smile at the mermaid silhouette - a little heavy with the tulle and sequin underneath - that makes the dress classic yet whimsical, lavish and elegant, like you always wanted. The dazzling aquamarine and pearl earrings complete the look, and you've got to give it to yourself - you look quite the stunner today.

The door opens and you turn around, and you truly will never tire of seeing Jungkook in a suit. But this one is textured, more luxurious and refined than usual, and the fit is incredible on him. His hair is different, too, and the way it’s pushed back, with his forehead exposed, makes him look so sophisticated yet with his boyish charms still shining through.

He stops halfway through and you smile at him, his glimmering doe eyes and parted lips a look you’ve seen a handful of times, but this one is pretty special.

Jungkook stares at you and it’s as if the world stops. You’re standing there in an exquisite dress that fits perfectly on you, with your sparkling jewelry and the engagement ring you admire all the time. Not even his wildest dreams could conjure a beauty such as you in this gown, especially since not long from now, he’ll be marrying you. Just the thought of being able to have this moment is making him emotional, given what he had to go through to get here, what you both had to endure to be here.

“Hi,” you say softly.

Even with the chatter of the guests from the other room and the faint sounds of the city below, your voice is all he hears.

“Hi, I, uhm,” he stammers, turning around right as he makes it in front of you.

You could hear his bated breaths and see his hand reach for his face, and you smile thinking that on this day, he’s the one doing this.

“Baby, I’ve seen you cry. It’s okay to look at me,” you tell him.

“I might not get to stop if I do,” he sniffs.

“Well, we don’t have enough time. Our friends and families will arrive soon for photos, and then that’s how many more hours entertaining guests before we get to be alone,” you reason.

He sighs, knowing you’re right. He should be savoring this moment he has with you, so he turns around and finally smiles, taking your hands and caressing them.

“You’re so beautiful, ___. You look like a dream.”

“It’s because I am,” you giggle, feeling your cheeks warm. “But so are you, Jungkook,” you caress his face and catch a lone tear that escapes. “I can’t wait to marry you.”

He moves closer, his forehead meeting your own, and letting the tip of his nose touch yours. His breath is hot against your lips, as he utters, “I wanna kiss you so badly.”

You want it just as much, but you stop yourself before you fall into it, knowing you won’t be able to stop.

“The ceremony will start soon, we can’t until then,” you say.

“That’s silly,” he chuckles.

“It’s a rule!”

“Since when do we follow rules?” He cocks an eyebrow.

“I don’t, but you do,” you laugh. “When it’s over, you can kiss me as much and as long as you want.”

“Everyday until I die.”

“Everyday until I die,” you repeat. “That’s so morbid compared to ‘til death do us part,” you giggle.

“Just thought, you know, I could’ve died in that alley because I couldn’t stand to see you hurt,” he says.

“But you didn’t then you fell in love with me instead,” you wink.

“And now we’re here,” he smiles.

“And now we’re here.”

You get lost in his eyes, the ones whose piercing glare used to intimidate and worry and intrigue you but now, they’re often soft when they look back at you. And you want them to always look at you like this.

There’s another knock on the door and it opens as you instruct. The coordinators and photographers enter, followed by your parents.

They had time earlier to separately talk with Jungkook and you, so this is a quick one, as they must get back to the ballroom to entertain the guests. Your best friends arrive with Ina, then Jin and Yeong-ja come through the doors.

Jungkook and his best friend share a hug that you’ve rarely seen them do; they aren’t the type, they said once. But they hold onto each other tightly, eyes closed, thinking about the day that neither of them imagined would come.

“You did it, Kook. You accepted the good things that came your way; I told you that you always deserved them,” Jin says with a proud smile.

“Thanks for changing my life,” Jungkook says. “And for taking a chance on me, and having my back, and telling me shit when I needed to hear them.��

“I promised my dad I always will. We promised him we’ll take care of each other, remember?” Jin chokes back his tears. “I wish he was here but you have to know that he’s so proud of you, probably cheering for you from up there with a beer in hand and all.”

They both laugh and hug again.

“You never gave up on me. I’ll take that with me for the rest of my life,” Jungkook says.

“I know,” Jin pats him on the back. “Brothers, best friends, business partners… We’ll always have each other, Kook. That won’t change.”

Jimin entering the room breaks their moment, and Jin and Yeong-ja excuse themselves.

“What’s it like out there?” You ask your family friend as you give him a hug.

“Well, the men are saying you’re too rich and smart for Jungkook, and the women are saying that he’s too good for you,” Jimin shares.

“The people have decided, babe. I’m officially the lucky one,” you say, taking Jungkook’s hand.

“And I clearly disagree,” he laughs.

“Hey, at least it’s ‘rich and smart’ now. You’re not just the pretty girl anymore,” Jimin points out.

“True, but they’ll see when I get out there,” you frown.

“They’ll be floored.” Your friend hugs you one last time. “You’re gorgeous, ___. And congratulations. I’m so happy for both of you.”

You bid him goodbye and have Mrs. Hwang and Mr. Sim enter, both of them emotional as the photos are being taken and with you hugging them. It’s like they’re letting go of their own daughter, they tell you, and you respond that you’ll still be needing them to constantly guide you and Jungkook, as they always have.

Namjoon comes in soon after, his dimpled and proud smile reminding you of all the times that had comforted you when you were away from Jungkook and missing him.

“You know my duty doesn’t end even when you’re married, right?” Your bodyguard reminds you.

“I know, and I don’t want it to,” you hug him. “Thank you for always protecting me, Namjoon, and for being a great friend. Please don’t ever leave my side.”

“Never,” he assures you.

“That extends to you, too, Jungkook,” he shakes your groom’s hand. “Thank you for making her as happy as you do.”

More smiles are shared until they eventually leave, and you think it’s the last round of photos but the coordinator says there’s one more.

Jungkook’s mother and her family enter, and you turn to him immediately, his smile warming your heart at the thought that he wants to share this with them, too.

They’ve been spending time together, and you’re glad that the part of Jungkook she hurt has also healed. She’s with a husband who loves her and has kids who adore her, and you know that’s one reason why it became easier.

Jungkook smiles shyly as they both spend a moment on their own, and you know that even if he can’t ever take his childhood back, this should be enough. It’s the most important day of both your lives, and she’s here for him, like she said she’d be.

They hug - a rare sight, but he sighs into it, and you can only imagine how important this is for him, as it is for her.

The reception room is cleared and you and Jungkook are instructed to head out for your grand entrance. You both stand behind the door, waiting for it to open, as you hear the buzzing die down.

He caresses your hand and you turn towards him, with his striking jawline and pretty nose and that scar on his cheek making him all kinds of beautiful and real. He turns towards you with a smile on his face, perhaps thinking the same.

“Screw the rules,” you say, then you plant a kiss on his lips and you feel him smile into it. “I love you, Jeon Jungkook.”

He laughs sweetly as the doors open, and that’s how the cameras capture him.

The man who’d not dared look at you the first time you met, who was too stiff, too serious, too careful with everything, now laughs so comfortably and smiles so freely.

The man who always stood on the sidelines, watching everyone else live their lives and pass him by, now gets to share this walk with you in front of hundreds of people who’ll never truly understand what it took to get here.

The man who’d been so afraid to love and be loved because he didn’t know what it was supposed to be like, gets to take your hand and exchange a promise of forever with you, knowing he’ll love you even when he’s scared, or worried, or unsure, and that you’ll do the same.

You’re crying by the time you reach the officiant, and he smiles at you and proceeds with the ceremony, with your hand in Jungkook’s the entire time. The words fly by your ears, and you’re counting down the minutes until you get to the best part.

You turn towards each other to place the rings. You feel him shaking - in excitement or impatience, you’re not sure, but you’re not used to him being like this.

“Okay, babe, you just have to slide the ring on my finger, got that? It’s not that hard,” you tease.

“I’ve done this before, I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” he says shyly.

It’s probably all the eyes on both of you, or perhaps how such an intimate moment is being shared with hundreds of strangers, but you look him in the eyes and whisper, “just focus on me.”

And he does, and you both manage for the rest of the ceremony, the smiles on your faces not faltering one bit. You keep the vows simple, as you’ve said everything you needed to, and they’re something you want to keep to yourselves.

You face each other again, as the officiant announces your first kiss as husband and wife. Jungkook takes a deep breath before he removes your veil and basks in your beauty, something he’ll never tire of, that he’s eternally grateful he’ll be able to savor everyday.

You see him take his time; an oddity, as he seemed like he couldn’t wait to do this earlier. His eyes soften even more, as he cups your cheeks and pulls you close.

The kiss is gentle but holds so many promises, so many plans, so many dreams you’ll both reach one day. With all the applause from the guests in the room, Jungkook focuses on you and how you feel against him, and you smile onto his lips like you always do.

“I love you so much,” he whispers as he pulls away.

And you’re the one speechless now, as everything fades away and it’s just him, and all the parts of you that ache, that yearn, that wonder if you’ll ever truly be good enough for anybody, those settle in their place for now. Whatever cracks or crevices that are left in your heart may remain, but all the parts that are good will always swell with pride and joy and you know you’ll forget that the broken parts are there in the first place.

The reception starts after more photos, and for the briefest moment, you find time to lean on Jungkook’s chest.

“You think we could skip everything else and just head to our suite?” You whisper in his ear.

He chuckles at your tempting proposition and kisses the top of your head. “That’s one rule we absolutely can’t break, angel. Just hold out a bit more, okay? We have the rest of our lives after this.”

You did hold out, as you really had no choice, but greeting 700 guests was no joke. As if you didn’t already know, the wedding of the Lee Group heir and successor is a pretty big deal, and Jungkook was the one keeping you both together. He made sure you greeted each individual and his energy never wavered, while you, on the other hand, kept pouting at him every chance you got.

It was a long celebration - still a fun one, as Taehyung, who’d said he wouldn’t miss it for the world, turned up and got the party going. But you were so exhausted by the end of it that you were tempted to fall into bed with your gown on, but Jungkook insisted that you get it off, as the corset bodice would make it too uncomfortable. He didn’t want you to wake up on your first morning as a married couple cranky because you didn’t have a shower, either.

So you took a bath together, too tired for even a make-out session, and fell asleep right after.

You smile at the dreamlike day you had yesterday as you open your eyes. You check your finger and there it is, the complementary band to your engagement ring. The additional aquamarine gem - the mermaid’s stone - makes it feel even more you.

You take Jungkook’s hand that’s resting on your belly and there is his ring, too, the tiniest bit of the gem engraved on it. You don’t need to pinch yourself; you know it’s all real.

The gruff sound from next to you signals his consciousness, so you turn to him and kiss his lips.

“Good morning, husband,” you enunciate.

“Hmm, good morning, wife,” he does the same.

You look at each other tenderly until the rumbling sound of Jungkook’s stomach makes you laugh. He’d been too anxious and busy yesterday, as he wanted to make sure he greeted each guest as your parents would like, and he didn’t have time for a proper meal.

“I’ll wash up then call for room service,” you say, kissing him quickly before heading to the bathroom.

Jungkook heads there after you, unbelieving that he’d finally married you, smiling foolishly as he brushes his teeth. He’s so giddy and so in love; he didn’t think he had it in him. At one point, all the talk of him being a stiff, rigid man who did nothing but work got to his head; it’s also why he rarely smiled then.

But with you, it’s all he does. Most of the time, at least. He still worries, panics, gets scared of a lot of things every now and then, but he reckons those will always be part of living this life with you. There will also be the playful, naughty, and exciting stuff, and he can’t wait for more of those, too.

He exits the bathroom and sees you by the table with the gifts from your close friends and the kids at the orphanage, lovingly looking at something inside a red box.

“Hey,” he says, hugging you from behind and kissing your shoulder.

He eyes the pearl necklace that your fingers are delicately touching. “That looks beautiful, angel.”

“Mother gave it to me,” you say, turning to face him. “I don’t remember the last time she gave me a gift that wasn’t money.”

“Well, it is the wedding of her only child,” he says. “Must be pretty special though.”

“She didn’t actually give it; she just left it here in the bag where the gifts from Hoseok and Yoongi are,” you tell him.

“Was there a message?”

“Nope, just a card that said, for my daughter ___. Pretty straightforward,” you chuckle. “Not that I’d expect more, but I think I know what she wants to say. They’re south sea pearls that she bought herself after she married my father. I remember seeing her wear it and I always thought they were so beautiful. I mean, it comes from the sea so I guess that’s why.”

“So what does she want to say?”

“To not lose myself now that I’m married,” you look up at him. “Mother is a lot of things, but she always ensured she’d still be her own self and do what she wants to do even if she was someone’s wife, someone’s mother. She may have missed the whole parenting thing but grown up me can at least see what she means by this,” you continue, placing it around your neck, the strand long enough for it to reach past your breasts.

“I’m your wife. One day I’ll be a mother, a CEO, maybe the Parent-Teacher Association President or something,” you laugh, “and whatever else, but I should still always be me. My roles wouldn’t be the only things that define me.”

“Your heart and your love for people and things always will, ___. Those are what will always define you. Always remember that,” he says, taking your cheek in his hand and caressing it.

“Remind me when I forget, okay?”

“Always.”

He kisses you slowly, deeply, purposefully.

Jungkook wants to tell you that the woman who once told him that she doesn’t know how to fight for herself, who lets others define her because she doesn’t know how to change their minds, who does what people want because she doesn’t want to disappoint them… that woman has grown up. She’s grown up to define herself by her own strength, by her immense ability to love and give what she can for others, by her faith in the good in this world.

He kisses you to tell you that he’ll love all parts of you everyday, including your fears and your pain and your worries. He kisses you to tell you that he will grow and learn and love with you, everyday.

It gets fervent, passionate, and you hold onto his shoulders to keep yourself steady. He feels your desire and you feel his, prompting you to pull his boxers so he could remove it, leaving him bare for you to touch.

He grunts at the feel of your hands, while his pull the tie of your silk robe, trailing down to take your underwear off. You gently push him as you walk, your tongues entangling and your joint moans filling the room. This is what you’re waiting for that you couldn’t do last night.

He sits on the edge of the bed, pulling you so you could straddle him, and you both catch your breath and admire each other’s nakedness.

He slowly removes your last piece of clothing and you’re now in nothing but the necklace and you look so regal, so stunning, and all he wants right now is to please you.

His fingers trace your face, then your chest, eventually gripping you steady as he lifts you gently so he could enter you, your slick already telling him how ready you are for him.

You shiver, as his tongue darts to your breast, letting the cold pearls add to the sensation as he licks you sensually, slowly, your chest already heaving from the pleasure. You grind against him and he guides you while he continues his motions on your buds - his wet muscle swirling, nipping, sucking.

“Baby,” you moan, your head rolling back now. “So good for me always.”

“You taste so good, angel,” he grunts. “Want more of you.”

You return to looking at him, admiring his half-lidded eyes and parted lips, prompting you to kiss him as you continue your movements, his cock dragging inside your hole. You capture each other’s mouths and moans, feeling yourselves get lost in the moment of submission, of clarity, of overwhelming desire.

He flips you on the bed, hovering over you, rolling the pearls on your pert nipples as his thrusts get deeper yet ensuring to still be gentle.

You both continue, as you watch each other fall apart. It’s a long one, as the steady pace lets you just enjoy the gradual climb to the peak, your hands mapping his body while his knead your breasts.

Your eyes are locked with his as you both come, and it’s so satisfying, so liberating to know you’ll have this everyday.

You’ll wake up to him every single morning. You’ll fall asleep to his breathing every single night. You’ll have a home that you’ll create, that you’ll nurture, that you’ll prepare for children whom you’ll love with all of you.

No other words are said. You smile and he smiles back, knowing what’s on your mind is the same as his.

You couldn’t have imagined a better honeymoon than a 2-week road trip through Vienna and Switzerland, all thanks to Taehyung who happily planned it out for you and Jungkook, given your old friend calling those countries home for a time. The surprise was that he paid for all your accommodations, and your hysterical phone call was met with deep laughter and claims that it was all he could do for someone very special to him.

From stunning architecture to idyllic villages at the foot of hills and snow-capped mountains, to castles and beautiful lakes, to the best apple strudel you’ve ever had, you and Jungkook had the most amazing time - truly a wonderful start to your life together.

It wasn’t without both of you getting lost and running out of gas and almost losing your luggage, though, but it was another one of those experiences that let you learn more about your husband, reminding you of how completely different you both are and how despite and maybe because of that, everything just clicks.

The way he gazed at the scenery then at you and the way he held you as you marveled at the stars will always stay with you.

You get back home to Seoul on a weekend, spending your final week in your house before moving all of your and Jungkook’s things to your new place - the one you both purchased and designed. It’s what you spent more time on than your wedding, and you wouldn’t have had it any other way.

It’s perfect. It has a spacious living space with a kitchen big enough for Mrs. Hwang. There are enough guest rooms for your friends to spend the night, a movie room, offices for you and Jungkook, a master bedroom that you had to make a little smaller to accommodate your closet, and your husband’s separate one. He’s got his gym by the garage, and while you didn’t get your steam room, you did get a spa-like bathroom.

The outdoor area is your favorite, though. It has a pool with a hot tub, and a little waterfall that leads to a pond, in case the little ones want fish or turtles or pet ducks, Jungkook had said. There’s space for a soccer goal, a basketball ring, a small driveway for their toy cars and bikes and roller skates and scooters. And just like when you were little, there’s green space to run around in and soak up the sun, play under the rain, and enjoy the snowfall.

Jungkook takes your hand as you both tour your space for the first time. Jimin’s wife, an interior designer, did the decor that would match your personalities and styles. Jungkook’s smile looks so emotional as he goes inside every room, touching every piece of furniture, lingering over the photos and items you’ve both bought during your trips.

“I can imagine it already,” he says, pulling you close as you sit on the outdoor couch and watching the darkening of the sky. “Bubble and water gun fights, tickle wars, movie nights, and our future kids screaming about. There’s so much we can do with them here.”

You hum in response, tracing the veins of his arm as you feel him smile kissing the top of your head. “That would be nice,” you say softly.

“Are you okay with talking about it?”

“Babe, we’ve talked about starting a family for a while now. Of course I am,” you turn towards him.

“I know but we’re married now, we have a house, we’re doing well at our jobs… we actually could try already if we wanted.”

He’s met with silence but it’s not a bad one, at least he thinks so.

You’re ecstatic at the thought of having a family, but you’ve also been enjoying time with just you two. You realize it takes a lot of internal preparation - knowing your body will change, having to think, 24/7, of another human being that’s growing inside you, the fear of something going wrong… You can only prepare so much; if you’re not yet 100% all in yet, it’s better to wait.

“It’s okay, angel. We could enjoy things with just us for now,” he says, with no hint of disappointment or sadness. “It’s been nice being a married couple. We'll start when we’re ready.”

“Just nice?” You cock an eyebrow.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful,” he kisses your cheek then tickles you. “Maybe you could just tone it down with the snoring,” he teases.

It’s months later, on the morning of the first snowfall, when you tell him.

You had a tough day yesterday at work and couldn’t sleep. It was 1AM when you said you were craving for some fluffy pancakes while seeing an advertisement about it, and you didn’t think Jungkook had heard.

You wake up the next morning with an empty space next to you.

“Baby?” You call out, thinking that it would take a while before you find him in your house.

You make it to the kitchen and there stands Jungkook in his pajamas, watching a video on how to make fluffy pancakes.

“Baby, what are you doing?” You walk towards him.

“You were craving last night but there wasn't any place that was open for delivery,” he says, whipping the egg whites and adding the sugar. “I figured I’d try in the morning.”

You feel your heart leap at how casually he says it, like it’s nothing that he woke up early to practice making them, seeing the stack of failed ones on the counter.

“We could wait until a place opens and we can have it delivered,” you tell him.

He shrugs and continues with his work. “At least I know how to make one for next time you crave it in the middle of the night.”

He gets it done the way he thinks you like, slices strawberries, and places the cream in front of you.

He doesn’t need to tell you he knows you had a tough day, or that you’re nervous for a speaking engagement you have next week, or that you’ve just been so tired. You know that he knows, and he’ll do whatever he can to make you feel better, to make you feel cared for and safe, to make you feel that whatever is going on, it’s gonna be okay.

He pours you a cup of coffee and kisses your hand before he tastes what he made, telling you it’s still hot but it’s pretty good. This is a man who will love you through everything, even if you’re scared and tired, or just craving for pancakes.

You just watch him in awe. You shouldn’t be surprised but he somehow still manages to make you feel that, and it is in this moment you’re assured once more that whatever worry you have, Jungkook will be next to you, telling you that you’ll both work it out.

“I’m not so scared anymore, Jungkook,” you take his hand, hoping your smile would reassure him. “I think we could start trying to have a family. What do you think?”

His boyish smile and glassy eyes tell you enough. “Yes, angel. I would really like that.”

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luciehercndale · 3 years

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Dark Light - Last Chapter // Blackdale

Hi everyone! Thank you for reading this. It was the first multi-chapter fan fiction I finished, so this is a great accomplishment for me. I really hope you enjoyed this. I loved writing it, and I hope you will also check out my work in the future. Enjoy, and thank you!!! 🥺🌼✨

Couple/Characters: Blackdale, Lucie Herondale and Jesse Blackthorn Rating: T

10. Last Chapter + Epilogue

There wasn’t time to do anything, because the moment they took Tatiana Blackthorn away, they also asked for Lucie and Jesse to come back to London. It is probably temporary, Lucie thought, since they just needed them to testify against the woman. Deep down, she wanted to return to the Institute for good. Maybe it was too early to hope that the Clave would change their mind about their exile. She didn’t want to keep her hopes up for them to be crushed again, so she didn’t hope for anything.

That night, she enjoyed Cordelia’s company in front of the fire. The others had left already, and they had taken Jesse with them. She knew he would stay at uncle Gabriel’s house, and the thought comforted her, but she wished she could have a moment to speak with him. She was curious, but also afraid of what he might have to say about her confession.

Had she been impulsive? Definitely. She had harbored these feelings for so long, deep in her heart, but she had never given them a proper name. Or probably just ignored them, thinking that they would just hurt her if she acknowledged them. But they were there, and couldn’t look away anymore. She wondered if things would change, once they returned to the Cornwall Institute.

“What are you thinking? Can’t you believe you’re home?” Cordelia asked, and grabbed Lucie’s hand.

Lucie had been staring at the hearth. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening,” she apologized, and sighed. Bridget had brought them cookies when they arrived, and she took one from the plate.

“You must be shook,” Cordelia said. “She might have killed you.”

“She wanted to kill her son,” her voice shook, and her shoulders sagged. “She tried to poison him.”

Cordelia gasped, and put a comforting hand behind Lucie’s back. “Now he is safe, though. Wait, Lucie,” she peered at her. “Do you love him?”

“Is it evident?” she wondered, and covered her face with her hands.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Cordelia continued. “I also love James.”

Lucie frowned for a second, but then she smiled at her friend. “I knew it!” she exclaimed, and grabbed Cordelia by the shoulders. “I knew you loved him.”

There was an unspoken, I wish you would have told me, between the two, but no one said anything. The most important thing was that the truth was out.

…

The following morning, Lucie woke up disoriented. Then she remembered, with a bitter laugh, that she was in her room at the Institute, and in her bed. She better enjoyed it while it lasted, she thought, and got ready to go downstairs to eat breakfast. She found everyone but her parents in the kitchen. Cordelia stood from her chair and came to hug her. James, who was talking to Matthew, waved at her. The former also winked at Lucie, and gave her a tight hug.

“How are you doing, Lucie?”

“How are you doing, Matthew?” she cocked her head to the side, one eyebrow raised.

“He’s okay, he’s okay,” James interjected, grabbing him by the shoulders.

“I know how to talk, thank you very much,” Matthew said, sitting down in front of Cordelia. “Let’s talk later if we have time, shall we?”

“Whenever you want,” Lucie responded, and gave him a bitter laugh, wondering if that moment would ever come. She didn’t know how much time she had left before they would ask her to go back to Cornwall.

Bridget had prepared bread and butter pudding, which was Lucie’s favorite, and she enjoyed it to the very last bite while talking to her closest friends. James told her that Christopher and Thomas would get there in a few hours with Anna, whom she hadn’t seen in two months. No one said anything about Jesse. It was as if he didn’t exist, or if they didn’t mention him because he wasn’t part of their group.

Everyone was gathered in the drawing room, when her parents finally arrived. Yes, because her father had been screaming Lucie’s name so loud that it was impossible not to know they were back. Each one of the people present stopped whatever they were doing and looked at each other, frowning. They all knew Will’s antics, so it’s not like they were surprised.

“Uncle Will must be cheerful that Lucie is back,” Christopher said, and they all laughed, until Will stumbled in the room. His cheeks were red, as if he had raced there.

Lucie came near her father, concerned. “Papa, what’s wrong?” there was fear in her tone. Let’s hope he doesn’t say I have to go back. Let’s hope he doesn’t say-

“Lucie, my dear!” Will beamed, and hugged his daughter. “They let you go!”

“Who let me go?” she questioned.

“Come on, I mean the Clave!” Will replied, glancing in Lucie’s eyes. “They decided that since you didn’t use the Black Volume after all, but just stole it, and caught the person who indeed used it in the past, they wanted to grace you with freedom. Of course, not just you. Tatiana’s boy has no blame either. On the other hand, he’s one of her victims.”

Tears welled up in Lucie’s eyes, and she couldn’t do anything but cry of joy on her father’s chest.

…

The following two weeks, they received news about Tatiana Blackthorn. She was put before the Inquisitor, tried with the Mortal Sword, and taken to the Silent City to be locked for the rest of her life. She hadn’t wanted to go to the trial, but she was asked to go as a witness. Tatiana not only admitted that she tried to kill her own son. She also planned to kill Lucie and take him away with her somewhere, and she enlisted a warlock to do that. Tatiana had uttered a name, but it later turned out to be a vagabond who lived in the slums. The warlock or whoever helped the woman might have been powerful and aware of what they were doing, if they were able to run away just like this. Lucie wondered if they ever found this person, but at this point, she did not care.

She wanted to know how Jesse was doing. Where was he, what were his thoughts. If he was feeling alone. Lucie decided to be bold and ask her mother casually over tea, the day after Tatiana’s trial. She couldn’t go on not knowing, especially after confessing her love to him. She had let two weeks fly and waited for a sign, which did not come. Was this his way to kindly reject her? She thought it wasn’t something he would do. He was too honest to just move on with his life and ignore her. If he didn’t feel the same about her, he would tell her.

“He’s decided to live at uncle Gabriel’s until he finds another place, that’s what your aunt Cecily told me,” Tessa said, sipping her white tea. “They are happy because they never got to know him, and now they can. Gideon and Sophie decided to take a trip back from Idris just so they can also spend time with him. I’m sure he’s surrounded by people who love him.”

Lucie nodded. “Yes, I’m sure it’s true.”

Once the tea was over, Lucie decided to go back to her room. She was inspired to write, or better. She hoped that writing would help her not think about Jesse. She wondered when it would be okay for her to visit him at the Lightwoods, without seeming too suspicious. They all knew that Jesse had stayed two months with her in Cornwall, but no one knew the extent of their relationship. They didn’t know they had known each other before he was revived, and that she had already developed feelings for him back then. She didn’t know how to handle all of this.

Lucie caught someone coming out of her father’s office on her way back to her room. If it wasn’t for the straight black hair, she would have thought it was her brother. But it wasn’t James. It was Jesse. She was too far to hear what they were saying, but she believed they were having a friendly conversation because she heard her father’s jovial laugh.

She advanced. She hadn't seen Jesse for a few weeks, and her spirits soared upon seeing him. It sounded like a repeat of her first stay at the Cornwall Institute, but in a different place.

Both men turned to her when they heard her heels on the carpet. Jesse smiled slightly, and so did Will.

"Lulu, good morning," her father said. She widened her eyes at the mention of her nickname from him. Her cheeks warmed, and she glared at him. “Lucie, good morning,” he said again, and made an apologetic smile.

"I didn't know you had guests," she said, trying not to look too obvious when she gazed up at Jesse. She frowned at him, trying to let him know that she would have loved to know about what he had been up to. It hurt. It felt like he had been avoiding her, but perhaps he had just been busy with his found family. “You could have called for me.”

"I was surprised too, my dear," Will replied, and Lucie bit her lip. Was she too obvious? "Mr. Blackthorn came to personally bring us the invite for an informal ball at his house."

"A ball?"

"It's not a ball per se, but a party to celebrate my return," Jesse grinned. "I have decided to restore Chiswick to its splendor, with my uncles and aunts help. There is still so much to do, but I decided to start from the ballroom, which was the room which required less effort to tidy up."

“I… see, and I’m glad to participate,” Lucie murmured. Those news lifted her mood. Warmth filled her chest, and their eyes locked for a long time, until her father cleared his voice.

“Alright, I believe Mr. Blackthorn has to go,” Will announced, and Lucie snapped back to reality, glancing away from the weird duo before her. “We will be honored to join you for this special event, next Saturday. I can’t wait to see Chiswick’s ballroom again, you know why,” he continued. Jesse nodded a greeting at Lucie before her father put an arm behind his back to lead him away from her.

She asked herself why Jesse would know the reason her father wanted to see his ballroom again, but it probably had to do his and her mother’s past. She shrugged.

…

Saturday couldn’t come any sooner, but Lucie knew that time was slower when one was eager to do something they wanted. Lucie’s mother Tessa had taken her daughter to Bond Street to buy her a new dress for the event. It wasn’t the first time they had shopped for dresses together, and Lucie was happy with the suggestion because she had already deemed all of her clothes unfit for the occasion. She wasn’t vain, but she thought she needed a fresh start, and her mother agreed, so they spent more than they would normally do. This night would also celebrate the end of Lucie’s exile, and she wanted to look good.

And she thought she did. She chose an embellished satin blue dress with short sleeves, which complemented her eyes, and put her hair up. She reached Chiswick with her family, but once the carriage stopped, she ran off. No one said anything, since it wasn’t rare for Lucie to go inside and go find her friends. She caught sight of Cordelia, and she waved at her, but before she could reach her, Lucie muttered that she had to do something first.

She had thought a lot during the last few days, and resolved that she needed to act. It was nor or never. She couldn’t wait for Jesse anymore to make the first step. If he would ever move, that is. She found him by the table filled with cocktails and food, speaking to a few people she couldn’t recognize. His eyes found Lucie’s in an instant, and he excused himself and went to her. She thought he looked amazing in his black and white evening suit.

“You came,” he said softly. “You’re late.”

Lucie rolled her eyes. She knew he was joking. “The people who count always come late,” she told him, smirking, and raised an eyebrow at him.

He grinned. “Come on, let’s go somewhere quieter to talk,” he suggested, and Lucie followed him outside of the ballroom, which was in a separate wing of the building.

There were a lot of people, she saw, all over the property. He must have invited the whole Clave. She was too distracted looking around that she shivered when he secured her hand in his and smiled warmly at her.

They were walking on a path in between the grass, and Lucie realized that she had already been there in the past. Her suspicions were confirmed when they stopped in front of the greenhouse doors. He opened one for her, and she entered, ready to face the disruption she had seen the last time she had been there, but she was astonished when she saw the place looked entirely different from the way she remembered it. Most of the plants had been either cut or substituted by new ones, and fresh, colorful flowers grew at the sides of the greenhouse. Now it was bright and clean like she had never seen it before. A witchlight here and there lighted the ambient and made it look like some place out of a fairytale.

“Do you like it, Lucie?”

“It’s wonderful,” she commented, seeing how many types of plants were actually there. “How did you do this?”

“I called several gardeners, and-” he interrupted himself, because she was rolling her eyes at him. “Okay, I’ll stop humoring you, Lucie. I was saying-”

“Why didn’t you come to see me after we got back?” she interjected. She understood that he wanted to tell her about the greenhouse and how he had restored it, but she needed to talk about important matters first. “I thought you would come,” she murmured, trying not to seem too hurt. “I believed you would talk to me.”

“I also asked myself the same thing,” he admitted, and she thought he was honest. “I needed time, Lucie. Time to think. I thought about what I wanted to do with my future, now that my mother has been taken away. If I could live as a shadowhunter, or I would rather live as a mundane. Do you know that my father left me a hefty inheritance? I could sit down all day and do nothing for the rest of my life, and I would still have money to survive,” he chuckled.

“Exercise is important,” Lucie said, and they both laughed.

“Yes, and not only that,” Jesse’s face turned serious. “It didn’t take me long to resolve what I wanted to do. The first thing I decided to dedicate myself to, was remodeling this house. I talked about it with my uncles, and they all agreed to help me with this. They are all incredibly nice and sweet, and I’m angry at my mother for lying about them. She said they were evil, and I even believed her. But now I know better,” he glanced at a cactus for a moment, and sighed. “Can you believe they said that they want me to keep Chiswick?”

“I do believe you, Jesse,” she nodded. She was aware of her uncles and aunts’ generosity.

“The second thing I resolved to do, was trying to understand if I could be a shadowhunter. You know that my mother also forbade me to live this life, literally, and I told myself: you should do it if you want to do it. I still don’t know much about it, but I am a good learner.”

“Yes, you are,” she agreed again, and he smiled at her.

“And if you’d help me, and you’d teach me, I’m sure I’ll get better in no time,” he said, and got closer to her.

“Of course I will help you. Of course.”

“Be with me, Lucie,” he took her hands in his. “Marry me.”

Lucie’s jaw dropped, and her skin flushed. Her heart would leap out of her chest if it could, she was sure. “But… don’t you believe it’s too early for this? I’ve just turned seventeen, we’re both seventeen, and…”

“We can wait until you are ready to make this step, but I can’t wait for you to give me an answer. I’ve lost seven years of my life already. I don’t want to lose more time and lose more occasions. I want to finally live my life,” he said with hope.

It was an honest request.

“With me?”

“Why does it sound too weird to you, Lucie? I think my life gained color when I first met you. After then, it was a crescendo of hues. You let me live even when I couldn’t. I wouldn’t want to tie your life to mine, knowing that I was dead. I wouldn’t want to subject you to the fate of loving someone who couldn’t be the person you deserved by your side, because I was half-alive. I would have never confessed my feelings for you, had I stayed a ghost.”

“Do you… love me?” her voice shook, and tears started to well in her eyes.

“Again, I wonder why does it sound impossible to you that I love you, Lucie?” Jesse asked, caressing her cheek tenderly. “I think I fell for you before I gave your brother my last breath. I thought I loved you because you were the only other person who could see me, but I was wrong. I waited for the night to fall so I could be with you. I missed you. I never developed any affection for anyone before you, and I realized it’s because you are special. And the Jesse Blackthorn who spent two months with you before I regained my memories knew it too.”

“Do you remember?”

“Yes, I remembered what happened after you brought me to life. I remember that I doubted you, but then asked for your help and you hid me while we figured how to get my memories back. I remember the first rune you drew on my arm when we entered this very house to bring the Black Volume back, and your shock when you saw me at the Cornwall Institute. I also remember our first kiss, and the way I fainted,” he laughed. “I already remembered after Magnus Bane finished performing that spell on me. I couldn’t place those frames at first, but then they clicked. Everything fell into place. And I… had to do something about it.”

“You organized a ball,” Lucie commented with a grin.

“I wanted to celebrate my life… Selfish, isn’t it?”

“Nah, you deserve it, Jesse Blackthorn. You’re the least self-centered person I know, although you are arrogant at times,” she shrugged, and he frowned. “And I love you. I want to be with you as long as life allows us to be together.”

He beamed, and smiled widely. “Can I kiss you, Lucie?”

“You can kiss me anytime you want,” she replied. “And this, of course, goes both ways,” Lucie said, and she rose on the balls of her feet to kiss him before he would do it.

He gave her his family ring next, and slid it on her fourth finger. They agreed on telling the news to everyone that night, and Jesse confessed that her parents already knew.

“That’s why I came to the Institute personally the other day,” Jesse told her as they returned back to the party. “I asked your father the permission to marry you.”

“And what did he say?” she asked, curious.

“He said that it was up to you. It wasn’t up to him to give me his permission. You were the only one who could accept or refuse my proposal. He added that if you said yes, he would know that I was worthy of you, because you would never choose somebody who didn’t deserve you.”

Lucie laughed. “Come on, let’s hurry. I think he is eager to find out what i said.”

...

EPILOGUE 6 Years Later

London, Spring 1910

“And then, the princess exclaimed: I came to destroy you! You dared to make the prince fall into a deep sleep, and I’ll never forgive you for this!” Lucie exclaimed giddily, as she dressed her son in the green pants and white shirt she had chosen for the event they were throwing that night. Lucie believed the baby needed to shine as much as his parents, since this party was also for him. “No, you won’t crush me! You’re just a little girl!” she continued, and the baby laughed as she put on his socks and shoes. “I’m not a little girl!” she said in a different one of voice, pretending she was fifteen years younger than she was now.

“Is prince Theodore ready, my lady?” Jesse asked from the doorway, as Lucie finished the last touch on their son’s outfit, a cute dark green bow tie.

Theodore was a healthy two year old baby with Lucie’s brown hair and blue-green eyes. Not quite like the color of either of his parents, but more of a mix between the two. Perhaps it would turn into the Blackthorn-Herondale trademark color. Who knew.

“He is now,” she replied, and she turned her face to let her husband of four years kiss her on the lips. “And so am I, thanks for asking.”

“I helped you close the zip of your dress because it got stuck, earlier,” he winked, and grabbed his jacket from the chair, then picked baby Theodore from the changing table, and kissed his cheek. The baby giggled excitedly.

Lucie checked herself in the mirror one last time, then they went down at the top of the stairs outside to wait for their guests, as they usually did on such occasions. It was their fourth wedding anniversary, and they had made it a tradition to throw a party at Blackthorn Hall every year. Blackthorn Hall used to be Chiswick House. They thought it deserved a name change after they had restored the place, to symbolize its renovation and brand new life.

They saw a few carriages approach, and Lucie smiled to herself. The party was about to begin.

“The zip of my dress didn’t get stuck,” she said out of the blue, continuing the conversation they were having inside. “I just gained weight on my stomach,” she glanced at him with a smirk.

Jesse frowned at first. “It’s okay Lu-” he said, then realized what she meant, and his eyes widened, filled with surprise but also joy. “Are you with child?”

Lucie smiled lovingly at her husband. “Happy Fourth Anniversary, my love,” she told him, and he gave her another kiss.

“I wanted to wait later to give this to you, but since we’re here,” he said, and took a white envelope from his pocket and gave it to her. “It came in the mail this morning. It looks thick.”

She glanced at her husband with expectations and hope. “Let’s open it,” she muttered, and started reading as fast as she could. She was trying to finish before the carriages would get too close to the house. “By the angel, by the angel!”

“What does it say?”

“Mrs. Lucie Blackthorn, we are happy to inform you that we found your manuscript interesting and creative, and we look forward to working with you. We would love to publish your work as soon as possible. Please come to our office as soon as you can, to sign the contract. Sincerely, Parks of London Publishing House,” she said, and she started jumping on the spot. “They will publish my book!”

“Careful, careful, though,” he advised, putting an arm on her shoulder and kissing her head. “I’m so happy for you, my beloved. Happy anniversary.”

And they all lived happily ever after.

Taglist (if you want to be added or removed, send me a PM): @princesslucretia @kit-12 @immortal-enemies @lucian-evander @esa-emery @danieldyers @blackthorn-trash @rinadragomir @fortunesandfables @itsdaughterofthemoon @silvenys@thomastair3 @livvyheronstairs @ holding-infinity-and-a-book @lovelaces @axoloteca

#tsc #tlh #blackdale #jesse blackthorn #lucie herondale #the last hours #the shadowhunter chronicles #chain of gold #chain of iron #chain of thorns #tweety.writes

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crimsonbluemoon · 4 years

Text

Working for Love: A TerrorMoo story 16/17

Hello hello! Happy Saturday to everyone reading this. This story’s been a lot of fun to write, and I’m happy to get this final part out. This is the technical ending to the story, but per Grace’s request, I’ll have an extra scene for people looking for a mature epilogue.

But for those who don’t, this is the final one! So please, enjoy.

OH! And also make sure to come to my new Discord’s Podcast tonight at 8pm! ‘The Creativity Corner’ is for writers and authors who want to have others to connect with, or fans that wanna help support their favorite content creators. We’ve got a happy little community right now, so come join us!

Our Podcast tonight will be about Burnout and Artblocks and how to push through them.

If you need the link, here it is. <3

Now enjoy the story!

Previous Part

Start from the beginning

Brian couldn’t keep the smile off his face if someone punched him (Tyler had already threatened to once, due to how ‘goofy’ his grin looked all day). Why?

Because he and Brock were together.

Well, sort of.

After comforting Brock during his breakdown, he’d spent a week sleeping at Brock’s place. Cuddling and kissing Brock every morning before life dragged them out of bed had been the best part of his day, and he felt high from the sensations that thrummed through his body each time Brock murmured his name with fondness. Sex hadn’t been talked about yet, which Brian understood. Brock had taken two hours to fully explain the negative effects his ex had on his body image, as well as his mental health. Just hearing how Brock’s previous boyfriend handled the situation was disgusting and left a bitter taste in his mouth. He’d split a pizza with Craig on Brock’s couch the next day, letting Brock catch up on sleep he’d been struggling to claim due to his anxiety. Mini looked rightfully spiteful when speaking about the ex, pointing out that the emotional abuse he’d provided Brock had been going on long before Brock even realized it.

Brian had made sure to cuddle Brock even tighter that night, hoping his warmth could chase away any residual pain left behind.

“You still didn’t ask him to be your boyfriend? You’re literally worse than Jonathan and Evan. I didn’t even think that was possible.” Tyler’s blunt statement made Brian laugh and Evan shrug, arms leaning on the front desk.

“There’s no expiration date on love.”

“You saying you love Jonathan?” Brian asked, forcing himself not to pump his fists when finally getting a hint of a blush on Evan’s face.

“I’m just here for the pizza man, not to get dissected.” And to prove his point, Evan reached forward to snag a piece from the box in front of him. The tradition of the gym was to provide pizza every first monday of the month as an incentive to get fair-weather members in for a work-out. The likelihood of them signing up for a class once there was higher, especially after the guilt of eating four slices of pizza came into play. It was a smart marketing move on Tyler’s part, Brian would give him that.

“Number one, you’re here because I still pay you for some fucking reason.” Tyler smacked the back of Evan’s hand, scowling when Evan only clutched the crust harder and took the pain in order to rip a bite off the piece.

“You can’t separate a man from his true love.”

“Funny, I don’t see Jonathan here.” Brian quipped back, snickering.

“Look who’s talking!” Evan’s childish reply didn’t deserve a response, so Brian ignored it by stuffing his own piece of pizza into his mouth.

“Number two,” Tyler continued, glaring at both guilty parties. “Stop eating the customer’s food.”

“It’s closing time; the only one whose gonna come in now is Brock,” Brian said, glancing to the clock. It was close to 9:30, meaning they only had a half hour before the place officially shut down. A quick sweep of the gym saw two, maybe three, people inside.

“And it’s so good.” Evan said, or that was what Brian thought he said, since pizza was muffling his words.

“Number three; you both are hopeless losers if you can’t get the balls to ask out the men you’re in love with. I barely even tolerate Mini, but I was smart enough to make it official.” The last piece of information made Brian choke on his slice. Tyler and Craig were dating? Since when?! What alternate reality was he living in? And were they fucking, because Tyler still was just as grouchy as he’d been during his dry spell. Brian was going to have words with Craig. “And for the last fucking time, Brian, put your hat on.”

“Can’t,” he coughed out after swallowing the ball of dough lodged in his throat. “Gotta go get the weights ready for Brocky, bye!”

“I’m going to fire you!” Tyler’s threat barely left a scratch on Brian as he tuned him out, humming when jogging through the gym to get to the weight rack. He’d set up time for Brock to work with him on free weights, which really was just a ploy to watch Brock’s bicep flex up close. All of Brock was handsome, but there was something about the transformation of his arm that really made Brian’s stomach heat with arousal. He wasn’t planning on getting anything out of it (other than a nice little image to think of in the shower), but Brian had already accepted that Brock could read a newspaper and he would somehow find it sexy. At least during this particular activity, he’d have a reason to ‘fix his form’.

“Hey.” Brian paused in moving one of the bars to the side when he heard a new voice call out to him, glancing over his shoulder at the newcomer. The man wasn’t out of shape, though the lack of definement on his muscles proved the gym wasn’t the first place he thought of going after work. It may have explained why he was calling out to Brian; he probably needed help with something he hadn’t learned to use yet.

“What can I help you with?” Brian asked, caught off guard by the once over he got. Sure, this wouldn’t be the first time someone had checked him out, but most did it from the corner of their eyes or behind machinery. The guy was bold, Brian would give him that.

“I’m new to this gym. Was wondering how to sign up for training lessons.”

“Most of our sessions are between the hours of 9am and 5pm; we rarely do one this close to closing. You can talk to Evan or Tyler at the front desk and see what trainer fits your timeframe,” Brian answered, giving a polite smile that stayed rigid with professionalism. Flirting was nice when he wasn’t dating someone, but Brian knew how to turn off his charm when he needed to. Here, seeing the obvious interest in Brian, he made sure to keep an appropriate distance from him when pointing out the front desk. “They’ll tell you all of our availability up there.”

“Are you free now?” Persistence did not look good on this man, and Brian had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. From the corner of his gaze, he caught a familiar face, and his smile was much easier to throw out when seeing Brock giving him a wave.

“Actually, I’m not. My boyfriend’s coming over to work out with me.” He’d said the title hundreds of times in his head, but it was the first that he’d let slip from his lips. And damn, did it feel good. He added a nod behind the man, who huffed and turned to inspect who Brian was talking about. Brian didn’t get to see the man’s reaction, because the joy that drained from Brock’s smile was far more important. Brock had never turned pale so fast in Brian’s presence, his wide eyes and quickened breathing both signs that something had gone terribly wrong. And fuck if people were watching (really it was just this one guy in the gym now), Brian needed to soothe him. “Brock? Sweetheart, you okay?”

“That’s who you’re dating?” The unnecessary bite to the man’s tone had Brian snapping his head back, his glare already reved up.

“That a problem?”

“He’s my ex-boyfriend.” A sentence had never made Brian’s stomach drop out and boil with rage at the same time.

He was going to give Tyler a reason to fire him, after all.

“You fucking asshole.” Brian’s hands grabbed the man’s shirt before slammed him into the mirror, fists shaking from how hard he was pressing into the other’s chest. “You fucking waste of life.”

“Brian!” Brock’s cry of his name was heard, but for once, he didn’t feel soothed by it. Instead, the hatred and anger blistered in his skin, his teeth clenched together between scalding words of disgust.

“You vile dick. You, you, think you have any right to say shit to Brock? That you deserve anyone close to his calibre? Are you fucking crazy?” His arms slammed the man back again when he tried to respond, not wanting to hear his response. “I should knock every one of your stupid teeth out-”

“Please stop!” Brock’s chest was warm when he grabbed Brian from behind, his forehead pressed to the back of Brian’s neck. The arms around Brian were strong, but shaking, and it was the fact that Brock was trembling that made Brian finally let go of the other’s shirt. Brock pulled him back a couple feet before another hand grabbed him, turning him to face Evan and Tyler.

“Yo, calm down dude,” Evan tried to be calm about the outburst, but Tyler’s anger palpable in the air.

“What the fuck was that? You can’t attack random ass people in the gym!”

“He’s not random!” Brian snarled back, sending a scathing glare toward the man now staring at Brock. Brock, who was now pressed to his side, hadn’t noticed the look, too busy grabbing Brian’s hands to check his knuckles for bruises. But Brian had, and he wanted to rip the man’s eyeballs out of his head for even thinking he had the right. “That’s Brock’s ex.”

“Oh shit.” Evan’s voice was quiet, but it seemed to echo from how silent the gym had become. Brock flinched next to him, but stayed silent on the topic, shaky fingers rubbing circles into Brian’s knuckles.

“Jesus fuck, what is my life.” Tyler’s groan was followed by his hand sliding down his face, but Brian picked up on some of his ire washing away. He wished his anger had lowered at all, but seeing Brock’s ex open his mouth made fury rise through him again.

“Brock, you… you lost some weight.” It was insulting to hear Brock’s accomplishment said with such a surprised tone. Brian’s spine was ready to snap with how stiff it was, but he held himself still when Brock’s hand slipped to his lower back and rubbed along the vertebrae.

“I’ve been working on being healthier,” Brock answered quietly, and Brian hated how hard it looked for Brock to make eye contact with the man who’d crushed him months ago. “It’s not really about the weight; just trying to be happy.”

“That’s what I meant, that’s what I’ve always been telling you-”

“No.” In an uncharacteristic rudeness that had Brian’s pride swelling, Brock steadied his feet and took a slow breath before continuing. “No, that’s not what you did. You tore me down and picked out everything you felt was wrong about me. It wasn’t about me being happy, it was about being good enough for you to date. You supported change; you just… you didn’t support me.”

“Well, I-”

“But now,” Brock’s hand paused in its movement against Brian’s back, and he didn’t need any incentive to lean down and kiss Brock’s temple for reassurance. He felt Brock lean into the connection for a moment, as if trying to absorb Brian’s confidence in him. “I’m with someone who will.”

“He’s only with you because you lost weight. If anything, I helped you. You’re never going to get better than you are now, which you only got to because I left you.”

“Brock’s been the same fucking person since day one, you prick. Do you really think losing weight made him different somehow? How blind can you be? I swear to God- say something stupid like that again-” Brian was ready to launch across the floor to tackle the man to the ground, but in a blink of an eye, the man was yanked out of sight. Surprised, Brian glanced over to see that Tyler had the guy by the scruff of the neck. Using his height and strength, he manhandled the ex to the front of the gym, his scowl fierce.

“Okay, I’m done with this. I have a no douchebag policy in my gym, and you’re well past that line. You’re done.”

“Excuse me? I have a membership-”

“I’ll mail you a fucking refund.” Evan let out a cheer when Tyler tossed the man out of the gym, the doors slamming shut behind him. Brian wanted to feel anything but anger, but his blood was boiling.

“Fuck!” Frustrated at himself for not chasing the man down, Brian pulled away from Brock, shoulders stiff when storming into the locker room. He barely made it past the door before he shouted again, hands slamming into the row of steel lockers lining the wall. His palms stung from the intense contact, but he didn’t care, needing to feel something other than pure rage. Why had that guy thought he had any right to make Brock feel worthless? All the emotional scars, the times Brock had lost sleep, the tears poured over that beautiful face were because of a piece of garbage like that? Another heavy roll of emotion washed over Brian, who clenched his hands and pounded against the lockers again. He leaned his forearms onto the cool metal, head no longer supported by his neck when he dropped it against the solid surface. Closing his eyes, Brian could feel his trembles trickling down his back, coasting along the skin light enough to create goosebumps in their path.

“Brian.” The voice was cautious and soft, and Brian wanted to curl into it and never come out. He didn’t move from his tense position against the locker, hearing Brock move closer. “Tyler said to tell you he really did revoke his membership. Just deleted him from the database, too.”

“Probably so I wouldn’t look up his address and beat the fock outta him.” And deep down, he knew Tyler’s caution was right on the money.

“You wouldn’t really-”

“I would.” He took his time lifting his head to make sure that Brock could take in the serious expression on his face. “I would do it without a second thought.”

“You shouldn’t do that.” Brock didn’t flinch away from the violence, but his concerned look was enough to settle some of the anger in Brian’s stomach.

“After everything that focker did to you, I’d be more than happy to rearrange his face. Give me one reason I shouldn’t.”

“Because that wouldn’t make me happy.” Brian felt his lungs release the final wisps of tension at Brock’s soft touch, palms sliding over his cheeks to cradle his face in his hands. “He’s a coward who would press charges, and then I’d be the one punished again. It’d just hurt me in the end.”

“Don’t want that,” Brian admitted without a fight. His shoulders slumped, leaning his weight onto the lockers. How did Brock ease his soul like this? Seconds ago, he’d been ready to tear through every house in the town in order to find the bastard who’d hurt the nicest man Brian had ever met. Now, nuzzling his nose against the soothing touch, he just wanted to hold Brock. But his body still shook with anger, and he didn’t trust himself to stay soft yet. Not the way Brock deserved. So he kept his forearms still, letting Brock take the lead in bringing their mouths together for a kiss that only lingered for a second. When Brock continued, the words caressed his lips like a whisper for nobody else to hear.

“Neither do I. So we need to put this behind us.”

“But he-”

“All that matters is that I’m here with you right now, not chasing after him to blow up his ego and make excuses for why other guys are stronger than him.” Brian could tell from the wistful way Brock’s tone shook that he’d been in those shoes far too many times before. “He can’t hurt me anymore. Maybe a year ago, seeing him would have ruined my confidence for days. But you helped me find my self-worth. I love myself too much to let him break me down again. And giving him any more of our time just feels wrong. So we’re not going to go after him; let his last memory of me be standing tall by your side without him. That’ll be worse than any bruise you’d give him, because it won’t ever fade. He’ll know I’m...”

Brock’s confidence faltered, and Brian’s focus zeroed in on the quiver of the thumb that brushed over his cheek again. Brock was trying to be so strong, to be the support that Brian needed after he lost his cool over the ex. He was so amazing, and it shook Brian how often the beauty of Brock’s personality was hidden to make others feel better. Like Brian, right in this moment. And playing the bull-headed gym idiot others tended to see him as, he’d forgotten something important.

“He’ll know you’re mine, sweetheart.” Brock’s face dusted with red was always Brian’s favorite image, and he felt a genuine grin catch the side of his lips at the sight. Still, he didn’t feel clear enough with his words. There was no way he was going to let Brock walk out of the locker room without knowing exactly what Brian wanted. Feeling in control of himself, Brian dropped one arm from the locker, his fingers roaming over the curve of Brock’s hip to pull him closer. Their chests met as Brian turned to face him, crowding him between his body and the lockers. “Tonight, he’s gonna go to sleep with the knowledge that I’m the luckiest son of a bitch in this town, because you’re my boyfriend.”

“Really?” The wide eyes and parted lips only lasted until Brian nodded. Then, like the first hint of sunlight over the horizon, Brock’s face bloomed with awe. His cheeks were stilly rosy, rounded and perfect to cradle the cute nose between them. His lips couldn’t hide his teeth from how brightly he smiled, eyes aglow with a warmth that would make fire jealous. Hands that others could find too clammy or pudgy were soft silk holding Brian’s cheek tightly, their foreheads meeting in the middle without words. Brian couldn’t stop himself from kissing Brock once, twice, three times more, his own relief growing with each second Brock didn’t deny the claim. And when he needed to pull away (because lungs didn’t care about romance), he made sure to use the space to answer Brock’s silly question.

“I’ve been head over heels for you since I saw you singing on the treadmill.”

“Oh my God, Brian. You're the worst.” But the pure joy that came out of Brock’s watery laughter proved he didn’t mean it at all. Brian wanted to feel that giggle on his mouth, but before he could lean in again, a crackle shot through the air.

“Attention, love birds! Tyler and I would like to go home sometime before Christmas, so please stop fucking in the locker room. And clean any sex messes you make!” Mini’s loud cackle after the comment could be heard outside of the loudspeaker, and Brian laughed at the absurdity of their lives. Brock didn’t seem to find the humor in it, groaning before dropping his head onto Brian’s shoulder.

“I take it back; Craig’s the worst.” Despite rubbing Brock’s back to show sympathy, Brian couldn’t wipe the grin off his face if he tried.

Because he and Brock were together.

No doubt about it.

And look at that; happy ending! I love these two, theyre so fun to write. <3 So I hope you’ve enjoyed this! Don’t forget about our Podcast tonight, come join and hang out, and as always, like, reblog, and let me know what you think! <3

#Terrormoo #The Gaming Terroriser #Moo Snuckle #Soft boys #<3 #Crimson drabblez

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lovemychoices · 4 years

Text

The Lost Prince - TRR AU [Liam x MC] Mini Series - Chapter 4

After being married for three years and unable to produce an heir, Liam and Riley are about to give up when Liam gets an unexpected news that changes his life forever.

Genre : Romance, Drama

*THIS SERIES PRACTICALLY THROWS CANON OUT THE WINDOW* YEET!YEET!

Characters except my OCs belong to Pixelberry, I am just borrowing them

Word count : 2k ++ ish.

Chapter Summary: 6 months later

A/N : One more chapter to go and then an epilogue! Sorry I couldn’t put the keep reading option since I’m posting via phone. Anyways enjoy.

WARNINGS : GUN VIOLENCE AND CHARACTER DEATH

Warning : I’m rating this PG18 cause there will probably be PG18 stuff that’s going to happen in future chapters. So if you read this series you acknowledge that you are 18 and above.

Catch up with other chapters HERE

6 months later...

The sound of the bustling staff parade through the halls of the Cordonian palace as they get ready for what was going to be a memorable day for the country. Liam sat in his office going through some proposals that required his attention before he had to get ready for tomorrow's big event and he was excited because it’s going to be Theon’s official debut as the crown prince of Cordonia.

When they first brought Theon to Cordonia six months ago, the press would not stop hounding them. Apparently someone tipped them regarding the King returning to Cordonia with his illegitimate son. Between retaking the paternity test as demanded by half the council and the couple trying to help Theon adjust to his new home, things weren’t as easy as they thought or at least it wasn’t at first. Luckily Theon adjusted quickly to his new life, he began to grow on Riley the more time they spent together and loved him like he was her own son.

4 months ago..

Riley sat in front of the dresser putting on her moisturizer, she smiled as she saw her husband's reflection in the mirror as he entered the room. “Is he finally asleep?”

“Yes, we didn’t even make it halfway through the story.” Liam replied, walking up to his wife giving her a kiss on the forehead. Riley lets out a soft giggle. “He must be tired from our picnic by the lake this afternoon, we had quite the adventure.”

Liam took her hand and kneels beside her, his head tilted upwards, eyes gazing into hers an adoring expression on his face. “Thank you, Riley.”

“You don’t have to thank me Liam, I love spending time with Theon.” She replied with a genuine smile.

Liam shook his head. “It's not just that, it’s for everything else. You’ve been so supportive of Theon and of me. I know it’s not easy helping raise someone else’s son.”

“To be honest Liam, I was afraid at first. I didn’t want to make Theon think that I was replacing his mother. I was afraid he might hate me because of that but it’s quite the opposite, he is a very sweet and kind boy just like his father. And I love him just as much as I love you.”

“You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that and I think Theon cares about you too. He wouldn’t stop going on about his time with you today.” He beams. “We’re both lucky to have you Riley.” Riley gave Liam a thoughtful look before broaching a subject that’s been on her mind for quite some time. “About Theon, I know we never talked about it because you probably just wanted to spare my feelings but I think you should speak with the council and declare Theon as your legitimate heir and the official crown prince of Cordonia.”

Liam’s expression is somewhere between surprise and joy. “Riley, I don’t know what to say. Are you sure about this? But what if we have a child someday?” Riley smiled, taking his hand and giving it a warm squeeze. “Then I will still stand by my decision, Theon will be the next heir of Cordonia. Also, I think it’s time we file the paperwork and make him an official Rhys.”

Liam beamed his heart filled with happiness at that moment, he scoped Riley in his arms and twirled her around, making her giggle. Liam gave her a kiss on the lips. “You don’t know how much hearing this from you means to me. How can I ever repay you, my queen?” She grinned mischievous at him. “I know one way you can start.” She gestured towards their luxurious king size bed. “As you wish my queen.”

Present day.

“Knock Knock.” A voice calls out from the entrance of the office door, Liam lifts his head and sees Maxwell peeking his head between the gap of the door. “Mind if we intrude for a little?” Maxwell asks beaming.

“We?”

“Stop blocking the door Maxwell and go in already!” Drake growls, giving an eye roll. The two enter, Drake holding a bottle of whiskey in his hand while Maxwell saunters towards the bar cart grabbing a few glasses. The two take a seat opposite Liam. “Thought we could use a drink to celebrate.” Drake mentions as he opens up the bottle of whiskey and pouring it into the glasses. “Drake is that the vintage whiskey I got you for your birthday last year?” Liam questions him.

“Yup, only the best for special occasions.” He beams, taking a sip of the expensive amber liquid. “Where’s Leo? I thought he’d be here by now?”

“His flight got delayed but he and his family should be arriving at the palace in an hour.” He replies, giving both gentlemen a curious look. “Have any of you seen Riley?”

“I saw her with Hana, talking final preparations a few moments ago. Apparently Madeleine has been missing all day for some reason so Riley and Hana are picking up the slack.” Maxwell answers with a shrug. “We’ve been trying to call her all day but no answer.”

Drake snorts a laugh. “She probably heard Leo is coming and is trying to avoid him and Amara.” “I won’t fight you one that answers.” Liam chuckles, taking his phone on the desk to text Riley.

Liam : Hey is everything going ok? Drake and Maxwell told me about Madeleine suddenly being MIA.”

Riley : I have most things under control, by the way can you have Maxwell meet me and Hana at the east wing?”

Liam : Alright, I’ll let him know.I Love you my Queen.

Riley : I love you too my king.

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

Riley giggles at the text she got from Liam, even after all these years being married she still gets butterflies whenever her husband tells her he loves her. It was an hour past noon and Riley still had a lot of arrangements to take care of before Theon’s big day, things that should have been done by Madeleine had she not decided to suddenly go missing. Luckily for her she had friends who were more than willing to help her out.

“Riley, I’ve talked to the baker, they’ll have the cake delivered tomorrow two hours before the event and Olivia has just arrived, she’s going to meet us at the kings office.” Hana informs Riley as she saunters towards her beaming. “And I’ve talked to Bastien, he already has the guards stationed everywhere in case anything happens.”

Riley lets out a sigh of relief, looping her arm with Hana’s. “Thanks Hana and I’m sorry I got you roped into all this, especially since you’re in your last trimester.”

Hana chuckles gently placing one hand on her 8 month pregnant belly. “It’s fine, besides i could use some exercise. Now common, Maxwell should be waiting for us at the east wing right now.”

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

While Liam and Liam were hanging out at the king’s office and Riley, Hana and Maxwell were busy going through some last details, Theon was in his room at the kings quarters playing with his favourite stuffed lion.“Rwww!” He roars, jumping in front of his nanny. She acts surprised and gives an exaggerated gasp. “Oh no! A fierce lion is going to eat me, whatever will I do?”

“Lancelot the Lion isn’t going to eat you. He is here to protect from all the bad people. Lancelot the brave is what they call him.” He said, his expression stoic.

The nanny chuckles. “Well then, We must be really lucky to have him on our side.” Theon nods beaming then continues to run about the room with his stuff Lion. “Be careful young prince, we wouldn’t want any bumps and bruises before your big party tomorrow.” She reminds him, shaking her head then continues with her reading.

A little while later the doorbell to the quarters rings. The nanny closes her book and puts it on the side table before heading for the door, when she opens it and is greeted by one of the king's guards. “Package for the queen, his royal majesty requested I send it here.”

The nanny gives her an inquiring look, she’s never seen this one before, must be one of the new recruits that came last week. “I’m sorry I’ve never seen you before, where is Mara?”

“Mara is my senior, I am currently training under her and she asked me to bring this over while she runs something with Bastien. Something about the last security details before the big event tomorrow. Now if you don’t mind, this box is quite heavy.”

The nanny hesitates but nods and steps aside to let her in. “You can put it over there.” She gestures towards the white marbled island. The king's guard enters, placing the box on top of the island. “Is that all?” The nanny asks.

The king's guard takes one look at her, a wicked grin curling at the corner of her lips. “Actually there is.” She said reaching for the inside of her blazer and pulling out a gun with a silencer attached, shooting the nanny dead straight in the chest without another word. The woman sneered as she hovered over the nanny, watching as she lay on the floor lifelessly bleeding out. “Pathetic.” She scoffs, taking off her wig letting her real hair flow down her shoulders, she starts peeling off the silicone paste from her nose and cheeks. “Now onto the next business.”

She heads upstairs to where Theon’s room is located, when she opens the door she sees him still playing with his toy. He turns around when he notices her walking over towards him. “Hello Theon, would you like to play a little game?” She sneers, a glint of wickedness in her eyes.

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

Back at the king’s office, the two men were still seated with a glass of whiskey in hand chatting when Riley, Hana, Maxwell and Olivia entered the room. “Ah I knew the two of you would still be here.” Riley said as she sauntered towards her husband, leaning in to give him a soft kiss before turning to Drake. “I’ll have a glass of that if you don’t mind.”

Drake chuckles. “You sure look like you could use one.” Riley and Hana lets the men get up to speed on everything they have been doing since they found out Madeleine decided to go missing this morning for some “urgent business.” A little while later they are interrupted by a knock on the door. “Come in.” Liam states.

The door opens and in walks his assistant with his hand folded behind him. “Your majesty, Dr Suri is on the other line. She wants to have a word with you and the Queen.” Dr. Suri was the new gynecologist they started seeing a week ago. She was highly recommended by Hana and since they were going nowhere with their old doctor they decided to try this one. But no one except their friends knew about this. The doctor suggested that Riley and Liam have another test done to see if there was something the old doctor missed.

Liam gives a nod and the assistant walks out of the room. The rest of the gang give each other a knowing look. “We should head out, the two of you might want some privacy.” Drake mentions.

“No it’s fine Drake, we could use the moral support for whatever the result is.”

The couple give each other a comforting look before pressing the speaker on the phone. “Dr. Suri, it's King Liam and Queen Riley, are you calling about our results?”

“Yes, I’m sorry to bother both of you. I know our next appointment is not for another two weeks but I think this couldn’t wait. The two shared a worried look, Liam holding onto Riley’s hand giving it a comforting squeeze. Both hoping it was nothing serious. “Is it something we should be worried about?”

”Goodness nothing of the sort. The two of you are perfectly healthy, the reason I’m calling is because I found high levels of estrogen and progesterone in her majesty’s blood system. If you don’t mind could you send me a picture of the supplements you’ve been taking these past three years? Not the bottles but the pills inside them.”

Riley raised her eyebrow curious, the others also made the same expression. “Sure, would you give me a minute, I have them in my purse.” She quickly grabs her purse and takes them out from a small pill organizer then takes a clear picture and sends it to her doctor.

“I’ve received your photo.” She acknowledges. “And it’s as I suspected. Your majesty you’ve been taking birth control pills instead of folic acid this entire time.” An air of silence filled the room, everyone was shocked by the news. All this time Riley thought there was something wrong with her when there wasn’t it was the pills that were the problem but still she had to ask. “Are you positively sure doctor?”

“I am, I’ve been doing this for more than two decades and I can assure you these are birth control pills not folic acid. I suggest you speak with the person who was in charge of handling your medication.”

Liam and Riley share a knowing look. “Madeleine.” They mutter in unison. Madeleine was the one who was in charge of getting Riley’s supplements and vitamins. In Fact she herself insisted on it not even Riley’s assistant was allowed to get them. “I always knew that bitch couldn’t be trusted.” Olivia spat.

Suddenly Bastien barges into the room, starling everyone, a worried expression on his face. “Apologies for your majesties for barging in like this but something happened in the king's quarters.”

Liam jumps out from his seat, his heart racing. “What happened Bastien?!”

Bastien gives Liam a regretful look. “One of the staff went to the king's quarters to bring the prince his lunch and found the nanny laying on the floor in a pile of blood. She had been shot in the chest. And the prince, he is missing.”

**********

TRR/TRH @charliejane-blog @dcbbw @hopefulmoonobject @cmestrella @pixieferry @lodberg @traeumerinwitzhelden @romanticatheart-posts @gnatbrain @the-soot-sprite @texaskitten30 @ao719 @desireepow-1986 @emceesynonymroll @jessiembruno @kinkykingliam @jlpplays1 @annekebbphotography @thecordoniandiaries @rainbowsinthestorm @jessiembruno @leelee10898 @cordonianroyalty @lauradowning29 @msjr0119 @janezillow @heauxplesslydevoted @cordonia-gothqueen @kacie-0156 @bebepac @queenjilian @sanchita012

#choices the royal romance #the royal romance au #the royal heir au #liam x mc #trr liam #trr drake #trr maxwell #trr hana #trr olivia #trr au fanfic #TRH AU FANFIC

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greyias · 4 years

Text

FIC: Watershed

Title: Watershed Fandom: SWTOR Pairing: Theron Shan/f!Jedi Knight Rating: T Genre: Angsty angst angst Synopsis: She has to wonder if maybe this was what that fabled ever after feels like from the stories. Where everyone flies off into the stars together, happy to the end of their days. Perhaps the wave will never find its shore, forever tumbling in this sea of bliss. Spoilers: So many spoilers. For the end of Onslaught and its epilogue. Like from almost the very first paragraph.

She can’t stop smiling. Her cheeks should ache from it, but her heart seems to be so overflowing with joy that it’s leaking out everywhere.

Perhaps it’s unbecoming for a member of the Jedi High Council, those who are to be so revered and wise that they inspire everyone around them to greatness. She can’t help it though. For the first time in a long, long time, everything feels like it has fallen into place. Even though there is war, it feels like things are genuinely starting to right themselves in the galactic sense. With Kira and Scourge’s return, her crew is whole again. The Republic is starting to resemble the place she’d grown up in, the Jedi Order is reforming and stars. They want her to help shape it.

That still feels odd and wonderful and absolutely terrifying and she’d said yes, but only afterwards realized that she maybe should have said no. Grey had built a far different life after Zakuul had upended the galaxy — one where she tried to uphold the Jedi ideals that had shaped her life but… not all of them. It’s not exactly a secret that she had fallen in love and gotten married — to the son of the former Grand Master of the Order no less. Although when she thinks of Master Satele’s struggles with with family and detachment, and the effect it has had on the lives around her, perhaps there are some pieces of Jedi dogma that need to be addressed. Reshaped.

It should feel wrong to criticize her old mentor’s decisions, but as the physical embodiment of said decisions wraps his arms around her, all thoughts of self-recrimination and any second thoughts are immediately chased away as that all-encompassing euphoria washes over her again. Theron’s chin settles on her shoulder, his cheek pressing against hers as he pulls her close in the crush of the crowd at the bar. His close proximity sends a thrill through her as his voice rumbles low where only she can hear.

“What do you say we take this celebration somewhere more… private?”

His meaning carrying on the low, sultry tone and he way his fingers curl around her hip.

And as much as she loves being back with the Republic, celebrating their victories and renewed fellowship — it is too tempting of an offer to refuse. She could spend the entire trip back to Odessen getting lost in his arms, and probably to Lana’s eternal dismay probably will, but right now she just wants to ride his wave of elation until the very end. To whatever shore it crashes upon.

As she lay in his arms afterwards — sweaty, sated, exhausted, and still smiling like her face has gotten stuck this way — she has to wonder if maybe this was what that fabled ever after feels like from the stories. Where everyone flies off into the stars together, happy to the end of their days. Perhaps the wave will never find its shore, forever tumbling in this sea of bliss.

She is still caught up in it, even as she meets with Kira and Scourge to discuss the urgent matter they had spoken of on Carrick Station. Discussing their years long quest to find Valkorion—Tenebrae’s—original body to destroy it.

“When you purged the last of Valkorion from your mind,” Scourge says, “that is when his final weapon was unleashed. A Sith ritual, carved into the very flesh of his original body, unleashed an ancient plague from every molecule of his decaying corpse.”

“We were both knocked out cold,” Kira adds. “Comatose for… more than a year. Satele Shan was the one who finally pulled us out of that nightmare… and started a new one.”

The seemingly endlessly tumbling wave finally crashes ashore, the almost omnipresent effusion of joy scattering around her like droplets suspended in mid-air. Each of them chanting in unison, an endless stream of “no, no, no” as if that would somehow hold reality at bay. As if denial itself can stitch back together a false sense of peace for just a few moments more. Valkorion having built in one last ditch effort at enacting vengeance upon the galaxy is not the big surprise it should be. It is not the thing shattering her newfound happiness.

It is Master Satele. She had saved the last of Grey’s crew, bringing their odd little family back together at long last. But in rescuing Kira and Scourge from the from the disease rotting off the flesh of Tenebrae’s corpse, Satele has gotten herself snared in that monster’s web. The thought of her old friend, her old mentor, Theron’s mother, slowly fading to illness and her mind being overtaken by not just darkness but some remnant of Valkorion is… it’s smothering. For a moment, it just roots her to the spot, that feeling of being trapped in her own mind, darkness pressing in from every side as a malevolent entity tries to pick apart every piece of her soul and restitch it into something grotesque and unnatural.

Her fingers unconsciously stray to the hilts of her lightsabers. They smooth across the beautiful patterned swirls, etched into the metal over a lifetime ago. The action is as grounding now as it had been the first time that Satele had laid them in her hands. Back when the first time Grey had emerged from the darkness, and her mentor’s kindness had been a light to guide the way. And now it seemed… it was time to repay that kindness in turn.

She tries to take in a deep, calming breath, but the sound of air rushing in her nose just makes a whistling noise. It doesn’t sound at all like Theron’s name, but that’s all she can hear. The need to find him, talk to him is all that fills her. He needs to know what’s happening. This is his mother, he needs to be involved in this process somehow. This isn’t just her decision, this is their family and—

Scourge is still talking.

Talking about failsafes. Last ditch efforts to keep Valkorion’s last plague on the galaxy from spreading. The part of her that is logical, the part of her that is a Jedi, knows that he’s correct. The need to contain the contagion must ought weigh the part of her that is desperate to save Satele. To try and save Theron from knowing the pain of what it’s like to lose a parent. To spare him the emptiness that follows Grey around every day, unable to ask for her own mother’s opinion or advice or just one last smile. The bond between Theron and Satele is different—strained at best—she knows that. But it’s still there. And it’s worth fighting for all the same.

There’s a small part of her that almost doesn’t want to tell him. That wants to keep this quiet and between her and Kira and Scourge. To handle this herself and just let him know when the matter is settled for good or for ill. It’s a selfish and immature part of her, built out of fear and insecurity. Fear over Theron’s reaction, insecurity of being able to control him. She knows firsthand the lengths he’s willing to go to save those he loves, how he can put himself in danger because he doesn’t think. Just reacts. The thought of him rushing headlong onto an infected ship and getting himself pulled under the same disease as Satele makes her breath hitch, squeezes around her chest like a vice. As much as she wants to spare him the pain of losing his mother, she knows she cannot lose him again. Especially not to Valkorion’s last vengeance.

It is a selfish, quicksilver desire trying to masquerade as protection. To try and control him with misinformation, even if it is to keep him safe, are not the actions of a trusting partner. There’s only the briefest, fleeting thought of the irony of her keeping him in the dark as she embarks on a dangerous mission in order to keep him safe. She squashes it just as quickly, because that is not love either. It is pettiness. To try and draw parallels between this situation and his decision to go undercover is trying to justify a wrongful action. And it is also not unlike comparing muja to a sphere-fruit as the situations are not the same at all.

She lets that desire go, for it is not the actions of a wife, a partner in all things. Nor of a Jedi, but that is only secondary. Maybe even tertiary. She and Theron made their vows to each other, and she will not walk back on them because of her own insecurities and fears. If she is to trust him, and she does, she really, really does, then she will trust him with the truth. Will trust that he can be honest with her in return. And that they will face this together.

He finds her waiting on the couch in their quarters. Feet pulled up in an awkward attempt at failed meditation to calm her nerves. Calm her racing mind and twisting gut. His clever eyes take in the scene, the casual grin slipping from his face as soon as his eyes meet hers. She wonders again if she’s doing the right thing. They’ve both been so happy — he deserves to keep that, doesn’t he? Let one of them float along in this bliss. However it’s just another excuse to try and keep him from pain. To delay being the one to deliver it. She doesn’t want to hurt him. Even in her darkest moments she’s never wanted to hurt him.

Besides, they’ve already been down this road before. Hiding the truth in an attempt to protect each other makes things worse in the long run. It just brings more pain on both parties.

“You okay?” he asks, expression scrunching up in concern.

“Theron, come sit down.”

His brows furrow further, lips pressing together as he crosses the room. His once-easy gait transforming on his approach, spine straightening, shoulders bunching up as if he’s coiling up in defense. Even as he takes his seat next to her, it’s quick, perfunctory, rather than an inelegant flop across her lap when he’s free of cares.

“What’s wrong?” The question is quiet, filled with such soft concern that she feels something twinge in her chest.

“Please just listen to me first,” she says, “before you do anything.”

“Of course.”

He just looks so earnest and worried as he folds his hands over hers in a gesture so sweet and caring that it nearly undoes her. No one else sees this side of him. Most think he’s only made of up of snark, work, and seriousness. He’s sometimes let others see a slightly more carefree side during parties or at the cantina unwinding — but they never see this soft, sweet man who looks at her as if she’s the only person in the galaxy. They might see him sometimes laugh or smile, but they’ve never seen how beautiful it is without his walls obscuring them. She wonders when the next time she’ll see it again, already hating herself for upsetting his happiness.

But if it were her mother, she’d want to know. She wouldn’t want it hidden from her. And despite the differences between him and Satele, she’s pretty sure he would too.

“Kira and Scourge told me where they had gone,” she starts slowly, working her way up to it, “they were tracking down Tenebrae—Valkorion’s original body. To destroy it. At the same moment I had banished him from my mind and into the void.”

He watches her as she speaks, listening dutifully as promised with sharp eyes, jaw set, and a familiar look settling into place. Back when Valkorion had still been taking up residence in her head, Theron had not remained quiet about his feelings on the matter. Sometimes she had wondered if he had somehow hated Valkorion more than her, with some of the expressions she had caught settling in on his face when the ghost would make his appearance. The look on his face now is similar to the ones back then, and she recognizes it now as a sign that he’s getting protective, preparing to throw himself between danger and the one he loves.

It is both a frustrating and heartwarming sight, but this is not about her. So she shakes her head, attempting to summon that Jedi calm, and try to keep her voice steady as she tells the next part.

“He had done something to his old body, Theron. Some sort of ancient Sith ritual that unleashed a plague that sent Kira and Scourge into a coma for over a year,” she says. “Satele found them—pulled them out of it.”

Theron starts at the name, clearly not expecting this part of the tale. “Is that where she’d gotten off to?”

“Theron.” Her voice fails, her, cracking. It has the unintended effect of him going silent and deathly still. It almost seems like slow motion, watching as he has difficulty swallowing suddenly, eyes meeting hers with a sudden naked fear. “She was infected.”

She can see the realization dawn on his face as he parses through her words. Brows knitting together as an undecipherable series of conflicting emotions race across his face. She wishes she could identify any of them, but his mother has always been the subject he’s been the most tight lipped about.

“Is she…?”

His tone is terse, almost harsh. Someone who didn’t know him better might think the harshness to be a mirror of his feelings, rather than the only way he can get out the words when the undercurrents race too strong.

“No, she’s not,” Grey says, “not yet.”

Even as she says it, she realizes he didn’t quite finish the question and doesn’t know if he’s asking if Satele is still alive, or if she’s been overtaken by the disease. She takes in a breath, letting it fill her lungs and using the moment to gather the calm that she needs to provide. This is Theron’s mother, not hers. Regardless of how close they are, he is the one allowed to be overcome with emotion right now and she needs to be his touchstone.

“What’s it doing to her?” His tone hasn’t softened yet.

“They’re in stasis right now,” she says carefully, “they’re sleeping, but it’s not… pleasant. Nightmarish. And it’s… connecting the minds of the infected together. Merging them somehow.”

The stony expression on his face slips only for a moment as he recoils in horror, for a moment revealing the depths of emotion roiling underneath the surface. She understands it, as the description brought to mind so many horrors, including all of the poor souls on Ziost that tore each other apart under Vitiate’s influence.

“Kira and Scourge say stasis isn’t stopping the infection, just slowing the progression,” she clarifies, choosing her words carefully. “They’re all quarantined on a transport, we’ve sent a signal to alter its course so we can intercept it. It will take time for it to come back in range. Enough time to make plans.”

“Plans?” Theron’s voice is still rough. Terse. And there’s more emotion contained in that one questioning word than some could fill in a book.

She blinks a few times, reminding herself to stay centered. To not get pulled under the tide of his emotions, and instead squeezes his hand. Trying to summon a confident, comforting smile she doesn’t really feel.

“Right now our plan is for the three of us to board the ship and connect our minds together with the Force and try and reach Satele. To save her. All of them. We’re immune to this contagion in the way that others aren’t.”

His eyes are sharp again, expression shuttered as he processes things. “How can you be sure?”

The question catches her off guard. “Be sure of what?”

“Be sure you won’t get infected?”

His voice is so rough and fierce it takes her aback. For just a moment, they’re both back in Alliance Staging Area, right before their mission to Umbara. And he’s vowing to do anything to protect her. It doesn’t matter what the threat against her is, he will always want to put himself between her and it. She blinks. This is not the time for this. So she pushes the past away, choosing to focus on the present.

“We’ve all been vessels for his power in the past,” she says carefully, and he presses his lips together so tightly she wonders if it hurts. “It… inoculates us. Almost like a vaccine. I’ve been his vessel for so long, back then… and again. I’m probably the most protected from this disease.”

Theron’s quiet, his expression still set in a deep frown, his hands clasped together tightly in front of him. She wants to something to comfort him. She hates seeing him like this and just wants to make it better. But she can’t, not at the present moment. So she waits. Because he’s always so patient with her when she’s the one struggling. She needs to give him time to process, let him work through everything himself. He’ll come to her when he’s ready.

It takes less time than she expects, but still feels like an eternity when he finally breaks his pensive pose. Looking back at her with a movement so quick and precise, like a razor’s edge.

“I don’t like it.” His voice is still taut. He’s wound so tight, ready to spring.

“I know,” she says. She doesn’t either, but it’s the hand they’ve been dealt. “This is their best chance, Theron—I’m their best chance.”

“I can’t—” His voice cracks then and he stops, jaw snapping shut with a loud click as he looks away. He swallows, still facing the other way as he grinds out, “I don’t want anything to happen to Satele.”

He takes a few more breaths, seeming to try and gather his thoughts a little more.

“Look, I know we’ve never been some holo-perfect family that sends out cards every Life Day. If there’s a chance to save her… she’d do the same for me.” There’s something in his voice that makes it sound like it cost him something to admit that aloud, but she does not know what it is.

Instead she simply nods, laying a hand softly on his knee, giving it a simple squeeze to let him know she’s listening. Waiting. It’s enough for him to drag his gaze back to her. The guarded expression is gone now, shutters thrown open wide so that pure, raw emotion can shine through.

“But I can’t lose you. I don’t want to choose, but if I have to—”

“You don’t have to choose, Theron,” Grey says, being sure to project confidence in her voice, because that’s what he needs right now. The hero, not the wife. She much prefers the latter role to the former, but she will give him whatever it is he needs. “If she can be saved, then I will save her.”

“And if she can’t be?” His tone is angry, aggressive, challenging. She’s not sure if it’s directed at her or the situation. He’s pinned her with a piercing, unblinking gaze. Even knowing him as she does, it’s unnerving. For a stranger she imagines it would be downright intimidating.

“Scourge has a contingency plan,” she says hesitantly, “if we can’t purge the infection, he proposes to destroy the transport. And all those on board.”

Theron’s nose wrinkles, the line of his mouth twisting up into an ugly expression he can’t quite shove down. The expression smooths out as he nods his head succinctly, as if concluding some silent discussion with himself.

“Okay,” he says roughly, “I’m coming.”

“Theron, you can’t,” she barks, “you’ll be infected too!”

“No, no, I know that—I’m not—I won’t compromise the mission,” his voice is earnest, sincere even as fierce as it still is. “But you need backup, onboard the shuttle. Someone will have to be there to evacuate you. And set the detonation if it comes to that.”

Grey stares at her husband like he’s lost his mind, unable to comprehend what she’s hearing.

“You can’t—she’s your… you can’t, Theron!”

“Can’t I?”

“She’s family!” Her voice sounds as much like a plea as a denial to her own ears.

“And so are you,” he says fiercely, “you’re my family.”

“This isn’t about me.”

“I know you, and I know how you get about family.” His eyes meet hers, gaze hard and unflinching, but voice still gruff. “Are you going to tell me that you won’t get tunnel vision? That you’ll know when to pull out? Be able to make that call if Satele is beyond saving?”

If he had slapped her in the face, it probably wouldn’t have stung as much as his words. It’s not wounded pride over her judgement being called into question, although that smarts too, but he’s not… entirely wrong.

No one in her life will ever fill that maternal void that was left when her mother was killed. But of everyone in her adult life, Satele had always come the closest to ever providing anything near the warmth and security and guidance of Grey’s own lost mother. There had been other mentors and masters; men who had stood in as paternal figures throughout her life. But there was something special about the memory of her long lost, loving mother that was difficult to replicate completely. She’d do anything to spare Theron from having to know this particular pain — but it’s not completely selfless. Grey doesn’t want to lose another mother herself. As much as she’s even allowed to think of Satele as one.

“Can you make that call?” she asks, sounding angry and petulant.

“Better me than Scourge,” Theron says flatly.

She should defend her friend and his judgement and ability to make hard decisions such as these — but she can’t. For as long as Scourge has lived, all of the wisdom and experience he’s been able to gather, from what she has witnessed, it seems that in retrospect most of his hard decisions are motivated not for the preservation of life but fear. Fear of time running out and not reaching an end goal, of getting distracted from destroying an enemy. She knows he’s changed since Valkorion’s death, that his mortality has changed him—but she has not seen firsthand yet if his motivations have changed with it.

Taking a shortcut out of fear and trying to pass it off as a “hard decision” is ultimately short sighted. Just as short sighted as trying to bring back what has been lost. The thought chastens her, and she lets out a long breath, and with it, attempts to release her own selfish motivations into the ether.

“Satele would want me to do the right thing,” Theron says, voice finally softening. “And you too.”

“I know,” she finally gets out, “I can separate my feelings… of what I want. Versus what needs to be done.”

“She’d never forgive either of us if we unleashed a horror on the galaxy just to save her.” His expression is still guarded, as if he doesn’t quite believe his wife’s acquiescence.

“You don’t have to be there, Theron,” Grey says, “if it… if we have to make that call. You don’t have to watch that. Even from the safety of another ship.”

He swallows, his expression darkening again as his eyes drop back to where he’s folded his hands tightly in his lap. There’s something else going on there, something he can’t put into words yet. She’s never completely grasped the unique dynamic between the estranged mother and son. Ever since Grey had met him, there has been a part of her that has desperately wanted to find a way for them to bridge that gap.

Perhaps it’s a bit selfish of her, seeing such an opportunity lost that she’ll never have again herself. But the two of them are alike in so many little ways that she doesn’t think either of them will ever fully realize. Sometimes it’s maddening, staying on the edges. Keeping out of it. They would both gain so much by having each other in their lives. But much like in hiding the truth of this situation from Theron, it’s not her decision to make.

“I hate this,” he finally mutters.

She lays a hand on him gently, giving it a comforting squeeze. “I do too.”

“What’s that they say about ignorance being bliss?” It’s meant to be a joke, but his tone is biting and bitter.

“Would you rather have not known?” She asks cautiously, wondering again if she’s made the right decision here. He blinks at that, as if it hadn’t occurred to him that she could have kept this to herself.

“It sucks that it’s happening either way, but I don’t… I wouldn’t want you to have to deal with this without me.” She nods, but before she can say anything he adds, “At least this way I know I’ll have done everything I can, that we will have tried every avenue. I won’t have to spend the rest of my life second guessing.”

She nods, and there’s another long pause, his eyes straying back to his hands.

His voice is quiet, almost small as he speaks. “I wasn’t there when Master Zho was killed — I was dealing with Darth Mekhis. I mean, he made his own decisions, I don’t think he regretted them? But it’s easy to wonder, ‘what if I’d been there?’ Would I have been able to make any difference in the situation? I mean, maybe not. Probably not.”

Grey swallows, for a moment, just six-years-old again, watching the flames flicker in the moonlight as fire claimed her childhood home on Dantooine. The smell of burning wood and flesh invades her nostrils, the moment permanently seared in her consciousness. Leaving a child forever wondering what if?

She blinks and again is back in the present.

“It is hard,” she agrees quietly.

When he looks at her, it’s almost as if he had suddenly been on that journey with her too, his expression drawn up in remorse. This is not about her, no matter what he says, so she gives him what she hopes is an encouraging smile.

“I do not wish for you to have any regrets,” she says. “We will do whatever we can for Master Satele. For all of those people on the ship.” She gives his hand another squeeze, being sure to meet his eye, “We’ll do it together.”

His lips try to twitch upward into a smile, but the expression doesn’t quite get there. The million of ‘what ifs’ probably still running through his mind.

“We can meet with Scourge and Kira when you’re ready,” she says. “See if we can find a role for you in the plan.”

He gives another nod, letting out a long breath as if some long battle had just been won. Maybe it was just an internal one. She will not ask what, if he wants to talk about it, he will.

“I can give you some space if you want it.” The offer is cautious as she does not want to leave herself.

“No,” he says quickly, almost too quickly. His hand squeezing hers as if to hold her there.

“Alcohol, then?”

The laugh he lets out is shaky. “Oh, I knew there was a reason I married you.”

He releases his hold on her so that she can go grab him a drink. A decanter of fine whiskey had made an appearance in her quarters after one of her brother’s recent “business” trips. Whether it was a willing donation or confiscation she’s unsure. She made a habit of not asking many questions about that sort of thing. Sometimes feigning ignorance was the best way to maintain peace. Her hand hovers next to the decanter, hesitating for a moment, before she grabs it and a glass, bringing both back to the couch.

She pours out a single serving that Theron knocks back instantly. She immediately refills the glass, enough to where the liquids almost overflowing. He shoots her a sheepish look, taking a much more measured sip this time. She takes back her seat next to him, content to keep him company as he works his way through the glass. They are long past the need to fill in every silence.

By the time he’s about halfway through the overfilled glass, his stiff posture has relaxed and he’s leaning against her. Her fingers card through his hair in the way that always seems to relax him. He blinks at her with a soft, open expression. The walls he’s so careful about maintaining are down now, and a heartbreaking jumble of emotions roll off him.

“Life never gives us a break does it?” The question is quiet. “Sometimes I wonder if it’s asking too much to just… be happy. It’s like the damn galaxy is conspiring against us.”

“What do you mean?”

“After you got that damn ghost out of your head, we had a chance. At least, I thought we did,” he mutters, “until Vinn had started those uprisings that were the start of that kriffing conspiracy.”

His anger and rage at the man who had nearly torn them apart mirrored her own. Even with all of the time and recovery, it still simmered. It might always. Something in his tone makes her wonder if some of that is still self-directed. She lets out a breath, tracing a finger across the implants above his brow, tracing a path along the side of his face. His eyes flutter at the action, some of the anger bleeding out of him.

“After I got back… we’d both been sorting through so many things. My recovery wasn’t exactly easy and you were…” He trails off, looking away. “It was a lot. But then we got married, and it had kind of felt like maybe we’d gotten there. Even with this war starting back up and everything, it’s been good. And now this.”

She leans over to press a kiss to forehead, lingering in the awkward position as his fingers curl around her, anchoring her in place. There’s only the briefest thought about where his glass has gone and if they’re going to be cleaning whiskey out of the upholstery. He presses his forehead against hers, eyes sliding shut.

“Our vows said we’d be there for each other through better or worse,” she says quietly. “This is probably one of those ‘for worse’ times—but it will get better.”

“That’s probably true.” His fingers holding her in the position twiddle idly against her hair. “Even at its worse, my life still is infinitely better with you at my side.”

“And with you at mine,” she says with another soft kiss. “No matter what, we’ll face this together.”

“No one else I’d rather do it with.”

#swtor fanfiction #theron shan x jedi knight #Theron Shan #Female Jedi Knight/Hero of Tython #oc: greyias highwind #otp: adorkable #swtor onslaught #swtor onslaught spoilers #swtor #fanfic #greyfic #word count: ~5200

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theworldisourcliche · 6 years

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Chapter Fifteen ✘ Epilogue

Before this chapter, I just want to thank every single reader out there. The ones that read, reblogged, liked, commented; anything. Thank you so much! We’ve loved writing this story and reading your comments every week!

xx,

Jordan and Emilie

She pushed the door shut after walking in and immediately took off her heels. Wearing them was exhausting, but for the few hours she had at the office, she would do it without complaining. It looked good and as a journalist for ELLE magazine, she couldn’t just show up in her favourite, slightly shabby ankle boots. Luckily, the comfort of her own home had other laws. Fuzzy socks, his shirts and messy hair was the primary uniform.

Mid-step, she gently rubbed one bare foot against the other, trying to soothe the soreness caused by her black suede stilettos. Before making a short pitstop in her room in order to put away her coat, scarf and bag, she followed the delicious smell of chocolate to the kitchen and popped her head around the doorframe to look at her favourite view.

“Hey, you,” a smile was already plastered across her face as she spoke up, making her presence known.

Standing by the stove, one hand used to scroll through his phone as the other mindlessly stirring the warm liquid with a wooden spoon, was the one person she’d never get tired of hurrying home to. Upon hearing her voice, William’s head immediately shot in her direction and sent her a welcoming smile. “Hey. I’m making some hot cocoa. Want some?”

“Yes, please. That too.” While he’d acknowledged her presence and welcomed her home, Noora had almost absent-mindedly dropped her coat and scarf to the floor before heading over the door-frame to the stove in order to welcome herself home - properly. Intuitively, William had repositioned himself in order to allow her arms to wrap around his torso.

“That too?” He frowned jokingly, looking down at the blonde who clung onto him for dear life. “You could at least have warned me about how high-maintenance you are, before tricking me into moving in with you.”

“Shut up,” she mumbled before sliding her right hand onto his stubbly cheek to accompany a soft, sweet hello-kiss. Quickly following this, she pulled back just a few inches and looked right into his eyes. “I didn’t trick you.” Then placed another kiss to his lips - this time just a small peck.

“Oh, so does that mean that you agree with the fact that you’re extremely high-maintenance?”

William knew it was coming, when he’d decided to mess with her like the foolishly in love guy he was, but still flinched when he felt a small, playful punch in his stomach. Looking back at her, she was of course rolling her eyes and turned around to pick up her abandoned coat. God, he was smitten, he thought to himself as he caught himself smiling even though she’d already left the room to put down away her outwear along with today’s work. Though she’d explicitly stated that she was shamelessly married to her job and William wasn’t the one to steal credit from Noora, he couldn’t help but praise himself for the fact that she hadn’t seemed all too married ever since he’d moved in 2 months ago. After discussing their situation - a lot - they’d both decided that it would be easiest for William to come home to Oslo and move in with Noora. First of all, her apartment was quite roomy and second of all, there was no way in hell Sophia would allow William to set a foot - let alone Noora - in their old apartment. To his dad’s dismay, William had of course also quit his job at the family-firm and immediately started applying for new ones in Oslo. Noora was beyond proud, when she came home one evening and he told her that he got hired by one of Oslo’s leading firms. All she could do was smile, kiss him and admiringly state how proud she was to see that he now magnificently enforced the laws and authority - instead of being the legally betrayed boy, full if distrust towards the system, that he used to be.

Yet to both of their luck, they never got to use his legal skills to protect Noora against Sophia. The designer had never contacted neither Noora, William or even ELLE ever again. Though Noora had also made sure to write a quite praising and, maybe even too, glorifying article about the woman and her work. But to Noora there was no questioning it. There was no room to even consider whether or not Sophia actually deserved the words she published. All she knew was that if it meant avoiding trouble and losing her job, she’d write a flawless article to match the flawless designer - even if it was a matter of opinion, as William himself had commented after reading it. Luckily as well, no one ever got to hear who Sophia’s fiancé actually was, so William had no trouble with showing up at Noora’s work and introduce himself as ‘Noora’s boyfriend’. Not to say that there wasn’t any jealousy, when they noticed all the little things he’d do for her; randomly show up with coffee from the café around the corner, take her out for lunch when their schedules fit and picking her up in his gorgeous car were just few of many things. It was easy to say that everyone envied Noora Saetre.

“William! The cocoa!”

As soon as her voice drew him out of his own mind, he suddenly noticed the sound and smell of boiling chocolate going over the edge of the pot. His brows raised in horror, as he watched Noora almost run to save it before he could react properly himself. “Shit,” he mumbled, wetting a cloth to carefully soak up the mess as Noora removed the pot.

“At least we know it’s warm now,” he heard her mumble under her breath as she grabbed a trivet from a drawer and put the pot down. Once everything was back in control, she turned around and leaned her back against the kitchen counter, crossing her arms and admiring him as he finished cleaning up the stove. “Hard day at work?” she wondered.

It caught his attention, causing him to turn his head away from the now brown cloth and towards her instead. “No, not really,” he mumbled and looked back at the now cleaned stove. Brushing off further details, he turned his attention towards the sink and started washing the cloth. But Noora knew him better than that and that she’d need to poke. Just a bit.

“Sure? You know it’s okay if it was, right? You’ve only been there for two weeks. It’s normal if it’s still hard and overwhelming.”

Upon hearing this, he dropped the cloth to the bottom of the sink, dried his hands and turned around to face her - he leaned back onto the part of the kitchen counter that was across from her. Both now stood face to face, each leaning on their own part of the wooden surface. A sigh followed the dropping of his shoulders and his hand tiredly rubbing his eye.

“It’s just— I hadn’t thought about the fact that Norwegian law would be so different from British. I obviously knew, but it’s hitting me very hard right now and I need to get used to a whole new set of laws. It’s exhausting.”

Noora scrunched her mouth to the side, like she often did when someone had bad news and she was figuring out what to say. She knew he wouldn’t want her to, but she did somewhat feel like it was her fault. If it wasn’t for her, then he wouldn’t have moved to Oslo and he wouldn’t have to start all over again. Law-school and his job in England was hard enough already. “I’m sorry.”

A small smile crept onto his face, brightening it up just a bit, before he took a step across the floor between them. “Don’t be.” He slid his fingers into her hair, combing it back on both sides of her beautiful face. “This was a mutual decision and I’ll be okay. All new beginnings are hard, but it’ll only get better with time. Just like us.”

A small, shy smile finally crept back onto her face, making William’s heart feel much lighter. Making her feel guilty about one of his own issues wasn’t something he’d ever wish to put upon her. Especially when he knew that she was more than innocent. A comfortable silence engulfed the kitchen, leaving only the sound of pouring rain hitting the kitchen window to be heard. After slowly leaning in and placing a soft kiss to her forehead, then the tip of her nose, a giggle of her’s finally erupted into the room. Mission accomplished, he thought to himself as he allowed himself to move on further down and peck her lips. “We’re like wine. We grow better with time.”

“I don’t drink,” she laughed, thinking of the first time she ever stayed at his apartment in Oslo and had stated this as a response to him offering her a glass of wine. The party had been ushered out the apartment, but William Magnusson wasn’t going to give up without trying - yet instead they’d ended up drinking cocoa. Her way or no way.

“That’s a lie,” he had to laugh as well, as he removed his hands from his hair and pointed accusingly at her instead. “You had no problem downing 10 glasses of wine and champagne, when we went out in London.”

Dramatically rolling her eyes to give herself time to think, Noora worked out a defence in her head and gave it a shot. “Like I was about to sit there and watch you down wine all by yourself. That would’ve just been too sad. I did it for you, you know?”

“Is this the part, where I tell you to shut up? Cause that is one big pile of bullshit,” he dropped the pointing finger in order to grab her hands instead, pulling her in and up against his chest before suddenly dropping the playful grin and turning serious. “Plus… I’d never want you to go against your own principles for a guy.” A small smile made a come back “Especially not me…”

Another silence captured them as they shared small smiles, Noora’s eyes shining with pure joy right into his. Her right hand gently let go of his and reached up to attentively push his bangs out of his eyes. “Especially not you…” She mumbled, stealing his words for no specific reason - partly just because she could but also because she didn’t believe them. The rain kept knocking on the window, washing all other worries away in order to prepare the two lovers for new beginnings.

Though neither found the need to speak right in that moment, both knew that their absence in each other’s lives had only made their hearts grow fonder of the other - if that was even possible.

The moment the words stay with me had spilled off her lips, coming directly from the bottom of her heart, Noora knew. London, Sophia, the waitress right behind them… None of it really mattered. Accepting the Sophia-task, coming to London, running into William, giving in to him all over again… 8 years later. It wasn’t a mistake. Maybe it wasn’t altogether ideal, but it wasn’t a mistake. Being the academic and reasonable woman she was, Noora had never fallen for the idea of ‘faith’. It just seemed too far out there, when the world was so immense and people so small - especially after she’d fled London and the one person who’d given her a reason to even consider faith as an option. But now? She could definitely see what people meant. Maybe they were faith all along, she just didn’t want to believe until now.

“Not that I mind dazing into your eyes, but I think the cocoa is getting cold,” William had leaned in and quietly mumbled into her ear, tickling her and causing a slight shiver of pleasure. Having completely forgotten about the boiling beverage - and not really minding one bit - Noora gave into her longing for something else and put her arms around his neck. Her shoulders rose in a careless shrug.

“Oh…” she mumbled, for once not really caring one bit about the cocoa.

“Yeah, what are we doing about that?” His mumbled words were just barely audible as he pressed his lips to her temple, looking over the top of her head and out the soaked window. He almost couldn’t believe he was here, but he was glad he was. He felt her head move beneath him, causing him to react and look down at where she was already looking up at him.

“We could just… not drink it. And heat it up…” She looked at his collar, quietly toying with the second button of his shirt, as she innocently tilted her head to the side. The first was already popped. “…Later?”

A wide cheesy grin grew on his face, letting his hands slide from the small of her back to the front of her pants and hook his index fingers into each their belt loop. If it was even possible, he pulled her in closer and leaned in to kiss her lips. The smile never went away, even as his lips were firmly pressed to hers. After this they went directly from her lips to the crook right beneath her jaw. An old love-bruise had just barely started to fade from the surface of her pale skin.

“Noora Amalie Saetre… There’s no way I’m ever going to let you run again.”

Her eyes half closed, already too caught up in his touch she just barely got out a whisper.

“Good thing I don’t have a single reason to do so then…”

#Wayward Hearts x Noorhelm #noorhelm #noora x william #noorhelm fanfiction #noora saetre #william magnusson #skam art #SKAM Norway #SKAM Fanfiction

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sapphicscholar · 6 years

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A/N: Thanks so much to everyone who has stuck with the story all the way through, especially to everyone who commented or messaged me! Your words of encouragement never failed to make me smile! I know I’ve gotten a few asks about what’s next. Right now I’ve been posting a Carol AU, though I know Sanvers isn’t a main pairing in that one. The next multi-chapter work with a Sanvers slow burn (gotta love the slow burn) is going to be a political AU. I’m trying to pace myself and hold off on posting the first chapter until at least mid-January in the hopes that I’ll have the first few chapters at least drafted by then, but we’ll see if I get impatient! If anyone is here for Supercat, though, I’d love your thoughts on the Carol AU as well. Hope you all had a safe and happy New Year!

Chapter Text:

“Dr. McKenna, might I have the pleasure of a dance?”

Alex looked up, letting a small smile curl up the sides of her mouth at the sight of Jack Martino, one of the partners from the firm where she’d been working as a paralegal for the last two months. Even she could admit that he looked rather dashing in a full tuxedo, a few locks of his wavy dark hair falling down into his eyes as he bowed slightly in front of her, right hand extended.

“I suppose there’s no harm in a dance,” Alex teased, letting herself be led to the dancefloor in the middle of the large ballroom the firm had booked for their annual end-of-year celebration.

“You really do look stunning tonight,” Jack murmured, his mouth by her ear as he moved them in position to dance properly.

“You clean up well too, Martino.” He grinned and spun her out, drawing her back into his chest and letting his hand fall to its place on her lower back.

“Oh but we already knew that,” he laughed—a rich, deep sound that seemed to fill the air and drew the eyes of several of the other dancers to them. Alex couldn’t help but notice how many of them looked curious—some, a little envious too. But soon enough her attention returned to two of the other partners who had been her targets for the past couple of months. As they made their way around the floor, Alex watched and waited for them to move from their seats at the head table. Now that dessert had been served, it was only a matter of time, and truth be told, Alex was looking forward to returning home to National City. The work had been interesting, but the hours were long—better suited for single, young people with few responsibilities and the energy to bound in each morning on only a few hours of sleep and enough espresso to power a small motor vehicle.

“Are the partners giving a toast tonight?” Alex asked, biting back a satisfied grin at the sight of her team moving into first position. The thrill of taking down the bad guys was the one part of her job that she’d never tired of, even all these years later.

The arrival of another woman in a floor-length black gown cut off Jack’s answer. “Mind if I cut in?”

“I suppose I really can’t deny you a proper dance with your wife,” Jack said, raising Alex’s hand to his mouth and barely pressing his lips to her knuckles before stepping back. “And if you ever want to tell me how it is you lure Marina to these events, it might be nice to finally have Kevin by my side.”

“Mm, I don’t know how work appropriate that answer would be,” Alex mused, grinning at Jack’s loud laugh.

“Sneaky! Though I suppose if you ever get to meet Kevin outside of our little dinners, you’ll know just what I had to do.” With a dip of his head, Jack made his way back to the table, figuring perhaps the senior partners could do with a push of encouragement to get the toast on the way. After all, Harold already looked like he was just a drink or two away from passing out in the middle of the dancefloor…again.

Alex let herself be spun out once more as they found their way into a rhythm with the new song and edged closer and closer to the back entrance to the hall.

“Where are you two off to this early?” Harold asked, his voice loud and his words slurring together. “You wouldn’t want to miss the gift bags!”

Laughing softly, Alex agreed, “No, no, wouldn’t want to miss the end-of-year bonuses in there at all. We just need to…freshen up.” She let her hand dip lower on her wife’s back, skirting the line between affectionate and suggestive as her team began spreading out, pairs of “caterers” moving toward each of the entrances and other undercover attendees skirting around to the partners’ table where Green and Blackwell of Blackwell, Green, Jules, and Associates were slowly beginning to make their exit.

“Oh, right you are,” he laughed, winking without the slightest care for subtlety before stumbling back to the open bar.

“Perimeter secure. Vans detained,” crackled a voice in Alex’s ear, and with a firm nod, she watched her team slide seamlessly into action, moving to intercept the partners on their way to the back exit and swiftly carrying away the table of gift bags full of laundered money.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed one of the junior partners who’d only been hired in the past week reaching to pull something strapped to his waist. “Gun!” she yelled, flinging herself forward and tackling him to the ground, watching as the weapon went skidding across the floor, finally stopped by a stilettoed foot.

“Always on your 6, babe,” Maggie said with a grin as she reached down and picked up the gun, pointing it at their newest arrestee as Alex read him his rights and secured his hands behind his back with twist ties that she pulled as discreetly as possible from inside her dress.

---

“Good work, agents,” J’onn commended them as they stepped into the DEO after their flight back to National City.

“She’s still not one of yours,” Kate corrected him, pulling Maggie in for a hug. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered, squeezing Maggie just a little tighter.

“Ah yes, the joys of enforced collaboration.” Kate just barely bit back a laugh as she shook her head and let go of Maggie.

“Not our fault we’re so perfect as a team,” Alex murmured, drawing Maggie back and kissing her soundly.

“Would be a shame to let this perfect chemistry go to waste,” Maggie agreed.

“If anyone is interested in an actual report…” J’onn cleared his throat, waiting until all eyes had returned to him. “Thanks to months of work, we were able to apprehend Brenda Green and William Blackwell, as well as their team of associates, and have helped to find temporary shelter for the aliens they were trafficking.”

“And my end-of-year bonus?” Alex asked, fluttering her eyelashes and giving J’onn her most innocent smile.

“Has tragically been confiscated for a federal investigation,” he deadpanned.

Once the debriefing ended, Alex led Maggie outside and over to her motorcycle. “Up for a little adventure?”

“With you? Always.”

With a wink, Alex threw her leg over the saddle and motioned for Maggie to get on behind her. “Hold on tight.” And she did, as Alex zig-zagged through traffic—a bit more cautious these days, but still fast enough that Maggie felt a thrill run through her as she clung even more tightly to Alex’s waist.

Maggie’s face lit up as they pulled into a parking spot outside of Julie’s, a small diner that was really just a converted rowhome that served some of the best coffee and stuffed French toast in National City. It also happened to be the same place they’d gone after returning from each and every mission.

“Hey there!” Emma, Julie’s daughter and the newest proprietor, called out, waving to them. “Sit wherever you’d like.”

Tangling her fingers in Maggie’s, Alex dragged them over to the corner table right by the window. “For tradition,” she whispered, taking her usual seat.

“I guess that means you know what today is too, huh?”

“Ten years.”

“And two days.”

“Not my fault the partners pushed back the end-of-year party,” Alex huffed.

“Not in the slightest. We still had our fun on the day of…”

Alex’s eyes fluttered closed and a flush of warmth spread through her whole body, tingling all the way down to her fingers and toes as she thought back to how they’d spent that night. “Yes, yes we did.”

“I’m glad we finally pulled our heads out of our asses and made it work,” Maggie added, her tone suddenly serious.

Alex shook her head; she still wasn’t sure how they had possibly thought that they’d be able to walk away. Of course, it did seem to be part of the job—losing people, being abandoned and abandoning them in turn, watching relationships crumble from afar. But it had been different with Maggie from the start.

After finally healing up from their showdown with Cadmus—a process made significantly more enjoyable by Maggie’s near-constant presence as they shuffled back and forth between their two apartments—they’d both found themselves assigned to new tasks. Maggie boarded a plane for DC, while Alex piled into a van with a team of agents and trundled off to Colorado, and they promised to remember each other fondly. But it wasn’t like losing people in the way she was used to doing. She was still competent and capable, but she never felt like she was at her best anymore. Her team worked well enough together, but her heart wasn’t in it. And by the time she got back to National City once more, she still hadn’t stopped missing Maggie, feeling like a part of her had been wrenched away. And for weeks, she’d gone over to Maggie’s apartment once a night, knocking on the door and feeling her heart break a little each time her knock went unanswered. Until finally, an absolutely exhausted, jetlagged Maggie swung the door open, still rubbing sleep from her eyes. And they both knew they needed to talk, needed to figure out what it was they were doing. But in that moment, all that mattered was feeling Maggie’s lips on hers once more, holding the other woman in her arms again. She got her first full night’s sleep in two months, and the next morning she brought Maggie down to Julie’s where they finally talked, putting everything that could be said aloud in a public location out on the table as they brainstormed possible solutions. In the end, it was Kate who finally suggested a more permanent inter-agency partnership. She maintained that she still steadfastly loathed the DEO—and Alex was fairly certain that, as an organization, she really did—but, as she put it, “I can’t have my best agent out there moping around like a lovesick puppy.”

“I think the whole getting our heads out of our asses thing has pretty much been our motto from the start,” Alex laughed, thanking Emma as she set down their two coffees, already knowing their order by heart.

“Kara said as much in her toast at the wedding.”

“Better than Winn’s hashtag…what was it, idiots in love?”

Maggie nearly snorted into her coffee. “Glad we didn’t put that on the invitations.”

#undercover(s)#epilogue #fanfic #supergirl #sanvers #alex x maggie #alex danvers #maggie sawyer #spy au #fluff #idiots in love #ao3feed

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dotshiiki · 7 years

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CoL, chpt 18

XVIII: PERCY

The Jackson-Blofis apartment wasn't spacious to begin with. Now, with nearly twenty people crowded into the living room, it seemed five times more cramped than usual.

None of the friends Percy had invited over for Christmas seemed to mind, though.

His mom and stepdad had pushed all the furniture to the walls so that their guests could sprawl on the floor, passing cookies, chips, and seven-layer bean dip around.

They were all here—Percy's closest friends, the ones who had voluntarily trudged through Tartarus with him, or travelled cross-country to get them out of the pit. Others who hadn't been directly involved, but were part of his weird extended family all the same.

On the couch, Jason and Frank were deep in conversation with Paul, looking for all the world like a triad of high school teachers. Piper, Calypso, and Rachel sat in a cross-legged circle around the two-foot plastic tree they were decorating. Hazel, Tyson, and Ella played patty-cake with Percy's half-sister Joy. Thalia, Reyna, and Annabeth were having a discussion (Percy couldn't hear what the topic was, but he caught his name occasionally). Grover and Nico were locked in a debate on—of all things—reincarnation versus rebirth.

Percy himself was competing with Leo and Will to see who could build the tallest tower out of tortilla chips. He was losing at the moment—his stacks kept falling apart and he'd already started over from scratch several times.

Annabeth detached herself from Thalia and Reyna and came over to observe Percy's pathetic tortilla tower.

'You need a stronger foundation,' she said.

'How would you do it?'

She thought for a moment, then smeared bean dip across his chip base as a coagulant. He stacked a couple of chips card-house-style, and they held firm this time.

'Hey, no fair getting help from the architect of Olympus!' Leo complained. His tower was almost a foot tall. Percy had no idea how he'd managed it.

Will sneezed. Both his and Leo's chips went flying into the branches of the mini Christmas tree.

'Hey!' Leo and Piper cried simultaneously.

'Sorry!'

Piper brushed chips out of her tree. It was practically dripping with tinsel and overloaded with shiny baubles.

Leo raised his eyebrows. 'For a daughter of Aphrodite,' he commented, 'you're not doing a great job dressing that thing up, Pipes.'

'Don't call me that,' Piper snapped. 'And what would you know about accessorising, Mechanic-man?'

'I like it,' Calypso said. 'It's colourful.' She glared at Leo, who raised his hands immediately in surrender.

'It does need more white space,' Rachel mused. 'We could do a better job with a bigger tree.'

'Does it look like a bigger tree would fit in here?' Piper spread her arms and smacked Jason's calves, proving her point.

'Well, if it's a bigger tree you need, why don't you dress Thalia up?' Will joked.

Thalia flipped him a gesture that made Grover shoot her an accusing look and reach over to cover the eyes of the two-year-old in Hazel's lap. Reyna grabbed Thalia's offending hand and laced her fingers in it. Thalia grinned ruefully.

'Sorry, Paul,' she said to Percy's stepfather.

Paul accepted this with a shrug. 'I don't think Joy's old enough to understand what that means. Then again, I'd rather she not copy that particular hand signal in public.'

'And I gave up being a tree for Lent,' Thalia shot at Will. 'Oh wait, it wasn't for Lent—it was to save your sorry ass.'

'THALIA!'

Percy laughed. Gaining back six years and resigning as a Hunter certainly hadn't made much of a dent in Thalia's feisty personality.

Joy wriggled against Grover's hands, which were clamped over her ears this time. 'Tree!' she shouted gleefully, and stomped right through the collapsed chip towers and bean dip to Piper, Rachel, and Calypso's trussed up masterpiece.

Annabeth snatched up the plate of blue chocolate chip cookies—only one was left—before Joy could trample it, too. Percy beat Leo to the last cookie and stuck his tongue out at his friend before popping it into his mouth.

'Real generous host you are,' Leo grumbled.

'Hey, all's fair in love and blue cookies!' Percy grinned. 'I'll get more,' he promised, taking the plate from Annabeth. He kissed her on the cheek and got up, brushing crumbs out of his lap.

His mom was bent over the oven when he entered the kitchen.

'You should come join us,' Percy said.

'I will,' said his mom. 'Once this last batch is done.' She eyed the empty plate he set on the kitchen counter. 'Looks like they're a hit.'

'Your cooking's famous,' Percy assured her. 'Thanks for letting us have the party here.'

'You know your friends are always welcome,' said his mom. 'And Paul and I love having you home. Especially after you've been on a quest.' She shook her head. 'Every year I think maybe this will be the year that you stop scaring me with your adventures, but it never ends, does it?'

Percy shrugged. 'We can always hope. I'm sorry I made you worry again, Mom.'

His mom made a little pffft noise and waved her hand dismissively. 'It wasn't your fault. And you're here now. You've always come back.' She reached up to muss his hair. 'Every time, you come back.'

He shifted guiltily, remembering the disastrous Iris-message a few weeks back, when he hadn't a clue who his family was. He was so sick of the way stuff kept coming up—it wasn't just his life it disrupted. There were his friends and family, too, who always got caught in the crossfire of his unpredictable life. He'd hurt so many people over the years, intentionally or not.

His mind flitted to Jessica. He hadn't really thought of her since their catastrophic date, which now felt like something from another life. He wondered how she was getting on with her goal of living a life uncomplicated by the gods. Maybe he should have invited her here as a sort of apology. Then again, given her distaste for her mythological heritage, hanging out with a group of first-generation demigods—not to mention a satyr, a Cyclops, and a harpy—probably wasn't her idea of fun.

'Do you think your life would have been better without all this mythological shit—er, I mean—stuff? If you didn't know it existed?'

'That's a tough question, honey. Do I ever wish things had been simpler? Yes, of course. And I won't deny that the mythological shit,' she winked at him, 'is complicated. But it's easy to blame the gods when really, that's just life. Life's complicated. You don't have to be a demigod for things to keep happening to you.'

He remembered then that her life had been pretty crappy even before she'd ended up a pregnant single mom with a child who had a big target painted on him. Still, could her life have been better if she hadn't met Poseidon, if her path had taken her straight to Paul and Joy without the detours around a delinquent son and an abusive husband?

'I wouldn't give any of it up,' his mom said firmly. 'No matter how hard or painful it was, meeting your dad gave me one of the best things in my life—you. And I wouldn't trade you for anything. Nothing worth having is easy, Percy.'

Percy knew she was right. If there was one thing he knew from all the battles he'd fought, it was that they made him appreciate what he had so much more. The friends he'd made—so loyal that they'd voluntarily descended into a land beyond hell just for him. Those friendships had been forged in quests and tempered by trials into a bond as powerful as the celestial bronze of Riptide. Their last trudge through Tartarus had only strengthened it further.

And he thought of Annabeth. He could hear her laugh rising above the chatter in the next room. He'd known forever that he wanted to build something permanent with her. Now, more than ever, he wanted to seal the deal. His eyes landed on the thin, gold band on his mom's ring finger. If his memories ever got stolen again, he wanted official proof that could remind him of what Annabeth meant to him.

His mom seemed to read his mind. 'I think if you don't pop the question, she might very well ask you.'

'We haven't really talked about it. I mean, we're only sophomores, and I don't even know if I'll make it to graduation, with all the stuff that keeps happening—'

'But you'll get there,' his mom promised. 'You know, when you were a kid, I used to tell you that you could do anything. And you survived everything your world threw at you, you passed high school, and you found a whole family sitting out there.' She waved her hand towards the living room. 'Look at how far you've come, Percy.'

Again, she was right. The future stretched out in his imagination: college graduation, Annabeth in a wedding dress, babies with black hair and grey eyes.

Percy wasn't Rachel; his visions didn't predict anything. But he could work towards making them come true.

The oven timer went off with a ding! His mom pulled out the cookie tray and refilled the empty plate.

'Nothing's impossible, Percy,' she said.

Percy looked down at the full plate. It was his mom's enduring, edible reminder that little miracles could and did happen.

'Cookies can be blue,' he said with a grin.

'Exactly.'

And together, bearing the full plate of blue cookies, Percy and his mom made their way back into the circle of love and family in the next room.

THE END

And that’s a wrap! The end of this massive project that got way out of hand. I actually wrote this epilogue twice. The first version involved Percy and Sally and a long angsty conversation, but it refused to come together and I realised ... well, I needed everyone together for the final curtain call. So here they are. Thank you for sticking with this story. I hope you've enjoyed the ride. I certainly have. And with that, I have to say one more enormous thank you to my betas, @supernaturally-percyjackson and @preciouschildrenofolympus or their help in whipping this monster of a fic into shape. They were an amazing team to have and I am so grateful for all the feedback they've given to help make this story better!

Also, if you haven't yet, go check out @preciouschildrenofolympus‘s amazing art for the story here and here!

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doberlink · 4 years

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ANOTHER long camilla post ;)

ABCs of your OCs

a list of oc questions in alphabetical categories - i made each category based on the first word I could think of in alphabetical order, so enjoy!

A: Aptitude

1. what are your oc’s natural abilities, things they’ve been doing since young?

Camilla is a talented actress, which she has made a career of. She has always enjoyed acting out stories since she was a child. She is also talented at shooting, though this skill came later in her life. 2. what activities have they participated in?

Camilla is a well-known actress who now often travels the country for work. She also was a temporary member of the van der Linde gang. Before that, she worked as a moonshiner with Maggie and Lem Fike. 3. what abilities do they have that they’ve worked for?

Her shooting, which she was taught following her wrongful arrest. 4. what things are they bad at?

Standing up for herself, especially with her father, and her guilt. She often feels guilty for things she has no control over and it takes its toll on her. 5. what is their most impressive talent?

Likely her shooting, as it is self-taught.

B: Basics

1. what is their hair color?

Blonde hair down to her mid-back.

2. what is their eye color?

Blue. 3. how tall are they?

5′3. 4. how old are they?

18 during Red Dead Online, 19 during RDR2, and 26 during the Epilogue. 5. how much do they weigh?

Around 100 pounds.

C: Comfort

1. how do they sit in a chair?

Camilla sits very upright and at the edge of the chair with her hands in her lap. 2. in what position do they sleep?

On her side with the blankets pulled up to her chin. 3. what is their ideal comfort day?

Waking up to sunshine and bird song, a light breakfast, then outside to read or write in a gentle warm breeze with coffee or tea. 4. what is their major comfort food? why?

Camilla’s favorite meal is chyne of mutton, however her comfort food is apple fritters (recipe link here!) made personally by her mother. She loves them for their warmth, and because they remind her of her childhood. 5. who is the best at comforting them when down?

Her mother, or her late older sister Heidi.

D: Decoration

1. how would they decorate a house if they had one under their name?

Camilla’s home is bright and colorful. Most of her walls are white, or wallpapered with white accents. She loves the light feeling it creates, and her favorite look for a room is white and light blue. 2. how would they decorate their child’s room?

Her daughters Margaret and Helen’s rooms are both adorned with light pinks and yellows and whimsical wallpapers. Their beds are plush with pillows and toys litter the floors. 3. how do they decorate their own room?

Camilla’s room is bright and open, with two french doors leading to baclonies. Her balconies are filled with green potted plants and her bed sits across from a large white fireplace. Her walls are accented white which trims a light blue wallpaper. 4. what type of clothes and accessories do they wear?

Camilla’s outfits are her pride and joy. She loves to wear soft colours and high end clothing imported from Europe. 5. do they like makeup/nail/beauty trends?

Camilla likes to keep a clean and well maintained appearance, which includes light makeup and keeps her nails short and shaped (no nail polish yet!)

E: External Personality

1. does the way they do things portray their internal personality?

Yes. Camilla is fairly shy, and this is reflected in her reserved and quiet nature. She follows her heart and acts on her feelings, meaning she is an open book. 2. do they do things that conform to the norm?

Very much so. With her father being the mayor, she must uphold his idea of ‘perfect’ and cannot do anything that may tarnish his reputation. 3. do they follow trends or do their own thing?

Camilla does her own thing when it comes to fashion, but it just so happens that her taste is very similar to everyone elses. 4. are they up-to-date on the internet fads?

No internet yet! 5. do they portray their personality intentionally or let people figure it out on their own?

Camilla acts how she feels, meaning she stays true to who she is. She is very genuine and does not act in a decieving way.

F: Fun

1. what do they do for fun?

Read, act, spend time with loved ones. 2. what is their ideal party?

A small get together dinner where everyone is dressed in their best clothes and a decadent three course meal is served. Afterwards everyone will retire to another room to share stories and good times by a warm fire. 3. who would they have the most fun with?

Either her husband, Edward, or her former fiancé, Arthur. She gets along greatly with both men and always finds herself laughing with them. 4. can they have fun while conforming to rules?

Having come from a conservative upbringing with a strict father, it is the only way she knows how to have fun. 5. do they go out a lot?

Yes, as she must join her husband for fancy dinner parties, however she would much rather stay at home by the fire.

G: Gorgeous

1. what is their most attractive external feature?

Either her hair or her nose. 2. what is the most attractive part of their personality?

Her genuine care for others. 3. what benefits come with being their friend?

Camilla is an excellent shoulder to cry on and ear to listen, and she always seems to know what to say. 4. what parts of them do they like and dislike?

Camilla is proud of her empathy skills, but dislikes her shy nature. 5. what parts of others do they envy?

She wishes she had the confidence so many others have.

H: Heat

1. do they rather a hot or cold room?

Hot. 2. do they prefer summer or winter?

Summer, easily. 3. do they like the snow?

From indoors yes, she finds it very beautiful. However, Camilla hates to be in snow. 4. do they have a favorite summer activity?

Just being outside and reading, or going for a leisurely walk with her family. 5. do they have a favorite winter activity?

Being indoors!

I: In-the-closet

1. what is their sexuality?

Heterosexual. 2. have they ever questioned their sexuality?

She has never really put much thought into it, she likes who she likes. 3. have they ever questioned their gender?

No. Especially with the political climate around her. 4. would/was their family be okay with them being LGBT?

Her father would not, but her mother would be. 5. how long would/did it take for them to come out?

Camilla’s shy nature would likely mean she would never verbally come out, she would simply hope others would catch on. Even when she was first dating Arthur, she never formally told her mother!

J: Joy

1. what makes them happy?

Being with her loved ones, having nothing to do, being in the sunshine. 2. who makes them happy?

Her mother, sisters, daughters, Edward, Arthur, and most of the gang. 3. are there any songs that bring them joy?

Camilla’s favorite song is Hello Ma Baby by Arthur Collins, she often finds herself singing it quietly. 4. are they happy often?

Yes. Camilla tries not to let anything get her down, and when she is in a bad mood she tries to lift her spirits as much as possible. 5. what brings them the most joy in the world?

Being in the warm sunshine with nothing to worry about.

K: Kill

1. have they ever thought about suicide?

No, thankfully Camilla has never contemplated it. 2. have they ever thought about homicide?

Camilla has killed multiple people though almost always in self-defense. Her most notable kills include Amos Lancing and Reid Hixon. 3. if they could kill anyone without punishment, would they? who?

Camilla does not enjoy killing, nor is she proud of the fact that she has. While she does not regret her past actions, she does feel guilty. 4. who would miss them if they died?

Her parents, her sister, her husband, and daughters. 5. who would be happy they died, anyone?

Camilla does not try to make enemies. Perhaps Micah if word traveled to him, but simply because of his hatred for Arthur.

L: Lemons

1. what is their favorite fruit?

Pineapple, though she rarely gets to eat it. Her second favorite is blackberries. 2. what is their least favorite fruit?

Bananas or raisins. 3. are there any foods they hate?

Mushrooms! 4. do they have any food intolerances?

None. 5. what is their favorite food?

Her mother’s apple fritters.

M: Maternal

1. would they want a daughter or a son?

Yes, Camilla already has two daughters. 2. how many children do they want?

Ideally, she would like one more child, perhaps a son, but she likely will not have any more. 3. would they be a good parent?

Yes. Camilla is a very gentle and understanding mother. 4. what would they name a son? what would they name a daughter?

Her daughters are named Margaret (after Maggie Fike) and Helen. If she had a son she would name him Arthur. 5. would they adopt?

If Camilla ever saw a child in need, yes.

N: Never Have I Ever

1. what would they never do?

Purposely hurt someone innocent. 2. what have they never done that they want to do?

Find and reconnect with Lem. 3. is there anything they absolutely can’t believe people do?

Animal abuse. She doesn’t understand how someone could be so cruel. 4. what is the most embarrassing thing they’ve done?

Camilla is very shy by nature, so she would argue that most things she does are embarrassing. 5. have they done anything they thought they’d never do?

Kill someone.

O: Optimism

1. are they optimistic or pessimistic?

Camilla is very optimistic. 2. are they openly optimistic, throwing it on others?

Yes. Camilla tries to encourage others to see the brighter side of things. 3. are they good at giving advice?

Yes. Camilla is a very empathetic person which helps her understand the situations of others. 4. is there anyone in their life that throws optimism on them?

Her sisters, Heidi and Letitia. 5. were they always optimistic?

Yes, as a child Camilla was equally as optimistic.

P: Personality

1. what is their best personality trait?

Her kindness and empathy. 2. what is their worst personality trait?

Her impulsiveness. 3. what of their personality do others love?

Her openness and willingness to help others. 4. what of their personality do others envy?

Her optimism. 5. do they hate anything about their personality/about other’s personalities?

Camilla wishes she was more confident.

Q: Questions

1. do they ask for help?

Yes, though not usually willingly. Often Camilla is too proud to admit she needs help. 2. do they ask questions in class?

When Camilla attended schooling, she was very interested in her studies and asked many questions. 3. do they answer questions that make them a little uncomfortable?

Yes, although her answer will be short and try to deflect the topic. 4. do they ask weird questions?

No, Camilla tends to be reserved. 5. are they curious?

Yes, very.

R: Rules

1. do they follow rules?

Yes. Camilla believes rules are in place for a reason and comes from a very strict upbringing. Of course, during her time with the van der Linde gang, many rules were broken! 2. would they be a strict or laid-back parent?

As someone who came from a very strict household, Camilla does her best to be more laid-back, though she still has her limits. 3. have they ever been consequenced for breaking a rule?

Any time she went against her father’s wishes, she would be reprimanded. 4. have they broken any rules they now regret breaking?

No. Camilla believes everything happens for a reason. 5. do they find any rules they/others follow absolutely ridiculous?

Not any rules in particular, but she does find her father’s insistence on following them so closely a bit much.

S: Streets

1. are they street-smart?

Yes. Camilla has a good understanding of right from wrong and has been raised in a household that is very conforming to society’s ideals. 2. would they give money to someone on the streets?

Camilla understands that she has more wealth than she needs and helps those in need when she can. 3. have they ever gotten in a fight on the streets?

Yes. In 1898 she got in a heavy gunfight with Amos Lancing in Blackwater. 4. has anything happened to them on the streets?

See above! 5. are they cautious when out?

Not so much anymore, but during her life of crime she was constantly checking her back, as she was a wanted woman.

T: Truth

1. are they honest?

Yes. Camilla dislikes lying and believes anything worth lying about is not something worth doing. 2. can they tell if someone is lying?

Sometimes, it depends on the person. 3. is it obvious when they’re lying?

No. Camilla only lies when completely necessary, and as she is an actress she is good at hiding it. 4. have they lied about anything they regret lying about?

Although it wasn’t exactly a lie, she regrets not telling Arthur that her father Henri was the mayor right away, as it caused a large argument between the two of them. 5. have they told truths that have been spread against their will?

No. Camilla is not overly social and therefore not a gossip.

U: Underdog

1. have they been bullied?

Yes, during her time with the van der Linde gang Micah, and sometimes Bill, would make fun of her. 2. have they bullied anyone?

No. 3. have they been physically attacked by a bully?

Thankfully not. 4. have they ever been doubted?

Camilla’s small size and meek nature made her doubted by the van der Linde gang when she first joined. 5. have they surprised people with being good at something?

Yes. As stated above she was first doubted by the gang, but quickly proved herself with her shooting skill.

V: Vomit 1. do they vomit often?

No. Camilla has a strong stomach. However, she did get terrible morning sickness both times she was pregnant. 2. do they get lots of stomach aches?

Thankfully no. 3. are they good at comforting someone ill?

Yes. Camilla’s gentle voice and motherly nature make her good at comforting others. 4. what do they like as far as comfort goes?

A warm blanket, a glass of water, and a calming presence. 5. do they burp, cough, or hiccup most when nauseous? when vomiting?

When sick, Camilla gets a severe cough, even if she is not seriously ill.

W: Water

1. do they drink enough water?

Yes, Camilla loves water. 2. have they learned to swim?

Yes, as a child Camilla and her sisters were all taught to swim. 3. do they like to swim?

No, Camilla dislikes having her hair wet and having to dry off. 4. can they dive?

Somewhat. She taught herself, so she can just not overly well. 5. can they swim without holding their nose?

Yes, and bother her sisters could not so she tended to tease them about it.

X: Xylophone

1. what is their favorite genre of music?

Fun, upbeat music that she can hum to herself. 2. do they have a favorite song?

Hello Ma Baby by Arthur Collins. 3. do they have a favorite band/artist/singer?

No, she just enjoys music. 4. can they sing well?

Camilla’s voice is fine, but not great. 5. can they rap?

No such thing as rap yet!

Y: You

1. how old were you when you created them?

18! 2. what inspired you to create them?

She is my RDO oc, and I decided to create a story for her. 3. were they different when they were first created?

Her name was originally Ophelia, and her story has evolved. 4. do you enjoy writing them more than other characters?

I’m not the best writer, so I can’t say I enjoy writing about anyone! 5. what’s your favorite thing about them?

The fact that she’s ‘in a video game’! It’s fun to be able to play as a character whose story I have created.

Z: Zebra

1. what’s their favorite animal?

Horses, especially her Criollo, Nutmeg. 2. do they like animals?

Yes, she loves them! 3. cats or dogs?

Cats, she enjoys their calm nature. 4. what’s their dream pet?

She doesn’t really have one. 5. do they have any pets at the moment?

Her horse Nutmeg, if it counts.

Phew! That’s a lot!

#Camilla Beaumont #Camilla Lemieux #Red Dead Redemption #Red Dead Redemption 2 #Red Dead Online #Arthur Morgan #Lemuel Fike #Lem Fike #RDR2 #RDR #RDO #RDR2 OC

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