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apomaro-mellow · 4 months

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Every Baby Needs a Daddy 4

Part 3

"And you said yes?", Robin said, her voice impressively even.

"I did", Steve said, phone on speaker as he got ready for work. "I figure, if he's going to have a sugar baby, might as well be me, right? I think this is the universe giving me a break."

"Okay, yeah, sure, until he takes you out and gets you involved in like drugs or something, or takes his anger out on you when he doesn't win a Grammy or something. Or worse, you're a mistress and his actual spouse comes for revenge. OR you actually get really involved with him, help him get even more famous, have very talented children, but then his drug running gets you arrested and when you get out of jail he acts like he doesn't know you and estranges your children!"

Steve paused in putting on his shoes, grinning. "You've been watching Empire."

"Terrence did Taraji so dirty Steve."

"But not enough to learn their characters' names. I need you to catch up so we can watch season 2 together." It hurt being away from her. Before, whenever one of them started obsessing over a show, they could literally sit down and put aside one of their days off to binge a bunch of episodes.

"Sorry, let's get back to you dating a rockstar? Steve? Steve."

"We're not dating. He's just gonna text me whenever he wants to fuck. That's it. He might buy me something nice from time to time." Steve grabbed his keys and went out the door, nearly stepping on something left on the floor in front of it.

"Okay, yeah, sure, but isn't this the reason you cut your parents out? Did they want this exact life for you?", Robin asked.

"No, this is totally different. For one thing, Eddie doesn't want commitment. He doesn't want kids out of me. And even if I attend events with him, I'm just arm candy, but you know, in a good way."

"There's a bad way to be arm candy?"

Steve thought back to the functions he had to go to when still under his parents' thumb. There was definitely a bad way to hang off someone's arm like a decoration. He looked to the little box in his hand. No note, but it had clearly been placed in front of his apartment.

He opened it and found an expensive looking watching inside. The face was a cool navy blue color. He didn't need a card to know who it was from.

"Eddie's different from the guys my parents wanted", Steve said. "And when it's over, I'll at least have something to show for it."

"Just don't be stupid about this, dingus. If this goes sideways, I won't be close by to save your ass."

"Noted", Steve said as he closed the box and continued on his way to work.

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

The next time Eddie texted him, it was to go to lunch. It was a more casual setting than before, but still a pretty high end sushi restaurant.

"I must admit, I called you here under false pretenses, Steve", Eddie said as they sat in a booth.

Steve smiled at his serious tone. "I gathered, given our whole arrangement." Being taken out somewhere was typically a prelude for something intimate later, even in a normal relationship. When Eddie asked him out, Steve full expected sex. He wasn't complaining, last time had been very nice. He wondered how long until Eddie sent a simple 'u up?' booty call.

"I have to attend some fancy lunch meeting in a couple days and they're taking us to a sushi place", Eddie started to explain. "Problem is, I hate sushi."

"...Did you...are we here to train your taste buds or something?", Steve asked.

Eddie nodded. "These are some pretty important people and I can't sit there and tell them my favorite fish is whatever they use for fish sticks."

"Pretty sure it's cod."

"What? Nevermind. I just need to get one of everything and force myself to acquire a taste for it", Eddie said, eyes narrowing in focus at the menu.

Steve smiled. It was cute how serious he was being. He thought back to previous gatherings when some alpha would try and force a drink on him or when the hors d'oeuvres being served weren't to his liking.

"Want some advice?", he offered, continuing when Eddie nodded with his big Bambi eyes, "Instead of forcing yourself to like something, you should be able to say why you don't like something."

"Sounds like complaining", Eddie said, putting the menu down.

"No, you sound cultured", Steve clarified. "Watch." He cleared his throat and held up his glass of water. "Thank you for offering, but I only drink water from a natural spring. I prefer Canadian or Icelandic, but I'll take Swedish if you have it. Nothing from Switzerland though, it has this horrid mineral after taste to it." He set the glass down, adjusting under Eddie's wide eyed gaze.

"I don't know if that was bullshit or not but it sounded legit."

"It's legit what some girl said at a party once. I've never sourced where my water came from, but it works for just about anything. If you can articulate why you don't like something, it comes off better than just saying you don't like it."

"What kind of parties did you go to?", Eddie smirked.

Steve shrunk a little. "Just, you know, parties. So what's your experience with sushi?"

"Supermarket stuff", Eddie said simply.

"....You're kidding. How long have you been a rockstar?"

"I didn't realize this was an interview."

Steve tapped the table as he considered something. He looked to the other part of the restaurant. The bar where chefs were preparing the food. He almost asked Eddie a question directly, but remembered his role as a sugar baby. It wasn't his job to ask how much something would cost or even to ask Eddie to spend the money. All he needed to do was ask for what he wanted.

So he moved over to Eddie's side of the booth and leaned in close to his space. "I think you need something a little more...fresh."

"Fresh?", Eddie echoed as Steve led him to stand.

"And flavorful."

"Uh-huh."

"And satisfying", Steve whispered the last part before sitting down at the bar.

Eddie didn't know when Steve got him here but he did and he ordered something called 'omakase' and suddenly the chef's hands got really busy. He put a little filet of something on rice and then took a blow torch to it.

"I didn't know you could cook the fish..."

It was placed in front of him, but Eddie was still skeptical, which Steve noticed.

"'Omakase' means you're trusting the chef to pick out the best for you", he said. Then Steve took his chopsticks and picked up his piece. He ate it in one bite and Eddie subconsciously swallowed as he watched it pass his beautiful lips and then slide down that gorgeous throat. He wasn't even eating sexily, that was just how far gone he was.

Then Steve picked up Eddie's piece and held it to his lips. Eddie didn't even hesitate to open up and let it in. Tender rice, delicate fish, a total opposite to the sushi he'd experienced before. And it didn't stop there. The chef served cut after cut and each time, Steve asked him what he liked or didn't like.

Eddie was no slouch when it came to language. So he was able to come up with that on his own. He had just never considered respectfully refusing food and to do so with a haughty air deserving of a celebrity.

"Mmm, great choice on the shrimp", Eddie praised the chef. "Texture is superb. Sweet on the tongue too. Nice one, Tatsuro-san."

"Better than the crab?", Steve asked.

"I'm sorry, but nothin' beats an old fashioned crab boil for me. It's the only way I can eat crab."

"You've got opinions and you know how to voice them. I never imagined that be an issue for you, but I think you're ready now."

"Oh I've got opinions out the wazoo. I was just taught to never complain about food."

"Good boy", Tatsuro commented as he prepared something else.

"Very good", Steve agreed as an oyster on a half shell was put in front of him and Eddie.

Tatsuro winked at Eddie and he tried not to think about it as they finished up the course. He was absolutely not thinking about how oysters were an aphrodisiac, or how he'd had a great time, or how this felt like a date and not an outing with a hot piece. He wasn't doing a good job of being a sugar daddy, was he?

Time to fix that up right away. He paid for the meal, leaving a generous tip and led Steve out the restaurant, arm around his waist.

"You were extremely helpful. I can honestly say I like sushi now", he beamed. "And I think excellent service deserves a reward."

"You gonna give me a tip too?", Steve teased. And there was certainly a tip Eddie wanted to give him. Really the whole thing, but he had another idea in mind. And thankfully the appropriate place wasn't too far from here.

"You're buying me a suit?", Steve realized as they walked into a tailor's.

"I've got an eye for these kind of things. And you need something to match your new watch", Eddie said. He had a feeling Steve knew what to do, so he let him free.

Steve gave him a look and Eddie made a 'go on' motion. So Steve went, picking out different pieces for himself to assemble a new suit. There was a man awaiting any need of assistance and did so once Steve came out of the dressing room and stood in front of the mirrors.

Eddie was sitting before him, watching as Steve appraised his reflection and the tailor took some of his measurements. The suit was in silver, with a black shirt underneath. He finished of the look with a dark blue handkerchief in the chest pocket. It already looked great. Eddie knew he'd be breathtaking once it was bespoke. He ached to put his hands on him but public decency kept him from doing so.

"You look good enough to show off", Eddie praised.

"You look like you have somewhere in mind", Steve said, looking at the other man through the mirror.

"There's a shindig goin' down that I wouldn't mind having a date to."

Eddie put in the order for the suit to be done the day before the event. "Let's head back to my place."

This time, as they traveled, Steve was the one who couldn't keep his hands to himself. His hand stroked Eddie's thigh, getting close to where he wanted but never actually touching.

"What're you thinking about?", he asked when he noticed how hard Eddie was holding the wheel.

"Oysters. And you." And how he really should get a personal driver on hand.

Steve laughed softly and let a finger do circles on his crotch. "I think our chef was trying to be subtle. But I know what oysters are supposed to do."

"Oh?"

"And I don't need any culinary suggestion to get me in the mood." Honestly, he kind of felt like blowing Eddie now and probably would have chanced it if it wasn't still light out. "Can you be a good boy like he said?"

Eddie nodded.

"Good. Because we still have to take the elevator."

They didn't get as far as they did the first time they took this elevator but Eddie did attach himself to Steve's back and kissed at his neck. Once again, Steve could see their reflection in the wall. Eddie's eyes roamed his torso, wanting to go further but holding back. He only got bold enough to pinch a nipple through his shirt when the doors opened to their floor.

Steve only moved because of Eddie's prompting, finding it very easy to melt in his hold. They got about two steps out of the elevator before Eddie pushed him against the wall, kissing his lips and running his hands up under his shirt.

"Saw you lookin' at yourself in the elevator. Pretty baby likes how he looks?"

Steve's only response was to moan against his lips and rub against his leg. The closest camera was all the way at the end of the hall, though they'd be screwed if anyone opened up their door. He knew he looked good and liked looking good. And he'd seen the way Eddie's eyes were glued to him at the tailor's. That was a good feeling too.

Eddie took out his key card to open up his door and pulled Steve inside. They migrated to the couch, just needing to get horizontal. Steve lied underneath, Eddie's leg in between his again and providing friction as he rutted up against it. It was so hot, Eddie wanted to watch him get off just like this. If he got his pants off he could watch that sweet pussy drag-

Steve nearly jolted off the couch when a loud guitar riff sounded from Eddie's back pocket.

"Shit", Eddie hissed when he realized who was calling. He could ignore it, but he knew they'd just keep it up until they got to his door.

"You need to take that?", Steve asked, voice a little breathless.

"Just-just gimme a moment, it'll be quick." Eddie answered and Steve could be patient. He just couldn't be good and patient. He rubbed at Eddie's arm before taking his hand in his own. He brought it to his lips and swirled his tongue around his index finger, keeping his gaze down at first and then looking up at Eddie.

The man above him was speechless, up until whoever he was talking to shouted at him from the other end and got his attention again. Well, half of it anyway. The other half was on Steve sucking down two of his fingers now. Eddie groaned both in frustration and the beautiful man under him. Steve was only half following the conversation but it sounded like their time together might be cut short.

Eddie hung up with a sigh. "Baby...baby I gotta go."

"Right now?", Steve asked.

"Yeah but...but if you could, I mean you can stay here until I get done. It'll be quick, just a couple of hours tops. And I can take you out to dinner too."

"You want me to stay?"

Eddie's hair shook as he nodded. He stood up, glad he had a bit of time to calm his boner down. Then he saw Steve lying there on the couch, lips kissed wet and certain his lips farther down were just as glistening. He leaned over to cup him between the legs, feeling the warmth through his clothes.

"Don't forget who this belongs to", he growled when Steve whimpered.

"Okay." And because this man was sent from above, he whispered, "Daddy."

Eddie couldn't hold back then, kissing him hard, tongue marking his insides while rubbing Steve through his pants. He unzipped them, thinking he could just get him off quick when the ringtone sounded again. Pulling back was the hardest thing to do.

"Keep it nice and warm for me", Eddie said before fully removing himself.

"Hurry back."

And then Steve was alone. In a rockstar's hotel room. He thought about what a sugar baby might do when their daddy went off for what must be a very important but impromptu meeting, especially when it stopped such a heated moment. It became very obvious what he needed to do and so he headed straight for the bedroom.

Part 5

I need you to know that when I first envisioned this fic it was literally just supposed to be smut with connecting scenes but it somehow turned to "don't catch feelings" and "oops we're accidentally dating" the fic so here we are.

Tag Team

@awkotaco24 @lingeringmirth @littlewildflowerkitten @estrellami-1 @tartarusknight @velocitytimes2 @mrsjellymunson @trashcanniballecter @marklee-blackmore @dragonmama76 @paintsplatteredandimperfect @a-little-unsteddie @sllooney @starman-jpg @oxidantdreamboat @xxbottlecapx @chaosgremlinmunson @newtstabber @tiny-enthusiast @desidrarry-wolfstarshipper @y4r3luv @hello-fellow-nerds @anonymousbandgirl @alyelf @potato-of-the-lord @beckkthewreck @greatwerewolfbeliever @croatoan-like-its-hot @pluto-pepsi

#apo writes #stranger things #fanfiction #steddie #platonic stobin #omegaverse #a/b/o #next part is gonna be oohoohoo!

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onlygenxhere · 5 months

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Happy Juke Jeudi! I wanted to list a few juke Christmas themed fics for this Juke Jeudi for anyone that might be interested. I got a little help from @missjoolee and @preoccupied-educator. I’ve read most of these but not all. The following are listed in word count/size order, shortest to longest.

links under the cut

Peppermint and Chocolate by sanssssastark rated T

He’s wanted to kiss Julie since he was thirteen years old and waiting three years to kiss someone leads to expectations of what that kiss might be like. Turns out, it was way better than every fantasy he ever had. Her lips were soft and warm and her hand clutched at his arm, curling around his bicep and he wished he’d worn a shirt without sleeves because he’d have given anything to feel her touch against his skin. The kiss was everything he imagined it would be.

He just never thought it would leave him this confused.

Christmas lodge by darylvdixon not rated but it’s G

Julie and Luke meet when both their families book to spend Christmas in a lodge on the mountains. It's love at first sight and they spend the whole of their holidays together.

Let Your Heart Be Light by MamiRugbee rated T

With Christmas approaching, Julie decides she wants to pay a visit to Emily Patterson. Unfortunately, Luke realizes things aren’t exactly how he remembers them.

call me babe for the weekend by blushandbooks rated M (and locked for ao3 members)

Julie Molina, Grammy-winning popstar and reluctant Seattle native, returns home to her family and old friends for Christmas - and also to escape rumors and drama back in Los Angeles.

Old friends include Luke Patterson: The ex-boyfriend she left behind for LA and the promise of a blossoming music career. Only, the music career is not what she wanted it to be, and Los Angeles has turned from a welcome escape to an unlikely prison, and the only place she wants to run to is the place (and the person) that knows her best.

At the end of the day, she'll just run back to LA and forget about Seattle all over again.

But the city, and Luke, have more of a grip on her than she expected.

Blame It On the Mistletoe by Courty rated T

In the two years since they met, Julie and Luke have been dancing around the connection between them, both too afraid they'll ruin the other's life they've worked so hard to build.

Good thing they have some friends who decide a little Christmas magic is in order.

all i want for christmas is you by ruzekhalstead rated T

when julie finds herself in a situation where she needs luke to come home with her to celebrate christmas with her family, he is more than happy to oblige. too bad julie's already in love with him, and not sure when she stopped pretending.

holiday au

"the entire family is getting together for christmas and she just assumed i was bringing my boyfriend and then when i tried to explain, she mentioned you by name and i just kind of blanked and basically, my whole family thinks you're my boyfriend and you're coming to spend christmas with me."

"cool. when do we leave?"

Ladder to the Stars: A Juke Christmas Story by SeaStarStories rated T

Julie books a quiet winter retreat, but a typo has her turning up at the wrong cabin. Then a major snowstorm forces her to stay with Luke, whether she likes it or not. The problem is she likes it.

'Tis the Damn Season (hear me out) by IMaketheMonsters rated M

There’s nothing like coming home the week of Christmas and discovering you’re still in love with a worm-eater.

OR: the Home for the Holidays!AU that no one asked for

those cold December nights by Labyrinthinee rated M

Sure, Luke's life hadn’t turned out exactly how he wanted it to.

If anybody had told his eighteen-year-old self, that ten years down the road, he’d spent a Friday evening at his friend’s home, not on stage at some shady club, rocking his heart out, Luke would’ve never believed them. But, he couldn’t say that he was unhappy. He had a good job, amazing friends and was invited to dinner at his parents’ place once a week. So, to be frank, he wouldn’t change a thing.

Of course, that's when Julie Molina stumbled back into his life.

the lucky one (i think it might be you) by itsagamefortwo rated T

“So you know who I am then,” it’s not really a question but Luke shrugs anyway, turning to glance at her quickly before looking back at the road.

“And you know who I am,” he pauses so long Julie thinks that’s all he’ll say on the matter but then he speaks again, and she can just make out the hints of a smile through the shadows on his face, “Reggie posts a lot on instagram stories. You’re in a lot of them.”

“I recognised your hat. From your christmas card,” she offers and feels her own lips pulling into a smile at his bark of laughter. aka julie needs to get the hell out of la for a few days and finds herself in a small town with a familiar face just as a snow storm rolls in.

While You Were Sleeping by ICanSpellConfusionWithAK rated T

AU of the romcom While You Were Sleeping.

Julie doesn't have a lot going for her other than her fantasies about Nick, the cute guy she sees at work and her dreams of marrying him one day. When she saves his life only for him to end up in a coma with his family thinking she's actually his fiancee things get really complicated really fast. They get even more complicated once she meets his brother Luke and the two start to fall for each other. Julie just needs to wait for Nick to wake up and get back to her normal life only things are never that simple. It's time for Julie to decide what...and who...she really wants.

Merry Ex-Mas by Bluefire510 rated T

The one thing Julie Molina hates more than Christmas is Luke Patterson, her former boyfriend and current pain in the ass.

But when her little brother and his best friend embark on a journey to the North Pole for Operation: Save Santa, she's forced to team up with her ex to wrangle them back home in time for Christmas.

It goes as well as expected...

Inspired by the book 'Ex-Mas' written by Kate Brian.

#jatp #julie and the phantoms #happy juke jeudi!#juke christmas fics #fic recs #there are of course way more than the few listed here #this is just a few suggestions #feel free to reblog with any of your favorite juke christmas fics

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gloombeauty · 3 months

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Lana lost every Grammy she was nominated for. To Taylor, Billie and a stupid band with a stupid name like Boygenius. I guess Lana didn't bribe the Grammy voters committee hard enough. Or didn't buy them $100,000 gifts. She looked so broken trying to fake smile through the whole show. Then Taylor literally dragged her on stage. Lana didn't want that. She looked humiliated and broken up there. Even the way she was dressed looked like she was going to a funeral. I don't think Lana should ever entertain the Grammy's ever again. 💔

Sit down, this will be long.

My love and admiration for Lana Del Rey and Olivia Rodrigo grew even more after what I witnessed at the Grammy's this year.

1 - It's a known fact that the Grammys are trophies that are usually bought by the artists and the labels. They call it "gifts" but it's accurately described as "bribes." That's what it is - bribes. "Gifts" bought for these fucking Grammy committee of voters so that you have a chance to get that Grammy nom and even better - the trophy.

These committees are people straight from the music industry. Usually men. It wasn't so obvious back in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's or even in the early 2000's - but by 2009, it was obvious how the game went. Many artists back in the day won by merit and talent. Many are criminally ignored. Led Zeppelin never won a Grammy. They got a Lifetime Achievement award from the Grammys in 2005. That shit doesn't count but whatever. They were ignored for over 30 years. Michael Jackson lost to that guy who sang "Don't Worry Be Happy." Jethro Tull won for best Metal Recording over Metallica.

So, you see -

2 - Look at the artists who keep winning every fucking year. Taylor Swift. Beyonce. Billie Eilish. Adele. Do the math. It's not a coincidence. Billie acting all goofy and shocked when she wins is all an act. She's an industry plant who's been in the industry thanks to her parents. That stupid act she pulls every single time she wins is tiresome and old. The same exact way it's an act when Taylor feigns shock that she won yet another award. You two conniving bitches paid for your award wins. Cut the fake shock/surprised act.

3 - Speaking of Taylor Swift, she is a demon within the industry itself. Even her own fans said Midnights wasn't that great, but here she is winning "Album Of The Year" (again!) over Ocean Blvd and Guts. Both albums being miles better then Midnights.

4 - Speaking of, shout out to Lana and Olivia Rodrigo for their class and dignity. Having to fake smile for hours while Taylor and Billie were swiping all those trophies was hard to watch. Even Olivia, who's usually her sweet cheery self, had moments last night where she looked done. Lana was already done by the time she hit the red carpet. She had lost to Boygenius twice by that time. Phoebe Bridgers was already a Grammy sweetheart having been nominated for several Grammys for her solo work in 2020. She knew how to play the Grammy game this time around.

But the first sickening part of the night was when Olivia Rodrigo was performing Vampire and Taylor Swift was the only person standing and dancing - while Olivia performed. What fucking shit was that? Taylor, being a monstrous egotistical narcissist, had to stand up during Olivia's moment to shine. She had to fucking dance to a song that wasn't even a fucking dance song. For what? Just to show the world "look! no hate between me and Olivia! All is good! No beef! I support all women! look at me! look at me!"

Let me repeat:

Taylor Swift was literally the only asshole dancing while everyone respectfully sat and watched Olivia perform. For what? To steal Olivia's moment. Plain and simple. She's a narcissist after all.

The way Olivia carried herself the whole night is commendable. I saw Olivia having to fake smile her way every time Taylor beat her in some of the nominations. The camera would pan right up to Olivia's face. This girl is so much better then me. I would have just sat there drinking my wine, but Olivia is smart. Any other reaction from her would have had the Swifties sending her death threats online. They are already attacking her on X for not clapping harder when Taylor won. The maniacal delusions of the Swifteys. They are worst then the Barbz and the Beehive.

In the end, Taylor got what she wanted. The camera panning at her as Olivia was on stage singing and then beating Olivia in several of the categories she was nominated for.

5 - Another moment of disgust at the Grammys was Taylor Swift obligating Lana to join her on stage. Like, that was fucking soul crushing to watch. It was bad enough Lana lost to Taylor - but the kick to the stomach was dragging Lana on stage. She didn't want to go on stage. She shook her head, said no and pulled away. Taylor wouldn't have any of that. She grabbed Lana's arm and dragged her on stage. And for what? As a favor for Lana? So Lana can feel what it's like to stand on a Grammy stage? What was the point? All those nice things Taylor said about Lana's legacy could have been easily said while Lana sat in her seat in the audience.

Lana standing on that stage looked defeated. She didn't want to be there. It was written all over her face. She's not as good as Olivia when it comes to faking a smile. That poor woman looked sad, broken and defeated.

Meanwhile, Taylor is up there being a smiley giddy cunt, accepting her award and demanding Lana, Jack and his wife to stand right next to her. That is some insane mindfucking. I have seen some mindfucking in my time, but what Taylor did last night takes the fucking cake.

I'm glad Lana stayed behind and didn't stand next to Taylor. She was holding on to dear life to the guy standing next to her on stage. This was just too cruel and humiliating to watch.

Lana was already heartbroken by the time she hit the red carpet. That thing on stage just broke her even more. Expect in the next few days a revised version of the questioning of the culture. Expect her IG to be deactivated. Expect her to explode, implode and snap. It's coming.

Don't even get me into Taylor completely ignoring Celine Dion. Not a single hug or kiss for our Celine. Nope. Nothing. After everything Celine has been going through this year.

It's telling that Olivia took so many pictures with other artists that were at the Grammys. Not one single picture with Taylor Swift.

Yeah, no beef. Yeah right.

I know Swifteys are like "she was OnLy trying to be NiCe to LaNa you hater!!!" - like, spare me. Pick up a book and learn to observe what is in front of you.

I hope that Lana cut all ties with the Grammys. That she no longer submits albums/songs to their committee. I feel like what happened last night was incredibly cruel and done on purpose. Lana must have pissed off a Grammy voter(s), maybe refusing a date? Perhaps she refused sexual favors? It's not that farfetched. This is the music industry after all - one of the most insidious industries. Just ask Ashanti.

I hope Lana boycotts the Grammys.

I hope she works with a different producer. I'm sick of Jack Antonoff.

I also hope she cut ties with Taylor. That shit she pulled last night was fucked.

That's all I have to say on this subject.

#lana del rey #olivia rodrigo #taylor swift

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callsigndragon · 1 year

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Desperate times, desperate measures | ch. 4: Writer's block

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x fem!writer!reader (Most of the times, she will be called Page)

Word count: 2k

Warnings: mentions of death, and food, jake and page are being civil (and cute), and it's still a slowwwwwwwwww burn, (they might be in good terms now but things are going to get... interesting soon)

A/N: i had planned a chapter before this one but i ended up changing the order lol (i just want the next one to arrive so BAAAAAAAAAAAAD)

It's okay if you like it and all, but please... a comment is also welcomed and if you reblog it? I'll kiss you on the forehead.

If you want to be added, comment down!

Masterlist

It’s been a week since you got Emma back. It would be nice to say that things have been easier since then, but there was something else that you and Jake didn’t think about.

You two had to prepare a service.

It was hard, and it was the final goodbye. It seemed like no matter how many times you came to terms with it, there was something else to be done. Another event. Another goodbye. But as soon as the service came, it was gone.

It’s all gone now.

Jake asked for parental leave, so he could get used to this new life. Jake didn’t think it was fair that he continued with his life and you had to stay at home all day taking care of Emma. At least he wasn’t a complete jerk.

Little by little, you have been replacing some of the pictures in the house. Not all of them, because you and Jake want Emma to grow up knowing that Anne and Luke were, and still are, family. However, one of the photos Luke took on Emma's first birthday a few months ago has replaced the large family portrait that they once had atop the fireplace. It didn’t feel right, but you had to do it. Make that house feel like a home again.

Just in case child services decide to show up unannounced.

“Hey, you need to eat something.”

Jake sits next to you on the porch, watching the afternoon sky and its orange colors. You look at him, processing his words. “‘M not hungry.”

“Page,” he mumbles, offering you a sandwich. “Eat.”

Your eyes move from him to the sandwich. “Why are you being nice?”

“I’m not being nice. I just don’t want you to die of starvation, leaving me alone to raise Emma.” He jokes, and you accept the sandwich.

“I want to do that again.” You mutter, munching on your sandwich.

“Do what?”

“Joke,” you simply respond. “And laugh.”

Jake sighs, knowing how hard it is for you. “You’ll laugh again, Page.”

“When?”

“When something is really, really funny.” He assures you, and you see Gabby’s car parking in the street. “You called her?”

“No, I didn’t.” You are about to leave your sandwich on the small table when Jake raises a finger. “What?”

“Don’t even try to leave that sandwich there.”

“Or what?”

“I’ll have to feed you like I do with Emma,” he says, and his words make you feel like he’s joking, but you can’t find in you the ability to laugh.

Jake looks at his hands before getting up. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

Gabby watches him open the main door and calls him before he enters the house. “Don’t go, Jake. This concerns you, too.”

The male turns, looking at you with an interrogative expression. You shrug, not knowing what this is all about. “What happens, Gabs?”

“Well,” she starts, sitting next to you and opening your Instagram account. “You see that?”

“Yeah, it’s my Instagram”

She points to the name. “You haven’t changed the surname.”

“Oh…you’re right.”

Jake looks at you two, not understanding anything. “What does it matter?”

“Jake, Page is famous. She’s been since I invited her to the Grammys and she came with me.”

“You’ve been to the Grammys?”

You roll your eyes. “Remember when Anne was in labor and you and Luke had to take her to the hospital because we were in Los Angeles?”

“Oh, right. I remember now.”

“Anyway. Since that night, she’s been somehow a public figure, she has a lot of followers, and fans. ” Gabby keeps going on and on, and you can’t believe that people aren’t posting about your recent marriage.

Jake crosses his arms and looks at the phone. “Okay so why I’m hearing is that you need to prove to your followers and the paps, right?”

“Basically.” Gabby confirms.

You look at them, almost hearing the wheels in their heads. “Okay, we’re going on a trip.”

Gabby looks at him, arching her perfect eyebrow. “The fuck you mean you’re going on a trip.”

Jake sits next to her. “My parents have a ranch. I grew up there. We can go there, take some family pictures, you post them, we hang some of them in the house, and the problem is solved.”

You place a hand on his shoulder, getting his attention. “Jake, if you go there, you’ll have to tell your parents that you got married.”

“Shit, you’re right.”

Gabs notices your worried expression and decides to step in. “Let’s start with the wedding pics. We need you to post some of them on insta.”

Sighing, you get up, shaking your head. “This is so wrong.”

You pace around the porch, thinking of all the possible ways you can get out of this. Maybe you can tell the truth and hope to still be able to get Emma’s custody. Yeah, sure. As if. There’s no way to get out of this.

“Page. Page, come on, you’re gonna make a hole in the floor.” Jake jokes, and you’re really tempted to throw the sandwich in his face.

“How are you so fucking calm?” You raise your voice, standing in front of him. “You’re proposing to lie to your fucking parents, Jake. And you don’t care?”

“It’s only a year, Page. I don’t see my parents that much.” He admits, looking away.

“But… we were only supposed to lie to CPS. Not our families. Or the world.” You stop your rambling for a second and turn to Jake. “You don’t see them?”

“No, we’re…not on good terms.” He confesses, and you frown.

“Maybe we shouldn’t go there.”

Jake shakes his head, getting up from his chair, when he hears Emma crying inside. “We need those photos. And being away from this place for a few days will help us. All of us.”

He walks inside, closing the door softly behind him, and Gabby takes your hand between hers. “Breathe, honey. It’s gonna be a long year.”

“No, Gabs,” you sigh, looking at the now dark blue sky. “It won't end in a year. Not for me.”

Gabby has a plan. And it’s a good plan. So good that the next morning you find yourself standing in a venue with a wedding dress and being the main character of a wedding photoshoot.

The place is beautiful, filled with flowers that decorate the first of each row of white chairs. At the end of the aisle, the same white flowers decorate the arch under which, in ideal circumstances, you would have married. Jake is stunning in his black suit, and little Emma has a beautiful white dress. You don’t want to show her face in the pictures; she’s too little to be exposed to the public eye.

After a few hours of posing and being blinded by the camera flash, the photographer requests a break to go over the photos and determine whether they need more. You sit down with your laptop, watching Emma and Gabs sleep in the back of her car.

You need to write. There’s a deadline that you need to respect. And deadlines can’t be pushed forward just because your best friend died in an accident. But words seem to have abandoned you. Maybe you don't have anything to say anymore. Have you run out of stories? Do you really want to spend the rest of your life hiding behind a screen and living through your characters?

Life can change in a second. Your current situation is proof of it. You don't want to regret not having lived enough experiences once your time comes, whenever that is.

Jake sits next to you, closing the laptop. It turned off a while ago, due to inactivity. "You'll find your voice again, Page. Your mind isn't in the right place."

"Why do you always seem to know what I'm thinking?" You groan, looking at him.

Jake smirks, raising his eyebrows playfully, while he unties the bowtie and the first buttons of his shirt."I can read you like a Page of an open book."

You snort, laughing at the stupidest joke Jake has ever said. It's not funny. It's terrible. And yet, it makes you cry with laughter. Jake joins, a genuine smile spreading over his face. A weight leaves your shoulders, and your soul. And all thanks to, weirdly enough, Jake.

None of you seem to hear the click of the camera capturing the moment, or Gabby asking the photographer to hide that picture from you two. She will show you this picture. When the time comes.

When the laugh dies down, you look at him, biting your lip. "Can I tell you something?"

Jake nods.

"I-I don't know if I want to keep writing."

"But... that's what you've always wanted to do." Jake replies, not understanding your sudden change of heart.

"I've been... living through my characters. I don't have a lot of stories to share or memories to go through when I'm old," you start rambling, feeling like you need to let it all out. "I don't want to regret it in 30 years."

Jake remains silent, going over your words and the meaning behind them. He knows that Anne's death has changed the way you look at life, but he can also say that choices made in the heat of the moment only end in regret. Writing is your life. "And if you don't want to write, what are you going to do?"

"Anne... wanted me to act in her next movie."

"The one based on your first script?" Jake asks, remembering a conversation he had with Luke not so long ago.

"Yeah, that one. That first script was more... personal than everything I’ve ever written. She said that the only one who could act as the main character was me."

"She's based on you, right?" When you look at him, surprised that he knows about the character, he raises a hand. "Luke told me. He read your script and said that he would even watch the movie.”

"Anyway, the new director of the movie called me a few days ago. He found the annotated version of the script, and apparently Anne refused to direct the movie if I wasn’t in it."

"But, do you know how to act?" Jake questions, playing with the ends of his bowtie.

"I... graduated with a major in theater and a minor in writing." You confess, and he seems surprised by this new information.

“And you chose to write rather than act?”

“Yeah. It was easier for me.” You shrug, not caring too much about it.

“So... Here's what I think. As your hot husband,” you snort, and he chuckles. “I see that you have two choices. You can keep being a writer, and wait for this writer’s block to go away, or you can use this week off in my parents ranch to think about the future, what you want to do with your life…”

You place your head on his shoulder, closing your eyes for a second and enjoying this calm moment. “Thanks, Jake.”

“We can only survive this year if we help each other.” He says, using the same words you used a few days ago.

The photographer approaches you and informs you that there are enough pictures and the photoshoot is over. Jake offers you a hand to get up from the chair, his hand lingering on yours a few more seconds than necessary. “I have to go with the boys today, you think you can handle Emma on your own?”

“Yeah, don’t worry. Gabby is staying, I won’t be alone.” You smile a bit and pat his chest. “Don’t go around flirting with people, please. It might come back in the future and bite us in the ass.”

“Page,” he mutters, a solemn tone in his voice. “This marriage might be fake, but the consequences aren’t. I won’t do anything that risks Emma being taken away from us.”

“But… it’s a year.” You emphasize the last word, so he realizes that it’s a lot of time.

“I’ll worry about that when the time comes.” He takes off the suit jacket and looks at you. “I’ll see you tonight, okay? Call me if anything happens.”

You nod, and watch him walk away, thinking about his words. There’s no way that Jake can keep it in his pants for a year.

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slafkovskys · 4 months

Note

How did Josh and singer’s first date go??? I don’t think we’ve explored that yet!

🪩

“she wants something normal,” emma explains to the man who had been pestering her about her best friend all week. josh was perched at her kitchen table, head in his hands as he took in her words, “one guy rented out the yankees stadium or something so they could have dinner at home plate just because he wanted to impress her. she doesn’t want that. she called me crying after asking why he couldn’t have just taken her to some italian place.

“yes, she’s got a name, a few grammy’s, and what have you, but beneath all of that, she’s no different than you or me. she’s a human being, josh,” the blonde sends him a gentle smile, “you could show up with flowers and take her on a picnic and she’d probably be over the moon because no one’s ever done something like that for her.”

and josh takes that and runs.

she flies into ottawa the night before and it just so happened to be one of the last nice days in the city before the winter weather would sweep in that josh pulls up to the apartment she rents for when she’s in town. he’s got a bouquet of her favorite flowers and she raises an eyebrow when she spots the wicker picnic basket in the back of his jeep.

“really?” she’s shocked, “no one’s ever taken me on a picnic before.”

“it’s a pretty day and i haven’t been on one in a while,” josh bought the basket approximately three hours earlier, “so i thought why not? something lowkey.”

“i’m excited.”

they spend hours in brady and emma’s backyard pretending they don’t find the two peeping their heads out of the kitchen window or see emma shoving brady by the back door when he lingers. she giggles over her peanut butter and jelly josh had expertly whipped up, “i feel like i’m in middle school and my parents are chaperoning.”

he feels his stomach drop, “i-i’m sorry. i wanted us to be somewhere…”

“where no one would recognize me?” she finishes for him when he trails off. ashamed that he had ruined it, he nods his head. she leans over and pecks his cheek, causing him to look at her with wide eyes, “josh, this is the most fun that i have had in a long time, even if we do have mom and dad watching everything we do.”

“so, would it be a bad idea to ask for a second date?” he’s hopeful when he asks, heart thrumming against his ribcage.

“it wouldn’t.”

#josh norris #joshxsinger #jess writes

18 notes · View notes

khoicesbyk · 5 months

Text

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 5,540 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or DM me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

Chapter 3.) Ties That Bind.

It had been a few days since Shanelle called her father to let him know that his brother had a stroke and was in a coma. It was news Damien took in stride but Her Majesty could tell her father was heartbroken. When the press release went out about the ailing former King some in the kingdom were sad for him but others not so much. None more than Her Majesty. But protocol dictated that she showed some form of compassion even if she didn't want to.

She met her parents at the residence of the palace.

“Hi Daddy,” she said as she hugged her father.

“Hello, my darling,” he replied.

She was happy to see her parents. She then hugged her mother.

“It's good to see you butterfly.”

“It's good to see you too, Madam Minister.”

Shantel snickered just as Marquise and the children came around the corner.

“Grammy! Pop Pop!” Khari said as she ran up to her grandparents.

Damien opened his arms to her and her brothers.

“Hello, my sunshine! Hello boys! How are you?” he said as he embraced them.

“We're good Pop Pop. Mommy told me that your brother is sick.” Khari replied.

Damien smiled softly.

“Yes, he is. But his doctors will help to make him better.”

Khari nodded.

“And we know you are sad. But we're here to cheer you up. Right boys?” Khari asked.

Being with his grandchildren always made Damien’s heart swell.

“Thank you my little ones. Your love can heal anything.”

Damien watched as Khari and the boys toddled over to Shantel.

“My sweet babies! Grammy missed you.”

Later that evening after spending family time, Damien found himself sharing a drink with his son-in-law.

“Since it's just us Damien, how are you, really?” Marquise asked.

Damien took a contemplative sip of his drink.

“To be honest I'm not even sure. I am sad for my brother but I also know he made a lot of enemies in his time as King. So part of me feels like this may be his karma coming back to get him but still.” Damien replies.

“He's your brother?” Marquise asks.

Damien nodded.

“Yes. I know why you and my daughter can't stand him and I understand that. I understand why you two would never allow him anywhere near the children. But despite all of that he is still family.”

“You've certainly gone to great lengths to stick your neck out for him.”

Damien shook his head.

“I know. It's part of the promise that I made to my father before he died.”

“What promise was that?” Marquise asked.

Damien sighed into his drink.

“I promised my father that I would always be loyal to my brother. That I would always be here to help guide him. Because he would always need me to be by his side.” Damien replies.

“Even though he's never done the same for you?” Marquise asks.

“Yes. Even then. Loyalty and family make strange bedfellows. I would think you'd know what it's like to have an older brother on the trajectory to be a King.” Damien replies.

Marquise nodded.

“True. The only difference is mine has never turned on me the way yours has always taken every chance to turn on you.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Damien said with a sigh as he finished his drink. “I guess what you could say bothers me the most is that for the first time in years, I'll actually see him looking and being vulnerable. You know as well as anyone that vulnerability is dangerous.”

“This is true. But you have to remember Edward is no longer a King.”

Damien shook his head as he poured himself another drink.

“That doesn't mean his enemies have forgotten his time as one.”

“You said this would be the first time that you've seen him be this vulnerable in years. What do you mean by that?”

Damien took a thoughtful sip of his drink.

“When we were children, he had to have his tonsils removed.”

“Only his tonsils? You sure they didn't take his spine too?” Marquise asks.

Damien chuckled softly.

“Anyway, for the two weeks following that surgery, he was pitiful. Mad that he couldn't eat what he wanted.”

“I'm almost scared to ask this but what was that?” Marquise asked.

“Our cook at the time, Lemmy, used to make the best brownies in the world. Edward adored them. So I would sneak him a brownie and a glass of warm milk every night before bed.” Damien replied.

Damien sighed.

“We weren't always awkwardly estranged, you know. There was a point in our lives when we were brothers and not just King and servant. We used to be inseparable as children. Always doing everything together.”

“What happened?” Marquise asks.

“He remembered that although we are brothers, he is and was always meant to be the heir. Once he started taking his governance lessons and sitting in on political meetings with my father, he slowly changed. He got a taste of what true power was like and it shifted his mindset. It changed him. And he's never been the same since.” Damien replies.

Marquise nodded.

“I see.”

“That was always my fear of Shanelle taking the throne.”

“What? That she’d become power-hungry?” Marquise asked.

“Yes. I sometimes feared that she'd forget who she really is. You know better than anyone how hard it is to bring peace and to govern. You also know how alluring that power is and how corruptive it can be. She's not a corrupt dictator like my brother and your father turned out to be. She actually cares about the people and their needs as well as the overall well-being of the kingdom. As do you. Yes, she's gotten used to having the absolute finest and most luxurious things in life, but that's because she's earned that life.” Damien replied.

“That is something I can assure you that you never have to worry about. If there's one thing my wife has never forgotten it's her humanity. She knows who she is and where she came from. And she teaches that to our children every day. She has never forgotten how precarious her position as Queen is.”

Damien nodded.

“I know. And please don't think that I doubt her abilities as a leader or yours for that matter. I just know what that much power can do to someone.”

Marquise nodded.

“I understand.”

Damien nodded at him gratefully.

“I'm glad you understand,” Damien said as he finished his drink, “thank you for the drink son. But I think it's time I get to bed. We are traveling to Cloutier tomorrow.”

“Good luck tomorrow Damien. I know that it won't be easy for you.” Marquise said as he held out his hand.

“Thank you, son. I appreciate it,” Damien replied as he shook Marquise’s hand. “I'll see you in the morning, Your Majesty.”

“Goodnight Your Highness.”

The two men nodded to each other before going their separate ways for the night. The next morning with the children staying with Marquise, Shanelle and her parents made the trip to the former capital city of South Cordonia. As they rode to Cloutier Shanelle peered over to her father and could tell something was on his mind.

“Are you okay Daddy?” She asked as she squeezed his left hand.

That seemed to snap Damien out of his trance.

“Yes, my darling I’m okay. I guess.” He replies.

“What’s wrong dear?” Shantel asked her husband.

Damien sighed heavily.

“I guess this reminds me of the last time I was truly home,” Damien replies.

Shantel laid her head on his shoulder.

“You mean when we came here the day before your parents died?” Shantel asks.

“Yes.” He replied quietly.

Damien shook his head sadly before looking at his daughter.

“You were just a baby when they died. You were just barely older than the boys are now. But the love they had for you was always so strong. Father adored you and mother…God she doted over you when we brought you here for the first time. Whatever you wanted she made sure you had it. I guess that's one of the reasons why Edward has always resented me.”

Shanelle smiled softly.

“I guess this trip is bringing up feelings I thought were long buried. That's all. I don't want you two to worry about me.”

“Too late honey. We’ll always worry about you.”

Shanelle smiled at her dad.

“What mom said.”

Damien smiled.

“Thank you both.”

The three spent the rest of the ride in companionable silence. Gazing out at the countryside. Seeing many getting ready for the upcoming Harvest Ball and Festival. As they rode down into the palace motorway, Damien took a deep breath.

“Well here we are,” he said quietly.

“It's okay Daddy. We’ll be right by your side.” Shanelle said reassuringly.

“Thank you my darling. Having my two favorite girls with me makes this a whole lot easier.”

The three exited the limo and headed to the entrance where they were greeted by Prince Edwin and someone from Damien’s past.

“Good morning Your Majesty, Your Highness, Your Grace. Welcome to the palace.” Edwin said in greeting.

“Good morning cousin. Thank you for welcoming us.” Shanelle replies.

Edwin nods politely.

“You're welcome, Your Majesty. Now please let me introduce you to my aunt Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux, my mother's lead ladies' maid and head of the palace staff here.”

Shanelle nodded politely to the woman.

“It's good to meet you, Countess.”

“It's good to meet you as well, Your Majesty.” the Countess replies before turning to Damien, “Your Highness. It's good to see you again.”

“Hello Countess, thank you for having us,” Damien replied, taking Shantel’s arm in his.

“Us?” she asks somewhat perplexed before regaining herself, “Ahh yes. Shantel is it? It's good that you’re here too.”

Shantel forces a smile.

“Countess, my mother is a Duchess and is to be addressed as Your Grace.” Shanelle corrected her.

Countess Alicia nodded politely.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. It's good to have you here…Your Grace.”

“Thank you for having us Countess,” Shantel says coolly.

Countess nods demurely before Edwin clears his throat.

“Shall we go inside now?” Edwin asks.

“Yes. Let's.” Shanelle replies.

Edwin took his aunt’s arm and led Shanelle and her parents inside. As they walked behind their hosts Shanelle glanced over to her mother and read the tight expression on her face.

“Mom, are you okay?” Shanelle asks.

“Yes, baby I'm fine,” Shantel replied tightly.

Shanelle looked at her father.

“Daddy?” she asks.

Damien sighed.

“Let's just say, Countess Alicia and your mother do NOT get along,” he replies.

“That's one way to put it,” Shantel muttered.

“Do I need to have words with this woman?” Shanelle asks.

“No baby. I'll be fine.” Shantel replied.

Shanelle cleared her throat, catching her cousin's attention.

“I'm surprised you’re here Edwin. I thought you weren't speaking to your father.”

Edwin stopped and then sighed heavily, rubbing his brow.

“I’m not but because I am his eldest child, protocol dictates that I be here in his time of need. Same as you.”

“And how are you doing? How is Pascal?” she asks.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty but I'm not sure why you care,” he replied.

“Because I know for a fact that you two have been together publicly since his divorce from Giana was finalized back in January. And because I actually want to see you be happy.”

Edwin looked at her and nodded slowly.

“Thank you, Shanelle.”

“Whether you believe me or not, I wish you both the best. And so does my husband.”

“Thank you, cousin. I wasn't sure how you'd react.”

“Just because we've never really gotten along doesn't mean that I hate you. I genuinely want you to be happy.”

“I appreciate that.” he said before pausing momentarily, “If it's not too forward, I would like to extend you and His Majesty an invitation to our wedding next March.”

Shanelle nodded with a small smile.

“We would be delighted to attend.”

“You would?” he asks.

“Yes. Again I don't hate you. I would love to be there.” she replies.

“Thank you. Now because of the divorce, Giana is barring their children from our wedding so I was hoping you'd allow the Princess and Princes to stand in as a flower girl and ring bearers on their behalf.”

“I'm sure my daughter would love that. I don’t know about my boys. I don't think they would understand the concept but I would love to see them walk down the aisle with their sister.”

“Thank you, Shanelle. It means a lot to me that you and your family would attend and can you ask His Majesty if he wouldn't mind officiating,” he said to her.

“I most certainly can ask him.”

Edwin nodded gratefully before turning to Damien and Shantel, “I would love for you both to attend as well Uncle.”

Damien nodded gratefully.

“Send us the invitation and your uncle and I will happily be there,” Shantel replies.

Alicia rolled her eyes and Shantel caught it.

“Is there something wrong Countess?” Shantel asks.

“No no. Well…I'm just not sure why Edwin would invite you. I just thought this would be an intimate family affair.”

Damien sighed.

“Not that you need to be reminded Alicia, but Shantel is my wife and Edwin’s aunt through marriage. She is no different than you.”

“I was only kidding Damien.”

“Sure you were…” Shantel muttered.

“Just so you know Countess, disrespecting my mother is the same as disrespecting me. And I will not tolerate being disrespected nor will I tolerate my mother being disrespected.” Shanelle warned the Countess.

“Very well. I apologize…Duchess.” Countess Alicia said to Shantel.

“Sure.”

“Shall we continue?” Edwin asks before he continues down the main hall.

Edwin led them to his father’s bed chamber. When they got to the door, they were greeted by two women.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness, Your Grace, meet my cousins Lady Ariella Barbaroux-Lawrence and Lady Amina Barbaroux-Clauson,” Edwin said as he introduced them, “My ladies, please meet Her Majesty, and my aunt and uncle, Prince Damien and Duchess Shantel.”

Both ladies curtsied before joining their mother’s side giving Shantel the same side eye as their mother that Shanelle noticed.

“Are you all ready?” Edwin asked.

“Give us a moment, if you please,” Shanelle replies.

Edwin nodded.

“Of course Your Majesty.”

Shanelle pulled her parents into a nearby alcove.

“Okay, what is going on here?” Shanelle asked her parents.

Damien sighed.

“Alicia was the one I was supposed to marry before I met your mother,” Damien replies.

“Yeah, and the bitch has never let me live it down,” Shantel added.

Shanelle groaned.

“What is it with you Cordonians and marrying women you have no business marrying?” Shanelle teased.

Her parents snickered.

“The heart wants what it wants,” Damien replied.

“Are you sure that the Countess won't be a problem?” Shanelle asked.

“Yes, my darling. Alicia has never forgiven me for marrying your mother but as you can clearly see I have never regretted my decision to marry the love of my life.” Damien replies.

“It's also why Genevieve and I have never gotten along. To her and especially her step-sister, I've never been good enough for your father or his station.” Shantel added.

“Jesus Christ!” Shanelle groaned.

“We'll be fine, baby,” Shantel assured her daughter.

“Okay. Let's go see the rusty old windpipe Daddy calls a brother.”

Damien snickered as he shook his head. Soon they rejoined Edwin outside the former King’s bedchamber door.

“Shall we?” Edwin asked.

Shanelle nodded while Damien took a deep breath.

Edwin opened the chamber door to reveal Edward lying in bed hooked up to an IV machine with Genevieve and a nurse by his side. Seeing Edward reminded Damien of what his father looked like in his final moments as he and his family walked in.

“Father, Mother, you have guests.” Edwin informed his parents.

When Edward looked up his face instantly soured.

“What are you doing here in my palace?” he sneered at Shanelle.

“Believe me I don't want to be here any more than you want me to be here. But since you decided to go off and have a stroke on me, I'm here. Also, you forget this is MY Palace. You stay here because I allow it.” Shanelle snapped at him.

Edward turned his attention to Damien.

“And what about you? What the hell are you doing here?” Edward asked Damien.

Damien closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.

“Last time I checked this was my home and you are my brother,” Damien replied.

“Don't you dare get smart with me you simpleton!” Edward snapped at Damien.

“Watch your mouth, Edward! Unless you want to foot the bill for your care yourself.” Shanelle warned him.

“You can't do that!” Genevieve said to Shanelle.

“You're right. I can't but my husband can and I will make sure that he does. I will not tolerate my father being disrespected. Especially by this pompous ass. So I suggest you tell your estranged husband to keep his trap shut.”

Genevieve narrowed her eyes at Shanelle before going back to tending to Edward.

“Why are you even here Genevieve? I thought you filed for divorce.” Shanelle asked.

“Yes well, Edward and I have reconciled. We are stronger together than we are apart.”

“You mean your stipend wasn't enough to finance your lifestyle,” Shantel quipped.

Shanelle snickered.

“I earned that stipend. Unlike you, Minister.” Genevieve sneered.

“Minister? What are you talking about sister?” Alicia asked.

“His Majesty has named her the new Education Minister. Not that someone like her deserves it.” Genevieve replies.

“She certainly doesn't.”

Shantel rolled her eyes.

“For the record, my mother has over 30 years of educational experience as an educator, she also has 2 MBAs, one in early childhood education and one in secondary education from NYU, and is working on her doctorate as we speak, as well as being the NYCPS Teachers Union president for nearly 25 years. Most of the nobles who were nominated before her had no prior experience in any form of education. It would do you both good to remember that. Thank you very much.” Shanelle snapped at them.

Shantel nodded gratefully as Alicia rolled her eyes.

“Very well. Apologies…Duchess.”

“Careful Alicia. Your envy is starting to show.” Shantel warned her.

“Can we do this somewhere else?” Damien asked.

The two women glared at each other but backed down. That's when Damien finally walked over to his brother's bedside while his wife and daughter stayed close to the door.

“You never did answer my question, little brother.”

“What question is that?” Damien asks.

“What are you doing here?” Edward replied.

“I'm here because my older brother had a stroke. And whether he wants to hear or not I still care about him.”

Edward scoffed.

“I don't need your pity!”

“And yet you have it anyway.”

“Well now that you've seen me, you and your family can leave.”

“I'm not going anywhere.”

“I said leave! I don't need you! I have never needed you! You were always the weakling that I had to carry for the sake of our parents. If it were up to me you would've been exiled the night they died!”

That's when Damien snapped.

“I have heard enough Edward! If you must know I'm here to remind you that you are no longer a King. Nor were you ever a God! You are just a man! You want to know why I'm really here? I'm here because whether you realize it or not, I am the only family that you have left!” Damien’s voice boomed, “Look at what all you've done in and with your life! The only reason Genevieve came back to you is because she's broke! Hell, even your own children want nothing to do with you because they are that ashamed of you! The only reason poor Edwin even is here is because of his duty to his father! The same as me!”

By the time Damien was done, Edward was stunned. It was the first time he had ever yelled at his brother. That's when a slow clap coming from the doorway broke out.

“Well well well! Would you look at that? The coward finally found his spine. Never mind the fact that it only took you damn near our whole lives to do so.”

When everyone turned to the doorway in walked Shanelle’s Godfather and Damien’s best friend Commander Gaspard Devereaux.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Alicia asked.

When Gaspard turned to her his face soured.

“Oh, good Lord! What cesspool did they drag you out of? If you must know, I'm obviously not here looking for you. I'm here as a guest of the Queen.” Gaspard replies.

“I did not invite you!” Genevieve said.

“I wasn't talking about you, you bottom-feeding wretch!”

Shantel snorted.

“I'm talking about my goddaughter,” Gaspard said, gesturing to Shanelle.

“How dare you insult my wife?!” Edward exclaimed.

“How dare you insult my wife?!” Gaspard mocked. “Very easily actually. Especially since I am no longer under your command. That means I can insult her and this cheap two-timing golddigger she calls a step-sister all I want!”

Genevieve seethed.

“Now speaking of my goddaughter, where is my little beauty? Ahh, there you are! And look at you! You are as beautiful as the day I met you, my dear.”

Shanelle snickered.

“Thank you, Godfather. It's good to see you.” Shanelle said as she hugged him.

“It's good to see you too, Your Majesty,” he said with a bow.

When he looked over at Shantel he had a smirk on his face.

“Well well! If it isn't the cause of my exile!” he teased.

“Oh go to hell Gaspard!” Shantel hissed.

“So prickly! You know you used to have a sense of humor when you were younger.”

Shantel shook her head with a smile.

“You're lucky I tolerate you.” Shantel said as she hugged him, “It's good to see you.”

“It's good to be seen.”

“How is Amelia?” Shantel asked.

“Fantastic. Ready for Thanksgiving.” Gaspard replies.

“Good. I can't wait to see her and everyone.”

When Gaspard got to Damien he had a look of smug pride on his face.

“Well well, you finally did it, old friend. You finally found your voice after years of being the punching bag of the conniving snake you call a brother. Gone are the days of you having the voice of a meager little church mouse, and here to stay are the days of you having the voice of a bullhorn.”

Edward gave Gaspard a venomous look.

“Are you quite finished?” Edward asked.

That's when Gaspard turned to Edward.

“Of course not Your former Majesty. I have only just begun. How fitting that the once-great King of South Cordonia has been humbled by a stroke. Tis a shame that it didn't claim your tongue or your life for that matter.” Gaspard replies.

Edward looked at him indignantly.

“You filthy God awful excuse of—” Edward’s words were cut off by a coughing fit.

“That's it! I want all of you out! Alicia get them out of here now!” Genevieve demanded.

“At once Your Majesty,” Alicia replied.

“If I may Countess, I'd like to have rooms prepared for my wife and I, and the Commander,” Damien said to her.

“With all due respect Your Highness, you have no jurisdiction here,” Alicia replies.

“You're right, he doesn't. But as the owner of this palace, I do. And as head of the staff here, you are under my command. With that said, I want rooms prepared here for my parents and Godfather, immediately. Thank you.” Shanelle said to Alicia.

Alicia stared at Shanelle before clearing her throat nervously.

“Y-yes, Your Majesty. Right away.”

“Thank you, Countess.”

“Do not…make rooms…for these fools!” Edward Said through a coughing fit.

“Big Brother you are in no position to make any demands. As I said earlier this is my home. The same as yours.”

“This is not your home! Not anymore!” Edward wheezed.

“No thanks to you! But now that you no longer have any power, you can no longer ban me from my home. And you certainly have no power to keep me from the one thing I treasure most in this world!” Damien snapped at his brother.

“And dare I ask what that is?” Edward asked.

“Our parents’ final resting place,” Damien replies.

“You stay the hell away from there!” Edward sneered at Damien.

“You're no longer a King, Edward. You have no power anymore. Once more you’re no longer my King. Which means you have no power over me!” Damien snapped at his brother, before walking out of Edward’s room. With Shanelle, Shantel, and Gaspard hot on his heels.

Once outside, Damien walked a few steps to a large picture window overlooking his mother’s garden. The tension in his body left him, and his shoulders slumped as he took a shaky breath.

“Daddy? Are you okay?” Shanelle asked quietly.

“I shouldn't have yelled at him like that. Not when he's in such a fragile state.” Damien replied.

“What?! Are you insane?!” Gaspard asked.

“Gaspard,” Damien replies.

“Don't you Gaspard me! You had every right to yell at that no-good bastard! He's done nothing but bully me and especially you our whole lives. In case you've forgotten, I hadn't been able to come home in decades because he exiled me to America! An exile mind you, that your daughter and son-in-law lifted. On top of granting me the death benefits of my father that your brother refused to pay after he died.”

“I haven't forgotten Gaspard. I could never forget.”

Gaspard scoffed.

“Gee, I can't tell.”

“Gaspard, that's enough! You’re not the only one he hurt.” Shantel said to him.

Gaspard sighed.

“I'm sorry my friend. I wasn't trying to take this out on you.”

Damien smiled softly at his best friend.

“I know you aren't.”

The two embraced.

“It's really good to see you, old friend.”

“Likewise Gaspard.”

Damien faced out at the garden before looking back at his daughter.

“Come with me?” he asks her.

“I would love to,” she replies.

Shanelle slipped her hand into his before they, her mother and godfather walked out to Damien’s mother’s garden. They took time to walk amongst the rows of Queen Angelique’s favorite flowers. Being able to share this with his daughter, meant the world to Damien. They stopped when they got to a garden chair set that had seen better days.

“Do you remember this?” Damien asked his daughter.

She looked at the set trying to recall it.

“No, I don't. I'm sorry,” she replies.

“It was where we had high tea with your grandmother. She invited me and Mama to join you and her.” Shantel piped up.

Shanelle looked back at the garden chair set.

“I don't remember that.”

Shantel smiled at the garden set.

“It was a few days before your coronation. She had all the ladies of her court there. That's when she first introduced you to them.”

Shanelle closed her eyes and nodded. Damien wrapped her in a loving hug.

“Your grandmother was so proud and excited to show you off to the ladies of the court. She had found out she had a granddaughter and she was going to make sure the whole world knew about you.” Damien said softly to his daughter.

Shanelle softly wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I miss her. And Baba too.” Shanelle said quietly.

“You are the reason, he became a better King in his final days. That is one thing I am most proud of.”

“But I didn't do anything.”

Damien kissed his daughter on her forehead.

“You changed his life and his view on his kingdom. Because he knew his kingdom would one day be yours. You made him a better man and King. No one can say they did that but you.”

Shanelle laid her head on her father’s shoulder and smiled softly.

Later that night, after making sure her parents and Godfather were safe, comfortable, and situated in their guest rooms at the old Palace, Shanelle was back home in her husband’s arms enjoying a glass of wine.

“Well, you've had quite the day.”

Shanelle sighed.

“Tell me about it. I swear if murder wasn't illegal or at least severely frowned upon, I'd bomb that damn palace and everyone in it.”

Marquise snorted.

“Ever my charming and beautiful murderess.”

“Those imbeciles deserve it!”

Marquise refilled his drink.

“Anyway, tell me more about your cousin’s upcoming wedding.”

Shanelle smiled softly.

“He invited us and my parents and I couldn't say no. And I meant it when I told him that I am happy for him and Pascal.”

Marquise nodded.

“Did he say who was officiating?” he asks.

“Yes. I wanted to know if you'd officiate their wedding,” she replies.

“Me?”

“You do have the power to officiate weddings, Sir.”

“True.” he said before taking a sip of his drink, “So I guess I should dust off my Bible and grab my officiating tie. I have yet another wedding.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

“What else happened?” he asked.

“We toured my grandmother’s garden and Daddy showed me where she had us have high tea with her,” she replied.

“Tell me about that.”

Shanelle smiled wistfully.

“It's beautiful. All of her favorite flowers are there. I felt like she was there with us. I would love to bring Khari. She would love it.”

“I'm sure she would. She loves flowers. She loves taking flowers from the maze and bringing them inside.”

“Part of me is happy we went.”

“You were happy to see your uncle?”

“No, you dumbass. It was good to be back in the palace because, for the first time, it didn't feel like a dungeon.”

“I mean it is your Palace, my love. You are allowed to come and go there as you please. And the only reason Edward and his family have been able to stay there is because you didn't want to take the only home your cousins had ever known away from them.”

“True.”

“And now that your cousins are grown and clearly on their own, you have the power to evict His former Majesty if you choose to.”

“Did I mention that he and Genevieve have apparently reconciled?”

Marquise made a face.

“Well, that just ruined the mood.”

“Tell me about it.”

Just then Shanelle’s phone buzzed.

“You should get that,” Marquise suggested.

“Hello?” Shanelle answered.

It was her father who was frantic over the phone.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Daddy slow down! What happened?…Mom and Countess Alicia did WHAT?!”

Shanelle listened to her father and tried to calm him down.

“Okay, Daddy calm down! Where is Mom? Is she okay?…Okay, you need to calm her down and tell Godfather to quit laughing!”

Shanelle listened again before she hung up the phone.

“What is it?” Marquise asked.

“Do you know who Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux is?” she replied.

“Yes. She’s Genevieve’s step-sister. What about her?” he asked.

“She's also about to be a dead woman,” she replies.

“What happened?”

“She got into a fight with my mother. And lost.”

Marquise let out a breath.

“Yikes!”

“Exactly.”

“Is mom okay?”

“Yeah, she's fine. She's just royally pissed.”

“I don't blame her. Where is the Countess now?”

“All I know is my parents are on one side of the palace and she's on the other.”

Marquise nodded decisively.

“I’ll have an arrest warrant issued for the Countess in the morning.”

“In the morning? Why not now?”

“Because doing it now would mean that I'd have to get up and walk all the way down the hall to my office. And I don't want to do that now that I'm in a comfortable spot.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

“Fine. I do have a question though.”

“Yes?”

“Wouldn't issuing a warrant on my mom’s behalf be considered showing favoritism?”

“Your Mother is an active member of the Royal Family. So no it's not.”

“Why can't you get a judge to do it?”

“Because all the nobles answer to me, not to the judges.”

“Good. The sooner that bitch is arrested the better.”

“It will be done, my Queen.”

“Good. I'll go back to the palace tomorrow to check up on Mom and make sure she's really okay.”

“Do you want some company?”

“No, not unless you want to hear Genevieve bitching at me at the top of her lungs.”

“Oh, how I thoroughly enjoy making that woman and her God-awful husband suffer.”

“And you have the nerve to call me a murderess.”

“You want to drop a literal bomb on her.”

“No, I don't.”

“Yes, you do. Not that I blame you. Whereas I want to take pleasure in watching her suffer. And thus why we are not the same.”

“Yeah yeah…” she muttered.

“Don’t worry my love. All will be taken care of by this time tomorrow. You have my word on that.”

“I know. And besides Khari will have your head if it isn't.”

“Ugh! Did you have to remind me?”

Shanelle snickered as she snuggled with her husband. Because he was right. He would make extra sure that this matter is dealt with as swiftly and quietly as possible.

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ethcrials · 5 months

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𓏲 * ( moon gayoung, cisfemale, she/her, laufey ) ⸺ pictures of evangeline rose choi, the twenty seven year old singer/songwriter, have been showing up all over my feed, and considering the last time they were #trending, it was due to the dissolvement of her arranged marriage — i’m not likely to unfollow anytime soon. with their velvet draped over lace, teardrop pearls, and kitten heels, they’ve managed to garner a reputation for being more selfless than dense. their critics say that they’re more fanatical than conciliatory when they aren’t too busy focusing on their ornate vintage book collection, hand embroidered coffee coasters, and handmade journal pages. reputation.com has taken to calling them pearl in order to avoid a lawsuit ( again ). ── seven, 24, est, they/them, none.

- ̗̀ ✧˚ information !

full name evangeline rose choi. nicknames evie, gellie, eva, angel. date of birth june 30th, 1996 (cancer) pronouns she/her. sexuality queer. place of address park slope, brooklyn. birthplace milan, italy. occupation singer and songwriter, orchestral performer. career claim laufey. appearance hair always down, long dresses and skirts, loosened ties and blazers, pearls in ears and around necks, clean linens in the morning. hobbies the violin, the chello, knitting, and baking. tendencies twirling hair as she speaks, lack of eye contact, walking on toes, tiny braids in hair, smooth jazz on a radio, borderline neurotic stacks of sheet music, ink smudged pinky fingers, a flower in a breast pocket.

- ̗̀ ✧˚ mini bio !

evangeline was born due to sheer stress on the part of her mother at milan fashion week. premature but perfectly healthy, she was shipped across the globe as soon as her mother was able to her waiting father, and his everpresent gaze. the ticking in his shop was one of her first memory, the silence interrupted by the sounds of 40 grandfather clocks. from there and onwards, time has haunted her. in her youth she was in any activity one could fathom for a child of the rich, from horseback riding in the hamptons, to needlework with her grandmother. everything was offered to her as a means of getting her into some form of a career- to follow in the footsteps of her artisan parents, and the lineage of craftsmen she came from. the piano in the corner of her family's home stared her down daily, told by her mother it was a fruitless endeavour, no matter how it called to her. by her teens her mother had given up on the fruitless effort to separate evangeline from the piano and the violin that lived in the halls before her. she soared in orchcestras, won accolades for her piano arrangements, and found love in her vocal training as well. despite all of this, she still was not seen as a true "prodigy" in her mother's eyes, was not seen as anything worth giving a legacy to. thus, she was placed into an arranged marriage with the next in a line of family friends, told to keep her head up and stick through it even if she did not enjoy it. within the two years following the engagement, evie debuted her first album, to critical acclaim, and a grammy nomination was almost secured the instant that it was released. her fame soared to new heights, people who had not even known her parents were aware of her name, and she finally was able to separate herself from the engagement she so dreaded. freed from the stipulations her mother placed on her life, evangeline remained in new york, finding herself still connected to the streets that cared for her, and the people she knew the routines of like the back of her hand. she can be seen in local coffee shops, with a bagel in hand, and at the new york orchestra, helping with arrangements for her upcoming shows.

- ̗̀ ✧˚ headcanons !

— i do not know how to describe her other than a bit...... airy. she's just kind of in the clouds a lot of the time. generally ungrounded and fantastical — she is incredibly scared of romance even though all she writes about is romance, primarly due to the whole ex fiance thing. she is still enamoured with the idea of it, but fearful of its presence in her own life. — constantly smells like vanilla and honey, as well as a tinge of old paper. kind of like a library on a sunny day — she wears a tiny braid in her hair on almost all occasions, out of her habit of playing with her own hair. it's never secured, and is just done to calm her nerves. — she bakes a loaf of bread for herself twice a week, and a baked good (a brownie, cookie, etc) at least once a week for her neighbors and housekeepers. — she tries to keep herself grounded in day to day life — she takes the subway and public transit almost everywhere she can.

- ̗̀ ✧˚ connections !

all of these can also be found here. also, i am open to any other connections you could possibly come up with!

- ̗̀ ✧˚ MENTOR — OPEN ! evangeline was entered into a multitude of activities at a young age — anything from horseback riding to cross stitching was something placed onto her docket. while she ended up falling in love with piano and violin, this connection is open to any kind of tutoring/classes that could have been offered, and depending on age of muses, this fluctuates. if your muse would like to go further into the piano or violin tutoring or mentorship route, there is more complication due to her relationships with her tutors. - ̗̀ ✧˚ CHILDHOOD FRIENDS — OPEN ! surrounded by the new york elites, there was one saving grace in every meticulously organized ball or charity event — true companionship. evie found peace in their presence, and time and time again will put herself on the line to defend those who made space for her in her youth. this is open to any and all muses around the age range of evangeline! - ̗̀ ✧˚ THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN — OPEN ! evangeline firmly believes in the "what is mine is yours" mindset, especially with those that she considers close. she lets anyone and everyone share her spaces, whether that be for a night or two, or a whole month at a time. the more, the merrier! this is open to any and all muses!

#wealth.intro #- ̗̀ ✧˚ evangeline — intro !

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n3onwraith · 1 year

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Story about the first time i hyperfixated on something really bad as a child

So, when i was little, and i mean like maybe 10-ish, my grandparents lived with my Poppa's parents out in the wilderness of Tennessee. like, 30 minutes from this itty-bitty town and 2 hours from Nashville, right? well their farmhouse has a loft where my parents got to stay whenever we went down to visit them, right? well one time i asked to use my Grammie's phone to watch dinosaur videos, which i was really into from a young age, and then disappeared up into the loft. i watched maybe 2 fact videos before another extinct animal video showed up. Now, I've always been into animal facts and history and especially extinct animals, so this was right up my alley. i clicked, i watched, and something caught my attention.

Tasmanian Tigers, aka Thylacines.

I hyperfixated SO HARD i was upstairs in that loft for a good 5-7 hours just watching thylacine videos about the last one (WHO WAS NOT NAMED BENJAMIN, BTW.) and looking for them and documentaries and scientific efforts to revive them. I don't think anybody even knew i was up there until Grammie wanted her phone back because dinner was ready. I got called down and marched down those stairs like i owned the mother fucking world. my hair was a fucking mess, my eyes were red from rubbing them, i was a lil dehydrated and starving, i really had to use the bathroom and i just started word vomiting thylacine facts like a mad man. I genuinely believe my family thought I was crazy. this process repeated for i believe the rest of that trip.

Well, anyways, i told my Mom about some recent thylacine news tonight and mentioned my disappearances that caused my interest, and she looked at me like i was insane. apparently nobody realized i was up there i was so quiet (and it was a good few acres they lived on so i could've been anywhere) and yeah. my first (that i remember) hyperfixation experience as an unknown and undiagnosed autistic child.

#arlo shut up #actually autistic #hyperfixation experience #arlo.irl #arlo.storytime #thylacine

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chlocxli · 1 year

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Let me get my head aligned Help my life be worth your while

December 27th, 2022 8:38am

The first thing Chloe thinks is it’s way too damn early for the phone to be ringing already. After the past two days spent in the Otherrealm, she’d give anything to sleep for twenty-four hours straight, but the painful sound of her default ringtone vibrates across her bedside table, filling the room with this piercing tone that she can’t ignore. Especially as she grumbles awake, fumbling for the phone from where her face is buried in the pillow.

Frankly, she’d let it go to voicemail, but with the anxiety that the world could fall apart again at any moment, she’d rather just answer and know if someone else was already on the precipice of death or if this was Connor having a crisis over Esme having a crisis, or whatever other typical Tuesday chaos could erupt from their little Midnight Underground chaos.

“Hello,” She greets, groggily, voice still hoarse and tired from sleep.

“LiLi! Are you still asleep?”

Gregory Li’s voice floats through the receiver and Chloe groans. She had completely forgotten she agreed to call them after she got back from her... camping trip for the holiday. Even as Awares, Chloe didn’t feel like telling her parents she was going to be in a dangerous, magical fae realm with her best friend, the werewolf, and his wife the fae for Christmas. Saying she was going camping and would be without service until the evening of the 26th seemed like a safer bet.

Of course, between her evening with Nora, and the absolute stress of the whole Poelanran, it had slipped her mind to call her parents and wish them a Merry Christmas, and so now she was being woken up at— she pulls the phone away from her ear to check the time —8:30 am, apparently, to chat instead.

“Baba, time difference, remember? It’s only 8:30 here.”

“And, the early bird catches the worm.”

“Yes, well, the early bird works the evening shift at a Casino, yeah?”

There’s a sound of something like dismissal over the line, lighthearted, but she knew this was not the last time she would get a call in the early hours of the morning while her Dad could not conceptualize timezones well enough to understand that the afternoon for him was basically sunrise for her.

“Aye, well LiLi, I wouldn’t be calling if it wasn’t for the fact that you forgot to call us after your Christmas camping trip. How was that? It was your friend’s birthday, right? What’s his name again, Conall?”

“Connor, Baba. But, yeah, his birthday is on Christmas day.”

“Well, that must be difficult, what with Christmas. How does he manage that?”

“Connor doesn’t really celebrate Christmas. He celebrates Solstice, you know? Like Grammy and I did.”

Gregory was a good man at heart. Born and raised by May Li, he watched her descent into the obsession with her gift. His Father left at some point, moving to Portland, Maine when all the sights his Mother would claim to see became too much. He watched the way it destroyed his Mother from the inside out despite the face she tried to put on to keep all his worries at bay. He watched as she lost herself into journal after journal, sometimes in lieu of housework or school functions.

In their small town of Camden, news travelled fast of her odd behavior and visions. Many people thought it to be the Devil that had touched his family, others viewed her as a mentally ill woman, and a poor pitiful Son trying to hold his two person family together. Gregory knew she was no liar and no crazy in terms of what she saw, but he also knew that all of her investment into her gift was driving her mad and sending her into isolation.

When Chloe was born, it immediately became an uphill battle. Anna Mei, his wife, and himself did not want Chloe to be given the sight. Anna had not even grown up surrounded by the world he had. She believed there could be an element of the Devil involved in it all, and she didn’t want that touch her Daughter.

But, Gregory knew more truth than her. Chloe would see things, their family cursed by Cicerone to allow those atrocities to be witnessed only to be strung up and called a witch or a freak by the people around them. He thought by pushing his Mother to leave Chloe be, he was doing her a service. The gift could end with her, and Chloe could grow up a normal girl.

But, his Mother had all be insisted. Assured him that Chloe would be different. That she had seen it, she was destined to be a powerful Seer like May’s own Great Grandmother.

And, despite himself, he acquiesced with the caveat that he would not support it. If May were to do this, Chloe would be her responsibility.

That he had followed through on. His Mother died, unexpectedly, when Chloe was only twelve. Still untrained and uncontrolled her visions, unaware of much of her family history. History that Gregory refused to impart. She had been given some of the journals, with the exception of his Great Grandmother’s which he feared would tell her too much of Ruì’s story. Plant ideas in her head that she could be something more than she was.

All he wanted was to protect his daughter.

“Ah, well, I suppose that works in his favor, then. Didn’t realize he was so similar to you, LiLi. Is he a Seer, too then?”

She can hear the switch in his voice. It’s less lively than before. He’s already upset, and they hadn’t even discussed anything worth being upset about yet other than Solstice. “No, Baba, he’s not. Like I mentioned, there’s a lot of different kinds of people here. I promise, there are more than just Oracles in the world.” She tries to make it sound like a joke, but it doesn’t quite land the way she wants it to.

“Right.”

Great. This was going well.

“I really think you’d like Connor, Baba. He’s smart. He has an English Degree, and got into UCLA even though he couldn’t go. And, we were talking about doing some furniture flipping for my new apartment. I thought maybe you could help us with steps and some history stuff.”

There’s silence on the other end for a bit, and Chloe squeezes her eyes shut, just waiting for this all to implode. “He’s a part of your little club?”

That was one way to refer to the Midnight Underground.

“Yes, Baba, he is. But, it’s not that big of a deal. He’s not all evil like you seem to think everyone in this city is. He’s my friend, and a very good person. I promise you would like him.”

She winces as the words leave her mouth, shuffling so she’s sitting up in bed now. The Underground was always a fight strater between the two of them. Chloe had never been one to be particularly good at leaving well enough alone. And when it came to Connor, she couldn’t help but defend him. Even if there was a possibility that it was going to turn this conversation into a fight.

“Chloe,” The Given Name. Now Chloe knew this was going to turn into a fight, “I’ve told you what your Mother and I think about you being there. I don’t understand why you don’t just come home. Anna doesn’t even know how you can stand a city like Vegas. Don’t you miss New England? Maine?”

He had watched his Daughter grow up a Seer after losing his Mother. Lost in the world, seeing things just like May. He watched her become the town pariah in a sense, the girl who saw things. The one just like her Grandmother. Possesed. Demonic. Ill. Everything he had tried to protect her from had just come right back around.

And then her Best Friend died, and she hollowed. The once bright, bubbly girl seemed to collapse in on herself like a supernova, leaving a black hole where his Daughter used to be. When she finally graduated, she was gone within two weeks. Phone calls were inconsistent, and here whereabouts were almost never clear for years. It was like he was grasping desperately at the shell of the girl he had raised as he tried as much as he could to get her back.

Like some sick, twisted jab from his Great Grandmother, he remembers the day she called from Vegas so clearly. It was the first time he had heard so much life in her voice in years. She sounded happy. And, he felt like a horrible Father for dreading it. But, he knew that Vegas had been the beginning of the end for their family. Proud, powerful Seers had ended when Ruì left. After everything she had seen, she thought it better to be forsaken by the God she had once worshiped then to be a part of that world still. She had moved her family so far from the very place his Daughter had landed and felt she had some ‘connection’ to. She didn’t know how right she was, and certainly didn’t have the heart to tell his Daughter the truth. Because, if she knew the truth, how would she react?

It would be anger. She was always angry that he hadn’t helped her more. That he had left her on her own. But, he was just doing what he knew to be right. What Ruì knew to be right, too. May had imparted more than enough on her, what Chloe did with it from there had always and was always going to be her business.

So, he played dumb. He pretended like he didn’t know the significance of Vegas or Chloe’s connection to the city. He could only hope that she would never find herself in the middle of it all. That he had kept her in the dark enough that her power would not be enough to draw attention.

“Dad,” Chloe cuts in to his thoughts, “I like it here. I do. I fit in, I have friends and a life here. I own my own apartment now, even. I’m doing well. Can’t you just be happy for me?”

“You know what I think of all of that, Chloe.”

She scoffs. “You don’t leave much to the imagination. You know, you’re no better than anyone else in Camden, right?”

“And, what is that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what it sounds like, Dad. You sat there telling me that people would hate me for my visions. You watched them treat me like a freak, and told me that was the way things were. That you loved me, but that was just how it was going to be. I’m important here. I’ve helped save peoples lives. And, you continue to act like I’m doing something wrong being a part of something where I’m treated good and loved. Why?”

“LiLi, what happens when they don’t like what you see? Or you’re wrong?”

Well, from her last vision? The world would likely be destroyed.

“Are they still going to love you when people die on your watch,” Gregory continues, “No. They’ll turn on you. They’ll hurt you, just like everyone else would. You may think you fit in there and that you belong, but you don’t. You’re just a kid.”

“I am twenty-six. Twenty-six. I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions, and I am choosing to stay here. You’re wrong, okay? You’re just wrong.”

“I love you. And, I am trying to protect you, Chloe.”

She swings around in the bed, so she’s sitting up, feet hitting the floor to ground her. Chloe knows where her Father’s heart is, but she also knows how incredibly misguided and unfair he’s being. He believes he knows everything, but he’s not a Seer. He’s not the family Oracle. He doesn’t understand all that she’s facing.

“I don’t need you to protect me! If you can even call it that. All my life, all you’ve ever done is try to keep me in the dark. Why, Dad? Not for me. It’s because it made you uncomfortable. You tried to do it to Grandma, and now you’re trying to do it to me, too. Why? What is so wrong with me? Do you think I’m a freak, too? Possessed? I know Mama does, but do you?”

Silence falls over the line again, and Chloe can hear the muffled sounds of shuffling and then muttering. Clearly she had struck some sort of nerve. Or, better yet, maybe she had hit the nail on the head. Maybe she had finally cracked the case, and had learned the truth about the fact that her Father saw her as nothing more than a freak.

“Chloe, if you think I have any goal other than to look at for you, you are sorely mistaken. I saw first hand what visions did to your Grandmother, and heard stories about what they did to her Mother before her. And her Mother before her. I know more about this than you do. You were a little girl.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me anything? Huh? Do you not trust me? If you know so much more than me, why am I trying to scrape together bits and pieces of my family history by myself? If this was really about love and protection, then you’d give me the education I need to protect myself.” That’s not what this was about it. It was about fear. Chloe just wishes she could figure out where that fear was coming from. “Am I just not good enough for you, or something? What is it, Dad?”

“We’re not getting into this again. Chloe, I love you. Your Mama loves you. Whether you chose to believe it or not, all we want for you is the best.”

Chloe lets her head fall against her hand, the heel of her palm pressed against her temple. It’s like this every time, a never ending cycle of this fight where Chloe asks for what she believes to be simple: Answers. And, everytime, she’s shut down. Told that she’s loved, and that her family only wants what’s best. Even if they won’t listen to her about what she believes is best.

“Baba, I gotta go, okay? I need to meet a friend for Breakfast.”

“Okay, LiLi. I love you, alright? Call again soon?”

“Love you too. Yeah. I’ll call.”

The line disconnects, and Chloe tosses her phone into the pile of sheets on her bed, frustrated groan falling past her lips as she drops her head into her hands, willing away the small headache that’s formering at her temples. She’ll never understand her Father’s insistence that she’s not capable handling this. That he, a normal person with no sight, knows more about what she’s facing than her. It’s always been clear to her that she’s on her own in all of this. She has been since she was a teenager. All she can hope for is that Lilith finds something that gives her the explanation her parents refuse to.

#{ the insight }#tw death #gregory li is donnie yen #and anna mei li is ming-na wen #also like this is very long #but lore drop!!

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briamichellewrites · 1 month

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- I know I’m skipping ahead but I was too excited to wait!

February 23, 2000. Bria was at the Grammys waiting to hear who won the award for Best New Artist. She was nominated among Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Macy Gray, Kid Rock, and Susan Tedeschi. Her album, Memories was doing well on the Adult Contemporary charts. It took months of writing, recording, and editing. It got Jeff’s approval before it was officially released. Critics gave it very good reviews. They liked everything about the album.

The day before, she was called upon to perform. The show had a last-minute cancellation and they needed an artist to cover for them. She met the producer in person to discuss what song she wanted to do. They decided on To Love You More by Celine Dion. He informed her that she would be in the audience. So, no pressure.

“Yep. No pressure”, she joked.

Brad and Mike had her practice the song after hearing of the situation. They had her practice with Celine’s vocals and then with the instrumental version. They even had her practice how she was going to stand and her movements. She nailed it every time! They were excited for her! She crossed her fingers. Was she nervous? Hell yeah! That was to be expected.

They would be at home watching her. Celine was informed that she would sing her song. She thought it would be a great opportunity for her to prove she could sing and promote her music. Both she and her husband, Rene heard her single, Better Days on the radio. Her voice sounded like she had years of training and experience. Brad and the band were at home watching the show, as Bon Jovi sat with her in the audience.

When her name was called, she took a second to process that she won! The band got up and took turns hugging her as she walked to the stage. The guys were excited about their best friend winning! No way! That’s Bria!

“I first want to thank Richie Sambora for telling me earlier that Britney Spears was going to win…”

The audience laughed.

“I also want to thank my parents for encouraging me and believing in me. If anyone here is drinking tonight, please get a sober ride home. Thank you.”

The audience clapped as she walked backstage. Melissa Etheridge, Sarah MacLachlan, and Sheryl Crow took turns giving her a hug and congratulations. She was photographed by the media holding her award. They also asked her questions before she sat back down in the audience.

Jon, Dorothea, and the other guys congratulated her. Thank you. When it was her time to sing, she gave her award to Jon to hang on to before going backstage again. She went on stage as she was introduced. The audience clapped for her. She took a deep breath as the music started. Everyone knew she could do it! Though, they could only imagine how nervous she was.

Celine listened to her singing her song. She held her breath, like a nervous parent watching her daughter. Her voice and performance was… there were no words to describe it. Tears of happiness were in her eyes. She had just started her career, but she sang like she was a true professional. She knew how to breathe, stand, project her voice, and keep time. The camera went over to see her reaction. It caught her with her hand over her heart. She had pride in her eyes.

She held her arms out at the last beat. The audience gave her a standing ovation, as she bowed. Celine blew her a kiss. She had proven herself as a singer and as a performer. Mike and the band were ecstatic! Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!

At the after-party, they introduced themselves with a hug. She and Rene both congratulated her on her performance. Thank you! That meant a lot to her. How much training did she have? She did theater and voice lessons while away at school. They were impressed. She joked about practicing for about four hours the day before. They learned that she could play music by ear.

What instruments did she use? She played the guitar and piano. Initially, she wanted to be an alternative country singer but she fought with her label over that. They wanted her to be more pop. She was going to do that just to get them off her back. Then, they decided that her voice was more suited for Adult Contemporary, so they went with that. What label was she on? Warner Music. A couple of her friends were starting an independent label, so she was going to join them.

They had the same issues she had with not having creative control. So by joining them, she would be able to experiment and put out music she wanted to make. They understood what it was like to have to fight for control. Almost every artist did. They were excited to hear more music from her in the future. She thanked them. Before saying goodbye, they took a picture together.

She also got to talk to the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, who was very impressed she was fluent in Spanish; Whitney Houston, Chris Cornell and Bruce Springsteen. While talking to Chris, she mentioned her friend, Chester who was a fan of his. She took out her phone and called him.

“Hey, Chessy. It’s Bria. I have someone here who wants to talk to you.”

As he was asking her who it was, she handed the phone over to Chris. Did he freak out? Hell yeah! He was cool about it and he talked to him like an old friend. They talked for about twenty minutes. During their conversation, they agreed to meet up sometime. He handed her the phone back while asking if he was always that enthusiastic. Yes. Yes, he was. He laughed.

Phoenix called her and they both cried together tears of happiness after she went somewhere private. He was so proud of her! Was she proud of herself? Yes, she was. Good because she deserved it! The entire night was a dream come true! She didn’t care if it was cliché because it was true. For over a year, they had worked hard to put together an album and now, the hard work had paid off. She wiped her tears away and agreed that it had.

“I love you and I can’t wait to hear all about your night!”

“I love you too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Faith Hill and her husband, Tim McGraw saw her coming back to everyone. They also noticed that she had been crying. Was she okay? She laughed. Yes, she had just been talking to her boyfriend on the phone and her tears were ones of happiness. They laughed with her before telling her how well she had done performing. Thank you.

Linkin Park was calling each other about her performance. To say they were proud of her was an understatement! They were all going to see her the following afternoon after she slept in. Mike was still working through his break up with Anna.

He learned her baby wasn’t his. After being caught together too many times, Brad and Rob were forced to come out as a couple. Rob came out as gay while Brad came out as bisexual. They congratulated them and apologized for forcing them to come out.

Chester was up and down, as was his marriage. It wasn’t going to last. He was looking at other women but he had yet to cross the line. Mike invited him to hang out, so he wasn’t alone. It was because of that, they became close friends. Joe was still single. He joked about liking his video games too much to have a girlfriend.

It was very late when Bria got home. She put her award on the kitchen counter before going upstairs, getting her pajamas on and hanging up her dress. After taking off her makeup, she crawled into bed exhausted. It wasn’t long before she fell asleep.

@zoeykaytesmom @feelingsofaithless @alina-dixon

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thesinglesjukebox · 2 months

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USHER FT. SUMMER WALKER AND 21 SAVAGE, "GOOD GOOD"

youtube

Song title *handshake emoji* score...

[6.64]

TA Inskeep: I love the lyrical conceit of this. It's a bit off-brand for Usher, who even admits in the first verse, "Usually my exes turn to enemies" -- and who's recorded more songs about their exes? But this is so positive, across Usher's, Walker's, and 21's verses; it's also quite buoyant for a defiantly midtempo record (that bass thump is doing a lot of work). Walker sounds great alongside one of the great R&B artists and singers of the past 30 years. Even 21, whom I usually scorn, fits right in here. Genuinely superb R&B. [9]

Dave Moore: A solid breakup jam, albeit a little Madame Tussauds -- but I would pay to see Usher's likeness there and maybe, if the guards aren't looking, touch his abs. Diminishing returns for collaborators, though; I wish 21 Savage would just start licensing his name for songs without feeling obligated to rap on them. [6]

Jeffrey Brister: Love changes as you grow older, and sometimes saying what you feel can be a little goofy. But being vulnerable and honest and direct can transform corniness to earnestness. The lyrics are silly but affecting, mature and heartfelt. There’s history behind them, lessons learned from pain. And it’s also got a pitch perfect sex-jam production, which is the kind of delightful irony that I can get behind. [8]

Alfred Soto: Usher's best album since 2004 has stronger jams, the mid-tempo ones especially. His forked tongue of a falsetto flicks at this by-the-numbers breakup jam. Summer Walker's fine. 21 Savage offers to help her pay for a salon. That's generosity, folks. [7]

Daniel Montesinos-Donaghy: The key figure behind this sweet mid-tempo jam is Nija Charles, a Grammy-nominated songwriter that’s also behind some other songs you may know. On her Youtube account, there’s a video from summer 2022 showing her working through the creative process in a studio. At one point, the video mutes and the subtitle "NIJA FINALIZING AN USHER RECORD" pops up; with no other credits on Usher’s latest LP, let’s assume "Good Good" was being developed at this point. Moments later, a snippet plays with Charles’ voice: “kissing the past goodbye […] / we can’t be friends.” (Internet sleuths believe this song will be on Ariana Grande’s upcoming album.) "Good Good" is a warm handshake that sounds genuinely sincere coming from Usher and Summer Walker (21, not so much), but it’s also interesting in the wider context of Charles’ career, exploring both sides of an emotional situation. Sometimes you stay friends, and sometimes you just don’t. [7]

Nortey Dowuona: LA Reid started as a drummer for Pure Essence, then a drummer for The Deele, which led him to form a label with Kenneth Edmonds called LaFace co-funded by Clive Davis. And then he signed 14 year old Usher Raymond IV, held onto him after he lost his voice, then sent him to Diddy. After the mixed success of Usher's self-titled debut, co-executive produced by Diddy, Reid relaunched Usher's career with My Way, his partner Kenneth an executive producer. I'm saying this to say, there's a reason I am rating this pretty solid 8 song a 0, I hope you look up Antonio Reid and Drew Dixon and I will say no more on the matter. [0]

Aaron Bergstrom: Producers Mel & Mus stretch out a pleasantly nuanced tightrope of simultaneous attraction, heartbreak, and nostalgia, and one at a time Usher, Walker, and Savage step out onto it. Usher can't make it through the first two lines of the hook without equivocating, and even though you probably ain't getting back together, he's going to leave the door open a crack. (Come on, remember how much your parents love him? What, are you just going to start from scratch with some new guy?) Walker wants that door shut but she wants you to shut it, and honestly the sooner you find someone new and move on, the better. (Now, has she found someone new? That's none of your business.) Savage is taking big swings all over the place, and while they don't all hit (I've never paid for a woman's plastic surgery before, but I'm pretty sure you're supposed to keep that to yourself) you have to give him credit for exploring new dimensions of partnership (If you can't go halves on a baby, why not go halves on a salon?). Honestly, I'm rooting for all three of them. [7]

Oliver Maier: One of those collaborations where the whirr of corporate gears seems almost to drown out whatever nice things might be happening underneath. As far as I can make out: Usher is Ushering pleasantly, Summer Walker is SZAing adequately, 21 Savage is... starting to feel something like this decade's Big Sean? I really want to do a qualitative adjective (qualitative adjective) line here but that's obviously going to be the subheader joke and everyone else is probably going to do one too. [5]

Katherine St. Asaph: Usher's Dorian Gray painting must be found and studied. [7]

Brad Shoup: I had to do a triple-take at the end of Walker's verse -- I thought she was singing "lovers & friends." That's the power of Confessions, I guess: twenty years later, a slow-jam single that I thought was a sly inversion of "Yeah!" still has legs. [7]

Will Adams: Usher in confessional mode still works; "Good Good" captures the bittersweetness of quashing feelings for an ex in favor of taking the high road and being okay with that. It's not until 21's verse where the "haha just kidding... unless?" subtext surfaces, but the placement following Usher's and Summer's verses serves as that dormant yearning that adds an additional dimension. [7]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: A total masterpiece of guys lying to you -- perhaps the finest example of the form since “Suspicious Minds.” When Usher says he’ll be happy when you find another? A lie. When Summer Walker says she doesn’t do drama? A misdirection. When 21 Savage promises to fund your small business? A total fabrication. [8]

Ian Mathers: This is easily the most I've ever related to Usher. I told my ex that last sentence would probably be most of my blurb and she agreed I should go with that. [9]

Isabel Cole: I have in fact long believed that there should be more songs about being on decent terms with an ex. [6]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

#usher #summer walker #21 savage #music #r&b #music writing #music reviews #music criticism #the singles jukebox #Youtube

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dandelionsfluff · 1 year

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The Letter

"Where did I put it?" I mumble to myself as I move unimportant papers around. There's only one important paper right now, and that's the letter from George. It's the most recent one, and I had to put it down last night without finishing it. So now I need to find it and reply, so I can post it before it's too late! I hear the front door to my parent's house open and close.

Only one of my friends comes in without knocking so I call out, "In here! Come help me look!"

"Coming, Grammy." she replies.

"Ha. Ha. Just because I'm graduated and you still have one year to go is no reason for drastic names, Thea."

I look up from my search to see her enter the room with a small smile.

"Sorry, Tammy." she says. She looks a little sad. There's only one more week till school starts up again, and she must be feeling the time slipping away.

"Of course I forgive you. Now help me look for my letter. All the others are in my box, so if you see a letter to me, that's the one."

"Ok, I'll go look in the living room." she says, but I'm already back to shuffling these papers around. Why do Mom and Dad have so much paperwork?!

"Found it!" she calls, so I drop the papers in my hand and hustle to the living room.

"Thank you! You're the best friend I've ever had!" I say as I hug her and take the letter.

She laughs, as I intended. Then she makes her way to the kitchen and calls, "I brought some orange cake, so I'll cut a couple slices while you finish your letter." I hardly hear her, because I'm pouring over George's letter for what feels like the millionth time, even though I just got it yesterday. That's how he's always made me feel - like we've already spent a lifetime together, and still can't get enough.

Thea comes back with the cake, and we have a nice chat about all sorts of things; how she's feeling about starting school next week, plans we have with the gang to see a movie this Friday, the new family who's supposed to be moving in next door to her family, and of course George. I read her the letter and we think of funny tidbits to include in my reply.

"I must be coming down from my cake rush." I say as I lean back in my seat and close my eyes.

I hear, "I can let you rest, if you want." from the couch and snap open my eyes.

"Oh, Tammy lamb. When did you get home?" I ask my granddaughter, who is sitting on the couch holding a paper. I didn't hear her come in, but these old ears aren't what they used to be.

"Just a bit ago." she says. "I found this letter from Grandpa George out and was just reading it. All of his letters are so funny and sweet."

"That they are. I always waited with baited breath for the next one to come in." I smell something sweet and familiar, and look to the coffee table to see crumbs from my favorite cake sitting on two plates. Oh no. I sigh and ask, "Did we already have the orange cake?"

"Well, we both ate some...but you didn't have any with me, so we should definitely have some now." She says with a little bit of cheek as she gets up and heads toward the kitchen. She comes back with the whole rest of the cake and cuts us each a generous slice.

"You only live once, right?" She says with a little laugh, as she hands me my plate.

#prompted writing #365 days of writing #day 13 #the letter #dealing with dementia #original fiction #YOLO

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watchmegetobsessed · 3 years

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Baby Grammy - Harry Styles

a/n: yall have no idea how obsessed i am with this whole dadrry x grammy concept and i think it will take me a month to process everything but in the meanwhile, accept this painfully cute fluff which is kind of part 2 to Grammy Winning Husband, but it serves well as a stand alone fic too!

pairing: Husband!Harry / Dad!Harry x Pregnant!Reader

warning: just a little mentioning of some slight smut, nothing heavy or detailed

word count: 1.2k

masterlist

“You know, this makes a nice table décor,” you smirk, stuffing some more oatmeal into your mouth as the two of you sit at the dining table in the morning, Harry’s Grammy sitting in the middle of it, the morning sun making it sparkle right in front of your eyes.

“Yeah, but might be a little too flashy to keep it here,” he huffs with a grin as he finishes his breakfast. His eyes scan over the award, he still haven’t fully processed that he has won his first ever Grammy. “It’ll be fine in the study.”

“Wherever you want to keep it,” you smile at him, reaching over you squeeze his hand gently.

This morning has been peaceful but filled with wholesome moments. Waking up Harry’s hand was glued to your belly as he spooned you from behind, a tiny foot pushing right against his palm, wishing him a good morning in the best way possible. He kissed your shoulder and the back of your neck until you hummed and blinked your eyes open.

“Good morning, Mr. Grammy,” you teased him, puckering your lips for a sweet morning kiss.

“That makes you Mrs. Grammy,” he grinned and leaning down he captured your lips in a deeper, more passionate kiss as his hand wandered up to your swollen breast, his touch gentle, knowing well how sensitive you’ve been.

The kiss soon escalated, especially when his hand moved down between your legs and you moaned his name. He made sure you started the day satisfied and you wouldn’t have felt like a good wife if you didn’t returne the favor, using your hands to please him. When your belly started growing in the beginning of your pregnancy, you had quite a few concerns Harry wouldn’t find you attractive anymore, that seeing you grow so big would be a turn off, but he assured you it would never be the case.

“You have no idea how big of a turn on it is to know that it’s my baby in there,” he murmured when one evening you spoke your fears finally and he has proven it enough since then that those weren’t just empty words.

You had a quick shower together before making breakfast and now the two of you have a whole day of doing nothing ahead of you, just what you need.

“Still hungry?” Harry asks when you finish your breakfast, but you shake your head no leaning back in your chair.

“No, it was more than enough. Thank you,” you smile at him as he kisses your forehead, grabbing your plates to bring it over to the sink and quickly rinse them.

Sighing happily your eyes fall to the award on the table, smiling proudly at the thought that your husband finally got the recognition he always deserved. You take the little golden phonograph to take a closer look at it, setting it on top of your belly. It’s been a common thing since your belly has been the size of a watermelon, one time Harry came home to you eating Oreos off of it and he didn’t stop teasing you about it for days. But what can you say? You didn’t feel like having to wash a plate so you used what you had.

What you don’t realize is when Harry comes back from the kitchen and his heart flutters in his chest at the sight. The light is coming from behind you as you sit sideways to him, making you appear like a silhouette with your big belly and the award on top of it. Harry can’t stop himself from grabbing his phone and snapping a rather artsy photo of the moment, immediately setting it as his lockscreen.

Walking up to you he shows you the photo and you smile with a blush.

“Can I… Can I post this?” he asks shyly, sitting back next to you. His hand runs down your stomach as you place the award back to the table.

“Oh, you sure about that?” you ask. At the very beginning of your pregnancy he expressed how he wanted to keep it private for as long as possible. He felt like it’s something he would like to experience without worrying about the world watching every step of his and yours. So far, you’ve been quite successful in it, other than your closest friends and family, no one even suspects that the two of you are about to become parents in a few weeks. Posting the photo would be a major change in the plan, not that you are bothered by it. You would have been fine with whatever he wanted, making it public wouldn’t have bothered you that much, so it was really his call on the situation.

“Yeah. I have never felt happier in my life and I want to share it with the world,” he nods.

“It would be your first post since your win, I’m afraid it would take the shine away from your achievement,” you tell him. You’re happy he wants to share the news with his fans, but your bump would surely take a bigger chunk of the spotlight if he posted that exact photo and you’d hate to make it about you when the Grammy is such a huge thing, all about him.

“Baby,” he smiles softly. “My biggest achievement is this right here,” he softly tells, cupping your belly once again. “And I wouldn’t have won that if you weren’t by my side,” he adds, nodding towards the award. “I just want to show the world how proud I am of everything I have. If people focus on you instead of the award, I’m more than okay with that,” he chuckles sweetly and you can feel your eye tearing up already. “You deserve all the attention and love.”

“I hate that you can make me cry so easily,” you laugh through your tears as you grab the back of his neck and pull him in for a kiss. “You can post the picture if you want. Do whatever makes you happy.”

Smiling gratefully, he kisses you a few more times before he unlocks his phone and goes to Instagram. You rest your head on his shoulder as he edits the photo just a little, adding more contrast so it really is just your frame showing in the sunlight with the Grammy on top of your massive bump. He hesitates a little before typing in a capture for the post.

“Might convince her to make his second name Grammy.”

You start laughing as he grins at his hilarious joke, posting the picture, letting the world in on the happy news you’ve learned quite a few months before.

“Though it might be epic, we are not naming him Grammy,” you tell him, giving his arm a squeeze.

“Why not? We didn’t choose a second name, might sound interesting.”

“Theodore Grammy Styles? Nah-ah, don’t even think about it,” you shake your head, reaching for your juice on the table.

“No?” he smirks teasingly. “Just think about it, our little Baby Grammy! Aw!”

“Harry, I swear to God I’m leaving if you call our son Grammy again,” you warn him, but he sees the playful shine in your eyes, you both know it’s just a joke.

“Alright, we are sticking to our original plan,” he nods. Leaning over he presses a sloppy kiss to your cheek before your belly gets one too. “Can’t wait to meet you, buddy,” he hums with the cheesiest but most genuine smile on his face.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed it!

#harry #styles #harry styles #harry styles oneshot #harry styles one shot #harry styles fluff #harry styles blurb #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fanfic #harry styles au #harry styles x you #harry styles x y/n #harry styles x reader #harry styles imagine #dad!harry #husband!harry

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harrysmimi · 2 years

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Crying Is Good Sometimes

Synopsis: One where YN wants to breakup but Harry wants to get married.

More of my work

Both Harry and YN have been tours of their own. Hardly get to meet each other or spend time with each other. Well, it didn't bothered any of them as both of them found their ways to be talking to one another. It's been Eighteen months they've been dating for now. Met at ARIA awards in Australia. None of them knew about each other, so that was an instant connection, with no false information by tabloids known about each other. Both of them bonded over their love for Gucci the most. Their secret relationship was going so strong for one year! — Before the word got out.

YN being new to Hollywood with just one of her English album out. She was still barely know in west side of the world. Though by numbers, she was way more known than Harry himself. Being a very huge Singer and Actress in her country, India, came with a lot of name calling. Especially after she dating Harry, it was way worse, not just from where she is from but all over the world. But Harry never fails to prove all rhat wrong and show and tell her how much he loves her. YN is fairly younger than him too, eight years ro be more exact. Her parents still don't approve of this relationship but who is going to stop her anyway? She doesn't live with her parents anymore, she have moved out and clearly never going back to living with them. The reasons her parents gave her to approving of her relationship was one, he is as old as her elder brother, and two, he is white and British. YN didn't know what to say to those she haven't talked to them about her relationship since then.

YN's second tour with her first English Album was at it's peak. Heaven! Her entire career was at peak. All shows of her entire tour were sold out within twenty minutes of the announcement. Her team had to add in few extra shows at the end. It was crazy after she won her five freaking Grammys last year. It was insane.

But it was all getting onto her mental health really bad! It wasn't the fame. It wasn't giving her an ego. She always tried her best to keep herself grounded. She have her parents to do that, even from halfway across the world via a voice call. Yeah, that has to be one of the horrible part! Since her relationship with Harry was made public— or went public on accident— it's been getting worse for her. Especially her, she doesn't know about Harry, she haven't seen a single person calling him out. It got out when Harry kind of had a tongue slip during an interview. It was so obvious he really couldn't dodge it so he had to spill the tea. YN was fine with it, she didn't expected anyone to be hating on her for dating and having a super healthy romantic relationship. Well, she was so wrong.

She never really cared about the hate. Really! She's been in entertainment industry for just five years— less than the time Harry has been— she have grown a very thick skin when it comes to hate and hate criticism. She is just twenty for gods sake! She hasn't been on this earth for long enough to know how to handle these things. Of course she tries her best but would she be selfish wanting herself to be out of this mess? And be alone? Not in a relationship which was basically causing it? It wasn't the relationship which was toxic but the environment it was growing in.

She loves her boyfriend to guts! Hell, she rebelled with her own parents who birthed her for him! The only people she loved the most in the world has to be her parents, even they are toxic like people are being to her. She was being called names for dating a person who is almost a decade older than her. Harry was being called out names for that and that's what's got her the most! She hated how people were treating him because she is deciding to stay with him no matter what! But she doesn't know how Harry has been doing reading all of that. YN is on social media a lot. That's what she does when she all by herself and not doing anything. She is constantly engaging with her fans, because she knows how it is to be in their place very well. She loves how it makes people happy by just one like from her. She didn't even turned off the comments on her posts despite all the hate there just became she got to talk to people who support her that way. She wasn't going to take that away from her fans.

Most importantly she wouldn't ever want Harry to hate her, for not trying enough to stop her parents from despising him so much! She would literally die if he grows to hate her, he is the only person she cares about now. And no one would want the person who you love so much hate you for any reason.

It isn't even been two years since YN and Harry started dating. Harry knew she is the one with in three months of them being together, as crazy as that sounds, he doesn't care. His family loves YN so much, it is just perfect! He loves his time with her so much. Would it be cliché if he says he isn't been so in love in his entire life? Well, it's YN who is he kidding to? Harry been trying to bring himself to propose her to marry him. It wasn't "acceptable" from where she is to be living with someone you're not married to— someone of opposite sex to be more specific—, which she can't help but believe. And Harry respects that! They still don't live together but he'd love that!

He has been trying his best to bring himself up and pop the question from past couple of months! He got the ring two months prior to that, custom made for his lovie. He put so much effort into it, and giving it— and his girlfriend calls it— the Harry Sparkles to the ring. He went as far as to drawing the designs himself during his free time, had his designer friends help him with it. It took him a couple of months to get it made— he was originally going to propose to her on their first anniversary but he chickened out! Now that he have the ring from six months with him and tried multiple times, practicing his little speech in front of mirror. He was just too nervous! What's the worse that can happen? She will say she doesn't want to get married this soon? Maybe, he wouldn't blame her though. She wasn't going to leave him, she promised him long time ago, he hopes she keeps it. He still wears the promise ring she got him, even when he's going to bed. And so does she, he have given her a promise ring too which she never takes off even if it ruined the look of her outfits. The music video shoots were only exceptions for both of them.

YN was playing three nights in New York at Maddison Square Garden, all the shows were completely sold out! This was the most hectic time of the tour so far for her. Performing for three consecutive night, it was a lot. She have at least two days between all her shows for her and her band to relax. It wasn't easy to perform for almost thirty thousand people for three hours straight.

Harry was going to be performing at the same venue just the next night after her last show.

Since it was no secret he's dating her, he doesn't care, so he flew down to New York two days early before his show. Just so he can surprise her there. She doesn't know he is there and she won't until her show. And he haven't gotten a chance to talk to her properly in a week now. They just call each other for five minutes and then one of them have to hang up for some work. He missed her a lot. He seriously thought he was going to pass away if he doesn't see her or at least talk to her for an hour straight!

He knew and understood it is so hard and exhausting. He understands if they both didn't get time to be with each other physically. But he always so looked forward to see her in person, hold her close to him and kiss her and cuddle her. He so loved hearing her rant in her adorable Indian accent and how she'd teach him few words in her native language. She'd sit and translate every song in her native language or her own songs. She'd even give him a few vocal lessons as she has been training professional for almost her entire life! Her vocals are magic to him! He gets jealous over how she is so much more better than him singing high notes. Both of them sung in same pitch, just half an octave up or down. And she beats his ass in singing those high notes. One of the many things he enjoyed doing with her is getting to learn new things and polish his own music. And it was something both of them were so passionate about!

Harry was already at the venue, watched the opening act. Sarah, Mitch, Niji and Pauli were with him too! All of them were standing in the VIP section in the pit which was somewhat close to the stage. There were few of his other friends too, like Ariana, Kacey, Niall and Liam, even Taylor Swift herself was there with Joe. Harry wonders if YN knew she is here or not, she is going to go nuts if she sees Taylor in person. She is a huge fan of hers! She's always singing her songs only dancing her around her small flat in London when they're together.

He remembered her going off about her girlfriend of a year broke up with her and how much she can relate to We're never ever getting back together. Just because of how similar the situation was. She laughs about it now, and jokes about it. Even though it was her first ever relationship. He could tell that relationship of hers was very fucking toxic for her as he tries not to ever repeated what her ex did to her. He'd never ever want to hurt her that way even unintentionally.

YN's band was fucking awesome! It was only girls rocking the stage hard. YN called then her girls and they were best friends. YN have known them since the day one of her career. Soon YN's band got on the stage and so did she. Her performance was good. Really good! But she looked low energised to Harry. He have attended almost twenty of her shows. She doesn't like to have a hand held mic because she loves to have her hands free amd dance and teach the crowd hook steps to her songs in between. But today he was performing with a hand held mic, not dancing much.

She looked really gorgeously goddess like! In her white Indian attire. Harry always forgot what it's actually called, but she was wearing a lacy full sleeved top— almost like a crop top—, a white long lacy skirt to go with it. Her straight long hair were left loose to do their own thing. After the thrid song she kicked off her white ballet flats to a sife and performed the entire shoe bare foot. She finally noticed Harry in the VIP section when she was sitting by her piano and singing as she played along. He blew kisses at her that made her smile during a sad song. She was really good at keeping her excitement lowkey when she wants to and he was doing that as she performed.

Seeing her in white Harry was already imagining her walking down that aisle to him in her white wedding gown. God he gets butterflies in his tummy even thinking about it! He would marry her then and there and take her home with him, but he can't do that, even if he can.

Harry worried as she really looked liked she was about to fall down the second she gets off the stage. As she was singing her last song, Harry made his way through and crowd to the back of the stage and stood by ther curtains. YN jogged her way to the curtains with her shoes in her hand, a security guy followed her behind. She took her time to sign a few CDs and take a couple of pictures and high-five her fans.

"Hi baby," Harry was quick to wrap his arm around her neck as they walked behind the curtain and to the greenroom.

"Harry I am sweaty." YN said.

"I don't care, I just wanna hug my lovie!" He pulled her in a bear hug there in the middle of the hallway. YN hugged him back.

"You alright darling? You look so tired," he pulled apart enough to look at her. Still holding her close to him with his hands on her waist.

"Yeah," she nodded and hid her face in his chest. She is significantly shorter than him as well.

He now knows he isn't alright. Not even close to being alright. He caressed the back of her head and placed a kiss on her hair.

"Let's go back to hotel now, yeah? To yours or mine?" He suggested.

"Mine." She answered.

"Alright, you can change up and then we'll leave immediately yeah?"

"Hmm!" She nodded again.

Harry didn't know what was bothering her so much. He bets it must be her college. She doesn't want to be in college but she had to for the sake of her parents. Her exams really diteriate her mental health he have seen her go through that yet she always aces her exams. He hates seeing her like that. He just waited for her patiently sitting on the edge of her bed as she finishes up getting fresh and take a shower. She was taking way too long.

"Babe what's taking you so long? Can I come in?" He knocked on the bathroom door. It wasn't locked to he cracked it open just a tiny bit so he can pop his head in. He found her crying as she splashed water onto her face standing there in just her bathrobe and her hair up in a bun. Harry rushed in.

"Hey, baby why are you crying?" He cooed walking closer to her.

"I dunno, I can't do this," she mumbled sobbing.

"Sit here." He made her sit on the closed toilet lid and crouched down in front of her after pecking her lips gently. "What you can't do baby? You know you can talk to me right?"

It was breaking her heart knowing she is going to break his. She doesn't to breakup with him, there was nothing to end their relationship on, except these shitty hate comments on internet. But it was getting to her, really badly. It was making her feel insecure about herself and she hates herself now. If she keeps having her name involved with his it's going to get worse for her. She was afraid she might do something to herself. All the articles related to both of their tours was making their relationship look like a stunt which is very false. She could care less about people believing what is going on her love life in true or not but it was all the hate, and other stuff which came along with it. Even her parents have been budging the shit out of her, asking her to go back and live with them because she was still with Harry. Her own parents were shaming her, telling her he's going to get her pregnant and leave her alone and how she will not be going back to them if that happens. She felt selfish wanting to end things with Harry. She doesn't want to though!

"Baby, come on you're scaring me! What is it? You know I hate seeing you cry." Harry stressed.

"I— I am sorry but I want to break up, Harry." She blurted it out. Harry swore his heart stopped beating there.

"What? No! Why do you want to break up?" He asked with his eyes now getting teary as well. "What happened? Don't do this to us, please! We can talk and work it out. Whatever it is. I promise!"

"Did I do something that hurt you?" He enquired.

"No, you didn't do anything." She shook her head.

"Then talk to me please, don't bring that up just yet, yeah? You know I love you so much." He told her. "What happened?"

"It's— it's the hate Harry!" She sobbed, "I don't care about strangers on internet or anything they say about me. I just feel so bad because— because you're being dragged into this mess as well. Even my parents don't— don't approve of us. I don't want you to hate me for that. It will get out of my hands if you grow to hate me."

"You're so strong to not let the hate get to you. And I am proud of you for that." He cooed carefully reaching out to hold her hand.

Honestly, Harry could care less about her parents. He have met them once or twice and they were not very nice to him. He have seen how much better YN is when she is not around them and how much more happy she is. That's all that matters to him.

"I'm sorry I never told you that it doesn't bother me. I mean whatever your parents have to say about me. Trust me. I don't care. As long as you're happy with me and you love me." He explained. "And I could NEVER hate you for any reason. I love you too much for that to ever happen."

"I love you too Harry but this isn't going to stop. I hate this so much." Her voice cracked at the end.

"Breathe, breathe. Breathe for me." He tried to calm her down. "Can I hug you, please?"

"Mhmm!" She nodded. He stood on both his knees and pulled her in his arms. "I am sorry!"

"No, why are you sorry my love, hmm?" He is very understanding all the time! "Look baby, we don't have to break up please. I wish we could stop the hate all together but all we can do is not pay a mind to it. I know it is getting harder for you to do that. But we can find a way for sure to try to fix that. I promise you that, yeah?"

He is so nice to her. It actually hurts! God she hates herself more now!

"We don't have to do that. We can take a long break stay home or go travel alone. Unless you want to really end things. I don't want you to go through this anymore." He voice sounded very sad.

"No!" She exclaimed, "I don't want breakup Harry! I don't like that people are dragging you in this. Especially my own parents. I know it bothers you as much it does to me, it's just that."

"Awh love!" He cooed rubbing her back. "I try my best to stay away from that and does help me a lot. Doesn't mean we can't work this out baby. I love you so much, and I'd be more happy if I'm with you not without you in my life."

YN didn't know what to say to that so she just nodded. She was at loss of words to explain how much it put her at ease. He pulled her back enough to be able to look at her gorgeous face.

"I see that you're blaming yourself for the hate. Please don't! It was me who couldn't keep his mouth shut. If we keep thinking what people will say we won't be able to live our life to the fullest. And life it too short to give a fuck about what people say. I love you and you love me. You love me right?"

"So much!" She nodded.

"Yeah? That's all that matters. God I want to spend my entire life with you, you know that? I'm about to ruin my surprise but was going to propose to you tonight. Had this entire thing planned. I am sorry we couldn't talk this through when it was starting. I promise I'll try and make more time for you. This is the first our tours have lined up, isn't it? We can see each other more often this way." He was talking to her like he is talking to a toddler but with tears flowing down his cheeks.

He got scared when she said she wants to break up. He cannot afford that to happen!

"Harry!" She whispered. "I feel even more bad now," and she started crying again.

"No please don't darling." He sniffled, "Just don't bring us breaking up again. It really hurted so bad!"

"I am so sorry, Harry! Please forgive me." Her voice was no louder than a soft whisper, "Do you really want us to be together?"

"What do you mean baby? Of course I want us to be together! Wouldn't be on my knees begging for it now." He wiped off her tears with his thumbs.

"I am sorry!" Her gaze on him felt soft with her eyes rounded as she chewed on her lip, "please forgive me. I was just scared, I don't know what I'd do if you start hating me!"

"I will never hate you baby." He assured her. "And yeah, I accept your apology, you're forgiven. Now please stop crying yeah? Let forget this was even brought up."

"Hmm." She nodded. "Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm sure." His hands rested on her thighs from her hips.

"Would I be selfish if I really wanted to get myself out of this? I mean... Please don't get me wrong. I still feel so bad. I just felt I was being selfish. I don't ever want to hurt you in anyway. I just... I dunno, I felt like I was just thinking about myself and not you and about us." She ranted in hurry.

"No, you're not selfish for thinking that baby! You were putting yourself first. It is too much for you, isn't it? I am not hurt, I just got disappointed in myself thinking I am not good enough for you. That's all. You're not selfish wanting yourself out of a toxic environment." He assured her. Grabbing her hands in his, the pads of him thumbs rubbed soothingly on her knuckles.

"Don't say, you're not good enough for me! You're more than good, Harry! I don't deserve you really. But I love you and I want you to myself!" She got all defensive.

"You have me to yourself baby!" He dropped her hands and hugged her and nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck. "And I love you so much, it actually hurts!"

"Okay now don't say that word for a few days now. Please." She mumbled making him chuckle softly.

"Can I get kisses and cuddles then?" He requested.

"Mhmm why not!" She ran her hands through his hair at the back of his head.

"We're good right? Would you say hes if I still propose you?" He asked.

"Yes we are good. And yes!" She answered both his questions.

"Then marry me, please? People can go fuck themselves in hell I had this planned out but I don't want to go out now. Just want to stay in with you." He broke their hug and slipped his hand in his pocket. "I'll be the happiest person to ever exist if you say yes. Will you give me the honour to be called you husband? Pretty please?"

That made her emotional all over again. He was really proposing to her in a hotel bathroom whilst she is sar on closed toilet seat, she had nothing on but a bathrobe concealing her modesty, nothing that he have not seen. But she did not expected it to be this way, she isn't complaining though!

"Yeah!" She nodded crying again. Harry smiled wiping his own tears with the back of his hand as he slid the ring on his girl's finger.

"Don't cry, this is supposed to make you happy!" He chuckled at her reaction.

"Stop you just proposed to me whilst sitting on a closet toilet lid in a bathrobe. And you interrupted my break down session!" She hugged him. Yet again.

"Well, I don't like to see you cry. So I am sorry for that!" He smiled nuzzling his face into her hair.

"Crying if good for you sometimes!" She pointed out.

"Yeah? Then let's go cuddle and cry together watching Brave, what do you say?" He suggested.

"Yeah, I'd like that." She nodded.

"And now kiss me, will you?"

"No!" She said pulling away from him but she kissed him anyway. Harry melted in her touch as her small hands cupped his jaw. This liplock lasted longer than a peck should.

"Baby, do you think I hurried to pop the question?" He asked.

He can't believe they went from almost breaking up to now being being engaged. He wasn't to risk it though, he should have maybe waited now before propose. He doesn't want her to rush into anything she doesn't want.

"No, I don't think so." She shook her head.

She honestly never wanted ro bring it up in first place. She was just scared that he'll start hating her, and that would hurt more than them breaking up for real. Also she wanted the hate towards Harry to stop.

"I— uhh.. I'm sorry. I just shouldn't have being that up immediately before talking to you." She said, "but I never wanted to or I'd never want to breakup with you."

"It's okay baby. Just come up to me and talk if anything is bothering you next time. I promise I'll try my best to help you and never judge you." He pecked her lips sweetly.

"I love you Harry!" She reminded him.

"I love you more YN!" He booped his nose with hers.

#fanfic #fanfiction #harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles x you #harry styles x reader #x reader

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