#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner
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Ship Meme time! Ryo/Akira :D :D :D
Ahhh the perfect ship to discuss after LaCroix/Nines!
Makes sense and compels me extremely! Why their relationship is quite a huge part of Devilman's plot, like how it went wouldn't have happened if not for Ryo falling in love with Akira! (honestly the end of humanity would've come sooner, so Ryo/Satan falling in love with Akira likely delayed the apocalypse by a while! XD)
Unlike LaCroix and Nines, (Talking about the manga version of them here.) Akira and Ryo were friends before everything went wrong and trusted each other so deeply, even to the point of being willing to go down to hell to together. They understand each other like no other, and would do anything for each other and that's what damns and saves them(in Violence Jack and Devilman Lady tho XD)
Akira willingly went through the Sabbath and became Devilman for Ryo (as well to save humanity but as we see later in the story humanity to Akira really includes the people he personally knows and loves) and Ryo/Satan has Amon merge with Akira to save him from the human apocalypse since Akira was the only human he could ever love. They both make the same mistakes in some ways, when Ryo/Satan fell in love with Akira he couldn't look outside of his hatred of humanity to consider that maybe if Akira was lovable to him then maybe not all of humanity is so bad. When Akira lost Miki and her family to the mob he couldn't look outside his hatred to see that maybe there were other humans that were like Miki who needed to be saved.
I honestly think Ryo fell in love with Akira because Akira was not only a kindred spirit but also showed him that he could live in peace, even if Satan didn't realise it at the time and that's why he is regretful at what he had done to Akira by merging with Amon. In a way he had started the progress that will make Akira mirror him in so many ways.
Despite their differences they understand each other even if they don't want to admit it and in a way they enable each other cause of it. Akira in my mind did come to hate humanity once he saw the evils they committed towards the devilmen and their own fellow humans in order to save themselves and that's why he was considering Ryo/Satan's offer to join him, because a part of him did a agree with Ryo on some level, but hated to ever admit it especially after Miki died. Like even tho Ryo was messy as fuck in trying to give his offer for Akira to join his side, the fact he thought it would work says a lot to me about how much he knew how Akira actually felt about humanity.
And despite all of the anger and hatred Akira had felt for Ryo towards the end of the manga in the sequels he still strives to either save Ryo(Violence Jack) or understand him, because he still loves him.(Devilman Lady manga)
And Ryo/Satan wants to understand/love humanity better through Akira's POV either by loving Miki like Akira had(Violence Jack) or taking on his role as Jun(Devilman Lady manga)
And imo in both Violence Jack and Devilman Lady they both save each other even if the journey is really rough and messy! XD
like I've said before their love damns and saves them in so many ways, they make each other both better and worse and the world(s) is never the same cause of it. Through love or hate they are drawn together and have a hard time being apart.
The fandom plays around this ship a lot and the best ways I've seen it be done is when its both a character and a relationship study where they understand how they can go towards war or peace together...
So yeah after all that waxing poetically again, they are very much OTP but I really like to ship them as a OT3 with Miki cause honestly I feel she is what is able to keep them together or break them apart...
So yeah, thank you so much for the ask on Ryokira, they always give me a lot to think about and I'll always have feels about them 😭😭😭
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The Royal Romance.
Love Everlasting.
A/N: I had a different name and plot for this fic over a year ago. But after being in the RP community for more than a year, I've decided to write the current Royal Life of my favorite OTP.
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: 50K 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
TW: Mentions of Cancer. Reader Discretion is STRONGLY ADVISED!
Matrimony. Part 4.
That night, after an entire day of revelations and interviews, Shanelle had so many questions for Marquise as they stood on his balcony.
“Okay first question, when did Connie develop cancer?” Shanelle asked.
Marquise took a sip of his whiskey.
“About a year and a half ago. He was getting treatments and chemo quietly but they weren't working, so his Oncologist suggested surgery to remove the tumors. He had his surgery 11 weeks ago. But it didn't take. Cancer has spread throughout his body but it metastasized itself to his liver where it's inoperable and that makes it terminal.” he replies.
“Jesus Christ. How do you feel about it?” she asked.
Marquise shrugged.
“Honestly, I don’t care. I know I should but I don't. His cancer is his karma for everything he's done to people.” he replied before taking another sip of his whiskey.
‘Marquise…”
“You sound like mom.”
“Does she know?” Shanelle asked.
“Yes. A very small circle of people know. And we are all forbidden from speaking about it.” he replies.
“I’m sure that's hard for you.”
“Not really. Far as I’m concerned the sooner he dies the better the world will be.”
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Positive,” he replied.
“Okay. I won't pry.”
Marquise sighed deeply.
“I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound like that.”
She kissed his cheek.
“I know you don't mean it…mostly.”
He smiled softly at her as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.
“Thank you for understanding my mood. I'm not trying to pile on you. I swear.”
“That's why I'm here. I want to relieve whatever stresses you.”
“You are my Superwoman.”
“I think you mean I’m your Kryptonite.”
“That too.”
They watched the stars above for several minutes before heading to bed. The rest of the week went by in a blur of interviews and internal eye rolls. By Friday afternoon the couple were in a train car making their way to Princess Naya’s duchy of Arnaud. Which is in the northeastern part of Cordonia.
“Just so we're clear, I won't have to kill the Princess this weekend right?” Shanelle asked.
“Yes. She'll be too busy trying to appease her husband. I spoke to him shortly after she left my office and he was not happy. He read the article and saw the footage Donnie put out and couldn't apologize enough. He swore to keep her in check this weekend.” Marquise replies.
“Good. Because I'm not trying to embarrass her again
even though I will.”
“Down Crusher! No embarrassing her! Because I won't be tempted to stop you.”
Shanelle snickered.
“So tell me more about The Grand Hunt. Mr. Master Of The Hunt.”
Marquise threw her a cocky grin.
“Basically it's a skills competition. Archery, skeet shooting, axe throwing that sorta thing. It harkens back to the Cordonia of old. But the main event is groups of 4 will go along into the woods looking for a rabbit that has been tagged. First one to find it wins. And by the first one to find it wins, I mean me.”
“So who's in our group?” Shanelle asks.
“It'll be you, me, Drake, and Maxwell,” he replies.
“So I'll finally meet your two friends?” she asks.
“Yes. And we might even do a little diverting from everyone else.”
“By diverting you mean we'll be cheating?” she asked
“It's only cheating if you get caught.”
“You are so bad!”
Marquise shrugged.
“Just the way you like it.”
They arrived at Naya’s estate later that night. Once they were settled in their room, Marquise was called away which gave Shanelle time to check in with the girls.
“Wait! So you’re at that floozie’s house?” Aly asked.
“Yup. Have to be here for the Grand Hunt. Marquise and I have our own room.” Shanelle replied.
“Girl! Be careful! She might have booby-trapped the room or she'll try to have your food poisoned!” Rob said.
“A.) the guards have been doing a security sweep of this room at my request all week. and B.) the palace kitchen staff is doing the cooking. So I'm good.” Shanelle replied.
“You sure?” Nina asked.
“Yes, babe. I'm sure. I'm safe.” Shanelle replied.
“So what are you actually doing this weekend?” Bron asked.
“I'm going rabbit hunting,” Shanelle replied.
The girls all stared at Shanelle.
“Deadass! I'm getting on a horse and I’m going rabbit hunting.”
“I'm calling it now, you will be on your ass,” Nina said.
Shanelle rolled her eyes.
“Whatever.”
Nina snickered.
“I'm not you Miss Keane. I know how to ride a horse. And a man.”
The girls shared a laugh, just as there was a knock at Shanelle’s door.
“Now who could that be?” Dee asked.
“I don’t know. Give me a sec.” Shanelle before calling out to the door, “Come in!”
Naya walked in and when Shanelle got a look at her face, she died laughing.
“Bwhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!”
The girls on the phone were confused.
“What is it?” Rob asked.
“Yeah, what's so funny?” Nina asked.
“Take a look for yourselves,” Shanelle said as she turned her camera around to show Naya’s face. The girls fell out laughing.
“Daaaaaaaaammmmmmmnnnnnnnnnn!!!!” Rob piped up.
“We fucked her ass up!” Nina said with a cackle.
“Yoooooooo!!!” Bron said.
“We did all that?” Aly asked smugly.
“We! Did! ALL! That!” Dee and Chut said in unison.
“Indeed we did ladies. Now let me deal with this and I'll call y'all back.”
“Byeeeeeee!” the girls said before they hung up.
Naya crossed her arms.
“Are you finished?” Naya asked.
“Nope. Nowhere near,” Shanelle replied.
“I came here to ask if you like your accommodations, Your Regency.”
Shanelle smirked.
“You mean your husband sent you here to offer an olive branch? But to answer your question, no, actually I don't like these accommodations. You have zero taste in interior design and it shows. Even more than that bruise under your eye that your makeup is doing a terrible job of hiding.”
Naya took a deep breath.
“Look, I'm just trying to get through this weekend.”
“You mean you're trying to salvage your damaged name and reputation. I bet your husband was on your ass when he came home.”
Naya set her jaw.
“You had all that attitude and bravado last weekend when you challenged me and lost. And now you look like a dog with its tail tucked between its legs. As a matter of fact, I have all weekend to be on your ass. And it's exactly what you deserve.”
“You're lucky that you–” Naya started to say before Shanelle cut her off. “Sweetie, let me stop you right there. Because you know you can't fight. You proved that last weekend. But anytime you want a round two. I got time for you.”
Naya just stood there fuming.
“So happy we could have this conversation, Princess. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Have a nice night.” Shanelle said as she dismissed Naya.
Naya looked at Shanelle one last time before leaving the room. 45 minutes later Shanelle was coming out of the bathroom when she saw Marquise laying on the bed with his arms behind his head.
“You are a menace. You know that right?” he said to her.
“Why Your Regency! I have no idea what you mean.” Shanelle said in mock innocence.
“You don't like our accommodations, my love?” he asked with an eyebrow raised.
Shanelle looked at him with a smirk.
“Did Naya tell you that? Did she bat her eyelashes as she shed her crocodile tears?” she replied.
“No. She ran to her husband and cried about you being mean to her when all she was trying to do is be a good hostess. So I had to tell him that you were only joking.”
Shanelle rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically.
“Oh, the poor Princess! Someone was mean to her.” Shanelle said with a cackle.
Marquise shook his head with a smirk.
“Again, you are a menace.”
Shanelle sat down and started applying her lotion.
“Yeah yeah. I'm hungry. Let's get something to eat.”
“Okay. I hope you like venison. This part of Cordonia is known for it.”
Shanelle made a face.
“What?” Marquise asked.
“I've never had venison. Sounds kinda weird. And bougie.”
“It's deer. And it's also a local delicacy.”
“Whatever happened to good old pizza and wings?” Shanelle asked.
“My love, we're not in New York but, I can have that made for you. How about Pizza Bianca with Prosciutto, shaved Fontina, and aged Balsamic Vinegar, plus wings?” he asked.
“Garlic Parm. All drums,” she replied.
“I prefer flats.”
Shanelle made another face.
“God! You are so weird!”
Marquise snickered before putting in a call to have room service delivered.
“This Pizza Bianca is fucking incredible! I love everything about it,” she said as she took a bite of her slice.
“Mmhmm. And these wings are amazing. Compliments to the chefs.”
“You know you could've told me no right?” she asked.
“I know. But my job is to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.” he replied.
“Yeah but that doesn't mean just hand me whatever I want.”
“Are you saying that I’m a doormat?” he asked.
“I'm saying that you don't have to always hand me the world on a silver platter Marquise,” she replies.
“First of all, I would never hand you the world on a silver platter. That is beneath me. What I would do instead is, I would hand you the world on a diamond-studded, gold-plated Sterling silver platter. Second, they'll more than likely serve venison tomorrow at the reception dinner. And lastly, this is how I show my love to and for you. By reminding you that you are deeply loved and greatly appreciated by me.”
“Even if it inconveniences you?” she asked.
“Especially then,” he replied as he tucked her hair behind her ear. “When it comes to you, nothing will ever inconvenience me.”
She smiled at him before kissing him softly.
“You have garlic breath,” he teased.
“So do you, Blacula.”
“Blah! Blah!”
The two laughed before they finished their food.
The next day, they were walking to the stables after Marquise had won the archery and axe throwing and Shanelle won the skeet shooting competitions to see the horse they would be riding for the hunt.
“Are you ready for today?” Marquise asked her.
“As ready as I can be. We're not actually gonna kill a rabbit, are we?” she replies.
“No. They stopped killing rabbits 40 years ago. It'll be released back into the wild.”
“Okay good. So let's go find me a horse.”
“Way ahead of you.”
When they got inside the stables Drake and Maxwell were standing with three horses.
“Is that Marabelle’s Dream?” she asked.
“Yes. I had her brought here from your duchy,” Marquise replied.
“And these two jackasses must be Drake and Liam,” Shanelle said, pointing to Drake and Maxwell.
They winced.
“Lord Maxwell Percival Beaumont, master of all things dance, shimmy, shake, rattle and roll. Good times and all. At your service, Your Regency.” Maxwell said with a flourish.
“Is he?” Shanelle asked.
“Always.” Marquise and Drake replied.
“Okay then…”
“Does she know?” Drake asked Marquise.
“Everything,” Marquise replies.
Shanelle crossed her arms.
“Yeah, so start talking.”
The two looked at each other before they launched into an explanation of what happened and the parts they played in the blowing up of her relationship with Cassian. At the end of their explanation, Shanelle shook her head.
“You two are something else. However, I can forgive the two of you as long as you two swear to stay the hell from Cassian. Got it?” she said to them.
“Yup,” they replied.
“Good. Now I’m no mathematician but there are only three horses and four humans.”
“Ask him.” Drake and Maxwell said, pointing to Marquise.
“Where's your horse?” Shanelle asked Marquise.
“Marabelle’s Dream is my horse,” Marquise replied.
“No. She's MY horse. And her name isn't Marabelle’s Dream.”
“It's not?” Marquise asked.
“Nope. This noble steed with all her beauty will now be known as Midnight Wander.”
Marquise shook his head with a smirk.
“You and that damn book.”
Shanelle shrugged.
“So go find your own horse.”
“Nope. You and I are riding together.”
“I don't wanna ride with you!” Shanelle protested.
“Too bad!”
Shanelle sucked her teeth.
“Like you'd pass up the opportunity to throw our relationship in Naya’s face.”
The idea did intrigue Shanelle.
“Well…when you put it that way…”
“Exactly. Now get up there.”
Shanelle climbed into the saddle with Marquise right behind her. When he wrapped an arm around her and grabbed the reins, she felt her heart race.
“You ready?” Marquise whispered to her.
Shanelle nodded her head.
Marquise pulled at the reins and led their group to where the hunt would be starting. Once everyone was gathered, Tariq gave his opening remarks.
“Good afternoon everyone and thank you all for joining my wife and I at this year's Grand Hunt. We are grateful to be able to host and have you all. To their former Majesties, it is always an honor to have the four of you attend. And to their Regencies, my wife and I look forward to you both attending. Especially when you become King and Queen.”
Many in the crowd cheered and clapped politely. As Tariq continued on with his opening remarks, Shanelle noticed Naya sitting stiffly in her saddle next to Tariq.
“Your ex does not look happy,” Shanelle whispered to Marquise.
“She'll get over it,” Marquise whispers back. “All I need now is for the signal to be given and we'll be off to the races.”
Just as Tariq closed his opening remarks a cage with a rabbit was brought out. Everyone watched as the rabbit was released.
“And so, let the hunt begin!” Tariq announced.
“Is this–” Shanelle started to say before Marquise grabbed the reins and urged their horse on. Soon they were galloping down the route. She was realizing why Midnight Wander was the Derby winner.
“So is there a plan here?” she asked Marquise.
“Yep. Hang on and let me do the driving.” he replied.
“Oh, God! I'm gonna die!”
They rode deeper into the woods following the trail. And when they were far enough ahead, Marquise purposely veered off with Maxwell and Drake behind them. When they finally came to a stop and dismounted, Shanelle was still trying to catch her breath.
“I almost died! You tried to kill me!” Shanelle said to Marquise.
Marquise rolled his eyes.
“You did not almost die. I did not try to kill you.” he replies.
“I mean you were riding kinda fast.” Maxwell quipped.
“Yeah. We know this trail. She doesn't.” Drake added.
“See?! Even they know that you tried to kill me!”
“Quiet! Before I leave you to get lost out here!”
Shanelle stuck her tongue out at him again. Marquise smirked before he turned to Drake and Maxwell.
”You two got everything ready?” Marquise asked.
“Yup,” Maxwell replied.
“And what about the distraction?” Marquise asked.
“As soon as you give the word, the rest of those lazy nobles will get the scare of their lives,” Drake replies.
“Distraction?” Shanelle asked.
“Just watch,” Marquise replied before nodding to Drake. “Go for it.”
Drake smirked before pulling a small remote from his pocket and pressing the button on the front of the remote. Soon, shouts, shrieks, horse whinnying, and screams could be heard in the distance. Marquise and his two friends died laughing.
“What in the world?” Shanelle asked.
“A little distraction. I had Drake and Maxwell plant cherry bombs around the route. Not enough to hurt anyone but enough to spook their horses and throw everyone off course. And maybe have some of them thrown into the mud along the way.” Marquise replies.
Shanelle shook her head while laughing.
“And you have the nerve to call me a menace,” Shanelle said to Marquise.
“You are a menace. I just have fun at the nobles' expense. Now we have a rabbit to catch.” Marquise replied.
Everyone mounted their horses and took off. But Shanelle had one question.
“How do you know where the rabbit will be?” Shanelle asked.
“The one they released? I don't. That poor thing is probably long gone. But! I did get one that is identical to the one they released. Same tag and all. Oh, and it was microchipped. So I know how to track it.” Marquise replies.
Shanelle shook her head.
“I'd like to reiterate: you’re. Cheating!”
“It's either I win or you deal with having to hear your uncle brag about his wife winning. Because her father was an avid hunter.”
Shanelle winced.
“Good point.”
“Glad you see things my way.”
They rode until they got to a clearing where a trap was set up. Once everyone dismounted, the men went to work setting up for when everyone else arrived.
“Alright! Flare gun?” Marquise asked.
“Got it!” Maxwell replied.
“Food to lure the rabbit out?” Marquise asked.
“Right here,” Drake replies.
“Perfect! Max, you stay here with Shanelle and ready the trap. Walker, let's go find Roger.”
Shanelle watched Marquise and Drake disappear into the woods, before turning to see Maxwell struggling to set up the trap.
“Need a little help?” Shanelle asked.
“Me? Nah! I got it. I have everything under con–” Maxwell started to say before the trap fell apart.
Shanelle stifled her laugh.
“Y’know maybe I could use an extra set of hands.”
Shanelle walked over and started to help Maxwell set up the trap. She even took the time to find out a little bit more about her fiance.
“How long have you known Marquise?” Shanelle asked.
“Me? Maybe 15-20 years. Drake has known him longer. They met when Drake’s dad Jackson joined the King’s Guard and was assigned to the Royal Family. Jackson was Connie’s lead guard.” Maxwell replies.
“That's a very long time to know someone.”
“Yeah. He's a good guy. Loyal, firm, stern, fair, understanding of the people around him, caring, and he's protective of everyone and everything that he cares about. His mother Eleanor was the same way. He tries his hardest to be just like her.” Maxwell replies.
“So I've heard. So he's nothing like his dad?” she asked.
Maxwell took a deep breath.
“No. At least not in the way you may think. He and Connie are like night and day. Except for when and if you are stupid to piss him off. Marquise tries his damnedest to never be anything like Connie. But not even he can run away from who he is. No matter how hard he tries to.” Maxwell replies.
“Why don't they have a relationship?” she asked.
“Because Connie feels like Marquise is only here to haunt him. Marquise looks a lot like his mother and Connie can't stand it. He feels like Marquise is a constant reminder of the one true love he lost. So he's always taken whatever he’s feeling out on him. Especially when he's drunk.” Maxwell replies.
“Jesus Christ!”
Maxwell nodded solemnly.
“Marquise doesn't like to talk about it. And I really think I shouldn't have told you. But at the same time, you deserved to know.”
Shanelle nodded.
“Thank you, Maxwell.”
“You're welcome. And call me Max.”
Shanelle smiled at him.
“Oh! Look! We did it! We got the trap set up!” Max triumphantly exclaimed.
“Yeah, we did.” Shanelle agreed.
“Teamwork high-five!” Maxwell said to her.
“Teamwork!”
The two high-fived just as Marquise’s voice rang out.
“MAX! GET THE TRAP READY!”
Maxwell and Shanelle scrambled to their feet just as the rabbit came darting out of the woods, with Marquise and Drake hot on its heels.
“NOW!” Marquise and Drake yelled.
“Push the button, Max!” Shanelle said to Maxwell.
“Pushing the button!”
Shanelle watched as the trap sprang and they caught the scared rabbit.
“Woohoo! We did it!” Max cheered.
“Nice going! You did it!” Drake said as he congratulated Marquise.
“HAH HAH! I win again! The title of Grand Master is MINE!” Marquise said triumphantly.
“Congratulations handsome. You won. Even though you cheated.”
Marquise gave her a cocky smile.
“Beats the alternative.”
“Fair enough. So what happens now?” Shanelle asked.
“Max send up the flare,” Marquise instructed.
Max grabbed the flare gun and then handed it to Shanelle.
“Why don't we let her do it?” Maxwell asked.
Marquise shrugged.
“Okay. Send up the flare love.”
Shanelle sent the flare signal and within 15 minutes the rest of the nobles began making their way to the group. Including a very disgusted-looking Queen Genevieve.
“It seems His Regency has won the competition. By winning 5 years in a row, he is now Grand Master Of The Hunt!”
Many of the nobles cheered and congratulated Marquise, who had a firm arm around Shanelle’s waist. Directly in the sight line of his jealously seething ex.
“Thank you, everyone. I appreciate you all and I couldn't have done without this one at my side. Oh and Max and Drake too.”
Many in the crowd laughed.
“And to her former Majesty who was looking to regain the title of Master Of The Hunt, better luck next year. Assuming I don't win again.” Marquise said to a fuming Genevieve before throwing her a cocky grin.
“Now if His Regency will do the honors of releasing the animal into the woods,” Tariq said.
“Actually if you all don't mind, I’d like Her Regency to do the honors,” Marquise said.
“Very well,” Tariq said to Marquise before turning his attention to Shanelle, “Your Regency if you will.”
Shanelle had Maxwell set the trap down before she opened the door of the cage and pulled the rabbit out and set it down on the ground.
“There you go, little one. You’re free.” Shanelle whispered to the rabbit.
Everyone watched as the rabbit hopped off into the woods.
“Now that the Grand Hunt has been completed, let us all head back to the main estate and get ready for the reception dinner,” Tariq announced.
As people began to head back to the estate, Connie rode up to his son.
“Congratulations my son. You managed to keep your title. While gaining a new one.”
Marquise rolled his eyes.
“I'd tell you to go to hell, but you'll be there soon enough.”
Connie’s face soured before looking at Shanelle.
“Does she know?” Connie asked Marquise.
“Yes, she knows. Everything.” Marquise replies.
Constantine gave Shanelle a haughty expression.
“I take it you feel the same way as he does,” Connie said to her.
“Let's just say that whenever your time comes, I won't cry at your funeral.” Shanelle spat at him.
“Petulant child!” Connie sneered.
“That's Her Regency to you. Now if you'll excuse us.” Shanelle said to Connie before she and Marquise left.
After returning to the estate and taking a long hot shower, the couple was ready for the reception dinner.
“You look beautiful my love,” Marquise said to her as they walked to the dining room.
“And you look like a King. Very official yet dapper.”
Marquise brought the back of her left hand to his lips for a small kiss.
“Thank you, my love. Now let's make our debut.”
Soon the herald made the official announcement.
“All rise for Their Regencies, Marquise Rys and Shanelle Miller!”
As they walked in, all eyes were on them.
“Wait until they announce us as Their Majesties,” he whispered to her.
“Ooh! Your ex will hate that,” she whispered back.
“Believe me when I say I don't give a fuck.”
They walked to the center of the room where Naya and Tariq were standing.
“Thank you all. Please be seated as we present His Regency with his official trophy.” Tariq announced to those in attendance.
Shanelle watched as the staff walked with a beautiful bronze statue.
“Nice! How many of these do you have?” Shanelle whispered to her fiancè.
“Including this one? 5 all together. The other four are at the main house of my Duchy,” he replied.
“Your Regency, I present you this statue as a token of your victory today,” Tariq said to Marquise.
“Thank you, Lord Tariq. I humbly accept your token.” Marquise replied to him as the two shook hands before posing in front of the statue. Marquise turned to Shanelle with a grin.
“Join me?” he asked.
She stepped next to him as Tariq stepped away and the couple snapped a few pictures together.
“Now that His Regency’s trophy has been presented, dinner can be served.” Tariq announced.
Before they took their seats Tariq pulled Shanelle and Marquise to the side.
“Again I’d like to congratulate you on your win, Marquise,” Tariq said to him.
“Thank you, Tariq. It's an honor to win and it's a privilege to be able to stick it to Queen Genevieve for another year.” Marquise replies.
“Indeed.”
Tariq turned to Shanelle with a polite smile.
“And to you Your Regency, I would like to formally apologize for my wife’s heinous and atrocious actions toward you. She has had no right whatsoever to belittle or demean you. And she certainly had no right to attack you. And for that, I am horrified and do humbly apologize to you for any harm my wife has caused.” Tariq said to her.
Shanelle nodded politely.
“Thank you, Lord Tariq. I appreciate your kind words and I accept your apology.” Shanelle replied.
“You're quite welcome, Your Regency. Now, I believe my wife has something she’d like to say.”
Shanelle internally rolled her eyes and braced herself.
“Shanelle, I'd like to sincerely apologize to you for my behavior. I let my jealousy cloud my judgment and I took it all out on you. I am…appalled by my actions. Especially when I'm a married woman. I had no right to do that. And for that, I do apologize.”
Shanelle looked at Naya with an eyebrow raised.
“I want to believe you but I know you don't mean any of what you just said. But, for the sake of the kingdom and peace within it, I will be a bigger person and accept your apology.”
Naya nodded.
“Thank you, Your Regency.”
“Now that apologies have been given. I believe it is time we took our seats.” Tariq said.
They took their seats and dinner was served. Instead of serving her venison, Marquise had one of her favorite dishes prepared, Spaghetti Alla Vongole (Linguine and Clams).
“Mmm! So good!”
“I'm happy you like it, my love.”
“I am curious though,” she said to Marquise.
“Hmm?”
“Not that I’m not grateful but why am I eating this and not venison like you?” she asked.
“I told you why. Venison is a bit adventurous for you so we can try it another time when it's just us. I want you to always be comfortable. But if you want to try it now, you can always steal a bite of mine,” he replies.
“You're impossible.”
He winked at her.
“Here. Try it,” he said as he offered her a small bite of his venison.
“Okay. It's not bad but I think I prefer my pasta with clams, olive oil, and Parmesan Cheese.”
“Told you.”
After dinner, it was drinks, dessert, and dancing. Everyone in attendance watched as the couple gracefully twirled and glided around the dancefloor.
“Well, whaddya know? You do know how to do a proper Cordonian Waltz. I guess that private lesson in your bedroom paid off after all.” he teased her.
“Shut up before I step on your foot!”
He snickered as they continued to dance. By the end of the evening, Shanelle’s feet were barking and she was ready to crash but she soldiered on as she stood in the receiving line with her fiance. Many of the people the couple received were friendly and most pledged their support for the new Monarchy. Including Maxwell’s brother Bertrand.
“Hello, you two!” Maxwell said in greeting, “Shanelle, I’d like you to meet my older brother, Bertrand Archibald Beaumont. The Duke of Ramsford.”
Bertrand bowed to Shanelle.
“Good evening, Your Regency. It is a pleasure and honor to meet you.” Bertrand said to her.
“The pleasure is mine, Duke Ramsford,” Shanelle replied.
“I am here to formally give you and His Regency, Duchy Ramsford’s full support to the new Monarchy.”
“Thank you, Bertrand. I always knew I could count on you.” Marquise replied.
“Of course Your Regency. Ramsford has always been about progress, growth, and change for Cordonia. And with you and Her Regency at the helm of that change, I know we are all in very good hands.”
Marquise nodded politely.
“And besides, anyone better than King Constantine is a win in my book,” Maxwell added.
“I knew I liked you, Max.” Shanelle said to him.
“Quite. Now we shall take our leave but we do wish you both the best. Come along now Maxwell.” Bertrand said as they left.
When the couple got back to their room, Shanelle was thankful the night was finally over.
“You did it, my love. You survived your very first state dinner. Without so much as an hors d’oeuvre needing to be thrown at someone.”
Shanelle snorted.
“Shut up and rub my aching feet.”
“Gladly.”
Shanelle melted into the foot massage. She deserved it for all she had to endure that weekend.
“How are you so good at this?” she asked him.
“You already know why, my love,” he replies.
“Y’know if this whole ruling a kingdom thing doesn't work out, you could make good money giving out foot massages.”
Marquise snickered.
“Unless the money is coming from you for services rendered then I don't want it. You are the only woman I would do this for.”
“I can live with that.”
“So how would you rate this weekend, my love?” he asked.
“Not too bad. I know it won't always be like this but it wasn't too bad for my first experience. And I didn't have to kill your ex. So that's a win.” she replied.
“Yes. I'm proud of you for showing restraint. It's never easy with her. Even though I wouldn't have stopped you if you did decide to clock her.”
“You’d let me get away with murder if you could.”
Marquise cleared his throat.
“Your words not mine.”
“So what happens now?” she asked.
“Don't you have a wedding to plan?” he replies.
“Seriously?! I can start planning?” she asked.
“Yes. Your official Royal Business here is over. So you’re free to plan the wedding of your dreams.” he replied.
“Does that mean?”
“If you want to head back to Boston or New York you’re free to do so.”
Shanelle’s face lit up.
“I gotta call mama! I gotta call the girls! We have a wedding to plan!” Shanelle squealed.
“Indeed you do.” Marquise agreed.
“Is there anything you want before the girls and I go crazy?” she asked.
“What are the colors?” he replied.
“I know the official colors of Cordonia are Royal/Navy Blue and Gold but I was thinking of Purple, White, and Silver.”
“I can live with that.”
“Anything else?” she asked.
“I want a VERY PRIVATE penthouse suite for after we get married,” he replies.
“You got plans for that suite?” she asked.
“I got plans to fuck you all over that suite, my Queen,” he replied with a wolfish grin.
Shanelle snickered.
“Then I better get a move on.”
“Yes, you should.”
After traveling back to the palace the next day, Shanelle grabbed Ozzie and headed to the airport. She was on her way home.
“I'm gonna miss you,” she said to Marquise.
“No worries. Besides, the next time I see you will be in a church at the altar.” he replies.
“What are you gonna do while I'm gone?” she asked.
“You have a wedding to plan and I have coronations to plan,” he replies.
“Oooh!”
“Exactly.”
With a sweet kiss, it was time to say see you later.
“I'll see you soon, my Queen.”
“See you soon handsome.”
With that Shanelle boarded her flight home to Boston. When she finally touched down at Logan Airport that night, she was happy to be back on U.S. soil.
“It's good to be home, isn't Ozzie?” she said as they got into the car that was waiting.
When she got to the brownstone and set her bags down, she noticed two giant vases sitting on the island counter. One was full of red roses and the other full of white carnations with a handwritten note from him in front of them.
Welcome home, my love. Soon, you'll be my Queen.
She couldn't help but smile and blush at the note. After taking one last look at the flowers, she headed up the backstairs and went to bed. The next afternoon Shanelle was on a FaceTime call with Nina and her mother.
“Alright, you two! I trust the two of you to be the main voices of reason while I plan this wedding.”
“You mean while WE plan this wedding.” Shantel corrected her.
“What she said!” Nina added.
“Yeah yeah. So here's the plan mom, you and I will handle the wedding. Nina, you and the girls get to go crazy on planning the Bachelorette Party and Bridal Shower.”
Nina rubbed her hands together.
“Oh, yessssss!”
“Nina, don't you have my daughter and the girls doing something crazy.” Shantel warned.
“Yes, mom,” Nina replied.
“Now I will handle the catering, flowers, and decorations. Also, what are the colors?” Shantel asked.
“Purple, white, and silver,” Shanelle replies.
“And who's officiating?” Nina asked.
“My dad,” Shanelle replied.
“Awwww! Pop is gonna dust off his preacher suit!”
Shanelle snorted and Shantel cackled.
“And what about the venues?” Shantel asked.
“Well, they have to be big enough to host at least 300 people,” Shanelle replies.
“Hmmm…the only place I can think of that can accommodate that many people is St. Francis.” Shantel said.
Shanelle and Nina groaned.
“The Catholic Church off 87th?” Shanelle asked.
“Nobody wants to go into that mausoleum!” Nina quipped.
“No. The Baptist Church off 129th. The presiding Elder’s granddaughter is in my class this year. I'll talk to him and his wife.” Shantel replied.
The girls let out a sigh of relief.
“Now, what about the venue for the reception?” Shantel asked.
“I want either the Marriott Marquis in Times Square or the Waldorf Astoria Hotel,” Shanelle replies.
“Well, you can rule those two out. Their capacity limits are max 200 people each. The only other place big enough to hold that many people is the Consulate.” Shantel said.
“Fineeeeeee! I guess I'll just pick the penthouse suite of Marriott Marquis.”
“What are you gonna do with the penthouse suite?” Nina asked.
“It's not what I’m gonna do. It's what I’m gonna do.” Shanelle replies.
Nina snickered and Shantel groaned.
“Well, that takes care of the venues. As I said, I'll work on catering. Do you know what you want to eat?” Shantel asked.
“Yup! I had a sample menu in Cordonia. I'll text you the menu.” Shanelle replied.
“And what about the cake?” Shantel asked.
“Surprise me,” Shanelle replied.
“Very well. Well since I have all I need to do, I'll let you girls talk. Just remember, we're going dress shopping in LA this weekend.” Shantel said.
“We won't forget. I'll talk to you later.” Shanelle replied.
“Bye, mom!” Nina piped up.
“Bye, girls.”
“And then there were two!” Nina said after Shantel hung up.
“Exactly. Now, what do you have planned in that head of yours as far as my Bachelorette Party and Bridal Shower are concerned?” Shanelle asked.
“I'm not telling you! It's a surprise!” Nina replies.
“For the record, I am not going to Vegas for my Bachelorette Party!”
“What's wrong with going to Vegas?” Nina asked.
“Besides the fact that Vegas is basic? Nina, I am marrying a man who is to be King. The last thing I want to do is spend my last days as a free woman staring at Fat Elvis impersonators,” Shanelle replies.
“You know you’re a brat right?” Nina asked.
“Spoiled rotten. And it's all your fault.” Shanelle replied.
“Okay fine. Where would you like to go?” Nina asked.
“Somewhere that screams, exotic, chaotic, and erotic,” Shanelle replied.
“Once again, you are a brat.”
“And it's all your damn fault. What's your point?” Shanelle asked.
Nina tapped her fingers in thought.
“Yeah…I got nothing.”
“You got all that intelligence and beauty and can't think of anywhere else?” Shanelle asked.
“First off, thank you and secondly, you shot down my Vegas idea so no,” Nina replies.
“I gotta do everything my damn self. I have three places in mind.”
“Okay, what are they?” Nina asked.
“Monaco, Ibiza, and lastly Milan,” Shanelle replied.
“Okay. Maybe you were right. Vegas does sound basic.”
“Thank you.”
Shanelle took a piece of paper, tore it into three pieces, wrote down the names, and then threw them into an empty cup.
“Okay gimme a drum roll.”
Nina gave her a drum roll.
“That's a terrible drum roll.”
“Shut up and pick!”
Shanelle snickered before pulling out a name.
“Pack ya bags and grab ya passport baby! You, me, and the girls are going to Ibiza!” Shanelle announced.
“Looks like Bron will get her Spanish Prince after all.”
The two friends cackled.
“Alright. I'll send out the text and I'll see y'all this weekend.”
“Yup yup.”
“Uh huh. Uh huh.”
Nina rolled her eyes.
“Bye Princess!”
“Bye bestie!”
If there were two people that Shanelle could always count on it was Nina and her mother. That Friday Shanelle, her mother, Nina, Chut, Robin, and Dee were all on a jet headed to LA. Aly was filming a movie there and Bron was finishing her clinical residency. They all went out to dinner at Spago when they touched down.
The next day the girls were visiting a custom bridal shop on Rodeo drive.
“Shantel!” the shop owner called to Shanelle’s mother.
“Hello, Ingrid! It's been far too long.” Shantel said in greeting.
“Indeed it has my dear. I was so happy when you reached out about needing dresses for both of your daughters.”
The girls looked at each other.
“Daughters?” Shanelle asked.
Shantel smiled and took her and Bronwyn by the hand.
“This is my oldest daughter Shanelle and my youngest daughter Bronwyn. Ingrid, I want you to spare no expense and make sure both look stunning at their weddings.”
Ingrid nodded.
“Of course! Of course! I will make sure your daughters look like Princesses. After all, they will be wearing Ingrid Kozlov originals. Now let me gather a few things and we'll get started.” Ingrid replied before going into the back of her shop.
The girls all looked at Shantel completely stunned.
“Mom?” Shanelle asked.
“Yes?” Shantel replies.
“You're buying my dress?” Bron asked Shantel.
Shantel gave her a motherly smile.
“Yes. A mother always buys her daughter’s wedding dress. So when and if you have a daughter, you can buy her wedding dress. Besides, it's the least I can do for the beautiful smart young woman who is marrying one of the two boys that always ran through my house.”
Bron looked at her with tears in her eyes.
“But…”
Shantel took Bronwyn’s hands in her own.
“I can not replace your mother. I would never even try. But that doesn't mean I can't treat you like you are my daughter.”
“You don't have to do this, Mrs. Miller.”
“My students call me Mrs. Miller. You call me Mom. Got it?” she asked.
Bronwyn nodded tearily.
“Yes ma'am,” she replied.
“Mom.” Shantel corrected her.
“Yes, mom,” Bronwyn said.
“Good. Now you girls have dresses to get fitted for.” Shantel said as Ingrid returned.
“Now to my brides and mom, step this way and I'll get your measurements. The rest of you ladies, please feel free to browse around. My shop is open to you.” Ingrid said to everyone.
The girls spent the rest of the day browsing around the bridal shop. When they left Shanelle and Bronwyn had their custom-made wedding dresses as well as their bridesmaids' dresses ordered. Later that evening, while Shantel was at her spa appointment, the girls were lounging around the pool at the Cordonian Consulate in LA.
“I'm still trying to process this. Shanelle, your mom bought my wedding dress. Lo and I don't even have a date set.” Bronwyn said.
“Yup. She did. And think of this as one thing crossed off your list of things to do.”
“Did you know?” Bron asked.
“Nope. Otherwise, I would've warned you.” Shanelle replies.
“I love her. She didn't have to do it.”
“I've been trying to tell you for months that she loves you but you wouldn't listen.”
“I'm sorry I didn't listen. I should have.”
The girls laughed.
“Shan, I can't believe your mom knows Ingrid Kozlov. She's one of the best in the fashion business.” Aly said.
“I mean to be fair this is the same woman who used to fuss at us whenever we went through her jewelry,” Dee added.
“Well, that's only because we never put it back correctly.” Nina quipped.
The girls laughed as a staff member came out with a box in his hands.
“Pardon the interruption, Your Regency, but this was just delivered for you,” he said as he set the box down.
The girls all looked at each other before looking at the box.
“So you gonna open it, Princess?” Nina asked.
“No. I don't know what's in there!” Shanelle replies.
“Maybe it's not that bad,” Robin says.
“Okay well, then you open it.”
“It's not addressed to any of us Nelle. So open it.” Chut quipped.
Shanelle looked uneasily at the box before gingerly lifting the lid with her eyes closed.
“We're still alive right?” Shanelle asked.
“Yeah, we're still alive,” Nina replies.
“Good, that means this wasn't a bomb.”
“Yeah, yeah whatever. Now, hurry up and look inside so the rest of us can open our eyes.”
Shanelle looked inside and when she did her jaw dropped.
“OH. MY. GOD!” Shanelle exclaimed.
The girls quickly opened their eyes.
“What is it?” Rob asked.
Rather than answer Shanelle reached into the box and pulled out a surprise.
“WHAT?!” Rob and Dee said in unison.
“No way!” Bron said in shock.
“Oh my!” Aly said.
“Wow!” the cousins said together.
“It's a tiara,” Shanelle said in shock.
The girls stared at the tiara sitting on a pillow in Shanelle’s hands.
“Are those real diamonds?” Nina asked.
Shanelle numbly nodded her head yes. Robin looked in the box and pulled out a card.
“I think this is yours too, babe,” Robin said holding the card.
Shanelle gingerly set the tiara down and took the card from Robin before reading it out loud.
“This is the first of many. My Queen. I love you.”
Shanelle covered her mouth with a hand. When she looked up at her girls there were tears in her eyes.
“Marquise for the win!” Dee said.
Shanelle slowly sat down and broke down into tears.
“Awww babe! Don't cry.” Nina said as she wrapped her arms around her.
She knew the girls were there and they were super supportive but all she could hear was her heartbeat. She couldn't believe he would send her a tiara. But he did and she was just overwhelmed. She took a deep breath and dried her eyes.
“Thank you, babies. I appreciate it. I just…I just got a bit overwhelmed.” she said to her girls.
“We get it. You're getting married to a man who's about to be a King. And it's a lot. But I promise you we will send you off right and we'll always be there.” Robin said to her.
Shanelle laid her head on Robin’s shoulder. This is why she was thankful to have her girls. They have her back and she has theirs.
“She's right, you know,” Shantel said as she stepped outside. “They'll always be there for you. And so will I butterfly.”
Shanelle smiled at her mother.
“Thank you, Mommy.”
Shanelle was thankful for her tribe.
“Now I don’t know about you girls but I do believe we have a Bridal shower to get ready for.” her mother announced.
“Yay!” Shanelle cheered.
“Quiet girl! You don't get a say. This is between me and the girls.” Shantel said to her.
Shanelle pouted and Shantel rolled her eyes.
“Oh, girl bye! That face stopped working on me when you turned 7.”
Shanelle made a face as the girls cackled.
“Poor Princess. Shut down by THE Queen.” Nina teased.
Shanelle sucked her teeth.
The next day Shanelle, her girls, and her mother were celebrating her Bridal Shower. Her mother had rented out the South Coast Botanical Gardens for the occasion. Shanelle felt nothing but love from her crew and her mother. There was food, presents, and giggles. Lots of giggles. Even a few groans.
“What is this?” Shantel asked as she dangled a flogger. “And what are you supposed to do with it?”
The girls just looked at Shantel.
“…mom?” Shanelle asked.
“Yes, my dear?” Shantel replied.
“Stop dangling the flogger, please.”
Shantel smirked before swinging the flogger.
“Why? Is there a reason why I should stop swinging this?” Shantel asked.
“Because it's creating a mental scar none of us need. Least of all me.” Shanelle replies.
“But I like swinging this thing. It's a whole lot of fun!”
“MOM STOP SWINGING THE DAMN FLOGGER PLEASE! THANK YOU!” Nina said.
Shantel cackled.
“You girls are no fun.”
The girls looked squeamishly at Shantel who was still laughing.
“I want it put on the record, your mama is mean!” Robin says.
“Duly noted.”
Shantel rolled her eyes with a smirk.
“But I do hope you girls have had a great time.”
“We have!” the girls replied.
“Good. That was the plan. And Bronwyn.”
“Yes, mom?” Bron replied.
“I can't wait to hear about how beautiful you'll look in your dress.”
Bron got up and hugged Shantel.
“Thanks again, mom.”
“Always honey. You girls are family to my daughter. Which means you’re family to me too.”
“Since we're family mom…can I get some brownies?” Dee asked.
“When you come back from Ibiza,” Shantel replies.
“Thank you!” Dee squealed.
“What about us?” Chut asked.
Shantel shook her head.
“Get your orders in.”
The girls clamored at once.
“One at a time!” Shantel told the girls.
“Logan would cry if I didn't ask for your jerk chicken,” Bron said to her.
“I would love a strawberry cheesecake,” Chut said.
“Your lasagna rolls,” Aly said.
“Curry Chicken!” Robin said.
“Curry Fish with Green stew!” Nina said.
Shantel died laughing.
“Nina, you and your brother are the green stew eatingnest people I know.”
Nina shrugged.
“It's your fault that I love it so much.”
“Fair enough. Okay, girls. When you all get back from Ibiza, we'll have a big family meal before the wedding with all of your favorites.”
The girls cheered.
“Thanks, mom!” they answered.
Shantel smiled at the girls.
“My pleasure. Now let's finish up because we all have flights to catch tomorrow.”
The next week went by in a blur. Before Shanelle knew it, she and the girls were off to Ibiza for a weekend of Bachelorette debauchery. They couldn't wait to touch down in Spain that Thursday. Marquise had put them up at a high-rise condo that had a rooftop pool and bar. With a 360° view to die for. The girls were gonna live it up that weekend.
“Take it all in, ladies! Because this weekend we will conquer Ibiza!” Shanelle said as she toasted her bridal party.
“Hell yeah!” the girls replied.
“Operation: Babes, Bodies, Bachelorette Party is in full effect!” Nina announced.
“And who knows? Maybe we'll find Bron’s Spanish Prince while we're here.” Rob teased.
“Whatever! Can we drink now?” Bron asked.
Shanelle popped a cork.
“Drink up girls! We have an island to conquer!”
The girls cheered before downing their wine and going out to a local club. They spent the night dancing, laughing, club hopping, and winning three wet t-shirt contests thanks to Nina.
The next morning, Shanelle came stumbling out of her room into the common area, hungover with a giant migraine. She took a seat at the bar in the kitchen and was soon joined by her crew. Who were also hungover as hell.
“Dude! What did we do last night?” Dee asked massaging her temples.
“Ask me that question when I have the mental capacity. Because right now, I ain't got it,” Nina replies.
“Ugh!” the girls groaned collectively.
Shanelle laid her head down on the counter with a loud thud.
“The room is spinning,” she whined.
“Princess, what's in that pitcher in front of you?” Robin asked.
Shanelle looked up to see a pitcher and a note.
“Hair of the dog,” Shanelle said as she read the note.
The girls groaned again.
“Anything but THAT!” Aly whined.
Shanelle poured herself a small glass.
“You're not actually gonna drink that are you?” Chut asked Shanelle.
“It's either drink it or we look like shit for the rest of the day,” Shanelle replies.
Shanelle shook her head and squared her shoulders.
“Down the hatch as they say,” Shanelle said before she pinched her nose and downed the drink in one gulp. The girls squirmed as they watched. When Shanelle set the glass down she started to seriously question her life choices.
“Well, how bad was it?” Bron asked.
“Terrible. But it's working. My head isn't splitting like it was when I hobbled my ass outta my room.” Shanelle replied.
The girls looked at the pitcher suspiciously.
“Maybe it won't be so bad?” Robin asked.
“Speak for yourself!” Nina replies.
“Maybe Rob has a point? I mean what else do we have to lose?” Dee asked.
“Our dignity maybe?” Nina replies.
“I thought we did that last night?” Shanelle asked.
The girls laughed.
“Okay fine. But I’m not trying it first!” Nina replies.
“I'll try it,” Bron said.
“My baby for the win!” Shanelle cheered.
“Don’t cheer for me! Because if this shit tears up my stomach I'm fucking you up! Princess or not.” Bron replies.
“Duly noted.”
Bron chugged her glass back and made a face when she was done.
“Who the hell thought this was a good idea?” Bron asked.
“Not I, said the spider to the fly,” Shanelle replies.
“Nope. I'm not drinking it!” Nina protested.
“Shut up and chug Keane!” Shanelle said to Nina.
Nina rolled her eyes as she poured herself a glass. The rest of the girls followed suit.
“Bottoms up,” Shanelle told the girls.
She watched as they drank and looked disgusted afterward.
“Instant regret!” Nina said.
“Never. Again.” Robin said as she put her glass down.
“That shit is nasty!” Chut quipped.
“It tasted like death warmed over!” Aly said.
“That should be illegal!” Dee added.
“Should be but ain't. How y'all feeling?” Shanelle asked.
“Starting to feel better for the most part,” Nina replies.
The girls nodded their heads yes.
“Good. Now I can ask the question, Nina, what happened to the guy you brought back with you?” Shanelle asked.
Before Nina could answer, each of the girl's bedroom doors opened, and out walked SEVERAL half-naked men. The girl's jaws dropped.
“I'm gonna ask again, what the hell did we do last night?” Dee asked.
The girls burst out laughing. They spent the rest of that Friday hanging around the rooftop pool. The next day was a big day. It was Shanelle’s Bachelorette Party. The girls got dressed and went out to an amazing restaurant to celebrate Shanelle’s final days as a free unmarried woman.
“Here's to my beautiful, smart, amazing, incredible, bestest best friend ever. You, me, and Chut have been together since kindergarten. Then we met Dee in the 6th grade. And Aly in 8th. And of course the last two of our crew. But you and I have had each other’s backs for years. And we always will. You have fought for me. You have fought over me. You have protected me. You have defended me. And I am so happy for you. I am happy that you found your literal Prince. You found your happily ever after. I can't wait to see you in your wedding gown. I can't wait to celebrate your marriage. I can't wait to celebrate you becoming a Queen. Here's to you bestie.” Nina said in her toast to Shanelle.
Nina was right. Nina and Shanelle have been through it all together and have remained at each other's side.
“I love you, baby. So goddamn much. I would not be where I am in life without you by my side. Without all of you really. I rely on all of you so much. You are my rocks. My loves. My best friends. My sisters. My everything. I could never do what I do without any of you. I love you girls so much. Each of you deserves true love and unbridled happiness. That is my hope, my wish, and my prayer for each of you.” Shanellw said with tears in her eyes.
“We love you!” the girls said to her.
Shanelle dried her eyes as their food was delivered to the table. They had a full spread delivered to them.
“Now THIS is how you spend your last days! Damn good alcohol! Damn, good friends! And damn good food!”
The girls dug into their food and alcohol. As they ate, a small gift box was delivered to Shanelle with a note attached.
“What's in the box?” Dee asked.
Shanelle shrugged.
“Open it.” Aly piped up.
Shanelle unwrapped the box and looked inside before dying of laughter.
“What? What's so funny?” Rob asked.
Shanelle reached in and pulled out a box of condoms and a note. The girls died laughing.
“What the hell? Who would send you a box of condoms?” Robin asked while laughing.
Shanelle just shook her head.
“What's the note say?” Bron asked.
“There's a surprise waiting for you at the penthouse.” Shanelle read out loud.
“Ooh!” the girls said in unison.
Shanelle rolled her eyes.
“So what are you gonna do, Princess? Are you going to see what this surprise is or are you going clubbing with us?” Nina asked.
Shanelle sat and thought for a few, looking between the box of condoms and her friends then made her decision.
“Y’all go ahead and go party. I'm gonna take these and see what this so-called surprise is,” she said to her crew.
“Okay,” Nina replied.
“And no more than two random guys per person. I won't be able to explain any number higher than that to people.” Shanelle said to the girls.
The girls laughed before finishing their food and going their separate ways. When Shanelle got back to the condo it was quiet. And after looking around and not seeing anything she headed up to the rooftop pool.
That's when she saw the last person she'd ever expect to see sitting at the bar. Her ex.
“What in the hell are you doing here Cass?” she asked.
“Enjoying a drink and the view. How did you score a place like this anyway?” he replies.
Shanelle sat at the bar next to him.
“How did you get in here?” she asked.
Cassian reached into his pocket and pulled out a keycard that was identical to hers.
“This and directions to this place were mailed to me last week. Then I got assigned to a prisoner transport team here,” he replied before pouring himself another drink.
“A prisoner transport? The Marshals don't do prisoner transports.”
“I know. But apparently, I came highly recommended so here I am.” he said as he finished his drink, “damn this bourbon is good. What's the name of this brand?”
“La Couronne Du Roi,” Shanelle replies.
“What does that mean?” he asked.
“It's French. It means The King’s Crown,” she replies.
“How do you know?” he asked.
“Because I've had it before,” she replied.
Cass rolled his eyes.
“Of course, the Princess has had this before. The Princess has had everything before.”
“Shut up before I take that bottle and crack it over your head.” she sneered.
“Threatening a Federal Agent is against the inst law Princess.”
“It would be if we were back in America. But we're not. You are however a Federal Agent in a foreign country where you have no jurisdiction, jackass.”
“I have never been able to figure out how you do that.”
“Do what?” she asks.
“Always get away with it,” he replies.
“I've always been the smart one between the two of us.”
Cass rolled his eyes.
“Whatever,” he said before pouring another drink.
“Poor Golden Boy. You never did like hearing the truth.”
“What makes you think you’re smarter than me?” he asks.
“Well for starters, I've never been arrested for breaking into our principal’s home. Nor have I ever failed World Studies 3 years in a row,” she replied.
“First of all, I got arrested because of you! It was your idea!”
“It was a suggestion you idiot! But you and your hero complex took it too far. You’re lucky she never pressed charges.”
“And secondly, it's not my fault that Mr. Griswald’s voice puts people to sleep!”
“Funny how you were the only student that went to sleep in his class. The rest of us seemed just fine.”
Cass let out a frustrated sigh.
“Why are you so infuriating?” he asked.
“Is it the fact that I’m infuriating or is it the fact that I’m the only person in the world that has ever held you accountable for your own actions because everyone else lets you slide because of those green eyes?” she replied.
Cass went quiet as Shanelle propped her chin on her left hand with a smugly satisfying smirk.
“Well, Hotshot. You gonna answer the question or not?” she asked.
Cass mean mugged her.
“I don't like you.” he sneered.
She leaned in closer.
“You're right. You don't like me, you love me,” she said as she snatched the bottle of bourbon away from him.
“Hey! I wasn't finished with that!”
“Yes, you are. You’re not about to drink up all my alcohol boy.”
“Give it back!”
“No.”
“Shanelle, do not make me chase you over a bottle.”
“You couldn't catch me even if you wanted to.”
“Is that a challenge Princess?” he asked.
A slow smirk bloomed across her face.
“I don’t know Hotshot, you tell me,” she replied.
Cass shook his head.
“Stubborn brat.”
Shanelle scoffed.
“Pot. Kettle.”
And with that, the chase was on.
The two ran around the poolside area, with her evading him at every chance she got. It was just like old times when they were kids. He’d run after her on the blacktop until they were both out of breath and laughing. Like now.
“You give up yet?” she asked him.
“Never,” he replied, trying to catch his breath.
“You alright over there? You look a little outta breath kiddo.”
“I'm fine! Or at least I will be once I catch you.”
Off they went again. Running around the pool area again. They missed this. They missed the friendship between them. They ran around until they no longer could.
“Now do you give up?” she asked.
“You know what? Fine! Keep your stupid bottle.” he replied completely out of breath.
“Poor Golden Boy. He can catch America’s most dangerous but can't catch little ole me.”
Cass glared at her.
“How are you not out of breath?” he asked.
“Well, for one thing, I ran track for 10 years. Secondly, because I ran track I know how to breathe while I run. And third, you can't run correctly because of your chicken legs.” she replied.
Cass groaned.
“You just had to get that dig in.”
Shanelle shrugged innocently.
“You know me.”
“All too damn well.”
She shook her head before tossing him the bottle.
“Took you long enough,” he said to her.
“Had to make you work for it.”
Cass took the top off the bottle and knocked it back.
“Tell your boyfriend to send me a bottle of this.”
“Get a pair of balls and ask him yourself.”
“I have balls!”
“And yet his are bigger than yours.”
“Careful Princess. I do have a pair of cuffs on me,” he warned her.
“Look at you trying to be kinky. And failing miserably.”
“I know you're into all that weird shit.”
Shanelle rolled her eyes.
“If you’re scared, Golden Boy just say so.”
“I'm not scared. I'm Casssian Keane. I can do anything.”
“Except keep up with me.”
“I can keep with you.”
“You always were a terrible liar,” she said before turning to head back inside. He chased after her.
“Where you going Princess?” he asked.
She tossed him the box of condoms.
“Had to grab those,” she replied.
#khoicesbyk#choices#choices stories you play#pixelberry#fanfic#choices fanfiction#king marquise#king of cordonia#queen shanelle#queen of cordonia#love everlasting#choices fic writers creations#black king#black queen#king and queen of cordonia#black king liam#black love#black couple#black marriage#otp#my otp forever#otp forever#fics of the week
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do you guys realize that right after sol A aired all of her grievances to joonhwi in the school hallway, he literally addressed all of them (all of them) in the most ‘han joonhwi’ way possible? which is to say, letting the actions speak louder than words, sprinkled with a little bit of teasing.
when sol A said she was struggling with studying, joonhwi offered to study with her, but not before joking around with her a bit first (by letting her carry his papers and his bag).
when she complained about not being in the know about the Bad FaMa case, joonhwi was just somehow in the room with sol A whenever he’s talking to the client on the phone - probably to keep her updated on the case without outrightly ‘bothering’ her about it. this happened not once, but twice. first, he sought her out in the cafeteria, and the second time, it was during their group study session.
and when she was in the hospital, he showed her what the client had to say about her proposal. hitting two birds with one stone, he pretty much said two things without actually saying it: 1) that sol A was smart enough to study for her exams and still help the client with the case, which was what she was worried about in the first place, and 2) that he was concerned about her. (but of course, you’d never hear him say it out loud.)
looking back at it, even though we all squeal and swoon at these little moments, it’s such an effective way of showcasing the pair’s dynamic and building their characters. their individual personalities shine through in the way they approach the problems in their life, with sol A tending to work harder than everyone else (even if it meant at the expense of her health), with joonhwi silently watching over her as he dealt with the things that he could control, probably because he didn't want sol A to think that he was giving her an advantage over everyone else. still, we see right through the act. we all know he's whipped.
i could go on and on about what i love about this show, and what i love about solhwi. i hope this is all a conscious decision in part of the writers, actors, and directors, and i really hope they’re not baiting us. i better see solhwi endgame by episode 16, otherwise, what was all this development for?
#jtbc law school#law school#han joon hwi#kang sol a#law school kdrama#korean drama#kdrama#solhwi#mine#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner#ryu hye young#kim bum
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For the character thing
Asshole horse/Yafya
I always forget that he's one of my favorite characters
favorite thing about them: His whole design/premise as a whole. Idk why i get so attached to him. Also cus his name is Yahya so I was like "omg muslim horse"
least favorite thing about them: The whole anti carnivore thing
favorite line: "You ladies must have been suffering a while, then. I'm sorry I couldn't come here sooner. Thank you very much!!"
brOTP: Him and Gosha
OTP: Idk if I have one for him tbh....
nOTP: I see people doing Legoshi x Yahya sometimes 😬 dont like that
random headcanon: He likes to keep his hair braided in private
unpopular opinion: The scene with the female horse is so funny. Like imagine just banging and he says that to you
song i associate with them: I dont think I have one...
favorite picture of them: it was one where he was younger but i cant find that one so ill stick with this one for now
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I was debating for the longest time whether or not I would say something about this. I was going back and forth in my brain wondering if I was just overly sensitive or just overreacting. But here's the thing, clearly I was bothered for a reason. So let's address it.
https://eutony-in-whisper.tumblr.com/post/635886771265273856/i-didnt-know-youre-doing-this-otp-thingy-or-i
I have some issues with this post. I couldn't figure it out at first, why I felt so icky. So I asked for a second opinion from Alex and she agreed with me. Something was off. So we put our heads together metaphorically speaking and we came up with a few reasons why.
First of all, concerning the first point, I have issues with the idea of all of their main disagreements being about Ty misinterpreting what Kit's saying. Firstly because I feel like Kit would always clarify and be super clear about things because he is aware of Ty's autism. Most if the people in my life who really care about me try to be super clear with what they say and always clarify when they're joking or being sarcastic. Kit loves Ty enough to do that. This over looks the fact that Kit could potentially misunderstand Ty as well and that could let to conflict. But I feel like after everything in TWP they will have evolved as adults and gotten better at communicating with one another. Also Ty probably wouldn't just ignore Kit without telling him that he was upset or asking Kit what he meant. Idk the entire tone of the way this was written made me uncomfortable.
Also in terms of the whole jealousy thing. I've never understood the way monogamous people always treat jealousy like such a adorable romantic thing, and always use it as a trope to cause conflict like???? Yeah jealousy happens, but again like I already stated before my idea of future Kitty is hell bent on proper communication and talking through these things. In terms of making Ty be the one whose super jealous and playing off of the fears and insecurities of real autistic people, it makes me uncomfortable. Because we always gave that fear of not being good enough lagging in the back of our brains. Also a fear of rejection due to intense ableist brainwashing that essentially trains you to believe you are unlovable. Yes it's realistic, but using that as a sort of plot device or trope in a headcannon without any sort of trigger warning makes me kind of upset. Like I feel like a lot of people (allistic people) don't fully get the nuance behind these types of things and just throw them in there for the drama. Yes CC is guilty of this as well. Also on the flip side of that Kit's jealousy is presented with this trope of "oh I'm so alone, no one will love me," gets a little tired. Idk I guess I just want more maturity and nuance from a post TWP kitty.
Another thing I wanted to touch on is the kids thing. Now this is probably just me being picky but I've noticed that a very little amount of people ever headcannon them with kids. I think I've only seen like three kitty children headcannons on tumblr like ever. And it's true that there are plenty of valid reasons why they might not want to be parents, but I feel like a lot of people don't like picturing autistic people with kids because they think we can't be parents or just never want to.
That bothers me because it's just not true. It's also the belief that autistic people can't have children that leads us to getting our children taken away. Go look it up. The shitty thing is autistic parents who have autistic children tend to parent them really well compared to allistic parents. I'm not saying Kit and Ty have to have kids. I'm just wondering why almost no one ever goes there.
This wasn't supposed to be a hate post or an attack or anything. I don't have anything against @shadowhuntertrash I just had some thoughts I needed to express.
#tda#the dark artifices#tsc#kit x ty#kit herondale#ty blackthorn#autistic representation#actually autistic
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you know what keeps me up at night. it's the fact that joonhwi's only real friend in law school is kang sol a.
seo jiho may be his roommate, but because of joonhwi's relationship with seo byungju, jiho has always kept him at a distance and somehow always regarded him with suspicion. now that they're past that, joonhwi is helping jiho with his dad's case, but it's still a case. it's still, in a way, a favor.
we can say that he's friends with yeseul but that doesn't necessarily mean that they treat each other as equals. maybe it's the age gap, maybe it's the perceived difference in intellect, but yeseul looks up to him so that usually stops her from being casual around him.
from kang sol b's personality alone, we know that she barely talks to anyone unless it's a snappy remark. when it comes to joonhwi, her feelings towards him can maybe tame her a bit, but it holds her back from being her true self precisely because she has a crush on him. around joonhwi, she gets shy.
for seungjae, we never actually see the two properly interact - actually makes me wonder how or why joonhwi accepted him into the study group in the first place.
bokgi, we can argue that they're friends, sure, but we don't see enough interactions or hints that would make me believe that they were actual close friends. usually, it's bokgi and yebeom who are the inseparable duo, and we all know yebeom likes to talk his shit. honestly, the way yebeom talked about joonhwi behind his back when he was accused for killing his uncle ticked me off. it didn't help that bokgi just sat there and took it, particularly in ep 3 when they were talking about where joonhwi could have hid evidence and literally no one defended his honor just because he wasn't there.
no one, except kang sol a.
sometimes it makes me wonder if people in hankuk law school only find interest in han joonhwi just because he's a second round judicial exam passer. and sure, at the beginning, kang sol a was a victim of this too. when he was being sued for defamation, i remember her saying, "if you leave the school, what about my studies?" so okay, sure, let's establish at the beginning that she also is interested in him for his utility.
but then she finds a reason to defend him - for defamation, she understood that he did it for the public interest. in fact, right after she successfully defended her answer in front of the class, she looked longingly at joonhwi's empty seat, as if she wished joonhwi could have been there to see it for himself.
and then when yebeom talked behind his back while the police were interrogating him, what did kang sol a say? "stop talking about a guy behind his back. if you're dying to know, ask him."
and that is the basic respect that everyone forgets to give joonhwi just because he stopped being useful to them. but kang sol a, whether unconsciously or not, "pays him back" by being useful to him as well.
after joonhwi was confronted by his aunt, telling him to sign a contract denouncing his name on seo byungju's will, there was a moment where he sits alone, sullen, and kang sol a stares at him from afar. she knows words won't do much for him, so she takes matters into her own hands. she was the one who discovered that joonhwi's aunt manipulated the autopsy, because deep inside, she knew that joonhwi was someone she could trust.
i think that's when the shift in their relationship started. what once was "two people in the same study group" turned into an actual, meaningful friendship, cultivated by a silent promise that one would help the other out even if they didn't ask for it. because they were no longer expecting anything from each other, they could actually talk about things other than school.
and true enough, we see sol a let joonhwi into a part of her life that no one else at school knew about – her family. her home. and then eventually, their shared past. that bond goes beyond study group obligations, which is more than we can say for everyone else joonhwi has interacted with so far.
and most importantly, even though sol a is completely oblivious to the not-so-subtle glances that joonhwi sends her way, it's not like she doesn't have her own way of showing her fondness to him: it's the fact that she can rant to him (and often does so) that makes me think she likes him a lot more than she's aware of.
think back to episode 8: who else would she be so comfortable enough with to admit that she actually thought about stealing exam papers? or in episode 6 where she opens up about having a twin sister? or in the same episode, when he asks her if she's okay and she can honestly answer that she isn't? or in episode 9, where she runs to him about an idea that she stayed up all night thinking about? you can only talk about stuff like that with someone you're close to, someone you share a connection with, someone you trust.
not to mention, they always go to the trials together. it's a small gesture, but the fact that they are in each other's presence, is enough to make me believe that one seeks the other out to invite them in the first place.
and that's why, whether there are romantic undertones or not, i'm happy that han joonhwi has found a friend in kang sol a. not only are they same-aged friends (which is i think a big deal in their culture), but they're lucky enough to be on the same wavelength that they can count on each other when it matters the most, when things are serious, but also have a little (or a lot) of fun when things aren't so serious, when they need to be reminded that they have a life outside of law school.
and when you get to share a part of your life with someone, a part of yourself that you wouldn't necessarily share with just anyone else, well, isn't that just the makings of a soulmate?
#jtbc law school#law school#kang sol a#ryu hye young#han joon hwi#kim bum#kang sol a x han joon hwi#solhwi#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner#mine
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NO BUT IF THEY ACTUALLY USED THIS SCENE IN THE FINAL CUT INSTEAD OF JUST LEAVING IT IN THE REHEARSALS THIS WOULD HAVE CHANGED ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING
IM NOT MAD AT JTBC BUT I AM THO LIKE COME ON JUST LET SOLHWI RISE WHAT ARE YOU SO AFRAID OF
(lost my cool for a bit there i'm sorry but this outtake is just so cute now you guys have seen me in full fangirl mode. it's insane. i can't believe i didn't think of using this trope in a fic. now i will, though. you bet your whole life i will.)
#jtbc law school#law school#kang sol a#han joon hwi#ryu hye young#kim bum#solhwi#kang sol a x han joon hwi#jtbc drama#jtbc#kdrama#korean drama#mine#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner
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anchor up to me, love
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Summary: Prosecutor Jin forces an unexpected confession out of Joonhwi during Yeseul's trial.
Rating: T
Word count: 1226
Notes: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received the same request over the course of two weeks. It seems like a lot of people really want a proper courtroom confession scene, so this is my best interpretation of it right now. I say ‘right now’ because ideally, I’d set aside a schedule to write this well, but given the inevitable time constraints in my life thanks to uni, I feel inclined to tell you all that as soon as I woke up, I wrote this on my Notes app in bed for one hour because that was all the free time I had. The idea came to me in a dream, so it just felt right to jot it all down at that very moment.
As usual, this fic is unedited so all mistakes are mine. Hope you enjoy!
~
"Who is it?" the prosecutor urged.
Han Joonhwi knows that Jin Hyeong-u would never let him off the hook if he didn't answer. That if the man on the opposing side of the courtroom didn't ask now, he'd just ask again later. So as much as he hated it, he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Prosecutor Jin is cunning, Joonhwi will give him that. And after all that the law student has done to rile up this supposed well-meaning law enforcer in the past, it was pretty much inevitable. The man has him right where he wants him.
Joonhwi swallowed his pride. One deep breath, and then, "Kang Sol."
From the audience, he could see his long-haired brunette friend perk up, stealing a very long and very obvious glance at their black-haired classmate with the bob.
Of course she thinks it's B, Joonhwi thought. Always the selfless Kang Sol A. He made a mental note to make fun of her for it later, but not until —
"Which one?"
The dreaded follow-up question.
"There are two Kang Sols in your study group," the prosecutor started. "Yes or no?"
Joonhwi resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Yes."
"So which one is it? A or B?"
Prosecutor Jin's eyes were unyielding on Joonhwi's, so he knew this was a challenge. If he were doing this on his own, he'd be quick to respond. But after that mishap with Seungjae, he's learnt his lesson: never run your mouth mindlessly. That's how Prosecutor Jin gets you. That's how he wins.
Breaking eye contact first, Joonhwi looks towards the platform. "Judge, I don't see how this is relevant."
And before they could even say a word, Jin was already quick to retaliate. "When the defendant was hospitalized, you called on a friend to assist you with obtaining photographic evidence to prove that Ms. Jeon wasn't trying to flee. That friend was Kang Sol – A, was it?"
Turning to the jury, he continued, "Depending on his answer, we might have to call on Ms. Kang to the stand to verify her relationship with Mr. Han, and depending on her answer, she could either be acquitted, or be a secondary accomplice for attempted murder."
The jurors nod while Jin wraps up his explanation. “But if it were Kang Sol B... that might be enough to clear the suspicion."
Joonhwi mentally cursed. He was running out of cards to play, and Prosecutor Jin's little nod towards his direction, mouth smeared with a bragging smirk, was not helping.
The judge pulled his mic close to him. "Witness, please answer."
Think carefully, Han Joonhwi.
He could feel the entire audience's eyes on him — which usually doesn't scare him, but right now he feels boxed in. Cornered. The smallest he has ever felt, and not because it was his own life on the line, but because he fears dragging the person he loves into this mess.
It's funny how a simple letter can make or break this case. A or B. Fact or fiction, true or false. Love or not.
If he told the truth, he'd be setting himself up for failure. But if he lied, he'd be committing perjury.
Prosecutor Jin is good. He's managed to slip into the cracks of Joonhwi's personal life and possibly ruin any chances he has at a lovelife. Needless to say, as a 28-year-old man who is still single to this day, his self-esteem has taken a hit.
But there's no way Joonhwi is letting that happen. This is a trust fall exercise between him and the person he cares for. If she cared for him back, even just a little bit, he'd have nothing to worry about. He could just protect her the moment he gets called in again.
Now is not the time to falter. If she feels the same, he'll know when she testifies.
On the plus side, her parent is here so it's like killing two birds with one stone.
Joonhwi straightens his back, and with a wave of confidence he leans into the mic, finally answering, "I'm in love with Kang Sol A, your honor."
—
Joonhwi sat at the very back of the courtroom, ridden with anxiety.
With Sol A being called in as a witness last minute, he couldn't catch her at the right moment to apologize for what he did. For publicizing a confession, for making her go to the stand a second time, for everything.
This must be the end of our friendship, seems to be the only thought in his mind. And that's the thought that scares him the most. Not going to jail, but the thought of possibly losing Sol A in the process.
He watches her take her oath, demeanor blank unlike the first time she was there. Joonhwi's fear was taking over — was she annoyed? Was she mad? He couldn't tell. Her face normally said it all, but right now he can't read her whatsoever.
All of Prosecutor Jin's questions flew over his head, especially the ones about the night of Ko Yeongchang's accident. All, except for one.
"Han Joonhwi's feelings for you..." Prosecutor Jin trailed off. “Do you reciprocate?”
Sol A scoffs. "You tell me, big shot. You're the one who forced a confession out of him and made me go up here."
Joonhwi's lips twitched into a small smile. She's defending him.
"Just answer yes or n—"
"I wanted to protect Yeseul so badly,” she began, "that when she fainted, I was dead set on following her to the hospital no matter what. But when Joonhwi said I shouldn't, I didn't even question it. I trust him that much."
Silence enveloped the courtroom, but Sol A didn't even pause one bit. "Don't misinterpret my actions. I care about Yeseul, but I care about Joonhwi more."
And Joonhwi knew that wasn't true, that Sol A definitely loves Yeseul more, but that was enough to solidify their narrative to the jurors.
—
Despite the empty seats in front, Joonhwi spotted Sol A walking towards him with her head down. She didn't even look him in the eye as she sat next to him, their shoulders barely touching until she cleared her throat and inched closer.
Joonhwi did a double-take when he saw that her ears and her cheeks were red, but he chose to ignore it for now.
"Sorry for making you lie on the stand," Joonhwi apologizes.
Fiddling with her nails, she mumbles, "I wasn't lying."
Then, she added, "Unless you were."
He scoffs half-heartedly. Until now she's still doubting his sincerity. "I would never commit perjury. Not when I'm still trying to impress you."
Sol A scoffs in return, covering her face in her right hand, embarrassed. Like she couldn't believe this was happening. She lightly bumped his shoulder with her own. "I'm impressed."
Joonhwi may not have completely overturned the case in Yeseul's favor yet, but he was extremely lucky to have at least outsmarted Prosecutor Jin in the process. More than that, he was lucky to have the quick-witted girl right next to him. To have not just her trust, but also her heart was enough luck for more than a lifetime.
Joonhwi was right.
This was a trust fall exercise, but instead of him catching Sol A, turns out he was the one who fell instead.
Thank God she caught him.
~
Send me your thoughts here!
#jtbc law school#law school#kang sol a#han joon hwi#solhwi#joonsola#kim bum#ryu hye young#kang sol a x han joon hwi#fics#mine#jtbc#jtbc kdrama#korean drama#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner
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stole all the air from my atmosphere
Read on ao3
Summary: Han Joonhwi thinks maybe pulling all-nighters wasn’t so bad after all, even when you’ve practically finished studying ages ago.
Rating: T
Word count: 1,577
Notes: Inspired by a poem by Timothy Joshua. And totally optional, but I recommend listening to this song while reading.
~
Hey, all. Thanks for waiting patiently for an update. This fic is in response specifically to a request I received here. I know a lot of people have been requesting for a sequel to ‘gave me no compasses, gave me no signs’ as well; truthfully, I’m not sure if this fic is in the same ‘universe’ as that one — all I can definitively say is that this still follows the canon. So, I’ll leave it up to you to decide if it’s the same timeline or not. I have a lot of fic ideas lined up for an “official” sequel, anyway. ;)
The Solhwi brain rot just gets more potent as we anticipate the new episodes — I absolutely love receiving plot ideas from all of you, and while it’s a challenge to interpret it in my own way, I still hope that it’s on par with your expectations. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. You can send me a message anytime too! I know I say this often, but your continued support really really keeps me motivated to write. Would love to make new friends as well, if we can help it.
Okay, the note is getting too long now. As usual, the fic is under the cut, and all mistakes in this fic are mine. Enjoy!
~
There was that moment, when you stole all the air from my atmosphere; when my heart pounded within the might of all the planets.
It’s the third time Han Joonhwi has bit his tongue in the past ten minutes, attempting to stifle his oncoming yawns, trying not to cause any disturbance. He fights his drowsiness as best as he can, hoping that his companion wouldn’t notice — and yet, as his luck would have it, the moment he couldn’t hold it in any longer just so happened to be the exact same moment the person next to him lifted her nose from the book it was buried in.
Without looking at him, she flips another page. Tone commanding but masked with concern, Kang Sol mumbles, “Just go to bed already.”
So much for being lowkey, he thought. Joonhwi stretches himself awake, thinking of the perfect response: casual enough to make it look like he doesn’t care, but caring enough that she wouldn’t push him away. “Not until you’re done,” he finalizes.
Sol scoffs, tossing her pen lightly on the table. “You don’t even take this class.”
Well, of course he knew that. But Kang Sol A — truthfully, he prefers to omit the distinction: no matter how many Kang Sols there are in Korea, or hell, even in the entire world, he’s only got eyes for one — is not getting anything out of him. If getting Joonhwi to admit his true feelings was her goal, she’s far from reaching it.
“You know why I’m here,” he sidetracked.
Unconvinced, she turns to him with a provoking look, and Joonhwi already knows she’s about to go on a long-winded rant. “Yeah, yeah, I do,” she started. “You want to hang out with me but instead of just asking like a normal person, you make up this lame excuse about how I need to study even though I was already planning on doing that anyway. You practically finished studying ages ago so you just sitting there doing nothing is really rubbing salt in my wounds.”
He watches her with both his hands on his head, suppressing a smile. Finding an opening, Sol pushes his chest lightly. “I don’t need you here. Get out.”
She said it so weakly that he knows there’s no way she could have meant it. Making sure she doesn’t lose her balance, Joonhwi quickly takes hold of her wrists and gently places them back on the table. “You talk too much,” he breathed.
Sol purses her lips in annoyance and propped her chin up with her hand. “Yeah, well, that’s why you’re dating me,” she pouted.
If she keeps putting him in his place like this, he might actually have to walk out, but not for the reasons she’d expect him to, like his supposed exhaustion. Joonhwi knows Sol doesn’t do this on purpose, but she naturally has a way of making him flustered, and he’s trying really hard not to lose his cool right now.
She stomps her feet lightly on the ground, groaning. “This is too difficult,” she complains, leaning her head on Joonhwi’s shoulder.
Really, really hard.
It’s funny how Sol can say something one minute and then completely contradict it by the next. She says she doesn’t need him there, but clings onto him like her life depended on it. Not that Joonhwi was complaining — but he does want to have a little fun with her. He wanted to stir her a bit with something like, I thought you didn’t need me here? He knows she hates being called out for snappy remarks that she only ever means as a joke.
But a quick glance at Sol, in her favorite pajamas and one of Joonhwi’s sweaters, on the very rare occasions she has her hair down, bangs falling on her eyes, Joonhwi decided against it. Her vulnerability shouldn’t be treated with ridicule; it should be met with an equal amount of softness. After all, no one else but Joonhwi gets to see Sol like this — he finds that as a privilege which shouldn’t be taken for granted.
“Okay.” He gives in. “Let me have a look.”
Joonhwi holds his palm out to ask for the reading material, which, as usual, Sol rejects. “Didn’t we already talk about this?”
He feigns innocence. “Talk about what?”
Her head feels heavy on his shoulder. “I need to be able to stand on my own if I’m going to survive law school hell,” she reminds him. “You can’t keep coming to my rescue for every little inconvenience.”
“So this is just a minor setback?” Joonhwi teases. He couldn’t help it.
“No,” Sol cries, “it’s a major obstacle.”
She snuggles up against him, and Joonhwi could literally feel the heat rising to his face. Nonetheless, he lightly holds the side of her head for support and asks, “So what? Are you just going to give up?”
“Of course not,” she mumbles, her breath hot on his neck. Joonhwi knows the law well, but he feels like this should be illegal.
“But sometimes I wish I was just naturally smart like you.”
He lets out a soft sigh. Like many other things, the pair have talked about this before, and Joonhwi has never denied that he and many others have had a significant head start over Sol. But this is what he’d always tell her:
“If everyone in this school had half as much of your wit, every crime in the world would have been solved by now.”
To which she’d grimace and respond with, “Yeah, tell that to the F I got in Criminal Code.”
But tonight was different. Sol wasn’t coming from a place of defeat, she was saying this out of frustration. She was probably thinking that maybe, had her life choices been different, she would have had it easier. That maybe, had she been as lucky in wealth and opportunities as everyone else, she wouldn’t need to work twice as hard as them. So that maybe, like Joonhwi, she could just comfortably sit in silence with him and enjoy his company.
Right now, he’s treading murky waters and he’s afraid that one wrong move could give Sol the wrong idea. Joonhwi has never been the type to open up to people, but she never made it difficult for him to do so. With Sol, honesty was just the default. Telling her things he’d never entrust with anyone else came as easy as breathing.
He takes her hand and gingerly intertwines it with his own. “I didn’t have it easy at the beginning either,” he admits. “Law school wasn’t even a part of my plan, and yet here I am.”
This is at least one thing he knows Sol could empathize with. After being betrayed by the last person he’d ever expect to hurt him, Joonhwi’s life took a turn. To an extent, he was motivated by rage. But mostly, he was just trying to find a way to turn that pain into something useful, trying to make sure no one else has to go through what he did. And call him foolish for being too hopeful or optimistic, but he believes this is something he and Sol can do for each other. They’re two sides of the same coin: the law owes Sol an apology, and Joonhwi is coming to terms with the fact that he might never get one, ultimately being robbed of the opportunity after his uncle’s untimely death.
Joonhwi knows his words bear significant weight to Sol. There’s a lot of things he wants to say to her but right now he just settles with, “I think you’re smart enough. If anything, you need to stop going overboard. What if you get sick again?”
She lifts her head and stares at him with doe eyes.
“That’s why I’m here.” He raises their interlocked fingers to show to her. “Why do you think I’m holding your hand? It’s so I can pull you out from under when you’re drowning in all of this.”
Sol slowly breaks out into an endearing smile, trying to repress her laughter but failing. “Heol. Han Joonhwi, since when were you so sentimental?”
Joonhwi doesn’t know where this newfound bravery came from, but he kisses Sol on the forehead lightly. “Since you needed it.”
Sol blinks, her expression unreadable, and Joonhwi fears that he may have done the wrong thing. But much to his disbelief, she instead grabs him by the collar and closes the gap between her lips and his. They crash against one another in perfect rhythm, and Joonhwi mentally slaps himself for not doing this sooner. Never has he felt more at peace than at this very moment, which was ironic considering he was supposed to be the one doing the comforting. And yet, the lines blur when he realizes that even when their methods are vastly different, they’re at their best when they’re in tune with each other’s needs.
And right now, this is what he needs the most.
Much to Joonhwi’s dismay, Sol finally pulls away; they’re both out of breath.
Still in a daze, he musters up the courage to ask such a stupid question. In fact, he’s surprised he could even speak at all. “What was that for?”
“You’re not the only sentimental one here. If you’re going to kiss me, do it right.”
That was when I knew, you were worlds more, than just a first kiss.
~
Send me your thoughts here!
#jtbc law school#law school#kang sol a#han joon hwi#solhwi#kim bum#ryu hye young#kang sol a x han joon hwi#fics#jtbc#kdrama#korean drama#mine#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner
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all JTBC's Law School watchers (and solhwi A shooters out there ofc), i have a question:
like it's pretty obvious at this point that han joon hwi has feelings for kang sol A. whether it's a silly little crush or something more, the way he looks at her, teases her, and takes care of her raises huge green flags towards the sailing of this ship. however, what about kang sol A? do you guys think she also has feelings for joon hwi (whether explicit or it's still more subtle)?
i've been rewatching the episodes but she's a bit hard to read. she's done a lot to save joon hwi but it's been established that she'd do that for just about anyone who deserves it. at the same time, her body language is a bit... confusing? i know she's comfortable with him, she can be her true self in his presence, but i don't know if that translates to the same kind of fondness that joon hwi shows for her. still, i like to think that maybe she just has a different love language. maybe she shows it through teasing or quiet unspoken care or even, and especially, quality time with joon hwi. and, as a bonus, byeol even said that sol A talks about joon hwi a lot! but yeah. i'd love to hear your thoughts. what do you think? does sol A also like joon hwi, in the same way he shows his feelings towards her?
#law school kdrama#law school#jtbc law school#korean drama#kdrama#ryu hye young#kim bum#kang sol a#han joon hwi#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner#mine
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Have you seen Law School Commentary? When there was a question about Joon Hwi's loveline, Kim Bum said that Joon Hwi's feelings towards Sol A and Sol B was quite different, so he didn't know who Joon Hwi was going to end up with. Wdyt? Tbh as a Solhwi shipper, I'm a bit scared. Haha.
P.s. I recommend you to watch the Commentary to know the whole conversation.
hi! yes, i did watch the commentary episode tonight! i was just about to ask this same question to everyone because i'm conflicted as well — and yet, deep in my heart, something tells me that the actor was just making a joke? or being considerate of the other actors who were present, particularly sol B? or at least that's how i perceived it, since the main point of showing the sol A vs. sol B scenes was to tease the viewers about the "love triangle". truthfully, i could make an entire analysis about why this falls apart because of the way kang sol B is written — let me know if this is something you guys are interested in. but long story short, i believe that the love triangle does not exist because sol B's crush on joonhwi is more of a way to humanize her and not necessarily a plot worth materializing.. or at least that's how it is to me since there was no particular development between the pair whatsoever.
but anyway, i'm guessing he doesn't choose a particular bias for either sol A or B, because it would take the fun out of the banter and the jokes in the mood that they've set. maybe they want to keep the audiences at the edge of their seats! you wouldn't expect the actor to come right out and spoil the plot – it would ruin the fun.
i say this because watching other interviews (primarily the one with just ryu hyeyoung and kim bum, but i guess the commentary videos with kim myungmin and lee jungeun as well), kim bum has a tendency to tease the viewers or entice them to watch the show by not actually answering the question properly. it's always a "will they-won't they" tease, and i can respect that. how else would you keep the viewers wanting more? kb is a master at that.
from rhy and kb's interview alone, the way he described solhwi as 'soulmates' already made me feel confident. and rhy confirming that they were directed to have romantic undertones when filming their scenes just crystallizes that fact to me even more.
and besides, we got so many crumbs from the actors tonight! apparently, the hallway scene from episode 8, where sol A carries joonhwi's bag, had many different versions! (there was one where she piggybacks him – poor rhy's legs – and another where he puts books on her head.) that and a whole lot more banter from rhy and kb that i wish a lot of people got to witness tonight.
so in short, i still believe in solhwi. i have the evidence to back it up. jtbc would be delusional if they built all of that character development only to have it fall flat in the end. but what about you guys? what do you think? i know i'm confident, but i'd love to know if you guys feel the same about this or not. i don't wanna be alone on this boat hahaha.
as a sidenote, i love sol B. but before she gets a boyfriend (or girlfriend, who knows, you'd be surprised), i'd love to see her actually gain a real friend first.
#jtbc law school#law school#ryu hye young#kim bum#kang sol a#han joon hwi#kang sol b#lee soo kyung#solhwi#kang sol a x han joon hwi#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner#asks#mine
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yeseul is practically sol a & junhwi's daughter. the way they're protective of her. big parents energy!!!
i couldn’t agree more! i believe there’s a lot that yeseul can learn from both sol A and joonhwi, and the differences in the way the pair take care of her really shines through, especially in the scene at the dorm. sol A is more the type to let things go because yeseul asked for it, while joonhwi is firmer because he wants to protect yeseul.
a little tidbit: sol A was on the phone with someone during the final moments of episode 8 (when she was carrying her blanket to yeseul’s room) and let the person on the other end know “if anything happens”. we never did figure out who it was, but i want to believe that it was joonhwi. hehe
#asks#mine#jtbc law school#law school#jeon yeseul#ko yoon jung#kang sol a#ryu hye young#han joon hwi#kim bum#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner
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Hi!! Super duper appreciate everything you've written for this fandom. Just wanted to ask, on a lighthearted note, what are the chances Han Joon Hwipped is self-aware regarding his own, uh, interest, towards Sol A?
i think he knows!!! oh my god i think he knows. the only sort of evidence i have for it is when bokgi asks him what’s going on between the two of them and he just smiles to himself, indicating that maybe, in some part, he knows how he definitely feels about her. sure, maybe he’d never actually admit it to anyone, but joonhwi is smart. if he constantly seeks her out, and goes out of his way to do all these things for her, it’s not because he’s just a nice person. he wouldn’t do that for just about anyone else.
#jtbc law school#law school#kang sol a#ryu hye young#han joon hwi#kim bum#solhwi#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner#mine#asks
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Hello I love reading your posts on law school so thank you for the in depth analysis. Your latest post is so 😍😍😍.
I definitely agree joon hwi sees sol a as his friend. He is so smart and empathetic. But like what he told yeseul, what his uncle did broke him so he doesn’t trust people easily. Although maybe he was already like that before his uncle’s case.
Sol a feels out of place in the school probably because she is not the typical “Type A” law student. But she is the kind of person the law profession needs. I am really hoping that she does not fail, but logically, based on the clues it seems like she does fail. I will pretend that she did not fail until I actually see it so there’s that. 😂
As for sbj, I leaning towards the assemblyman ko theory which seems too convenient or that he died of natural causes or by his own doing. Either way, joon hwi would be devastated and I hope his ✨soulmate✨ helps him through it. If not, maybe you could write it? 😬
Thank you again for your posts. It is helping me survive until the next episode.
i wish we had more of joonhwi’s backstory to understand how his uncle’s betrayal changed him. still, i’m very happy to see that even if he’s not so trusting of other people, he trusts sol a completely.
and i agree, sol a definitely feels out of place there so to have someone like joonhwi cheer her on in his own way, to make her feel like she was actually making a difference, that she belonged there, makes their friendship all the more special.
we’ll have to wait for the next episodes to see if we’re satisfied. if not, that’s when i’ll step in. thank you for your thoughts! :)
#jtbc law school#kang sol a#ryu hye young#han joon hwi#kim bum#solhwi#mine#otp: why couldn't you be here sooner#asks
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