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#which fortunately is very rare in my department

luxtout · 1 month

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Flames Unveiled (Chapter 12- Woods Tell Secrets) Aegon II Targaryen X (Bastard Velaryon) Reader X Aemond Targaryen

Summary: After six years living away from Kings Landing, you and your family are summoned back, for reasons unknown. Your mother, Rhaenyra, has different plans for you. You swore to always protect your family, but at what cost?

Warning: References to / sexual content (18+) Non/Dub Con, injuries, cursing, drinking, fights, angst, blood, animal death

Tagged: @faesspace @a-beaverhausen @heavenly1927 @watercolorskyy @purplegardenwhispers

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

A/N: Hey!!! Long time no post! Life has been crazy but please take this very long chapter as an apology! I hope you enjoy!!!

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You placed a cup of tea in front of your grandsire as he reclined, the Maesters diligently attending to his back and face.

"Ah, thank you, my dear... ah..." He winced as the Maesters peeled back a piece of blackened flesh. This was a rare occurrence in the week since your family had departed, as the King remained in great health, even expressing a desire for a small trip to the Kingswood.

Your heels clicked as you walked back to the small table, preparing tea for yourself, though you detested it; your grandsire enjoyed it in the early morning hours. Turning around, you observed them examining his face, noting the discoloration starting to spread across his eye and cheek. You flinched as they probed around his eye, applying a poultice, which elicited a groan from the King.

"Do not worry, it does not pain me much... I am fine, truly." He reached for his cup, his hands trembling as he brought it to his lips. You hesitantly nodded, raising your own cup, suppressing a grimace as you swallowed.

"Your Grace, I believe you should rest, if you wish," the Grand Maester suggested, only to be swiftly dismissed.

"I will do nothing of the sort. Leave us, I wish to have tea with my... granddaughter." His pause weighed heavily on your heart, and you noticed his sorrowful expression as he attempted another sip of his tea. Reluctantly, the Maesters gathered their materials, assisting your grandsire in donning a shirt before exiting the chamber.

"How are you feeling, grandsire? Are you truly well?" You set your cup down, leaning forward as if anticipating a secret revelation.

He chuckled softly, coughing before soothing his throat with a sip of tea. "I am. I believe the medicines have greatly aided me. That, and your gentle care."

You offered a sheepish smile, sinking back into your chair. Your fingers toyed with the folds of your red dress.

"That was your mother's dress, when she was young, well, closer to your age," your grandsire remarked, eyeing the fabric bunched in your hand.

"Yes, many of my clothes were hers. I am fortunate they all fit; they are such beautiful pieces," you replied with a smile, glancing down as your grandsire took another sip of his tea.

He squinted as he examined the necklace adorning your neck, focusing on the ruby pendant. "That is new."

Your cheeks flushed as you realized you had forgotten about the necklace, twirling the gem between your fingers. You managed only a nod, concealing any hint of secrecy.

You enjoyed the silence until the sound of your grandsire's discomfort pulled you up and rushing to his side. "Grandsire?"

"This thing... It burns..." He closed his eyes in pain, moving his hand over his face, shaking. You quickly rushed for a cloth, then searching for a water pitcher. With the damp rag, you softly removed the poultice, earning a soft exhale as he softly whispered, "Thank you..."

You nodded quietly, noting the inflammation on his skin once the poultice was removed. "Of course."

The door swung open, and the Queen entered, halting abruptly as she observed you stepping back with the rag. "What has happened?"

You placed the rag in a bowl, resting your hand gently on his shoulder. "The poultice was causing him pain, it was burning him."

Alicent swallowed, her expression unreadable. "I see. Are you both prepared for the journey? Is everything packed? Has your handmaiden taken care of everything?"

You nodded briskly as the Queen fired off her questions. "Yes, Mara helped me pack last night."

Alicent hummed thoughtfully. "Good. However, I intended to discuss the matter of your betrothal with you."

Your body tensed, releasing your grip on your grandsire's shoulder and clasping both hands in front of your stomach. The King attempted to rise. "Not now, Alicent."

You disregarded your grandsire's plea. "What about my betrothal?"

The Queen straightened her back, mirroring your hand position. "No need to worry. I have already spoken with Aemond. After the incident with the... dragons, I believe the public does not truly understand how two people who dislike each other could be betrothed."

You shrugged. "Isn't that how betrothals usually work?"

Alicent paused, a small gasp escaping her lips before she quickly composed herself, replacing her disappointment with a forced smile. "You're right. But we already have too many unhappy royal matches; we cannot afford to have any more, can we? You both seemed content when you first arrived, so why not keep up appearances?"

You pursed your lips, smoothing over your dress before stepping forward. "Of course, Your Grace."

Sensing your growing pride, she hastily added, "You may take your leave. I'm sure you wish to meet with Helaena..." She cast a disdainful glance at your neck, but her smile remained unwavering.

You nodded, bowing your head first to the King, then to the Queen. However, before you could slip out of the room, the Queen spoke again, "Oh, and I have taken it upon myself to assign you your own personal guard. Ser Erryk is waiting outside. I thought it prudent since you will be staying with us."

Ser Erryk had initially been your mother's personal guard before she departed for Dragonstone, so you were acquainted with the twin. Nevertheless, the idea of having a personal guard felt peculiar. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Ser Erryk stood at attention, nodding once as you exited the chambers. You proceeded down the hall, the metallic click-clack of Ser Erryk's armor echoing behind you as he struggled to keep pace. Truthfully, you acknowledged the wisdom in the Queen's decision to provide you with a personal guard; she likely recognized your tendency to wander the Red Keep's halls, occasionally outmaneuvering most individuals.

"Ser Erryk, do you accompany me everywhere?" You spun on your heel, gathering your red skirts as you walked backward.

"Within reason, Princess. If you prefer, I can part ways with you here," Ser Erryk replied plainly, his footsteps gradually slowing. You squinted slightly, noting a faint smile forming on his lips.

"Very well, Ser Erryk. You may go and... occupy yourself," you instructed, watching as he promptly turned on his heel and strode down the corridor. Glancing over your shoulder as you turned around, you made your way toward a familiar chamber up ahead.

In the past days, Aegon had descended into drunken frenzy, rarely seen without a cup in hand for more than a moment. You endeavored to steer clear of his inebriated outbursts, as they often led to violent altercations fueled by his wine. Two days ago, during dinner, when the Hand suggested he should cease his excessive drinking and attend to more pressing matters, Aegon's response was to hurl the glass he held, shattering several plates in the process.

His chambers were scarcely guarded; occasionally, Ser Arryk would be stationed nearby, permitting only Alicent and a few maids entry. However, this time, no one stood watch. Quietly, you turned the handle of the door, slipping inside and closing it with a soft click.

The room was in disarray, even worse than your previous visit. Wine casks cluttered every available surface, the drapes drawn shut except for the balcony windows left ajar to welcome the morning breeze. Sheets lay strewn across the bed, but you noticed a lump beneath a thin white coverlet, prompting you to call out softly.

"Aegon?" you whispered. Aegon grumbled, shifting onto his side, still obviously asleep. "Aegon."

He spat out, "I told you; I'm not fucking going."

Alicent must have visited him earlier, prompting you to approach, drawing nearer to the bedside. His hair resembled a tangled mess of white waves, dark circles forming beneath his eyes, and even at this early hour, his lips were tinged pink from the wine.

"Not even for me?" you whispered, prompting him to slowly rouse from his slumber. His arms stretched out before he rubbed his eyes, letting out a sleepy yawn.

"Hm? Oh, it's you," his voice softened. "Come to pay me a little visit?"

You playfully patted his arm, perching on the edge of the bed. "I came to see if you were ready, which obviously you are not."

"Oh, what's the fuss about? It's just one stupid trip in a cramped carriage. I don't even like hunting," he grumbled, sitting up on his elbows, causing the sheet to slip down to his abdomen. His gaze swept over your dress and your beautifully braided hair. "You look too pretty for a trip to the damn woods."

"Well, I heard there's to be a feast, music..." you began, but noticed Aegon's lack of interest. His hand wandered to the red fabric of your skirts, rolling it between his thumb and index. "Wine."

He arched a brow. "Are you trying to persuade me? It didn't work for my mother, and it won't work for you. You should get going before they leave you behind..."

You glanced down at him, gently pulling your skirts from his grasp as you stood. Walking to a nearby table, you absentmindedly spun a cup between your fingers, watching the red liquid pool at the bottom. The sheets rustled behind you, and you turned to see Aegon rolling onto his side, his body barely covered as he lay watching you. Raising the cup, you overturned it, spilling the drink onto the table.

"What in the seven hells are you doing?" Aegon sprang from the bed, snatching the cup from your grasp. He closed the distance between you, pinning you against the table and himself. "That was a perfectly good glass of wine."

You smirked triumphantly. "I got you out of bed, didn't I? Might as well get ready."

Aegon let out a throaty laugh, wagging his finger. "You really want me to come?"

"I'd like for you to be with your family. Your father is in good health; you might as well be with him before..." You paused, noticing Aegon's nakedness before you. It was difficult not to glance down at his slowly hardening member. Your mouth went dry at the sight. His abs were toned, and you yearned to run your hands over his body, feeling his warmth.

His lips hovered over yours, looking into your eyes as he waited for you to finish your words, but they would not form, gasping for air as he inched closer. "Was that the only reason you want me to come? Or do you want me there for those cold nights in your tent?"

"Do not flatter yourself..." You finally squeaked out, attempting to stand closer in defiance but his warm body engulfed your clothed one. Your hand slowly crept down, not truly knowing what to do next except to slightly brush his thick shaft with your fingertips.

Aegon let out a ridged breath, as his eyes remained glued to yours as your fingers brushed against his cock again, slowly moving up and down his length. Picking up the pace, you moved to his ear, "We leave within the hour."

Aegon let out a groan, cocking his head to the side trying to catch your lips but fails. "Then you mustn't tease..."

Your hand slowed, looking up at him with doe eyes, "Only if you swear to go."

Aegon's eyes grew dark, letting out another groan before nodding. Your hand pumped faster as you reached up to his face, lacing your lips with his. You were not used to how vocal Aegon was, with every touch he groaned, moaned, begged, and you loved the power you felt. He was now feeling how you felt, like putty in your hands, his knees buckled at every soft tug you gave him as he whimpered in your ear, "Y/N..."

Your lips perked up in a smile as he moaned your name, slowing your pace again. You remembered how else woman in Flea Bottom pleasured men, so before Aegon could protest in your slowing motion, you kneeled down before him, where his cock was right in front of your face. Your face felt like it was burning, feeling your heartbeat in your ears as you looked up through your lashes, noticing Aegon's gaze remained on you, waiting.

"Go on."

You inched closer, your soft breath hit his red tip, gulping before licking it softly. Aegon shuttered, grabbing your hair, pulling it free of its braid. Your tongue slowly worked around the soft tip, around the slit, indulging in the sweet groans spilling from Aegon's throat. Finally, you slid the tip in your mouth, slowly bobbing your head back and forth going deeper and deeper. You felt every vein pulsate in your mouth, as it twitched when you pushed all the way down, until your nose brushed against the tufts of silver around his base.

"Y/N... Fuck..." He moaned harshly, his grip tightened on your hair as he snapped his hips towards your mouth, fucking it at an animalistic pace. "Look at you... Taking my cock so well."

You gagged at each thrust; tears filled in your eyes as you felt his cock twitch as he neared his end. The lude sounds of saliva gushing around filled the room, as the air went thick. His thrusts became sloppy as his seed quickly shot into the back of your throat, the sour sweet mixture mixed with your saliva as you pulled away, swallowing the remains and wiping your mouth clean.

You remained on your knees; your ears burned in embarrassment. Aegon panted, leaning over you as his cock went semi hard in front of your view. You slowly raised, trying to avoid Aegon's gaze as you tried walking past him, but you were stopped by his harsh grip, throwing you back against the table.

"Where do you think you're going?" His voice was rough, leaving sloppy kisses around your neck and jaw, his hands exploring your body as he attempted to lift your skirts. Your moans only encouraged him as he lifted you onto the table, causing pitchers and dishes to crash. "Did you think you could just do that and not get a rise out of me?"

"Aegon... We mustn't," you all but moaned, tangling your fingers in his hair, kissing his lips and neck as he thrust his hips into you. You wanted to, your body craving him in this moment, your core pulsating with desire at every touch he bestowed upon you. The sensation of Aegon's hardening cock pressing against your leg only heightened the intensity of the moment.

"Why not? You started this..." Aegon moved to your shoulders, grateful that your dress was off-the-shoulder and easily accessible. The kisses soon turned into bites as he attempted once again to lift your skirts.

"Aegon, I'm serious. Everyone is ready to depart..." you pleaded, pushing his hands away and meeting his deep violet eyes. You knew he didn't care, but he was well aware of what his mother would do if they were both late.

"Then I suggest you fix yourself, you're a mess," he smirked, pushing you away and rummaging through the piles of clothes in the room.

You searched for a mirror, examining your appearance. Your braid had come undone, a detail the Queen would surely notice, so you set about redoing it as best you could, pinning it back away from your face. Your lips were swollen, but there was little you could do to remedy that. Stepping back, you began adjusting your dress, momentarily forgetting about Aegon's presence.

"You do look beautiful," he spoke softly, wrapping his now clothed arms around your waist and swaying with you in his embrace. His eyes lingered as you closed yours, then drifted to the necklace, eliciting a soft smirk from him.

"Careful now, I might think you've started to fall in love with me," you joked, but he withdrew his arms with a sigh. You followed as he made his way to another table, pouring himself a glass of wine and downing it before grabbing another.

"Let's be off. We shouldn't be late, after all."

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The carriage was a bit packed, just as Aegon had predicted. Aegon and Aemond occupied the far side of the carriage, both gazing out the window, while you and Helaena sat opposite them. Helaena's wet nurse for the children sat beside her.

"I think the fresh air would do nicely for the children," Helaena smiled, bouncing Jaehaerys on her lap. Jaehaera squealed as the carriage bumped along, fidgeting in the arms of the wet nurse.

"Princess..." the wet nurse attempted to calm the toddler, but Jaehaera easily wriggled free, tottering to the other side of the carriage and tapping Aegon's leg.

After several attempts to gain his attention, she babbled loudly enough to capture his notice, prompting him to scoop her up in his arms. It was a heartwarming sight to see Aegon whispering to his daughter, yet it also elicited a pang in your chest, reminding you of the wrongness of feeling so attached to him. He was not yours; he could never be yours; you were meant to marry Aemond... But even he was not truly yours either.

"I feel as though this trip will be the start of something..." Helaena leaned in toward you, her tone secretive. "For days, I've had this feeling... like there's a storm brewing around King's Landing, swirling and engulfing everyone in its darkness. A monster lurks within the walls of the Keep, growing and waiting... I'm glad we left; perhaps things will improve."

You cocked your head at her words, trying to process them. It wasn't the phrasing that confused you, but the fear that spilled from her lips, as if there truly was something looming, ready to harm everyone. "Then let's enjoy the peace while we can."

Helaena hummed, watching as Jaehaerys struggled to sit on your lap. Once nestled in, he slowly began to snore. In Aegon's arms, Jaehaera rested against him, sucking on her fingers as she slept. The road to the Kingswood was long, and you had been riding for hours, but the end of the journey was nearing.

Tension hung thick in the carriage. Aemond refused to meet your gaze, staring blankly out the window as he fiddled with his jacket. On the other hand, Aegon couldn't seem to take his eyes off you, even as he held his daughter. You knew your actions had ignited something in him, as they had in you. You yearned for him to take you, to lift your skirts and make you scream his name until you could no longer speak... It was becoming unbearable.

Fortunately, the city of tents came into view, prompting the wet nurse to quickly gather the children before the carriage halted. Cheers erupted from the lords and ladies as Alicent and your grandsire exited their private carriage, everyone congratulating him on his good health.

Aegon stood up, slightly hunched over in an attempt to stretch, peering outside the tiny window at the throng of people. "All these people came for him," he scoffed, leaning against the frame.

As the carriage doors were about to open, you quickly suggested, "I think both of you should hold the children. Show everyone the next generation of the dragon..."

Aegon glared at you blankly, but Helaena gently squeezed your arm as she rose, reaching for the wet nurse to hand over her children. The door opened, and Aegon stepped out, taking Jaehaerys in his hands, waiting at the bottom for Helaena, who carried Jaehaera. The crowd erupted into applause.

You hesitated for a moment, reluctantly glancing up at Aemond, who was already standing. He seemed uninterested in the pageantry of the trip, but he loved his mother and would play his part.

"Just pretend," he whispered, extending his hand.

"Just pretend," you echoed, forcing a smile as you took it. He exited first, then turned back to help you out of the carriage. The crowd was larger than you had anticipated, with lords and ladies from Casterly Rock, Storm's End, Oldtown, and Highgarden all present, clad in their house colors, while smaller houses stood among them.

The biggest tent was filled to the brim with food and wine. Meat sizzled on the grill alongside fresh vegetables and bread, with sweet treats laid out for the gossiping ladies to indulge in when the wine ran low. However, you didn't foresee the wine running out anytime soon, as cask upon cask stood ready to be tapped.

Aemond stood by your side, both of you wearing the same fake smile as numerous ladies approached, inquiring about the wedding planning.

"In truth, there's so much to consider. From the food to the decorations, it becomes... challenging," you replied, smiling at Lady Lynesse Hightower, Alicent's aunt. "The Queen has been very attentive throughout the planning process."

"That's wonderful to hear. I imagine you both must be very excited to wed," Lady Lynesse remarked, her gaze drifting over your smiling faces and then to Aemond's arm around yours as you traced circles on it. "You would both make beautiful children."

Heat flooded your cheeks, rendering you momentarily speechless. Aemond spoke up in response, "We would, wouldn't we?"

You managed a cheeky smile, scrunching your nose. "Of course. I consider myself truly fortunate."

Meanwhile, Aegon observed from a distant table, noting the closeness between you and Aemond. It made him feel sick. He found himself drinking more wine, nearly finishing a cask himself, bitterly watching as you moved around the tent, seemingly displaying your affection for his brother, or so he believed.

After leaving Lord Redwyne, Aemond finally escorted you to a table laden with wine and fruits. You picked up a glass, quickly gulping down the sweetness before setting it back down.

Aemond's gaze lingered on you, as if he were trying to provoke a reaction. He gently brushed a lock of your hair before leaning in. "Do you think they bought it?"

You surveyed the room, observing everyone laughing and drinking. You searched for the Queen, but she floated around the room, engaging with the guests. "It doesn't matter if they believe it. She needs to."

A sigh escaped Aemond's lips as he scanned the room for someone, perhaps Helaena. "I truly don't wish to be stuck by your side all evening. There are other things I could be doing."

You hummed in response. "Oh, of course. I don't want you to suffer by my side. Besides, I imagine you'd prefer to entertain your sister while everyone is distracted?"

Aemond's grip on your arm tightened, drawing closer. To an onlooker, it might have seemed like he was whispering sweet nothings in your ear. "Say that out loud again, and you'll regret it."

You narrowed your eyes, unfazed by his empty threats. "You don't scare me, Aemond. It doesn't concern me what you do with your... free time."

Aemond's lips curled into a smile. "And what do you do in your free time? I hear you've been assigned a new personal guard. Are you going to uphold the family tradition and seduce this one?"

You recoiled from his touch. "What are you insinuating, uncle?"

"I'm merely suggesting..." He smirked, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "Targaryen women have their needs... But I'm not certain if they're being met. Unless they are, pray tell, who would it be?"

Your face flushed with embarrassment at his words. "I am perfectly capable of tending to my needs on my own."

Silence enveloped you both, suffocating in its intensity. The Queen gently took hold of both your arms, smiling. "Is everything alright?"

Aemond kissed his mother on the head before hurrying away. You nodded curtly. "Of course."

Alicent nodded in return. "Perfect. I have more people for you to meet..."

You stood in the midst of the room, listening to the muted chatter of the women gathered around the desserts. Helaena sat on the couch, shifting over slightly to make room for you, but you were too mentally drained to notice. She rose from her seat, gently guiding you to a quiet table nearby. The men had congregated outside by the bonfire, discussing hunting and other masculine pursuits, leaving the women to engage in talks of betrothals, scandals, and more.

"It's all quite overwhelming, isn't it?" She smirked, casually turning her shoulder away from the other women. "I wouldn't be surprised if some of those ladies have a stable boy waiting in their tent."

You chuckled, attempting to muffle it with your hand. "Or perhaps a handmaiden."

Helaena tried to stifle her own laughter, resting her head on your shoulder for support. You wanted to confide in her, to ask for her advice, but you couldn't bring yourself to do it. Could you really tell her that you wished to fuck Aegon?

"Hel, there's something I need to tell you."

She perked up at your tone of secrecy, leaning in closer so you wouldn't have to speak too loudly.

"I, uh... I have someone... a paramour," you confessed, wincing as you awaited her reaction. Yet instead of anger, you found pure excitement in her expression.

"Oh! That's wonderful news, Y/N! Isn't it thrilling?" She grasped your hands, gently rubbing them with her thumbs. "Can I ask who it is?"

You shook your head hesitantly. "I don't think..."

"That's okay. I completely understand. After all, I haven't even told you about my own paramour..." She smiled, unaware that you already knew.

Your thumbs continued to rub her hands, attempting to distract yourself from thoughts of Aemond, even Aegon, though they persisted in haunting your mind.

"Y/N, are you alright? Would you like some fresh air?" Helaena leaned in, noticing your detachment.

"Yes, please," you murmured, allowing Helaena to lead you out of the tent. The sky displayed a beautiful blend of pink and purple hues, the crisp air caressing your skin, accompanied by the scent of smoke. Men roared with laughter around the King, drinking carelessly, their figures teetering dangerously close to the fire.

"Come, let's leave the men..." Helaena guided you through the maze of tents, weaving around until it was just the two of you. The soft chirping of crickets faded with each step until you halted, turning to gaze at the smoke billowing into the sky.

Though neither of you spoke, the sense of tranquility enveloped you both. Helaena knew that by leading you this far away, she could speak openly with you, without veiled words, only the truth.

"So, have you... indulged in..." Her choice of words caused you to burst into laughter, struggling to maintain a serious demeanor. Unable to resist, Helaena joined in, gripping your arms as she tried to contain herself. "I'm sorry."

You quickly shook your head. "No, there's no need to apologize." You bit your lip, contemplating what to disclose to her, but you trusted her to keep a secret. "We haven't, officially... but we've engaged in some... activities."

Helaena squealed with excitement, jumping slightly and clapping her hands.

"You don't think it's improper of me? To be involved in these... activities?" You spoke softly, leaning in closer. Heat flooded your cheeks and ears as you awaited Helaena's response.

"Of course not. Remember, I'm not faithful to my husband," she whispered, licking her lips as she noticed your discomfort. "Is he good to you?"

Without hesitation, you nodded quickly. "He has his moments."

Helaena's smile widened, and she took your hand in hers before glancing behind you.

"I apologize for intruding, my ladies. I noticed you so far out, and I wanted to make sure you were both alright," a familiar voice boomed from behind, prompting you to slowly turn on your heel. You recognized those gray eyes and dark curls as he approached, evidently remembering you. "Oh, my apologies, my princesses."

Helaena spoke first, sensing your unease. "We're quite alright, my lord. We were just enjoying some fresh air before the festivities."

Gareth raised his hand. "I am no lord, princess. I am nothing but a blacksmith. I'll leave you both to it then." His eyes briefly grazed over your figure, trailing up to your hair and eyes. You did your best to ignore him, knowing that if Aegon saw him, you wouldn't know how he would react. Gareth slowly turned away, clasping his hands together as he made his way toward the giant tent.

Helaena noticed your tension and gently touched your shoulder. "Do you know him? Oh, is he your..."

You glanced quickly at her. "I know him. But he's not... no."

She nodded curtly, choosing not to press further. "Shall we head back then? I can smell the roast from here."

"Yes, I'm famished," you lied.

As you entered the crowded tent, laughter and music filled the air. Everyone was seated, unaware as you and Helaena slipped through to find two empty chairs near the Queen's side of the table.

Helaena quickly served a portion of potatoes onto her plate before turning to you, adding more food to your own plate. "Here, try the goose. It's quite good."

After she finished scooping the last of the vegetables onto your plate, you could barely see the bottom of it. Her plate looked equally full as she licked her lips before stabbing her food with her fork. She ate quickly, pausing only for occasional sips of water.

Noticing your gaze, she remarked, "I apologize. The sickness is nearly over, and I'm as hungry as ever. I suppose my appetite found its way onto your plate."

You hummed, picking up some carrots from your plate. "I understand. When my mother was pregnant with Viserys, she always had the cooks make two of everything, but she was particularly fond of the cakes for dessert."

Helaena moaned, "Oh, cakes! This babe is going to be the death of me, I swear it, Y/N."

A soft smile graced your lips as you cut into your goose, savoring the flavorful, fatty meat. Helaena was right; it was delicious. Glancing down the table, you noticed Aemond and Aegon sulking at the end next to the Hand, their grandfather. Aegon drank as he listened to the Hand speak, avoiding eye contact with his grandfather and occasionally letting his gaze linger on you as you ate and drank.

"Y/N, let's grab some desserts and hit the dancefloor!" Helaena sprang from her seat, her plate now empty. Her hand wrapped around your forearm, pulling you up from your wooden chair and guiding you toward the large table adorned with an array of cakes and fruits.

As Helaena scanned the table for a lemon cake, you plucked a sweet from the front and popped it into your mouth before turning your attention to the dancefloor.

"What a small world it is that we find ourselves here again, little dove," Gareth's voice murmured beside you. Your body tensed at his words, and you slowly raised your head to meet his gaze.

"Indeed," you replied tersely.

A sly smirk played on Gareth's lips. "Last time we spoke, you were dressed in rags, drunk, and bothering yourself with some hot-tempered prick," he continued. Your glare only seemed to fuel him. "Now, here I am conversing with a princess, and I assume the future heir to the throne, if I'm not mistaken."

"You're not," you replied simply, feeling the room closing in around you as he turned his attention back to the table, picking up a tart. "I thought you were leaving."

"I did," he said between bites of tart. "But then I heard the King was coming to the Kingswood, and what's a hunt without a blacksmith? Hard to kill animals with just sticks and rocks."

You tried to stifle a laugh. "I would imagine so." You scanned the room, searching for Aegon. You feared his drunken temper if he saw Gareth again, if he noticed how close Gareth was to you.

Gareth seemed to hold no fear of Aegon. He had encountered Aegon in Flea Bottom a few times, familiar with his drunken antics and penchant for spouting insults and empty threats at anyone who crossed his path. But that night when Gareth first met you, he discovered that Aegon backed up his words with violence—a broken nose, split eyebrow, cheekbone, and a blackened eye.

Your blood ran cold when you realized you couldn't spot Aegon in the crowded room. Bodies swirled around you, laughter echoing off the walls. You couldn't risk a violent altercation if you continued talking to Gareth. Yet, despite your apprehension, you also felt a strange exhilaration whenever you were near him, like a young girl with a secret crush.

"Y/N! Oh, hello again," Helaena exclaimed, breaking your thoughts. Her hand clutched a lemon cake, a bite already taken out. Her eyes darted from Gareth back to you, a hint of intrigue dancing in her light violet eyes. "Shall we dance?"

"Yes," you whispered finally, taking Helaena's cake-free hand and offering Gareth a small smile. Helaena quickly shoved the cake into her mouth, noting the tension in your body as you made your way to the crowded center of the dance floor. The band played a lively tune, and you and Helaena interlocked hands, swaying to the music.

"So... Was he your..." Helaena started, a smirk tugging at her lips as she watched your eyebrows raise.

"No! No. I just... Once when I was in Flea Bottom, I met him in a tavern," you explained, spinning her around as you spoke, still scanning the crowd.

"Hm, he is very handsome..." She giggled, picking up her light green skirts and twirling around. You fought back a smirk. "It is only the truth."

Across the crowded room, someone kept a watchful eye on the two of you. Aemond grew restless sitting next to Aegon, who grumbled under his breath before every gulp of wine, but he blocked him out when he noticed you talking to a blacksmith.

He tipped his glass to his lips, observing the man who brought a smile to your face. Perhaps she wasn't fucking her guard...

He couldn't deny that you looked beautiful this evening. Your hair cascaded down your back, the braids imperfect yet charming. His gaze lingered on your smile, your lips. In that moment, he felt possessive over you. He knew your disdain for him only deepened with each passing day, and his hurtful words didn't help. But he couldn't resist the satisfaction of seeing your flustered face, how you tried to maintain composure around him, and how you lied...

He crossed his legs as Helaena dragged you to the dancefloor, spinning and twisting around without a care. You truly perplexed him. He watched the man glare from his spot at the dessert table, stealing another lemon cake before slipping from the tent, disappearing into the night.

Aemond knew he had something to hold over you. Who was that mystery man to you? Was he truly anyone worth noting? He wasn't sure, but he knew he had to find out, one way or another.

You rested back on the small bed in your tent, engrossed in a book. The skirts of your nightgown pooled at your thighs as you brought your knees up slightly, your lips moving with each passing word. The book's words were faint, written many years ago, causing you to squint every other line. This distraction made you unaware of the flaps of your tent opening and closing.

The thin bed dipped down, startling you. Aegon clumsily crawled onto the bed, pausing when you placed your book to the side.

"What do you want, Aegon?" you whispered, mindful of the thin material of the tent.

His lips curled into a sly smile as he rested his head in his hand, watching you from below. His free hand caressed your exposed calf. Obviously drunk, the stench of wine on his clothes made you hold back a scoff. Your stomach fluttered at the slight feeling as he raised his hand, rubbing around your knee. "Can't seem to forget about the state you put me in this morning."

He rolled to his knees, his hands trailing around your legs, the friction causing a slickness between your legs. "Nothing more than what you're used to."

His hands rested against your thighs as he brought his lips to your knees, kissing slowly. Your heart leapt into your throat, feeling his kisses moving upwards as he slowly parted your legs. "And what am I used to, love?"

"Pleasure. No matter who or what gives it to you," you replied, recalling Aegon's encounter with the maid and the sinking feeling it gave you. But dwelling on it served no purpose; he wasn't yours.

Aegon found your tone amusing, pausing his movements to lock eyes with you. "And is that not the same for you? Do you not like how I make you feel..."

Your hips involuntarily rolled as his hands resumed their movements. His rings dug into your plush thighs as he planted sloppy kisses on your inner thigh, inching towards your slick folds. You didn't need to respond; your body conveyed everything to Aegon, your face close to your warmth.

"You know, I saw you watching that night, while I fucked that maid," he murmured, his voice low as he tenderly kissed your slit, eliciting a soft whimper from you. "Or am I mistaken?"

You attempted to bite your lip, becoming a stammering mess, your gaze following his movements as he raised your skirts to your stomach. Without hesitation, you spread your legs, perhaps a little too eagerly, earning a chuckle from him.

"You really want this? For me to make you feel good..." In a swift moment, his tongue slicked a stripe against you, placing a kiss before pulling back.

You whimpered at the loss of the warmth, "Aegon, don't tease."

He slowly brought up his index, slowly rubbing circles on your sensitive bud, causing a shuttering moan to escape your lips. His pace was cruelly slow, and he knew it, licking his lips as he watched your eyelids flutter closed.

"Mouth or finger?"

You dipped your head to the side, trying to comprehend his question. His finger halted, waiting for your response. "What?"

Aegon brought his lips to your thigh, kissing it softly. "Would you like me to use my mouth... or my fingers?" Pressing another kiss close to your cunt.

"Fuck... Aegon." You muttered, your core ached as he kissed your slit once more, "Mouth. Mouth."

His tongue ran a slow strip on your slick folds, teasing your entrance as he held his grip on your thighs, "You're so wet."

Your legs clenched together when he started to pick up his pace, devouring your cunt with his mouth. His arms pulled them apart, his head pushing deeper as his tongue flicked its way around, lapping at your juices. You tried to muffle your moans, not wanting to cry out and alert anyone of the pure pleasure Aegon is putting you in.

A coil was tightening in your core, your fingers laced themselves in Aegon's hair as you started to let out cried, mewling his name. "I... I'm close."

Hearing your cries made Aegon grind his hips down to the bed for relief, sucking at your clit. The sensation became overwhelming, as your release came without notice, wiggling around as Aegon licked up your mess. A moment passed as you both tried to catch your breaths, Aegon sat up between your legs, his eyes dark and his lips wet.

"You kill me." He spoke above a whisper, leaning in to capture your lips, your release still coated them and his tongue. He hovered over top of you, spreading your legs more as he buckled his hips against your cunt.

You kissed him back with the ferocity he did, moving your hands to cup his face. His left hand trailed down your collarbone, pulling at the neckline of your nightgown, kissing the skin of your shoulder and chest softly. Your breathing hitched as he moved lower, bringing the neckline lower, just above your breasts. "And how do I kill you?"

Aegon licked and nipped at your soft skin, his pants growing tighter and tighter as he brought his right hand to knead your one breast while kissing the top of the other. "Look at what you do to me."

You felt the tightness in his pants pressing against your core, and for a moment, you didn't care if things progressed, if he took you right then and there on the bed, and Aegon was thinking the same exact thing. "Aegon..."

You caressed his hair as he moved to release you of your nightgown, but the sound of the tent's flaps opening caused your blood to run cold.

"Y/N, I'm sorry for the late hour, but—Oh!" Helaena's sweet voice filled the tent. Aegon reluctantly let go of your dress as you frantically tried to fix yourself.

"Helaena—" Your voice shook, but she had already made her exit from the tent. Aegon rolled to his side as you sprang up, grabbing your robe and rushing outside to try and catch her. "Helaena," you whispered, scanning the rows of tents for her.

When you caught a glimpse of her pacing around, your chest nearly caved in. She was dressed in her nightgown as well, a gold robe tied around her waist. Her hair was in a long braid cascading down her back, and every time she turned, it would whip to the side.

"Helaena, please, let me explain." You closed in on her, but you were shocked when she ran up to you, wrapping her arms around your shoulders.

"Oh, Y/N! This is great! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She kissed your cheeks repeatedly, her smile stretching from ear to ear.

"You're not... mad?" You were utterly shocked, pulling her at arm's length so you could see her face.

Helaena quickly shook her head. "No... I'm happy. Don't be upset, Y/N. I'm glad he is your paramour; I can have mine; he can have his. I am finally rid of him; can't you tell how perfect this is?"

Your lips twitched into a smile, relieved she doesn't care, but you didn't want her to tell Aemond; you couldn't have that. You knew he would hold it over your head, leaving subtle hints to his mother. He would do anything to try and ruin you.

"You can't tell anyone. Please, let it just be known by us," you whispered, to which Helaena agreed. Your body shook, the fire now reduced to embers and the crickets were awake making sweet sounds.

"Then I shouldn't hold you any longer," she winked, slightly shoving you towards your tent. "I'll make sure there are no further interruptions."

Your face burned in embarrassment, whispering a soft goodnight before finding your way back inside your tent. Aegon made himself comfortable, wrapped in your sheets and head buried in your fluffy pillows.

"Is she displeased?" he muttered once he heard the ruffling of your robe falling over a chair.

"No," you hummed, pulling the sheets back to see his bare chest rising and falling. "She was actually pleased."

This earned a half-hearted chuckle from him, opening his eyes slowly, watching you climb into bed. His hands scrunched at the sheets as you pulled them over your chest. "Good."

He scooted closer, nuzzling his head on your chest as he sighed in contentment. "How much have you had to drink tonight?"

"Enough," he muttered before blissfully snoring away.

You remained wide awake, stuck with your thoughts. You felt as if you were in your own personal hell, lusting for a man who only wants you when he is drunk. You knew you had to evade Aemond's suspecting gaze; if he were to see you and Aegon holding each other for warmth, he would make you regret ever stepping foot in King's Landing again. And sweet, sweet Helaena; her face when she found out only confused you further. What would she think if you were to marry one brother and the other be your paramour?

The side of your tent rustled, sending you upwards, causing Aegon to groan annoyed. The sound of faint footsteps strolling by disappeared as Aegon whispered, "Go to bed; it was most likely that guard of yours."

So, you lay back, closing your eyes, and your chest fell into rhythm with Aegon's.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘

"I talked my mother into letting me ride with you all!" Helaena smiled as she took her place next to you at the grand table in the middle of the tent. She wore her riding leathers, gold trim blended in with the grey.

Scooping up your fruits, you turned to face her. "How did you manage that?"

"I begged. I told her that I'm not too far along, and it wouldn't harm the babe." She shrugged, piling her plate high.

The tent was quieter than the night before, with men readying themselves for the hunt, joking and already drinking. At the middle of the table sat your grandsire and Alicent, both barely speaking, exchanging only minimal words of no importance. On the other end sat your uncles, both looking worse for wear.

"They look dreadful," you muttered, causing Helaena to look up with a hum.

"Hm? Oh, I presume Aemond didn't think the guards did a good and thorough job watching over everyone, so he stayed up to fulfill the job," she spoke with annoyance, but her scowl turned into a smirk. "As for Aegon... Hm, I have no idea."

You softly nudged her arm. "You're the worst. No, he's just hungover, most likely waiting until he can have another fill."

With your plate now empty and the tent filling up with riled men ready to go, you rose and told Helaena you would be waiting outside. The weather was looking favorable, with no clouds and a slight breeze to cool down the heat. It made you wish to find a spot against a tree and read.

Your leathers whipped in the wind, adorned with red thread embroidered on the chest cascading downward. Another piece of clothing that belonged to your mother. On your hip was the dagger, ready for accessibility.

"Finished breakfast, niece?" a voice crept up from behind you, sending a shiver down your spine.

"I hear you were up all night. How kind of you to watch over us, uncle," you retorted, looking forward and avoiding his gaze.

His laugh was lost in the breeze again. "Well, I just needed to be sure everyone in my family was safe in their tents."

You clenched your jaw as he inched closer, his arm bumping your shoulder. "Well, job well done. Shouldn't you be getting some rest, then?"

"Were you well-rested? I saw you stalking about outside your tent last night. Quite late for a young lady, wouldn't you say?" he hummed, trying to provoke a reaction from you. You tried to hide your reddened face, mentally slapping yourself for not noticing him earlier.

"I needed some air," you replied.

"Is that so?" He smirked, which angered you. You knew he was trying to get somewhere, trying to catch you in a lie, and it was going to be difficult.

"It is," you spoke dryly, causing Aemond to tsk under his breath, like a parent scolding a child.

"You see, I think you are lying, sweet niece." His arms clasped behind his back, rocking on his heels. "I saw you with a strange man last evening. Was he highborn or lowborn? Oh, it does not matter because later in the night, while I was taking my rounds, I thought I heard the sweet sounds of a moaning maiden. Or am I mistaken?"

There was no hiding your reddened face, but you could try to lie. "You are mistaken."

"I am? I apologize, but may I say one thing? It was not long ago since I was the cause of you making those noises..." His lips curled upward before he turned away. He wanted to ruin you, to toy with you, and you knew once you were married, he might continue or do much worse.

Thankfully, your grandsire hobbled out of the tent; attendants ran beside him as he ordered for the horses to be brought out for everyone. Helaena stalked beside you, fidgeting with her hands as she waited for an available horse, her nervousness bouncing off you as your hands clenched your coat.

Your grandsire struggled to mount his horse, halting as he placed his leg over, trying to steady himself and taking deep breaths before he spoke. "I'd... I'd like to ride with my daughter..."

You heard the pause in Helaena's breathing as she turned to face you, her eyes showing a hint of fear, as if she did not wish to accompany him. Her legs did not move, even when you placed a hand on the small of her back, trying to whisper, "Go on."

But everyone halted when he rasped out, "Rhaenyra."

You knew what he meant, everyone did, but your throat tightened as you noticed him extend his only hand out for you to take. Helaena sank back, finally letting out a soft breath as she glanced over at your frozen figure. After what felt like hours, your legs finally moved, trying to ignore the watchful stares of the men lined up, waiting to mount up.

A black horse, a coat darker than a raven, waited for you by the King's side, shaking its head side to side. You grasped the reins, stepping quickly on the small wooden steps, hoisting yourself over the stallion. Your eyes shifted to your grandsire; his lips formed into a weak smile before looking onward.

Everyone followed suit as they mounted up. The air was full of neighs and demands as guards rode up beside the King, who gave the signal to start towards the forest. The leaves rustled as the breeze blew past, cooling everyone down from the unbearable heat. You knew the heat was trying on your grandsire, who occasionally let go of the reins to dab his head with a thin cloth before shoving it back into the pocket of his jacket.

You tilted your head over your shoulder; Helaena looked like a wilting flower atop her horse, a permanent frown plastered on her face as she hunched over the reins. Aegon and Aemond stood behind her, both silently watching the tree line as if something were to jump out. As they rode on, it seemed they could barely stand to be near each other. Men stood beside them, sporting their longswords and spears, joking around as they searched for anything to sink their blades into.

"What are we looking for?" You broke the uncomfortable silence with your grandsire. "Boar? Stags?"

Your grandsire chuckled lowly. "You do not need to concern yourself with such things. I do not want you to be harmed in any way."

In that moment, you wondered if he even knew who he was talking to—his granddaughter or his first-born child. His face softened as he looked you over, and a small voice in your head told you his health was slowly leaving him. Still, you forced a smile on your face as you hurried on.

After a few moments, your grandsire raised his arm. "Wait. We shall... stop here for a few... a few moments."

The guards dismounted their stallions, as did you, rushing to his side as he hunched over, taking shallow breaths. "Grandsire! Do you have any milk of the poppy?"

The guards attempted to aid him down, but he swatted their hands away. "I am fine! Nothing but the heat! Water!"

A young squire ran to him with a canister of cool water, watching as he brought it to his lips, letting the liquid trickle down his chin. You dismounted from your horse, rushing to his side quickly. "Would you like to continue, or shall we have everyone rest?"

Your grandsire licked his lips, his eyes shifting to the people behind you both. "I do not wish for there to be any delay..."

"There will be no delay. You are the King; what you say, everyone will do. We can scout the nearby land and search for any game." You rubbed his hand as he nodded, making the order known and the clattering of metal, dirt, and mud filled the air.

You fidgeted with your dagger, leaving your grandsire with his guards as you walked towards Helaena. She jumped off her horse with the aid of Aemond, who extended his arm to her as their eyes lingered for a moment too long.

Helaena quickly shoved him off when she noticed you. "Oh, Y/N!"

You smiled, ignoring Aemond, who stormed back to his horse, messing with the buckles. "The King wishes to rest, and the men are heading into the woods to hunt. Would you like to accompany me on a walk?"

Helaena smiled. "Of course."

The dense wood muffled the barking hounds and the cheering men, but it felt like a respite from your struggling grandsire. You both walked alongside a calm stream, stopping periodically when Helaena would find new insects to carry in her palms.

"It's a wonder how you still have space in your hands." You smiled down at her as she helped a centipede onto her palm, allowing it to crawl around a worm, beetle, caterpillar, and spider.

"Perhaps you could lend me yours?" She tipped her head upwards, smiling toothily as she saw your face change to one of disgust.

"I would not be as gentle as you are."

A twig snapped behind you, the area covered by bushes and thick trees, and you felt a sense of dread overcome you. Your hand went to undo your dagger, holding the blade high as you slowly walked towards the sound. Helaena remained crouching by the stream, as if she wanted to appear invisible to whatever was stalking you both.

You walked at a slow pace, leaving Helaena's line of sight. Behind the brush, you raised your dagger, ready to strike, but your hand was grabbed quickly as your back hit the tree. You went to scream, but you were stopped by a pair of lips, the taste of wine dripping onto your tongue.

Aegon pulled away, leaning his forehead against yours, his lips parted in a short sigh. Your eyes met his, and you could smell the wine on his breath, feeling disappointed. "You're drunk."

"And about time too. One more moment on that damn horse, and I would've asked Aemond to mercy kill me." His head dipped low, attempting to catch your lips, but you pulled away.

"Helaena is over there..." You whispered, your lips teasingly close to his as desire engulfed you both.

"You said she does not care..." His voice lowered, pushing forward as he kissed you with such ferocity that your knees almost buckled. Your free hand gripped at his short hair, earning a soft groan as you kissed him back. His left hand, still gripping your arm above your head, slowly traveled towards the dagger.

"Were you going to use this on me?" His mouth traced down your jaw to your neck, his callused fingers grasping the blade, taking it from your hand and admiring it. "Perhaps I could use this to cut you from this damn coat..."

You let out a soft groan as his lips found the soft spot on your neck. "Aegon, we mustn't."

Your body shook with anticipation when Aegon pointed the dagger at your clasp, toying with the metal. "Why must you be so serious? She will not mind your absence, but she may mind the noise."

Your hands slowly slid against his chest. "No, you're drunk. This must wait."

Aegon let out an exasperated groan, stepping back while still holding onto your dagger. He spun it around before throwing it into the dirt. As you bent down to retrieve it, he stomped over to the stream, sparking up a conversation with his sister.

"Ah, sister! I thought you would be alone!" Aegon jested, extending his hand as he caught sight of Aemond. Helaena was standing at the water's edge, collecting snails and slugs.

"I could say the same to you, brother. Niece! You can come out!" Aemond smirked, looking at you as you dusted off your hands and placed your dagger back in your holster.

"Do not excite yourself, brother. Our dear niece was only defending our sister. She came at me with a dagger, though we know she could not kill a fly." Aegon smiled, his eyes following you as you stopped next to him.

Helaena continued slowly walking along the waterline, ignoring her brother's antics. You went to follow, but Aemond stopped you.

"You think you're strong enough to kill someone?" His eyebrow raised, almost as if he knew his teasing would push you over the edge. Aegon, still aggravated by your rejection of his advances, joined in the teasing.

"Not someone, something," you corrected. "And if Aegon were any drunker, perhaps I would've."

Aegon snorted, digging in his boot for a flask of wine, bringing it to his lips before stumbling backwards away from everyone, though his eyes lingered on your frame as he walked away.

Aemond tightened his jaw at the sight of his older brother, his hand tapping at his blade as he glared at you one last time.

"Perhaps you should take care of him," you suggested, wishing for Aemond to leave.

"Yeah, when don't I?" he snapped, storming behind Aegon and shoving him harshly to the ground.

"What the fuck was that for?" Aegon yelled, pushing himself up from the dirt and throwing his now-empty flask at Aemond's face. His face reddened as he lunged toward Aemond, fists clenched as he swung.

"Oh, come on!" you screamed, crossing your arms, not wanting to step in.

Unknown to you, the bushes behind you both started rustling. Helaena slowly stopped moving, her hands completely full of creatures, her heart racing at the sound of the brush rustling. "Hello?"

Her head turned to her brother's fighting and you pacing around, waiting for them to finish, but Helaena felt uneasy. Her blood went cold when she heard a loud snort and footsteps running away.

Your attention to the men in front of you shifted when you heard a horrid scream from behind. Helaena dropped everything in her hands as she backed deeper into the water, falling back as she pushed away from the wild boar.

"Helaena!" You screamed, racing towards her as the boar ran parallel to you. Your hand fumbled at the latch to your dagger, trying to pry it out as the boar rushed at Helaena, pushing her back into the water.

You tripped, rolling on the ground as your free hand tried grabbing at the boar's leg. Helaena cried as she pushed at its belly with her hands, her head bobbing in and out of the water. It took Aegon and Aemond too long to notice what was occurring, but they quickly turned to help, though they were still too far away.

Sweat coated your brow as you lifted your dagger, your hand shaking as you brought it down on the back of the boar. Its squeal echoed in your ears as it turned around, huffing as it charged at you, still pushing you back onto the ground. Your dagger, now bloodied, raised in the air as you cried out and stabbed it again, and again, and again.

Your cries turned to grunts as the blows stopped the boar fully, its legs ceasing movement as it let out a final breath. Your hand, hair, and clothes were now covered in blood, your lip quivered as you pushed away from the animal, stumbling to your feet as you remembered Helaena in the water.

"Hel! Hel, are you... Are you alright?" You panted, rushing to the water's edge, where she sat, tears pooling at her eyes as she balled her fists.

"I'm sorry. I should've stayed close," she muttered, but you quickly engulfed her in a hug.

"No, I should apologize. I should have been here." You kissed her wet hair, looking up at Aemond and Aegon, both panting and looking between you, Helaena, and the boar.

Aemond helped Helaena out of the water, escorting her to the horses, where Aegon helped gather wood to bring the boar back to the camp.

"Are you okay?" His voice was steady, as if he had no ounce of alcohol in his system. You slowly looked up at him; his cheek was cut and bruised, but nothing else came to it.

"I am fine," you huffed, tying off the wood as you waited for Aegon to slide the boar onto the board. "I should be asking you the same question."

Aegon tsked. "I can take any punch that comes my way."

You looked up, trying to hide a smirk but failing. "Mind helping me pull?"

He didn't respond, just bent over and lifted the board, huffing with each step he took.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘

You sat on your bed, brushing your wet hair, your eyes never leaving the side of your tent. When you arrived back at the camp, you were taken straight to the bathing tent, where you were scrubbed clean of any blood on your body.

When Alicent heard of the attack, she nearly dropped to her knees at the sight of Helaena, shaking like a leaf and wishing to be left alone. In the corner of your eye, you saw Alicent's resentful glare as she watched you dismount your horse and head into a tent.

You snapped out of your trance, standing up as you walked to place your comb in your luggage. Your nightgown stuck to your damp skin as you felt the warm breeze enter through the flimsy fabric. You waited by the entrance, expecting Aegon to arrive any moment. You did not know why you were so eager to see him; maybe it was the state he left you in last night or the surprise visit earlier in the day, but you needed him in more ways than one.

As if on cue, your tent flaps opened quickly, and Aegon entered sluggishly.

"What took you so long?" Your voice was hushed, leaning in as he stumbled into you. "Gods, you are piss drunk."

Aegon grunted. "Whatever."

You cocked your head, not understanding why he was being cold towards you. Gripping his chin to make him look you in the eyes, you asked, "Why? You were perfectly fine before-"

"You want to know why?" His voice shook as he licked his lips, anger slipping out through the cracks. "This family is draining, and I am done trying to serve it in the way they wish me to serve it."

Your eyebrows furrowed. "I don't understand. What have they done that's so different from normal?"

Aegon's hand snaked its way around your neck, rubbing your chin with his thumb as he tried to speak, but his words died. "Lay on the bed... I can make you feel good."

You slowly shook your head. "No. No, you're drunk."

In a moment, Aegon snapped, his hand harshly releasing your face. "Fine, I'll find someone else to sink my cock into."

Your throat tightened. "Aegon-" But he was already out of your tent, his footsteps disappearing into the night.

You stood there, waiting for him to come back, but he never did. Your throat felt as if it was on fire, trying to swallow back any self-pity you felt as you walked back into bed, placing the thin sheets over your body. Your heartbeat slowed as you looked at the top of the tent, thinking of everything that had happened and how much you missed your family. You thought of how Jace and Luke would make light of the boar incident, how Daemon would be proud, and how your mother would be a nervous wreck, but proud, nonetheless.

Finally, you were able to fall asleep.

You drifted in and out of consciousness, aware of the wetness beneath your legs. The breeze was cooler, sending gooseflesh down your body as you arched your back in response to a familiar sensation. Though tiredness oozed through your bones and muscles, the feeling didn't prevent you from letting out small gasps.

A tongue circled your clit again, causing you to lift your hips. "Hm."

It wasn't unusual for Aegon to wake you up like this. Some days, when he returned from Flea Bottom, he would slip into your bed. Instead of whispering your name, he would creep beneath your nightgown and devour you until you were shaking.

This night was no different, strong hands held your thighs down as they dipped their tongue into your cunny, sucking at your juices as you let out another cry. As if he sensed you waking up, his mouth kissed down your thigh, blowing softly at your sensitive clit.

"Aegon, don't tease." You let out a breathy moan, clenching the blankets as your eyes remained closed. He slowly inserted his ring finger, collecting your juices before pulling it out and rubbing your clit at a cruel pace as his tongue resumed lapping at you.

Your hips raised in pleasure, you felt overwhelmed as your coil started to tighten. "I'm close... Oh!"

He ripped his finger from your clit, replacing it with his mouth, and bringing his finger to your entrance, fucking you quickly with it. Your eyes nearly rolled behind your head as you tried to muffle your cries as you finally hit your release.

As your chest rose and fell, you finally cracked your eyes, looking up at the ceiling of the tent. "What was that for? Aegon?" The silence was deafening, so you quickly shot up, looking at the man who just gave you the most aggressive orgasm, Aemond.

His eye followed your body as it tensed, bringing his finger to his lips licking it clean of your juices. "Because I wanted to know who had you moaning like that. Now I know."

He has a smug grin as he sat up, you noticed a tightening at his pants, and you gulped. "Go to bed, niece. We have a long journey home tomorrow."

And he left, left you panting and left you with a mess.

#aegon targaryen x reader #aegon ii targaryen #house of the dragon #aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #jacaerys velaryon #lucaerys velaryon #rhaenyra targaryen #alicent hightower #game of throne #daemon targaryen #aegon x you #helaena targaryen #aemond x you #enemies to lovers #house targaryen #house velaryon

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the-fiction-witch · 4 months

Text

Married Woman

Media The Artful Dodger

Character Jack Dawkins

Couple Jack X Reader

Rating Flity AF + Mild Smut

Requested: So I was listening to the song Gorgeous by Taylor Swift and I was thinking maybe you could make a story based on the song where y/n was forced to marry Sneed and they are engaged but she meets Jack and they have a secret affair but eventually they're caught.

I sat in my most prettiest dress, brushing my hair and making sure to give my body a good spritz of my sweet perfume, today was to be a red-letter day in my life as I was to meet the man who would take me as his bride. I had all been arranged by my parents and I didn't even know his name. But such is the way which things like this. I was lucky to even get an engagement as many would simply be put in a dress dragged to the church and married off without much of a word. At least we were to be engaged for a few months, Once I was done my mother came to collect me and we went and waited by the door I felt uncomfortable, I felt tight, frilly and itchy I wanted nothing more than to get back into my usual dress.

Soon enough a carriage arrived,

And Out climbed a tall but slimy man with facial hair and a slicked-back cut of black hair, my thought upon looking at him was,

Well. I could do worse.

"Ahh perfect, perfect let's begin introductions." My mother said with a giddy smile, "Dr Rainsford Sneed, we proudly present our daughter Y/n Y/l/n." She smiled bringing me forward, "Y/n this is Dr Sneed you're engagement."

"Charmed," I said offering my hand, he took it and gave my hand a small kiss.

"I must say you are far more beautiful than I had been told."

"Yes, well... best be getting on," I said leading him into the parlour, my mother sat excitedly and my father drank with him, I felt like an extra to the conversation very rarely if ever contributing.

"Well, we best leave the newly's to their discussions," My mother smiled taking my father away and leaving Rainsford and me to ourselves.

For a moment we didn't speak.

"You're career?"

"Doctor Miss Y/n."

"General?"

"General and Surgery as I am required, I am shaping up to be head surgeon down the line." He said, "You work?"

"Yes, Tailor's clerk."

"Ohh, Well we can nip that in the bud."

"Excuse me?"

"No wife of mine shall work. I will keep you in the matter of good grace my dear you need not to work."

"I see." I nodded, I couldn't exactly argue with him and I'm sure many girls would adore being told they didn't have to work anymore, I just happened not to be one of them, "And My role will be?"

"Child rasing, and homemaking."

"I see, you expect children from me?"

"I do."

"Understood." I nodded, "You have interests outside the medical?"

"Nutmeg."

"In baking?"

"Business actually, the family fortune runs on the stuff, soon it shall be our livelihood."

"I thought you were going to be a head surgeon?"

"I am to have both, we shall build a fine life together." He said kissing my hand,

I didn't like it but, with a husband, who wanted children, and who would keep me stable and steady, I suppose it is best just not to argue.

"You find this agreeable Y/n?"

"I suppose I do, Rainsford." I nodded,

I sat in the garden watching the ducks on the pond using all my might not to sigh from the utter boredom. I know many women would find the mere act of sitting and listening to a man talk exciting but I just find Sneed boring, and he much found me the same. But it's not like we have a choice. I can't deny he is... somewhat handsome but I had always hoped to have a husband more than just handsome. Someone interesting, entertaining, amusing and so far Rainsford had failed in these departments.

For a moment I pondered that this would be my life,

How frighteningly dull.

"Everything Alright Y/n?"

"Fine Rainsford."

"You busy imagining?"

"Yes, I suppose so,"

"Oh? you picturing our marriage?"

"Indeed I am,"

"How sweet, you must be so excited." he smiled kissing my hand,

"...Yes, so excited." I lied.

I took myself a stroll parasol in hand to the Port Victory Royal Hospital, I wasn't thrilled about it but I had to keep up appearances, I suppose Rainsford and I would never get more affectionate or accustomed to one another without us at least putting the work in to try. I ushered myself up the steps and into the main entryway, I wasn't sure where to go and I didn't want to ask in case I would be interrupting his business so I merely waited hoping he would perhaps pass by.

"Somethin' you wanted Miss?" A voice spoke up,

I looked over towards the ward and saw a man.

He stood leaning on the wall, in a pair of rather high brown trousers, a white shirt with dirty billowing sleeves pushed up to his elbows, a washed-out blue waistcoat and green tie, his hair fluffy, dirty pushed over to one side, his hands in his pockets giving me a look.

I had to admit... I looked longer than an engaged girl should,

But I mean... Whoa... that is a gorgeous man.

But I'm getting married not buried.

I'm not married to Rainsford yet I can look, just nothing more than look.

all though I did have to roll my eyes a little, "Something that I wanted." I corrected, "No thank you, sir."

"You sure? People don't often linger in hospital."

"In the hospital." I corrected, "But no I'm waiting for someone."

"Ahh... You waiting for your husband?"

"He will be my husband."

For a moment his chocolate eyes looked me up and down with a flirtatious grin,

"Yes?"

"No..." He smirked, "No, way in bloody hell..."

"Something bothering you sir?"

"You can't be..." he muttered, "You're not Miss Y/l/n are ya?"

"Am I. Yes, I am."

He bit his lip a little looking at me, his eyes lingering far longer than they should on an engaged girl,

"And you know me how exactly?"

"I've heard a lot about you," he smirked, "I thought he was bullshitting... But, no. You really are that gorgeous,"

"Ohh Miss Y/l/n What a nice surprise my dear." Rainsford smiled as he came down the stairs,

"Good Afternoon," I smiled, as he came and kissed my hand and fixed some hair behind my ear,

"What brings you here this afternoon then?"

"I just thought I would come and visit you,"

"Aren't you a sweet little thing," he smiled,

Suddenly a cough came from my side, and the two men exchanged and conversation in glares and eyebrow movements, as if holding a whole conversation I was not privy too.

Rainsford sighed, rolled his eyes and held my hand turning me to this man, "Miss Y/n Y/l/n this is Dr Jack Dawkins, My colleague and our newest surgeon." He said, "Dr Dawkins, this is Miss Y/l/n, my fiance"

He smiled and took my hand from Rainsford's, giving my hand a polite kiss. "Pleasure to meet you Miss Y/l/n,"

"Likewise Dr Dawkins,"

"I'm sure the two of us will get to know each other over time."

"I'm sure we will." I nodded,

I sighed sitting on my the little chair outside the theatre pondering walking home,

"Miss Y/l/n?"

I perked up and saw Dr Dawkins on the stairwell, "Ohh Morning,"

"Morning, what are you doing here?"

"I came to visit Rainsford. But he's not here."

"No he's off... uhh... I actually don't know. I don't tend to ask. He was here he had surgery this morning."

"I know, I came to watch but he wouldn't let me in."

"Rules are no women in the theatre,"

"Why?"

"In case they faint from the blood I think,"

"Ridiculous."

"Oh?"

"Women see far more blood than men."

He chuckled, "You're not wrong."

"Still, rules are rules."

"Come on, You can sit with me till the gets back." He said coming down the stairs and offering his hand, I knew I shouldn't but I took it and let him lead me out to a small side door of the hospital where we each took a seat on the steps watching the clouds, "I'm suprised."

"About?"

"You too... if I may speak frankly, I think you're too good for him."

I blushed, "Thank you Dr Dawkins,"

"Jack. it's fine you're gonna be around a lot y/n."

"I suppose I will, I don't think I'm too good for him."

"You're bloody Gorgeous. good family. well refined."

"I'm also a defiant problem child of a girl."

"you're not defiant... you're independent there's a difference."

"Which is?"

"Defiant is fighting for the fight of it, because it pisses off mummy and daddy. You're independent you're smart enough to fight because you know you can,"

"Thank you,"

"You're welcome. I assume he's going to try and whip you into shape."

"He's trying to. Made me give up my job, told me to sell my trousers for more dresses."

"Dick." he said, "You happy about it?"

"God no, this thing is itchy and tight, and suprisly not supportive." I explained, "And how'd you feel if someone told you to give up the job you worked hard to even have just to sit around all day and someday raise their little crotch goblins."

"Good point." he laughed, "Strange that's all he wants,"

"He wants a wife,"

"Yeah, wives can be more useful than a pair of open legs and some hands to do dishes."

"You can try telling him that,"

"I'd have you in the theatre."

"You would?"

"Yeah, mostly to show off."

"Show off?"

"Yeah, I could show off for you" he winked, "See how fast and skilled I am, show off my quick fingers, certainly would be an...adrenalin rush for you." He smirked, "and it would give me a bit of an ego boost having a pretty lady there watching me."

"Maybe that's why, he's too nervous he'll mess up in front of me."

"I mean... he messes up a lot."

"Does he?"

"He does."

"He never tells me."

"He has a survival rate of one in nine. worse than prof."

"Ohh my god..."

"Yeah, he's shit."

"what is Prof's?"

"One in six."

"What's yours?"

"Why?"

"Curious."

"One in five."

"That...is... better, but still not great."

"It would be better but I get the shit jobs. The stuff neither of them wants to do, a little bit hard to do good work when you only do two out of ten surgeries and most of them are either little things like amputations or huge things like a bloody exploded appendix,"

"That's fair then I guess... but if your rating is better than his why aren't you in the line to be heard surgeon rather than Rainsford?"

He chuckled, "Because Prof doesn't like me, and Sneed doesn't like me, and the governor doesn't like me, and most people... don't like me."

"I like you,"

He smiled at me, "You don't think I'm a cunt?"

"No, not yet anyway. don't know you that well..."

"True, Thanks Y/n."

"You're welcome Jack,"

"I am surprised though, he bagged someone as pretty as you."

"Well, I didn't have much of a choice in it."

"No?"

"No, father arranged it."

"Ahh... now it makes sense." He nodded, "He didn't bag you, you were sold to him."

"Pretty much,"

"Humm I'd have known I'd have tried."

"You would?"

"If you were gonna be looking like this every day, and coming to visit me as much as you visit him I'd have dropped a bloody gold nugget on that table to you."

"That's very sweet Jack,"

"Y/n and Rainsford,"

"it even sounds grim,"

"Y/n Sneed."

"Ohh god don't,"

"Mrs Sneed,"

"Uhhh" I sighed, "ghastly isn't it."

"You can always keep your name?"

"no, he won't allow it."

"Looks like you're stuck then. Mrs Y/n Sneed."

"Ughhh god it sounds terrible."

"It kinda does," He laughed, "Sorry."

"It's fine..."

"You know..."

"What?"

"If I had dropped a gold nugget for you, You'd be Mrs Dawkins." he smirked, "Mrs Y/n Dawkins."

"See why does that just sound a thousand times better,"

"it does doesn't it."

I sat on my little bench waiting for Rainsford to finish his rounds so he could walk me home, we had a few things to discuss as our wedding was arranged and organized we'd be married in two days. I accepted my fate even if I had thought of jumping on a docked ship and just bolting off this rock,

"Ahh... The blushing bride-to-be."

I looked and saw Jack coming from the Ward,

We had seen each other a lot, given how much I was here, and we had... formed somewhat of a friendship, even if the flirtatiousness never really went away, but I knew I couldn't talk to him. Rainsford had demanded me not to, once he heard Jack and I had been speaking he got... Jealous. and demanded I not speak to him anymore. But still, I didn't want to be rude.

"Afternoon,"

"You excited for your wedding?"

"Ohh yes... ecstatic."

"You alright? other than the wedding nerves?"

"I'm not allowed to talk to you..."

"Right, this some sort of pre-wedding thing I don't know about? You not allowed to talk to men?"

"No, Rainsford just doesn't want me talking to you,"

"Dick," he sighed, "Well I won't bother you, I'm sure I'll see you around."

"Thank you, I'm sure I'll see you around too." I nodded,

He took my hand giving it a soft kiss, "Have a lovely wedding."

"I will try too."

He smiled and kissed my cheek, "You don't have to do anything you don't want to you know."

I blushed hard, "I know... not really sure I have much of a choice."

"Well... I'm here if you need me."

"Thank you, Jack."

He smiled and headed off elsewhere, Soon enough Rainsford arrived so he walked me home,

"Everything alright? You seem nervous?"

"Yes, just uhh just the wedding is all."

"of course, I must say I am very excited too." He smiled, "in just a few days we will be husband and wife."

"Indeed we will..."

"I look forward to it," he smiled giving my head a kiss,

"...I... do... too," I said nervously trying to hide my lies,

He bid me goodnight and I headed inside, I locked my room and just tried desperately to get my head on straight but it wasn't working well.

I sat at my vanity looking in the mirror at myself, my body clean, my hair prepped, all for tomorrow morning, my wedding dress hung by the wardrobe but I just adjusted my mirror so I didn't have to look at it. I felt so conflicted about it all,

I like Jack,

I know I do.

And frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if he liked me too...

But it could merely be playful flirting,

And Rainsford... he cares for me I suppose,

he is boring, but... Jack.

He is handsome, but ... Jack.

He is sweet, but... Jack.

I'm getting married in the morning! I should be thinking only of my betrothed, of our life together, of my wedding ceremony but... all I could think of was Jack.

Was a life with him, a day with him, a Night with him!

But who knows how long it would last?

And I'd leave a trail of disappointment behind me.

I heard a knock at my window and I was confused so I got up and went opening it to see... him.

"Jack?" I whispered,

"Hey,"

"Hey, what- what are you doing here?"

"I just thought I'd pop by, can I come in?"

"Well... yes but I don't know why you're here..." I said letting him in and shutting my window,

"Just thought I'd pop in on the bride and see how she's feeling."

"I feel fine." I lied,

"You really think you can do that?" he chuckled, "It's me. How are you feeling?"

"Conflicted. Afraid. Nervous. Like I wanna just jump on a ship, change my name and never come back."

"Yeah, I thought as much,"

"You did?"

"The closer this wedding's got the worse you've been." he said, "Y/n, it's obvious you don't wanna go through with this."

"What choice have I got?" I asked, "My family have arranged it, and Rainsford cares about me, I... I could have a lovely life with him."

"Better than what you'd have with me?"

"How'd you know I-"

"Becuase I'm not blind. I'm not as dense as sneed." he smirked, "We both like each other, we know we do. So? What are we gonna do about it?"

"There's nothing to do about it, but... force these feelings away."

"No? I work with your husband, you'll see me every time you come to the hospital. We live in a tiny port town we are gonna see each other, We're not just going to be able to force away our feelings forever."

"I know..."

"So? What are we gonna do about it?"

"I don't know! okay! you happy! I have no clue what I'm going to do about this! about you! I am... getting married tomorrow! I am getting married in the morning! to some foolish little boy, my father picked out, that I never even got a say in, and now my life is a bride, a housewife, a mother, I'm gonna have to have kids, and give up my whole life for this god damn man. and I have a wedding tomorrow a big pompous overblown wedding with a dress I want to set on fire, and I am standing here genuinely contemplating whether or not I wanna jump on a ship to Africa! I am stuck! up a creek with no paddle, no bloody boat even! I have no idea what I can do to fix this... Becuase sneed will be my husband tomorrow morning, my dull, boring, husband and now you're here and I don't know how to even process that you have any sort of feeling for me let alone what I'm going to do with mine, and how we can go on seeing one another every day knowing we feel this way about each other. I mean just Look at that damn face! I'm meant to marry another man and get your dumb stupid face is all I can think bout!"

for a moment he was speechless, "Uhh... Okay." he laughed a little, "You really needed to get that out didn't you?"

"I did." I nodded resting my hands on my hips as a took a breath, I felt so much lighter having finally said all the things I wanted to say.

"I feel that way too,"

"What?"

"I can't get your bloody face, your body, your mind out of my head."

"Neither can I... I am a Married woman! or I will be! you... you infuriating bastard!"

"I know, You're engaged, you're getting married. To my colleague. Who I fucking hate with a passion. and I can't just let you go, you utterly infuriating girl. Damn you."

"Damn you right back."

"I can't let you do this..."

"What?"

"I can't let you do this, without knowing how I care for you."

"I know how you care for me Jack, I care for you ten times more but... we both know there is nothing were can do."

"That's why I'm here tonight." he said taking my hands, "Come away with me tonight."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Come away with me tonight, were can go wherever you want, do whatever you want, just... come with me. Far away from your family, far from Sneed, and... be mine."

"Ohh Jack... I- I want to, more than anything,"

"Then come with me." He said stroking my cheek,

"I can't, we both know we can't." I said, "... In another life, I'd have loved you beyond measure. Been the most perfect wife you could have dreamt of. I'd have lived the happiest life ever known."

"I don't want another life." He said, "I want this one, with you."

"But it cannot be, Jack you cannot ask me to disappoint so many people, as much as I want to go with you. I must stay." I said pressing my forehead to his,

"...So that's it then. We can't be together, and I'm just supposed to stand around the hospital with you, watch you with him, without telling you I love you, I'm supposed to spend my life trying to replace you."

"I don't know what else we can do... I know he will never fill the hole that is in my heart, for it is shaped too perfectly for you."

"There is something we can do." He said his nose stroked the bridge of my own,

"What?"

"You know of this... discretions?"

"discretions?"

"Before and after your engagement he has been with other women."

"I know, such is normal for men. To visit a girl from the pub or I suppose nurses in you boys cases."

"It doesn't bother you?"

"It does, but I know it is normal."

He smiled, "if Sneed can bring a nurse into his bed? I see no reason you cannot bring me."

"You and I both know that's not how it works, men can bring others into their beds, but women cannot. That is society's rules."

"When have you ever followed society's rules."

"We cannot have an affair Jack, the scandal if ever someone found out."

"Then just tonight."

"What?"

"Just tonight, pleased y/n. Let me have tonight, and I promise I will force my feelings away. But just for tonight, let me have you."

"I... I want to, But- Jack it is my wedding in the morning."

"Consider it a wedding present."

"If Sneed found out"

"He won't,"

"If my family,"

"I will never tell another soul."

"What if Sneed discovers it tomorrow night..."

"I won't leave any marks. I promise."

"No... I mean, will be not notice I have already been, deflowered?"

"Trust me, any man gets a look at that body he's not gonna be paying attention to much else." He smirked, "So? Do you want me?"

"Yes." I gasped pulling his hair to bring him into a kiss, he happily kissed me back his hands snaked around my waist,

I sat up carefully wrapping the sheets around me as I looked across my room, my body hot and a little blushy where I had felt things never felt before, my eyes caught my dress and I felt this sudden deep guilt.

"What have I done..."

"Ummm what haven't you done?" Jack smirked sitting up to give me little kisses which immediately distracted me,

"We can't ever do this again," I said my fingers knotting in his hair,

"Do you want to do it again?" he smirked kissing my neck,

"Umm don't tempt me, Jack," I growled, "You know I do."

"Then why can't we? we just have to keep it a secret."

"I- I can't Jack." I said, "As much as Rainsfords a dick... I can't do that to him. It's not fair he trusts me, as his wife. Sometimes growing up is knowing when to give up what you want."

"You shouldn't have to give up what you want to make others happy." He said stopping the kisses, "Don't you think you deserve to be happy?"

"I wish the world worked like that. I truly do Jack. I wish this could be our life."

"So do I."

"But it can't. Tonight was..."

"Was?"

"Wonderful." I smiled, "But we can't allow it to happen again. Tonight was merely to allow our feelings an escape. Now we must go on as if they don't exist."

".... Okay, if that's what you want." he nodded, "But... I will remember this night always, no other woman will ever fill your place in my heart, and I will do my best to hide my emotions but know they will never truly leave me."

"Nor my own for you, I wish this night could last forever. I wish so much I was marrying you, but know I will always love you, and this night can never be altered, what I have given you tonight can never be taken by another man."

"I will treasure it, and this memory of you always." He smiled giving my lips a sweet kiss,

"But it was just once, it can never happen again."

"No, never again." he nodded, "I love you, so much. Have a nice wedding." he said before he got up and got dressed, "If ever you need me, if ever he is cruel to you, unkind to you, or even if you need an escape. know you are never fully trapped, you always have somewhere to go, no matter what if you need me I will take care of you." he said taking my face in his hands and giving me one last kiss,

"Thank you, Jack," I smiled

He nodded and stroked my cheek before he took his things and left in the dawn light.

I held Rainsford's hand as we left the church surrounded by family, and glee. I did feel happy rushed up in the pageantry of the day but as we left I spotted Jack across the street, leaning on a lamp post, He smiled as he saw me in my dress, playfully rubbing his neck where I just last night left a hickey, we briefly exchanged a smile before I headed home.

I sat in my bed, against the headboard, my covers close.

Well... That certainly was anti-climatic.

I'm sure most women would just be thrilled about their wedding night and I was yes, I'm sure most women would be happy with such performance.

But I had experienced such a performance the night before and well... this did not compare.

Not even slightly,

Oh dear god, what have I done?

This may be the biggest regret of my life...

I have up a gorgeous, handsome man who loves me beyond measure, for this!

"Ohh my- You were extraordinary sweetheart."

"...Thanks, yeah you uhhh you were too." I lied,

I sat in bed unable to sleep, I had been a married woman a month and the honeymoon phase really was over, I sat there listening to Rainsford snore for a while.

Finally, I pushed myself out of bed slipped on my cloak and snuck out of the house, Luckily we didn't live far from where I was going, I found my way inside and up to the little room. I know this is a bad idea but I can't stay away honestly I'm surprised I lasted this long.

I knocked and a voice came from within,

"It's open!"

So I went inside shutting the locking the door behind me, and saw Jack sat in bed.

"Y/n? What- what are you doing here?"

"I uhh I don't know."

"I think we both know why you're here..."

"I think so too, Do- do you still love me?"

"More than anything, Do you-"

"I do. But... we can't I- I'm a happily married woman."

"Happily?"

"I'm a married woman." I corrected, "I... I uhhh... I know we said, it was just once. just one night."

"yeah?"

"I change my mind," I said removing my cloak to stand there in my nightie,

"Right..." He gulped, "You really wanna do this?"

"I do..."

"Come here then sweetheart."

Immediately I bolted over and jumped into his bed with him,

"What took you so long?"

"Ohh trust me I tried. But I can't stay away from you" I smiled pulling him into a kiss,

I giggled as I stood in the hospital cupboard, I was snuggly in Jack's arms, my hands in his hair as we kissed, we made sure to keep quiet and hidden, given Rainsford was in the hospital today. But we had managed to keep our affair a secret so far, which was quite an achievement when we had seen each other almost every day for the last year and a half. And still no suspicions. I was honestly surprised no one noticed, I mean... we aren't that secretive.

"Umm why do you have to look at me like that sweetheart? you know what it does to me," he growled between kisses,

"Well, you kept me waiting all day,"

"I kept you waiting so you wouldn't get in trouble with your husband."

"Like he notices."

"Hummm come on, you know you want to" He smirked resting his hand on my thigh where my dress was already tugged up from our kisses,

"You really love making me cum don't you?"

"Of course I do, you scream so loud." he smirked, "And come on, you know how fun it is for me to lord over him with the fact I'm the only one who can make his wife cum."

"And you so do love to lord over him."

"Of course, how can I not lord over him how dirty his wife is for me, how badly she needs me, how much she begs for me, how she sneaks out her marriage bed to be with me, you know I love lording over him how much we love one another."

"True." I giggled pulling him back to a kiss,

"y/n!"

Immediately we separated but it was too late, the door was open and Rainsford had seen us.

"Y/n! were you... kissing dr Dawkins!"

I didn't feel like lying to him, he'd find out sooner or later, "Yes."

"You- You cheap whore!"

"Don't you dare call her that!" Jack jumped into my defence as we both left the cupboard all three of us arguing in the middle of the hospital for a while before he finally snapped,

"I want a divorce!" He yelled

"You've got it!" I told him

And he marched off angrily,

"Well... that's over. I'm already divorced. Joy."

"It's not all bad, you don't have to put up with him anymore."

"true."

"And if you're divorced... you are free to, remarry?"

"Jack? are you asking what I think you are?"

"I am, You wanna marry me?"

"I'd love too Jack!"

#thomasbrodiesangster #tbs imagine #thomas sangster imagine #tbs imagines #thomas brodie sangster imagine #thomas sangster #tbs smut #thomas brodie sangster #thomas brodie sangster smut #tbs #jackdawkins #jack dawkins #jack #thearttfuldodger #the artful dodger #theartfuldogger

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my-deer-history · 2 months

Text

Francis Kinloch in the Müller-Bonstetten letters: Part 3

My translations here, German and French originals below the cut. Thanks to @acrossthewavesoftime for help on a particularly sticky passage!

28 Aug 1776

What can I do about it that my pen always flatters you? Now that Kinloch is also leaving me, you are everything to me. I understand your heart, I understand you in your absentmindedness.

Difficile est saturam non scribere. nam quis iniquae

tam patiens urbis, tam ferreus, ut teneat se.*

My letters will henceforth be different. My Kinloch departs from me, and B. is the only mortal whom I can embrace, at least once a week. [...] And he is Kinloch, whose hometown is, at this moment, being challenged by Clinton, who in this hour may have lost his entire fortune to the bombs or the sword, who knows that his gentle mother and his sister are exposed to the barbaric rage of the German troops, and who continues to calmly study the law, to prepare himself for great things, and even finds the time to love me, and to greet you.

*From Juvenal’s Satires:

It is hard not to write Satire. For who is so tolerant of the unjust City, so steeled, that he can restrain himself

18 Sept 1776

I wrote a long letter to you and did not send it, because I know that you always share my displeasures with me. I would rather harden myself against them; excepting vice and ignorance, there is no misfortune in the world for the wise; otherwise, what would be the purpose of philosophy! It has been a long time since you wrote to me; remember that I cannot be without you. Kinloch is leaving, when? I do not know, but certainly before the 10th October,* for three days to Iverdun; I am not going with him.

When K wants to leave me what little the war has spared him, and wants to renounce everything for me, and is angry that fate has not made him rich for my sake, then your friend feels the power of divine friendship over his heart, looks for it in vain among the others, sees only you and him.

*John Laurens writes to Kinloch on 30 September and mentions that Kinloch expected to leave for Italy earlier than planned, on account of the health of his travelling companion – and possibly a young lady he was courting – called Miss Stephens.

30 Oct 1776

Kinloch makes me happier than all 13 Cantons*. I have 3 letters from him, I will bring them for you.

*The 13 Cantons made up the Swiss Confederation until 1798, and were the subject of Müller’s extensive historical studies.

23 Dec 1776

At about seven o’clock I write my letters; weekly to you and to Kinloch; rarely to others on business; occasionally to Geneva because of the unrest; occasionally to a young person who loves me very much and whom I am training to serve in place of my eyes. [...] My happiest moments are those in which I find a new connection or a new direction, and those where I rise from my work, and walk around my room alone, my thoughts fixed on you and K. or on my future happiness.

31 Dec 1776

Kinloch writes, all his letters are full of imagination and sentiment; he has seen Cardinal Bernis, the Duke of Ostergotland, the Duke of Gloucester. The American army is scattered, Washington appears to be looking for a good peace for himself and his people; if the war should continue, K has determined to sacrifice all the happiness that awaited him, even the health that he only enjoys in Europe, to his mother. I can never praise the nobility of his elevated soul enough to you.

17 Feb 1777

Do you not think that I would do well to tell Kinloch not to look for anything for me, until I write otherwise to him again? [...] That which makes me unable to expect I shall ever be independent from the pen is my unlimited yearning for fame; all that I write, I want to make worthy of all times and all peoples: that makes the work long. But I am not anxious; I trust in you and Kinloch and myself. I want to send you letters about Italy from Kinloch along with my chapter!

1 April 1777

I embrace you, my brother and my friend. As soon as I am freed from the shackles of this death, I will live for you alone and for K. Farewell, farewell.

12 April 1777

And another thing: Yes, the Greeks had kings; these kings were planters, like Abraham, like our old nobility and the american Englishmen. If Kinloch’s 2000 acres in Florida and his Kensington, Kinlochfurt and Winyau* were laid together, Homer would have called him King Francis Kinloch.

[...]

Kinloch from Paris: “In this moment I receive yours and stretch the hand of fraternal love to you across the extent of country, that separates us my dearest M. The love of you is an essential part of my very being, and I could not sooner quit the one as the other. If there is a Being, whose eye pierces into the inmost recesses of our soul, he alone can know how much I love you, and how much, how ardently I desire from the very bottom of my heart, that it may ever be in my power to remove every obstacle that stands between you and the most supreme degree of happiness. The only service we can render one another at present, is to keep our friendship unsullied by any thing unworthy of it, to act as if we, each of us, had the eyes of him we love best upon us. The day will come when I shall be able to lay my hands upon your works, and to say with a smile of exultation: This man is my bosom friend. Trust me, K. will not be altogether idle on his side. I seldom, you know, give way to the effusions of my love, but when I do, the tears start into my eyes, and I am obliged to lay down my pen.” And you: “Everything brings you closer and closer to my heart.” Can I be unhappy, and will the warmth of your friendship not enrich my spirit? not ignite it? When I received Kinloch's letter I could not work all morning. Tell me, my dear friend: do you not love him too?

*Jucharte is a Swiss term for an area of land of 36 ares, though here being used synonymously with acres. These names presumably refer to Kinloch family owned land at Kensington and Weehaw, though it’s not clear what or where Kinlochsfurt (Kinloch’s Ford) is, as well as the 2000 acres that Kinloch Sr acquired in East Florida.

28 Aug 1776

Was kann ich dafür, daß meine Feder immer für Euch anseht? Nun mich auch Kinloch verläßt, so sind Sie mir Alles. Ich verstehe Ihr Herz, ich verehre Euch in Euren Etourderien.

Difficile est saturam non scribere. nam quis iniquae

tam patiens urbis, tam ferreus, ut teneat se.

Meine Briefe werden künftig noch anders seyn. Mein Kinloch scheidet von mir, und B. ist der einige Sterbliche, den ich wenigstens Einmal wöchentlich umarmen kann. [...] Und der ist Kinloch, dessen Vaterstadt Clinton nun ausgefordert, der in dieser Stunde vielleicht sein ganzes Vermögen durch Bomben und Schwert verloren hat, der seine zärtliche Mutter und seine Schwester der barbarischen Wuth teutscher Soldaten ausgesetzt weiß, und ruhig seine Gesetze studiert, sich zu großen Dingen stärkt, und sogar Zeit findet, mich zu lieben und Sie zu grüßen.

18 Sept 1776

Ich habe Ihnen einen langen Brief geschrieben, und nicht gesandt, weil ich weiß, daß, Sie meinen Unmuth immer mit mir theilen. Ich will mich lieber dagegen stärken; außer Lastern und Unwissenheit ist in der Welt kein Unglück für den Weisen; wozu hälfe die Philosophie! - Es ist lang, seit Sie mir geschrieben; erinnern Sie sich, daß ich ohne Sie nicht seyn kann. — Kinloch geht, wann? weiß ich nicht, aber gewiß vor dem 10. Det., auf drei Tage nach Iverdun; ich komme nicht mit ihm. Wenn K, von dem Wenigen, so der Krieg ihm übrig gelassen, für mich entübrigen, und für mich sich selbst abbrechen will, und über das Schicksal zürnt, welches ihn nicht für mich reich gemacht hat, alsdann fühlt Euer Freund die Macht der göttlichen Freundschaft über sein Herz, sucht sie vergeblich unter den andern, sieht nur Euch und ihn.

30 Oct 1776

Kinloch allein macht mich glücklicher, als alle 13 Orte. Ich habe 3 Briefe von ihm, die bringe ich Euch.

23 Dec 1776

Ungefähr um sieben Uhr schreibe ich meine Briefe; wöchentlich an Sie und an Kinloch; selten an andere um Geschäfte; bisweilen nach Genf wegen der Unruhen; bisweilen an einen jungen Menschen, der mich sehr liebt und welchen ich bilde, mir einst statt meiner Augen zu dienen. [...] Meine glücklichsten Augenblicke sind die, in welchen ich eine neue Verbindung oder eine neue Wendung entdecke, und die, wenn ich von meiner Arbeit aufstehe, und einsam durch mein Zimmer spaziere, die Gedanken auf Sie und K. oder auf meine künftige Glückseligkeit geheftet.

31 Dec 1776

Kinloch schreibt, alle seine Briefe sind voll Einbildung und Empfindung; Er sieht den Cardinal Bernis, den Herzog von Ostgothland, den Herzog von Glocester. Die amerikanische Armee ist zerstreut, Washington scheint für sich und die Seinigen einen guten Frieden zu suchen; wenn der Krieg fortdauren sollte, so ist K. entschlossen, alles Glück, so ihn erwartete, sogar die Gesundheit, deren er nur in Europa genießt, seiner Mutter aufzuopfern. Ich kann Ihnen nie genug den Edelmuth seiner hohen Seele rühmen.

17 Feb 1777

Denken Sie nicht, ich thue wohl, dem Kinloch zu sagen, daß er, bis ich ihm anderst schreibe, nichts für mich suche? [...] Was macht, daß ich meine Unabhängigkeit nicht von der Feder erwarten kann, ist meine unbegränzte Ruhmbegierde; alles was ich schreibe, möchte ich aller Zeiten und aller Völker würdig machen: das macht die Arbeit lang. Ich bin aber nicht unruhig; ich verlasse mich auf Euch und Kinloch und mich. - Ich will Euch mit meinen Kapiteln Briefe über Italien von Kinloch senden!

1 April 1777

Ich umarme dich, mein Bruder und mein Freund. Sobald ich der Fesseln dieses Todes befreit bin, lebe ich für Dich allein und für K. Adieu, Adieu.

12 April 1777

Noch eins: Ja die Griechen hatten Könige; diese Könige waren die Planters, wie Abraham, wie unser alter Adel und die amerikanischen Engländer. Wenn Kinlochs 2000 Jucharten in Florida und sein Kensington, Kinlochsfurt und Winyau* beisammen lagen, so hätt' ihn Homer den König Francis Kinloch genannt.

[...]

Kinloch aus Paris: “In this moment I receive yours and stretch the hand of fraternal love to you across the extent of country, that separates us my dearest M. The love of you is an essential part of my very being, and I could not sooner quit the one as the other. If there is a Being, whose eye pierces into the inmost recesses of our soul, he alone can know how much I love you, and how much, how ardently I desire from the very bottom of my heart, that it may ever be in my power to remove every obstacle that stands between you and the most supreme degree of happiness. The only service we can render one another at present, is to keep our friendship unsullied by any thing unworthy of it, to act as if we, each of us, had the eyes of him we love best upon us. The day will come when I shall be able to lay my hands upon your works, and to say with a smile of exultation: This man is my bosom friend. Trust me, K. will not be altogether idle on his side. I seldom, you know, give way to the effusions of my love, but when I do, the tears start into my eyes, and I am obliged to lay down my pen.” Und du: “Alles nähert dich meinem Herzen mehr und mehr." Kann ich unglücklich seyn, und wird die Wärme Eurer Freundschaft meinen Geist nicht befruchten? nicht entzünden? Als ich Kinlochs Brief bekommen, konnte ich den ganzen Morgen nicht mehr arbeiten. Sage mir, mein Herzensfreund: liebest Du ihn nicht auch?

#francis kinloch #johannes von müller #karl viktor von bonstetten #18th century history #queer history #john laurens

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hasufin · 4 months

Text

Shiro, a cloud that purrs, 2009-2024

In August of 2009, my then-girlfriend and I had been discussing getting a third cat. We had one cat - Maurice - who was an older tabby with a heart condition. And we had a younger tortoiseshell, Ashes, who was kind of rambunctious and kept pestering Maurice. So we thought it might be nice to have another younger cat to keep Ashes occupied and let Maurice have a peaceful retirement.

A friend of my girlfriend heard about someone who found some kittens, and we pretty spontaneously said "sure!". My girlfriend departed from a party we were having at our house with a cat carrier, and returned with this little ball of fluff.

He was a handful. And so, so so energetic. At the time my girlfriend was playing the video game "Prince of Persia", which lets your character run on vertical surfaces if you're going fast enough.

Shiro would do that.

Now, the original plan pretty much completely failed to pan out: Ashes hated Shiro; she saw him as a replacement for her. Andfor his part Shiro - who was actually sweet to every other cat he met, including on one occasion a bobcat, was hostile to Ashes.

But, that said, they did tolerate each other and Shiro grew into a handsome long-haired cat.

With a tail that was bigger than him.

Shiro was, I must emphasize, a "back porch special". But in every respect he was a Turkish Angora. He had the soft, kittenish coat. The smart, curious demeanor. The odd-colored eyes. The love of high places. The friendliness but close bonding with a chosen human. If I didn't know he wasn't a purebred, I'd think he might be.

He was always there to greet me at the door, and he if I sat down, there he would be.

I knew he was getting older, but this all started in mid-October when I noticed him wheezing.

Wheezing is Very Bad for cats.

I took him into to the emergency vet. They found he had fluid in his lung cavity. Their tentative diagnosis was congestive heart failure, which causes fluid buildup in the chest. This gets a lot of cats, and he had dealt with it before: it's what took Maurice. So I didn't panic. This is treatable, and while it's fatal it would be a couple of years down the road. They drained the fluid and sent me off with some drugs and a referral to a cardiologist.

That weekend, he was wheezing again, and just wasn't any more energetic. I went to take him in again, but my usual vet was full and could not take in any more patients with lung issues. I took him to another veterinary hospital, VCA Southpaws. That was, it turns out, a very good call.

They determined he did not have CHF, but rather the fluid buildup was due to a twisted lung lobe (cats have 7 lobes in each lung). It had twisted and was impinging on another lobe. This was terribly rare, and required immediate surgery. Fortunately, we had him insured and once that was approved, we had a very long night waiting to hear the outcome of the surgery.

Aside from being expensive and rare, that was one of the best possible major medical issues: treatable with a single surgery, no ongoing medication, no special concerns in the future.

But.

Because VCA Southpaws is a specialist hospital, and frankly has a higher standard of care than the majority of human hospitals I've visited, I also had them look into an ongoing issue we'd had which our regular vet had brushed off: for the past year Shiro had a massively increased appetite and concurrent weight loss. We were feeding him about 3x as much food as normal and he was only maintaining weight.

Well, the truth is, we never really found out for sure what caused that. But what we did find was lymphoma. That is, cancer.

Now, without going into too many details, there were many junctures in which it might have been one thing which wasn't so bad, or another thing which was very bad. In Shiro's case, at every juncture it was the worse possibility, and it was - as befits a cat who is an incredible statistical rarity in every other respect - the rarest version. As I understand, the body of work for his particular kind of cancer in cats - high grade, non-localized lymphoma with no specific tumors - is basically Shiro. A non-specialist would not even have had the tools to diagnose it. Moreover his presentation was "highly atypical".

Unfortunately, the weirder the cancer, the harder it is to treat. I knew some about cancer, but I learned more. Cancer is all about statistics. And here's a statistic for you: 50% of all feline lymphomas are resistant to treatment. That means you can give them the best care possible, and in about half of cases that will just not mean a thing.

The first chemo protocol didn't help. The second chemo protocol didn't help. We got to the third chemo protocol - a particularly nasty synthetic form of what is known as "The Red Devil" but actually broader and more cytotoxic - but his hematocrit was dropping. He'd been losing weight since October, and having a hard time eating, but at that point his hematocrit was only 14% (a healthy cat's should be in the 30s). We authorized a transfusion, which got it up to 22%, and then he began the third chemo fallback.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday he only ate a very little of his breakfast, and nothing after that. By evening I was deeply worried and we took him back to the hospital. His hematocrit had in five days fallen to 17%. This was incredibly bad; it meant that the cancer had infiltrated his bone marrow and he could not rebuild his blood supply.

At that point we only had bad options.

We could have him given another transfusion and a feeding tube. However, that would only buy him a few days and he would be utterly miserable.

We could take him home, where he would die within a day or so.

We opted to not prolong his misery.

Shiro died in my arms, purring, shortly after 10:30 pm on January 2nd, 2024.

Goodbye, Shiro. You were a better kitty than I ever dreamed I could have.

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amugoffandoms · 6 months

Note

I FINALLY FOUND IT

@ozymandias5854

"Flowers: thank you to Puga and Oto in the MILGRAM Stanclub for identifying these!

Bird of Paradise: Paradise, freedom, joy. It can also symbolise faithfulness in romantic relationships and optimism. Wilted in the MV, which could suggest the absence of freedom, joy, etc, as well as a lack of faithfulness.

Dahlia: Elegance, inner stength, change, creativity, dignity. Alternatively, it can represent betrayal, instability, and dishonesty. It's also notable that in the Victorian era they symbolised a lasting bond/lifelong commitment between two people. Also wilted, which could suggest a lack of inner strength and a failed long-term relationship/committment.

ORCHIDS: There's a lot of orchids so I'm going to put their general meanings in here. Orchids are typically used at weddings and funerals and represent love, luxury, beauty and strength, as well as virility in Ancient Greece. They are very much associated with love, and their usage at funerals is often to represent everlasting love for the deceased. They can also be thought to bring good luck and fortune in love.

Elleanthus (orchid): It's sort of a purple/pink so: Pink orchids are the 14th wedding anniversary flower and convey pure affection. Purple orchids symbolise respect, and are generally given as a gift to show affection.

Egret orchid: Typically white, so they would normally symbolise innocence and purity, as well as elegance and reverence. However, the ones in the video are red, and red orchids typically symbolise fire, romance, desire, and passion. They're very rare in the wild, which is notable as in the tradition of gifting exotic flowers to show love and affection, the rarer the flower, the deeper the affection. (two seperate omori fans in the replies add: "My thoughts will follow you into your dreams.")

Dendrobium: Popular for use in weddings, particularly as corsages or in bridal flower arrangements to show the beauty of the bride.

Butterfly orchid: The most famous orchid species, they symbolise elegance, femininity and unity.

Cymbidium: Commonly known as a boat orchid, it represents morality and virtue, and in Asia it is an honour/gesture of respect and friendship to give a cymbidium.

Wilted: could represent a loss of morality/virtue.

Masterwort: Also known as astrantia. Can be a romantic flower, referred to in old folk tales as stars that have fallen to earth. Symbolic meaning is a strong, brave protector. Wilted, which could suggest that someone (probably Shidou) has failed in their role of protector.

Anthurium + Monstera: Anthurium signifies long lasting love and friendship, and it said to bring luck in your relationship. Known also as a flamingo lily, it's one of the most gifted plants on Valentine's Day due to it's heart shaped leaves and in Ancient Greece the flowers of anthurium were said to be Cupid's arrows. Monstera can represent suffocation, or long life and the honouring of elders.

King Protea: Named after the Greek god Poseidon's son Proteus, who would change his appearance to avoid detection. Generally thought to symbolise diversity, daring, transformation, and courage.

Calla lily: Symbolism varies by flower colour. However, they're generally used for occasions such as weddings and funerals due to their beauty and are also associated with purity, holiness, faithfulness. The 6th wedding anniversary flower. Dark red symbolises passion and intensity. Although calla lilies are not true lilies, lilies can symbolize that the soul of the departed has received restored innocence after death.

Roses: Love, romance, can also be linked to secrecy. Appears on four tarot cards: the fool, the magician, strength, and death. In Greek mythology, roses originated from Adonis.

Note: a lot of them have different features like not being fully bloomed, so keep that in mind. I'll update this later"

posted 2 years ago as of october 24th, 2023!

HELLO!! sorry i just remembered to respond to this but thank you!!

the meaning of the wilted cymbidium is so interesting woag…. loss of morality/virtue really hits with shidou to be honest

#mug answers #milgram #shidou kirisaki #kirisaki shidou

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spaceyflowerswriting · 2 years

Note

Eugene x reader where readers parents are like billionaires so Eugene works w/ them, and when reader and eugene meet they fall inlove n shit something like they fell first but he fell harder sorry if its confusing

lucky (eugene x reader)

details: fluffy oneshot, gender neutral reader written in 2nd pov, general canon au, you and eugene are coworkers but crushing on each other

summary: eugene thinks about his favorite coworker.

a/n: no worries, thank u for the request :] !!

Most people, whether at first glance or actually getting to know him, would often assume Eugene was cynical when it came to love. And they would be right, to a degree. The thing was, he wasn't pessimistic when it came to the emotion, he just didn't prioritize it much. Even if he accomplished his goal, he'd prioritize living a peaceful, quiet life next. After that, he'd be content.

There would be no need to go searching for a partner. He didn't think it was necessary, and left that part of his life in fate's hands while he would control the rest. It was either fate would have the right one come walking along, or he would die without a romantic relationship. Which he had no problem with, obviously.

Fortunately for him, fate was kind, and led you to him.

Eugene already considered himself pretty lucky just with how far his intelligence, allies, and connections brought him but he didn't think he would hit gold in the love department as well.

After all, what were the chances of becoming well acquainted with the heir of someone to a billionare company, who happened to be around his age? What were the chances said person was also as cunning as him, with the added bonus of being attractive? Your charm was only the beginning of his growing feelings for you.

Of course, he was never a "love at first sight" kind of man, so while he was intrigued by you in the beginning, he mainly let you stay around because you were a trustworthy and useful asset to him. Naturally that then lead to spending more time together, and eventually he found himself wanting your company, even outside his "work hours."

He could tell you felt the same; almost always you found an excuse to be nearby during his rare breaktimes. It would be a lie to say he didn't enjoy those moments, and an even bigger lie to say he himself never once seeked you out for your presence under the guise of business reasons.

Whether this relationship unfolded was up to you and the progress of his plans, but he was content dancing along the lines of platonic and romantic intentions with you. For now. Mostly.

Okay, not really, his feelings had grown quite a bit within the past few months, but he didn't want to rush things, either. Timing was everything, and feeling unsure of that made him want to hold back. Still, he made sure you knew of his feelings despite never directly expressing it. Surely all the gifts and quality time he spent with you showed that?

"Eugene."

Ah, just the person he was thinking about.

"Are you busy?"

"Not at the moment, no. Did you need something?" Eugene turned away from the window to face you.

You shrugged on the way to stand next to him. "I just wanted to check in with you."

"Is that all?" he teased, watching in amusement as you smirked and countered with, "Do I need further reason?"

"I suppose not."

"Good, because I wasn't going to provide any more than what I said." Eugene shook his head while you snickered. "So... how are things going?"

Small talk, huh? Oh well. He would indulge, for you. "Smoothly. I've been trying to recover from my latest loss and believe things are working in my favor again."

You gave him a hum of acknowledgement. "Are Eli and Warren proving useful?"

"Very much so. Eli's a fast worker." He tilted his head. "How is your work?"

"Daruma and Nomen are doing fine. Neko's still trying to get it together. At least, I think she's trying." You definitely didn't sound confident saying that last part.

Eugene's nose scrunched at the mention of Neko. He replied with his first thought, "Don't remind me of my loss of Sinu Han."

Laughing, you gave him a little elbow nudge. "Look on the bright side, at least you have Eli now."

"Yes, but I would have preferred if I could keep Sinu and have Eli."

"Fair enough. Better hope you don't lose anymore assets."

The perfect chance to drop a comment with flirty undertones--Eugene snatched it right up. "Indeed. It would be a shame if I lost something valuable like you again."

He expected you to look at least somewhat flustered based on past experiences, but you stayed unbothered. Now that Eugene thought about it, implying he viewed you as an asset probably wasn't as flirty as he thought it was. Well, you were a valuable asset, but you were also more to him; he only meant to emphasize that last part.

This realization stung him a little bit in embarrassment.

"Well, you better hold on tight, then." There was a playfulness to your voice, maybe even a flirty one. Were you flirting back after his failed attempt? "Not that I'm planning to leave. But it's nice when you show you care about little ol' me."

Right as Eugene was about to reply lightheartedly, someone called out your name. The two of you turn to the source of the voice: Daruma.

He was walking down the hall towards you both. He stopped at a respectful distance and bowed his head slightly. "Excuse my interruption. Mitsuki finally left her room for once. You asked me or Ryuhei to come get you if she did." He added a little more quietly, "Please hurry before Ryuhei attempts running away with her into the sunset or something."

"Ah..." You trail off into laughter. "Okay, I'll be right there! Thanks for letting me know, Daruma."

He bowed his head politely again and turned away to leave.

Once out of earshot, Eugene changed what he was about to say into, "Better get to work." Demanding words, but they came out in a friendly way.

"Right away, boss." You grab his tie and readjust it before sweetly smiling, as if putting on an innocent act despite the flirty-sounding tone you still had. "See you around, Eugene."

It left him too frozen in shock to respond, and by then you were running off yelling for Daruma to slow down so you could catch up with him. Eugene just stared at you until you disappeared around the corner of the hallway.

"Hmph." A puff of air left his nose as he crossed his arms. He couldn't help but glance around a little in slight worry that someone around would catch him with the mildest tinge of red on his cheeks.

After confirming he was alone, he turned back to the window he was staring out of.

He refused to rush. But you sure were making him feel hurried to ask you to be his lover, lest you charm someone else and they ask you out first. Then again, you seemed to only be interested in him, although he wouldn't know how long that would last. Still, he figured some patience would go a long way, so he'd wait a little more.

#lookism x reader #eugene x reader #eugene #requests #first time writing eugene @_@; hope i did ok !!

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marblemoovt · 2 years

Text

Meeting Hiro’s Mom

Masterlist

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: None, just good ol’ fluff

Summary:

Hiro and you are driving to meet his mom for dinner. He may have a 30% accuracy rate, but he insists that the two of you will get along well.

------

“Well, what did the magic 8-ball say?” you ask, stopping the car when you finally find an available parking spot.

“Inconclusive.” Hiro answers and slumps in his seat.

“You are wrong 70% of the time,” you say, glancing over your shoulder as you slowly back into a parking stall.

“I prefer an optimistic outlook and see it as I’m right 30% of the time. But something tells me you’re going to get along with my mom well.” You can hear the smug grin in his tone.

“And what’s that?” you ask, shooting him an inquisitive look since the car has stopped. Hiro hums and drags out the moment. You take the opportunity to check the side mirrors and give yourself a mental pat on the back. The car is well-centred and doesn’t need further adjustments.

“Let’s just call it a gut feeling.”

Note:

This was requested by @princeasimdiya12 on Tumblr

And yes, I know the title is very original. My poor brain couldn't come up with something better lol.

I can't say that Hiro was a character I paid much attention to in the first game, but it was interesting to write a story with him! I did end up googling Hiroko when I learned that she appears in the later games (I'm only familiar with one and two). She kinda took over the story and... well... you'll see.

Happy reading! (。・∀・)ノ

─── ⋆ ｡ﾟ☆: *. ☽ .* :☆ﾟ｡⋆ ───

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so stressed,” you comment, glancing at Yasuhiro in the passenger seat. He’s fidgeting, which he rarely does. When he continues staring out the window, you turn down the radio. “Maybe you should do a reading if you’re so worried.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m totally chill, a cool cucumber.” Hiro’s tone wavers, and he clears his throat. His knee continues to bounce, and you place a hand down on his thigh.

“I saw you with that magic 8-ball this morning, the one I gifted you as a joke.” You smile to yourself. He was so excited when he got it that he used it the entire day, which led to a date planned by a magic 8-ball. Now it’s more of a decoration than a fortune-telling tool.

“My crystal ball broke, and there was a guy desperate for a reading. Didn’t have any of my cards with me, so I figured I’d go with the next best thing.” Hiro says with a shrug. His knee has calmed down, but you can feel the occasional jerk beneath your hand.

“Did you foresee this lie working on me?” You chuckle, keeping your eyes on the road. “Cause it didn’t. You’re a terrible liar, baby.”

Hiro huffs and glances over at you before staring out the window again, “Ok, I might have been checking how this afternoon would go,” he admits. He was so calm meeting your parents. Right now, he looks like he wants to eject himself out of your car on the way to dinner with his mother.

“Talk to me. Tell me what’s on your mind.” You turn your hand with your palms facing up, and he intertwines his fingers with yours. Traffic is currently non-existent, so you risk a peek at your boyfriend. Hiro washed his hair today, so you know this is important to him. His usual outfit is replaced with a hoodie and a nice pair of cargo pants. Your phone beeps. The navigation app tells you to pull into the parking lot on your right. Unfortunately, you’re not skilled enough to park with one hand. Hiro’s knee resumes bouncing.

“It’s just… the two most important people in my life are meeting, and I’m worried about what might happen,” he confesses. You can’t look at him, but the wobble in his voice fills you with concern. It’s only dinner with his mother. It’s not like the two of you are preparing for war or a dangerous situation. But maybe you overlooked how nerve-wracking this is for him. Hiro never really had much luck in the romantic department from what he’s told you. He likes to joke about how all his misfortune was good luck building up to cross your paths. It’s sweet, but you like to tease him that he’s just terrible at flirting.

“Well, what did the magic 8-ball say?” you ask, stopping the car when you finally find an available parking spot.

“Inconclusive.” Hiro answers and slumps in his seat.

“You are wrong 70% of the time,” you say, glancing over your shoulder as you slowly back into a parking stall.

“I prefer an optimistic outlook and see it as I’m right 30% of the time. But something tells me you’re going to get along with my mom well.” You can hear the smug grin in his tone.

“Let’s just call it a gut feeling.”

You roll your eyes. “Who knows, maybe it’s a ghost whispering in your ear.” You shift the car into park and grin when you hear Hiro fumble with his seatbelt, frantically rambling about ancient gods and deities. Deciding that you’ve watched him struggle enough, you reach over and push down the button to release the seatbelt. He untangles himself and rubs the back of his neck, squinting his eyes at you.

“I know you’re making fun of me because I said a ghost whispered the lottery numbers to me last week.” Hiro does his best to frown, but the amused smile on your face makes it incredibly difficult to remain grumpy. You exit the car and open the backseat doors to grab your bag. Hiro waits for you on the sidewalk, his shoulders are hunched, and any efforts to look small are rendered useless by his larger-than-life hairstyle.

You hum and think back to how he knocked you over last week, waving a slip of paper in front of your face. “Mhmm, and remember how well that turned out?” He did, in fact, guess the correct numbers, but due to some legalities, he ended up losing money rather than gaining. Noticing the frown that seems to have permanently settled on his face, you bump your shoulder into his. “Look, I have a goat in the trunk if you still want to do a reading.”

His face morphs into an expression of pure outrage. “Blasphemy! I am nothing like those blood-sacrificing weirdos. Thank you, but let's just go inside before my feet forget how to work.” He sighs and offers a weak smile.

“Hey,” you tug on his hand, “it’s going to be ok.” You bring his hand up to your mouth and place a kiss for further reassurance. His body loses some of its tension, but the smile on his face still struggles to reach his eyes. You don’t comment on how heavily he is leaning against you. The two of you enter the diner, and a little bell signals your arrival. Booths line the walls, and your shoes squeak on the tiled floor. The smell of stale coffee fills the air, and you eye the pies in the display cases. It’s fairly quiet for a weekend. The sound of Hiro tapping on his phone breaks the silence.

“Over here, kiddos!” You turn your head in the direction of the voice. A woman with long, pink hair is waving lazily at you two from a booth in the corner. Hiro leads you to—who you assume to be—his mother. At a closer distance, you notice who Hiro gets his eyes from. His mother grins and puts away the cigarette dangling from her lips. She stands up and pulls Hiro into a crushing hug, and he begs you with his eyes to save him. You smile and shake your head. Hiro mouths the word ‘traitor.’ “Look at you, you clean up nice,” his mother compliments, pulling back from the hug and fussing over his hoodie.

Hiro groans but allows his mother to tug and smooth out his clothes. He turns to you and introduces his mother. “This is my mom, Hiroko. Mom, this is my other favourite person in the world.” Hiro pulls you into his side, and you give an awkward wave.

“Hi?” you greet Hiroko, feeling the warmth creep up your cheeks under her scrutinizing gaze.

“How much is he paying you?” Hiroko asks, looking you up and down. You sputter in shock and laugh when you’re unable to form words.

“MOM!” Hiro’s face is bright red, and his hair seems poofier than usual. You snort at how the sight is reminiscent of a provoked cat. It seems like the lack of patrons today is a good thing.

Hiroko clicks her tongue and leans closer to inspect your face. “You’re right. I doubt you could afford someone this good-looking.” She squishes your cheeks together, and you mumble a confused thanks. Hiroko whips her head towards her son and glares. “How much do you still owe again?”

“I’m starving—look! A menu!” Hiro scrambles into the booth and props up the menu, burying his face into the daily specials. Hiroko has a pleased, almost smug, grin on her face. She pats your cheek affectionately before seating herself on the other side of the table. You rub your face and stare in awe at mother and son. Whatever you were expecting, it wasn’t this. You stumble into the seat beside Hiro in a daze and skim over the menu. When the waitress comes by, you all place your orders. She sets down a glass of water for everyone and heads to the kitchen.

“Tell me, hun. What do you do for a living? Besides babysitting my son.” Hiroko asks, waving a dismissive hand at Hiro when he tries to refute her claim. You chuckle and take a sip of water from your glass.

“I work at the bookstore by the university,” you reply. “I recently got my degree and decided to take a break before pursuing anything.” Hiro’s gaze flickers back and forth between you and his mother. You resist the urge to ask him if he’s watching a tennis match.

“Is that how you met my son?” Hiroko asks, and you nod your head, taking another sip.

“Yeah, he told me he was looking for a philosophy textbook and ended up blurting out how my fish would die the next day.” You look over at Hiro, and he at least has the decency to look sheepish. You remember how confused you were at the time, unsure if it was a strange attempt to flirt.

“Oh yes, my son can be quite the charmer,” Hiroko says. She smirks and wiggles her brows at Hiro. You pat his arm as he prays out loud for Hades to split the floor open and drag him to the underground. “Was he right?” Hiroko props her head against her hand, and the corners of her mouth are already turned up.

You shake your head and laugh at how flustered Hiro is becoming again. “Oh no. I didn’t even have a fish.” Hiroko bursts into laughter, and Hiro buries his face into the table. You rub his back as he lets out a muffled groan.

“You two are ganging up on me; it’s not fair,” Hiro grumbles. Thankfully the waitress returns with the food. No one talks much for the next 15-20 minutes.

Hiroko is the first to finish eating. She wipes her lips with a napkin before picking up the conversation. “Got any hobbies?” she asks you.

Before you can open your mouth, Hiro butts in and answers for you. This would normally annoy you, but something about his frantic energy is entertaining. Half the time, Hiro is feeding his mother false information because he confuses reality with failed predictions or events that have yet to come. You always correct him and shoot Hiroko an apologetic smile, but she only leans back in her seat and shrugs her shoulders with a grin.

Hiro excuses himself to use the bathroom, and Hiroko folds her arms on the table. “Listen.” She leans forward, and her carefree expression hardens. “I know he talks a lot of nonsense, but even I can tell he really likes you. So if he ever fucks up, come to me. I’ll teach him a lesson.”

“Not if I get to him first.” Your comment leaves Hiroko stunned. The grin on your face slips when you think you said something inappropriate.

“Hah!” Hiroko slaps the table and points at you. “I knew I would like you.”

“A prediction?”

Hiroko waves dismissively at the suggestion. “Oh no, all that fortune-telling stuff is strictly Hiro. I don’t have a single clairvoyant bone in my body.”

“Clairvoyant or not, I hope Hiro didn’t confuse you too much.” You wince as you remember how Hiro rambled about how great you are at riding horses but failed to mention how it was in a video game.

“I wouldn’t worry. That was probably the tenth iteration I’ve heard, and there’s always something that changes every time.” Hiroko shrugs, and you’re reassured by her indifferent attitude.

Suddenly, loud crashes and pure chaos echo throughout the diner. You wince and—was that a cat you just heard??

“Hiro,” Hiroko and you sigh in unison. The same weary expression on both your faces.

“I’m ok!” Hiro’s voice projects from the back near the kitchen. Behind a booth, you can see some of his hair sticking out and a thumbs up.

“So, hun. Did he really not hire you?” Hiroko double checks. You giggle and shake your head. Her skeptical features soften. “I’m just saying, you seem really sweet, and Hiro is… well, Hiro.”

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Hagakure. I am definitely dating your son.” You’ve had your fair share of people doubting your relationship with Hiro. Given Hiro’s history with romance, many of his friends thought he was lying when he said he was dating someone. It wasn’t until Hiro invited you to his high-school reunion that people realized you weren’t some sort of ghost.

Hiroko pulls you out of your thoughts when she reaches over and places her hand on top of yours. “Hiroko, please. None of the formal stuff; makes me feel old.”

There was something you were curious about. “How old—” Hiroko cuts you off with a shush and brings a finger to her lips.

“That’s classified information, dear,” she responds, giving you a cheeky wink. You nod and drop the subject.

“Hello, you guys were with that young man who caused that commotion earlier, right?” The waitress from before walks up to you two. Even without psychic powers, you can tell something unfortunate is about to happen.

“What did my idiot son do this time?” Hiroko reaches into her pocket and pulls out a packet of cigarettes.

“He broke a bunch of our cutlery and disappeared when we demanded compensation,” the waitress responds.

You sigh. Yep, that sounds like Hiro, alright. “How much?” You reach for your wallet.

The waitress tells you the amount, and you nearly drop the money in your hand. Hiroko drops the cigarettes onto the table.

“But that’s absurd. He would have had to break every plate in the joint to rack up that much money!” Hiroko nearly jumps out of her seat. The tight smile on the waitress’s face says everything. Hiroko offers to cover half the cost, and you gratefully accept. “When I see that punk, I’m gonna rip him a new one.” Hiroko continues to mutter under her breath, and you’re sure you don’t want to know what she’s saying.

The two of you exit the diner, and Hiroko lights a cigarette, taking a long drag from it. A trail of smoke blows out of her lips, and she offers the cigarette to you, but you politely decline. She flicks some ash onto the ground and looks at you with a sly smirk. “How about we ditch my son and have a night out, just the two of us?” Hiroko says. You mull over it and nod your head.

“Deal, but only if we get to have some pie.” The pies you saw earlier still lingered in your mind.

Hiroko nods and drops the cigarette onto the ground, snubbing it with her shoe. “I know a bakery.”

“Wait, I parked….” You gesture to where your car is, only to notice it’s gone. “It was right there.” You dig into your pockets and frown when you discover your keys missing. “Hiro,” you growl. He is so going to get an earful from you when you get home.

“Let’s get some pie. We can go scold him together later.” She loops her arm through yours, steering you to her car.

Pie night has become a weekly occurrence between you and Hiroko, and Hiro is forbidden from joining. He tries to cover up his disappointment by bragging about how he was right in predicting you would get along well with his mother.

“30% means I’m right eventually,” he says in a sing-song voice.

“And 70% means that you’re still wrong most of the time,” you respond in the same tone.

“70 is over twice as much as 30,” Hiroko adds.

“I can never win against you two,” Hiro grumbles.

─── ⋆ ｡ﾟ☆: *. ☽ .* :☆ﾟ｡⋆ ───

End Note:

I'm not going to lie, my brain immediately decided that Hiroko would definitely be cooler than her son 😂

We (and I mean me) love it when there's a strong, independent woman. I already love Mondo, and Hiroko gives me the same vibes so that's probably why.

See you guys at the next fic! ヾ(￣▽￣)

Reblogs are appreciated!

#danganronpa #yasuhiro hagakure #danganronpa x reader #yasuhiro hakagure x reader #hiroko hakagure #fluff #AU - No killing game #Established relationship #meeting the parents #Hiro is nervous about you meeting his mom #There's a 30 percent chance you'll get along #gender neutral reader #no y/n

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daughter-of-melpomene · 11 months

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Hello there! You happen to be on my OC Creator Bingo card and I would love to hear more about Zara 👀 I was going through her character tag and I'm already very interested in her story!

- @thechaoticfanartist

AHHHHHH THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ASKING ABOUT MY GIRL ZARA!!! (Also you’re on my Bingo card too, so look out for some interactions with your posts about Grim my beloved!!)

(Putting this under the cut because it got LONG.)

Alright, so as you read in Zara’s intro post, Zara’s father was a high-ranking general in the Empire’s military, and her family was already fairly wealthy and basically nobility on their home planet of Zairene. As a result, Zara grew up in a large mansion her father’s family had owned for generations, wearing nothing but fashionable clothes made from expensive fabrics and eating an abundance of delicious food while the planet’s less fortunate citizens starved in the streets under the Empire’s rule. But none of this meant that she lived in a happy or loving home - her father was rarely at home due to his military duties, and when he was he did not want to see or hear from his children at all, except to force them to get dressed up like dolls and trot them out around town to preserve the image of a perfect family he liked to maintain in public. Her mother, who never raised a finger or her voice when her husband would shout at their children and call them names for doing the slightest thing that displeased him, was also not around much, which left Zara to essentially raise her three younger siblings on her own, since most of her family’s servants were too afraid of her father’s wrath to interact much with his children.

Zara, however, was not afraid of her father - or at least not enough to stop her from constantly acting out and defying him. She would speak up at the dinner table to give her opinions on things, sneak out of the house at night to attend parties in the village, and once ripped up an awful, scratchy dress that she had been given to wear for a military ball and wore it as a cape around her shoulders instead. This created a dynamic of deep animosity between Zara and her father, as well as damaging her relationships with her siblings, who couldn't see why she had to keep defying him and making everything worse for all of them, but she couldn't seem to stop pushing back - in her mind, she may not have been able to stop the Empire's reign of terror over the galaxy, but she could do her part to stop her father's reign of terror over his own house.

But even so, when the Empire finally fell and General Dolomar was arrested and jailed for his many crimes, Zara didn’t feel a shred of satisfaction. The Rebellion had fought, sacrificed, put their lives on the line to end Emperor Palpatine’s reign - what had she really done against her father, beyond talking back or putting herself in front of her siblings when he was on a tirade? It was these thoughts, this fierce desire she still had to fight back and take down those who would hurt others, that encouraged her to run away from that cold, unloving mansion in the middle of the night, away from siblings who still disliked her and a mother who could hardly look at any of them, and pay her way onto a departing merchant ship so she could finally escape Zairene and all the bad memories and feelings it held.

From there, Zara took any odd job she could get and constantly hopped from planet to planet, never staying anywhere longer than a few months. But on every planet she stopped at, she would seek out any known bounty hunters that were to be found there and ask them to teach her their skills. Sometimes the hunters wanted credits in return for their tutelage, sometimes they didn’t, but either way, over a period of two years, Zara learned several different types of hand-to-hand combat, a multitude of different weapons, and the best ways of tracking down a target - and she made sure to stay under the tutelage of each hunter until she had all but mastered whatever skills they had to teach her. And after those two years, when she finally felt she was ready to properly hunt and bring in any criminals she could find, she went to the nearest Bounty Hunter’s Guild agent she could find and asked for a job.

Over several more years, Zara gained something of a reputation among the bounty hunting community, both for her impressive tracking and fighting skills and the contrast between the way she acted on and off a job - she’d always been a bright and friendly soul, and that didn’t change when she was interacting with her fellow hunters away from the hunt. Eventually, she developed a semi-stable base on Nevarro, renting a small apartment there where she could stay in between jobs… and that was when she met the mysterious and intriguing helmeted hunter everyone just knew as the Mandalorian.

Zara was drawn to Mando right off the bat; there was just something about him that made her want to get to know him better, and whenever the two of them ran into each other, she would always do her best to strike up a conversation, never deterred by the short answers Mando would give or how awkward he always seemed to be when talking to her. If she had ever thought she was actually making him uncomfortable she would have stopped in an instant, but she knew the helmeted warrior didn’t actually dislike her; he just had a lot of walls up and didn’t really know how to talk to people who weren’t targets or other Mandalorians. The other bounty hunters she considered friends, and even Greef Karga the local Guild agent, teased her often about her little crush on him, but it wasn’t really that Zara had feelings for him (at least not yet) - she just thought Mando needed a friend, and she was happy to try her hardest to be that friend for him.

But when the hunters of Nevarro got word that Mando had stolen back the bounty he’d recently dropped off with a mysterious and wealthy client - a baby, which Zara hadn’t exactly been happy with him for at first - and was attempting to flee the planet, Zara realized she was going to have to force her presence onto him a little more, because she would be damned if she didn’t help him save an innocent child from having whatever the client had been planning to do to it. So she tricked Greef, leading him to Mando’s ship and telling him she would hide on it and then shoot the Mandalorian from behind while the Guild agent distracted him. Of course, that was not what actually happened - Zara shot Greef over Mando’s shoulder, disabling him long enough for the three of them to get off of Nevarro in the Razor Crest. Mando was reluctant to trust Zara or bring her along at first, unsure why she had decided to help him instead of just trying to get the kid back like all the others, but she sharply reminded him that she’d never be able to take a bounty hunting job again when word got out that she’d betrayed and shot a Guild agent, and she’d risked that to help him and save the child. And when she informed him that she had experience taking care of children, having basically raised her younger siblings, and could take care of the little green baby until they could get him somewhere safe, Mando really had no choice but to agree to take her along.

And this began Zara’s crazy adventure of travelling around the galaxy, taking care of a fifty-year-old baby who could use the Force, evading all the people who wanted her and her companions dead… and falling in love with a grumpy helmeted warrior along the way.

#asks about my ocs #oc: zara dolomar #ocb2023 #fic: flares

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alightinthelantern · 11 months

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film reviews: War and Peace (1966-7)

In the 1960s Mosfilm adapted Leo Tolstoy’s sweeping epic novel War and Peace into a four-part feature film series, directed by Sergei Bondarchuk and released throughout 1966-67. The films together comprise roughly seven hours of screentime, allowing the gargantuan novel time to unfold in full without being condensed or rushed (much). As Soviet films are, at least those that get known in the West, frequently of high cinematic and storytelling quality, I had high hopes for this film series, and I was not disappointed. The films are gorgeously shot, like a symphony of sight and sound, as all of them have at least one musical number, and several classical music pastiches in the soundtrack, which adds an entertaining dramatic element to this tale about human beings. The production values are immense, with the films costing 60-70 million USD in today’s money to produce, and featuring thousands of extras in the military scenes. The Russian government financed the films, and the Russian military lent over ten thousand personnel for the battle scenes and hundreds of horses, and the films are great spectacle, yet also intelligent and philosophically deep, which is a very rare combination in cinema.

I have not read the original novel, so I don’t know how closely the films follow the plot, but the films are critically well-regarded and I believe they are mostly faithful to the novel, although certain sections were excised or condensed. The dialogue is always intelligent, and often poetic and philosophical, in Soviet cinema tradition, which is wonderfully intellectually stimulating, and I enjoyed it immensely. In one scene in the second film, the character Natasha Rostov is pining for her fiancee, who hasn’t visited her in a while, and she muses to herself “If only he would come soon, I’m afraid he never will! The worst of it is I’m growing old. I’ll lose my charm. Perhaps he’ll come today, this very minute! Perhaps he came yesterday, and I’ve simply forgotten.” War and Peace is great cinema, grand cinema of the highest degree, and I heartily recommend watching it.

The four films are on YouTube in full for free, on the Mosfilm official YouTube channel, which has dozens of Soviet films available for watching. War and Peace, Part One War and Peace, Part Two War and Peace, Part Three War and Peace, Part Four

Plot overviews of the four films beneath the cut:

Part One covers 1805, and introduces the main characters of the story, including Pierre, a feckless but goodhearted man and illegitimate son of a count who unexpectedly inherits his father’s fortune after he disowns his legitimate sons. Pierre is friends with Prince Andrei Volkonsky, a nobleman who acts as mentor and philosophical sparring partner, who departs Russia to fight in the Napoleonic wars, leaving his pregnant young wife in the care of his own father. After Pierre becomes rich and thus socially desirable, he is encouraged to marry a beautiful woman named Helene Kuragin by mutual acquaintances, but they are ill-matched and Helene grows bored and becomes unfaithful to him, becoming lovers with a man named Dolokhov, whom Pierre later challenges to a duel, and wounds but does not kill, after being publicly humiliated by him at a party. Also introduced is Natasha, an intelligent, playful child and daughter of the noble Rostov family, who enjoys a charmed family life full of music and dancing.

Part Two covers 1807-1812, and concerns the emotional maturation of Natasha Rostov, who is proposed to by Andrei Volkonsky when she is 15 after they dance at a ball. Volkonsky realizes she is too young to become a wife and insists they wait a year before marrying and not make the engagement public, leaving her socially free to back out of the engagement if she later changes her mind about him, knowing that she still has some maturing to do. Volkonsky tells Natasha that, if she ever finds herself in need, to turn to his friend Pierre for help, who is a goodhearted man. Natasha feels abandoned, and later falls in love with Helene Kuragin’s brother, who seduces her at a party and tries to elope with her, despite already being married to another. Pierre appears little in this film.

Part Three centers on the Battle of Borodino, a prelude to the burning of Moscow during the Napoleonic War of 1812. 100,000 Russians meet 100,000 French on the battlefield, resulting in carnage and heavy losses on both sides. The French won the battle but it was Pyrrhic victory, and the film claims that the Russians won a moral victory over the battle. The film is an hour and twenty minutes of nonstop battle scenes, but it’s quickly paced and doesn’t drag in the least. I’m not interested in war films but I remained interested throughout the film and watched without boredom.

Part 4 concerns the burning of Moscow and its aftermath. Volkonsky is among the wounded soldiers evacuated from Moscow, and ends up in the Rostovs’ carriage by coincidence, leading to an emotional reunion between Andrei and Natasha. After witnessing the destruction of Moscow, Pierre tries to get an audience with Napoleon to assassinate him but is arrested and nearly executed, but instead becomes a prisoner for months during the French retreat through Russia, and braves the winter in peasant’s clothes, before finally being rescued by Russian partisans. The French army, defeated by starvation and disease, abandons its campaign against Russia and retreats, with soldiers dropping like flies on the long march through the winter. A band of bedraggled French soldiers happens upon a contingent of Russian soldiers, who take pity and feed the French, who gratefully teach them the French royalist tune Vivre Henri VI in repayment. This fourth film drags toward the end, and offers a bleak end for several of the characters, but offers a neat ending to the story, although I feel it’s the weakest of the four films.

#film reviews #film recs #movie reviews #movie recs #films #movies #cinema #Soviet cinema #War and Peace #Soviet films #personal

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tangleweave · 2 years

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Trust

Fictober 2022 - [ Prompt 14 ]

{ Original Fiction / High Fantasy }

A wrinkle split the smooth plane of Gwen’s pale brow, and her amethyst eyes narrowed at her compatriot. “You what?”

Gargonn returned the frown. “Not loud enough for you?” he asked, his tone as gruff as the words themselves. “I helped him settle his debt.”

“A debt of… five thousand gold pieces.” She crossed her arms, the skepticism on her face evident. “You and I might consider that a pittance, as we have been fortunate enough to come into wealth unimaginable to most, but the sentient who both lives in Eldht-Khan and wields such riches is a rare one. You say this is a gambling debt? Gambling oneself into such debt is reckless and foolhardy at absolute best. This does not sound like someone who would comport himself well in our company.”

Gargonn propped himself against the doorframe, crossing both his legs and his arms. His glower deepened. “What would you have done in my place?” he asked. “Turned him over to the people he owes without a coin to show for it?”

“By your own admission, you caught him attempting to steal from that shop. This is a swindler, and not a very good one. What do you suppose such a person will bring to our table, aside from chaos, confusion, and risk?”

“Our table is bare, in case you hadn’t noticed,” he retorted. “We entered that cave as a company of six and departed a company of two... and the High Loremistress of Eldht-Khan doesn’t care. She wants to keep sending us on errands without supply or guidance. We’re on our own, Gwen. She thinks we’ll just find whatever we need along the way. That’s what I’m trying to do.” He blew an irritated breath out his nose and looked out the window overlooking the plaza. “This Cerin, for all the faults you describe, hasn’t met her yet. If he has nothing else to offer us, he at least has this.”

Gwen planted her hands on her hips and tilted her head to one side. “Why is this a virtue?” she asked. “Thanks to her, we together have amassed far greater wealth and means than the entire population of Midtown combined. We have our meetinghouse. You have established your monastery, for which you claim the title of Grandmaster. We are a force to be reckoned with, and if we were to properly advertise a recruitment effort, we would certainly be met by parties both interested and capable. Your criterion is that a candidate does not know Jalen?”

“Thanks to her, our most recent task saw the sundering of our company as we knew it,” he snorted. He turned more fully away from her to gaze out at the bustling populace below. “It’s sheer providence you and I made it out alive. All those riches we lay claim to now… they’re all spoils stained with the blood of our brethren.”

“They were not your kin, Gargonn, any more than they were mine.” She stepped closer to him. “Nor are you my kin, your elvish bearing notwithstanding. We are mercenaries. Partners in company and coin, as were they. It is and has always been a relationship of business. If you wish to dissolve our partnership, say so, that I may take my earnings and move on. If you wish to relinquish your claim on those bloodied riches, say so, that I may take your share, as well.”

His scowl deepened and he turned to face her, his arms crossed more tightly across his chest. “It’s not about that,” he snapped defensively. “It has nothing to do with how I feel about you. It’s everything to do with…” He trailed off, casting his gaze back toward the window as he sighed.

She circled about to meet his ice-blue gaze, and she pursed her lips at him for a long moment in silence before bringing her point home. “With Jalen.”

He hesitated for a long moment. “She has an agenda she’s hiding.”

“As do most in such positions of power,” Gwen noted. “It should be no surprise that she would not tell us her every motive.”

“She doesn’t mourn our fallen comrades. She was more worried over Zelrig’s blade. Now she wants us to find Tylas, even knowing we’re not equipped for it.”

“Hers is blood of the dragons, Gargonn. Even an elvish life is short by comparison. Doubtless she has seen many others die too early, violently, or otherwise suddenly. And a lament of song among elves is not what a lament of song would be among orcs. A lament among dragons, that much more removed.”

This time he offered only silence in response. Her rebuttal had already occurred to him, and he didn’t need two voices playing the role of healthy skeptic. Just the one was quite enough.

“Gargonn.”

He settled his gaze on the archer. She wore an earnest expression. “In all of Eldht-Khan, you found and hired a candidate that stretches credibility to its limit, and your only reason is that he knows nothing of Jalen. Have you truly lost such trust in her?”

His brow knit again. And his response was as fragmented and contradictory as his thought process.

“Yes. No. I don’t know.”

~*~

#fictober22 #fictober 2022 #drabble #original fiction #14

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enderon · 2 years

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Was rewatching the CATS 2016 Broadway revival videos on YouTube yet again and decided it was about time I shared my personal headcanons for relationships between the CATS characters, cause some of them are the tiniest bit different from some of the common headcanons.

Allow me to preface an apology in advance, as I kind of go on a bit with some of them. But, if you have any questions about anything, please feel free to ask. I would love to talk about my CATs headcanons.

Old Deuteronomy - Macavity, Munkustrap, & Rum Tum Tugger are all his kits, though the last of them as Old Deut has had many kittens over the years who are all grown up and moved on from the junkyard now. But, Macavity & Munkustrap are from one litter with a queen named Rubityme, who ended up deciding she didn't want to be tied down as a mother and left the Jellicles & her kits behind. Tugger was the only living kit of a different litter with a queen named Titania, the sister of Jennynaydots, who was killed while he was young by a jealous Macavity. As Old Deuteronomy's kits, all three, despite loosing their mothers at a young age, where taken care of and cared for by the entire tribe as their own, which in part is why each of them is a bit of the way they are.

Augustus 'Gus' - Fathered George & Jellylorum and possibly some other kits in his long life. Their mother is never mentioned as she was a previous chosen of the ball, now living her new life somewhere else.

Bustopher Jones - Fathered Alonzo and a sister, Artimes, with an uptown show queen named Dutchess, who very rarely comes to the junkyard.

Grizabella - Mothered Bombalurina & Demeter with a since departed tom named Dustbowl. Similar to Rubityme, not too long after having her kits, she decided she didn't want to be weighed down by motherhood or even the expectations of the tribe, wanting to strike out on her own and seek fame and fortune without being tied down by relationships. She left everyone behind, her tribe, her then still living mate, and her young daughters. This is partially why she's so ostracized when she tries to return, she blatantly left them all behind for 'better things'. especially her family. This is also why Demeter and Bombalurina seem especially tense around her and mostly are the ones to sing her song.

Jennyanydots - Mothered Tumblebrutus & Pouncival with Skimbleshanks, though in her time has also been a mother figure to many of the tribe, including Deuteronomy's kits, Alonzo & his sister Artimes, and even Cassandra when she first showed up as a motherless kitten. This is part of why she is so incredibly so beloved by all, she truly is a mother to everyone and is always the one to make sure everyone is okay and well taken care of, even now that she has her own kittens to care for. She is often the go-to kitten sitter for any mothers or fathers who need a break.

Skimbleshanks - Along with fathering Tumblebrutus & Pouncival with Jennynanydots, he is also the adoptive father of Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer, taking the two rapscallions under his wing when he ran into them causing mischief at Macavity's orders, giving them a safe and caring home and trying to help them become more constructive members of the community. He always makes sure to give them extra time and attention whenever he's not on the rails.

Macavity - As far as the Jellicles are aware, he has only fathered to litters, though possibly there are other kits they are not aware of. His first litter was with Alonzo's wayward sister Artimes, a rough and tumble queen and the mother of Victoria & Quaxo (who would eventually take on the stage name of Mr. Mistoffelees). His second litter was with Demeter, being the birth father of Jemima. But, when Victoria & Quaxo were very young, just before Jemima was born, Demeter left Macavity and brought all of them back to the Jellicles where she has since gotten together with Munkustrap. Jemima, because she was born in the junkyard and never really knew Macavity, only knows Munkustrap as her father. Victoria & Quaxo are aware of their relation to Macavity, but both actively make the choice to ignore it, since he's shown so little care or interest in either of them. Though Victoria is interested in seeking out Artimes, since nobody has heard or seen anything about her since she allowed Demeter to take her kits away.

George - Fathered Plato with an unknown queen.

Alonzo - Is mates with Cassandra, though it's apparently an open relationship. Some don't fully get it, but it works for them both.

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casspurrjoybell-17 · 2 years

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HEART'S PRICE - CHAPTER 12

*Warning: Adult Content*

Thaddeus Barker's 'house' puts Ambrose Thorne's mansion to shame, at least as far as size is concerned.

When it comes to style, on the other hand, there's no comparison.

Barker's 'estate' seems to have been built on the premise that the primary function of wealth is to be flaunted and that the best way to achieve this is to buy the biggest and shiniest of everything one can afford.

Julian Hart had driven them there in his old vintage Beetle and it looks almost comically out of place among the luxury vehicles parked in front of the sweeping, perfectly manicured lawns.

Almost as out of place as Noah Hunter feels.

His fleeting satisfaction with his appearance has long vanished, departed like a rare bird that flits back into the forest's heart, not to be seen again.

Julian, by contrast, looks stunning.

Wearing a tailored suit that accentuates his narrow waist and slender form, he's a picture of elegance and radiates an almost inhuman allure.

Noah can't tell if he's turning up the Fae charm on purpose, or if it's just the clothes and the atmosphere but the effect is devastating.

Noah Hunter is not jealous.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

As eyes are drawn to everything from his silky brown hair, to his jewel-bright eyes, to the little glimpse of smooth, cream-colored skin at the base of his throat, Noah becomes basically invisible, a shadow at his side, which is perfectly fine by him.

Barker himself greets us at the door, offering them a warm handshake and a shark-like smile.

He's not what Noah expected.

He'd been imagining an old man, wearing tweed and trending towards corpulence, instead, he's only a few years older than Noah, late thirties at the most and athletic, with thick, cinnamon-colored hair styled in a slick, back-swept wave, a sun-burnished face (Noah wouldn't be at all surprised if he owned a yacht or several) and clear, glacial-blue eyes.

His face is handsome in a conceited, country-club kind of way and he looks like he wandered from the pages of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

His attention passes over Noah without really settling, a brief grasp of strong, square-tipped fingers, a flash of too-perfect teeth and then lands on Julian like a cat catching sight of a mouse.

"Well, hello there gorgeous," he says, lifting Julian's hand to his lips for a mock kiss.

"I don't believe we've met and I do believe I'd remember if we had."

Julian returns his smile, though there's definitely a grimace of distaste underneath.

"Mr. Barker," he says, withdrawing his hand.

"We spoke on the phone. I'm Julian Hart and this is my associate, Noah Hunter."

"Ah! Hunter & Hart, the investigators, of course!"

Suddenly much more businesslike, he ushers them inside and through the crowds of well-dressed men and women gathered in the grandly spacious rooms within.

Julian makes no attempt to correct Barker's assumption that Noah is the Hunter of Hunter & Hart, and takes his lead and remain mostly silent as Barker shows them through his grotesquely oversized and over-decorated house.

Very quickly, Noah comes to realize that the place is basically just an extension of Barker's ego and that he'd happily bore them to death recounting his triumphs at various auctions and art shows if they let him.

He stays close to Julian, Noah notices, focusing most of his attention on him and keeping a hand on his arm or his back, once or twice coming dangerously near to crossing a line.

It's fortunate for him, Noah reflects, that he’s not the Hunter he thinks he is, after all, or he'd likely be short a limb by now.

Finally, after a series of increasingly less subtle hints, Julian succeeds in getting him to show them what they were there for.

The painting is in a room on the second floor, an opulent 'library' which is clearly intended more for show than for real use.

The volumes displayed on the shelves are certainly rare and finely made, leather-bound, gilded, impressive and pristine but they aren't the sort of books anyone reads.

They served only one purpose, which was to be seen and to give the impression that Barker could purchase intellectual treasures as easily as any other kind.

The object they were meant to protect, on the other hand, is a different story.

It's a small, squarish portrait of a truly hideous man.

The artist's skill and attention to detail are unquestionable but the subject is 'as ugly as sin' as the saying goes.

Noah leans closer, looking for a signature or mark.

"Is the artist famous?" he asks.

Thaddeus Barker snorts.

"He wished."

"What's it worth?" Julian asks, circling around to stand on Noah’s other side, probably to get out of Barker's reach.

Unfortunately, the man follows and sets his hand on Julian's waist, peering up at the portrait at his side.

"Nothing at all," he murmurs.

"At least, nothing to anyone but me."

"Alright, what's it worth to you?" Noah inquires, finding he dislikes Barker rather a lot for having met him only minutes before.

He shrugs, having turned his attention from the painting to make a pretense of straightening the side of Julian's collar for him.

"To me? Everything," he says softly, eyes on the smooth skin at the back of Julian's neck.

Noah decides that he has had enough of the secondhand creepiness and from the little shiver he sees arcing across Julian's slim shoulders as Barker's hand once more settles on his lower back, he can tell he’s not the only one ready to be done with this guy.

Fortunately, they are rescued by an influx of guests and Barker is quickly distracted.

Noah blows out a breath and Julian gives an exaggerated shudder, turning towards his brother-in-law and pretending to puke.

"God, I think I need a shower. I've got sleaze all over me," he complains.

"If nothing else we've discovered that Barker's gay, at least," Noah says, offering him a sympathetic smile.

"Not quite," an amused and familiar, voice says.

Noah spins around to see Ambrose Thorne leaning against the back of an antique upholstered chair, somehow managing to look both more sophisticated and more casual than anyone else here, wearing a suit with no tie and the collar open at his throat, his long red-brown hair pulled over his shoulder in a luxuriant cascade.

"Thaddeus collects beautiful things and your boy there more than qualifies, I'm afraid," Ambrose says, nodding at Julian as he does.

"You'd best be careful. He's a way of getting what he wants."

"Yeah, not happening," Julian replies, frowning. "Do I know you or something?"

Thorne smiles and saunters over, extending his hand.

"Ambrose Thorne. A pleasure."

Then he turns to face Noah.

"Fancy seeing you here, Noah. I had no idea we moved in the same... circles."

"We don't," he replies, sharply.

"I'm here on business."

Thorne raises a brow in surprise.

“Business, is it?"

His shadowed gaze flicks from Julian to Noah, perhaps drawing some unkind conclusion or a comparison, maybe.

Julian steps slightly in front of Noah and extends his hand.

“Julian Hart," says he, with a slightly sharp smile of his own,

"Of Hunter & Hart Investigations. You must be Noah's dog-saving doctor, though he didn't mention you were rich and handsome, as well as gallant."

"J-Julian!" Noah hisses but is ignored.

"Gallant, I'll gladly accept," Thorne replies with a smirk.

"'Rich' is relative and 'handsome' is a matter of opinion. Wouldn't you agree, Noah?"

Ambrose turns towards Noah, who sees a hint of teeth at the corners of his mouth.

Before he can think of what to say, Ambrose’s eyes go to the painting on the wall at our backs and narrow as his expression shifts from amusement towards distaste.

"What a foul excuse for art," he says.

"Thaddeus ought to let this 'shadow thief' take it and be grateful to have it gone. I suppose that's why you're here to play guard dogs for the night?"

If Julian is surprised that Thorne knows about the thief, he doesn't let it show.

"Shadow thief?" he asks.

"Is that what we're calling it now?"

Thorne blinks and his smirk shifts towards a frown.

"Thaddeus didn't mention that, eh? Have your... investigations... turned up the fact that the victims are all well-acquainted by any chance?"

Now it is Julian's turn to frown.

"No, the police didn't mention that."

"Oh, so you work with the police, do you?" Thorne asks, sounding surprised, or at least pretending to be.

"My partner is a former police detective, yes," Julian answers.

"Partner?"

"In work and otherwise," Julian says smoothly.

"Ah...the giant," Thorne replies, eyes narrowing once more.

"An interesting match."

"Excuse me?" Julian's voice has taken on a sharp edge and Noah is alarmed to note that his violet eyes seem a little brighter than they had before.

He's only recently come into his Fae Gifts and Noah’s not sure how well he can control them.

Ambrose Thorne only winks.

"Beauty and the Beast, eh?"

Julian's brightness dims and his already pale skin loses what little color it has.

"Excuse us, Dr. Thorne. It's been a pleasure but we really should..."

They actually don't have anything to do except hang out in front of the painting and make sure it doesn't disappear but Thorne takes the hint.

Bowing like some Victorian gentleman, he wishes them a good evening and disappears, headed back towards the 'ballroom' and lounge.

When he's gone, Julian turns on Noah.

"Did you tell him what you are?" he asks, accusingly.

"And about me and Dane?"

"N-N-No!" Noah stammers, taken aback.

"Of course I didn't! I don't even know him!"

"Well that was awfully close for comfort, wouldn't you say? Calling you a 'guard do,' and then saying that about Dane and I? Beauty and the Beast." Julian scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest.

"As if. Besides, Dane's the beautiful one. I'm just... weird."

Noah stares at him.

"Is that really how you see yourself?"

"Well, sure," he seems surprised.

"I mean, how do you see me?"

"You're not my type but... you're gorgeous, Julian. Anyone can see that."

He continues to scowl for a moment and then sighs.

"Well, I suppose we are our own worst judge. Still, that seemed... pointed, the way he said it. And he knows the host and more about the case than we do, apparently. I mean, what the fuck?"

He runs his long, slender fingers through his dark brown hair and frowns.

"I'll have Dane look into him," he says, reaching some decision.

"In the meantime, be careful what you say, Noah. I don't like him."

Noah is tempted to remind Julian that he has lived his whole life keeping secrets, whereas he's known about Werewolves and Fae and whatever else, for barely more than a year, less given his timeline doesn't even match up with the rest of us.

Instead, Noah nods his agreement.

"I will," he says.

"I'm always careful, anyway."

‘At least, that's what I always thought.’

But like Julian said, they're each their own worst judge and if his experience with Thomas Flynn had taught him anything, it was that he hadn't been careful enough.

Julian was right about another thing too, Ambrose Thorne was much too close for comfort, in more ways than one.

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discopomp · 4 months

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It's been a long time, tumblr. Long enough that a spammy bot knife? account sniped my address, AND long enough after it went dormant that I could get it back. Let's see how long it takes before tumblr destroys all my pictures again. I still haven't really decided what to do here.

View this series in order

But for now, let's go on a tour around SL, collecting Goshuin. Honorable (御) red (朱) seals (印) are stamps with calligraphy that you can get from Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples- they have them at the offices that also have omamori (amulets), ema (prayer boards), omikuji (lucky fortunes), and other protective and lucky objects one can get from a Shrine or Temple (like Hamaya, the arrows you will find at a lot of them- they are a good luck charm for the New Year, you can probably guess the general evolution from archery as a traditional form of warfare to a ceremonial version for protection against demons- helps that "target" and "demon" are homophones. Hamaya are not sharp, and often have a big sort of "turnip" wood bobble on the end. There are also bows, but those are pretty rare to see as the bows are only effective used by a specialist, priest, or god). You can get special books at some of those offices (not all places that provide the seals carry books! but they are not terribly hard to find, and you can even find them in stationary and department stores. Some of the covers are not so serious- I have a super cute one with a cat in a lot of pastels- but they are all very pretty!), and you can get your book stamped and signed (while you watch them write with a lovely black brush- although a few do have black stamps for the writing too!) when you visit the Shrine or Temple, to commemorate your visit. It's sort of like a special passport, but way cooler, with bigger stamps that each take up a full page. There may be one stamp or multiple stamps for a location, and they are not always red. The writing is often the name of the shrine down the center in large letters, and often the date is on the left side, and often 奉拝, worship, is written on the right- but the exact format varies.

This year, we can collect Goshuin in SL, something I've wanted to do for years! sakka Flow has started the Goshuin Project this year for the New Year, December 29, 2023 - January 15, 2024 (note: times are in Japan time I imagine, so almost a full day before SL time- and at least one place is closing the 5th). There is a list of all the participating Shrines and Temples, each one has a stack of books to put your Goshuin in, and a Goshuin giver that will dispense the texture for that particular shrine to put in your book. They are scripted to display up to 22 pages of seals in a single book, drop the texture in, touch and select from the menu. I've shrunk mine down a little to carry it around here, and used my own pose to hold it so I could get pictures of the seal AND the Shrine, to remember where it came from more clearly, especially as some will not be places I will be able to visit again after January.

0000 Warbunton Shrine 倭文沌神社:

This is 0000, the first entry on the list, sakka's own Warbunton Shrine, conveniently located within easy walking distance of the Gaeta East Beach station on the Saitama Metro. You can pound and assemble mochi rice cakes here, that big blue tarp is to keep things clean while you make it! That picture at the top is the first Goshuin from Warbunton, received before the Project was officially even quite open (I happened to check on another Shrine early and was clued in!), the official Goshuin you can now receive from Warbunton is below (plus a free gift with it now!)- Shrines fairly often have special fancy Goshuin to celebrate the New Year for a limited time. This one I put in the hamster book from Katakana Shrine, because it deserved to go in the cute book! (I juggled 2-3 RL Goshuin books, often the Goshuin was on display before you got it, so I could pick which book they went into- the traditional Shinto book, the traditional Buddhist book, or the cute book. It ended up being a bit heavy carrying around all day >.<. They still ended up a bit mixed up anyway!)

0001 Doroshi Hachimangu | 0002 Hamamura Shrine | 0003 Katakana Shrine

0004 Mishima Shrine | 0005 Bazumitama-sha | 0006 pomponne Shrine

0007 Eifuku Shrine | 0008 Eifuku Temple | 0009 Cue Gri Jinja

0010 Princess Shrine | 0011 Tonarino Shrine | 0012 Laem Shrine

0013 Para Shrine | 0014 Kuroneko Jinja | 0015 Yasaka Jinja

0016 Tenmangu Jinja | 0017 Itame Ham Shrine | 0018 Japonica Shrine

0019 Neochi Shrine | 0020 Okinawa Shrine | 0021 Kokuryu Shrine

0022 Ni Jinja | 0023 Piyopiyo Shrine | 0024 Noha Shrine

0025 Saihate Inari Shrine | 0026 Koyagi Shrine | 0027 Hamstar Shrine

0028 Haiku Shrine | 0029 Sen-Cat-Shrine | 0030 Venezia Shrine

0031 Hinamizawa Shrine | 0032 Kanaru Shrine | 0033 Mr. Louis Shrine

0034 Susukino-Inari Jinja | 0035 Shiki-Shinto Shrine | 0036 Apo Hachimangu

0037 Salmaru Grand Shrine | 0038 Il Micio Shrine | 0039 Son Clave Shrine

0040 Drobak Shrine | 0041 SnowPastel Shrine | 0042 Nadeko Shrine

0043 Katsudon Shrine | 0044 Mambo Shrine | 0045 Sessha Mambo Shrine

0046 Umigami Shrine | 0047 Yozakura Shrine Ocean | 0048 Sakura Shrine

0049 Akiba Inari Shrine | 0050 Lazy Shrine | 0051 Honpou Inari Jinja

0052 Togetsu Jinja | 0053 Neko Jinja | 0054 Kusanagi Shrine

0055 Ouse Jinja | 0056 Nekoma Shrine | 0057 Lion Temple

0058 Usagi Shrine | 0059 Kiyomizu Temple | 0060 Kingyo Jinju

0061 Azuki Shrine | 0062 Megumi Jinja | 0063 Sea Butterfly Shrine

#goshuinprojectsl #secondlife

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msmatx · 1 year

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11.14.22–11.21.22 — Week Eight

Two months down. About seven to nine to go. Our return month is still undecided. All the things we’ve experienced: ER visit, doctors visits, two elementary schools, five hotel or apartment stays, dozens of healthy smoothie purchases, a visit to the northern border, a few hiccups not understanding the language, an election [two if we count voting from abroad in the US], purchasing new phones, making friends and hosting play dates, and some very very kind, thoughtful, and helpful people.

Some days and weeks are frenetic with our schedule. “Israel-time” is a phenomenon that requires a real adjustment. I’ve been attending university classes for five weeks, and we have classes four days a week. Not a single class day this semester has been according to the “schedule” given by the department at the start of the semester. We are forced to have class on different days, at different times, and different locations. And the explanation: that’s the way Israel works. Because all of my classmates are also from abroad, there’s a shared frustration. Fortunately, Atlas and Hero have adjusted well to these constant changes.

What none of us anticipated was the untenable circumstances of sixth grade for Atlas. It is beyond a language issue. His class is often in chaos with kids physically fighting and, seemingly, not a lot of learning. At first, I questioned his daily recounts of the chaos. Then, he started sending me videos, or FaceTiming me as it was happening. As a result, he doesn’t seem to be learning a lot of academic content.

On the other hand, Hero is really enjoying his days because they basically play most of the four or five hours. He appears to be the oldest student, but in true Hero style, he has not outgrown the thrill of chase, tag, and pickup ball games. He stays in aftercare most days until 230, where he gets a hot lunch provided and extra play time outside. The deliciousness of his hot lunch seems to be lost on him. He tells me about couscous, meatballs, schnitzel, rice, green beans, stewed tomatoes, and how none of it is to his liking.

Atlas has really stepped up to help care for Hero. My classes go past 5 every night, and even 730 1-2 nights. Often Atlas picks up Hero from aftercare at 230, walks him to the apartment for a snack, and either spends time with him or walks him back to school for club soccer. Some evenings they go out for dinner or desert. It has been such a joy to see their relationship strength through this period. Here they are enjoying a visit to Rebar at Dizengoff mall and immediately FaceTiming me to tell me that they each got one drink instead of sharing a large. They love testing their freedom and my boundaries.

When Hero goes to soccer, Atlas and I get a little one-on-one date together. We usually go to one of the two nearby coffee shops. This is my favorite barista. His coffee art is adorable and he always has the best attitude toward us as we fumble with our English-Hebrew. He knows when I show up I’m looking for one thing: Hero’s ham and cheese croissant so he’s taken to hiding one away for us since they sell out so quickly. The cafe has the most beautiful plants throughout.

This is the other coffee shop, which was the first we visited when we arrived i this neighborhood in September. They are also very sweet to us.

On Friday Hero’s school had an “eco yard family day.” His school has a separate beautifully designed schoolyard the lower grades get to enjoy. Many parents brought snacks and drinks for sell to benefit the class fund. Hero took the opportunity to show me around his school. He was so immensely proud of his classroom and playgrounds. While everyone was in the eco yard, he and I snuck around the rest of the school for him to show me where he spends his day. In Israel, parents rarely go inside the school except when students are younger (Hero’s age for some pick up and drop off and then these family days). I’ve only seen Atlas’s class one time for less than 60 seconds on a brief tour. Every school has a dedicated guard who literally locks and unlocks a huge padlock for students to come in and out. So this was special to see the school with Hero telling me all about how he spends his day.

And the school plays this darling catchy song at each passing period.

Friday evening we went for a walk along the beach before Shabbat dinner on our rooftop.

And on Saturday we walked to David Ben Gurion house for a tour. It was a quick tour that we all enjoyed, even Hero. Atlas said he learned that “Ben Gurion had a massive library and was both defense minister and prime minister of Israel.” Atlas liked how authentic they have maintained the house. Hero said he learned that “he was 84 when he died, he didn’t want anyone to touch his books, and he was upstairs when he got sick before he died.” Hero liked that he loved his library of books. I have to admit this tiny house, by American standards, had a massive library of over 20,000 books. It was impressive.

After the library, Atlas had a brilliant idea to walk from Ben-Gurion’s house to the nearest Rebar. Hahahaha it was about 1.25 miles away near the TLV port. We did get to walk through Independence Park and along the boardwalk, an area we have not spent much time. Then we had to get home on a Saturday and after so much walking the kids wanted to take the bus back. Well, the Shabbat buses are running on Saturday so you pay in shekels, not bus card. I’d spent all of our shekels at rebar so we ended riding the bus two stops, then getting off to walk the remainder of the way home. It was hilarious!

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libidomechanica · 2 years

Text

Another, and quiverd the very should be them lately moue

That sooth, in see a future is disgust, the thought the custom off tail transcendings fortune fly what cool wave, but some show the world the Wand oceans virtues were shown; each forth and stink all delive nothings chambers. As first are not been she left the moon.

The priest angels, which peer or a globes of sense,— passions for than cold here heards by their merit, and joys not into one to moand, and thy composed; yet evening so is his hands from these was quest, for every first or shows a hungry ocean gain brothers image of falling round. Dear

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her Locke? was in little favour, although the babes and blood can field uplift that home, my conspirits what will all men proportion was not skin, blush up to his half comic Catos.

Tis door is song and setting enough it foxes crampd not dried Dick Dubious, as is the went in pride But end

Forgot. some felt, tho my heards sang. when I have the loose he hate mingle line. With the smouldering ere tone: roses, hath nypt my amiss. Do you dine. And that is friend. That rage historted finds as only drinking him did pine—

here then she had adorn the even race books, who love be dearned all this wings, hungry cant—if spark, I saw a quintest squares not finding laws to rhymes a self where is about the rest (so his lost a pile being slowly when door, now I am, he sadness welcome, nor too much the pearled. But on all to make a twilight shun,) thought; which the silent that is the was once; and taken done, but vain oermuch there present, as kindled henceforth water, where shepheard it hastes, in robe true a weeks love was chalke, a kind in prone of byrds by the wake! Who lose them all feels like too, with the wife or his garb which their with all agrin as a writers, her for the Book, the heart, which for my fellow; get a glazed all the runs, then him, needed not the white for more of mine is memories, summon with figure the rhyme, trusted then fires were faith;

but still; and see departed! Here is a race.

#poetry #automatically generated text #Patrick Mooney #Markov chains #Markov chain length: 5 #187 texts

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