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isuckatwritingsobenice · 5 months

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Infernal Shadows

Synopsis: Being one of the most powerful overlords in Hell, you like to keep up with colonies and overlord plans. Recently with the new extermination date out, you hold your annual gala sooner than usual. You hadn’t expected to get in the middle of the already heated feud between the Radio Demon and the head of Vox Tech.

Warnings: She/Her pronouns used for the reader, mentions of blood, voodoo?, Angel Dust being a horn-bag, Reader is referred too as Madame to the public. Vox and Alastor feud because I live for it.

Song for this chapter: The world we knew by Frank Sinatra.

A/N: I wanna make this a three part short story, so if anyone is interested in being tagged in the second part just let me know!! I hope you enjoy!!

Word count: 2655

Navigation!! // Masterlist!!! // Serendipity Writes (event) // Part two

Getting an invite to the annual crimson ball, hosted by yours truly, was nothing but an honor. Every overlord and every sinner in the pride ring waited anxiously for a letter. A black card with white letter in a cursive font stating ‘You have been personally invited by Hells biggest designer. The list of the gala was simple. The usual overlords, Zestial, Carmilla Carmine and her daughters, Zeezie, Rosie, Fredrick Von Eldritch and Bethesda von Eldritch. Alastor who had came back after seven years of hiding god knows where, and by special request, the three vee’s who had never attended the gala before. Then it becomes a bit more political.

Next on the list was the Goetia family, inviting the recently divorced prince with his daughter. Inviting Lucifer and Lilith, though they only ever came when everyone was gone. Then was their daughter Charlotte, who got a plus one as a special perk of being the princess of hell. Husk because he had been an old friend of yours before his status of Overlord was taken from him by none other than Alastor. He was also given a plus one, though he usually never brought anyone extra. Sir Pentious was a candidate, but ultimately scrapped from your list of invites as you felt he was too childish.

The gala was tonight and everything was going smoothly. Preparations were almost done, the foyer was spotless just the way you liked it, and everything seemed to be falling into place. You stared at yourself in the mirror. You had spent months designing your perfect dress for tonight. Everyone attending the gala knew there was only ever one color off limits, because you always wore it best. The color black always suited you perfectly. No one could wear it better than you.

Back at the hotel, Charlie felt guilty for using her authority as princess to have people help her get ready for this gala. Based on what Alastor had told her, there would be a lot of political powers and fellow overlords there. She wanted to look her best if she was going to pitch the hotel to them. She needed more people on board with the project, maybe someone who didn’t think it was complete and utterly ridiculous joke like Alastor did.

“How do I look?” Charlie asked as the makeup and hair artists stepped away from her. Charlie stepped out, allowing Vaggie to get a better look at her in a tailored charcoal gray suit, a departure from her usual vibrant red attire. The jacket, adorned with subtle pinstripes, accentuated her frame, while the crisp, white silk shirt underneath added a touch of formality. Completing the ensemble, she wore a black tie with a discreet pattern that hinted at both elegance and authority. The ensemble was a strategic choice, projecting confidence and a readiness to engage with the political powers present at the gala for the sake of her hotel. Vaggie smiled and hugged Charlie deeply, their embrace making Charlie feel a little less nervous about the whole ordeal.

“Charlie you look amazing. What happened to the red?” Vaggie asked, before Charlie just chuckled.

“Well, I wanted a change for tonight. I’m always in red, and I feel like they’ll take me more serious if I’m not walking in there with my usual attire. Besides, you read the invitation, ‘formal attire, look your best’.” Charlie said. Vaggie nodded, and Charlie pulled back from the hug to admire Vaggie in her dress. She was wearing a sleek and modern grey dress that gracefully embraced the formal occasion. The dress, with its tailored fit and subtle shimmer, exuded class. The knee-length hemline added a contemporary touch, and Vaggie had decided to pair it with black heels to complete the ensemble. The choice of grey complemented Charlie’s charcoal gray suit, creating a coordinated yet distinct look that would surely make an impression at the gala. Charlie felt her cheeks heat up taking in her appearance, her long hair gently pinned back, the loose pieces of hair framing her face.

“Aww, Vaggie you look so pretty!!” Charlie said excitedly. Vaggie just smiled, ignoring the way her cheeks heated up at Charlies compliment.

“I agree, you look good vagina.” Angel said mockingly, causing Vaggie to glare at him. Charlie just gushed.

“Angel be nice. This is really important for the hotel.” Charlie explained. He just nodded, tilting his head back and downing a bottle of liquor. The staff however was interrupted by Angel making a purring sound at Husk, who was dressed in a nice white suave dinner jacket, with perfect cutouts for his wings, along with some sleek black trousers and some black dress shoes. The match, he had a black silk lapel.

“I can think of another place that suit would look.” Angel said, leaning onto Husk. He rolls his eyes, bottle in hand.

“Do I even wanna know?” He asks, and Angel just grins.

“On my bedroom floo-“ Angel doesn’t get to finish, being shrugged off by Husk who just walks away with a shake of his head.

“Oh my gosh! Husk you look amazing!” Charlie squealed in delight. Husk just smiled softly before setting his drink on the bar counter.

“It appears everyone is ready.” Alastor said, the focus of the room shifting to him. Niffty was at his side studying his outfit from head to toe.

Alastor emerged in an ensemble that deviated from his usual eccentricity, opting for a more formal yet captivating look. A deep red velvet tailcoat adorned his frame, its luxurious texture catching the light. Dark-red lapels, meticulously piped with gold, added a touch of opulence. Underneath, he wore a perfectly tailored crimson dress shirt, the power emitting off of him. Suddenly, the room grew just a tad bit darker, the shadows of the room stretching just a bit. Complementing the ensemble, he chose a pair of well-fitted black dress pants, allowing the bold red hue to take center stage on his appearance. His choice of footwear shifted to polished black oxford shoes, a departure from his usual pointed-toe boots. The finishing touches of the outfit included a matching red silk bowtie, neatly knotted at his throat, and black leather gloves that added a refined edge. Alastor’s presence was commanding, radiating an air of formality while retaining the distinctive charm that defined him. The room was captivated by the Radio Demon’s unexpected transformation into a vision of refined class and style.

“You took forever for that?” Niffty said, before Angel Dust tossed a pillow at her.

“Shut it you. We, we are keeping,” Angel said, hands waving around Alastor, “to whatever this is.”

“Style.” Alastor said confidently. Vaggie just face palmed while Charlie clapped her hands together excitedly.

“Okay, I think everyone’s ready. Should we head out?” Charlie asked. Vaggie nodded, before Alastor dug the invitation out of his coat pocket. Standing near a wall, he traced the symbol on the back of the card on the wall. “Uh, Al? What are you doing?” Charlie asked. He grinned, putting his hand flat on the wall. The symbol began to glow green, before it opened a portal. On the other side, was a large house. The grand Victorian mansion stood as a testament to opulence, its imposing facade adorned with intricate wrought-iron black railings and embellished balconies with hints of chains. Tall, arched windows with stained glass panels framed the exterior, allowing glimpses of the soft glow emanating from within. The entrance, marked by a sweeping staircase, welcomed guests with ornate, carved intricate detailed doors. Charlie, Vaggie and Husk followed Alastor through the portal, Charlie waving goodbye to Niffty, and Angel. Sir Pentious was most likely hiding out in a room somewhere with his egg boys.

As guests approached, they marveled at the meticulous details of the architecture – elaborate moldings, corbels, and friezes adorned every corner. Ivy-clad walls added a touch of nature’s grace, intertwining with wrought-iron lampposts that cast a warm ambiance over the meticulously landscaped gardens.Inside, the grand foyer unfolded, revealing a sweeping staircase adorned with a rich, mahogany handrail. Crystal chandeliers hung from soaring ceilings, their light refracted by ornate mirrors that lined the walls. Plush Victorian-era furnishings, upholstered in rich fabrics, adorned the parlor rooms, creating intimate spaces for guests to gather and converse.Every room whispered of a bygone era – intricately patterned wallpaper, gilded frames displaying classical art, and the faint fragrance of aged wood and lavender.

The air was infused with a sense of refinement, transporting guests to a time when elegance reigned supreme. The Victorian mansion, a splendid backdrop for the gala, promised an evening steeped in grandeur and charm. In the middle of the exterior grounds, a grand fountain of blood took center stage. Its sculpted marble figures spouted blood into the air, catching the moonlight in a dance of liquid elegance. The fountain, surrounded by manicured gardens and flowering shrubs, became a focal point for guests as they strolled through the outdoor spaces, the gentle sound of cascading blood adding a serene touch to the gala’s errie atmosphere.

The overlords arrival made the event much more real. Alastor hums to himself as he walks around the outside grounds. There are servants of all kinds walking around with glasses of champagne. Rosie is sitting on a bench, plucking thorns off a rose. Alastor smiles to himself, happy to see a familiar face he know he can confide in.

“Rosie dear! So nice to see you.” Alastor said with a smile. She smiles at him, teeth razor sharp.

“Do you think you’ll be getting a seat tonight?” She asks, snapping the rose off its stem and tossing it to the side.

“Well of course I will. It’d be a mistake if I wasn’t.” Alastor said with a smile, crossing his legs as he sat down next to her. Sinners from all over the pride ring were socializing outside of the large mansion. He knew you were inside finalizing preparations and possibly screaming your head off. Overall, the air was chilled with a comfortable atmosphere. Well, it had been comfortable, until a loud noisy vehicle stopped at the front gates. Everyone’s heads were turning, Rosie and Alastor looking at each other with strained smiles. Stepping out of the large limousine were the three vee’s, vulgar music blaring from the vehicles speakers as the three made their way through the now open gates. Reporters lined the edges of the gates, trying desperately to see the overlords inside and to try and sneak into the gala, which was starting soon.

“Mr.Vox! Mr.Vox!” News reporters shouted. Velvet was busy taking selfies of her and her outfit, her assistant following close behind her. Valentino was busy looking down at everyone, smoking his usual, while taking his long strides next to Vox, who was in the middle of the three.

On Vox’s right was Valentino, who donned a captivating look for the gala. His tailored white suit boasted a jacket that reached just above the knee, a subtle departure from his usual floor-length coat. The crimson silk lining peeked through, adding a luxurious touch to the outfit. The coat, reminiscent of his extravagant style, also had a vivid-red hue with his signature white fur trim at the wrists. The black and white striped fur trim along the center-front added a distinctive flair. A gold chain and love-heart-shaped broach fastenings adorned the coat, creating an opulent yet alluring look. Finally, he wore polished black heeled boots, maintaining the sleek and captivating allure that defined Valentino’s presence. The familiar color scheme remained intact, blending sophistication with a hint of provocative charm for the grand gala.

On Vox’s left was Velvet, who had spent months perfecting her outfit for the gala, in hopes she’d be invited of course. She had begged the boys to keep a good public appearance, in hopes they’d be recognized and invited to the crimson gala. Velvette, deciding to ditch her usual style, embraced a lavish and over-the-top look that represented her brand. Dressed in a knee-length dress, the garment had a striking blend of black and red hues. The dress, fitted at the waist, flowed into a voluminous skirt, creating a sense of extravagance. The bodice of the dress featured intricate lace detailing. A white collar adorned with a velvet bow added a playful yet mature flair. The sleeves, a fusion of burgundy and white patterns, contributed to the overall lavish aesthetic she had been going for. Her accessories took on a more refined form. Velvet gloves, adorned with delicate lace, graced her hands, and a pearl necklace adorned her neck, adding a classic touch, completed with maroon heels, each step resonating with a sense of grandeur. Velvet’s transformation into this upscale attire reflected her desire to make a statement at the Crimson Gala.

In the middle, and the brains of the three vee’s, was none other than the head of Vox Tech, Vox himself. He wore a sleek and modern dark blue tuxedo, tailored with precision. Of course he could only have the best. The suit featured subtle futuristic patterns that enhanced his ‘perfect’ sense of style. To complement his high-tech vibe, Vox wore a light blue undershirt with an upside-down broadcast symbol. Vox's gala attire seamlessly blended power and control with his technological edge, creating a memorable look in shades of dark blue, which in his opinion, was the best color.

Upon seeing Alastor, Vox’s eye twitched noticeably. The gates shut behind the three vee’s, closing off the gala to the public. The overlords begin to get closer together unknowingly, Zestial finding a comfortable corner to watch things play out. Carmilla and Zeezie stand close together, whispering to one another as both Rosie and Alastor stand from the bench. Vox, Valentino and Velvet make their way to the Radio Demon and his colleagues.

“I see the grandpa’s were invited.” Velvet says with a scoff, scrolling through her phone.

“So disrespectful.” Carmilla says under her breath, looking away from the three vee’s.

“Hm, interesting, and I was beginning to think the only interesting thing tonight would be the dinner.” Bethesda said, her brother nodding.

“Well, it seems the children brought their play date to the public then.” Zeezie says. The other overlords laugh and Valentino sneers at her.

“Well an idiota like you would think so. Then again, don’t you all do the same with your diapers?” He asked, puffing the smoke into her face. She growls at him, fists clenching at her side, but Carmilla stops her.

“Didn’t they say this was an adult only gala?” Carmilla asked, Rosie chuckling at her words.

“Oh can it grandma.” Velvete said. But Vox remained silent, having his own personal staring match with Alastor, whose smile was stretched ear to ear, teeth on full display.

“I thought this gala was meant for real talent?” Vox asked, stepping closer to Alastor.

“Well it was until you showed up.” Alastor said with a smile. “There’s no originality in copying someone else.” He tuts. Vox narrows his eyes, face twisting with anger as he steps closer to Alastor again.

“You wanna tell me something, you old piece of-“ Vox is stopped, the lights to the exterior of the mansion dimming. The lights behind the large front doors opening slowly. Two tall black shadowy figures stepped from the door, smoke at their feet.

“Thank you all for your attendance. As we know, the annual Crimson Gala is held every year, and this year is no different. With the new extermination date, important decisions must be made. Tonight, ten individuals will be selected to sit at Madame’s table where she will discuss private plans on how to move forward.” The two said in unison. Everyone fell silent as more shadows appeared, each one sitting on the sides of the steps. Lights around the staircases began to light up, and people began making their way up the stairs.

“Well~ this should be fun.”

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auteurdelabre · 2 months

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SO MUCH TO LOSE part 10 - dark!Joel x f!reader

rating: 18+

words: 7.5k

TW: HEAVY EMOTIONAL CHAPTER. MENTIONS OF TRAUMA. Allusions to oral sex, m receiving, allusions to f/m penetrative sex.

a/n: I told y'all this chapter's a doozy. Well it is, but maybe not for the reasons you think. . . To me its one of the most important chapters of this whole story.

series masterlist

REBLOGS, COMMENTS, ENGAGEMENT ARE WHAT KEEP US FIC WRITERS GOING. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF YOU ENJOYED THIS.

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SO MUCH TO LOSE CHAPTER 10

You visit Maria the following week with a plate of cookies in hand. She’s the one to answer the door and you are relieved when you see that she is showered and dressed. Things must be improving. She brings you into a tentative hug when you arrive, urging you inside out of the fresh dusting of snow.

“Tommy has Douglas out for a little walk. I’ll make you a coffee.”

“I’m fine,” you insist. “Just came to drop off some baking. I’m heading to Ellie’s later this week and needed to get some practice in. I haven’t done much baking lately and wanted to make sure I wasn’t rusty.”

You join her on the couch, watching as she wraps her hands tightly around her coffee mug. She takes tentative sips between munches of cookie. At the first bite she literally moans.

“This is so good.”

“Thanks. They were Charlotte’s favorite.”

Maria licks the crumbs from her lips before leaning back on the sofa. She’s always been slender and she looks almost as she did back before she gave birth, except for the small pouch at her lower belly. You think she looks better with it.

“Was Charlotte your daughter?”

“Oh no. I never had kids.”

“We’re you ever married?”

“Me?” you almost laugh. “No.”

“Oh,” Maria blinks and her mouth tugs to the side. “I thought you might be. You have a nurturing quality about you.”

“I think you give me too much credit.”

Maria grins, taking another bite of cookie. The two of you chat amiably a bit about the changing weather, of the way the inhabitants of Jackson City get along so well. Of how she feels the pressure of being Jacksons’ ‘First Lady’. Of how the bandits that fuck with the dam that supports the city stresses her daily.

“It’s a fucking nightmare some days,” she cites with a grumble. “Thank goodness for Tommy.”

“He’s a good man,” you tell her.

“He is,” she smiles indulgently before shooting you a lingering look. “What do you think about Joel?”

“How do you mean?”

“You do patrols with him, right?”

“Can’t say I was always his biggest fan,” she says, taking another sip from her mug. “But he’s grown on me.”

“Yeah.”

You hold in the scoff that’s already begun in your throat.

“My friend Jennifer seems to think he’s pretty wonderful,” you offer instead. “She was delighted to help him repair the window last week.”

“She the blonde one? Used to do textiles?” Maria knows everyone thanks to her position.

“Yeah.”

“Not his type,” Maria insists with a shy grin. “She’d eat him alive.”

Jennifer doesn’t seem like she would eat anyone alive.

“Joel is all harsh edges,” she explains when she sees your confusion. “He needs someone soft to balance him out. That Jennifer girl is hard.”

You don’t think that you would consider Jennifer hard and you don’t fight Maria on it because the conversation quickly turns to Jackson’s continued increase of population, the place swelling with new life.

“Plenty of single men,” Maria says with a quirked brow in your direction. You give a soft laugh.

“Not really interested.”

“Single women too.”

“No no,” you laugh again, cheeks pinking. “I like men, I just . . . I don’t think I’m the partnering type.”

You think of Luke and his sweet features and his muscled forearms. For him you could perhaps be the partnering type. Perhaps. The thought of romance appeals to you; it just doesn’t seem realistic at times. A crush feels fun and safe.

“You must have had your share of dates,” Maria insists. You can see her relaxing and you think she must be enjoying what she views as girl time. You think she must not have had much of it lately.

“Normal crushes and stuff,” you shrug. “But I was a late bloomer and then the outbreak started when I was a teenager so I didn’t have a chance for a lot of firsts back then.”

“Sex,” Maria nods.

“Uh yeah… that…” you say, trying to appear nonchalant. “And uh, kissing, dating, all that stuff.”

“But you did eventually,” Maria cites smiling.

“Sex? Oh yes,” you nod. You weren’t a monk or anything in your time before Jackson City.

“What was your first time like?” Maria settles back against a cushion, nibbling at her cookie looking at you eagerly. “I remember mine was all fumbling in the backseat of his truck before curfew.”

You laugh and think Maria must be starved for company to be intrigued by your limited romantic experience.

“Uh… fast,” you say with a laugh before allowing yourself to be transported back to that time. “He worked at one of the bakeries that I assisted in. I remember he had the longest eyelashes I’d ever seen on a man. They were so blond you could only see them if he turned at a certain angle. He made me laugh. One night he invited me back to his apartment and… that was that.”

“How old were you?”

“Uh, twenty two, twenty three?”

“And you didn’t date after?”

“Nah, my family left that QZ kinda in a hurry.”

You aren’t expecting your voice to hitch on that last sentence, but it does. Maria grows somber, her dark eyes expressive.

“Can I ask why you left?”

You blink back the sheen of tears starting and gaze around the room, trying to land on something that will steel you. You find it in the small carving of a horse on the bookshelf nearby. You tell your story to that delicately made creature instead.

“We moved east through the QZ’s for about ten or eleven years. Stayed in a few of them before we’d pick up and keep moving to the next one. Hard to make connections and date with all that. I didn’t trust that I’d have the time.”

Maria looks like she wants to ask more when the door is opened and Tommy’s cheerful voice rings out announcing he and Douglas are home and ready for lunch.

“We have company!” Maria says cheerfully.

Tommy turns the corner to see you and he greets you. He wears Douglas strapped to him with fabric, snuggled under his large jacket. Jackson is sleeping soundly and barely notices when Tommy unwraps and hands him off to his mother.

Douglas squirms, his tiny head burrowing into Maria’s neck. She smiles and for the first time you’ve known her it looks sincere. There is a lightness in the house you realize, something that had been missing before.

“He enjoyed being out in the fresh air,” Tommy announces. “Everyone who saw him wanted to kiss him.”

“Tommy!” Maria looks horrified.

“But I didn’t let ‘em,” Tommy finishes, pressing a gentle kiss to his wife’s worried brow. “I’m gonna make some soup. You two want a bowl?”

“I’m alright,” you say. “I just brought by dessert. I’m actually heading over to Ellie’s to do some baking.”

“Joel’s letting you use his place to bake?”

You still, brows raised. “Uh… yeah. Is that… should I not be?”

“No, I’m just surprised,” Tommy admits after a pause. “I don’t think he’s ever let anyone in that house aside from me and Maria. Think the only reason he and Ellie don’t kill each other is ‘cuz she’s in the garage.”

“Oh.”

You don’t know what else to offer besides that.

Tommy nods and for a moment you see something in his expression, a pinched look when Maria looks away from him. You realize that Tommy looks harried, running a hand through his glossy curls.

“What’s up?”

“Nothin’,” Tommy replies too quickly.

You see the panic in his eyes as his gaze darts from his wife back to you. You understand immediately. Maria is doing well, if there’s something stressful in Jackson City he doesn’t want to bother her with it.

“Thanks for the tea Maria, but I better head out,” you inform them both.

Maria wraps you into a side hug, one arm around your shoulders, the other holding her son. You run your knuckles down his spine gently.

“Come back soon,” she whispers.

“I promise.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Tommy says, feigning manners. The two of you walk to the front door around the corner. As you toe on your boots you look up at him expectantly.

“Well?”

Tommy looks over his shoulder anxiously before dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper only you can hear.

“Rumor is Raiders were spotted by A Patrol this week,” Tommy says with a sigh. “Up by the traps.”

“Fuck,” you breathe. “Really?”

“Not positive. A Patrol isn’t always the most reliable. They spook easy and are overly cautious. But I’d rather that than the alternative.”

“Of course.”

“Just make sure you and Joel are extra cautious,” Tommy says. “I know you’re both responsible but, you know…. Just be extra responsible.”

You nod, feeling your heart thrumming in your chest as you make your way to Rancher Street.

///

You didn't really want to go to Joel's house today. But Ellie had found you last night heading home from The Tipsy Bison and had guilted you into it when she told you that Joel had brought back all the supplies needed.

You'd tried to sway her into baking at your place but only the burners on your oven work. You'd never really considered getting the main oven fixed, since you take most of your meals in the dining hall.

But in moments like this, you heavily regret that choice.

You feel like even your footsteps sound timid as they make their way up the wood steps.

Ellie is at the door, pulling it open before you can even knock. She must have been looking for you at the window, counting down the seconds until your arrival. The thought warms you. She gives you a broad smile that lights up her face.

"I got everything set up!"

She takes off down into the kitchen and you venture into the Miller home tentatively, still anxious about what happened last time.

A sound to your right draws your attention and you take in the tall form of Joel coming into the room. He's dressed in jeans and a sweater, obviously feeling the chill despite the cheery fire that roars behind him.

"Mornin'," he greets.

"Morning." You lick your lips nervously. "Thanks for letting me bake with Ellie."

"'Course. She's been looking forward to it for weeks. Can't stop talkin' about it.'

Joel gives you a whisper of a smile but the thing that really throws you about this interaction is that he looks almost nervous. You've never seen Joel look nervous.

He'd been so stiff after last patrol, not even saying goodbye to the group after you'd all disembarked off the horses.

It had been embarrassing. Him storming off like you'd all done something wrong. Only Jennifer seemed to still be under Joel's spell citing that watching him hammer the window would fuel her fantasies for months to come.

You're still really irritated with him but it's lessened slightly because his greeting isn’t hostile. You could almost relax if it weren’t for the intense way he’s staring at you.

You hear your name being called by Ellie in the next room so you toe off your shoes and head into the kitchen. She's got an apron on, borrowed from the kitchen or Joel because it's far too big for her small frame.

"Alright," you give her a warm smile as you enter. "You got everything?"

"Yep."

You place the bag you brought on the counter. You remove your own apron, baby blue with ruffles on the end. A recent gift from Jennifer who told you “since you’re a real chef you need your own apron”. You tie it as you speak to Ellie.

"So what I like to do is set up all my supplies on the counter just to double check I have everything. Nothing worse than being halfway through a recipe and finding out you you’re missing ingredients."

The sentence isn't even out of your mouth before Ellie’s opened up her cupboards and ice box and begun to take everything out. Flour, eggs, bowls, milk and more, all the items you gave Joel on the list. She places them on the counter before looking at you like a proud student.

"You'll need measuring spoons."

The two of you turn at the same time to see Joel standing by the entrance to the kitchen, lingering. His hands are in his jean pockets, standing like a chastised student outside the classroom.

"I brought some," you inform him, trying to hold in your irritation. You pull them from your bag, putting them next to the eggs.

You feel Joel's eyes on your back and you're sure he's silently judging you, eager to point out what you're doing wrong. You stiffen under the perceived scrutiny. Ellie must sense the change in the room because she whips around to shoot him a jeering look.

"Joel you don't need to supervise," Ellie says rolling her eyes. "We won't break the damn stove."

Joel looks at his feet mumbling something about needing to do stuff upstairs anyway before he's making his way out of the kitchen.

You go back to your lesson with Ellie who turns out to be a very focused student.

She asks smart questions, measures everything perfectly and takes her time. It's only when you put her in charge of cracking three eggs into the bowl that she gets frustrated.

"Fuck, it cracked wrong. Shell got in."

Her fingers pinch into the egg bowl, trying to grasp the fallen eggshell. Of course the viscous nature of the raw egg makes it impossible and it’s not long before she pushes at the bowl angrily, her face is set into a deep frown.

“S’fucking bullshit.”

"Happens all the time," you tell her kindly. "Don't stress about it. I’ll show you a secret my mom taught me and my sister to get ‘em out."

Ellie watches as you take the empty shell half still in her hand. Her brows knit in confusion as you lower it into the bowl, using it as a scoop. Unlike with her fingers, the egg shell piece floats easily into the makeshift scoop. You pull the shell from the bowl, tossing the mess into the garbage.

“Holy shit that actually worked.” Ellie smiles at this and it transforms her pale pinched features into that of a warm, approachable teenager.

You smile, feeling strangely proud. You’ve never baked with anyone else before, aside from the kitchen. But that was following the same boring recipes given by the head chef. You were usually boiling rice, cutting onions or apples. Baking is a different beast, a calmer, more relaxing one.

After that hiccup Ellie is more patient with herself. She's keen to learn about baking but she's very eager to talk to you about you. When you pop the formed pastries into the oven and set the timer she decides that now is the time to chat.

"What kind of music did you used to listen to before?"

Memories of Joel’s warning float in your mind. The reminder not to tell her too much. To make her long for a life that he can’t give her.

"Enough about me,” you deflect. “I want to know about you."

At this Ellie balks slightly, the smile wavering just a fraction before the mask is replaced and she nods. Her mixing increases but now her eyes are on the batter.

"Whadda you wanna know?"

"What was your life like before Jackson?"

"I was in the QZ back in Boston,” she says slowly, as if she's trying to make sure she doesn't give too much away. "Hated it."

"Parents?"

"Never met 'em."

"What brought you to Jackson City?"

"Joel."

She doesn't offer you more or less than that. You understand it, you don't push it.

"How'd you end up here?" She asks, mixing the dry ingredients.

You realize the stupidity of you asking her those questions. How easily you opened them to be doubled back on yourself.

"You asked me what kind of music I listened to before?" You smile, hoping that this will distract her. "I remember I saw Chicago about a billion times," you laugh. "I was obsessed. I listened to the soundtrack over and over."

"Chicago," Ellie says slowly as if trying to recall before a light seems to go on. "Oh, I've heard of Chicago. Joel likes ‘em."

Them?

It takes you a minute to understand what she's talking about. You finally answer giggling.

"Chicago the musical, not the band. The musical had great songs. And dancing."

"Do you dance?"

"Not very well."

Your dual laughter combines and you can't help but enjoy the sound. Ellie really does make you laugh. She reminds you of how life was before. When everything seemed new.

You can tell Ellie wants to know everything about your life before the outbreak. And you want to indulge her but Joel's words rub their imprint on your the inside of your skull.

"Hey I promised your D- Joel that I wouldn't keep talking about this stuff with you," you explain quietly. "He's worried it makes you want stuff you can't have."

"Jesus," Ellie says rolling her eyes. “Overprotective much?”

"No he's right," you insist truthfully. "I mean, I get where he's coming from. He doesn't wanna keep disappointing you."

"Joel could never disappoint me."

The timer goes off and you peer into the oven. The pastries are a golden brown. You smile before taking them out with the oven mitt. Ellie closes her eyes, inhaling.

"They smell so good."

"Just wait until you put icing on them," you encourage with a grin. "Delicious."

The two of you get to work making the icing while the pastries cool.

"It's gonna snow," Ellie comments out of nowhere as she peers out the window, mixing idly.

"Hate to break it to you, El, it's already snowing."

Ellie gives you a smirk along with her side eye. You don't know if it's from your sarcastic comment or the fact that you called her El.

"I mean I think it’s gonna snow a lot." She explains. "I heard some of the other kids talking about it at school."

"Huh," you offer noncommittal as you look at the consistency of the icing. "Wonder how they can tell."

"They said they could smell it," Ellie says with a grin, pushing up the sleeve of her shirt so that it doesn't drip into the icing bowl. "They said tha-"

You can't hear anything she's saying after that. All you can focus on is her now bared arm and the ugly bite mark. Blood rushes in your ears and you cry out before giving a blood curdling shriek.

“No!”

Ellie jumps, startled at your sudden screams. She throws herself back against the wall, eyes wide and glancing around as if she expects hordes of infected to come streaming in.

"What? What is it?"

You know she's never seen you be loud, never seen you scream and the sight must terrify her.

But all you can focus on is the clear outline of bite marks on her forearm visible after she rolled up her sleeves. The clear sign of an infected’s mark. She’s going to turn into a clicker before your eyes. She’s going to become soulless and inhuman and you need to go. You need to get somewhere safe.

Joel. He’ll be so devastated.

You can hear the heavy footsteps of Joel approaching the kitchen but all you can think of is escaping and getting yourself safe. You have to warn the town. You run towards the front door, your socks slipping over the smooth floor.

You're still screaming incoherently, your voice cracking as you lunge for the doorknob, tears in your eyes. Your hand closes around the brass knob just as two muscled arms go around your waist, pulling you back harshly. A hand covers your mouth and a deep voice is at your ear.

"Quit," he repeats, shaking you slightly in his arms. "Stop screamin'."

There's an increasingly paranoid thought that believes this was all a trap. A way for Joel to get his daughter fed. You feel it, Joel's arms wrapped around your entire body, pinning your arms to your sides. His body is warm and solid behind you, terrifying in its strength. It takes you to a time you've tried to forget.

"Get the fuck off of me!" You shriek against his palm, trying to wriggle out of his grip but he holds firm. You're screaming expletives, trying to kick out. You shake his hand off your mouth. "She's bit, Joel! I saw it!"

Ellie hasn't moved from where she stands cowering in the corner of the kitchen. But you can only imagine how soon it will be before she turns. You can't be here for that. You can’t watch that sweet girl turn into one of them.

"I know," Joel rumbles against your temple, hands still gripping you tightly.

"You know," you repeat and now a dread begins in your feet and floods the rest of you.

Joel knows she is bit. Joel welcomed you into his home knowing she was bit.

You are going to die.

"Let me go!"

High on fearful adrenaline you give a frantic kick backwards, elbowing into Joel's abdomen at the same time you thrust the ball of your foot onto his socked toes. Joel gives a strangled grunt and his arms loosen in pain momentarily allowing you a chance to break free from him.

You tug open the door and speed out without your boots. You feel the snow on the porch under your feet, freezing your toes immediately. You throw yourself down the porch stairs, feet slapping the wood as you hold back sobs. The street is deserted; the houses all empty as they usually are on bright Saturday afternoons. You go to cry out for someone, anyone, when Joel's arm bands around your waist.

You give a devastated howl of defeat before Joel is dragging your struggling frame back into the house, telling you to calm down.

Ellie is by the sink, her eyes on the ground.

But you still struggle, trying to get away from this house. Joel gives a frustrated growl before he pushes you up against the wall, pinning you there with his hips. His hands hold your wrists on either side of your head, pressing them into the wall.

"Stop fuckin' strugglin'," Joel seethes when you jerk against him, his chest pressing you so tightly to the wall you can't breathe.

"Please let me go," you beg brokenly as you continue to struggle in his arms. "Please I just-“

"She's immune," he rasps in your ear. "She's fucking immune! Stop!"

Immune. Immune.

"What?" You stop your screaming just long enough to twist your head to face him. "Immune? That's not possible."

But you’ve stopped struggling as hard.

You take a closer look at Ellie’s arm from where you stand, noticing that it doesn’t look particularly fresh. In fact it looks scarred. And yet something in you is still terrified. So terrified that you yelp when you feel Joel's wide hands go to either side of your face, forcing your face up and eyes to his.

"Everything is okay," Joel tells you in a husky rasp. "You're safe, I promise. I've got you. You're safe."

His eyes are locked with yours as he says this and you don't know how those words work their way into your body, but they do. The same way they wind around you as you allow yourself to get lost on patrols with your mouth on him. That sense that someone else is in charge, someone else is protecting you.

You're safe.

Your entire frame goes boneless in his arms and when he finally releases your face your head drops to your chest. He continues to press you gently against the wall with one heavy hand holding you there.

"What if it's slow acting or -" you whisper quietly, "or what if you can still pass it on with saliva or-"

"The dogs don't detect it," Joel tells you, his hold on you not lessening. "Ellie and I've shared drinks plenty a' times. She's immune."

You stare at the girl at the table, her entire countenance shifted. You can see the devastation, the fear and anger floods out of you immediately, like a deep sigh. You sag in Joel's arms, feeling as he slowly loosens you.

"She's had it for months," Joel tells you, no longer pinning you to the wall.

"Months?"

You're still stunned by the developments but it doesn't stop your eyes from traveling over to Ellie. You see now that tears are slipping off the end of her nose as she silently cries. She’s pulled her sleeve back down, covering the scar.

Your heart immediately breaks because it's you who did this to her. This girl who trusts so few. You treated her like she was a monster.

"Ellie I'm sorry, I just..." You trail off, your heart still beating wildly.

But Ellie has tears in her eyes, her neck blotchy. She's raced to the garage, slamming the door after her. You flinch at the sound of it.

Then it’s just you and Joel in the quiet kitchen.

"How long have you known?"

"Since I met her," Joel explains quietly. "Was bringing her to the fireflies with a friend in exchange for a battery. Rumor was there was a cure."

"Guess not if you're both here," you say absently, missing the pain in his dark eyes when you say it.

"Not a lot of people know about it. We'd like to keep it that way."

You nod, your mind whirring. You realize you've never seen Ellie in anything but long sleeves. Never seen her wearing bracelets or anything that would draw her attention to her arms. She’s been hiding in plain sight. You think of the friendships she hasn’t made, the way she keeps to herself, the hostile way she is with most and it all clicks into place.

"We were thinking of gettin' her a tattoo to cover it up,” Joel continues. “Haven't found anyone to do it yet."

You nod again, eyes falling on the pastries now lying squashed on the floor, the warm berries oozing out onto the wood.

“I’ll take care of this stuff,” Joel mutters, dropping to his knees and starting to pick up the supplies you brought. You think of how excited Ellie had been to recreate the pop tarts, how devastated she’ll be when she realizes they’re all ruined.

"I- I think I should go talk to Ellie."

"She doesn't wanna talk. Trust me."

"Just lemme try."

Joel looks as if he's about to protest but you're already walking quickly until you've reached the door to the garage. You knock gently.

"Ellie? It's me. Please don't be upset ... I was just startled."

There's a pause, then a sniffle that makes your heart lurch.

"Can we talk? Please, Ellie?"

You hear shuffling and then finally the door to the garage is opened a crack and you see Ellie peering through. Her eyes are swollen and red, the end of her nose pink. She glares at you through the small slit in the door.

"Fuck off."

"I just want to explain. Just let me explain and then I promise I'll leave."

She doesn't move, doesn't attempt to close or open the door. She just stands there like some sentry.

“Five minutes. That’s all I need.”

"You think I'm a freak."

"I don't," you insist, palm on the door as if you could transfer your emotions by osmosis to her. "Ellie I was having fun right before all this. I really was. Can we talk? Please? I want to explain properly."

Ellie’s glossy eyes scan your body and with a labored sigh she steps back, opening the door and allowing you entrance.

"Come in."

You follow her into the warm space, watching as she drops onto her made bed. Ellie hugs her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as you look at her. Ellie's eyes drag from the floor up to your face and you see her chin trembling as she holds in tears.

“Can I sit?” you ask motioning to beside her on the bed. She nods, shuffling to give you room to perch there.

“I know you’re not gonna come back after this,” Ellie says, eyes wide with a quiet pleading as you look over at her.

“Of course I am.”

“No you’re not,” Ellie says shaking her head and rubbing angrily at her eyes. “You’ve seen my arm. You think I’m a fucking freak.”

"Ellie I swear I don't think you're a freak," you emphasize as you shuffle on the edge of her bed. "I was just... That bite took me back to a really scary time."

"Yeah," Ellie says with her chin balanced on her kneecap. "No one wants to think about... All that stuff."

You see the desolation there in her eyes. She's hurt and even though you didn't mean to do it you did. You feel responsible for her sadness. Your eyes go to her closed door, wanting to make sure you have privacy before you turn back to her.

"Ellie, can I share some stuff with you?"

"Yeah.”

"It's not happy stuff," you tell her.

"Figured." Ellie shrugs again like it doesn't matter. Like she's seen it all. Maybe she has, but you doubt it. She doesn’t make eye contact with you.

“It’s just. . . I’ve never told anyone this stuff before. Ever.”

Ellie’s eyes go to your face now. She can see how serious you are and she straightens slightly. She goes from being hunched and holding her legs to sitting cross legged across from you on the bed.

"Okay..." You take a sharp inhale. “So, I was about your age when Outbreak Day happened. I was with my Dad and my sister. My mom was visiting my Aunt in Wyoming-“

“How come?”

“Ellie you gotta let me get this all out quick okay?” you say gently. “No interruptions.”

“Okay.”

“Okay,” you breathe deeply again. “She was visiting my aunt because my aunt was getting a divorce and my mom wanted to support her. Anyway, about ten years ago my dad and my little sister and I were travelling between QZ’s. We were looking for my Mom because my Dad was convinced she was still alive and she’d be out in this direction.”

You swallow; hating talking about this but knowing that Ellie deserves this truth. So far she looks intrigued, her eyes wide.

“So one night we were exhausted. We’d been travelling for days and we were low on food and water. We see this old cabin and it looks like it’s abandoned. We figure it’s a good spot to hunker down and get some energy before we keep going.” You exhale a shuddering breath.

“Except it wasn’t abandoned. It was a trap set up by this group of Raiders. I called them The Group. They killed my dad and they were gonna kill me and my sister when one of the guys had the bright idea that they could use us as bait.”

"Bait?"

Ellie seems to remember she’s not supposed to say anything because she ducks her head slightly.

"Yeah. they made us go into new places first," you explain detached, as if you’re talking about another woman in another life. "So if there was anything dangerous it would get us in enough time to give The Group a chance to escape.”

Ellie is staring at you wide-eyed, all her teenage ambivalence lost as you detail the most terrifying years of your life. You omit lots of the more gruesome details and you definitely don’t tell her about Rock River.

"Once they hung me from a tree," you tell her, trying not to sound emotional. It's not hard. Years of hiding how that part of your life affects you makes you good at it. "They tied me to a rope and hung me on a branch to attract clickers."

"Jesus."

"Yeah," you nod. "It worked really well. There was a big group and they piled underneath me, trying to grab at me, their mouths all black and their teeth gnashing and...” you stop yourself when you see Ellie’s eyes widening. “Anyway, The Group got ‘em all and managed to get some good supplies in the town because of it. I just... It just left me kind of..."

You wince when you realize you’ve trailed off, your focus blurred.

"The point is that when I saw your arm it just all came flooding back and I reacted out of instinct. Not because I think you're a freak. I could never think that about you.”

Ellie is quiet, digesting all that you've told her. You think you hear a creaking outside her door, but you're not sure. Your attention is drawn back to the girl who’s eyes hold such a myriad of emotions; pain, empathy, fear, anger.

"How did you end up here?"

You think about not telling her. But it feels so good to be getting some of this information out, like you’re coughing up a thick black piece of flesh that’s been festering in your lungs for years, making it so you can now finally breathe.

"One guy, Chiyo, he joined up with our group a few years after I was taken. He owned a shooting range before everything.... You know…. Well, he'd broken his ankle in a recent raid and couldn’t really move much. If we hadn't come upon him when we did he probably would have been killed by another group of raiders. But as it was he had this giant stash of weapons and The Groups ranks were thinning so..."

You trail off, thinking of how you'd come upon him first when you and The Group got to town. How the leader you thought of as Red due to his hair (you never learned their real names), shoved you brutally by the shoulder.

Always the bait.

But after what had happened only the week before you didn’t care anymore. Red pushed you and you entered willingly, your feet not even dragging as you walked. It was either be shot by one of The Group attempting to escape, or see what resided inside the shop with the boarded up windows.

Chiyo’s gun was trained on you the second you walked in. The way you held your hands at your eye level when he told you he was going to shoot.

“I’m gonna blow your head clean off if you take another step.”

And suddenly you’d decided that you were done. You were so tired. And at least this way it would be quick and it would be away from The Group. And so you’d taken another step towards Chiyo, hands still raised.

You can still recall the furrowing of his thick brows and the lowering of his weapon as he stared at you.

"You want to die?"

You hadn't answered him but that had been answer enough for Chiyo. He'd hobbled over to you, dragging his lame leg, dark eyes fixed on your face.

"I'm not gonna hurt you."

And when he'd said it, you'd believed him.

You remember the way you'd convinced the rest of The Group they needed someone like him. A crack shot, you told them. You'd had no idea of knowing if it was true. But there had been warmth in Chiyo's eyes that was missing from the rest of The Groups. Something that you clinged to in the coming months.

"Thankfully he was a really good shot,” you explain. “He joined up and we stripped his shop of his guns and eventually his ankle healed thanks to the medic in The Group and he was suddenly part of the team.”

“Was he nice to you?”

“Yeah. He was really kind. Whenever they used me as bait he insisted on going with. He said it was so we could save me for really bad missions, but I knew it was to protect me. They let him get away with it because he was such a good shot, I think. Everyone liked him. When the rest of The Group was asleep we'd talk by the fire. Chiyo was afraid of horses," you tell Ellie with a small smile. “Was about the only thing he was afraid of.”

You don't tell her everything. You don't tell of the tender way he fucked you in the wee hours of the morning before The Group rose most mornings. How he whispered that he missed his dead wife and would never dishonor her memory by kissing you. But you hadn’t minded, you understood and you’d both been gentle with each other.

You’d enjoyed getting lost in the sensation of him. Of his cock in your mouth, of your cunt stuffed full of him. The rhythmic sensation of sex that took you out of your body and away from your every day horrors.

You remember how he would hold you, tears sliding onto your collar as he spilled himself onto your belly whimpering his dead wife’s name. How he would thank you over and over with your hand at the base of his skull, mouth against his shoulder while you quietly sobbed your own gratitude.

"After a few months he told me he was escaping. He'd heard about Jackson City and that's where he was headed. He wanted to bring me to see if we could find my Mom."

"Holy shit,” Ellie breathes. “Where is he now?"

"He didn't make it," you tell her tightly.

And now the shield is back in your voice and eyes and she must sense it. Ellie doesn’t press this, seems to understand that there is more there. With a teenagers’ sensibilities and a teenager’s romanticism she asks you her next question.

"Were you in love with him?"

Chiyo is a faint memory, a watercolor blur if you think about him in too much detail. When you try to recall things like the scar over his left eyebrow or the dragon tattoo on his inner thigh. But these are just pieces of him. They aren't him.

When you think of Chiyo there is a warmth. But it's the warmth that comes from having a benevolent savior. One who never told you that you were in his debt. Yes, you cared for him. Of course you did. He was gentle and he was kind and his heart was soft.

"No," you say firmly. "He was nice though and I cared about him. Probably as close to love as I'll ever get."

You and Ellie are quiet for a long time.

“I tried saving a bit boy once,” she finally offers. “His name was Sam. Tried rubbing my blood on him. Thought it would save him. It didn’t. He turned and his brother had to kill him before he killed himself.”

You don’t allow yourself to cry. You know that isn’t what Ellie needs right now.

“I’m the reason so many people are dead,” Ellie explains when you say nothing in return. “My Mom died having me. Riley… Tess… Sam…Henry... Ellie’s voice is doing that same detached thing yours does. “Sometimes I honestly think it would be better if I was never born.”

You can’t help the way your arms leap out in front of you to gather the girl into your arms. She tries to fight you on it, flinching from the contact before your unrelenting arms pull her into a tight squeeze, tugging her into your lap. Angry tears slip down her red cheeks, her cries breaking free as you wrestle her into a bear hug.

“I’m so glad you exist, Ellie.”

And then all the fight is gone from her body and she’s sobbing quietly into your shoulder, her tiny frame shaking. You hold her against you, wanting your adoration and affection to move through your body into hers so she knows how much she’s wanted.

“The world would be so much worse without you in it,” you assure her honestly. “You’re special, Ellie. And not because you’re immune. Because you’re smart and brave and funny and you make people like me feel like we’re worth something.”

Her arms wrap around your neck, face in your shoulder and she allows you to continue holding her, rocking her gently in your lap as if she were your own teenage daughter.

“And yes you’re stubborn and you can be annoying,” you add, trying to lighten the mood. “But there’s no one I like talking to as much as I like talking to you. You made me look forward to breakfasts in the dining hall because it meant I got to speak to you.”

“You’re just saying that,” she sniffles, arms loosely circling your neck.

“You don’t like liars, right?” You remind her. “Well I’m not lying. Plus, I know Joel loves you and he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that loves many people so you must be pretty great.”

Ellie gives a shallow huff of amusement in your shoulder.

“And I know Maria and Tommy adore you just as much if not more than I do. And if you opened up a little more with the kids around here I know they’d love you just as much as we do because you’re a wonderful person. The world would be so much worse without your light, Ellie. You bring light to the darkness.”

You continue rocking her for several moments, waiting until her sobs turn into hiccups and then gentle swallows. Finally she pulls back from you, almost embarrassed at the emotional display. She shuffles back onto the bed, picking at the loose string hanging from her pillow.

“I think I’m cursed.”

“Hey now that’s not true,” you insist. “I’m here aren’t I? How is that a curse? If anything it’s a blessing.”

She gives you a weak smile that you return.

“C’mon, let’s go and finish the pop tarts.”

“We’ll have to start all over again,” Ellie almost whines.

“Then I guess I’ll be staying here a little longer.”

Ellie wipes at her blotchy face, running her hands down her cheeks before nodding and standing abruptly. You two make it back into the kitchen, surprised to see Joel standing there. His broad shoulders ripple as he works on something in front of him, his back to you.

Ellie sails over to him, her eyes wide when she sees what he’s done. “Wait are those the pop tarts?”

“Yep.”

“I thought they were ruined.”

“Yours were,” Joel shrugs, spreading icing onto one of the homemade pop tarts. “Mine went okay.”

You feel as if you’ve been physically pushed.

Joel baked?

Ellie snags one of the still warm pastries from the plate as Joel starts running the cloth over the counter and wiping the crumbs into the sink. You look at the joy on Ellie’s face as she takes a bite.

“Holy shit, Joel, these are so fucking good.”

“Language,” Joel admonishes over his shoulder, though there’s nothing harsh in it. He turns around, hip resting against the counter.

“I’m gonna have you do all my baking,” Ellie continues as if she hasn’t heard him. “I’ll just be your taste tester.”

You want to grin at this but all you can do is stare at Joel and the soft way he’s smiling down at Ellie. This open look of adoration you so rarely see. Like there’s this secret Joel inside the mean Joel shell that the privileged few witness.

Joel could never disappoint me.

Joel seems to feel your eyes on him because he blinks over at you, dark eyes darting around your face. His expression is unreadable, but there’s nothing cruel or cold in it. He’s just looking at you, almost as if he’s trying to figure you out as well.

“Well looks like we’re all set here so I should go,” you start awkwardly, suddenly feeling strangely light headed. Joel steps towards you, brows rising.

“You could stay for a dr-“ Joel begins, but you’ve already made your way to the front door, pulling on your boots and jacket.

Your hands are trembling for some reason and you think it must be all this emotional turmoil you’ve shared with Ellie. It has you feeling vulnerable and exposed and you want to escape home to the safety of your bed, away from soulful brown eyes and soft smiles.

“Ellie you wanna grab breakfast before patrols?” you ask, studiously ignoring Joel who stands next to her looking at you. You don’t want her to think you’re rushing off and forgetting about her.

“Sure,” Ellie says brightly before motioning to the plate of pastries. “You want any of these to go?”

“Nah, you enjoy them,” you insist with a flash of a smile. “You worked hard.”

You don’t look backwards as you rush out the door of their home and down the sidewalk of Rancher Street, convinced you can feel Joel’s dark gaze on you the entire way.

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

secondary a/n: The other parts I wanted to include in this chapter were gonna bloat this installment into over 10k and I wasn't even finished so I had to break it up!

CHAPTER 11 SPOILERS BELOW THE JOEL

in chapter eleven there be smut.

TAGLIST:

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@valkyreally

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@deninoe

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definitelynotafurinasimp · 6 months

Text

Them with a reader that tries to be Santa Claus

alternatively: Them with a reader that dresses up to hand out gifts

characters: Charlotte / Clorinde / Furina / Navia x gn!reader (separate)

warnings: none, just fluff

a/n: Soon is christmas eve, aka the day I celebrate christmas on, so Merry Christmas everyone! And Happy Holidays/a nice weekend to those of you that don't celebrate! I hope you all have a great time!

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Charlotte

The moment Charlotte first heard about the series of break-ins happening all over Fontaine, she set her mind on investigating them and writing a piece on them once she found the culprit. It wasn't every day that such an interesting case revealed itself after all, and letting it go to waste was the exact opposite of what a self-respecting journalist would do.

All of which was to say that meet-ups between you and Charlotte became rarer as her entire focus shifted towards her new project. So when you finally got the chance to meet, you wanted to make the most of it, getting each other up to speed on what you had been doing these past few days as quickly as possible before moving on to different topics.

“Now that I remember! I saw this really funny red and white coat and hat at that store recently, so I–” you were in the process of rambling while bending downwards and trying to fish the aforementioned hat out of your bag, when Charlotte suddenly interrupted you, her eyes wide open as she seemingly just remembered something.

“That reminds me of something! Have you heard of the recent break-ins all around the city? I’m currently investigating them, I’m sure it will make for a fantastic article, maybe even one of my best.” She asked, causing your head to tilt slightly as you stared at her in confusion, trying to recollect whether you’ve heard of them or not.

“Break-ins? Sorry Charlotte, this is the first I’ve heard of it. What made you remember it all of a sudden, though?” You returned the question, still bent down as you looked up at her.

“Apparently the perpetrator was seen wearing a red and white coat by eye-witnesses. It didn't seem like they wanted to remain hidden at all, especially since they left behind items each and every time, spanning from children’s toys to pieces of clothing… Oh! Maybe they are trying to threaten their victims!?”

The moment you heard Charlotte’s description, you froze, staring at her with increasingly wider eyes while slowly returning to your original position, putting the red hat back onto the bottom of your bag while shifting its contents around until it was covered by another item.

“Oh! Sorry for interrupting you, I just really wanted to tell you about it before I forgot, so I kinda ran my mouth. What were you saying about the hat and coat you saw while shopping?” Charlotte shifted her attention back to you, her usual big smile on her lips as she apologized, causing your face to nearly start blushing.

“O-oh yeah… I thought about how weird they looked. Like, who in their right mind would buy something that stupid looking? Right?” You nervously laughed it off before quickly changing the topic.

Maybe– just maybe –today wasn’t the day to tell Charlotte about your brilliant idea to surprise people with gifts.

Clorinde

It was fair to say that if someone had asked Clorinde how she imagined her evening to go, “having to convince the guardes to release you after they had to fish your half-conscious and yet still screaming body out of some families chimney after you got stuck in it upside-down” definitely wasn’t going to be her predicted response. And yet here you were anyway. Having to explain the whole situation to a pair of justifiably disturbed parents and their child was exhausting enough, but having to do the same to Fontaine’s police force was a completely different story.

“Miss Clorinde, you want to tell me that the subject attempted to climb down someone’s chimney to… deliver them a present? I know the two of you are close, but are you absolutely sure that your perception of them might not be skewed by your relationship? Having to confront the fact that a friend or partner might not be as kind or innocent as thought can be a difficult process.” The guard asked her once again, a compassionate look on his face, only for Clorinde to shake her head resolutely.

“I’m absolutely sure of it. They may do questionable things from time to time, but there’s no doubt in my mind their intentions were well-meaning.” She responded, causing the guard to let out a deep sigh before putting his signature on the piece of paper in front of him.

“If that’s the case, you can pick them up over there… just please make sure to tell them not to do anything like it again. When it happens once, it could be a misunderstanding… if it happens twice, there’s no excuse.”

When the two of you finally left the building, you were holding on to Clorinde tightly, tears rolling down your face as your whole body trembled.

“I’m never doing it again. I thought I was going to die there! Can you imagine how scary it is to be stuck in such a tight place? I couldn’t even move my arms!” You finally managed to form a few coherent sentences, taking deep breaths every once and again as you didn’t seem to calm down until Clorinde reluctantly put one of her arms around you.

…There was nothing wrong with showing weakness, but could the two of you please go home please?

“Why are chimneys so small in the first place?” You eventually asked, not specifically aimed at Clorinde, rather any chimney Archon that might be eavesdropping on your conversation, causing her to let out a small sigh she didn’t realize she had held in before starting to move.

“Let’s get you home first before we discuss architectural matters.”

Furina

If you had asked her on any other day, Furina would have shot down your idea in an instant. The mental image of the former Hydro Archon donning a red hat, coat and fake white beard before handing out small presents to the residents of Fontaine passing by on the street being horrible enough to make her visibly cringe. And yet, when you asked in what was a conversation littered with jests, she jokingly accepted, thinking nothing more of it and quickly forgetting your proposal… that was until she opened her door on one winter day, only to find you standing there, dressed in the same outfit you had described all this time ago, with a second one in your bag.

While you seemed to have the time of your life, talking with a child and their parent in as deep of a voice as you could muster before showing them a big smile, letting out the same laugh she had at one point found amusing before quickly growing sick of it and handing them a small toy, the same could not be said for Furina.

Sure, she did her best to imitate your cheerful act, her career as an actress making her performance perfect enough that Furina was sure no one was able to tell it was just a charade, but saying she was having a blast would be far from the truth…

“And? Is it as bad as you thought it was going to be?” You asked her in what was barely more than a whisper, making sure nobody around you would be able to hear your voice.

“This is embarrassing. I cannot believe I actually agreed to this. Aren’t you scared someone will find out who you are?” Furina responded in kind, only for you to let out your deep laugh once again, nearly causing her to cringe then and there.

“Anyone looking for Furina would look for someone clearly just acting. So throw your worries out the window and just embrace the ridiculousness and you won't have to worry about a thing”, you explained, before giving her an amused smile. “Try it.”

“Try what–” Furina asked you in a confused manner, only for it to click the moment the words left her mouth, “--No. I’m not doing the laugh.”

“I promise you’ll start to enjoy this whole thing if you just do it.”

“I–... I cannot believe I’m actually starting to consider it.” Furina cut herself off with a sigh, before once again opening her mouth and finally following your advice. Letting out as deep of a laugh as possible while approaching the next parent and child she saw, only to receive a smile from you in response.

“Ho Ho Ho! What’s your name? Let me take a look at my list to see if you were a good child this year.”

Navia

Handing out gifts was one thing both you and Navia appreciated. No matter how much money you had, seeing someone’s eyes light up when they received a present was enough to turn even a middling day into a good one. And if there was one demographic besides your loved ones that felt great to give gifts to, it were children, so when you pitched your idea of dressing up and delivering presents to Navia, she was quick to take you up on it.

Having the outfits designed and made, as well as putting enough money to the side to buy enough toys to hand out to a all children of Poisson and Fleuve Cendre as well as a few of Fontaine’s overground took quite a bit of time, but once it was finally done, you and a few of your colleagues were ready to head out.

As Navia sat in her office, nervously glancing at her clock every now and then while waiting for you to return, she couldn’t help but start to worry. Making a few rounds in the Fleuve Cendre shouldn’t take that long. Sure, the canalisation could be a bit disorienting from time to time, but you had been down there often enough to know its layout like the back of your hand. Maybe you just made a quick stop somewhere along your way? No, you wouldn't be two hours late if you did… or maybe you ran into trouble?

Just as Navia was about to start imagining horror scenarios however, a knock on her door interrupted her thoughts, and when you waltzed into her office with an apologetic smile, she let out a sigh of relief.

“Where’s your costume?” Navia’s attention shifted to your clothes once she finally calmed down, only to find the red coat and hat missing. With a slightly embarrassed smile you signaled to the bag in your hand, previously full of toys, now containing nothing but your outfit.

“A few kids asked me to play tag… and I kind of– Heh, tripped and into the water.” You nervously explained as Navia observed the clothes in your bag. “The parents of the child didn’t let me leave before I washed up and they could clean my costume, saying it would be wrong after everything the Spina did to help them… so that’s why I was late.”

“When I took a walk around Poisson I saw a lot of smiling children today. I’m sure your idea brightened many days, so thank you. Welcome home.”

#charlotte x reader #charlotte #charlotte x y/n #charlotte x you #genshin x reader #clorinde #clorinde x reader #clorinde x you #clorinde x y/n #furina #furina x you #furina x y/n #furina x reader #navia #navia x reader #navia x you #navia x y/n

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bingiessm · 2 months

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ANOTHER LONG POST for the Bridgerton over-analysis corner! SEASON 3 TRAILER & PROMO ANALYSIS

I JUST NOTICED SOMETHING!!

THAT IS VIOLET BRIDGERTON! IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIRST "NON-INTRO" SHOT WITH FRANCESCA!

The first shot of any main character in the entire trailer is this one. Francesca is dancing with a suitor, the camera pushes forward and directs the eye right to Violet who is standing right in the middle, but with an unknown man in front of her.

Oh, I think there are going to be so many parallels between these two this season--especially in terms of romance. They have mostly been seen together or with "suitors" during all these promos and/or in direct comparison/association with one another.

MORE EVIDENCE:

SECOND SHOT of either of them: they are together--and are shown to be equals here, as compared to how Violet was when she presented Daphne or Eloise to the Queen:

Violet, with her other two daughters, was standing BEHIND them! (Also on their right side.) Now she's on the left, standing at Francesca's side--presenting them as equals.

Also, she isn't matching with Francesca like she was Eloise and Daphne--her outfit for this event changed slightly between the first two seasons (take note of the collar and crown), but has now changed dramatically. She at first presented herself as a fellow debutante (take note of the white dress and the gloves), but now is sporting a silver dress with long sleeves with clear grecian influence.

Violet has CHANGED, she isn't a background to or support for her daughter, she is her own person in front of the whole ton. She is also being "presented" in a way, but as this new self.

There is a new Viscountess, more of her children are married and leaving, and (as of Queen Charlotte we know that) she has had a lot of realizations about her marriage and sexuality. The world she knew as Viscountess and wife to Edmund is slowly changing, fading away to something new that she is beginning to embrace.

I think we will see her come more into her own, and not just as a mother or widow--this will be reflected in Francesca, who is going to struggle with finding a relationship that lives up to her mother & father's (and those of her siblings), especially watching her mother finally start to move on.

Right after this sequence is a sequence of Violet and her presumed new love interest, directly associating the two--they are also linked with the narration "what is the primary force that guides us along our paths?" A question I feel will be explored by the both of them.

It seems as if Violet is accepting this new love this season. Francesca, on the other hand, will struggle with romance this season. Every time we have seen her on her own, or with or having just spoken to suitors she seems unsure, worried.

Violet watches her sit at this ball (the Four Seasons one) and takes a breath and sighs in an interesting way--sort of knowingly but resigned(?).

It is also interesting to note within this dynamic that this is Francesca's first season, but not Violet's--as a mother or debutante.

TRAILER ANNOUNCEMENT:

Also, when looking at their appearances in the trailer announcement, it is interesting to see the difference in how they both were portrayed.

Violet is looking, then pulls back to look on in question, as if realizing something, but is curious for more. Francesca opens it and looks unsure again, twisting her mouth. I feel like this is reflective of how their seasons will be.

I just find the clear connection between their stories that the trailer in particular wants us to take note of to be very interesting. It is exciting to see how they will both grow/change. Especially being mother and daughter, which is a dynamic that has been explored to an extent in this show (thinking of Daphne and Violet in season 1, but even that didn't feel fleshed out), but not much. _______________

BUT ANYWAY to others who have read my other Bridgerton posts, omg thanks for chatting and indulging me in this.

I just finished a big film shoot for a project so this has been a nice reprieve from the stress of that.

Hope you are doing well!

#bridgerton #bridgerton netflix #violet bridgerton #bridgerton s3 #francesca bridgerton #I have rewatched this trailer so many times now its sort of a problem #bridgerton season 3 #bridgerton spoilers #bridgerton speculation #film analysis #bridgerton season 3 spoilers #bridgerton s3 spoilers #mother/daughter

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strangelock221b · 22 days

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S3E2 (spoilers abound)

Agatha and Charlotte talking about LW's latest column. Charlotte mentions that Edwina has "made a splendid match abroad." So, does that mean she didn't end up with your (great-)nephew Friedrich? Interesting. The shippers will be disappointed, but that's what AO3 is for. Can this be the final mention of Edwina, please?

Pen, did you have to mention Kate's age? I get the point you're trying to make but bringing it up again seems crass.

So glad Mrs. Varley approves of Pen's makeover. She has presumably known Pen since she was a baby so this is nice to see.

The Mondriches getting a tour of their new house. Alice is lowkey PISSED OFF about this whole thing and their new housekeeper doesn't seem any happier.

Eloise walking with Benedict and Colin. Where are her flowers? I don't know if her modiste is Delacroix or the other one but damn, let her have her florals.

Does Benedict not have his own storyline this season? So far, he's just been a supporting character for his siblings' storylines. If he's supposed to be the Bridgerton lead for S4, he needs to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING for himself this season.

Oh God, more secondhand embarrassment watching Pen try to interact with any man besides Colin and Lord Debling. She wasn't nervous at all around Debling last episode, probably because she doesn't see him as a potential suitor (yet). Nervous laughter, the poor thing.

Agatha, Violet, Francesca, and Hyacinth talking about the lords. Well, a music-lover would be a necessity. Is young Hyacinth this interested in the Marriage Mart in the books? I've only read her and Gareth's book once but if I remember correctly, she was not interested in the whole thing, so this seems OOC. I mean, it works, don't get me wrong, but it's not like what I remember her book counterpart to be. Florence is growing up so fast. If they don't get Hyacinth presented next season, she's going to look too old soon to convincingly play a girl still in the schoolroom. Hyacinth is dressing more like a grown-up now -- her hem is lower, etc, so there is some acknowledgement by the show that she is growing up.

No mention at all of the Stirlings so far. I just glanced at the cast list on IMDB and there's a Lord Samadani in 2 episodes this season. Same last initial, so that could be the show's John. As long as her future husband's got a Scottish accent, I don't care what his name is. (I assume Regency Era Scotland is as racially integrated in this universe as RE England.)

I swear, Pen's mother and sisters' hair color changes with each season.

"Do you think babies appear in your womb?" Portia, you're the one who told them two Seasons ago that pregnancy was a contagious disease, are you really that surprised that they're this ignorant about how to get pregnant?

Colin in bed with two women. Those had better be courtesans because if they're two unmarried women of the ton, I'm going to kill him. As long as they're courtesans, I'm actually okay with it -- it was practically expected for young unmarried men of his social status to be sexually experienced before marriage. A horrid double-standard since women of the same class were expected to be virgins, I know, but it was hoped that by sowing their wild oats before marriage, men would be faithful to their wives when they were married. It does look odd that these women didn't even let down their hair before getting into bed. We've seen Simon in S1 with a woman in his bed and Anthony in bed with what was possibly a succession of women but just one at a time in S2, so I believe this is the first time we've seen a threesome on this show. Shonda, here's a hint -- THE MALE LEADS DO NOT NEED TO TOP THE PREVIOUS MALE LEAD'S EXPLOITS. Benedict (or whoever is the male lead in S4) does not need to do something even more outrageous than a threesome, trust me.

"Same time tomorrow?" Has he been doing this DAILY since he got back? Colin, you'd better have this same level of stamina for your wife (and of course, only your wife) once you're married.

Aww, I was hoping for a Polin first meeting flashback, but reminiscing is almost as good. At least that's more or less identical from the scene in the book. Rae, Pen's maid, needs a raise and possibly hazard pay.

"What exactly happened?" Colin, baby, you DO NOT want to know, trust me.

The Mondriches having separate bedrooms will not last. It's a stupid tradition if the couple truly wants to share a bedroom.

Oh, so El's modiste is Delacroix. WHERE ARE HER FLOWERS, GENEVIEVE?! I mean, Francesca is wearing flowers, the two girls should switch dresses.

Pen coming over to Bridgerton House and Colin surprises her with flirtation practice. I have loved his floral waistcoat since I first saw photos of this scene but I had NO IDEA it laces up in the back. Slutty, slutty waist indeed. (This is the first and probably last time I will ever use that phrase.) Speaking of clothes, I hate the tulle tied around Pen's neck. It's out of place however you look at it. The dress itself is lovely, though. I've loved all of her new gowns so far.

And now we have the "kind eyes" scene that Netflix showed us before. One honest compliment from Pen and Colin is THIRSTY, I love it.

Yes, have her hide in the study, where any family member or servant can enter at any moment. Colin, take it from another writer -- if you don't want someone else to read what you write, DON'T LEAVE YOUR OPEN JOURNAL IN A PLACE ANYONE CAN FIND IT. He really is clueless about everything, isn't he?

One emotionally and physically (hands!) intimate moment then they both jump back like they've been shocked. I love these two, they are adorably hopeless.

Eloise sees Pen just as she's leaving. No words between them but all the anguish on their faces. This isn't going to resolve anytime soon, is it?

Glad Alice can find one good thing about her new status. I agree, the jewelry is lovely, but to see it just in the vanity's drawers like that is odd to me.

Finally, El is back in florals. Perhaps there is hope for her yet. This is the dress she's worn in all the promo shorts, so I'm sure this ball is very significant. The damn sheer gloves are back and I'm not crazy about the necklace either -- it looks too modern, but the dress itself is lovely.

"How is she?" You still care, Eloise. Just talk to her. Argue if you need to, but get it all out of your systems, you'll both feel better and you'll be better friends in the end.

"Perhaps the most eligible right now, strangely." God, I love the sibling dynamics on this show -- it's one of the few things the writers are consistently good at. "I love you and I will never hesitate to tease you every chance I get."

Whose bright idea was it to have a ball in semi-darkness? Is this because of the full moon? Yes, back then, full moon nights were very popular nights for parties but that was because PEOPLE COULD FUCKING SEE OUTSIDE ON THEIR WAY TO THE BALL. In the time before streetlights, that was very important. THERE IS NO REASON TO NOT HAVE THIS INDOOR BALL PROPERLY LIT. People can barely make out everyone's faces, let alone their expressions.

Oh, Lady Cowper just criticized Cressida and I'm sure this isn't the first time. Okay, now she has my sympathy.

"I do enjoy a good turn." Eloise, you are a terrible liar, but apparently, no one there, not even YOUR MOTHER, can tell.

"They've taken to hunting in packs." Yeah, Benedict, they kind of have to when you're not chasing any of them. We get it, you're bored, so why did you even come?

Where's that deaf debutante? I want to see more of her.

I'm glad Pen gets along with her brothers-in-law so well. They're nice to her, in spite or perhaps because of the way their wives treat her.

Pen's stars dress and necklace look lovely on her. Too bad it's utterly wasted on Colin.

"... simply pretend they are dead." That explains so damn much about you, Cressida.

"She was at my house today." Eloise, you better guard your tongue, anything you say next can and will be used against Penelope.

"It seems Colin is helping her look for a husband." WHAT DID I JUST FUCKING SAY?! This is Cressida Cowper you're speaking to, the 2nd biggest gossip in London. YOU UTTER MORON!

(Honestly, I'm not sure which sibling is in possession of the Bridgerton braincell this season, but it's not Anthony, Benedict, Colin, or Eloise. I'm reserving judgement on Francesca. Maybe Daphne took it back to Clyvedon with her the last time she visited.)

Hmm, it seems it's Benedict's turn to be the Bridgerton or Basset closest to the Mondriches this season. I like it.

"Inserts himself where?" Philippa, I know you're not the brightest crayon in the box but what the hell? Portia, this is all on you.

"I cannot think of anything at the moment." Cressida Cowper holding her tongue for the first time in her life? The full moon is getting to everybody, apparently.

I like this Lord Remington. He seems nice and he loves to read LW's column, and it's good to see more diversity in the ton. No one so far treats him differently just because he can't walk.

Oh fuck, that news didn't take long to spread. Just shows that the ton doesn't need LW to spread gossip -- these people would have been exactly the same without Pen's column. What LW does is make people aware of gossip outside their social circle. I can only assume these debutantes and mamas actually do see Penelope as a rival now or they wouldn't have cared what she did.

So we've got Colin telling Eloise off but it's not enough. At least El didn't blab Pen's secret to him. And Cressida is innocent, but El's still in the wrong for telling a secret in public since she was, of course, overheard.

Oh Lord, Fran is going to be the Diamond but she's an introvert, this is not going to go well. She knows it too. Agatha, you really did it this time.

I'm glad the Mondriches are taking control of things. Will's right, the current viscounts, etc didn't do anything to earn their titles, only the original title holders did. Every successive title holder is simply riding their ancestor's coattails.

At least Pen changed her clothes before she started writing this column, but the tear running down her face means she's still not in an emotionally good place. Hopefully, she won't regret anything in this one.

Well, looks like her sisters are finally in the baby race. *eyeroll* Who wants to bet both of them have girls first?

Cressida is both garnering my sympathy and has a point! There is hope for her yet! I think if she can just get away from her mother, she'd be nicer (and much better off).

Hey, Portia, maybe if you actually SUPPORTED PENELOPE FOR ONCE, she wouldn't have to resort to extreme means to get a husband.

We've got Colin bribing Rae to give them privacy and Pen asking him for a kiss. This is either going to end really well or really badly, but they've only got less than two minutes to figure out which.

50/50? They both went back for more but then she ran back into the house and he's standing there gaping. So, Colin, did she rock your world? If so, you'd better do something about it. And by that, I definitely DO NOT mean you should tell anyone. Not your buddies, not your brothers, and definitely not El.

We are a quarter of the way through the season and hooboy, the angst is flowing.

#bridgerton #bridgerton spoilers #bridgerton s3 spoilers #penelope featherington #colin bridgerton #edwina sharma #benedict bridgerton #eloise bridgerton #cressida cowper

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number-0-iz · 22 days

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Live thoughts of Bridgerton

Season 3, episode 1

Colin getting dressed in the carriage lmao

He is definitely better looking but I still don't think he's all that hot. Sorry not sorry. Maybe I'll change my mind.

Ah yes big ass feathers

SIGN LANGUAGE CHARACTER YES.

I love that. I don't speak ASL (also mainly cause English isn't my first language) but it is so cool.

The queen be bored lmao.

Charlotte as fierce as ever.

SINCE WHEN IS ELOISE INVOLVED WITH SEASONAL STYLES?

Me the whole time Fran was walking: don't fall don't fall don't fall

WHAT'S WRONG

Player Colin is...a little weird lma

ANOTHER ONE OF PEN'S SISTER FOUND A HUSBAND OH I'M SO HAPPY FOR HER.

NOW IT'S PEN'S TURN!

Oh shit the sister doesn't seem to like him 😭

Rip aunt Petunia, she seemed cool.

Oh u feel like the truth from last season will come out about the Featheringtons.

ELOISE SEEING PEN ELOISE SEEING PEN

Ugh friendship with Cressida? Eloise?

This is probably why she suddenly keeps up with seasonal styles?

God I hope they didn't change her too much or that she didn't lose herself.

I am not even 15 minutes in.

At least Violet seems to know something is up with Eloise.

"Tender young ladies." 😭

Damn all of the flirting jesus

CRESSIDA'S MOTHER IS SUCH A BITCH

Damn Portia has it all planned out huh

PEN AND COLIN MEET UP OOP

OOH HOW SHARP

I too would take a deep breath like that if I had to share a carriage with Portia

I AM A SUCKER FOR BOWS

"NO! Outside. Where our mother can't see." He says with a grin.

Lmao I love this man.

ELOISE IS READING EMMA

Please don't tell me Eloise has given up on being keen to learn and intellectual and a feminist

Because if she has, I will throw my phone at the wall.

"I lost the battle and I have no appetite for the war. I've joined the winning side."

So you mean to tell me that you have truly given up on your principles Eloise?

I wish Eloise would listen to Pen and they would be friends again.

"She was a very cold lady."

"She is colder now, I'm afraid."

AYE YO WHAT THE FUCK 😭

That was so savage.

Please let Mondrich and his family get a lot of cash as an inheritance.

A TITLE GOR MONDRICH'S SON?!

THIS IS EVEN BETTER 😭

They deserve it

NEWTON COCKBLOCKING KANTHONY LMAO

Aww their hands.

Ah another fantastic ball of Lady Danbury.

Oh Kate looks beautiful!!

PRETTY PEN IN A PRETTY DRESS

Aww Mr. Finch is so proud of his sister in law. Greenest flag.

UGH NOT A CONTESSA

I got distracted by Instagram reels when I went to look for the playlist of classical music covers used in the new season.

OH PEN US SO AWKWARD MY SWEETIE

Oh awkward Eloise

Ugh rude men

KANTHONY DANCE

PEN AND FRAN FRIENDSHIP

Oh Debling seems interesting.

NOT CRESSIDA STANDING ON PEN'S PRETTY DRESS! WHAT A BITCH.

And Eloise tried to apologise and Pen ran away 😭

OH THE SCENE FROM THE PREVIEW

"I overheard you." OOOOH

OH MIGHT THE FEATHERINGTONS LOSE EVERYTHING.

Cressida is a bitch. Eloise should not approve and be angry.

Oh sensitive Cressida? Damn.

How did I only now notice that Kate is left handed lol

COLIN VISITS

"BUT FRIENDS DON'T LOOK AT EACH ITHER THE WAY YOU DO."

Oh no not Penelope's scathing Whistledown letter

This'll be bad

GO MONDRICH FAM

Footman: Lord Kent. *proceeds to bow* welcome to your new home.

The kid: aye yo what the fuck

"I will never forgive her." Oh Colin if only you knew.

Well that was quite something! I really liked this episode if I am being honest! God I already wanna turn back to my season 2 Bridgerton AU with my OC that I made a few years ago but never posted. Am I going to watch episode 2 rn? Yes because I cannot wait. Will I leave yet another long reaction list like this one? Probably not cause I want to get a handle on my phone usage. But maybe another time! Until then!

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jess-unkommentiert · 2 years

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[3] It is his job to be 'the nice guy'

-> Heartbeats 💕 Masterlist

June 2022 – New Brunswick Right after the party – Y/N's POV Half an hour after Sebastian and Anthony left, y/n decided to head into her room, because she was tired as well. She looked for Christina to say goodnight to her and found her next to a few women – discussing about their next projects. She seemed kind of drunk while trying to convince y/n to stay a little longer. She refused, hugged Christina and went to the stairs to go to her room on the 2nd floor.

She opened the zipper of her dress and stored it carefully in the bag she got from the store she bought it. Then she changed into her pajamas: a black shorts and a red shirt with a comic cat on it. With a big yawn she crawled under her blanket, laying on her back – facing the ceiling. "What an interesting evening.", she thought. "I never thought Sebastian would be such a nice human being. He is so famous that I expected him to be more arrogant and aware of his fame. But talking to him was like talking to a normal person. I really enjoyed his company."

That night y/n had a hard time to fall asleep although she was very tired. Every time she fell asleep she saw Sebastian's face in front of her – laughing, smiling or winking at her. And every time she woke up again and realized that she couldn't clear her mind from that man and his steel-blue eyes. She knew that there are a lot of girls and women who have a crush on him, but she was never one of them. She admired his acting skills and heard a lot of stories from Christina about their time at college, but never though about him in a different way.

Somehow that changed this night, as she couldn't stop thinking about every word he said, every glaze they shared and every laughter that happened. "Stop being so childish. You are like a teenager having a crush on a celebrity for the first time.", she shook her head in disbelief what happened to her. She was sure this were the side-effects of the alcohol she had. She barley drank so that could be a possible reason for her strange thoughts.

As she still couldn't sleep she touched the golden ring on her left hand that was an heirloom from her Grandmother Charlotte. It was her engagement ring and she loved wearing it as memento of her. She was never a religious person but every time she felt lost or needed guidance, she touched that ring while asking silent for her grandma's advice. Obviously she never got a real response but most of the time she suddenly knew what to do or not to do. While touching her ring she tried some breathing exercises she learned at a meditation class and both helped her to finally fall asleep – without dreaming about the guy with the blue eyes.

The next morning she woke up with a little headache caused by the alcohol she had last night. She stretched her whole body, rolled around to her bedside table and saw a message from Christina on her phone: "Good morning sweetheart. Breakfast is ready. Come downstairs when you're awake" The message was sent half an hour ago, so y/n changed her clothes into black sports tights, a sports bra and an oversized grey shirt and jumped downstairs to meet Christina in the kitchen.

The smell of pancakes and coffee reached her nose as she entered the kitchen. Christina's cook (yes, that woman has a cook that helps her to maintain that stunning body) smiled at y/n with a "Good morning miss" while preparing a plate with pancakes for her. Christina sat on a table reading the newspaper when y/n sat down next to her.

"Good Morning. How can you be awake this early right after your birthday party? When did you even go to bed?" y/n greeted her friend. Christina sipped on her coffee and answered: "You get used to not getting enough hours of sleep in my industry. I think I fell asleep around 4am and now it's (she turned her wrist to look on her watch) 10:30am. I had more than 5 hours of sleep. That's an average night!" y/n sighed, because she would have been in a constant bad mood with only 5 hours of sleep. She needed at least 7 hours to be functional.

"I've seen you enjoyed your evening with Sebastian and his friend Anthony", Christina said teasing. "Okay here we go. What am I going to answer to her? How did she even realize what I was doing the whole evening? She was all busy talking to her guests." y/n though before she answered Christina: "Yeah, we met at the buffet and kept on talking. He is a really nice guy."

Christina raised one of her eyebrows, took another sip of her coffee before she answered carefully: "First of all: I said you were with Sebastian AND Anthony, but in your answer you only talked about Sebastian, I guess. You know that I know him for over 20 years and it is his job to be "the nice guy". He was always kind of a womanizer and he flirted a lot – having one-night-stands as well as short-term relationships. I mean he is turning 40 this year without being married or having kids. Think about it: There must be a reason for that." Before she could even continue on her rant about Sebastian, y/n laughed – making Christina raising her eyebrow even higher.

"I just said that he is a nice guy. I did not plan to marry him, Christina. No worries. Also you are turning 39 this year and you're not married and having kids as well. What is your reason for that?" y/n said also teasing.

She knew that Christina never wanted to have kids and had no plans to marry someone. She loved to be an independent woman and she had no need to change that. As y/n knew that (Christina was not secretly about that topic. She told everybody she knows that she's not gonna have kids or a husband so that they don't have false expectations) she thought she could risk that last joke. "Touché", Christina said smiling.

"Also I do not even have his number and he hasn't mine. So nothing to worry about, Christina. It was just a nice evening." y/n continued while eating her warm and fluffy pancakes. Christina knew that she was lying. She saw her eyes sparkle when she mentioned Sebastian's name. "Poor girl. I hope she will not be one of his trophies", she thought.

A few of her former college classmates told her that he had changed over the years, but Christina wasn't sure about that. She promised herself that if he ever came to her and asked for y/n's number she would refuse his request. Y/n's ex-boyfriend broke her heart about a year ago and she never really got over that. Christina did not want her heart to be broken again by this womanizer.

After they finished breakfast y/n packed her stuff and decided to drive back to Brooklyn. Thankfully she had a few weeks off before starting with a new project. She was in the hair and make-up team for a movie that was filmed in New York. She was very grateful for that, because she was able to sleep in her own apartment every night – she was not a big fan of hotel rooms for a longer period.

A few minutes later she packed all her stuff in her car and wanted to say goodbye to Christina as she realized, that they didn't even tried the cake y/n bought from Carlo's bakery. "Christina, there is a little surprise for you in the fridge. I totally forgot about that this morning. Give it a try and let me know if you like it!" y/n said and smiled at Christina while hugging her goodbye. Christina looked very surprised, nodded and waved her goodbye as y/n went to her car.

On her drive back to Brooklyn y/n tried very hard to not see those steel-blue eyes in front of her all the time, but she still seemed a little distracted. "Let's go back home, maybe take a power-nap and then focus on the upcoming movie. That was just one evening and I will probably not see him again. Oh and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have sushi tonight. No Italian food!"

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pbandjesse · 2 years

Text

I love camp. Today was great. I am happy to be home with James right now but I am super excited to sleep there next week for a few nights. Not the whole week but still. I'm just really jazzed.

I slept alright. I had trouble falling asleep again. I am having trouble because I am having a really hard time finding something to listen to. Like I don't want to listen to something sad. But it can't be to interesting. Or to scary. Or to loud. But it has to be interesting enough. But not to interesting. You see the problem right??

But I did fall asleep eventually. I woke up pretty tired. I gave myself a few minutes to shake it off. And tried to get James attention once I was standing on the bed. They waved at me from the little couch. I made the bed and went to get dressed.

I would actually change though. That outfit did not work out. It was entirely to hot today. So I changed into this yellow dress. I did not mean to wear yellow two days in a row but whatever. At least I could mostly be cool. It was slightly annoying to walk around camp only because it doesn't have any stretch. But I felt like a princess so that was nice.

I did wear eyeliner today. I was telling Jess yesterday I was feeling a little bad about myself. It was like 80% the humidity. But I needed the security blanket of eyeliner today. Probably for the last time this summer unless it's for something special.

I left here and stopped for breakfast. And had a good ride down to camp.

I got there a little before 830. I hung up the hammock and did some poking around making a plan. And then I headed down to meet the rest of my coworkers.

We were meeting at trading post. Charlotte was there. Hello Charlotte. I wish she was easier to read. I still feel like she doesn't like me. But it's whatever. James says she likes me. She's just not warm.

But CJ was there and she is warm and she looked great. I know her surgery went well but she's still hurting so I had to make sure not to squeeze her. And it was nice to see Maggie form last year and her boyfriend. And I was just in a good mood.

I would head to arts after the check in. Heather was like you said you were done! And I was like no I'm done unpacking!! There is other things to do. So I would go start working on my examples.

After a while though I headed to the office to ask about ordering supplies. Alexi got me set up on the computer and I got to order basically everything I wanted. I did not order theme supplies but it's progress.

Because guess what I'm doing theme again. I did not want to do theme. But I am weak when asked and so I would spend about an hour choosing every project for the entire summer. I will work on the supply list next. But man am I weak when someone asks me for help. At least we have more staff to make sure it happens this year without as much stress on my shoulders.

I had my lunch early. And worked on my popsicle stick house. Alexi asked me to cut out Lego heads to use as masks for the camp kick off tomorrow. A few people came up to help me. And they decorated their faces. It was cute. And it was nice hanging out with them.

I am super awkward though when people are in my space. I did not know what to do with it after a bit. So the natural ending when we had to circle back up at 2 worked out nicely.

We got our new camp shirts! Which are a lovely dark green. And we got new fanny pack! I feel weird calling them that with the internationals because fanny means something else there!! But I don't know a better name for them. Hip bag?? Regardless I'm excited for a new one. I love my beaded and embroidered one. But now I have a new canvas.

After that we played some games to learn camp rules. No flip flops. No running off the field. Try to stay off your phone unless it's senior staff or the office. And then we headed to the pool.

We had a ten minute break to grab our swim stuff. I went to arts and got my bathing suit and sunscreen. And went to learn about pool etiquette.

We would learn about what the whistles meant. And how we should supervise. Alexi came and talked about drowning and being observant and stuff like that. It was a lot. Dark at times. But it was important to know. Like when I made sure everyone knew that the kids epipens and rescue inhalers didn't count in the "medication can't be with the kids" rule. Safety is so important.

I was super excited to swim though. I got changed and would go get a pool noodle and soon Laura would get one too to come and float with me. She's great. She looks like my cousins. Cute round face, long hair that makes me think it's strawberry but it's blonder then I remember every time, round nose, happy eyes. And she's funny. We pretended to surf on the noodles and almost got hit with a football from an intense game of catch the boys were having. But it was hoenslty the best.

We floated and talked. But I ended up feeling very hungry. So I tapped out and said goodbye to everyone.

I walked up to arts and got changed and remembered to change my shoes before I went home.

I texted James about dinner and they said I should stop for a sandwich. So I went to Wawa. Got a hoagie and some chips. And had a nice ride home.

I was very tired by the time I got back. James was doing their podcast. So I went and had my sandwich in the other room and watched a video. And once they were done they joined me and we would hang out.

Mom would text me and let me know they dad is struggling the infection is still here. So now they look at other options. Which is something I have been expecting for like a year. I really truly hope that whatever happens they can just give my dad his life back. It is not fair that both of them have been basically trapped by something completely out of their control. They should be going out and having fun and enjoying being together. Not dealing with sickness and feeling burnt out and sad. I had thinking about them being sad. I want them to both be happy and content and healthy! I really hope that happens soon.

Eventually we went to sit in the other room and played a video game and had ice creams. My eyes were so tired and I honestly wasn't having a lot of fun because my eyes hurt.

So I went and laid down. I was to tired to do anything else. But I watched videos and texted with CJ and eventually went to take a shower.

That helped me feel better. But man am I tired. Tomorrow I have the market and that will be busy! But I am truly hoping it is just a beautiful day even if it will be a lot.

I hope you all sleep well tonight. Take care of yourself. Please stay safe.

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schaarfyx · 2 years

Text

That´s alot of damage

(P!CC!Tommyinnit x british royal reader)

Plot: Reder finds out who killed her grandmother and then her parents die, her grandpa is then outed(not in the gay scence) to the public by her siblings

-strictly platonic

-The reader is around Tommy’s age (18)

-Tommy is not in here as much as I'd like him to be, but it needed to be done to make more stuff with him

-Pronouns: they/them (if one does slip through please let me know I will change this immediately)

-siblings age; George:13, Charlott:11, Louise:7

-TW: talk about murder, death, murder, sadness, anxiety, pressure, reader taking care of their siblings, arguing, screaming, major character death, death of the queen, death of royals, pressure on young adult, double murder, quadruple death, cursing

-Disclaimer: What I have written here is not true, it is purely fictional I don´t know what actually happened in the castle walls, I wrote that down to make a plot point, not as anything else. I also don´t own any people in this story just the plotline at least a little bit. Please do not take this seriously this is just fanfiction. I also don´t hope for anything like this to happen soon!

Part1 - Part2(you are here) - Part 3 - currently working on it!

________________________________________________________________

It was a few months after the first stream that Tommy had at Buckingham Palace, he uploaded the vlog after making it much more interesting for his fans and other people that wanted to know about what was going on behind the closed doors of the palace walls.

The fans were so happy that they got to see everything that Tommy did and the news stations around the country also had a lot to say about the surprising event.

“We should do another vlog! About what is the only question.” I was in a discord call with Tommy and a few of our friends that I got to know over the months.

“How about (Y/N) going over to stay at your flat and you go around with them to show what your life is like, like a: ``A day in the life of Tommyinnit´´ kind of deal?” Phil said as he placed a block onto the new house we were building in the private Minecraft world that we had together.

It was silent for a moment as no one spoke up, all thinking that it was a good idea.

“Yeah, that sounds like a lot of fun that we could have together! Except, I don´t know if my parents would be in on it. You know because of the whole paparazzi and fans ordeal. Not just yours but if it got out that I was there too, we wouldn’t be able to sleep without being woken up every five minutes.” I responded.

I was all for the idea but the knowledge about where a royal and a streamer are, are very important pieces of information. Not just for the news stations but Tommy would just be doxing himself by it. If his fans were to find out where he lives, he would have to move again.

“But I do like the thought! It would be a lot of fun to hang around with you around town, even if some type of guard would have to be with me wherever we go.” I answered.

“The idea is great but I don´t think that we would have fun when we can´t just walk around town without being stopped by everyone. Maybe there is another way that we can hang out outside of the palace without having to be around the guards and the other people.” Tommy said as he was done thinking about what we could do about the fans and news reporters.

“What if (Y/N) just dressed like a different person? For example, someone that wouldn’t even be looked at when leaving in a group of other people. Like in movies where they put on sunglasses and a hat and no-one knows who they are.” Wilbur said after the call went silent as everyone was thinking of a solution around the problem.

“I think that that is the best way to go about it. If the guards also dress differently nobody would bat an eye just thinking that they would have a family trip, they could even bring their fam-“ I had to stop him before he even finished the thought “They cannot bring their family with them, they would be concentrating on them and not the job that they currently have. But I do like the idea about them dressing up so it wasn’t that obvious. That sounds like a lot of fun.”

“Well how about we finish this build and you can ask your parents about the idea later? I am sure that they will say yes.” Phil chimed in again after not talking for a while.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” my dad said after I told him and my mother what the plan was.

“Do you know what would happen if people were to find out? They would go out of their way just to see and take pictures with you and we all know that you don´t want that to happen. With that information, the people living around him also wouldn’t be able to ever get a break when fans and interviewers were to find out. So the final answer is no.” my mother added as I was sitting in front of them at the table that we had in our own home(Kensington Palace).

I told Tommy what my parents told me and that I wasn’t allowed to go to his place, because of the same reasons that I already thought about.

“Well.. we could just do a video of us playing a game on discord or do a stream together. It wouldn’t be a vlog but it´s definitely something that they would like to see. At least that’s what they said in the comments of the last vlog.” Tommy tried to lift the mood after the negative news.

“We could do that, maybe one day we can make a vlog together at your home.” I responded.

A few months later

It was a serene Wednesday evening in June, flowers were blooming birds were chirping and I was on my way back home from school with my siblings, sounds like something I have thought before.

I surprisingly didn’t get any homework but still had to check what my father wants me to do for work before I can go and play some Minecraft with Tommy again.

Well, I wouldn´t really call it work, it was more something that I had to do, so it was more like a chore. I would probably have to read through the paperwork that my father had left me with so I can learn what I must do in the future.

As my siblings and I ate we were alone once again. We all go to school and our parents were still trying to be around us for most of the day, but they still have their job to do and they want to finish that before being stressed but with us. The others still had some type of homework so they started to work on that and I went over to my father’s study where he was already seated and ready for his day to end as well so he can be with us trying to help and also play with my younger siblings.

“Hi, dad. Got any interesting information that I have to do today?” I greeted him as I was walking over to his desk.

“Not really interesting but I did find some things that I have to explain to you. Come here so I can show it to you.” He responded after taking a little bit of time thinking.

“What are you thinking about? You are not usually taking so long to reply, is this not the easy stuff that you can explain? We can get mom if you need help figuring it out.” I tried to tease him to lighten the mood.

It didn´t seem to do its job however as he was still thinking about something. Maybe it was a different thought by now but I still wanted to know more about it.

“Dad, come on. Don´t leave me hanging like this. Now I want to know too.” He didn’t even smile or moved a muscle in his face.

I could feel the atmosphere getting even thicker as I was walking behind his desk. He didn´t show me what was on the paper, he only showed me the backside of it as it was laying on the desk in front of him.

“I´m going to show you something that your mother and I just found out about your grandfather, and you will like him even less than you already do.” He told me in a hushed voice.

“Maybe you should get a chair, that would be better for you. This will take a while to explain.” I did as he told me to grab the nearest chair that was right in front of his desk, normally just for other guests or friends of his that would talk with him normally.

I sat down right beside him as he turned his head to me.

“You know that your great grandfather passed away a few months ago right? He left me and uncle Harry some information that he couldn’t tell us when he was still alive. Important information about your grandmother Diana.” Dad didn´t like talking about grandma Diana unless there were good memories of her being outside the castle and usually just the moments when grandpa Charles wasn’t there.

“As it turns out, ... and you should keep this information private so only Harry, your mother and I know about it, don´t even tell it to your siblings. I will tell them one day but they are too young for it yet..”

He took a quivering breath in it sounded almost close to crying as he said:

“Your grandfather hired someone to kill your grandmother so that he could get married to Camilla. At that time the public liked Diana more than Camilla and if they got divorced it would not only be bad for him but even more for her. My informant that also got the information where that Tommy kid lives, found old records that showed the exact time place, and everything else with a signature from Charles on it confirming that it was murder. That is also one of the main reasons why your mother and I don’t want you to go out alone to be with Tommy.”

I was sitting, just taking in the information that my father just told me. Now it made a little more sense why they always took me with them out of the room when grandpa Charles was there.

“Does Camilla know or was it planned behind her back?” I asked trying to keep my voice steady. Camilla was always nice to me and my siblings even when the public wasn’t that good to her.

“No, she did always have a little bit of a frenzy with mother but she never had a problem with her. She also didn’t know that father.. made Paul do something like that.” I didn’t know how to feel about my grandfather anymore, was he still worthy of such a title, Grandfather, someone who should always look out for everyone and be a symbol of strength right besides his wife.

As much as he had done for me and the others, I didn’t feel like calling him that anymore, a traitor or someone who would just hire someone to kill his wife is not someone worthy of that title not anymore.

“What should we do with that information? You said I can’t tell anyone so what am I supposed to do with it?” I looked at him as I started to cry even when I tried to be calm and collected. My world was breaking.

“Come here little star..” he opened his arms inviting me to a hug, I just fell in it and hugged him back. “You know you can just let your walls down when I am here with you, you don´t have to hold them in especially about something important like this.” He stated as I cried into his arms, letting everything out that was coming with the news.

At that moment came a knock from the door, my mother walked in holding a few papers. One sentence left her mouth.

“Did you tell her?”

My father nodded as my mother walked over to us putting the papers on the table beside the still turned around papers that held the devastating news over who killed Diana. Slowly coming over to us she hugged us in the biggest family hug that we ever had.

“It´s going to be okay. We have all the papers here with evidence that we could find in the bunker.” She tried to soothe both my father and me, who started to cry as she hugged him saying that it was going to be okay.

“Bunker? I didn´t even know we had a Bunker anywhere around here.” I was confused, never had I thought that under the palace was a bunker full of information about our family.

“Well it´s more like a library than a bunker, there are many books that your ancestors wrote in there. There is one from King George the sixth or from Lady Elisabeth. They are written as journals books to help the future hair and as a help to remember what once was. As well as State secrets that aren´t allowed to be shown to the public and are hidden from people going down there by accident.” she explained. I was slowly getting over the first shock that my grand-...Charles, has killed my grandmother even if he just ordered it and didn´t do it himself that cowardly traitor.

“Can you show me how I can go down there someday mom? I really want to find out what the past rulers wrote in their books. That sounds very interesting.” I looked up at her as we all let go of the group hug.

“Of course how about tomorrow? I know how to get there, I´ll show you so you can go there by yourself someday.” She smiled down at me “Anyway I think that you should go and have a little fun before going to bed so go and play some games with your friends.

I stood up after looking at my dad as I saw that he had a lot to deal with the new information. I left after I gave him a quick hug.

5 months later

It was a rainy Friday in November. The Sun didn’t come out of its hiding spot from behind the clouds for almost a week.

Both my parents were out of the palace as they had a ceremony to attend in the northern parts of England.

It was a charity case they had to be at so their public image would still be as good as before they were married and had us.

We of course being my siblings and I, we couldn’t be there with them as we still had school so they went alone.

They did that most of the time anyway. We were used to it at this point. George and Charlott were always together, if you saw one without the other they were playing hide and seek or just going to the toilet.

As for Louise, he was with a nanny and the other two would stay with them most of the time. To “make sure that nothing bad happens to our brother”.

I was okay with it, they would sometimes come into my room and spent time there but when I was busy they would leave to go and play somewhere else, I was very happy that the nanny would notice when I couldn’t stop working. She would take them to go outside and not bother me.

Our parents were coming home tomorrow and all of us couldn’t wait to see them again, to tell them what we had all done the last three days that they weren’t home with us. Their plane was supposed to start flying around the time we went to bed so they could surprise my younger siblings with breakfast together but what I woke up to was anything but good news happy smiles and laughter.

Everyone that I saw had their head bowed slightly. I was confused, I just woke up and the first thing I come out of my room to was sadness. Then I saw the nanny in front of the room from Charlott.

I walked over to her to ask what was going on. Why everyone seemed to be in a sad mood, but she didn´t tell me right away. It wasn´t her fault as she started hiccuping and trying to tell me what was going on.

“*Hic* I-Your parents*Hic-Hic* they-they *Hic* the plane that they took back here*hic-hic-hic*it didn´t land*hic* o-one of the engines caught on fire and-and” I heard enough to know where that was going at the time.

“No-No, they you are all just playing a prank right?! They told you that to make me believe that they died! Well, it´s not a good prank! You can all stop now!!” I looked around franticly holding the nanny with my hands on her arms, I think I might have bruised them in the process.

It wasn´t real.

This wasn´t happening.

Did the public know already? IF they didn´t would I have to make the announcement?

Do I have to take over what both my parents did beforehand? What did they even do? Just paperwork and public appearance right?

What about Charles, what was his reaction, or great-grandmas?

She just lost her husband, then she had to send away her son and now her grandchild was taken from her too.

It couldn´t. What am I supposed to do?! They didn´t teach me that yet, what am I supposed to tell the others?!

Oh no, I´m the one that has to tell the others.

“Do they know already?” I asked her as I turned back around to make sure she didn´t play a prank on me. She shook her head but didn´t dare to look up.

“When they wake up, bring them to me alright? I will make sure that they will be alright, they can sleep in my room with me for as long as they want, but don’t give them any hints about what happened so please don’t look so sad anymore okay. They might be young but they can read people like a book when you wear your emotion like that. That goes for all of you not just for her understood? ” I said as calmly as I could.

The whole time I was going back to my room I couldn’t stop thinking about how everything would change now.

“Even in situations like these, I have to make sure to keep on being calm and collected. When the door closes I can let it out. That is what they would do too.”

It wasn’t long before I was back in my room, not yet realizing what had just happened. I was just standing behind the door that I had just closed trying to think about a way to tell my siblings that our parents weren´t coming back.

A few minutes passed:

*Knock-Knock*

I opened my door, seeing a slightly less sad nanny and three siblings standing in front of me.

“Come in, I have some bad news to tell you.”

We sat down together all of them on my bed with the nanny, who I found out is named Anna, standing beside them. I told her she can also sit with them on the bed but she refused. Saying something about the rules and not wanting to get in trouble for it.

I told them slowly and with a steady voice of the sad information about our parents not coming back from their trip.

They looked at me like I was feeling a few minutes before, the sadness and hope that swarms in their eyes were what made me look away from them and over to Anna, who was holding back her tears as I nodded for her to let the tears flow.

George was the first one who understood what was happening, he started to come over and demanded a hug without saying a word. He just stood in front of me with his arms slightly open, I crouched down and gave him a hug.

Then came Louise, he started to cry before he came over to join the hug, but Charlott... she was just sitting there not crying not moving not really doing anything still comprehending what I just told her.

Just like for Louise I opened my arms again and she slowly moved towards us, hugging us too. I looked over at Anna who was just standing there trying to seem strong but ultimately failing.

She seemed like someone very emotional to me. It was a nice change from the usually cold faces around us.

“Come on Anna, you need a hug now too. You are going to stay with us now, just looking over their wellbeing with me of course. I won´t leave either. We might have lost two people today but we also gained a new one.”

She came over after technically being commanded to, but she didn´t seem to mind having someone to be there with her.

We all headed down for breakfast. Everything was silent as we ate, no one was talking. There wasn’t anything going on. It felt like not a single person spoke in the whole castle.

*wrm-wrm-wrm* my phone vibrated as I got a text. I didn´t want to look at it but it kept on vibrating, so picked it up to look who it could have been.

Tommyinnit: Hey, I just heard what happened to your parents. So sorry.

Mom and dad say sorry, and the dogs seem sad too

Did your siblings take the news well?

You don´t have to answer I just wanted to make sure that you know that we are all really sorry and hope that you get better soon!

I read it and a small smile appeared on my lips as I wrote back.

Yeah, the siblings know. I told them everything, we are eating right now.

Thank your family and pet your dogs as a thank you okay?

I don’t know what will happen now because I don´t really want to stay with my

Grandfather anymore, he is kind of distant.

He didn’t even send a text, and I don’t know about his stand with my dad

They didn’t seem to get along the last few months.

Anyway, we will go back over to Buckingham so probably stay with the Queen. :)

I put my phone back down as Louis was done eating. He was the last one that wasn’t finished before I had picked up the phone so we headed upstairs to get our clothes and everything that we needed for the trip over to Buckingham.

“Does everyone have what they need? It will probably be a while until we get back here.” I said as we were putting everything in the car to drive us over to Buckingham palace where servants were waiting for us to arrive in the car.

It was a 15-minute drive back to Buckingham Palace. Just like breakfast, nobody said a word as we drove there.

Anna was seated next to Louis as George and Charlott took the far back seat, I was driving seeing as I already got my driver’s license last year. The passenger seat was empty as my mother used to sit there, nobody wanted to take her spot.

She always was the better driver between the two adults. As we arrived there were already loads of flowers placed outside the gates, the flag flew at half-mast, and a few people were waiting at the entrance of the Palace to take our bags and tell us what was going on inside.

I parked right outside the doors so that we wouldn’t be seen by the paparazzi, we could all get out on the right side and the servants got the bigger baggage that was in the trunk of the car.

“Welcome back, we are sorry for your loss. The Queen wants to talk with you and your grandfather in the throne room, as soon as possible.” A woman said to me as I got the others out of the car with Anna.

“Yeah, sure. I.. I´ll just get them inside before I want to leave them with Anna. They are still a little bit tired after the morning news.” I looked at her as she made a little curtsey and walked back inside to wait for me there.

“Well, you heard her in your rooms you go! Anna.. please make sure that they do get a little nap before tonight.” I looked at my siblings and then at Anna. She smiled and nodded the smile was a little forced and everyone could tell but she tried her best.

“Of course.” As they all got their rightful bags and we all got inside they went off to their rooms and I headed with the servant to meet my great grandmother and Charles. Maybe if I´ll get lucky Camilla would be there too.

“Their Royal Highness (Y/N) of Cambridge second in line of the Throne!” came the voice of the doorman.

I looked over to the rest of my family with a sad demeanor. The Queen seemed saddened by the reason just like me, but Charles, oh Charles he didn’t seem like it was bothering him too much as if he knew beforehand that something would happen.

“(Y/N), I am sorry that you and your siblings have to live now without both parents from now on. Different than Wilhelm and Harry you and your siblings don’t have any parents alive anymore. I wanted to tell you in person that I have announced mourning for the next 2 weeks, you will all be out of school for that time. And the time of their last walk will be held in a few weeks when the mourning has already begun. You also don’t need to think about where you will be staying, I am now going to be your legal guardian. But your status will stay the same. As you are already 18 years old. As for why I wanted both of you here, you will now be working closer together, so I expect it to be clean work without any problems.”

Charles and I were just standing there waiting for her to be finished with her little speech. I really love my great-grandmother but I really dislike it when people just keep on talking without taking a break.

“Yes, I tried to learn as much from dad before he passed away so I already know what the paperwork is about and how I can handle it. If I find anything confusing about it that doesn’t make sense I´ll make sure to ask Grandpa about it. He should know the most as he thought dad about everything too.” I answered respectfully. Even if I didn´t want him to be my grandfather, they needed to believe that I didn´t know what he did.

“Yes, just come around later I´ll show you the underground library where we store every important document.” He responded.

I already know where the library was and what was in it since mom showed it to me a while back. It seemed like they didn´t tell the others about what they found out down there.

I wonder, does the Queen know who made that `accident´ happen? If she does, was she mad at him or was she happy about it?

“We have an underground library? With important documents?” if I could fake a smile in front of thousands then I could also sound astonished in front of the Queen and the murderer of my grandmother.

“Indeed. As I said I´ll show it to you at a later day. You should get ready to eat with your siblings. It is almost time to eat some lunch.” Charles turned around as he spoke readily to walk outside with me. I didn´t really know what I should do at that moment, should I speak to the queen about what he had done or not?

“It seems like you should go with him (Y/N). If you have anything else to ask about the work that you have to take over now you have enough time with Charles on your way to the others.” I turned around after she was done speaking, otherwise, it would be considered rude.

We both exited the room together, the tension was thick. I didn´t feel well enough to say anything after getting the information from my dad 5 months ago.

“I´m sorry for your loss, even if I don´t show it enough, I don’t know how I even could. You have lost your wife, now you have even lost your son. As much as you still have one I am sure dad was still close to you. Both of us and my siblings, we all need to close the gap that they have left open.” I tried to make him feel the pain that he caused both of his sons and put it in the same case as us losing our parents a night before.

“Your father was a lot like his mother. In many cases, just like Harry. But I-I fell out of love with her and sadly we were still married. She didn´t like the spotlight that everyone had on her. She didn´t fit in this life. Camilla, although she is not loved as much as your grandmother was, has it a lot easier with them. I was still heartbroken by her death. I loved her once and we still had a good life the time we spent together. It hurt me to send-“ he started to ramble. I felt like he didn’t even realize who he was speaking to anymore.

“What hurt you to send? You didn’t finish your sentence.” I tried to coax out of him but he wouldn’t even look at me anymore. As if I was not even there to begin with.

It was silent again, I kind of hoped for him to start speaking again but he never did. We got in front of the dining room as we both walked in to see my siblings already eating with Anna helping them.

“Ah! Your majesty´s welcome back.” Anna greeted us as she stood up from the table as to not seem rude towards us.

“Why were you sitting at the royal table anyway? Did you forget that only family and guests are allowed to sit here!” Charles practically barked at her as he walked over. To take away her seat that was standing where she just sat at.

“I-I am deeply sorry for what I did, I really am! It´s just that I-“ she tried to explain herself but he didn’t let her.

“NO. You do not get to excuse yourself for such a feeble mistake! Something like that is so easy to just not do. Why didn´t you just stop? You could have taken standing a little bit longer!” he wouldn’t stop and everyone was looking over at both of them.

If you looked close enough you could see that she was holding back tears, they were getting harder to hold back, and then one slipped.

Charles just started to scream at her never stopping his tantrum. I had to do something against him before any news about this could travel farther than it already had. I just didn’t know-how.

“I´m sorry for my wording but Charles, that is no way that you should treat someone who was up earlier than your old ass and helped your grandchildren calm down after finding out that their parents died. Even if you didn’t really like Diana and thus her offspring we are still your future and this woman, this lovely, nice, and wonderful woman is allowed to be sitting down even if you don’t like her. It was my seat anyway so I´m allowing her to sit in it whenever her feet hurt too much from caring for three children alone. Now if you have anything else to say keep it in your head before it comes out of your mouth.” I wish I had kept my mouth shut as I looked into the eyes of my grandfather.

I was done for, I knew with so many staff members around us this would definitely be going to be something I had to face as a consequence later on. It just had to be said, and if not from me then by whom?

He looked angry almost mad. Everyone was looking at him now. With the eyewitnesses, he couldn´t say or do anything that would hurt me or the others.

I was just waiting for him to blow up on me next, at least then he would be over and done with this.

“DON´T YOU EVER SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN! I AM YOUR GRANDFATHER DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?!” he slowly came over to me with every word he spoke.

“I do but that doesn’t give you the right to speak like that to anyone else than yourself.” I was just egging him on, that was one if not the worst idea that I ever had.

“IF I WAS YOUR FATHER THEN YOU WOULD ALREADY BE WEEPING IN FRONT OF YOUR MOTHER BY NOW TELLING HER THAT I WAS TOO MEAN TO YOU, YOUR GENERATION COULDN’T EVEN RAISE A FINGER IF ANYONE ACTUALLY STARTED TO FIGHT YOU!”

“You mean the mother that YOU MURDERED BY HOLDING SOMETHING AGAINST PAUL WHO YOU KNEW WAS THE DRIVER IN THE CAR?! TO YOU COULD GO OFF WITH CAMILLA AND NO ONE WOULD EVER BE ASKING AGAIN ABOUT DIANA!! BECAUSE YOU KNEW THAT IF YOU WERE TO SPLIT NORMALLY EVERYONE WOULD STAND WITH HER AND NOT YOU BECAUSE SHE WAS NICER TO EVERYONE AND NOT AN ABSOLUTE ASSHOLE TO?!? I BET THAT IF WE DID A LIE DETECTOR TEST RIGHT NOW YOU WOULD LIE ABOUT THE “ACCIDENTAL FIRE” THAT THE AIRPLANE HAD WOULDN´T YOU?”

Now I had let everything out, everything that was building up everything that didn’t let me calm down every waking thought from this morning on it all led up to this.

The staff was so silent that you could have forgotten that they were there. I looked at him not once looking away from his face as tears started to cloud my vision. I tried to hold them in look as cold as I could.

After a while, he grabbed the food he was going to eat and stormed out of the room. I watched him with anger evident on my face. I didn’t dare to look at my siblings, I couldn’t let them see what a mess I was.

“Don´t let a word of this slip into the public, I don´t want to hear the public talk about anything. That would just make more trouble.” I softly said as I started to walk out of the room myself.

I left everything in that room, my siblings, Anna, my food. I opened my door, closed it behind me, and then went over to my bed to sleep everything away, maybe if I´m lucky this was all just a dream or I might just die here.

At the same time in the dining hall:

“How about we all go back to our room and play something nice there, alright?” Anna tried to get the children’s attention.

Charlott looked at George and then nodded as they stood up from the table that was now only reminiscent of happier memories. They began to head back to their own room that they shared as to not be alone again.

On their way back Charlott and George were in front of Anna and Louise who were distracting her with a story that he made up. In a hushed voice, she spoke to him about what they had just witnessed.

“I got my phone from the table just in time, that was easy enough. They were all distracted by the other two. Do you still have that one account where no one knows it´s you?” George nodded.

“Mhm, it´s still active. Just send it to me and I´ll upload it. Everywhere.” Charlott smiled at that, it was a good thing they both ran by the door when their father told their sibling about what really happened to their grandmother.

“What are you two talking about up there? I heard that you want to send a video to George Charlott?” Anna chimed in as both siblings realized that both their sibling and their Nanny were still with them.

“I wanted to send George a new video that I found on the Minecraft website from last week. It had a cool-looking portal that I didn’t know led to another world. And in that world..” if Charlott was good in one thing then it was about making up stories to tell others that weren’t even real. She spoke with such innocence that you would have absolutely believed she was as innocent as the media made her out to be.

“Ah... if it’s only that. Then I hope it works for you guys, from what I know about Minecraft, that definitely sounds like a lot of adventures!” Anna tried to make other small talks with the kids but wholeheartedly believed that they only wanted to share a Minecraft tutorial.

If she knew what both of them were up to she would never be able to sleep soundly ever again.

After they went to their room, George and Charlott went over to their beds they got to work. Sending the filmed video over to the other and then just uploading it to every social media outlet that they could think about. TikTok, Twitter, YouTube even on Tumblr, everything was full of the video. People making reaction videos and duets. Retweeting and reposting. Even the news stations were covering it. In a matter of hours, everyone in England knew about the argument of (Y/N) and Charles, but that was their plan to ruin the chance of Charles ever getting the throne.

The internet was in an uproar. People were trying to defend Charles, others defending (Y/N) saying that she wasn’t even alive to know what actually happened to Diana. And yet, nobody knew who was behind the clip. It wasn’t long before Tommy got to see the video on his screen. He wasn´t sure if it was fake or if it was real. So he decided that the only way for him to get the truth about the whole story was by texting and calling (Y/N).

Tommyinnit: Ey

Where are you

Did you see what’s going on all over the internet?

Are you even reading these text?!

Missed call

Answer your phone when I call you

Missed call

Come on please I won’t be able to sleep if you don’t tell me

Missed call

What are you talking about?

I was asleep

What’s going on

I haven’t been on Twitter for a long time

Is it a new trend that you want to do?

Tommy?

Tommyinnit: Just pick up when I call you

I´ll explain then.

Okay, fine.

“So I don’t know if you know this but the `little´ argument that you had with your grandfather went viral.” was the first thing he says, I was confused at first before remembering what exactly happened.

“How do you know about that? I told them to shut their mouth and not tell anyone.” I was growing nervous. What did get out and on the internet?

“Well, I think the whole argument was caught on camera. I´ll send it to you from the original user.” As I waited for the video to load. I could already hear some commotion outside my room.

“Tommy, I don´t know what is going to be the consequence of that,” I said as I looked at the video thinking about who would have filmed that, especially out of that angle. “I think I know who could have made that video because the staff is way too scared about losing their job about something like this.”

“Are you going to tell me or are you just going to leave it at that?” Tommy said in a whispered tone. He was probably in his room and just trying not to get another call from his Landlord.

“It might have been Charlott and George, but from what I can see it must have been Charlott filming. How did they get all that without anyone noticing? Or just uploaded is the better question.” I was shocked, how could I not be with everything that is going on.

It was already late. With all the information that was being spilled today, I couldn’t really care about what was to come out of it, not today.

“You good? I mean, just this morning you found out that you moved up in your lineage by the death of your parents, then or, I dunno, beforehand you found out that your grandfather killed your grandmother, then you have to live with him for a while because the Queen has all of you live together in the palace. You will have to work with him, and you have then accused him of murdering your parents. That is a lot to have done in one day.” If I could slap him right now I probably would, even if he just meant to make it easier.

“Tommy.”

“Not the right time?”

“Yeah, a little too early.”

“Okay, sorry.”

“You should still go and talk to your siblings about this. Or just go back to bed, you have a big day ahead of you, especially with the news that the public now knows.” He was right of course, he also wasn’t in this situation where you didn’t want to go outside of your room anxious about what was to happen when you did.

“I´ll probably just go back to bed, I think that would be easier than having to go out there and explain myself to everyone. How about I´ll keep you updated on what is happening in here when I wake up so that you know what´s going on and help me do the right thing?” that was also probably not the right thing to do but I didn´t care anymore.

If I am going to ever take the throne then I want to do it without having a murderer sitting in it before me.

“Yeah, I´ll be your news reporter from the outside world that tells you what the public thinks! But seeing as the majority already was on the side of Diana against Charles, they will probably only want some sort of proof and then they are also on your side!” he grew more excited with every passing word that got out of his mouth.

I smiled even if it was for something that shouldn’t be smiled about. It was good to have at least one person on your side, even if they couldn’t be there in person.

“Alright. Then I won’t be going to bed after all. I must get the proof that what I said was true before he can get to it. But for that to happen I must hang up, I will send you a text on what I am doing and I´ll send you a picture of it just to be safe.” I was getting excited. This was like an adventure. Going to places and knowing that people could always talk to me about anything.

“Okay! I´ll be here! Be safe okay?!”

“I will don’t worry too much!” I hung up got ready and slowly walked down to the library, there weren’t that many people down here in the first place as it was supposed to be a secret place.

Even then I could still hear people talk once I slowly opened the door to the library. They sounded far enough away from the door and behind some walls. I slowly took out my phone so I could film them if it was necessary. The only people that would have known where this place are people from the family and a few other close friends of theirs.

“Are you sure that they haven’t been in here before we came in here ourselves? The papers where supposed to be right here! Both of our lives are at stake here. Not just yours!” I pulled my phone out and started to record, that voice was definitely Charles. I just had to figure out who he was talking to and then get them on camera.

“Well, the door was definitely closed all the way when I opened it so it should be right here, your highness. Maybe they just fell down and rolled away? If we both started to look around and not just one this would definitely be a faster find.” I had no idea who that could be but at least they were both in the light so I could get a good film of them down here.

“Well if we don´t find them here then you are definitely fired, and I will be done for. I will already not get the crown with those allegations from the public. Marrying that woman was the worst mistake I could have made, just to fix my public appearance. Urgh. I would do anything to get the crown in my hands but I will definitely get rid of my dear mother first. And that can´t happen if she doesn’t trust me enough for her to drink and eat what I will make for her.” Charles rambled on and on about killing the Queen right in front of a servant what an amateur.

I was for sure not better than him at this moment but I would have people on my side that he wished didn´t see that video, and as long as the others also uploaded this video I would also have the support of my great grandmother. AT least I hoped I would have, no one knows how exactly she thought about information like this.

Then again, the public was a big pressure point on her and the rest of them. Me included, I could however be seen as a hero for all those who would believe me.

“I don´t think it´s here anymore. My league, maybe they had a partner as well that went down here and got the information about the murder, the whole time that you were up in the dinner hall arguing.” The servant said sounding like a kicked puppy. I am almost sure he didn’t want to get fired by Charles.

The moment was ruined by someone standing behind me with their hands over my mouth. I couldn’t scream, not unless I wanted to alert Charles and the other guy.

“Alright, if it’s not down here then let’s go check the office of William, I am sure that he took them before and told them about it. That is the only way that they could have known about all of this.” Charles barked at the other one who was still trying to find the papers that they were looking for.

They left the room almost as if they were never there in the first place. The person behind me still didn’t let go of my mouth, just waiting for us to be alone in there. I turned off my phone so the recording was stopped.

“Don’t be too loud-speaking they could still hear us or hide behind the door.” He said as he let go of my mouth. I turned around and was met by a man that was dressed very casually as if he was part of the staff.

“And who are you?” I had absolutely no idea who this man was that was standing in front of me. Yet I still felt like I have seen him before.

“I am the guy that found the papers down here, the one who found the location of your friend, Tommy was his name I believe. I am the guy that helped your father understand what actually happened to his mother.” He said proudly but in a hushed voice.

“The papers that they were looking for; the one that had all the information about the murder. I have it right here, I gave it to your father. I was at home when I saw the video about you screaming at Charles and went to grab the papers out of the Kensington Palace.” He handed me some old-looking papers that were curled up. Some of it was yellow already. A few stains from tears and coffee?

“How did you know where I was right now and that I needed these papers? I am still kind of confused about all of this right now.” He seemed to shy away from my questioning.

“Well, you are a lot like your father, so I just did the thing that I would have done for him just that I gave it to you. We were lucky that he left them in his office before going on the flight. That would have been a lot more work than it already is. What is the next step of your plan anyway? I will help you now just as I have helped your father with his plans. My name is James by the way.” He explained. I didn’t know what to do next. The plan was for me to go and get the papers send them to Tommy and then... then the Queen will probably have a conference with the whole family or just us already planned.

“I don´t know really, I never did something like this before. Oh! You wouldn’t know where the papers for the plane crash from last night are would you?” I looked at him with hope in my eyes, but he shook his head.

“I don´t think those papers were printed yet. So they couldn’t be down here. Sorry. We should also get back before the staff starts suspecting something because you aren’t answering your door.” He had a point. If we were to find out anything then we shouldn’t be down here not knowing what to do.

“Alright, how about tomorrow you come over to the study of my father here in the palace. Then we can talk with Charlott and George about what they know and why they send out that video.” I said as I remembered that it was already dark out so the two would probably already be in bed again.

“Wait-Charlott and George? What do they have to do with this? I thought they only knew about the death of Diana.” s

“They were probably the ones that send out the video. At least I hope they did. Then this whole thing is a little bit easier.” I tried to explain without giving too much information.

“Alright. See you tomorrow then. Ah.. and sorry about holding your mouth shut before, I just didn´t want you to make a noise because you got spooked by me.” He said as he left the room out of the same door that Charles and his helper went through minutes beforehand.

I got the pictures and some juicy information.

Also will send over the pictures in a second.

I just got out of the room.

Tommyinnit: Alright!

Just get back in your room before you send the pictures.

Picture opened

Tommyinnit: Oh damn,

That’s a lot to have against someone like that

Just keep it secret until we need it okay?

We don’t want anyone to know that we have

the documents.

I´m gonna call you in a few moments okay, so I can explain

What happened as I was down there.

Tommyinnnit: Okay, sounds like a lot has happened

As I was on a call with Tommy I also started to text Charlott. Hoping that she was still awake.

Charlott.

Are you still awake?

Fav.sis: Yeah, but Anna just put us to bed. You didn´t eat dinner with us.

That wasn´t nice of you.

It was also not nice of you and George to film the arguing

And putting it on the Internet.

But that’s a different conversation

I filmed something you and George might like to see, it´s just a video

But what you want to do with it is yours to decide.

Fav.sis: Alright I´ll bite, send it over.

Video opened

Fav.sis: .o.

Interesting information you got there

How about you don´t tell anyone and I send it to the creator

Of the account? Sounds good?

Yeah, another thing.

Tomorrow we are going to have a meeting in the study from dad

With an old friend of his.

Fav.sis: Should Anna come too?

Yeah, sure bring her with you.

It´s going to be before breakfast.

So go and get enough sleep.

Fav.sis: okay, gn

After I was done with the call and telling Tommy everything that had happened, we both agreed that I will still tell him everything that will happen. But I won’t tell the others that he is my outside person.

As the next morning came i made sure that I was in the study before even the most of the staff members where awake.

I knew what would happen if we were all seen entering the study all at once. Not only would the staff members think we were up to something but they would then make sure to not say anything if one of us were to be seen. The children would also be under extra care which makes filming for them extremely hard without any more people finding out that they are the secret account.

One after the other they all came in before it even was 9 am. I was sitting in my father’s chair like a supervillain. With my back turned to all of them, I turned around and started to speak.

“I´m sure that we all saw the video by now. With the old video now on the Internet, I´m sure that you are on my side of this, aren’t you?” I looked over at Charlott and George who were seated on my left side of the other side of the table.

“Yes. We knew since a few months ago when dad told you in his office. We didn´t mean to hear but we were just walking by and listening in. We left right after, but it´s good to know on what side you actually are. You kept your emotion hidden well.” George said as Charlott kept nodding with him.

“Excuse me but what video are we talking about? Another thing, who is that?” a female voice asked as she was standing behind the kids with James on the other side of the room still dressed as if he was just cleaning it.

“I`m James, I just cleaning around the palace and heard what’s going on around here.” He smiled at her.

“He is going to help with the investigation against Charles, Anna. He just dresses as if he works here so it’s easier to stay hidden.” I explained seeing that he was just straight-up lying to her. “As for the video, one of the angels that you are watching over there took a video from the argumentation between me and Charles, and put it on the Internet to make the outside world aware of it.”

Anna looked at Charlott who was just sitting there smiling at me knowing that I already had another video ready to be uploaded.

“The second one wasn’t published yet. Just tell me when you want me to send it out.” George said. So he was the one who actually has the account. Together they were a deathly duo to be going against.

“When did that happen?! I was with you all the time and you didn´t have a video about the shouting at any time!” Anna stated as she looked at them both. James came over to her and showed her the video on his phone.

She wasn´t saddened but also seemed to not be too happy about the whole thing, James was just looking at her with slightly red ears, it was either from the close proximity to her or just that he was getting warm in his outfit.

“Unbelievable that you two would do this even after your sibling told everyone to not do it!”

“I think that was a good thing, maybe not the best course of action but it was definitely a needed thing that the public wanted and needed as well,” I said to stop her anger from appearing again as the video ended.

“Don´t worry Anna, we already have a new video to post. This time we didn´t even need to film it. Someone else has done that for us already.” Charlott said whilst looking up at her.

“And here I was thinking that you two were too innocent to do anything evil.” She was just getting more frustrated with being around everyone. She really needed to get some type of break from all of us.

“I have a plan to get all this sorted out already, if everything goes to plan, Charles will never be sitting on that throne in the first place,” I said as I looked back outside after I was done looking at all of them.

“Would you like to help?”

“I would like to know the plan first, so I know what I have to do in the first place.” Came from Anna.

“So, Anna you and the three kids will continue your next days in a normal pattern nothing will be different, James you will be on the lookout for more information about the murder of our parents and I will deal with the Queen and Charles for as long as we need it to happen. If any of you get any information just send it over the phone. If we talk too much it would be suspicious. George, you can upload the video right after breakfast which will begin in a few moments. We all have to leave at different times so no one will think that we are planning something, and stay away from Charles.” I explained my plan to them.

“Well if it´s just that, I am in then.” Came from James, the others agreed after a bit of thinking time themself.

“Well then, I will see most of you soon, James here is my phone number so you can send me updates on what you find. Take care of yourself okay?” I gave him my number after turning back around to see them again.

“Of course. You are a lot like your father in the planning department.” He smiled at me as he turned around to go back outside the room.

As the door closed around him Anna came over to me and hugged me.

“You know for someone so young, you definitely plan like you are on a battlefield. You can always just talk to us and tell us what actually goes on in your head, you know that right? We are still your family.”

“I know, but I was taught to never let my emotions get in between me and my goal. You also know that just like the others have been trained to be like they are at this age.” I looked up to her as she smiled down at me.

“Have you seen the second video already?” I asked her as she was letting me go.

“No, but I wanted to ask Charlott to show it before they put it online.” She walked over to Charlott who took out her phone and showed them what happened yesterday night.

“Well, now I am absolutely sure that we should stop him from getting the throne after the death of the Queen!” came from her.

“Well of we go then to the dining hall!” came from me as we made our way to get breakfast.

_______________________________________________________________

There is more but this is already 10k long again so I´ll try to get the next parts out as fast as I can. I still hope you all liked this. My brain feels fuzzy but I am not even at the part that I actually wanted to write that still is a bit away. Anyway hydrate and consume sustenance!

#tommyinnit x reader #platonic tommyinnit #platonic tommyinnit x reader #british royal reader #platonic philza minecraft #mcyt x reader #mcyt #platonic mcyt #cc!tommyinnit x reader #cc!tommyinnit #platonic reader

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marzipanandminutiae · 2 years

Note

In the OT3verse, how do Edith and Lucille adapt to the changing attitudes, world events, and fashions of the early 20th century? How about Thomas?

Edith picks and chooses, I think. In terms of attitudes and aesthetics. Adopting what appeals to her and continuing as she always has for the rest. I have a headcanon that, in the 1920s, a pack of Bright Young Things becomes absolutely enamored with her and adopts her as their Cool Aunt. She hosts salons and attends the more subdued and literary of their parties. At least half the group is madly in love with her- men and women alike.

Alan's sister-in-law- the sister of his wife, Charlotte, who I have a whole other slew of headcanons about -politely suggests around 1927 that Edith let her ear piercings close up. It was a barbaric custom, after all, and what sort of example is she setting to Young Ladies growing up in a more enlightened time?

Edith takes to wearing the largest, dangliest earrings she can find whenever she visits the McMichaels.

Thomas is enchanted by the explosion of new technology. Telephones! Electricity becoming more widespread! Look, you can hear someone acting a play hundreds of miles away- it's called "radio!" Films are LONGER THAN 7 MINUTES NOW? WAIT WAIT FILMS HAVE SOUND?!

PEOPLE. ARE. FLYING.

He subscribes to a dozen different mechanical and scientific magazines, and travels to demonstrations of the new marvels when he can. Fortunately he's too old to be called up when WWI breaks out, but the British government "conscripts" his engineering skills instead. Having been the indirect cause of so much death...doesn't help his amount of guilt and trauma going forward. To say the least.

He doesn't lean too hard into changing aesthetics, though, mostly because of...

...Lucille, for whom all of this might as well not be happening. If the changes between ~1880 and 1901 didn't interest her, the rest of the 20th century cuts no ice at all. She continues wearing Natural Form. She seldom leaves the estate. All she wants, as ever, is to be at home with her People and her piano and her butterflies. Home is safe. Home is a known quantity. Home is waking up with Thomas on one side of her and Edith on the other and feeling herself loved.

Edith goes off to be a nurse when the war breaks out, and it almost kills her. At least when Thomas travels, he's not going to a battlefield where anything might happen. At the onset of WWII, she's quick to take the party line that a dignified matron of Edith's age has no business haring off to the front. Edith yields to pressure- not that it takes much -and fundraises from home instead.

(Rationing holds no terror for the residents of Allerdale Hall, accustomed as they are to reduced circumstances. And Lucille has a kitchen garden anyway, in a little hothouse Thomas built for her ages ago. It yields enough to keep them from privation, though thankfully not enough for the military to requisition any of their produce.)

(Some of it has to be converted from growing toxic plants to growing squash and lettuces, much to its owner's chagrin. But we're all making sacrifices in wartime, aren't we?)

Lucille tuts over the shifts in Edith's wardrobe as time wears on- "really, that dress looks like a feed sack, and what on earth is the fabric?" -but not enough changes to truly upset her. She hides in the attic on the rare occasions when Edith's pet literary twentysomethings spend a weekend at Allerdale, and when one slightly tipsy flapper spots her, it gives rise to legends of a particularly elegant ghost wandering the hallowed halls.

Thomas dies in 1954 (cancer); Lucille in 1960 (heart failure). They both continue much as they always have, albeit rather more black and translucent, until Edith takes her leave of the world in 1968 (car accident, surprisingly enough).

And what happens next- a triple haunting or a quiet passage to the next world? I'll leave that up to you.

#ask #anon #crimson peak #cpeak #long post #headcanons

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rebeccccccaaa · 3 years

Text

𝕲𝖔𝖑𝖉𝖊𝖓

____________________________

𝕶𝖎𝖓𝖌!𝕭𝖚𝖈𝖐𝖞 𝖝 𝕶𝖓𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙!𝕽𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖗 𝕬𝖀

𝕾𝖚𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖗𝖞: When the Queen falls sick and passes away, King Bucky must marry another, preferably the princess of an alliance kingdom nearby, in order to keep peace and order among the lands. However she is the most god awful human being anyone has ever met. Her guard however well she was definitely not what the king expected.

𝖂𝖆𝖗𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖘: a little make out? ;) (part three)

𝕬/𝖓: /^-^/

𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙: 1.6k

part one | part two |

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Bucky watched from his window one morning out to the field behind the castle. Steve, Sam, Natasha, and you were all shooting arrows.

A knock had disrupted Bucky, and when he opened the door it was one of the king’s servants alerting him that Charlotte requested to take a walk in the garden with him. Bucky dressed himself and went to the ground level where Charlotte waited.

They walked to the garden greeting all the servants in the castle. Well, Bucky did. Charlotte ordered everyone to do something, from doing her laundry, having someone tidy her room. She was very spoiled and quite rude.

She only ever talked about herself but surprisingly she asked him a question for once.

“So how long have you been king?”

“Well, my parents grew sick when I was seventeen years old. I was crowned months later.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

Well that didn’t last long.

Silence grew between the two awkwardly, until your laugh not far from the two was heard. You along with Nat, Sam, Steve, and Wanda were messing around showing off each other’s archery and sword skills under a very large tree.

To say you were skilled with a bow and arrow was a total understatement. Every shot you made hit directly in the center of your target, completely blowing him away. He really wanted to ditch Charlotte and just hang out with his friends and you. Learn more things about you.

A woman approached Charlotte to whisper in her ear. From what Bucky could barely hear, there was a letter for Charlotte waiting in her bedroom. Her mood instantly changed and she almost ran away from Bucky.

“Oh I’m so sorry. I need to return to my bedroom as soon as possible. Will you be alright?”

“Yes, go ahead. I see my friends in the field; I’ll go there for now.”

“Ok well, farewell and I’ll see you for supper!” she shouted running away.

Bucky walked down and caught sight of his fellow friends making a ruckus.

“There’s the bastard king!” Nat said.

“Such a charmer, Nat,” Bucky responded.

“Wanna shoot?” you asked him, handing him your bow and an arrow.

“I’m not very good,” Bucky responded, grabbing your equipment.

Bucky totally lied. He was in fact an excellent archer but he didn’t want you to know that. Maybe you’d offered some help and that would give Bucky more time to get closer to you. Bucky was so infatuated with you and your beauty and grace he was beginning to wonder if maybe it wasn’t a good idea since he was supposed to marry the king’s daughter, not his knight.

Bucky stood horribly and angled his bow awkwardly. Steve, Sam, and Nat all looked at each other very confused. Bucky shot his arrow and it didn’t even reach within 10 feet of the target. It was like a sad wilted plant; shooting practically underneath itself.

“I told you I was bad,” Bucky said, turning to you.

“No, it’s just- uh- well,” you heavily stuttered. That was probably the worst shot you’ve ever seen. Wanda even got closer to the target than he did. Bucky simply grinned waiting to see if you’d been blunt or lie to him. Knowing you for a couple weeks now however he knew you were going to be blunt.

“Yeah, sorry. That was awful,” you said laughing.

“Maybe you should teach me. You know as a king, who am I to not know the basics of archery.”

That’s when Steve, Sam, and Nat pieced everything together. Bucky was really pushing this thing to it’s limit. They wondered if it’s gonna backfire or if he'll finally get to live his happily ever after he deserved. That’s if you love him back.

“I just might. It was pretty horrible. Not even Wanda was that bad her first go.”

“You don’t need to rub it in, doll.” Woah. That’s new, you thought.

“Well-” you were cut off by a woman calling for you, the king requesting for your service for a moment.

“I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere!” you said before leaving.

Bucky smiled to himself before looking up to find all his friends staring at him like he was stupid.

“Maybe you should teach me about archery and I’ll teach you about the male anatomy,” Natasha mocked.

“Nat,” Steve warned.

“It’s not like that,” Bucky defended.

“Now Buck, don’t be a liar,” Steve said to him.

“I’m not lying!”

“Bucky, we can all tell you like the girl but that’s not why you’re here. You should be with Charlotte anyways getting to know her. That would be a more responsible thing to do than joke around with the king’s knight because she’s pretty,” Sam interjected.

“Charlotte left me to read some letters and I saw you guys which is why I’m here in the first place. Anyways, Charlotte is awful.”

“It’s true,” Nat whispered.

“She only ever talks about herself and when she runs out things to say she just stands there. Like she doesn’t do anything, she’s just there. And I try to talk to her but she shows absolutely no interest in whatever I’m saying. But Y/n. She’s just so… lovely. I wish she was the king’s daughter and not Charlotte.”

“Sorry Buck,” Natasha said, rubbing his back.

“It’s alright.”

“Well, I am quite hungry so I’m gonna see if the chef has anything we could snack on before supper,” Steve said.

“I’m coming!” Sam said following loosely behind Steve.

“Guess I’m headed off too,” Nat said.

“What about Y/n?”

“Stay here and wait for her. Tell her we went to the kitchen. And maybe, I don’t know,” she wiggled her eyebrows.

“Nat,” Bucky said sternly.

“Bye!”

Bucky had gathered as many arrows as he could find and laid them next to his feet. He leaned them against the trunk of the tree and took his stance to shoot a couple arrows. He hit the target every time no hesitation. You stood from afar watching quietly smiling to yourself. How could you let him fool you? Of course he knows how to utilize a bow and arrow. He's a king.

“So were you going to tell me or was I just supposed to find out this way?” you questioned him walking up to him.

“Sorry,” he chuckled, looking down timidly.

“It’s ok. You have a good hand.”

“Thank you. You as well. Probably the best archer I’ve ever seen. We have a young knight,” Bucky started.

“Steve told me,” you told him.

“Yeah, Peter. He would love to learn from you if you are ever willing to visit.”

“I would love to.”

You stood there looking into each other's eyes for too long. His eyes though were so hypnotizing. Blue as the ocean, sparkling like the stars. You could look into them forever if you had the chance.

“Should we gather the arrows? Friendly competition?” Bucky spoke up.

“Yes,” you said too loudly, “Sorry, yes.”

You began running to gather the arrows, the sun shining down on you making you look so beautiful to Bucky. You looked like the purest of gold. You were everything Bucky wanted. You were perfect.

You turned to look back at Bucky suddenly stopping you running, making him completely crash into you bringing you both to the ground. You fell underneath Bucky as he crushed you with his body weight. He was much heavier than he looked at first.

“Oh! I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have stopped so suddenly. That was stupid of me,” you said frantically.

“It’s ok, darling.”

You felt hot. You felt his entire body pressed against yours; and you liked it. You wish this would happen under different circumstances if you were being truthful. Heat crept up your neck and to your cheeks unsure of what to do.

Bucky moved a strand of hair from your face leaning in ever slowly. He wanted to more than anything in the whole world to feel your lips against his own. He kept leaning until his lips finally touched yours. You moved gracefully against each other like two perfect pieces of a puzzle.

Your hands came up to his face holding him delicately. His hands moved to your waist pulling you into his body as much as possible. He felt so happy. For the past couple weeks you and Bucky have been getting somewhat close in a friendly way. Neither of you wanting to admit to the other that you wanted more.

But this wasn’t ok. He wasn’t yours as much as you wanted him to be. He was Charlotte’s.

“This is wrong,” you whispered, lightly gasping for breath.

“I know, but it feels so good,” he whispered in your neck.

“We’ll get caught and they’ll punish me. I’ve never been punished,” you were a little scared.

“You won’t. I’m sorry,” Bucky said sitting up.

“It’s alright.”

You sat in silence before looking at each other too irresistible, crashing your lips to his once more. Bucky pushed you down once again humming in content to your affection you were giving to him.

What you didn’t know and didn’t see was that Charlotte in fact sat from her bedroom window watching everything happen.

======================================

𝕿𝖆𝖌𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙:

@velvetcardiganbucky

@chipilerendi

@heavenhatesme

@austynparksandpizza

@ahahafudge

@onlyhereforthefandomandgiggles

#bucky barnes smut #bucky barnes #bucky fluff #bucky x reader #bucky x y/n #king!bucky #knight!reader #royal!au #bucky barnes au #marvel smut

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365days365movies · 3 years

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March 21, 2021: Orlando (1992)

Tilda Swinton...confuses me.

Like, in a good way. Because Tilda may be the most versatile actor working today. I mean, look at the goddamn filmography, and you’ll see what I’ve mean. I’ve seen Tilda Swinton in a lot, surprisingly, and I don’t think anything I’ve seen was bad. For example, I am an ARDENT defender in the portrayal of the Ancient One in the MCU.

I understand the controversy here, but I actually think this is excellent casting. Especially considering...being comic book-accurate would NOT have been a good idea with this role, if we’re trying to AVOID controversy. But Tilda Swinton FUCKING KILLED IT in this role, and I will always be happy for this choice.

Let’s see, there’s Jadis in the Narnia films, as shown at the top, there’s Snowpiercer, as Mason (an amazing character, and an acting job that Swinton disappears into), Moonrise Kingdom as Social Services, The Grand Budapest Hotel as Madame D., and Gabriel in Constantine. Which is a good segue to the next talking point...

Gabriel is pointedly androgynous, and honestly, Tilda Swinton kind of is as well. You may have noticed that I haven’t used any pronouns in referencing to Tilda Swinton, entirely out of respect. Gonna be a little hard to keep up with, so I’ll be using she/her from here on out, only because those are the pronouns that Swinton’s most recently promoted for herself. She’s also referred to herself as queer of some variety, as well as being famously gender non-conforming.

Which is fitting, given that a lot of that public image began with today’s movie, one of her first big roles. I’ll be revisiting Swinton in the independent movie scene in a couple of months, but this may be a good introduction. Instead of spoiling anything off the bat, I’m gonna jump right in. And so, I present: Orlando. SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap (1/2)

We begin with a young man named, well, Orlando (Tilda Swinton), a young man with a feminine appearance and a good upbringing. His name means power land and property, but all he really wants is company. He writes and rests by a tree in the day, but falls asleep by mistake. When he wakes up, he runs back to where he’s meant to be, with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth I (Quentin Crisp) playing in the background. And that’s a REAL song, by the way, actually sung in the 1600s for Elizabeth! Very neat.

A title screen flashes, reading “1600: Death”, and we see where Orlando is meant to be. He speaks poetry for the Queen and her court, but is interrupted by the aged queen, who asks whether or not his poem is appropriate for her presence, as the poem is about youth, and Queen Elizabeth is not that. Orlando’s father (John Bott), who is serving as host to Elizabeth, intervenes on his behalf. However, it doesn’t seem to matter to the Queen, as she invites Orlando back to England to serve as her “favourite”. He accepts, and soon lives alongside the Queen. She quickly promises Orlando much land and property, for him and his heirs, but on one condition: that he does not fade, wither, or grow old.

The same wish cannot be applied to Elizabeth herself, nor to his father, as both grow old and die soon afterwards. Fast forward 10 years, and it’s a cold winter in England. Visiting Orlando’s vast estate is a woman from Russia, named Sasha (Charlotte Valandrey), and Orlando quickly falls for her. This is to the dismay of Euphrosne (Anna Healy), his fiancée? I’m not sure, to be honest, but they’re definitely involved, and she’s definitely upset.

However, this is also a scandal for everybody else as well, not just because Orlando’s already engaged, but also because Sasha is Russian, during a particularly poor economic period for the country. Euphrosne angrily throws his ring back at him, and Orlando speaks directly to the audience, telling us that a man must follow his heart. The two go to his private cottage, and they start to make out, when Orlando suddenly comes down with intense melancholy.

Because this is such great happiness that he feels, but this happiness too will one day end. Which is, like, the most emo-shit I’ve ever heard, but I’m kinda here for it. And yet, that happiness does indeed end, when Sasha is forced to return to Russia, despite Orlando’s pleading for her to stay. He asks her to meet him at London Bridge, so that they may elope together.

Later, Orlando happens upon a performance of Othello, noting to us that it’s a terrific play. This is as the death of Othello is being played out, so that’s probably foreshadowing, right? Anyway, Orlando leads two horses through the thick fog, waiting for Sasha to arrive and come away with him. But as a storm sets in, there is no sign of Sasha. And Orlando stands there in the rain. Said rain, though, soon becomes ice, underneath his feet, floating away down the river, along with his hopes of a happy future with Sasha. The treachery of women, according to Orlando.

Over the next week, Orlando languishes in his bed, asleep for the entire time. Increasingly more servants are brought up to try and rouse him, only for him to remain asleep, no matter what they do. But then, he wakes up, noting that he can only conjure three words to describe women, none of them worth explaining.

Forty years later, and the title screen cries “Poetry”! And Orlando looks exactly the same. Guess he really took that whole “don’t grow old” thing from Elizabeth to heart, huh? He speaks to a poet, Nick Greene (Heathcote Williams), and gushes about his poetry, which is a pursuit that he loves greatly. But Nick is...well, Nick is kind of a dick, to be honest. Orlando wants only to share his love and his poetry with him, but Nick’s only in it for the money. Not a true artist, and he mocks Orlando’s poetry, which he reads only after Orlando offers him money. And then, he writes a poem mocking Orlando further, which angers Orlando...but doesn’t stop the money flowing to Nick.

Orlando moves onto his next pursuit, in 1700, in the next section: Politics. Now over 100 years old, Orlando becomes an ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and travels to Constantinople. There, he receives a somewhat rough and awkward greeting, which Orlando is not helping with. They share some Turkish coffee, Orlando has trouble drinking that Turkish coffee, they drink a LOT of Turkish coffee, and they toast to multiple things, including the “beauty of women, and the joys of love.” Orlando pauses at this, and reveals that he is still suffering quite a bit of heartbreak. His Turkish friend, the Khan (Lothaire Bluteau), bonds with him about this.

After 10 years, Orlando has fully retreated into life as a Turkish man. This is interrupted by a British emissary, sent to bring him news of a new appointment and power from the Queen. However, something goes wrong when the Khan arrives and takes Orlando hostage. The city is under attack, and the Khan asks Orlando if he will help against their enemies. Orlando agrees, and gives them arms, and heads to help himself at the walls. There, he witnesses a man dying, and it shakes him greatly. And just like before, he sleeps it off for seven days. And then...she wakes up.

YUP. WHAT.

Yeah, um, Orlando is now a woman. Like she says: “Same person, just a different sex.” Which is a very interesting premise, not gonna lie. Looks like Orlando now has to live life as a woman, which is going to be...difficult in 1700s Turkey. Or England. Or anywhere. Or any time.

Still, Orlando approaches this new life with aplomb, and without really any needed caution. Parading in some awesome dresses, she greets fellow nobility as the lady Orlando. However, the emissary from earlier, Archduke Harry (John Wood), begins to recognize her as similar to the lord Orlando.

In speaking with a group of poets, however, Orlando learns EXACTLY what men think of women in this society, and it’s not even a little bit good. She leaves, enraged and embarrassed. Harry also speaks with her, assuming that she was a woman all along. However, Orlando’s in EVEN MORE shit, as she’s quickly served with papers that are an attempt to take away all of her property and titles, because Lord Orlando is legally dead, and Lady Orlando is a woman, which one of them says is basically the same thing. FUCKIN’ YIKES, BRUV.

Ah, but Harry tries to help by proposing to her ON THE FUCKIN’ SPOT. He believed that Orlando was perfect as both genders, and is happy to do it. However, Orlando understandably refuses, and after Harry tells her that she will die as a spinster, alone and dispossessed, she runs into a nearby hedge maze. And while in the hedge maze, time passes, and her outfit changes to match the period accordingly.

Forward 140 years now! The year is 1850, and a new chapter begins: Sex.

And as she runs from the maze, she runs into who else...but Shelmerdine (Billy Zane), a man who...Shelmerdine? SHELMERDINE? What fuckin’ witch cursed his entirely family line to have THAT name? That’s the kind of family that was named AFTER a bridge, not the other way around! WHAT KINDA NAME IS FUCKIN’ SHELMERDINE?

Well, I’ve looked it up now, and it is apparently a real name. So, if any Shelmerdines are reading this...I mean, I’m sorry, but also, FUCKIN’ SHELMERDINE? OK, back to Shelmerdine. He’s twisted his ankle falling off his horse, and Orlando is now taking care of him. She reveals, in the process, that she’s about to lose everything. The reasons for that aren’t quite said, but Shelmerdine offers a place at his side, back to the great free land of America.

After having a conversation about the roles of men and women in the world (which is interesting given the context of the film in general), the two fulfill the chapter’s imperative. And we never see the act, but we do get some interesting angles and hand-holding. But the next morning, this post-coital reverie is interrupted by the lawyers from the Queen. The lawsuits have been settled, and Orlando has been legally declared a woman, meaning that unless she has a son, all of her possessions will be lost.

Shelmerdine (I swear, every time I say that name, a fairy gets chlamydia) leaves as well, with the southwest wind. As he heads back to America to fight for freedom, Orlando stands in the rain, facing an uncertain future, and broken fully by the politics of the time period.

And then...the sound of planes overhead. Looks like a new time period once again, heading into the periods of World Wars, and Orlando is now...heavily pregnant. OH. FUCK. Welcome to the next chapter: Birth.

We jump past the period of World War II, and to the 1990s! Orlando is presenting a book to a publisher, and he believes that the book will sell. With her young daughter in tow, she finally goes back to her old mansion, now finally able to go back after losing it 100 years prior. The narration from the beginning repeats, recontextualized for Orlando’s new life. She is over 400 years old, and finally, FINALLY...she is happy.

youtube

And that’s Orlando! I think I loved it. Real talk, this was a fascinating movie, and I’m into it. I’m very much into it. I’m sure there’s more to be gleaned from this film, but I’m glad I watched it regardless. More in the Review, though! See you there!

#orlando #orlando 1992 #sally potter #tilda swinton #billy zane #lothaire bluteau #john wood #virginia woolf #orlando film #fantasy march #user365 #365 movie challenge #365days365movies #365 movies 365 days #365 Days 365 Movies #365 movies a year #mygifs #my gifs

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cummingforkylo · 3 years

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The Prince Of Alderaan Chapter I

Summary: It’s the spring of 1813, you’re the daughter of Viscount Huntington and after your family went through a scandalous season last year your parents have decided it’s time for your debut in society as a marriageable young lady. You’ve had life long expectations about what this would mean, charming young men excited by the prospect of being your suitor, lavish dances, and falling in love. What your debut season turns out to be is far from your innocent imaginings, especially because the Prince of Alderaan is in London for the season and with him all kinds of dark intentions.

Read it on AO3 | Send me a ko-fi

Rating: Explicit...eventually

Word Count: 6,117

Warning: None as of now

Pairing: Kylo Ren x reader

Notes: This story is inspired by the netflix show/book series Bridgerton. It’s kind of a crossover because I do use some themes and characters from the show but it is mostly a Kylo x Reader fic. I am still in the process of writing it but it is all planned out. I’m hoping to post weekly but I don’t have any set schedule as of right now. I promise you this is not going to be super historically accurate so don’t expect that lol. I’m just here for a good time. I really hope you like it!!

Dearest Lords and Ladies of London,

As the social season of 1813 fully blooms in the spring air, I pose one question, what scandal awaits our starved apetites? Last year we enjoyed the delicacy of the great Huntington family being almost brought to their knees by the Viscount Huntington’s love of gambling. This year we can feast upon his youngest child and only daughter being presented to society for the first time, perhaps earlier than she should have been to in an attempt to make up for their problems last year. We also will get to try a taste of exotic flavor as the Prince of Alderaan has returned to London for business reasons unknown(but will surely be found out by this writer). As those of us who keep up with world politics know, the Prince is the current ruler of the Kingdom of Alderaan as he and his militaristic political faction ousted his mother, the Queen Regent, from power only a few years after his father abdicated responsibilities and is in places unknown.

Yesterday, the young ladies of high society who are debuting this season were presented to Queen Charlotte of England and of course, it was an event filled with who’s who, how did this girl prove herself silly or charming or cold and who managed to scrape by with Her Majesty’s much desired approval. Miss Daphne Bridgerton was chosen as the Queen’s diamond of the season, and was, to use the Queen’s word, “Flawless.” It will be interesting to see how many suitors Miss Daphne may be entertaining over the next few weeks. Miss Huntington, who’s family had very nearly been shunned by all of society last season proved to be quiet but charming and earned herself almost no regard from the Queen but did fair better than the young Miss Philippa Featherington who swooned almost the moment she was presented to the Queen.

Yes, Lords and Ladies of London, we are in for quite the season, I am sure. I can assure you I will be with you every step of the way. None of you know me, nor will you ever(no matter how hard I am sure you will try) but I know you. I know your business and every dark little secret that you think is private and I will gladly be sharing it with the rest of the society. I’m sure we will all become very well acquainted over the next few weeks.

Yours most sincerely,

Lady Whistledown

***

Everything was silk and cotton, ruffles on skirts, rouge, curls and words of the latest scandal sheet that had been delivered to the door of 3201 Grosvenor Square earlier in the day. You were of course readying yourself for the Danbury Ball that evening, it would be your first ball after being presented to the Queen of England herself and to society as a whole so it must be perfect.

“What did it say of me again, Mama?” You asked as you stood facing the large mirror in your room while your maid, Ella, tied up your stays. She pulled them tight but not so tight you could not breathe, fainting at your first ball would hardly do, it would be unacceptable outcome to both you and your parents who hoped to find you an excellent match this season.

“Do not concern yourself with what some horrid writer thinks of you, dearest.” Mama said, looking up from the paper in question. You had read it through and found your name mentioned multiple times, none of which had been terribly favorable. Of course she referenced the scandal that had taken place in your family the year previously but that had been covered endlessly in older scandal sheets and no one found it of much interest anymore. Lady Whistledown was new she had more interest in reporting the new scandals….and yet, she had mentioned it. So it would be fresh in any suitors mind, a thought that caused you discomfort. You would hate to fall madly in love with some beautiful lord only to have him find you detestable due to something that happened in your family over a year before. You had been looking forward to your season since you were a child, you imagined it always bathed in beautiful spring sunlight, you imagined yourself surrounded by affectionate suitors, flowers, music, charming conversation and always…options.

Now that your season was here, you found it tainted by the mere memory of scandal but you were not going to let it stop you from finding love and enjoying the beauty of being out in the eyes of society. Marriage eligible. Despite what Lady Whistledown had written, you felt yourself ready for society, ready for all that it could bring you; and your Mama was right, you should not let the words of a gossip writer concern you. Ella had finished with your stays so now it was time for your petticoat and then your gown, fresh from the modiste. Once it was on, buttoned, straightened, and thoroughly fussed over Ella stepped back and you examined yourself in the mirror. The dress was fashionable in every aspect, powder blue, high waistline, short puffed sleeves, and square neckline that showed off more than you had ever been allowed to show before. You felt it swish around your slippered feet and you felt exactly how you had always dreamed of feeling just prior to your first ball.

“Mama?” You prompted, glancing over your shoulder to where your Mama was still poring over Lady Whistledown(even though she had told you not to concern yourself). Lady Huntington finally looked up and gasped. Standing up, she rushed to your side.

“You are a vision, dearest.” She said, smoothing a section of your hair. You smiled, allowing your eyes to linger on your own reflection again. Your heart sputtered with excitement, tonight could very well be the night that you would first lay your eyes upon the man you would wed.

“We truly do not need to worry about what the Horrible Whistledown woman writes, because you are such a gem that all the gentlemen at tonights ball shall be vying for your attention. “ Mama said. You looked to Ella,

“Do you agree, Ella?” You asked, reaching out for your maid’s hand, you had known her for years and she was your closest confidant, especially after all you had endured last season.

“Oh, My Lady, my opinion hardly-“

“I do very much value your opinion, Ella…and I’d believe you if you were to tell me I look like a fool. Please.” You said, squeezing her hand.

“You look lovely, my lady.” Ella said, you gave her a look that practically begged her to tell you the truth. “That is the truth, my lady. You’ll need your best gloves but you look just as your mother said, a vision.” She said. You smiled and looked back to the mirror, allowing yourself another moment to take yourself in. Perhaps it was a silly thing to do, perhaps you were being vain but you had to be flawless to be viewed as eligible and that was what you intended on doing.

***

Kylo Ren had changed his name years before and still sometimes invitations were addressed to his past name. Especially when he was here in London; he believed his mother had something to do with that and he despised it. Of course, no one would refer to him as that name to his face, no one had the courage to do that; but he still found it irksome to look at the letter sitting on his desk that invited him to the Danbury Ball tonight addressing him as Benjamin. Even worse was the gossip rag that had been delivered to his address that morning not only mentioned him but even the author of that drivel had managed not to refer to him as his detested past name. And yet, high society here in London could not be bothered to at least address him as his title. It had his mother’s doing written all over it and it put him in a truly foul mood. There was a knock on his door and he looked up from his desk,

“Yes?” he called and the door opened, revealing the butler.

“A General Hux here for you, Your Grace.” He said in the snooty high society accent of a well trained London butler.

“Yes, let him in.” He said dismissively. He went back to the work in front of him while he waited for the wretched man to enter. He was in no mood for Hux, his chiding or his warnings about tonight’s events. Yet, he had to humor the man even while they were here in London. General Hux commanded Alderaan’s army and even though Kylo commanded the General, he needed to keep the abhorrent man at least semi happy.

“Ren,” Hux was already speaking as he walked into the room. Kylo stood, deciding to ignore the fact that Hux had not bowed or showed any amount of respect for his position as he entered the room. Kylo held his hand out for the General to take, Hux clasped it, and Kylo maybe squeezed his fingers harder than he had intended to.

“Hux,” He said in greeting. “How are you?” he asked in a tone that implied he didn’t care at all about the answer.

“Well. Enjoying London so far. Ah,” Hux had spotted Lady Whistledown’s sheet on the desk and walked over, picking it up. “You received this as well?” He asked around a smile.

“Of course, I believe it was delivered to all the households in high society.” Kylo said, he picked his tailcoat up from over the back of his chair and pulled it on. The ball was in a few hours and he needed to begin to get ready, to make himself presentable for society so he hoped he could rush Hux out by appearing busy.

“It mentions you.” Hux said, looking at the paper in one hand while the other arm was tucked behind his back in a way that was clearly commonplace for him due to his military background. A refreshed wave of irritation washed over Kylo as Hux told him something he already knew,

“Yes. I have read it.” Kylo said through a clenched jaw.

“You know this means all the young ladies and their Mama’s will be out for your favor.” He said. Kylo didn’t want to hear it, he knew it to be true but listening to it from a man he could barely stand was not something he wanted to tolerate.

“I know. It does not matter.” He said.

“You would be wise to marry.” There was the chiding Kylo had expected. “People will only take you seriously when you have an heir…and an heir,” He looked at Kylo meaningfully, “A legitimate heir, requires a wife.” He finished in clipped tones. Kylo realized he had been clenching his fist, his brow furrowed, anger coursing through him. He slowly released the clenched hand.

“Do you forget who you are speaking to?” He asked, his voice going from the simple boredom of before to fury.

“No, Your Grace, I merely am trying to impress upon you the importance of something you seem to have entirely written off. Just because you want to behave like a petulant child and irritate your mother-“ Hux was cut of mid sentence due to Kylo crossing in front of his desk and grabbing the shorter man by the front of his tailcoat. Kylo dragged Hux towards him, their faces close, fury burnt through the Princes’s expression.

“You’ve forgotten your place, Hux.” He snarled and then because he did not wish to start a brawl with his army’s general in the study of his London home he shoved Hux away so hard the man stumbled. “I am aware of the situation and I do not need your counsel. Now, I will see you at the events tonight. Remember who you speak to next time.” He warned. Hux hastily fixed his collar, adjusting it as he caught his breath, still looking shaken. It was not the first time the Prince had brutalized him in such a fashion and neither of them thought it would be the last.

“I shall see you tonight.” Hux said before turning to leave. He paused at the door,

“You would do well to reign in that temper, Your Grace, if you do wish to secure an heir and your position.” Hux warned and then he was out the door. Kylo stood there, shaking with rage, it bubbled inside him and in an explosion of movement he lashed out and sent a stack of books flying from their position on the desk. They crashed across his desk as they went flying, upending a inkwell, throwing papers into the air and making a giant clatter as they hit the floor. Kylo stood back, seething as the Butler hurriedly entered to clear it up.

***

The Danbury Ball was just as Kylo had suspected, stuffy, hot, and dull. It was filled with the smell of ladies perfume and powder from the wigs worn by the musicians. It was also filled with young ladies and their Mama’s flocking around him begging for his attention either for themselves or for their daughters. “Lady This from That estate in the country, Your Grace, I can play any Mozart you’d like on piano.” “Lady Whatever, Your Grace, please meet my daughter Miss Whatever. We have three homes in London alone thats not to mention our country estate. So you can assume her dowry is sizable.” “Your Grace, what an honor that you would attend-“ “Prince Ren, I’d like you to meet-“ It seemed to go on and on and there was no escape, unless he were to leave entirely and he knew that was unacceptable.

Kylo refused to be bested by the hordes of young women, all bright eyed, rose cheeked and dressed in the most fashionable of gowns. No, he would hold his ground, be polite but dismissive and leave it at that. How dull. Leaving it at that. Lots of the girls were attractive but most of them would prove to be proper young ladies who would never be caught dead alone with a man, let alone in any of the compromising situations he might find enjoyable. It was true that it would be easy enough to lure one of them out to the garden and from there some kind of seduction would be simple, a kiss on the neck, a hand on the waist and the girl would be so flustered and excited that she wouldn’t know how to say no. For a moment he found himself entertained at the idea but then he glanced around at the girls batting their eyelashes at him, smiling and trying to make themselves as demure and eligible as possible and he was bored once again. The idea of compromising one of their virtues had been exciting for a fleeting moment but the excitement had died the moment he truly considered acting on it.

Kylo excused himself in what was probably an extremely rude manner to the woman who had been trying to ask him if he hunted. He felt as if he was being hunted himself as he walked away from her and the other ladies who were waiting for their opportunity to talk to him. He finally found himself a tiny pocket of peace, just off of the dance floor by a window that looked out onto Lady Danbury’s gardens. He stood for a moment, finally getting to enjoy a second of peace and quiet when a voice next to him spoke,

“I’m shocked to see you here.” Kylo stiffened, because he recognized the voice. It belonged to his mother and he hadn’t heard it in years. It made his chest tighten, if his hands had not been clasped behind his back they would have trembled. Before he looked at her he set his jaw and his eyes hardened,

“Queen Regent,” he said in greeting, tilting his head down slightly but barely meeting her eyes.

“Ben,” Leia started but Kylo sucked in his breath through his teeth so she had to pause, but she continued without correcting herself, “I am so glad you’re in London for the season…there is so much you can accomplish. Starting with healing your relationship with Queen Charlotte.” Of course, the instant she spoke to him again it was about all his failings, all the things he needed to fix.

“No, Your Grace. It is not my plan to heal anything with her, she is not the leader of England just as you are not the leader of Alderaan.” His tone was cross but quiet, he didn’t need anyone hearing the way in which they spoke to one another. Leia glared up at him for a moment, Kylo could feel his mother’s eyes burning into him as if the glare could actually turn to fire and scorch his clothing and then his skin.

“At least tell me you’re coming to these events looking for a wife.” She said after a moment of silence between them. Kylo looked down at her and watched her turn around to face the ballroom, placing both of her hands properly on top of her beautiful gilded cane. When he didn’t answer she took his arm, pulling him slightly to look at something. He tugged his arm out of her grip but looked where she was looking, “Daphne Bridgerton was named the diamond of the season. She was chosen by the Queen.” She said to him. Kylo’s eyes caught on Daphne, a pretty young debutant but thoroughly uninteresting to him. “She would make quite the wife, and being married to a Prince is a big step up for her. I’m quite sure she would be interested.” She was speaking hurriedly as if she knew he was about to walk away from her and to be fair, that was exactly what he wanted to do.

“I am not getting married, mother.” He growled, his voice still low. “Especially not to some girl who’s in the pocket of an English Queen.” He snarled before turning from his mother and stalking off.

Walking into the ballroom of your first ball was somehow better than all of your fantasies, all your dreams seemed to have lead to this moment and as you stepped in from the entry hall you lost your breath. It was a swirl of white gloves, beautiful light dresses, curls immaculately done up, men’s tailcoats jostling as they danced, and golden candlelight danced over the whole thing. You felt as though you had inhaled bubbles from the sips of champagne you had on holidays.

The ballroom at the Danbury’s estate was a large, high ceilinged room with many beautiful crystal chandeliers hanging down providing glowing golden candle light. On the mantles of the multiple fireplaces were spring green garlands, white roses tucked amongst the greenery. It had all the charms and refinement you expected from your first ball. The center of the room was the dance floor and just off to the side, below a grand staircase the musicians played beautiful, joyful music. Many people danced and still more mingled around the edges of the dance, sipping drinks, talking and trying to impress.

Your mama walked in behind you and it was her hand on your back that stopped you from staring all around with wide eyed wonder. You had been to balls before, but it had been as a child, not as a lady eligible for marriage and this was so vastly different.

“Close your mouth, dearest.” Mama said “Lest you catch a fly.” You snapped your mouth shut. Mama lead you to a table that had little cards connected to dainty pieces of ribbon on them. Dance cards. You found your name and Mama helped you tie it around your wrist and it finally felt real. You were here. You were finally going to be able to be a real lady, you could meet the love of your life this very night. Perhaps he would sweep you off of your feet and you would be wed by the end of the season. Did anyone get proposals after one night? You were sure that you had heard of a woman who had managed to get a proposal after only a few hours but you had to remind yourself of how rare that was. There were plenty of young ladies here tonight that had been searching for multiple seasons for a husband and had yet to find one. A lot of those girls didn’t even have a scandal in their family’s history and you did, you had to remind yourself of this so you remained beyond reproach. You had to be perfect. You straightened one of your gloves at your elbow and began to make the rounds.

It came naturally to you because it had come naturally to your mama and she had taught you very well. You greeted everyone by name and title, smiling but not too wide, never looking upset or dowdy. You spoke with Lord Humphies about hunting and Mr. Banbrook about music. You were even able to answer Monsieur De la Rue in acceptable French. Mr. Banbrook was the first to ask you to dance and so he took your hand and lead you out onto the dance floor. His arm wrapped around your back and he began to lead you through a fairly quick waltz. You began the dance dizzy with excitement, Mr. Banbrook was quite handsome, he didn’t have a title but he had money and he smiled while he talked and that charmed you. Something happened as you danced though, you realized your head wasn’t swimming with happiness, your heart wasn’t pounding hard and fast in your ears, there was no excited butterflies dancing in your stomach. You didn’t feel as if you had inhaled champagne bubbles. No. This was no different than dancing with one of your older brothers. Even the steps felt too familiar.

The conversation was lifeless as well, he talked endlessly about all the things he had, and all the things he used to decorate his house with. You had long since left the topic of music behind and you found yourself staring off just over his shoulder, a pleasant smile plastered onto your face.

“I have quite a few stuffed deer heads on the walls of my study out in my country estate.” Mr. Banbrook said, you had to blink a few times to bring yourself back to reality. “They’re really quite beautiful.” He added when you didn’t answer right away.

“Oh, yes. I’m sure they’re lovely.” You said politely.

“Here in London I tend to fashion my home with art more than my hunting trophies-“ he continued and your mind wandered again, it was a thrilling moment when he spun you away from him for a moment and you joined with another gentleman before being spun back to your original partner. How could this be? Mr. Banbrook was perfectly suitable, maybe nothing special but, shouldn’t your first dance at your first ball bring some excitement?

After the disappointing dance with Mr. Banbrook he signed your dance card and promised to come back for another dance later in the evening and you were relieved when he left you. It’s just this first one that was bad, there are plenty of other gentlemen here. You told yourself this over and over again. The first man was not bound to be the man you married. There was a part of you that had hoped that the first dance with a man would be something magical, something that would have sent your heart into spasms of excitement, would have put stars in your eyes, and butterflies in your stomach.

The next man to ask you to dance was Lord Kensington, he was handsome if a bit more bumbling than Mr. Banbrook. He stumbled over his words when asking you to dance but you reserved your judgment until you had danced. Lord Kensington had a title of his own and seemed completely taken with you. He kept his hand tight on your back as you danced. When the music picked up, you hoped and hoped. Please, let this give me every feeling I’ve ever wished for. But when he stepped on your toes and you had to tell him with a polite giggle that it was quite alright, you knew there was no chance. In what world would the man you were going to fall in love with step on your toes, smell of fish and stare at your chest while he tried to keep up with the steps to the dance. You hoped that the disappointment did not show on your face.

By the end of the dance it was hard to pretend you were enjoying yourself, but you attempted. He signed his name to your dance card and you thanked him. Soon. Soon. Someone will and it will be just as lovely as you’ve always imagine. Even if he isn’t the one you marry. It will feel like butterflies and champagne bubbles. You tried to tell yourself this after each man you had a dance with disappointed you. None of them were interesting, exciting, or like the spellbinding man you had always dreamt of.

No, you continued to have your feet trodden on, your back squeezed too tightly, be nearly put to sleep by the conversation and generally underwhelmed. Even the men who were perfectly lovely seeming sparked no interest in you. You tried very hard with them, listening to every word, dancing as prettily as you could, you tried to create the feeling you had dreamt of. The feeling you had when you first entered the ballroom, the rushing excitement, the pulsing happiness, the feeling of possibility. It never happened. The moment when you thought you might feel it, it just fizzled away.

You finished a dance with Lord Fernside and retreated to your Mama, she had been talking with Lady Featherington and the Viscountess Bridgerton when you came over. She detangled herself from the women and turned to you,

“None of those men were your fancy?” she asked, you wondered if she could so easily read it on your face.

“No, Mama…how did you-“ You asked.

“People have been talking,” Never a good thing. “It seems lots of people have been saying you seem…cold. Uninterested.” She said. You felt hot with anger suddenly. You had done nothing wrong, in fact you had played the part of interested and excited as well as you could under the circumstances.

“Uninterested?” You gasped.

“We will discuss it later, for now try and look happier, dearest.” She insisted. You took a deep breath and looked around the ballroom, hoping to calm yourself. You found your eyes drawn across the dance floor to the other side where a man stood almost a foot above the people around him. Besides being shockingly tall, he was broad with waves of dark hair, and a striking features. The oddest thing about him was that he was looking straight back at you. It was as if your eyes had been drawn towards him because you could feel the intensity of his gaze. Your heartbeat quickened, you could feel it in your throat, your hands even seemed to tingle. You knew you shouldn’t stare at him and yet neither of you averted your gaze.

“Hux,” Kylo said in greeting as Hux appeared at his side. He did not take his eyes off of the girl across the dance floor from him. She was the first girl at this nightmare of a ball who he did not find completely banal. Maybe it had been the way she had looked around the ballroom with such misery that it nearly rivaled his own. Or maybe it was just because he found her attractive.

“Your Grace,” Hux said, looking up at him and then following his gaze across the ballroom. “Has someone actually caught your eye?” he wondered. Kylo quickly averted his eyes, not wanting to admit anything to Hux, his lip twitched towards a snarl but he reworked his face into disinterest once again.

“She’s attractive is all. Who is she?” He asked.

“Miss Huntington, daughter of Lord and Lady Huntington.” Hux said. “From what I’ve gathered this is her debut season but her prospects do not look good considering the scandal her family suffered last year.” Hux said.

“Scandal?” Kylo asked, the memory of a page in Lady Whistledown’s paper that morning floated back to him. Huntington. Gambling.

“Her father has a gambling problem and lost the family quite a lot of money, they were in some amount of debt. It seems they managed to dig their way out of debt and have returned to proper society.” Hux informed him, leaning in towards him to speak, Kylo wished it was proper to push him away. “I think it was mentioned in Whistledown this morning-“

“I do not care what is written in that fucking paper.” Kylo snapped. Hux was quiet for a moment and then,

“She is far below your station, Your Grace.” Hux said as he watched Kylo’s eyes drift back towards the girl across the ballroom. “And with that kind of scandal, who knows if she even has a dowry anymore.”

It was true. She was far below his station. Far from the Queen’s diamond of the season. Far from the choice his mother would have made for him. He could imagine the irritation he would cause his mother if he was seen with the girl. Choosing to dance with her out of all of the many, more appropriate ladies to choose from.

“Well, thank you for your input, General.” Kylo nodded to Hux and started to cross the ballroom towards the girl.

You had to hurriedly force yourself to look away as he looked back towards you, you had already been staring for too long. He was going to think you improper. Maybe you were improper, because you had never even spoken with the man and he was making your heart pound, making you lose your breath.

“Dearest,” Mama said, taking your arm. “The Prince is coming this direction.” She said. Prince?! He was a prince. You had locked eyes with a Prince and hadn’t even realized it.

“Prince?” You asked, shocked. Before your mama could answer you he was standing in front of you. All eyes were upon the two of you. Everyone who had been standing nearby couldn’t help but notice when a prince stepped directly in front of a young lady. You had to remind yourself that were, in fact, the lady he had stepped directly in front of. You looked up to him, struck again by how how tall he was. Your eyes met and you were again struck by how handsome he was. Struck by how intense his gaze was. Struck by how hard your heart pounded. How it migrated up from your chest and into your throat. You remembered yourself in a hurried movement and curtsied, “Your Grace.” You said, trying to remember everything you knew about Princes. This must have been the Prince of Alderaan. You racked your brain for his name. Benjamin Solo. No. Kylo Ren. He had changed it from his family name. Prince Kylo reached out for your hand, you held it out to him and he took it, gracefully bowing his head and kissed the back of it.

“Miss Huntington,” he said, he was unsmiling and yet you didn’t find yourself missing it. His face didn’t need a smile to be beautiful. “Would you care to dance with me?” he asked.

“Of course, Your Grace.” You said. Without another word he offered you his arm and you took it with a shaking hand. He lead you on to the dance floor and pulled you in towards him. The music was beautiful, another fun waltz but this already seemed entirely different from your first dance of the night. Your mind whirred, trying to come up with all that you knew of Prince Kylo. His reputation was not a good one, cruel, quick tempered, cold and unsettled were just a few of the things you knew of his reputation; but a reputation was not necessarily reality.

In the first moments of the dance, everything seemed to blur around you. It was like you could not focus on the outside world and the only focus was on him. Everything you wanted to happen in all your other dances with other men tonight was happening now. Your heart raced, your smile was genuine and butterflies danced in your stomach.

“Are you enjoying London, Your Grace?” You asked.

“Not at all.” He said, glancing away from you. Your brow furrowed, but you recovered quickly,

“I’m sure all of these balls and the season’s events must feel silly to you.” You offered with a smile. Prince Kylo’s eyes met yours and you felt your mouth go dry.

“Yes, they do. Especially silly when I have every stupid girl at this ball vying for my attention when I try to make it very clear I do not care to give any of them an ounce of my attention.” He said. At first you were shocked at the way he talked about other ladies, calling them stupid as if it wasn’t an insult. As if it was just a fact. Then, you realized he was giving you attention. He must have thought there was something special with you, something different, something worth giving attention to. Your heart leapt at this thought and you looked up at him, eyes meeting his.

“It must be exhausting being so desirable.” You teased lightly, you wouldn’t have done it if he hadn’t made it seem obvious that he felt you were worth giving attention to. You smiled at him in a way you hoped was flirtatious. As you smiled you watched his expression change from interest to something that might have been akin to disgust.

“You’re not so different from any of these other girls, are you Miss Huntington?” he asked. It took a moment for your excitement and interest to turn to confusion and embarrassment and then finally indignation. Had he just implied that you were stupid?

“Excuse me?” You asked, unable to restrain the anger you felt.

“You were staring at me from across the ballroom, were you not?” He asked, his voice wasn’t so much teasing as it was mocking. Heat flooded your cheeks, embarrassed, you hurriedly looked away from him. Your jaw set and your heart pounding but not from excitement anymore, but instead from anger.

“I only looked at you because I felt you staring at me.” You said, your voice dropping lower.

“You felt me staring at you?” He asked, now sounding amused. The hand he had on your back moved upwards, towards the exposed skin of your upper back. You felt one of his gloved fingers brush against your skin, shivers seemed to erupt through your body even though you were flushed from anger and the exertion of dancing.

“Yes. You looked at me with such…such…intensity that I felt it.” You insisted. He scoffed, his lip twitching up towards something like a smile. It irritated you and to your even worse irritation it interested you.

“I believe you are mistaken. I caught you staring at me long after I looked away from you, Miss Huntington.” He said seriously, his dark eyes seemed to burn. His hand against your back squeezed, the finger that lay across the skin on your back dug in slightly. You felt dizzy, your breath left you in a sharp exhale. You wished that this waltz was one where you switched partners, even for a brief moment, so you wouldn’t have to look at his burning eyes and the way his lips seemed to twitch as he thought or listen to the way his voice was so deep it reverberated through his chest. You had finally gotten what you had wanted from the night, the excitement from a dance, the rushing happiness, the kind that bubbled through your veins like champagne, the excitement that made you tingle. You got all the feelings you wanted but they conjoined and mixed with fury and embarrassment. Kylo leaned in towards you, he was so close you could feel his breath, he was too close, you could hear his smirk as he spoke,“You stared at me, my lady. How improper.”

#kylo ren #kylo ren x reader #kylo ren x you #kylo ren fanfiction #kylo ren reader insert #ben solo #kylo ren au #regency!kylo #fanfiction #fanfic #fanfic: tPOA #kylo ren smut #writing

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devnicolee · 3 years

Text

Into the Light (1)

Warnings: none yet!

Summary: Wesley Parker is a smart, political genius with years of policy experience. After working at the Wakandan Outreach Center in Oakland for over a year, Erik Stevens, Wesley’s longtime friend, offers her the opportunity of a lifetime: move to Wakanda and serve as an international policy advisor to King T’Challa alongside him. For reasons even Erik doesn’t know, she jumps at the chance and immediately leaves her Oakland life behind for a new one in the elusive, secretive nation. Like her friend Erik, she is a recluse and a loner, determined to focus on rebuilding her life and keeping her secrets her own. However, when she meets a certain Mountain king, she realizes that her life in the darkness doesn’t always have to be so. But is stepping into her light that easy? Or will the fear of trusting others keep her stuck?

Word count: 4,509

Enjoy!

***

Wesley took a tentative step down the ramp of the Royal Talon, the smoldering African heat immediately hitting her in the face.

“Parker!”

Her face immediately lit up when she saw him, standing separate from the rest of the Royal Family. She hadn’t expected all of them to be waiting to greet her.

“Stevens.”

It came out as almost a quiet sigh of relief instead of the upbeat, jovial tone she usually had. After days on edge, the reality of seeing him, stepping her feet on Wakandan soil was like stepping under the warmth of a thousand suns. She couldn’t even hide how relieved she was. It certainly felt better than her impromptu move back to Oakland a year ago. She quickly fixed her face to mask her relief and put on a neutral smile, more of an expression he would expect.

As soon as she was in arm’s length, his strong arms wrapped around her midsection to pull her into a tight hug. She hesitated for a moment, surprised at his greeting, before her arms rested on his broad shoulders to return it. Even after rekindling their friendship over the past year, she still wasn’t used to this new version of him. He was more inviting… more warm than he used to be. Wakanda had changed him, just not in the ways he originally intended.

He pulled back, eyeing her up and down as if she had managed to acquire some injury in the last week without his watchful eye.

“You good?”

“Yea, the flight was great… you know, I just slept through most of it.”

Her eyes tried to take in everything: the silent planes whizzing above her head, the guards lining the landing pad around them, the grandiose palace towering above them, the sounds of bustling city streets outside the palace gates. Wesley had done a decent bit of traveling in her time and this was truly unlike any city she had ever seen.

“Aight. Good, good. Come inside, sis… get you situated.”

After a quick introduction to the Queen Mother and hellos to the rest of the family, all of whom she had met and worked with at the Outreach Center, Erik ushered her inside to show her the room she would be staying in. She knew the accommodations were only temporary, until she got settled and could find her own place. But she certainly was not complaining.

She tried to listen to Shuri as she rattled off information about the different areas of the Palace, what her new bracelet did. But Wesley knew she would retain none of it. She was too excited, too anxious, too nervous.

Her professors and old colleagues called her a budding prodigy. Everyone knew Wesley Parker was going places. But she knew what they all also called her now: a waste of talent. After graduating from Harvard, she spent years working her way from government office to government office, trying to work her way up to the upper echelons of the political sphere. She was poised to be a leading voice in foreign policy, one of the few young Black women in the field. And then, over two years ago, Wesley just walked away. From her cushy life in D.C., her high-paying position, a new job offer with the U.N. She abandoned her dream, leaving it stranded in the road for an unexpected detour. And she always looked back, always wished she could get back there.

And here she was, as she walked down the opulent halls of this palace tucked away in Africa. This was the break in the trees illuminating her path back to her dream. This was her chance, her shot to rebuild what she lost… and this was the only place in the world she could do it. She couldn’t mess it up. She wouldn’t.

****

“You like it?”

Wesley laughed, rolling her eyes, “Yea nigga… this is bigger than my whole apartment.”

Her feet sunk into soft taupe carpet blanketing her bedroom floor. She shuffled her feet, feeling the plushness between her toes. She flopped down on her bed, which felt sinfully good and soft. She propped herself up on her forearms to look at Erik, who looked amused by her childish antics.

“Good. How you feeling?”

Wesley sighed, rolling her eyes as she pushed herself back to her feet. The question was vague, as many from Erik were, but she knew exactly what he was referring to. She walked toward him, arms folded in annoyance at his overprotective and overbearing nature.

“Stevens… you gotta stop asking me that. I am fine. That was, what? A week ago? I’ve been through worse, I’ve seen worse. I am good - I’ve moved on.” Her beautiful face scrunched up in a frown, “I am honestly sorry I even brought you into all that. It’s not a big deal.”

His eyes widened slightly, “The fuck? Wes. That was a big fucking deal. And lying to me about it don’t change that. You need to talk someone… you need to talk about it. And you need to tell me what ha-”

“Erik. I am begging you… drop this. Leave it alone. Please.”

She knew he could hear the exasperation in her words, the pleads. She didn’t like thinking about it, one of the many things from her past she flew halfway around the world to escape. The thin fraying ropes holding her up were starting to unravel again, and it took all her power not to collapse, fall right here in front of him.

He nodded, raising his hands in surrender, knowing that she was serious if she chose to use his first name.

“Fine. I’ll let you keep your secrets… for now. We all got ‘em. When you’re ready, I’m here. You know, I’d kill for you. I gotchu always, Wes.”

And that’s the problem.

“I know… you’ve killed for less.”

Wesley was one of the few people, outside of his new family, that knew about his past, knew the road littered with blood and bodies he traveled to reach his paradise… his home.

After her parents died in a tragic accident, 15-year-old Wesley was sent from her home in Charlotte to live with her aging grandmother who had little time or interest in raising a rambunctious teenager. However, she did have time for her friends, Ms. Louise and Mr. Franklin, the old couple in their building who had been fostering a 17-year-old boy, Erik.

She and Erik became fast friends, developing a close brother/sister bond. Already exhibiting a penchant for violence, Erik was a good friend to have around as a young girl. He was always there to fight for her, protect her. Even when he left for MIT, everyone in the neighborhood knew she was the wrong girl to mess with.

He looked after her when she joined him in Cambridge during his last two years at MIT. Harvard and MIT were demanding for the pair but they still spent as much time together as they could, studying their respective disciplines. As she kept her nose to the ground and worked on the Hill in D.C. after graduating and Erik started his career in the Navy, they still remained close, talking or seeing each other anytime Erik was available. For every high and every low, Erik was the one constant in her life.

However, when Erik decided to fall deeper into the life of espionage and violence, the calls came less frequently and, eventually, stopped all together. And there was no one to call, no one to check in with to see if he was ok. And so, Wesley lost the remaining family she had in this world, the only family she thought she would ever have.

When their paths fatefully crossed 12 months ago outside a black-owned coffee shop near the Center, both thought they had seen a ghost. They hardly recognized each other, mere shadows of the teenagers that ran through the streets together. Part of her wanted to be angry with him, but she couldn’t. One brief conversation reminded her what it was like to have family… someone who cared. And she jumped at the opportunity to have him back in her life - with the promise that he would never leave her again. And it was clear how much his life had changed. He had found home and safety while she was still fumbling in the dark, desperately searching for both.

It didn’t take long for him to “convince” her to take a position as a consultant at the Outreach Center, lending her policy experience to help them bridge the gap between them and local policymakers in the state. It was better than what she was doing before, preparing to apply to a bookstore to pay her bills.

“Fair enough. See you for dinner? I’ll come by and scoop you… you’ll be lost in this place for days tryin’ find it yourself.”

“Yea, yea. That’s cool. Thanks. See you then.”

Wesley chewed her bottom lip as she watched his back retreat out her door. She hated how overprotective he was… how much he actually cared. Most people heard “I am fine,” and accept it as fact. Not Erik… he wanted the truth.

She flopped back down on the bed, this time out of frustration and guilt, not childlike amusement. Her hand covered her face as tears stung the back of her eyes.

“You are not fine,” she whispered out loud. But she couldn’t bring herself to tell him that… or the real reason why.

****

“Does this look ok?” She smoothed the front of her dress.

Erik told her dinner was casual and she tried to follow that but she also refused to look like an idiot in front of the Royal Family. This was casual enough but still stylish and cute. And purple, paired with gold jewelry, as Erik told her those were the colors of the Panther Tribe. While her relationships with Erik, Shuri, and Nakia extended beyond professional pleasantries, she could not say the same about King T’Challa, who she had only really spoken to a handful of times. She couldn’t show up to dinner looking any type of way.

“Yea… I told you it was casual tho?”

And he looked casual and comfy, sporting a pair of black joggers and a t-shirt.

“This is as casual as I am gonna get. Some of us aren’t royalty, Stevens… Or should I call you Prince N’Jadaka?”

He rolled his eyes.

“Nah you shouldn’t if you wanna know where dinner is.”

“Stevens or Erik, it is,” she vowed quickly, not wanting to smart mouth her way out of a meal.

“The tribal leader of Jabariland gon’ join us to by the way. Name’s M’Baku.”

Wesley tilted her head, racking her brain for the bit of knowledge about Wakanda she learned from Shuri, Erik, and Nakia during their long sessions at the outreach center.

“Jabariland, Jabariland… Jabari… Oh, that’s the group in the mountains right? Gorilla god, snow, just started talking to y’all again like last week?”

“Tribe,” he corrected. “But yea, that’s the one. He is cool people tho. The only council member I like.”

Wesley didn’t really understand why she was so nervous. After a year helping them launch the Outreach Center, she was, at least, friendly with everyone at varying degrees. But here? She was a stranger, feeling an intense desire to prove herself and fit in.

“Ms. Parker!” T’Challa stood as she entered the dining hall. It was set for seven, four of the people already seated and waiting.

“King T’Challa,” she rose her arms in the X she had seen others do around him for a year. He smiled brightly, an encouraging sign on her end. “And you can just call me Wesley or Wes.”

“Of course, of course. And just T’Challa will do as well. Please sit. We are just waiting on Lord M’Baku.” He gestured toward one of three empty seats available, the one with a mysterious small gift box sitting on the chair.

“You all did not need to get me anything,” she muttered as she picked up the box. It felt heavy as she fiddled with the edge of the wrapping paper.

“Nonsense. We are so excited to have you here. N’Jadaka and Nakia believe you will be a great asset as we determine how to situate ourselves on the world stage and I concur. This is just a token of our appreciation for your willingness to join us here and we hope it makes your job a bit easier.”

“Thank you. And believe me, I am so appreciative of the opportunity.” She prayed no one could see the light tremble in her hands as she started to tear the paper off. However, before she could, the double doors to the hall burst open.

“Apologies for my tardiness, my king! Issue in the mountains.”

Wesley looked up to find a giant walking toward her, that was the only way she could think to describe him. She almost wondered if he was an enhanced person, like T’Challa. For she had never seen a “regular” man quite his size.

You’ve never seen a man as gorgeous as him either.

If she could have, she would have rolled her eyes at herself. It was true, he was a sight to behold. He entered the room with an aura of power and strength that would have, once upon a time, had her lusting after him. But that was hardly what she was there for.

“No worries, M’Baku. We were just welcoming our guest, Wesley Parker. This is Lord M’Baku, tribal leader of the Jabari.”

Wesley smiled brightly, offering him a polite wave. Her smile wilted slightly under his unreadable gaze. She watched as his eyes traveled up and down her frame, lingering on her for a few moments before he seemed to catch himself and the awkward silence filling the room.

“The American… Welcome to Wakanda, Ms. Parker.”

Wesley bristled slightly at his words as if being called an American was an insult to her, and in many ways - it was. She turned her head to her right where Erik sat, rolling her eyes and mouthing “the American?” sharing her disdain with the only person in the room who would understand. To which he just chuckled lowly and shook his head. She fixed her face to hide her annoyance before turning back toward him as he sat down in the seat left of her. She supposed she should ready herself for that reaction.

“Uh.. thanks? I guess.” Her voice trailed off a bit as she spoke. Turning her attention back to the half opened gift sitting in her lap, she ripped the rest of the wrapping paper off.

She gasped as she pulled a shiny, state-of-the-art tablet out of a box.

“Oh… I can’t accept this! Thank you but I can’t.”

It was sleek and beautiful, she had seen them all with it over the last year. And she knew no amount of money would afford her something as high tech as this. But she didn’t feel right accepting it.

“Really, it is nothing.” Shuri waved her hand dismissively, completely ignoring the woman’s protests. “And it will work better with our tech here. It syncs to your beads, the easiest file transfers you have ever seen. You will love it.”

“It’s a losing battle, Parker. Just say thank you,” Erik whispered out of the corner of his mouth.

“Thank you,” she responded meekly.

T’Challa motioned for a servant to take it from the dinner table, letting Wesley know it would be brought to her room.

“Thank you! It’s too much, really. But I appreciate it. I am sure it will work better than mine.” She thought back to the broken and beaten iPad tucked in her bag, the screen partially shattered and many years past its prime.

Small conversations commenced throughout the group as Wesley sat watching. Shuri and M’Baku were engaging in a lively debate about the merits of vibranium vs. Jabari wood? Whatever that was. Hushed whispers past between T’Challa and Nakia on the other end of the table. And Erik listened, albeit reluctantly given the look on his face, to the Queen Mother chastise him for missing yet another council meeting.

Wesley sat, eating her second course of only God knew how many, just listening to all of them laugh, bicker, and poke fun at each other.

This is nice, Wesley thought. She knew they weren’t her family. But even being in their presence lifted her spirits more than she could have known. More than sad for what she didn’t have, she was filled with joy for what Erik found. She was curious how they found a way to accept him, forgive him… love him after all he did. But she was glad they had. He deserved it. He deserved happiness after losing so much for so long.

And you don’t.

She shook her head lightly, as if she could shake the negative orator out of her mind. But she knew she couldn’t. That voice was always there, always reminding her to never get attached. Everyone leaves, everyone hurts you. Because nobody wanted her.

“Wes. Wes!”

At the sound of her name, Wesley pulled herself out of her thoughts, directing her attention at Shuri. It was clear the young girl had tried and failed to get her attention multiple times.

“S-sorry, princess. I-I got lost in my own thoughts there. What did you say?”

“No problem. I just asked how the date with Jason went?”

Wesley blinked a few times in confusion before it hit her. Fuck. Jason was a gorgeous and accomplished volunteer at the Outreach Center who taught engineering to the students with Shuri. He had his eye on Wes since the day she literally ran into him in the staff lounge but Wes never really paid him much attention. Shuri had tried incessantly to play matchmaker with the pair. Wesley had almost forgot she lied and told Shuri she had agreed to go on a date with him. She had no intention of doing such a thing; she just didn’t want to be asked about it again.

“O-oh we ended up not being able to get it scheduled before I moved. Y-you know, it all happened so suddenly.”

Shuri seemed crestfallen for a moment but immediately perked up.

“Oh, well good thing there are soooooo many eligible men here. And cute too! Nakia and I will find you someone, don’t worry.”

She wasn’t worried or interested. But she appreciated Shuri’s enthusiasm and good intentions so she just nodded and smiled.

“It must have been hard, moving away from home so quickly,” the Queen Mother interjected, thankfully moving the conversation away from Wesley’s nonexistent love life. “We were surprised you wanted to move so soon.”

“I-I hadn’t been in Oakland long. Just a year so I hadn’t put down too many roots. Wasn’t too difficult to make the move.”

“Still, your friends and family. It must have been hard to say goodbye so fast?” Shuri asked.

“Yes, it was.”

She picked up her wine glass, taking a long sip, which confirmed the finality in her clipped and short response. This conversation was over.

Everyone returned to their separate conversations and their food. Awkwardness slowly seeping into her as she questioned whether she should have just lied to keep the conversation going and be polite.

“Do not feel awkward. Shuri and the tribal leaders in Jabariland have been trying to play matchmaker with me for the last year. I just ignore them.”

Wesley laughed, directing her attention to the owner of that deep baritone voice. “And they haven’t caught on yet?”

M’Baku brought his glass of wine to his lips. “Of course, not.”

“Well, I could use some of your tips then. The Princess is quite persistent. But I suppose that is what makes her the genius she is,” Wesley mused.

“Happy to share my insights anytime.”

“You live in the mountains, right? I didn’t even know it could snow here.”

M’Baku smirked, “I imagine there is quite a lot you do not know about Wakanda yet.”

Wesley took the bait, he was not wrong. There was so much she didn’t know about this country she was now meant to help lead.

“Well, tell me something about Wakanda you think I should know.”

And his answer to that question carried them through the main course and on to dessert. She mostly listened as he talked about his home, Jabariland, and the people there. It was very surface level, but it made her want to learn more, as much as she could. He explained the differences between the Jabari and the rest of the country. As he spoke, Wesley felt at ease for the first time since she sat down at the table, felt glimmer of her old eager and passionate self peaking through the thick walls she had stacked up. Talking to him felt like talking to an old friend, someone she had known all her life.

“So you come down here often?”

“A few times a month. T’Challa and N’Jadaka lean on my counsel often.”

Wesley nodded, “So we will be seeing quite a lot of each other then, I suppose?”

“Oh, I am counting on that.”

The flirtatious tone in his voice was not lost on Wesley, even if no one else at the table was paying them any attention. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, seeing him wink at her before smiling. If her deep, warm brown skin could, her cheeks would have turned a rosy pink. There was a lot about this face that was gorgeous beyond belief. But his smile drew her eye, pulled her in. She could tell he frowned a lot, his resting face throughout dinner had looked generally disgruntled. However, his smile lit his whole face up, made him look even more beautiful - as if that were possible - and more youthful.

“All, I must retire for the evening. Attend to some tribal business. I will see you all in the Council meeting in the morning. My king.”

He saluted T’Challa who returned it and offered him a head nod. He offered Wesley a lingering glance and and a small smile before leaving.

What the fuck was that? She imagined he did that with a lot of women. Harmless flirting that meant nothing at the end of the day. She knew a man like that would never go for someone like her.

“U-uh I should head to bed as well. I have quite a bit of reading I wanted to do before bed, actually. Thank you for dinner. It was amazing.” Wesley wiped the corners of her mouth before folding her napkin and placing it by her dirty plate.

“Let me walk you,” Nakia offered. “I am headed in that direction anyway. T’Challa and Erik have some business to discuss.”

A sense of longing washed over Wesley as she watched the intimate, subtle touches that passed between the pair as T’Challa kissed her hand and squeezed it before letting her go. Once again, she shook her head, internally stamping down the emotions that did not serve her cause.

She offered them all thanks again and said good night before following Nakia. There was silence for the first minute or two as the events of dinner tumbled through her head.

Was he actually flirting with me?

Does it really matter? She debated with herself. Even if he was, which seemed highly unlikely, there were about 1,000 reasons she couldn’t pursue him. Wesley pushed that aside quickly, deciding that he was simply a flirt and she was simply a fool so starved for love that she would fall for his flirtatious nature so easily.

And then that awkward moment with Shuri and the Queen Mother. Wesley hated questions about her personal life. Not because she found them intrusive, but because she did not have the standard cookie cutter answers people actually expected when they asked those questions. She couldn’t tell the truth and all that left her with was lies and she had enough lies… enough secrets for one person.

“I can almost hear you overthinking, Wesley.”

Nakia broke their silence, stopping in front of a large bay window that looked out into the palace gardens. The moonlight illuminated Nakia’s face, which carried a concerned expression on it.

“Dinner went well. Everyone is excited to have you here, truly. Don’t stress over tomorrow. The Council will like you.”

The tension building in her chest dissipated almost immediately, thankful that this was the path the conversation was taking.

“Y-yea I’m sure you’re right. I’m good, really. Just need to get some of the nervous energy out I guess.”

Nakia nodded before turning to resume their trek back to her quarters. More turns and long hallways than Wesley could count later, they were standing outside her bedroom.

“You and M’Baku seemed to have hit it off.” Nakia’s face was filled with interest and excitement. “And that is saying something… there are few in Wakanda as cold as Lord M’Baku. Pun intended.”

Wesley chuckled, tucking a stray black hair behind her ear. Her small frame leaned against her closed, deep mahogany doors as they talked.

“He was nice! Well… everyone here is nice. But I am sure he is like that with all the ladies, just a charmer.”

“Oh I can assure you, he is not. He likes you.”

Wesley’s face must have been a lens into her inner skepticism for Nakia immediately started to laugh.

“I am serious!”

Wesley’s hand fumbled for the door knob, slowly opening it before saying, “I doubt it but it doesn’t really matter. I am here to work, I don’t have time for much else.”

Nakia tilted her head, almost examining her. She imagined it was from all the spy training but Nakia was almost impossible to read, which frustrated Wesley to no end. Half of being good at politics was simply being able to read people. Nakia always made her question that skill.

“I find that people only make drastic moves like you have for two reasons. They want to start over or they are running from something. I don’t know which one brought you here, Wesley. But you won’t find your escape or new start behind a mountain of paperwork. It is out there.” Her hand pointed behind her at the stained window across across from her door.

“What are you saying?”

“I am saying is that Wakanda is more than its political agenda. Wakanda is its people, its culture. To succeed here,” she gestured around her, “You have to know what’s out there. You have to experience what is out there. You have to live, Wesley.”

Silence.

“Just something to think about. Good night, Wesley.”

***

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