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araarataki · 1 year

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sfw alphabet ft. cove holden || GN READER, no mentions of gender specifics whatsoever. mostly implies you’re romantically involved.

a/n: I have no excuse other than that i’ve been playing ol:ba and I’m down bad for ocean boy. fair warning some things are canon so I’d just be elaborating on said canon.

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Going to start this off by saying I’ll try not to deviate from canon when I don’t have to. He’s clingy, he’s incredibly affectionate by nature and that really doesn’t change as he grows up. His canon primary love languages are words of affirmation and gift giving and I do stand by that, though I imagine for the former he tends to stumble over his words a lot. Personally, I feel physical touch is also a big thing for him once he’s more comfortable. He likes being on both the giving and receiving end of this.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

If you’re reading this you’ve likely played the game, so as for how it starts… you know. That aside, golden retriever levels of loyalty. Definitely the “made me think of you” person, so sends you memes when he finds them and gets you little trinkets for that same reason. You’re like his favorite person and he’ll try to spend as much time as possible with you.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Absolutely loves cuddles. On the couch, in bed. He’ll take any opportunity to hold you in his arms. Generally he’s the big spoon but he’s not at all opposed to being little spoon. Also a very big fan of any position where the two of you are facing each other. He can hold and be held at the same time?? Amazing. Expect to feel a pair of lips on you when you cuddle.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Definitely wants to settle down with his partner. I mean, c’mon the dialogue about wanting to get married? He wants it all. He’s fine when it comes to cleaning, he’ll do what needs to be done. As for cooking, he’s okay. He can manage cooking just fine but it’s not his favorite thing to do and it’s not something he’d say is part of his skillset. He tries his best, though. Prefers to have you with him in the kitchen.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

He’s gonna want to do it face to face, and while I feel he’d be pretty direct about it, he’d want to talk about it as well. He’d be the type to be distant during the period leading up to it, spending a lot of time thinking about how he’d even bring it up. Because god forbid he loses his best friend over this.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

I touched on this for D already but here goes. He 100% wants to commit and get married. The question on when would depend on how long you’ve been together. He wouldn’t mind a long engagement, either. However, early to mid 20s is ideal. He wants to be able to refer to you as his spouse as soon and for as long as possible.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

He’s a sentimental man. There’s no other way to describe how he is emotionally. His emotions get the better of him a fair amount, though it used to be worse for him growing up. However for his partner, he’s mush. He mellowed out but the way he tears up over how you’re his? That sure has been consistent. Physically, he’s the same. Just a softie. His hugs may be tight sometimes but that’s about as tough as he gets for the most part. Big friendly giant and a gentle soul.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

He does, though only with the people closest to him and namely his partner (you in this case, ahem). Having said that, he’ll like hugs plenty. He initiates them a fair amount in the comfort of your own home(s), and when the situation calls for it elsewhere. His hugs are warm and gentle, and one thing he does do, especially during long hugs, is to rub the other person’s back. Also you can’t tell me he doesn’t rest his head against you in some way. He’s gotta.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

There is. Canon for this, so. Hm.

Changing the question to “how would he say it”, and I’m gonna deviate from canon. Because. Yeah. What stays true is that he’d be pretty casual about it. Not… “goodnight, I love you” casual but. Don’t expect him to show up with 100 red roses, and a note saying he loves you. Loving you is something he does quietly, and I feel when he does finally say it out loud it’s because he simply can’t contain it and keep it to himself anymore. Whether it’s something he just blurts out or has to work up to… it’s a mix of both. He “wants” to just blurt it out, kind of. Because he feels that’s the most natural route to take. He’s just waiting to burst p much.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

If it’s a well established relationship, he doesn’t really get jealous. If anything, he trusts you, he just doesn’t always trust the people you’re with. New relationship? If volunteers or classmates or colleagues or whatnot are particularly chatty with you? He might get a bit antsy and irritated and if it goes on for long enough he’ll try and direct your attention to him instead. But he generally doesn’t admit to feeling jealousy. Not that it’s necessary, the two of you grew up together, you know him inside and out.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

He likes if not loves them. Maybe a little too much and for that reason he doesn’t initiate them as much - afraid it’s “too often”. Please reassure him. Anyway, his kisses are sweet. He likes to linger and smile against your lips. Smile against his and he’ll be putty in your hands. “Hands cupping your face and caressing your cheeks while kissing you and humming against your lips” kind of person. “I gotta do something rq so I need a goodbye kiss” kind of person. He’ll steal a peck in those situations. Prefers to kiss and be kissed on the lips, but anywhere on his face makes him all mushy. Especially his forehead. Apart from lips, he likes to kiss you on the corner of your mouth and cheeks.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

He’s okay. He can get along with them alright, but he can get in his head about if he’s being a good example and if he’s handling them well. If he’s around them more frequently he adjusts well and kids would end up taking a liking to him as well. As for having one of his own… it really depends on the relationship and his partner.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

He’s either awake way before you, or the two of you wake up together and decide to stay in bed for “five more minutes”. In the case of the latter, it’s spent cuddling, “how’d you sleep? Any crazy dreams?”, talking about what either of you has planned for the day. He prefers them this way, however if he’s awake he’s awake and he then won’t hesitate to enjoy the extra bit of sunlight he gets so early in the morning.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Similar to mornings, some easy chatter, cuddles, discussing plans for the following day, discussing the day that’s ending, etc. If the two of you have spent a lot of time apart that day he’ll make sure to use the time with you that he has then well. So lots of (physical) affection next to cuddles as well. And as goofy as he can get during evenings, it’s also the time where the more serious talks happen. Though there’s plenty of nights where it’s just calm and quiet, the two of you merely enjoying the other’s presence.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

“Fuck around and find out”, is how I’d probably describe it. And otherwise, he reveals things about himself as time goes on and when it’s relevant. Other than times where he randomly remembers something and he decides to tell you because he either thinks it’s funny, or because it might be important. He doesn’t “make you wait” to learn about things. Not on purpose anyway.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Short answer: not very easily at all. Longer answer: if it has to do with the people most dear to him, he can get incredibly pissy but it’s always justified. He can get frustrated, sure. And that can easily be mistaken as anger, s u r e. But if he’s actually angry you’ll know. Overall, not someone with much of a temper.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

He remembers. He always makes sure to. How else is he going to know what trinkets to get you? What memes to send you? Which of your interests to ask about? Where to take you on surprise dates? Yaddah yaddah. He actually remembers a lot. The tiniest things that you’ve long forgotten about, he remembers them. …for the most part. He can be incredibly forgetful as well but the amount of things he remembers about you more than makes up for that.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

He wouldn’t be able to pick one. The day you met, the day you got together, the first kiss you shared, the first time you exchanged “I love you”s… they’re all so important to him and for that reason, also some of his favorites. However if you asked, he’d probably say it’s the day you two met. Or the time your families went to the market together. The ditching part was less fun, but he cherishes how right it felt back then to run errands together. Just the two of you.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Fairly protective but not overly. He just wants to make sure you’re safe and well. If you go out during the evening and he’s not around he wants to make sure you’re safe and all in any way he can do please text him to let you know you arrived at your destination in one piece. And let him know when you’re leaving. Would go out of his way to pick you up to ensure you make it home safe. And as much as he doesn’t think it’s necessary, he appreciates when you return those gestures.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

He tries his best. Hell, for anniversaries and stuff he’d probably even take the day off to take you somewhere for the day. It’s like the Happiness moment all over again. If and when he can he goes all out, not just for anniversaries but regular dates as well. Just because you two are stable doesn’t mean he’s going to stop making an effort- hell no. As for gifts, the smaller ones he gets you cause they made him think of you. Larger gifts, like anniversary or birthday ones? He ponders about it for AGES, but if he knows there’s something you really want he’ll get it asap. Everyday tasks I feel I don’t have to get into much, like I said he’s not going to stop making an effort. You’re with him and he doesn’t take that for granted for even a second.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Leaving sand everywhere, but considering… him, it’s kind of what you signed up for. And if he’s anything like me he struggles to hydrate himself so please remind him to drink some water. Last one would probably be that he can get pretty stuck in a thought pattern. It’s more of the “I just want you to be happy and I worry about how happy I can make you” as was touched on in canon, but still. Please reassure him.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Not at all. He’s not insecure about his looks but he wouldn’t say he’s particularly attractive or anything. That aside, if it’s for dates and stuff he will be concerned about his looks. He wants to look good for you. Impress you. He doesn’t care how long you two have been going out, either. TLDR; generally, for himself, he doesn’t care. For you? Hell yeah.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

While I don’t believe he’s the type of person to think he’s incomplete without a partner, yes. I do feel like he’d feel incomplete without you. You’ve been a part of his life for so long, you’re his best friend. His partner. Maybe even the most important person in his life. If he were to suddenly lose that yes definitely feel incomplete and lost.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

I had trouble coming up with this one, so feel free to leave any and all hcs you have in my ask box!! I’d love to read them.

That aside, I bet he listens to rock and metal. Not like, death metal or anything industrial, but some alternative rock and metal? Sure. Lo-fi stuff, as well as synthwave and adjacent genres are more his thing though. Easy to listen to.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

It’s canon that he wouldn’t really like a partner who’s set on things always being clean. Cove wants a house to look lived in so that’s one thing. He doesn’t like it when people cancel on plans often, either. Especially at the very last minute. And poor communication? Big no as well.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

Usually, he’s an early sleeper and an early riser. Wants as many hours in the sun as possible. Nothing wrong with that per se. The issue is that he’s an early riser even if he’s gone to bad l a t e the night before. 8h of sleep a night? Don’t know her. This is also a bad habit, hm. He has to cuddle with his partner, maybe not fall asleep cuddling per se, but before then? Definitely. It’s kind of how he unwinds.

#our life #cove Holden #OL:BA #our life beginnings & always #gb patch #cove Holden x reader #sfw #olba #sfw alphabet #cove Holden x you #cove Holden x mc

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sugar-omi · 7 months

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Can't imagine how the boys would handle an angsty young teen. Not even if they're goth/emo, just really rude brats who says stuff like "whatever" or "you don't know me" stuff. I've met a lot of teens who were just rude for no reason or just flip out out of nowhere.

I see Baxter being a lil strict honestly, I mean I know some people hc as the "fun dad" and I agree but I kinda see him as strict dad too. Derek is def not taking the attitude well. I feel Iike Cove would have a hard time and try and be understanding.

cove: very awkward. doesn't know what to do at all. you two have to put your brains together and he runs to his dad like "wtf do I do." and then cliff reminds him cove WAS THAT TEENAGER.....

yeah eventually you work it out. you give them a lock on their door, headphones for those car drives so they can live out their angst, their favorite ice cream, and you leave the door open for whenever they come to you guys for a cry<333

baxter: throws the sass back at them sometimes. tries to be gentle though bc he doesn't wanna be dictator-strict, but sometimes slamming the door n yelling isn't acceptable.

constantly ends up taking his kid out for their favorite ice cream or restaurant bc he either sassed them back at the wrong time or said smth they didn't like even though it was meant to be helpful (times to stop speaking in riddles huh b-man)

derek: scared n confused LMAO tries to be helpful n nice but just gets iced out. isn't use to it since even nico was warmer at this age but he figures it out

you gotta remind him to give them space bc derek can be a bit overwhelming, but still do stuff w them bc then they'll get too deep in their teenage angst n think he doesn't love them which isn't true

oh he's freaking out too btw, runs to his parents bc hello?!??!

OR YOUR MOMS. omg derek/baxter/cove running to your moms bc Liz was pretty icy as a teenager so they run to them for advice n I just love imagining this big/put together man being comforted by 2 lil old ladies bc their teenager is being cold and angsty.

when they get rude though, is when all of em put their foot down. saying whatever and smacking your lips? slamming doors, ignoring them? sure you can get away w it to an extent but saying smth mean is when we need to sit down and talk, bc you can't say whatever you want to your family, it isn't happening.

which actually works bc those 3 are just big goofs. especially derek n cove, but naxter is funny bc he's still so dramatic yk. but seeing them so serious and angry straightens them up, especially cove. imagine COVE JAMES FUCKING HOLDEN yelling at you??? being STRICT??? yeah pretty scary stuff from your dad

baxter definitely drops the cool, calm, n collected act. all those big words? fancy words? fancy cryptic sentences? disappeared. he goes from fancy dad into civilian dad mode.

they're doing their best though. so please be nice to them bc they wanna make sure their kiddo/s never feel bad

ANYWAY THIS TURNED INTO SUCH A RAMBLE LMAO I DIDNT MEAN TO

#olba #cove holden #baxter ward #derek suarez

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the-malewife-ever · 1 year

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its 5am. i am very tired. i do not want to go through and pick out all the best responses when i have a test today. so what youre getting now is:

every single character that was submitted [unless i didnt feel comfortable adding them to the data]

^ this includes:

- i didnt feel comfortable putting them in [they are a kid is the most likely answer]

- they break the rules

and goodnight everyone im going back to bed you get your pairings later today. feel free to demand your malewife be in the pairings in the notes of this post all you want but be nice

and sorry to the ppl checking the tags in the search bar for ANY of these characters

read more because we got 301 and then some submissions:

The Top Submitted Characters:

Crazy Dave [Plants Vs Zombies] - 14

Kazuki Kurusu [Buddy Daddies] - 8

Hero [Omori] - 8

Saul Goodman/James McGill [Better Call Saul/Breaking Bad] - 7

Tatsu [Way of the House Husband] - 7

Thoma [Genshin Impact] - 7

Laszlo Cravensworth [What We Do In the Shadows] - 5

Percy de Rolo [Critical Role/Vox Machina] - 5

Ron DeLite [Ace Attorney] - 5

Brett Hand [Inside Job] - 4

Puss in Boots [Puss in Boots] - 4

Sanji [One Piece] - 4

Spamton G. Spamton [Deltarune] - 4

Got 3 Or Less Votes:

9 [9 (2009)]

Adrian Graye Vernworth [The Owl House]

Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir [Miraculous Ladybug]

Alador Blight [The Owl House]

Alistair Theirin [Dragon Age]

Andre Legris [Innocent/Innocent Rouge]

Asgore Dreemurr [Undertale]

Axel Summers [Lemon Soda and Coffee (Webcomic)]

The Baker [Into the Woods (1991)]

Bandit Heeler [Bluey]

Barry Draxum [Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]

Beacrox Molan [Lout of the Court’s Family]

Benny [Fallout: New Vegas]

Bilbo Baggins [The Hobbit]

BJ Hunnicutt [MASH]

Bob Belcher [Bob's Burgers]

Briefers "Brief" Rock [Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt]

Brock [Pokemon]

Bruno Buccerati [JoJo's Bizzare Adventure]

Bruno Madrigal [Encanto]

Calculester Hewlett-Packard [Monster Prom]

Caleb Wittebane [The Owl House]

Cardan [The Folk of the Air trilogy by Holly Black]

Cecil Palmer [Welcome to Night Vale]

Chakotay [Star Trek Voyager]

Charlie Kelly [It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]

Chisaki Kai (Overhaul) [My Hero Academia]

Chris Pearson [Dan Vs.]

Chrom [Fire Emblem Awakening]

Clay Rockridge [The Sexy Brutale]

Colin Robinson [What We Do In the Shadows]

Connecticut Clark [FlorkofCows/The Saga of Clark]

Cove Holden [Our Life: Beginning & Always]

Cyclonus [Transformers (IDW1)]

DaLey Vigil [The Great Ace Attorney]

Daniel Cain [Re-Animator]

Darius Deamonne [The Owl House]

Dedue Molinaro [Fire Emblem Three Houses]

Dick Grayson [DC Comics]

Dick Gumshoe [Ace Attorney]

Do Hyun Soon [Flower of Evil]

Ed [Our Flag Means Death]

Eddie Munson [Stranger Things]

Elliott [Stardew Valley]

Faria [Thrilling Intent]

Flex Mentallo [Doom Patrol]

Fox Mulder [The X-Files]

Fukuo [Kiki’s Delivery Service]

Furio Giunta [The Sopranos]

Gao Yizhi [Iron Widow]

Garmadon [Ninjago]

Garry [Ib]

Geto Suguru [Jujitsu Kaisen]

Gilbert Nightray [Pandora Hearts]

Gomez Addams [The Addams Family]

Grover Underwood [Percy Jackson Series]

Hannibal Lecter [Hannibal]

Harrier du Bois [Disco Elysium]

Hazama Masayoshi [Samurai Flamenco]

Heinz Doofenshmirtz [Phineas and Ferb]

Herlock Sholmes [The Great Ace Attorney]

Hordak [She-Ra (Netflix)]

Howl Jenkins Pendragon [Howl's Moving Castle]

Hugh Neutron [Jimmy Neutron]

Hugh Test [Johnny Test]

Ianto Jones [Torchwood]

Ignis Scientia [Final Fantasy XV]

Ingo [Pokemon]

Izzy Hands [Our Flag Means Death]

Jake Sully [Avatar]

James [Pokemon]

Jason Todd [Batman]

Jesus Christ [The Bible]

Joel Hammond [Santa Clarita Diet]

Johnathan Harker [Bram Stoker's Dracula]

John Silver [Treasure Island (1988)]

John Watson [BBC Sherlock]

Jonathan Byers [Stranger Things]

Kaiden Alenko [Mass Effect]

Kai Satou [Your Turn to Die]

Kaito [Vocaloid]

Kakashi Hatake [Naruto]

Katsuya Serizawa [Mob Psycho 100]

Ken [Barbie]

Kermit the Frog [The Muppets]

Kim Dokja [Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint]

Kim Gongja [SSS-Class Suicide Hunter]

Kingsley [Papa Louie Games]

Kisuke Urahara [Bleach]

Klavier Gavin [Ace Attorney]

Kojiro “Joe” Nonjo [Sk8 the Infinity]

Laurance Zvahl [Minecraft Diaries]

Lazarus Bleeze [The Hex]

Leon [Pokemon]

Lestat de Lioncourt [Interview with the Vampire (TV Show)]

Lieutenant Columbo [Columbo]

Light Yagami [Death Note]

Link [Breath of the Wild]

The Lobby Boy [The Hotel Podcast]

Loid Forger [Spy X Family]

Luigi [Mario Franchise]

Luo Binghe [The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System]

Mac McDonald [It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]

The Man in the Yellow Hat [Curious George]

Manolo Sanchez [The Book of Life (2014)]

Mario [Mario Franchise]

Marshall Eriksen [How I Met Your Mother]

Marvin [Falsettos]

Mendel Weisenbachfeld [Falsettos]

Me [The Mod]

Michael [The Good Place]

Miles Edgeworth [Ace Attorney]

Min-Gi Park [Infinity Train]

Minato Namikaze [Naruto]

Momo [Stray]

Mr. Mime [Pokemon]

The Narrator [The Stanley Parable]

Naven Nuknuk [Epithet Erased]

Oliver Queen [DC Comics (Green Arrow)]

Olruggio [Witch Hat Atelier]

The Onceler [The Lorax]

Palamedes Sextus [The Locked Tomb]

Paper [Inanimate Insanity]

Peeta Mellark [The Hunger Games]

Percy Jackson [Percy Jackson Series]

Peter Nureyev [The Penumbra Podcast]

Preminger [Barbie: Princess and the Pauper]

Qifrey [Witch Hat Atelier]

Quirrel [Hollow Knight]

Ramsey Murdoch [Epithet Erased]

Randy Valentine Jade [Dialtown]

Redd Rockridge [The Sexy Brutale]

Reigen Arataka [Mob Psycho 100]

Ronaldo [The Vampire Dies in No Time]

Rouxls Kaard [Deltarune]

Roy Mustang [Full Metal Alchemist]

Ryoji Kaji [Neon Genesis Evangelion]

Ryuuji Takasu [ToraDora!]

Samwise Gamgee [Lord of the Rings]

Sasuke Itachi [Naruto]

Satan [Puyo Puyo]

Satoru Gojo [Jujitsu Kaisen]

Seven [Zero Escape]

Shinya Fujikawa [Corpse Factory]

Sig Curtis [Full Metal Alchemist]

Silco [Arcane (Netflix)]

Sojiro Sakura [Persona 5]

Sokka [Avatar: The Last Airbender]

Soldier [Team Fortress 2]

Spirit Albarn [Soul Eater]

Spongebob Squarepants [Spongebob Squarepants]

Steve Harrington [Stranger Things]

Steven Grant [Marvel]

Suoh Tamaki [Ouran High School Host Club]

Sword Boyfriend [Transistor]

Tanjiro Kamado [Demon Slayer]

Thomas Sharpe [Crimson Peak (2015)]

Tohru Adachi [Persona 4]

Tom Wambsgans [Succession]

Travis Matagot [Campaign Skyjacks]

Tsukasa Jinguuji [Fabiniku (Life with an Ordinary Guy who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout)]

The Tumblr Boyfriend [Tumblr]

The Twelfth Doctor [Doctor Who]

Tyrell Wellick [Mr. Robot]

Vanitas [Vanitas no Carte/The Case Study of Vanitas]

Vash the Stampede [Trigun]

Victor Nikiforov [Yuri on Ice]

Waymond Wang [Everything Everywhere All At Once]

Whizzer Brown [Falsettos]

William "Spike" Pratt [Buffy the Vampire Slayer]

William “Dex” Pointdexter [Check Please!]

Yeza Brenatto [Critical Role]

Yoo Joonghyuk [Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint]

You [The Voter]

Zagreus [Hades]

#malewife data #malewife speaks

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holylottie · 1 year

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aquarium dome.

cursed!Cove Holden x reader

warnings: father-son miscommunication, cove got the curse but cliff got the sadness, kyra and cliff together for lore needs, monarchy, reader is the heir of rapunzel's tale, cross-posted on ao3.

summary: Cove Holden is the heir to the tale of Beauty and the Beast, a prince who is known to hate any royal event. You can share the feeling, but not directly with him, Cove is almost unreachable!

But no worries, you are not alone, you can share your thoughts with C, your mysterious friend who sits on the highest shelf in the library every evening.

p.s. hiding from oneself is not a very e-fish-ent move.

Cove hopped down the stairs, his ocean green locks flowing freely. Reaching the end, he came across a room full of furniture-like employees passing by from all sides, the sight made his stomach turn. But it wasn’t long till his worries eased, in the middle of that coordinate dance of organization was his mother, and her presence was more than enough.

“Baby!” her smile was so big that Cove couldn’t contain his own “I’m sorry about the fuzz, gotta get everything ready for the big night!”

The previous smile got a little smaller, royalty balls weren’t his favorites. No event with royalty was if he was being truly honest, but he did his best for the sake of his parents.

“I promise you don’t need to be socializing for too long, okay?” She hugged him by the side, checking the clipboard on her hands “go get yourself some food! An empty bag cannot stand upright!”

The boy chuckled, walking straight to the kitchen. He wasn’t a fan of eating at the table in the morning, it was all too lonely. In fact, that big place looked lonely all the time ever since…

Well, ever since his father decided to take refuge in his office.

The new chef made some pretzels for him, eagerly trying new things everyday to win Cove’s paladar, but the young boy remained faithful to Mrs. Potts, his favorite cook. Most of the time, he didn't know if she really cooked better or if he was unintentionally sabotaging himself to his preferences.

It didn't matter now, she could cook either way.

“The king is eating in the dining room, would you like to make him some company, your highness?”

Cove's head moved so fast in the direction of the servant that the world seemed to twirl for a couple of seconds. He didn't even remember to nod and thank the man, his legs taking him fast, afraid his father could vanish.

“Dad!”

He cheers, but his voice gets progressively lower seeing that his father was already up, cleaning his hands.

“Oh, hello, darling” Clifford gives him a side smile, pressing his lips. And cove has to contain himself to not take the butter knife and cut the tension out.

Two beasts staring at each other, the unspoken words deciding who was going to be the prey.

“Are you gonna come back to your studies?” uncertainty in every letter.

“Yes, the clock is running against me.” Cliff makes a sad chuckle and if the son wasn't so busy in his own insecurities, would have noticed the kind essence behind the king's eyes. “gotta go, darling, have a nice meal. Excuse me.”

“There will be no glory for this family, you should let that animal go.”

Both men stopped on their tracks for a second, but the king paid no mind to his child's words, leaving the room. When did you stop sharing bonbons?

The young prince sat in the luxury chair, his hunger long gone.

He was the prey today.

You were on the other side of the city, sitting at goldilocks restaurant. It was even more beautiful at night, the large chandeliers and the many flowers distributed throughout the place made it an unique environment.

The food menu made Leandra jump for joy, she had finally taken some time off from the sea and prayed to Poseidon that this time no one served sushi as Lizzie had at their last gathering.

She could only complain about the smell still making her nauseous, and how the poor little fish got through so much pain to not even be cooked.

“My feets are simply killing me!” Lee said while sitting by your side. She put her and your drinks on the table.

“I told you to choose the other one…” Elizabeth singing-said, joining you two at the table “But let's go to the subject directly: ball attire!”

The lady opened a huge smile, without being able to contain her hands.

“I am torn apart between blue and pink, to be honest…”

You and Lee shared a look, you two could give your opinions but everybody in that table knew that Lizzie would wear the one she liked in the end.

“I'm really excited, so much time since the Holden's had a ball!” Lee shared, quickly changing her expression “do you think Cove's gonna show up?”

Elizabeth and you took a moment to think.

In your humble opinion, you disagree with every single colocation that anyone on the royalty circle had. But when it comes to the beauty royalty, you were even more the black sheep.

Cove Holden seemed to live in his own world while the others wandered the earth waiting for his next move, authenticity flowed through the few poppy branches in his green hair. It was his personal garden.

You thought everything around him, about him, was so amusing. Definitely a mystery, but intriguing just the same.

“Hopefully he will feel comfortable enough to.” you answered, without giving time to them to add anything “what about your friend, Liz?”

“What friend? Miranda?”

”No, silly, Baxter!” Lee was the one who answered.

Lizzie huffed, not minding the jokes, but done with only talking about the new student.

“He is my friend, why is everyone so pressed about it?” her eyes rolled “I get it, I get it, he is the prince charming heir, I got the princess role, but basically everyone in Epilogue is royalty!”

Your other friend pressed her lips together seeing the outburst “I'm sorry, Lizzie, I didn't mean to upset you.”

The oldest shook her head, taking a deep breath and pressing her long nail in one of her fingers.

“No, no, I'm sorry, I didn't want to sound so mad. It's just...If I'm gonna sleep for a hell of eternity the least that people could give me is some liberty to make my own choices while I can, don't you think?”

Your hands were quickly to find hers, receiving an appreciative smile. You knew about complicated destinies.

“Well, I never saw anyone manage time better than you, but if I can say something, eating ice scream is the best deal to make!”

Laughs were shared between the trio, and the rest of the afternoon was light-hearted conversations and clothes search.

Shortly after, you all went to Epilogue. The school had its baobab doors open and the talking cricket welcomed everyone.

You said goodbye to your friends, having the first period free to collect your books and decide which extracurricular activities you would engage in this year.

The library was your first step of the morning, but without a specific book in mind, you started wandering through new categories that would satisfy your curious brain.

"How the lines of fate works", "Destiny: cause and correlations”, "Horses".

Horses?

You couldn't think that much about the topic, a pile of books crashed onto the floor a few meters away, you started following the direction but stopped when an alarming voice asked you.

“I've got this, please, don't worry” they said.

They were on the other side of the shelf, the last one of the right side.

“Is everything alright there?” you asked, waiting for they to get out, but that didn't happen “do you need any help there?”

“No, thank you, I'm gonna stay here for a while.” it was your answer “But I would appreciate it if you stay in your side.”

“Oh, okay” it was confusing, maybe they had a embarrassing situation going on “Well, so I will stick around and make you some company”

“No, don't worry, you don't need to do it”

Your face broke into a smile, they apologized a lot.

“You will be making me company in the same amount. And even more, making new friends on the first day sounds awesome.” you sat on the floor.

“We should begin by the beginning, it is always the same anyway” your voice got a little louder, afraid it wouldn't reach their ears “I'm y/n, how about your name?”

A few mutters escaped their mouth “Hm, would it be okay for you if you just call me him? Or he?” he shrugged, insecure in his ask

“That is more than alright, don't worry, I won't meddle in” you answered “Maybe we could decide a letter for you?”

“I can work with C!” his voice got less worried and if you pay enough attention, you could find a happy tone

“We should start with simple questions then, C.” you tried to keep the conversation going “do you like flowers?”

“Yes, I do!” his voice got excited “I have my own garden! My favorite is the poppy, but I like the yellow ones only”

You scrunch your nose, confused

“How can it be your favorite if you only like one color?”

Your parents and you lived in the center of the town, but on a no-way-out street. They were requested to stay close, even though they were almost always away in the lake house.

“Eugene! How can that be a cat?” you heard your mother's voice complain playfully.

“You gave me creative liberty!”

When you entered the living room, your father had puppy-eyes to you and your mom was seated haphazardly on the couch.

“Do you wanna see my mimic, sweetie?”

“From my mother's experience, I think I do not.”

“Meow-ch” he answered, tossing himself by your mom's side.

You walked in the kitchen's direction, but stopped once you saw pre-packed lunches on the table.

“no.”

“y/n, you have to try it again…” your mother pleaded.

“I can not! Is it that hard to understand, I just freeze!” your voice became hoarse easily.

Thinking about your biggest fear was enough to upset you.

“It's okay, we can go on little steps” they both went to the kitchen, taking you in their arms “slow and steady, hm?"

“Like a chameleon!" Eugene's added.

Things weren't solved with a simple hug, but you're glad to have people around you to make it a little easier.

A failed try was still a try.

All of your attempts to hide your new mysterious friend from your not mysterious best friend had the same result: failure.

Derek is, without a doubt, a terrible liar. For a time, you were almost sure that he could be Pinocchio's heir, until you witnessed his green magic.

But here's the thing about terrible liars: they are great at figuring them out.

“Okay, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but you can't believe that I will believe this hard-to-believe excuse.”

You smiled, he certainly spoke more than his tongue.

“So I don't have to tell you?” you arched one eyebrow, thinking the whole conversation was very amusing.

“Well, no, I mean, I'd be happy for you to tell me, completely happy, but I'm certainly not going to be mad if you don't.” He smiled at you “Even if I think the wise thing to do would be to tell me, if it is bothering you, it's definitely too much of a burden to carry alone.”

You laughed, nodding your head in denial, could ever be a conversation where Derek didn’t worry?

You two headed to Cinderella’s class, a non-regular dance lesson, but that was held every week before a ball. Author forbids anyone to ever miss a step in these routines.

Derek and you were a little bit late, too busy in your own conversation to carry about the ticking clock, and once you two entered the room, the boy by your side was scooped by the teacher. She knew Derek was the only one polite enough to not decline dance in front of the whole class, even if he hated all the attention on himself.

However, you didn’t stay alone for too long, another person was late. One point for destiny, zero to your indecision!

Immediately, the music started playing, and you looked to your partner.

Well, destiny must be really up for the competition, cause offering you a hand was the Holden Prince. A very uncomfortable prince, but looking incredibly charming nevertheless.

Two points for destiny, zero to your insecurities. You felt like a fish out of water so close to a big member of the royal council.

His face was flushed, more red than the roses you saw in the path to your house, and the previous duo-dance transformed into a trio. Him, you and the deadly awkward silence between.

He didn't mutter a single word to you and once the teacher dismissed the class, Cove was the first one to take his bag and leave.

You made a mental note to complain about it to your library friend.

The last lesson of the day was Introduction in Princesology and you couldn't think about a more boring class.

Sitting on your usual spot, you waited for your desk-partner. Placing your books and pencil case on the table, you notice a little note glued to the support part of the table.

“Delight me in your presence? — C”

It was a simple yellow paper, adorned with a beautiful sketch of a poppy and a happy fish.

A wave of happiness went through you, and you suddenly got up from your seat.

Which could be normal unless you are in the middle of a class, with the teacher making a practical example on how to spot the difference between a regular frog and an enchanted one.

She looked at you with a big question mark on her face. The same expression as everyone in the room.

“gotta go. Headaches.” you said, leaving the class, not giving enough time to your body swallow itself in embarrassment.

A few steps were all you needed to head where you were needed.

You entered the library already complaining, and sat on the floor, not failing to notice that this time a new rug adorned the floor.

“I just, I can't do it!” you said, frustrated, adjusting to the rug “I literally ran away and I mean, going in the wrong direction would have me dead! How can I be a suitable heir in these conditions?”

Your friend gives a loud laugh, but quickly hides it with a fake cough.

“Are you seriously laughing at me? I thought this was a safe place to vent!” you said, not really upset.

“Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do it! It was stronger than me!” he apologizes

“It's okay, don't worry…” your hands started making patterns in the soft fabric. “I'm glad I could make your day a little better, but my problems aren't really that bad, I'm improving my singing skills, it's all I truly needed.”

“You need to be a singer?”

“No, no, no” a little chuckle escaped your lips “I just need to be able to sing one healing song, nothing much…”

He didn't say anything for some time, and if you didn't know he was up in the shelves, you would have thought he was gone.

“You mean your song can make things come back the way it was before?”

“Well, kind of, I guess.” you shrugged, you never really had to explain it before, and finding words to it was harder than you thought. “It’s more like healing what once was damaged”

It was quiet for a while again, but it didn’t bother you this time. You started to learn that his silence sometimes said even more than his words.

“Do you think you could help me with something?”

This time, you were the quiet one. Getting up from your previous position, you tried to get closer to the voice, worried about him.

“Are you hurt, C?”

“NO! No…” he quickly added “I-I’m, it’s just… it’s very complicated.”

“I like complicated stories, you shouldn't spare me the details!” you sing-said, already finding a more comfortable position to listen.

“Well, I guess I already revealed a lot about myself anyway…”

C was thinking on the best way to start, at least that was how you take his silence.

“It all began not so long ago, in a not so far away land. The king had a nice marriage and a happy kingdom, not much more could be asked for in a simple man’s eyes, but he had a secret wish in his heart, that claimed his whole body and soul: to have a golden heron that wandered around his realm.

He went on long journeys away from his wife, trying to capture the golden animal. Until the ball in celebration of the queen's birthday came, and as her gift, she pleaded to her husband to forget about his wish, and he promised to, even if he didn’t understand her pleas, it was just a gilt bird, for who could ever learn to love such a beast?

But the golden heron was his deepest dream, he wanted it more than anything. He said it to his wife before they even married. More than anything.

After a few days of discussion, he thought that the best was to just leave it aside, to hide his ambition.

Until, he spotted the animal close to the sea. The royal ruler's land was full of living mazes, plants and trees everywhere, which confused the poor heron. The king shoots a straight arrow, craving it in the animal's heart.

It didn't last long, in his sight the heron was long gone, switched into a naked woman. His wife. The sky closed with dark clouds, a rainstorm starting.

He asked for her forgiveness while she asked the moon god for mercy. Yet it was all for nothing, the moon god condemned the man to be seen as he was.

A beast in the body of a man locked in the form of a beast.

The god made his daughter a statue. A material memorie of the beast's choices, holding a red poppy until the beast was able to find someone to truly love him. Until he was able to love himself the way he was deep down…”

You thought there was more, the history made you want to understand every single detail, did the king loved the queen? How about all the rest of the kingdom? Did it end up happily? C didn't give you anything more.

“I think I like your version better. If I am condemned to be the way I am, I would rather do it all by myself in a tall tower” he said, from the top of the library shelf.

You took a moment to fully comprehend his words, still processing the tale. Who was the beast? How did it affect C? How could he wish to do all of this on his own?

“What about your parents? You can't talk to them about it?”

He said something that you couldn’t catch, not hearing an answer back, he repeated it, louder “They never saw it. I never showed it to any of them.”

Even without wanting, your face contorted into a deep frown. It must be hard doing it all alone. You still couldn't imagine him a beast, everything about C was gentle.

“Not that I don’t have their support, but mom is most of the time some miles away for her queen duties. And my dad…” he stopped for a moment, in the silence, the only thing you could think of were the sound of bubbles “my dad tries his best but he’s just not the same anymore.”

His voice had a feeling that you couldn’t catch. Maybe it was the kind of mix of understanding and grief that only parents could give.

“Isn't it ironic that both our lives were doomed by flowers?”

For a few moments, you both were lost in your own musings, without knowing that we're sharing the same thoughts.

“Perhaps we could find our own seed. Make sure it grows happily.”

You smiled. C's own personal garden was now yours too.

“I have nightmares about it. I think I'm afraid of becoming something worse.”

He confessed and your father's wise words echoed in your mind. You took a little longer than him to gather the words, but you hopped to help that same way.

“You know, when someone passes for such a hard thing like you do, they have a lot of fear, and this fear doesn't come out all at once. They get out little by little, with every little laugh and hug you receive.” you said, mentally praying it would fit in C's context, your hands move freely while explaining, even if he couldn't see it “so these nightmares are the little amount of fear that your body is still holding. But you don't have to worry, one day it will all go away.”

“I guess I got to laugh a lot then!” the secret friend answered, holding to the little by little part.

“Well this is your lucky day! You have me to do it!”

He playfully laughed, charmed by your cheers.

The silence grew comfortable once again.

“Yeah, I think I got my own golden heron.” he whispered, smiling gratefully.

The reunion of Parents and Tales was a gathering between guardians and professors that happened every two months. The objective was to make everyone aware of the semester routine, events and the student's grades.

You find it boring but always come to spend time with Derek or Lizzie, except for today, cause the second your feets passed through the door, you excused yourself to the library.

And we're there for at least one hour, without having any need for it to end.

“I will give you twenty crowns for you to tell me which you prefer.”

“You can't buy my sincerity! That is a hideous move!” his words were interspersed with laughter

“Okay, I will just choose it then.”

His silence was short, followed by a sequence of “What is it? What is it? What is it?”

“Getting a handful of these brings a joy you've never felt, but don't leave me in your pockets because I may melt! What am I?”

You said the riddle, waiting for his answer.

“You brought me chocolate?”

His voice didn't carry the joy you mentioned. Actually, suddenly C sounded down.

“You don't like chocolate? I bought you the cherry one, but I can give you another flavor or…”

"I can't do this. I can't, I can't, I can't…”

C's voice suddenly stopped with a loud thud in the background, making your whole body shiver. Your brain was so filled with uneasiness that you didn't realize where your legs were taking you. You broke the promise.

You had got up, running to his side of the shelf.

And once you were there, in your sight was the prince.

Well, he did have a crown.

But he also had fins, gills and scales.

An ocean green fish, a moorish idol looking like in a round aquarium ornate with gold. In tiny steps, you get closer and closer, seeing that his little left flipper had an even smaller pink scar.

“No! No, no, no, you gotta leave!” he said. The fish. C. Cove? You didn't even know how to refer to him.

“Do you…can I…do you want to be held?” you kept going forward and back, afraid of passing any limits.

Cove could only mutter, and once you saw a puddle on the floor you started to freak out, losing any common sense.

“It's okay! It's okay! I'm going to help you, cove” you got close enough to have his little bowl in your hands, trying to equilibrate him for no water leaking. “You gonna be okay, I promise”

And this promise, you intended to never break.

The night of Holden's ball came.

The last time the palace looked that illuminated and perfectly decorated was when the heir was born.

Walls with expensive fabrics, floral arrangements in every corner and crystal chandeliers adorned the entrance hall.

The principal saloon had a huge dance circle, a big table that went from end to end with an enormous variety of food, but what made it perfect for a party was the impeccable vitrales that the room had. No other place in Grimmwood could ever compare to the beauty of the Holden's windows.

In the left corner of the room, a white staircase resided, shaped like a C, and you need to be honest, a curved ladder gave a nice touch to the architecture.

Not that you could focus that much on the building. Going down the stars was the Prince, his ocean green hair was looked by a fish golden clip, his attire was on the finest finary: a white ruffle shirt decorated with a golden and red brooch, matching with dark pink trousers.

The Holden family got together for the pics, at Merlin's request.

The camera facing Cove, his father's arms around his shoulders and every single person's eyes on that room were on him, and he couldn't breathe. He suddenly couldn't breathe.

The young boy's smile faltered, and as soon as the flash went out, he left the room, going to the stairs to find refugees in his mother's personal library.

He missed the sound of steps behind him, Clifford was in his tail, following him with a worried look.

The boy reached the second floor, entering the first door he could find: his father's office.

“you know what? I can't do this anymore!” Cove cried out.

Cliff closed the door behind him, watching his son pace around the room.

“You are still the king you were before! Still an egotistical man!” Cove's hands move exasperatedly, all his body attempting to emphasize his despair “you still only seek glory!”

“You changed ever since the cursing! You are not the same with me.” Cove’s words got through his dad's skin, piercing his heart more deeply than any dagger could, making it seem easy to kill a beast. “You never looked at me again. Not truly.”

The ambient got quiet for a while, until faint sobs were heard.

The king was…crying?

“It was my fault. Your curse was mine to take upon.” Clifford couldn’t hide the aching in his voice “I left you for a couple of minutes, I told you to not touch the fallen rose, but you’re such a young and curious kid, and now you’re doomed to this suffering like once I was. I had my time to accept that my claws were claws, but how can I forgive that your little fingers would soon fade into such tight grips? That I couldn’t protect you like I was supposed to? Oh, Cove… I would rather have this kingdom succumb to ashes than see you face the mirror with fear. I had to do something, That’s what I’m researching. No magic is powerful enough to be unbreakable. Definitely not with the strength of my love.”

Cove’s mouth got dry, he didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t feel anything beside his burning eyes.

“Even for the pain that comes with being different, sometimes, I miss my ugliness, and I think that some people may miss it too.” The older Holden took a deep breath, looking through the stained-glass window. “It's easier to be hated and love for afar than let yourself experience any good thing that you sort yourself undeserving. I didn’t want you to ever feel what I did during those years.”

Clifford shocked his head, trying to focus on the topic and gather his thoughts.

“But none of this is ever an excuse for what I did to you. My fears and regrets are many but not one of them regards you… I mean, except for the absence ever since it happened. I’m sorry, Cove. I truly am.”

And that was the first time in a few pages that father and son looked at each other in the eyes, the first time they were in the same paragraph, paying attention and trying to understand the other's notes.

“I really apologize about that, my darling. The last thing that my monstrous heart wanted was to put you in any kind of pain.” Cliff gave a sad smile “I love you endless, from the tips of my claws to the end of my nose.”

“You don’t love me till the end of your forehead?”

“Well, considering that my thought was that the best for you was to not have me around to focus only on the cure, I suppose that my head isn’t the best place to receive love right now.”

Cove shrugged “I think that's what makes it the most needed place.”

The dad’s eyes watered once again “There is no creature that your heart couldn’t ever bend.”

You went outside, your legs and mind aching for a rest that only a comfortable bench in a silence garden could provide. You kept walking, looking at the ground once you saw the crying statue that the Holden palace had. You were afraid that looking at it for too long would make you cry too.

You wandered aimlessly, your feet passing through to the living gates without a care in the book, that was until your attention was caught. In front of you was a red poppy field, an impeccable courtyard that you couldn't take your eyes away from, lured to the shining petals.

“Don't touch them!”

You jumped, having his hands on your shoulders quickly, but the panic was soon gone, you recognized Cove's voice, only this time, you could also see him.

“Sorry, they are incredibly pretty” you apologize, even if his voice is nothing but worry for you.

“Yeah, the moon god has some mercy after all…” He said, not looking directly at you, but not able to face the flowers too.

“Thought that some fresh air would do some good.”

“Already cut your hair?” he moved his gaze to your head.

“Couldn't handle the sweat.” you laughed a little, smiling wider to him. “How long have you been here?”

“A little bit. Couldn't stay that long…”

“Well, you did try your beast.” you smiled, trying to catch his eyes.

He stopped for a minute, confused if you meant if or got a wrong letter. The prince gave the first true laugh of the night.

“The stars in the palace seem brighter than the ones in the city.” you commented, trying to keep the conversation going.

“Oh, these are not stars” the young boy smiled, and you realized that there was something even brighter than the constellations lighting up the place “they are firefly's in lanterns”

A garden seemed like a suitable place for both of you to talk, little by little Cove's roots and yours were intertwining and the silence that grew between you two served only to water the comfortable relationship.

Cove got up and stopped a few feets away from you —and the field—, swinging his body softly by hearing the melody from the party inside. He was looking you directly in the eyes for the first time. It was a night for a lot of first time's for him.

“Care to dance with me?” he gave you a shy smile.

“I can't hear anything, we can't dance without a song!” you said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

The young Holden stared at you in a funny way, you could almost see his brain searching for solutions. Until his lips started moving, he was singing?

He comes close to you, giving his hand in offer while making his own melody.

You chuckled, bowing slightly and accepting it, and found yourself in the same entranced feeling from before, but your sight was even more amusing and bright.

It started as a classic ballroom routine, but soon you entered the song making an energetic duet, twisting and turning around the garden, resulting in an exciting dance, as if the steps were engraved in both your minds.

The song got progressively lower, and once you and Cove came face-to-face, he approached your ear, in an barely audible voice, whispering

“more than anything."

#cove holden x reader #our life #cove holden cursed #our life: happily ever after #ol:ba #cove holden #our life beginnings & always #fairy tale au #itmighthavebeenlibrary #i also wanted to name it eclipse garden tbh #english is not my first language so forgive me for any mistakes #writing this instead of studying for my final exams #gb patch games #tw monarchy

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