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#long road till nightfall
lleldey · 1 year
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Love Is a Game: For Foolish Girls’ and Devils’ Plays
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Chapter 2: Love Is a Game: For Political Enemies
Word Count: ~ 10.7k+
Description: They say love is a game for fools; but how can you win a game, you never wished to be a part of?
We were always friends – or rather, two neighbouring countries king’s children, who were forced to be friendly with one and other, to avoid further war between our lands.
But somewhere in the space of time and laughs, the line between friends and politics disappeared;
Warning for the chapter: mentions of war, jealousy, angst, verbal fights, this is a yandere story, please keep that in mind. If any is missed, please tell me, so I can add them!  
Warnings for the series: mentions of war, yandere themes, blackmail, verbal fights, 18+, smut, blood, more will be added with time
!In no way of shape and form do I think this is how Jungkook acts in real life, this is pure work of fiction, so if you choose to read it, please keep that in mind!
The life of a princess. Smile, wave, never express your opinions, and smile once more for good measure.
Three actions that perfectly describes your past weeks. Now, that you’re officially the future Queen, you expected to be given more tasks, responsibilities, but in turn you were given more headaches.
You look over the scenery, wild forest stretches for miles, and sweet birds chirp their lullabies, you breathe in the fresh air. Three and a half weeks on the road, travelling from country to country, you relinquish the small stop, having the ability to stretch your muscles after days in the carriage.
Footsteps quickly approach you, and you turn to see Anthony, your assistant, nervously shuffle from foot to foot and deeply bow. His behavior slowly distinguishes your bead of hope, but still you hold on to what’s left of it, and ask “Any letters?”
The words leave your mouth in a hurry, and you wince from the pain in your cheeks; smiling for weeks on end has its consequences, now it not only feels as if you’re eating glass shards whenever you smile, but the sharp pain has managed to creep in whenever you open your mouth to speak. Muscle overstimulation, doctor said, but unfortunately that doesn’t stop your duties.
You sigh as he shakes his head. Three and a half weeks, and not a single word from him, you guess you deserve it, but now, when you’re more confused than ever, you need his support. Anthony takes a step forwards, and pulls an envelope from his jacket pocket, “But, Your Grace, there is another letter from Prince Jeon”
You carefully assess the outstretched letter, as if it will bite you if you move any closer. After the eventful conversation with your father, the Grand Tour was brought forward, and you left the following day. It wasn’t your choice, father’s trusted advisor, Felix, announced the news, and somehow you didn’t find a single bone in your body to repel against it.
You left in a hurry, mind occupied with thousand what ifs, and didn’t find the time, or rather want, to properly farewell Jungkook. He managed to grab a hold of you, just as you were about to aboard the carriage.
You still remember his confused gaze, trying to grab a hold of your coat, as you shied away from his touch with the excuse everyone was waiting on you. He must be confused, but then again, so are you. And you might be petty, but as of right now, you can’t seem to find anyone else to blame but him.
You look up at Anthony, “How long ‘till we arrive at Southern Andevia?” Anthony clumsily looks at his watch, and mutters “If we travel steadily, we might arrive before the nightfall.”
You hum, that should be in around four hours. You take a look at the carriage, and already dread to go back into the claustrophobic space, but you soothe yourself with the idea, that in less than a week you’ll be back in your bed.
“All right then, we should head off, no point wasting time.” You announce and grab the letter from Anthony’s hands. You tap the carriages door, and within a minute, you take off. A look to the back window makes you chuckle, how every worker stumbles upon their feet to quickly get into the cars.
How lucky they are, what wouldn’t you do to relax against the leather seats, but instead you have to represent the crown. You must shine, and be noticeable, smile and represent the title, even if your muscles scream in pain.
You put Jungkooks letter next to the other ones, ten to be precise. It is a mystery how he manages to track you down; each letter reaches you, and somehow, he manages to even call you.
How that is possible you don’t have a clue, as the phones were present only in some of the destinations, but unbeknownst to that, he not only knew where to find you, but also when. Your schedule was all over the place, and still he knew when you’d be by the reach. You guess being the prince has its own advantages.
On the other hand, father has managed to evade every possibility of contacting you, you’ve sent out at least 7 letters, and called him at every stop possible. But somehow no letter has gotten back to you, and even more so handy, he has been out of the palace every time you tried to call him.
You understand his disappointment in you, he has the validation to be angry, but what are you supposed to do? He prohibited any kind of contact with Jeons, but now he expects you to visit their Kingdom. Now, when you’ve met the tip of the iceberg of what they’re planning. How are you supposed to handle that?
You shake your head with a sigh and grab another sheet of paper. He can try and ignore you, but it doesn’t mean that you’ll let him do so in peace.
You feel foolish writing the letter, you know that with each one you seem more and more desperate, but what other choice do you have? You write the same message over and over, trying your hardest to not mention Jungkook or the documents, as to not anger him more.
Pen lingers before the paper, as you try to devise how to end the letter. Apparently nice doesn’t work, so you might as well be direct.
 I understand Your hurt, but unless Your desired outspring is to see our Kingdom in ruins, You must guide me. There are three nightfall’s before I depart on my journey to Kingdom of Bellum Sanguini, and I am sure King Jeon will not hassle if You take my position.
 You ponder of adding more, but is there any point if there’s no guarantee he will answer this time? So, you quickly sign off, and remind yourself to give the letter to Anthony first chance you get.
Three nightfall’s before you’re met with Jungkook and his father. Three nightfall’s for you to figure out a plan of action. You tear open the latest letter, to check if Jungkook’s attitude has changed. You notice how each letter gradually got shorter.
The first letter was long, two pages to be precise, and now you’ve somehow stepped onto the dangerous road. You’re met with three words, no more and no less. See you soon, greets you, and you know he is mad.
Perhaps damaging the only stable relationship with Jeons was the worst-case scenario, but you’ve no clue how else you could’ve handled the situation. Father prohibited any sort of contact with him, but you must admit, even if he didn’t, you’d still have no clue how to act.
Confronting him would be a sign of aggression and lying simply wouldn’t work. He knows you, perhaps better than you do yourself, and if you’d spit out a lie, he’d bite through it faster than the speed of light.
It’s pointless, there’s no right answer. You sigh and pick up the list of things you must go over with Namjoon, you might as well do at least this one thing right. After a while, words start to blend together, and with the last conscious thought you close the curtains before allowing the mental exhaustion to lull you to mindless dreams.
You wake as the carriage slowly comes to a stop. You open the curtains and see Namjoon’s white mansion in front of you. It’s definitely not a castle, but then again, he’s not a King. The exterior walls are decorated with Baroque elements, and you see Namjoon walking down the stairs with a big smile.
You pat your hair down and try to wake yourself from the sleep. The carriages door opens, and you quickly gather the papers together, before you step outside.
Namjoon comes towards you with outstretched arms, and lightly bows; you breathe a sigh of relief, as he kisses your hand in greetings. You try to smile in return, but judging by his laughter, you’re sure that the face you managed to pull, must remind more of a grimace, than a smile.
“Let me guess, muscle overstimulation?” he asks with his never dying smile, and you only grumble in dissatisfaction. “Oh, those good old days, what wouldn’t I do to go back.” Namjoon guides you to the manor, but before you step in, you hand Anthony the letter, and watch how he steps into a car and drives off.
“Well, as of right now, I’d do close to anything to fall into my own bed.” Namjoon only shakes his head and leads you throughout the bright halls. It’s as if the house is always full of daylight, no matter if the sky has fallen dark, the lights and bright walls shimmer, as if rays of sunlight cherish it.
“Believe me when I say, worst is yet to come, so I’d suggest you cherish it.” You look at him with a disapproving gaze, “Afterwards, you’ll start to make decisions, and you’ll see how the smiles of your people slowly start to fade. So, yes, cherish it, as it won’t last.”
You hum lost in your thoughts, a sense of truth clouds his words, and perhaps all of the mess Jungkook threw you in, won’t last. You hope that the media sees you as a shiny, new jewel needed to dissect only for now, and perhaps that was father’s plan all along. To divert the media from both of you, till they follow the next new trend, and leave your name free from the drama.
You stop in front of a door, and Namjoon turns towards you, “If you’re anything like me, then exhaustion must cripple your nerves. Get some rest, tomorrow will surely be eventful.”
You’re thankful for his consideration and caress his arm in gratitude. No words are exchanged, as you step into your temporary room. The bed looks so inviting, and you don’t waste any time removing your clothes, and climbing in it.
Before you close your eyes, you notice the telephone on the bedside table. Mindlessly you grab it, and with bated breath wait for the line to go through. A soft-spoken woman answers, probably one of the maids, and you ask her to redirect you to your father.
But of course, the answer doesn’t differ, “Pardon me, Your Grace, but The King has retired for the night,” you close your eyes and sigh, of course he has, “Would you like me to awaken him-” you hear her voice shake, and quickly interrupt her,
“No, no, but please do tell him to call me first thing in the morning.” You hear her stutter some more, but at this point you can’t be bothered, and put the telephone down.
You feel tears well up in the corner of your eye; this is not how you expected everything to go. Suddenly father hates you, all that everyone associates you with is Jungkook, your only task is to smile and learn some pointless cards of what each leader likes, so there’s no awkward pauses, as well as political phrases you have to mention. Phrases that you’re too dumb to even fully understand.
But worst of all, you’ve no one to talk to.
You try to calm your breath and get yourself together. Sleep seems as the only escape you’ll be given any time soon, so with a shaking breath you close your eyes and imagine simpler times. It seems unfair how life manages to turn 180 and you’ve no control of it.
Jeon Jungkook, the root of your problems. But also, your friend. You desperately want to scream and curse him, yet at the same time hide in his embrace, and cry out all of your fears and hurt. How can you cherish someone with all of your heart yet blame them for burning the ground you walk on.
Quickly you realize that there’s no space for emotions or problems within your duties. You must get up and smile, as if the world spins in perfect circles. Millions of people depend on you, and if they sense that something is amiss, your problems quickly become their own.
The only problem lies in the fact, that your duties aren’t nine-to-five, rather, they never stop. The only time when you’re truly free, is when you’re alone. And the thought disturbs your mental peace further, because when you’re lost within you, sitting alone with your thoughts only pushes you further in.
So, fake it till you make it quickly becomes your moto. It’s not hard to greet the maids with a smile, when you convince yourself that everything is indeed all right. To a certain degree life seems simpler when you walk around with no care in the world.
Memorizing the dreadful phrases seems even fun, and you feel a sense of lightness as you step into the dining area, cheerfully greeting the owner of the manor himself.
“Someone’s woken up refreshed” Namjoon notes as he watches you over the newspaper. You step closer to the table, and notice newspapers spread all over the table. One piques your interest, as you recognize it to be your Kingdoms national ‘paper, and on the front your father visiting a local school. Apparently, he has enough time for that.
You move your attention to Namjoon, and sit in front of him, “Indeed, I thought over your words last night, and concluded that I might as well enjoy the time before everyone hates me”
Namjoon lightly tsks, and you stop a servant, before they start to plate your food. You select your breakfast dish and sit back, might as well rip the band aid off quickly, “Your country exports gas, if I’m not mistaken?”
He puts the newspaper down and hums in agreement before he digs in his own plate, “My Kingdom would like to draw an agreement to start importing it from your country.” Namjoon stops eating and looks at you with a complatating gaze, silence slowly overtakes the room, and you start eating, while awaiting his response.  
“Isn’t your supplier the Jeon Kingdom?” now is your turn to hum, if you’re completely honest, you’re not sure, but at this moment you guess, that he probably knows more, so you roll with it.
“Think of it as diversifying.” You point at him with your fork. The man picks at his food and continues, now in a lighter tone, “We do use natural gas, so it would be better for your country.”
You nod your head, trying to follow his words, “It would be great business, and in the end both of us would be winners,” Namjoon crosses his arms, as he munches on a pickle, “Have your representatives send us the contract, it will take time, but I don’t see any obstacles getting in the way.”
You sigh in relief, and mentally tick off one of the points. You raise your orange juice glass, and cinque it with Namjoon’s, and the conversation falls into mindless chats, as you enjoy your breakfast.
“What’s today’s agenda?”
“We’ll visit the center, and the Monument of Freedom. So, prepare yourself for couple of smiles and hand shaking.” You hum in acknowledgment, there will probably be quite a bit of paparazzies, and subconsciously you start massaging your cheeks. Thankfully the pain isn’t unbearable today.
A servant comes up to Namjoon, and whispers something in his ear, you watch in wonder how Namjoon straightens his back and professionally responded, “Of course, tell him I’ll join him in my office in five.”
Both of you watch how the servant sprinted out of the dining area, and Namjoon turns towards you with a smile, “Hope you don’t mind if we have additional company” you smile back and shake your head, wondering if Namjoons father decided to join you, you haven’t seen him in a while.
“Of course not, additional company is always welcomed” Namjoons winning smile and small tutt makes you respond with a raised eyebrow, “And here I was, hoping, that my company is all you needed”
You giggle at his words, his proud smirk only furthering your laughter. Namjoons presence gives you a sense of carefree safety, which God knows you missed out on during the last couple of weeks. You sit back and as you’re ready to respond, the door opens once more, but the awaited maid is replaced by a dark silhouette, one with whom you’re awfully familiar with.
Your body feels frozen, and you watch in shock how Jungkook strikes in with the maid nervously following behind. Your eyes meet, and the light tilt of his head combined with his clenched jaw makes you slide deeper into the chair.
Namjoon rises sharply from the chair to greet him, but you can’t take your gaze away from him, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. Jungkook reluctantly looks at Namjoon and nods his head when he bows to him.
“Prince Jungkook, pleasure to see you” they shake hands, and Jungkook only hums before his gaze glides back to you. You take a deep breathe and stand up. Act normal, he’s your friend, everything is alright.
“Prince Jungkook” You smile (or rather grimace) and put out your hand for a handshake. He gazes at it with furrowed brows and takes it in his own. “Reagan” he firmly says and kisses your knuckles. Startled, you quickly take it back, and awkwardly cough and look at Namjoon.
He watches the interaction with clear confusion etched across his face. You feel Jungkooks eyes burning daggers in your head, as if mentally screaming and demanding you to look at him. The situation is saved by Namjoon, as he coughs and asks, “I expected to meet you in my office?”
You nod your head along his words, like your life depended on it, and hear Jungkook speak, “Pardon me, didn’t want to disturb your breakfast, so decided to join you.” You still feel his gaze on the side of your face.
You take this as your que and quickly interrupt before Namjoon manages to respond, “Perfect, we just finished, and I should go ahead and get ready for my busy day” you put pressure on the word, to make sure he doesn’t get any funny ideas.
You excuse yourself and mutter to Namjoon to meet you in an hour and quickly leave the room. You manage to breath a sigh of relief and walk towards your room. Jungkook completely caught you off-guard, you had been preparing yourself for the unavoidable meeting, but now that he’s here, your heart beats faster in nervousness.
Now his last letter makes sense, you only wish he would’ve explained just how soon you were to meet. The thought lays heavy in your head, and now you think over every possibility and option, cursing your past self, for ignoring him.
You’ll have to act as normal as possible, while at the same time keeping space from him. Is that even possible? You open your rooms door, only to be met with Anthony in the middle of it. Once he noted you, he stood tall and proudly bowed down to you.
You look at him with a questioning gaze, and ask, “Anthony, I don’t recall calling for you?” he only steps closer to you, and for a second you swear, you see his upper lip tremble along with his mustache. “Your Grace, I just wanted to say there’s not any letters from Kingdom of Otium Lepor.”
You sigh at the revelation, now even if he does suddenly change his mind, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the message in time. “Any calls?” you ask with the last reminding hope, only for it to distinguish when Anthony shakes his head.
You don’t wait for him to continue and raise your hand, “You’re dismissed.”
The maids helped you to get ready, while all you could think of is what to say to him. He would probably understand if you said that you were busy and tired, right? But then again, it sounds like bulshit even to you. Even more so, if he was at father’s palace when you started sending letters, it would look really bad.
The wintertime was coming, and you’re thankful for the wool dress that keeps your body warm. You wait for Namjoon at the entrance of the manor, and enjoy the mix of orange and red leaves, and the delicate sun rays, that caress your skin.
You hear muffled sounds behind you, and you turn, expecting to see Namjoon, only for him to be accompanied by the one you’re trying to avoid. “Oh, Reagan!” Namjoon hurries his steps towards you, “Prince Jungkook will accompany us today, as it would improve our nations relationship.”
You look at him lip tight and nod your head. Wonder whose idea might that be. “Alright then, you should head off first, I’ll follow closely behind.” Namjoon interrupts, “Follow?”
You look at him chin held high and confidence oozing from your body, “Yes, it would be improper for an unwed lady to arrive in the same carriage with two men”
Jungkook slowly shakes his head and his tongue rolls against his cheek, “Because we don’t act like children anymore, right?”
Now, what’s that supposed to mean?
You tilt your head with squinted eyes, and step aside so they could move past you. Perhaps he doesn’t say much, but still, it’s more than enough to leave the memo behind. You watch how their carriage drives off, and slowly step into your own.
If beforehand you comforted yourself with the idea that within a mere week everything would be over, now the glooming week seems like an eternity.
You look out the window, and wave to Namjoon’s people, who await you on the streets. You sigh a breath of relief, seeing how everyone smiles, and children jump up and down, trying to get a better sight of you.
The action calms you, somehow his country remind you of your own, previous weeks engraving how happy your own people are, singing songs, throwing flowers, and welcoming you with open arms.
Carriage stops and the door opens, you climb down and feel the wave of cheers embrace you. You find Namjoon and move towards him, all while smiling and waving to the crowd. Flowers are thrown from left to right and over your head, the occasional flashes of cameras paint your vision bright.
Your try to widen your smile once you’re in front of Namjoon, both of your turning to the crowd and waiving politely. Discreetly you try to find Jungkook, only for him to be as stoic and cold as possible couple of meters away from you.
You see him move closer to you, and unnoticeably move to the other side of Namjoon, so he would have no other choice but to walk next to him. Namjoon leans down to your ears, and instantly couple more flashes blind you, “We’ll walk to the monument, it’s not too far.”
You nod, all while continuously waiving. The streets even remind you of your home, the exterior, and warm colors making you feel safe and secure.
The crowd seemingly follows you, and you find yourself in front of the monument. It truly looks the same as the one in your Kingdom, the proud memorial was built decades ago, in most of the countries that suffered greatly from the war, symbolic reminder of the united pain and suffering, as well as what could’ve been. You look towards Anthony, and he brings you a bouquet of flowers which you rest near the monument.
A silence takes over the space, as you bow your head and think over the painful past. Even the crowd goes silent for the minute, only occasional flash going off. You feel Namjoon moving, and mindlessly follow him towards the microphone, and stay put by him, as he addresses the crowd,
“Today we welcome our allies and friends into our country,” you smile, as the crowd cheers, “and I am truly honored to guest Prince Jungkook and Princess Reagan and show them around our proud country.”
“It is the will of God, that now, decades later, we are able to stand by one another, and relish the strength that comes with union. Let’s welcome our friends, and build our future stronger, together.” Crowd claps profusely at his words, and you smile in regards, when you hear your name chanted.
The tree of your move closer for a picture, and the cameras goes off, when you’re in touching distance one to another. As you’re about to move further, you hear the crowd shouting more prominently, and you train your ears to listen in with a confused smile.
Soon the crowd chants in unison, and you shudder a breath, once you realize what they’re saying. Frozen you watch how Jungkook comes closer to you, to comply their wishes. Your smile is stretched on your face, and you hope they don’t pick up on how tense is your body.
You look towards Namjoon in search for help, but he steps away for Jungkook to come closer to you. Mentally you curse, this is the last thing you needed; you feel Jungkooks hand around your middle, and flashes overwhelm your vision.
You feel lightheaded, the force of the cameras and shouts hurting your brain. This must be why father denied any contact with Jungkook – that’s the only thing everyone can focus on, your mission, or your lone existence completely forgotten. Now it’s just ‘you and Jungkook’, and ‘we’. Banners which previously you didn’t mind, whereas now thread lightly against.
Father will receive the photos best case tomorrow morning; at this point you’re just waiting for him to disown you. He’s already ignoring you as it is, and now he’ll think you consciously go against his will.
His hand around your waist doesn’t comfort you as it once did, now it feels more like a stake driven into the ground. Even worse so, you know how improper his actions are, he’s not supposed to touch you, you’re in public, yet once again – rules don’t include him, right?
You detach yourself from him after a couple of seconds, and quickly go back to Namjoon, asking him to move forwards.
The whole day is spent like this, Jungkook trying to catch a hold of you, using publics demand as his motive, whereas you run around in circles, trying to distance yourself yet seem busy. Crowd is your biggest lifeboat, you cling to them, shake their hands, and accept flowers.
Meanwhile the people don’t seem like your saving grace no longer, almost all of the questions thrown at you center around the same thing, and you train your hearing to figure out if he receives the same attention.
But you’re soon perplexed, when you see him not interacting with the crowd, simply walking in the middle of the street, occasionally waiving. No smile, no pleasantries, just him in his usual public persona, walking, arms crossed over his back.
The streets are livelier than ever, autumns wind unnoticeable, as the sun paints the pathways golden. You wonder if your people would act the same, touring your own Kingdom, you didn’t manage to converse with them, only waiving from the carriage and talking with the city’s government.
So, when the carriage finally stops at the manor, you don’t even feel the hurt of your cheeks, the mental overstimulation left your body lifeless.
You hear the door open, but you can’t make your muscles moves, the dark of your closed eyes being more welcoming. Tomorrow you’ll be departing to his Kingdom, and if you’re being honest, at this point you’re truly scared. The looming threat overhead, father’s anger, everyone’s attention, and Jungkooks intrusive presence. Not even to mention that this is the first time anyone has been invited to travel to their Kingdom in decades.
The pressure is sizzling, and you open your eyes only when someone coughs at the door. The poor doorman probably thought that you were asleep. You exist all while apologizing and climb up the stairs. The hours of walking around in shoes now paying back, the heels of your feet aching with each step.
You walk in and move towards your room; you’re stopped by a shout of your name behind you. You turn and watch how Namjoon lightly jogs towards you, “Princess” he repeats one more time, as he stops next to you.
You smile at him expectantly, awaiting his next words, “I was wondering if you’d like to dine with me” you start to deny his offer, the day exhausted you, and the thought of lying in the bed seemed far more appealing.
Namjoon quickly shakes his head, and lightly taps his forehead, “Let me rephrase that,” he starts, “You seem exhausted, perhaps you’d like to share a cup of wine and relax?” The hopeful glaze in his eyes made it hard to refuse, and even more so, a glass of wine does sound appealing.
You pursue your lips, and try to keep your face as serious as possible, “Are you saying I look bad, Mr. Kim?”
In silent glee you watch the stressed look over his face, how he stutters and franticly moves his hands while trying to gather his thoughts.
You intertwine your hands and tiredly chuckle, extinguishing his doubt, “It would be a shame to refuse a cup of wine.”
The smile that blooms across Namjoons face makes you giggle, and you shove his arm, asking him to show you the direction. The whole way Namjoon keeps pouting about your antiques, apparently you almost gave the poor man a heart attack.
You walk to a more secluded part of his manor, the baroque elements on the walls slowly disappearing, but they are replaced with modern artworks. You carefully assess the artworks as you slowly pass by them, some of the artists you recognize.
Namjoon notices the drift in your attention, and bashfully rans his finger through his hair, “You could say that this is somewhat my personal space,” you simply hum in approval, not taking your gaze away from the paintings, until you’re forced to.
Namjoon guides you to left, and for a second you stand and take in the view. The room is sort of a veranda, glass walls overlooking the dark garden with candles lining against them. The space isn’t grandeur, but it makes it feel homey.
Dark wooden bookcases against the walls, and plush couches filled with pillows and blankets. You move towards them and notice the vine and plate of cheese and grapes on the coffee table. You take a set on the couch and sink into the velvety material; Namjoon sits next to you.
“I tend to come here after a stressful day, it’s secluded and gives time to relax and think.” You hum and take the glass Namjoon fills for you. “I can imagine, was the veranda here before you moved in?” you can’t envisage that; the interior so drastic from the rest of the house, wooden floors and ceilings, a sort of a room from a fairytale.
“No, no, I built it after father left the manor. The house seemed like another workspace.” That is indeed true, even for you your palace is overwhelming at times, and a safe space is vital, even if it’s your garden with chickens.
“How is it, walking in the footprints of your father? Does it not overwhelm you?” you turn towards him, the thought has occupied your mind for a while, finding yourself in similar positions. At the end of the day, his father was the president for years before Namjoon, like some sort of family title passed through generations.
“At first it was overwhelming, I didn’t know what to do, and felt like I was disappointing everyone, especially after my father” you hum, and subconsciously tuck your feet under the dress, relaxing against the couch, now fully facing him.
“But then I started to get the hang of it, it’s not too challenging, but you do have to be on your vits, and public’s opinion can’t influence your decision making too much.” You nod and think over how successful he has been at his role.
Kim family now is valued close to your equal, rulers think highly of them, and their two cents are always taken into consideration. A valuable alliance indeed.
“I hope you’re right; I have been at my duties only for couple of weeks, and already feel like I’m falling under every criteria possible.” You swirl the wine around in your glass and hear a distant hum from Namjoon.
“Is that why you’re stressed?” you move your head left to right, not sure which answer to commit to. “Partly, yes. Seems like every decision I make couldn’t possibly be worse.”
Namjoon opens his mouth lost in thought, as if thinking over his next words, “Today at the center,” he carefully starts, “I noted some tension between you and Prince Jeon.” He looks up at you, and you quickly move your gaze down, “Might that be one of the reasons why?”
You sigh. Guess it’s unavoidable that he noticed something, after all you did spend the whole day together.
“You could say so” is all you manage to mumble, the whole situation too hard to explain, even less so, when you know you shouldn’t enclose any details.
Namjoon runs his hand through his hair, and lightly chuckles, “I expected to be the third wheel as always, but today you were basically glued to my side the whole day.” You groan at how obvious your actions were and hide your face in your hands.
“Please don’t mention that” Namjoon continues to chuckle at your behavior, and pats your head to calm you, “No worries, I enjoyed the company.”
Comfortable silence takes over the space, and you munch on a piece of cheese while looking at the garden. His previous words swim in your mind, and you wonder if public noticed that as well.
“Reagan,” Namjoon starts, and you turn your head in surprise. Both of you stare at each other with widened eyes, until Namjoon clears his throat, “I didn’t mean to overstep any boundaries-” Now it’s your turn to cut him off, “I don’t mind, just a bit unexpected is all.” You smile and watch how his face lights up as well.
Not many people called you by your birth name, to be fair you can think of only three – parents and Jungkook. But then again, it was a long time coming, you and Namjoon have been friends since childhood.
You smile as he repeats your name once more, the word sounds nice rolling from his tongue, “I wanted to apologize for inviting Jungkook with us, I didn’t fully know the situation, but I could’ve gathered just by the morning alone.”
You shake your head, it wasn’t his fault, he didn’t know and even more so – he’s a ruler, and that should be his priority, establishing good relationship with the threatening countries should be his priority.
But you have to admit, it feels nice for someone to be so thoughtful.
“On that note, I thought he was supposed to visit you in a month...?” your statement is more like a question, you quite visibly remember how he spoke of that at your celebration.
Namjoon simply shrugs his shoulders, the same question lingering in his eyes, “Not sure myself, we received the letter only previous night, so it wasn’t preplanned.” That reminds you how Jungkook always knew your schedule even as children, and a lingering thought enters your mind – did he do so to specifically meet you?
“I do have to admit though,” Namjoon fills both of your cups once more, “Secretly, I’m glad you’re here with me. I almost had a heart attack when I was left with him alone.” Laugh escapes you as you imagine the scene, Namjoon clumsily trying to stutter a sentence, while Jungkook stares him down with utter disinterest. Wouldn’t be the first time.
“Oh, I believe that. He can be very intimidating when he wishes to.” You giggle and sip your wine, “I guess being the scary princes only friend isn’t an easy job” Namjoon murmurs and you’re close to rolling your eyes.
“If you only knew,” you look at him and the agonizing month almost spills from your lips. The atmosphere, him, everything seems so cozy and safe; and the heavy burden on your shoulders suddenly seems overpowering.
Perhaps he’d understand, not as your political alliance, but as your friend. A friend, something you’ve missed most of all. And the truth slowly spills, “We didn’t necessarily fight,” Namjoon leans in closer, certainly interested “I received some information, of what he’s been doing behind my back, and-”
You hear the door open behind you, and you watch how the name of the hour walks in. He stops by the door, and takes the scene in. With a raised eyebrow he walks closer to you, and his gaze drifts towards the table, the open wine bottle and snacks staring daggers right back at him.
You feel his gaze on you, and you don’t have a heart to look back. Uncomfortable, you change your position, and sit straight, quickly finding your shoes on the floor. “Maids said I could find you here. Am I disrupting something?” he asks Namjoon, yet you can’t stop the feeling he’s addressing you.
The heavy burden seeps back under your skin, and you understand how wrong the situation at hand may look. You wince at the thought, he has never liked Namjoon, and here he’s caught you both in space that may as well look romantic – oblivious to the fact that most of the conversation centered around him.
You feel ashamed, and you’re not even sure why, perhaps it’s his gaze, that feels threatening and accusing, or perhaps you’re projecting your own feelings. You and Jungkook are platonic, both of you agreed on that, and yet, something feels drastically different.
Namjoon shifts besides you, and you steal a glance at him, lost of any words. He seems to understand the situation well as he meets you gaze with a faux smile, “Not at all, we were just discussing some future plans and alliances.”
He’s trying to safe the predicament, and you’re thankful, but Jungkooks darkening tone screams that he doesn’t believe a word coming out of Namjoon’s mouth.
“Like?” only one word, but the emotion behind it so powerful. You’re not sure if Namjoon notices, but you sure do; you naturally notice the changes in his mood, something you’ve picked up on during all these years.
But nonetheless, Namjoon responds positively, “Well, we’re planning on starting to import gas from my country, a great opportunity for both of us!” He smiles at you, and you try to grin back. But deep down you prepare for Jungkooks berating questions, Namjoon truly tried, but somehow, he manages to make the situation worse.
You sense the doom coming over and feel as its now the best time to leave. You get up, only to be blocked by Jungkooks body, him standing right in front of you, preventing the only possibility of exit.
“Why would you do that? You’ve Jeon energy. If you need more, that’s of no problem” his energy feels heavy, and you cough, trying to signal for him to move. But he doesn’t do so, and you look at him slightly irritated. He sure does know how to tickle your nerves.
The irritation swells, as you look directly in his eyes, and say your previously practiced answer, “Diversifying” but his challenging gaze spurs a sense of defiance in you; why exactly is he challenging you? Both today at the center and now, making sure you can’t escape his presence no matter how hard you try.
“Even more so, every contract has it’s end, so there shouldn’t be any problem with that” you can’t help but bite back, give him the option, and he’ll fine how to get under your nerves. Even now, he doesn’t say anything, but his lone presence ticks you.
The clenched jaw and scrunched eyes just waiting for what you’ve to say, and he knows he manages to irk you, you even think he enjoys it, as his eyes glaze with a sense of mocking delight.
You push past him, and move towards the door, only stopping when he speaks over his shoulders, “Then let me recommend you take another look at the agreement”
Your eyebrow ticks, and you slowly move around to assess his words, his tone doesn’t feel threatening, nothing about him seems dangerous, but could it be possible that his humorous tone hides more menace?
Two can play this game, if he wants to ridicule you, you’ll make sure his delight doesn’t last long; he’s not the only one who knows how to get under one’s skin.
So, you put on the best smile you can gather, and walk towards them, close enough for your dress to graze his skin before you move towards Namjoon, who, bare his soul, looks extremely concerned and alarmed.
“Namjoon,” you sweetly sing along his name, “it was truly a pleasure to spend so much time together,” you pat his shoulder, and smile, “thank you for organizing this beautiful getaway, we most certainly should repeat it first thing I return from Jeon Kingdom.”
You hum once Namjoon takes your hand in his and lightly caresses, “Reagan” is all he manages to mutter in silent agreement. You train your ears to hear Jungkook behind you, but he doesn’t move a single muscle, only calculates your words and movements.
You detach your hands and turn around, and with high ignorance look at Jungkook, and enjoy how his face has contoured into a blank space. “Prince Jungkook” mockingly you incline your head, resembling the smallest bit of a bow, and stride right past him towards the door.
You don’t stop to hear what they’re saying, just stride as fast as you can to your room, praying to God you won’t get lost in these halls. The momentum of pride has extinguished, and now you hurry your steps and mentally hit your head against the wall.
Truthfully this is the last thing you needed, you promised to be civil, to try and act clueless of the documents father gave you, Jungkooks letters and the night you shared. But here you are, acting like a child. You’ll have to spend days with him, with no way of refusal. Yet still you manage to make everything worse.
Once you see the door to your bedroom, a sigh of relief escapes you, and with your one last braincell, you stop and look at the guard by your door, “Do not let anyone in, I don’t want to be disturbed till the morning.”
He doesn’t respond just bows his head, and you quickly shut the door. You move to the vanity to get ready for the night and drag your hands over your face. This is a mess, why did your father let you do this all on your own.
You swear Jungkook brings out the worst in you, how he manages to make you feel like the most loved girl one second, and the next bring your blood to boil, is out of your hands. You can’t figure it out, and now you stare in the mirror and swear, usually you don’t act like this. You don’t let your emotions get the best of you, but then why can’t you manage to do anything but let your emotions guide you?
You look tired, and are those small wrinkles decorating your forehead? Honestly, you wouldn’t be surprised, you’ve frowned more during the past weeks than you’ve in your whole life.
You massage a cream on your face and mourn the next couple of days; you’ll be forced to be in the same space as Jungkook for days on end, and on top of all – you’ll have to be at your best behavior.
If there’s one thing that father made you know, is that this visit is crucial, and no mistakes will be forgiven. The nightgown falls on your shoulders, and you’re ready to climb in the bed, till you hear commotion outside of the door.
It’s him, you distinctly hear Jungkooks voice, and by the sounds of it, the guard is blocking him from barging into your room. You thank yourself for asking the guard to not let anyone in and try to move as silently as possible towards the bed, making sure to overstep any creaking board.
You throw the blanket over yourself, it certainly has been longer than a minute, and yet you still hear Jungkooks voice loud and clear. You close your eyes and hope that the guard doesn’t fall under the pressure, you know how pursuing Jungkook can be when he wishes to.
Jungkook curses and you hear a bang against the door. You close your eyes trying to forget about everything, and silence falls over the space. Your knuckles grow stiff over the blanket, and you’re not sure if the silence unnerves you even more.
The night passes swiftly, you feel as if you haven’t slept more than 30 minutes before maids come to wake you up. You’re lost in your thoughts as they braid your hair and help to dress you. It will be a long road and the knowledge calms you, hopefully by then you’ll manage to get yourself together and figure out a strategy.
You walk down the hall and feel another body accompanying you. You turn your head to see Jungkook walking next to you, and sigh, first thing in the morning, but you still don’t have any peace from him.
“Jungkook” curtly you acknowledge him without stopping. His hand grabs yours and pulls you to a stop, annoyed you look up at him. His face isn’t colored in anger like it was yesterday, but you wait for him to start the same song all over again.
But it doesn’t come, rather he looks at you confused, and with uncertainty asks, “Reagan, what is going on?” Sincerity clouds his words, and for a second you feel a sense of pity, yesterdays threatening tone is gone, but it doesn’t change his previous motives.
“You tell me,” You mutter with a hard gaze, “What was that yesterday? Storming in and threatening around? Almost barging into my room like a mad man?” you try to keep your voice down, and discreetly look around if no one hears you, but still, you can’t help but bite each word out, yesterday’s anger still present.
He looks at you and ticks his head, “What else was I supposed to do? You completely shut me out and out of a sudden you’re on romantic engagements with Kim” he pauses and searches your eyes for an answer.
He opens his mouth to continue, but you cut him off, “What did you expect me to do? If I wanted to speak with you, I would’ve answered. But that of course doesn’t suit you, as ‘no’ doesn’t exist in your books, right?” you quote your fingers with a humorless laugh, and watch how his blank expression slowly turns red.
“So, suddenly it’s my fault? You decide to ignore me, might I add without a reason, and I’m at-”, you don’t let him finish the sentence, “You know I have my reasons, stop acting clueless, it doesn’t work with me.”
“Like what?” you manage to bite your tongue before you spill the conversation with father, and massage your temples, “Exactly, nothing. And here you are, putting blame on me for reaching out.”
“Reaching out?” astonished you look at him, “Since when reaching out is banging at my door and following me?” he starts to speak, but you can’t find a reason to listen, “So, that is the problem? Me wanting to figure out why you can’t do as much as look at me?”
“You don’t listen. I can, but I don’t want to” you feel your heartbeat in your ears, and your hands shake from the excessive emotions pouring out. “But you do want to look in Kims eyes, hm?” you see a vein popping out on his forehead.
“Don’t involve him in this” Jungkooks antics tickle your nerves, and call it what you want, but you won’t let him slander Namjoon. “Such a defender. I thought I made it clear to not mingle with white noise.”
“He’s my friend” you bite back, only for Jungkook to smirk back, “Is he now? Couple of weeks ago you couldn’t take your eyes off of me, even when he chased after your attention” he presses his fingers on your jaw, and you shake off his touch.
“Don’t bring that up” defensively you respond, and the dark shadows dance further across his face, “So, the night you oh, so passionately spent entangled in my arms is suddenly reduced to ‘that’?”
You cut him off with fire behind your words, “The night where we were drunk and acted childish” Jungkook only laughs at your rebuttal, “Childish? What do you call this then?” you gasp and shove his shoulders, but he’s not finished, and you feel your ears burn “’Cause I know very well you enjoyed every second of it.”
“Childish is you running around and enjoying watching me suffer because of your actions” you point your finger at him and feel your shoulders aggressively moving up and down. No longer you care if you’re shouting, too immersed in the conversation.
“Suffer? Enlighten me, how exactly do you suffer because of me? All that I’ve ever done is help-” you flail your hand around, “You never help anyone. All that you think about is yourself-”
“Myself?” Jungkook raises his voice, “Yes! Admit it, you’re delighted that all anyone associates me with is you”
“You’re reaching. Perhaps stop pointing the finger at anything else than truth. We slept together, both of us enjoyed it. Why so suddenly it became a problem?”
Too immersed in the shouting, and cutting one another off, you didn’t realize presence besides you. Only when the said person awkwardly coughs, both of you jerk your heads to the culprit.
Anthony stands very uncomfortable before you, and before he manages to utter a word, Jungkook harshly says, “Leave.” He turns back to you, and you feel your body physically shake from all the rage inside of you, “Don’t speak to him like that” you shove your finger in his chest.
“Oh, I’ll speak however I wish to” you huff and turn your gaze back to Anthony, who scrambles to quickly bow and stutter out, “Princess, an unexpected visit from palace has arrived”
You turn your body towards him, and rush closer while rapidly asking, “Did father come?” You don’t await the answer and rush down the hall, internally jumping in relief that father finally listened to your pleas.
You made up your mind, if it comes to it, you’ll beg father to take your place. You don’t want to take a step into Jungkooks Kingdom, especially after the last 10 minutes. Your steps falter, and silently you curse that you didn’t await Anthony to finish his sentence.
You’ve no clue where to go, and distinctly you hear steps somewhere behind you, but as you turn no one is there. You train your ears, and follow the sounds from somewhere else, rushing as quick as you can till you see servants gathering around in the hall.
But your relief is short-lived. The person before you isn’t father, and your shoulders sink once you realize who it is. Felix, father’s advisor. Also, the person who can’t look you in the eye without a scoff to his face.
You clear your voice and straighten your back, trying to forget the disappointment of your father not being here. You paint a smile on your face and move closer to him.
The man has always disliked you for reasons unbeknownst to you, even now it’s obvious. The second you’re in his vision, the pleasant smile on his face wears off, and a frown overtakes his aged facial features.
“Mr. Lancaster. Pleasure of you to join us.” You smile to your best ability and note how he curtly bows his head. You turn to acknowledge Namjoon, who by the looks of it welcomed the sudden visitor.
“Princess, might we talk in private?” Felix’s gruff voice addresses you, and you curtly nod, and step aside to follow his steps. Before you manage to exit the hall, you find Jungkook and Anthony in front of you.
Curiously you watch how Felix’s face sours even further, if you thought you had a problem with displaying your emotions, then you were welcomed by an awakening. You watch how both men assess one another, both looking equally surprised by others presence.
“Prince” is all that Felix mutters and with the same curt bow moves right pass them. Your gaze meets Jungkooks for a second, and you think he notices how uneasy you feel, as his eyes soften a tiny bit.
But you have no time to overthink him, as you move fast to catch up with Felix. The man makes you feel like you’re under inspection, the way he grumbles to himself with every step, and shakes his head only makes you feel more uneasy.
Your skin prickles with goosebumps, the air around you tense, filled with the occasional thud of his cane and grumbles. The bright hallway seems suffocating, as you ponder over the silence that has fallen between you.  
You try to remember that between you two, you’re in command, and he’s just one of your subjects. But his history in politics and close relations with your father makes you feel severely outranked.
“How was your journey, Mr. Lancaster? Did father send you?” you try to break the ice, but no intelligible response awaits you, he simply continues to grumble to himself.
You try to swallow down the light disrespect, but you already wish for the conversation to be over with before it has even started. Felix turns into one of the rooms, and you follow him. It’s some kind of a small library, the room no bigger than a storage, and yet the walls filled with books.
You turn to Felix and watch how he starts to speak but stops himself; he walks back to the door, and yanks it open, looking from side to side. Confusion doesn’t fully reach how you feel, is he checking if someone’s listening in?
Satisfied he closes the door and doesn’t wait a second before he starts berating you, “You foolish girl”, taken aback you stare at him as he throws venom in your face, “you not only compromise the safety of our Kingdom, but are careless enough to sit in your offence” his tone shakes you, and for a second you wonder who’s the ruler here.
“Such recklessness I have never before experienced!” he continues to reprimand you, and you feel defensive, how can he talk to you like that? He’s not your father, and for the matter of fact you’re his superior.
“I’m careless?” you close to shout while pointing at yourself, “I am not the one who sticks their head in ground because they’re offended!” the man in front of you lets out the most disgusting laugh, cackling as he loses his breath.
“Is that the case princess? Because if it were true, I wouldn’t be here.” He grumbles and you wonder if a person is capable of scrunching their face more than this man. “You’re a child, who’s playing with fire, thinking they’re God.”
You shake your head in disbelief, where all of this is coming from, you’re clueless. He has insulted you more than anyone beforehand, and you feel the previous spark of anger delight you once more.
“Says the man, who can’t see when to step down. Prime minister for 20 years, yet unelected three times in a row. Hanging on a loose threat by my father’s side, who’s too kind to let you run back on the streets.” You watch how he’s taken aback, and for a second feel triumphal, finally the crude man takes a second to overthink his next words.
“Just like I said,” he points his cane at you, “clueless child who’s fully unequipped for the role.”
You stare him down and mutter, “I would be very careful of your next words, sir.” He shakes his head, and you clench your jaw, “Would you disagree? Is this a way a princess presents herself?”
“If I’m so unprepared why didn’t father take my place?” Felix shakes his head, as if the man’s too stunned at your stupidity to respond, “If you took your time to answer one of the letters, then perhaps he would be here indeed.”
You stare in shock before a loud unhumorous laugh escapes you, “I wrote him letters almost every day, not to mention calling. You cannot punish me for his ignorance.”
“What?” he turns to you with an agape mouth, “You’ve sent him letters?” you curtly nod, “Almost every day, and might I say, without a response.”
You watch how Felix falls under panic, and you stand back unsure of what to do, “We have a snitch,” he walks around while shaking his head, “You said you called?” slowly you nod, unsure of what to do.
“They must be in the castle” he grumbles under breath, and carefully ask, “Perhaps it would be better if father takes my place?” to which Felix dismisses you with his hand, “That’s what they want. For both lawful rulers to abandon their Kingdom. To attack at the weakest link.”
“Well, what do I do?” now feeding off of his own panic, you quickly ask, “We do” Felix points at himself, “You follow my command, you don’t speak first, only assess your opponent. Not a single excessive movement, and not a word out of what’s planned.”
“And most importantly, your relations with Prince Jeon must be ideal. As of now, he’s our only option.” You stare at him confused, couple of weeks ago they said you can’t be anywhere near the man, and now you have to play the perfect friend?
“He may be the reason we’re in this situation, but he holds the power over the troops. Play the part, but don’t fall under devils’ cards.” You tick your head overthinking previous events, perhaps he’s a bit too late with that suggestion.
“That may be impossible” you mutter, but Felix cuts you off, “Make it possible.”
Right about now you question all of your decisions in life, just 10 minutes ago you were busy screaming your head off one at another, and now, you have to be the perfect friend. Is that even possible? You can’t (even more so don’t want to) walk up to him and act as if nothing happened, neither of you will let it fly.
Both of you are too stubborn and petty. But as petty as he is, he’s not dumb. And unfortunately, you can’t take back what you said, you meant every word. But now you have to find a way to make the past disappear, if you might add, a task that’s way over your head.
And the possibility of someone masking themselves as your shadow makes the back of the hair on your neck stand; you push your fingers through your hair and mentally cry, what are you supposed to do now? “Well, what is our plan of action, how are we to discover who’s the traitor?” you let the words silently fall past your lips.
Felix only shakes his head, and looks at his watch, “As of now, we’re to return to the carriage, and act clueless. We’ve run out of time. You are the face of the crown. When you step out of this room, you’re a monarch, and not an inept child.”
You shake your head at his words, “I’m sure King Jeon will overlook if we’re couple of minutes late. This is crucial.” The memory of all the letters you sent creeps over your mind, and although you don’t remember word for word what you’ve written, you truly hope that whatever it was, was as vague as possible.
“Jeons don’t forget things; they keep it as secret to use it later on.” He taps his watch one more time, “and you must be brilliant. Neither ordinary, nor extraordinary. Blend in, but don’t fade out.”
You nod your head, and silently follow Felix to the main hall. Your maids stand there already prepared for the journey. You nod your head once they start to bow and move down the stairs towards the carriage.
You guess you’ll be stuck with Felix for the next 8 hours, but perhaps that’s good, you can think of a strategy, right? That is, if you don’t scratch his eyes out.
The walk down the stone staircase is puzzling, the afterthought of someone spying on you leaves your senses on guard; every noise seems doubled and every action ambiguous. You look over the workers that stand in a neat line at the bottom and think, could they be hiding in plain sight?
You move closer to Felix, questions storming in your mind, but you’re crestfallen, as he puts up his hand and murmurs “not here”, and silently follow his actions, like a child abiding an order.
But you try to look up the sky, and convince yourself, that your pounding heart is not due to fear and uncertainty, but rather due to the bloodline you carry with each of your breath. For a second you pretend to be back in the ballroom, remember the power you carried and the heads that bowed down to you.
The power you felt surging, like a revival of the truth. You repeat it long enough, to believe it yourself, and the confident woman sears through your bones, and the cracks in your armor shine through only when they crack you open.
You near the carriage, and smile as Namjoon ever so gentlemanly opens the door for you. Felix stops a couple of steps behind you, and you’re thankful for the opportunity to properly farewell your friend.
“It was a pleasure to see you, Reagan” Namjoon smiles, and you grab his reached-out palm, and softly whisper, so the stray ears don’t hear, “Likewise”
“But don’t get too comfortable without me here, if I remember correctly, the wine bottle did remain unfinished.” You point out with a light chuckle, soon accompanied by Namjoons own.
“Rest assured that it will patiently await you.” Peaceful moment is broken when you hear a cough behind you, reminding of the shortage in time. Namjoon understands as well, and backs away, his smile still present.
With one last look you’re ready to climb in the carriage, but a silhouette quickly entangles in your vision. You watch how Jungkook climbs down the stairs, and how the servants’ part their way, with their heads lowered to the ground.
For some incomprehensible reason, you feel your gut wrenching in anger, and a sad afterthought comes to you, that you never felt this way about him. Whereas now your body expresses its disdain, even if you try to fool your mind of everything that transcribed.
You let your eyes follow his movements, till he stops at the carriage next to your own. He turns his head, and your eyes meet. His gaze is vacant, blank of any emotions except the ever so tamed sparkle in them.
But he doesn’t give you the time of day, and swiftly climbs into the carriage. You chew on your lip and replicate his movement; you find yourself once again trapped in the vehicle, and don’t know if you should be happy or annoyed, when Felix sits in front of you.
No words are exchanged as the carriage starts moving, you wave your last goodbye to Namjoon, and mourn how the golden streets become blander.
You rest your head against the window and try and concentrate on Felix’s words. But all you manage to do is watch how life turns grey the closer you’re to the Jeons Kingdom.
You promise yourself that everything will be alright. And prepare yourself for the next chapter of this insidious game; you won’t be a pawn in no ones game.
~
Hi! This chapter is split in half, so more action will be seen in the next one, although I do have to say, that gleaming lights and soft caresses are more or less done...
But I wanted to get this out before university piles up, as I know how frustrating the wait for a next chapter can be
Now, what’s the deal with Jungkooks Kingdom? Why rulers stray clear from it? Baby JK did say that he doesn’t want OC to see it, but what has changed now? And who might be the informant, or is there even one?
Loads of questions, but I guess you’ll have to stick around to find out...
Thank you for reading!
311 notes · View notes
persephonememes · 2 months
Text
* (  STICK SEASON FOREVER BY NOAH KAHAN /  SENTENCE PROMPTS.
These may have been edited for clarity or length or to better apply for roleplaying.
" how you been? "
" what does it mean? "
" i am stuck between my anger and the blame that i can't face "
" i miss the way you laugh "
" but you know how it gets out here "
" you got all my love "
" if you need me dear, i'm the same as i was "
" it's all okay, there ain't a drop of bad blood "
" i just hope that your scars heal "
" i was scared to death "
" i'll never let you go "
" i don't get much sleep most nights "
" i'm seeing you in every dream "
" i'll love you when the oceans dry "
" i'll love you when the rivers freeze "
" don't you know there's a coffin buried under the garden "
" i'm in the process of clearing out cobwebs "
" someday i'm gonna be somebody people want "
" it's been a long year "
" would we survive in a horror movie? "
" i wanna love you 'till we're food for the worms to eat "
" i know every route in this county "
" i'll tell you where not to speed "
" honey, come over "
" no one will tempt you, we know you got sober "
" it's yours if you want it "
" i've been ready for you to come home "
" i didn't think to ask you where you'd gone "
" why'd you go? "
" i haven't drank in six months on the dot "
" don't you find it strange that you just went ahead and carried on? "
" the last time i drank i was face down passed out there on your lawn "
" are we all just pulling you down? "
" remember telling me that you thought you were cursed? "
" love is fast asleep on a dirt road with your head on my shoulder "
" those things I miss but know are never coming back "
" if i was empty space and you were formless shape we'd fit "
" i'm still angry at my parents for what their parents did to them "
" i know there are worse ways to stay alive "
" why is pain so damn impatient? "
" the last that i heard you were down in new orleans "
" i worry for you. you worry for me. "
" it's fine if we know we won't change "
" i'm leaving this town "
" i know that you're fearing the end "
" i only tell truth when I'm sure that I'm lying "
" how have you been and are you bored yet? "
" time moves so damn slow "
" i stopped caring about a month ago since then it's been smooth sailing "
" i would leave if only i could find a reason "
" i got dreams but i can't make myself believe them "
" i don't want to say goodbye "
" i'm still here with you "
" for a minute the world seems so simple "
" who was i to watch you wilt? "
" i promise to be there this time "
" i'm naming the stars in the sky after you "
" i'm remembering i promised to forget you now "
" it's all the same, anyways "
" i ain't proud of all the punches that i've thrown "
" i gave your name as my emergency phone call "
" i'd die for you "
" why do you do this to yourself? "
" this place had a heartbeat in its day "
" it just ain't that simple, it never was "
" we'll drink to new year's "
" i'm not ready to let go yet "
" now the weight of the world ain't so bad "
" i saw the end, it looks just like the middle "
" who am I to complain? "
" now the pain's different. it still exists, it just escapes different. "
" don't you cancel any plans "
" all lights turned off can be turned on "
" i'll drive all night "
" don't be discouraged "
" i've been exactly where you are "
" if you could see yourself like this, you'd have never tried it "
" won't you stay with me? "
" i even gave up driving after nightfall "
" i'm ain't angry at you, love "
" i'll be waiting for you "
" we spent so long just getting by "
" i'm not a city girl "
" it still has a lot of meaning to me because i grew up there "
" it's a small community of people that really look out for each other "
" last time i was in the back of a cop car, i fell in love "
" it's all the same anyway "
" let's drive for no reason "
" honey, it's starting to storm "
" i won't be alone for the rest of my life "
" i broke a bone that never healed in my hand "
" so when i hold you close, i might loosen my grip. but i won't ever let you go. "
" but i won't ever let you go "
" remember when we called the cops 'cause you got too high and you got scared? "
" could you imagine that? "
" i'm running out of tears to cry "
" maybe something's changing me "
" you love me and i don't know why "
" i only call you once a week "
" does it bite at your edges? "
" do you lie awake restless? "
" this town's the same as you left it "
" your page was blank, but i read it "
" i stare out that hallowed ocean as if to pick a fight "
" for the dreams my old man dreamt for me, lay on the other side "
" we're overdue for a revival "
" we spent so long just getting by "
" who the hell likes living just to die? "
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dancegender · 1 year
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You guys, I wrote another fic. I had this idea while I was procrastinating in geometry. Hope you like it!
@astronic-fr (Not sure if you wanna be tagged, but you like the last one, so *shrug* just lmk if I should remove it)
I'll Be With You From Dawn Till Dusk (Baby I'm Right Here)
Thad trekked through the frozen terrain, kicking up chunks of snow as he went. He'd been free that Friday, so he decided to walk from the colony to the corpse spire, both to take some more resources to Uzi and to just hang out. At this point, he was used to the long commute, so he felt okay with leaving at night to make sure he arrived at a good time. He was being more cautious as of late, though; the new WDF had decided to start setting up traps surrounding the colony, and he didn't feel like getting caught in one.
He was coming up on a dilapidated building, one of the usual landmarks on his journey. As he approached, though, he thought he noticed an offputting sound, almost like a nervous mumbling. He thought his audio processors were faulty at first, but a quick scan of the area immediately proved otherwise. Spotting a hole in the street a few yards away, Thad approached, the mumbling getting louder. A dark shape sat next to the hole, sharply contrasting with the snow. Thad picked it up and sighed, turning the all-too-familiar pilot hat over in his hands.
"N and M's?" Thad peered into the hole, interrupting the babbling drone inside. N flinched with a yelp, frantically whipping his head upwards. He sighed upon seeing Thad, shoulders visibly relaxing.
"Thad! Oh, you have no idea how happy I am to see you!"
"Hey, man!" Thad tossed the hat down to N, who caught it and put it on. "You look a little stuck."
"Yeah, I'm not doing good." N chuckled nervously, banging the wall with his fist. "This pit's too deep for me to climb out, and too narrow for me to spread my wings and fly out. I've just been kinda stuck here."
"I could throw you a rope or something," Thad offered, scanning the area for some sort of anchor. His eyes snapped back to the hole when he heard N's voice, glitchy and distorted.
"Is-is there aNYTHing you-ou could USE?" N swayed, slumping over against the wall of the pit. A warning flashed on his visor, reading 'DANGER: High Temperature'.
Thad looked off to the horizon, swearing under his breath; the sun was coming up. He remembered Uzi telling him something about how easy it was for disassembly drones to overheat. Panic immediately started running through his processor. Without really thinking, Thad sprinted towards an abandoned car on the side of the road and popped the hood. Tearing the hood off its hinges, he sprinted back again and slammed the car hood down on top of the pit.
A few seconds passed, then a few minutes. Thad sat next to his makeshift shade, nervously listening for movement. Eventually, he could hear the faint sounds of a system reboot from underneath the tarnished metal.
"...Hello?" Thad loudly exhaled at the sound of N's voice, laughing weakly.
"Oh, thank Robo Jesus," Thad knocked on the car hood. "You feeling okay in there? Nearly lost you for a second."
"A little woozy... but I think I'm alright. That was some fast acting, Thad."
"Yeah, well I'm not a running back for nothing." Thad rummaged through his bag of supplies until he found what he was looking for: two of the canisters that N and V used to store extra oil. "Brace yourself, I'm gonna try something."
Thad used the canisters to prop the hood up in a ramp, opening facing away from the sun. He looked in, seeing N's face light up. He extended a hand toward Thad, and Thad took it, squeezing tightly.
"Looks like we'll have to wait until nightfall to get you outta there," Thad laid down on the snow facing N, propping himself up on his forearms. "Better get comfy."
They spent hours talking aimlessly about their respective lives. Uzi's new rail gun was coming along nicely; she was almost ready to start testing it out. Thad explained the basics of football strategy to N, who listened intently.
"That sounds pretty easy," he commented, studying the field plans Thad passed him.
"You'd probably be pretty good at it," Thad was tracing meaningless shapes into the snow with his fingers. "Strategy plays a huge role in football. You and V would have to be good at strategizing with the amount of hunting you do. Thad's eyes lit up.
"Ooh, that reminds me!" He rummaged through the supplies bag, pulling out a handheld device of some kind. He held it up to N. "Do you know what chess is?"
"Hm..." N brought his hand up to his chin, scratching it lightly. "I think I've heard of it before. No idea how to play, though."
"No problem, I can show you," Thad powered on the device, a perfectly set chessboard appearing on the screen. He handed it to N and began explaining the rules of chess.
They sat like that forever. Passing the chessboard back and forth, chatting - enjoying each other's company. It was nice; spending time with N was always nice. Thad wished he got to do it more often. That N wasn't so far away.
"Looks like the sun's setting," Thad squinted into the distance. "I should probably start looking for something we can use to get you out."
"I'll be looking forward to it," N paused for a second. "Hey... Thad?"
"Hm?" Thad looked at N through the gap between the oil canisters. N raised his hand, almost hesitantly, and held it slightly out. Thad moved to N's level, awkwardly interlocking their hands.
"Thank you for staying with me," There was a slight shake in N's voice as he spoke, eyes incredibly focused on the wall to his left.
"N, listen..." Thad mumbled, running his thumb over N's knuckles. "I don't think I could ever pass up a chance to hang out with you."
Getting N out of the hole was relatively easy; all it took was a sturdy anchor and some discarded cable. Once freed from confinement, N immediately wrapped Thad in the strongest hug he could muster. Thad felt himself shifting a little more of his weight into N than he normally would.
"C'mon, we should probably get to the spire," N released Thad, who staggered slightly at the loss of support. "I gotta let V know I'm still alive. D'you think you can make the walk, or should we fly over?"
Flying wasn't very high on Thad's transportation list. The last time he'd flown was when N brought him and Uzi back to the colony, and they'd had a pretty rough landing. Now, though, realizing just how tired he was starting to get, Thad was in no position to refuse.
The flight to the spire was actually pretty calming. It was easier when N wasn't trying to fly with two passengers. It definitely wasn't making Thad any less tired, though. Resting his head on top of N's, he felt a familiar jolt in his chin. He could tell what it was by the way N's breath hitched, but he was too drowsy to really care. He wasn't sure how much longer they'd be flying for, but he let himself drift off to sleep regardless.
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scribblertown · 1 year
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Fates of the Fateless Ch. 6: New Faces New Places and a Horse
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“The life at sea is a grand and hard. Harder than anything we’ve faced here on land.” Pearson was going off on one of his sailor tangents again. Every time he did you couldn’t help thinking of an old man desperate to relive his glory years. “The fear in your gut wondering if you’ll have enough to last you till next port is beyond imagining.” You’ve heard this story before, more than once actually. Next, he’s going to bring up eating seal meat. “The waters up north are absolutely teaming with seals.” Yep, here we go. “Their meat is real’ greasy you know, has a certain flavor to it. Like a mix of duck and veal.” As he reminisced on his voyages you were stuck cutting and peeling vegetables, nothing you haven’t done before. But the amount to be prepped today was more than usual. Like, an exceptionally larger amount. “I still get cravings for the stuff, can’t find it anywhere ‘round here.”
 His droning tales began to fade away as your mind wondered. Your eyes drifting back and forth to the Juniper tree that sat just behind your tent. The fixation of your attention for the past couple of weeks.
 Peel, peel, peel. A glance at the tree. Chop, chop, chop. A glance at the tree. Peel, peel. A glance. Chop, chop. A glance. It had become an obsession at this point. Every time someone would drift a little too close to the tree, you’d feel yourself tense up, unable to look away until they finally move onto another part of camp. You weren’t sure what would happen if anyone stumbled upon your little secret hidden away in the winding tangled roots of the grand and old juniper. But after witnessing Arthur’s more than adequate show of putting down a man three times your size, you couldn’t help but snatch up that precious pistol. It almost seemed like life had deliberately sent it in your direction, right there at your feet for the taking. At least, if it really came down to it, you had a chance at defending yourself.
 “Once you’re done with those potatoes, throw them in that pot of water. Give the skins to the chickens.” Pearson had swung around with his freshly skinned and cleaved rabbits, the choice meat around these parts apparently. He then does a quick count on his fingers muttering softly under his breath. A gradual scowl crosses his face as his brow furrows, his mustache consumes his mouth in a frown. “Hmm… we’re not gonna have enough for the next week at this rate.” That didn’t seem right.
 “This seems like a lot of food for just us.” Sure, you may be new to the ways of life in the 1800’s, but your pretty sure meal prepping wasn’t a concept of the time beyond canning.
 “It ain’t, Dutch made some connections with some of the mining men up in Bingham. Should be here by nightfall.” Oh great, more strange men. “Rigorous work like that, tends to give one quite the appetite.” He’s quick to grab what carrots and onions you have done before tossing them into the cast iron with a big glob of some sort of animal fat. The smell of it was always a little gamey. “I’m hoping this means more money. More money means better eatin’.” Pearson was nice enough; he had a sweet face and a nice singing voice. You got the impression he was desperate to socialize. Which might work to your advantage.
 “What kind of work does Dutch do?” Maybe you’d get a different piece to the puzzle. “I hear he does dangerous work.”
 “All work is dangerous in this day and age.” Damn it.
 “Have you been traveling long? No place to call home?”
 “Dutch and couple of the others have been out on the road a lot longer than me. I only just joined up maybe… four years ago.”
 “Four years?!” You gaped at him flabbergasted. Four years of this same boring routine of grueling work, of never having a roof over their head, and rarely socializing outside of the camp circle. Is that what your future would be with these people? “And you never left?”
 “No, and I’m not sure I ever want to.” He collects another batch of vegetables from you. “I had made some desperate money decisions, borrowed from a few fellers thinking I’d manage to make up what I owed and some extra to get back on my feet. I didn’t, not even close and some real mean-spirited men were sent after me. Forced me to marry a woman and took everything I had to my name. I’m sure they would’ve taken my life as well had Dutch and Hosea not stepped in.” A smile began to slowly build on his lips, and his eyes became misty and soft. “They paid my debts. Some lowly, good for nothing-nobody they knew shit about. But they saved me anyway.” His eyes then drifted to yours, his brow was tightly furrowed and his gaze suddenly bold and serious. “Everyone here has a similar story, many of them worse than mine.” His voice is deep and breathy. “This world is a cruel and unforgivable place, one that don’t want folk like us. People will do what they have to for survival, but folk like Dutch. Like Hosea. They do what they have to for more than just themselves. They do what they have to for us.” He didn’t say much after that. Leaving you with a new worry in your gut.
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 When the sun had begun to paint the sky a plethora of warm colors, the men came. Talking loudly and cheerfully. Lead by Dutch, Arthur, and William on horseback. Five new dark silhouettes grew closer before they dismounted their horses just outside of the camps main grounds. You tried to keep yourself from staring, pretending to be all too focused on redoing the seams on a jacket arm. Settled just a few feet from the cooking pot accompanied by Tilly with her own sewing project. The smell of the rabbit and vegetable stew you’d prepped drifting from its large confines of black iron as the two of you observed in silence.
 “Mmmm! Something smells damn good!” The voice that cried out was an unfamiliar one, a bit shrill. His voice sounded quite young.
 “It’s been so long since I’ve had a decent meal…” An older man, rough and worn.
 “Gentlemen, as the first day of our partnership, I would ask you eat to your hearts content knowing that your lives are now you’re own.” Dutch led the line of men towards the large pot, striking a match on his boot. The quick flicker of flame illuminating his face for a quick second before fluttering into a soft glow as he lit a pipe. The group hooping and hollering as they swarmed the area. Two straggled behind a bit. A man and a woman.
 “I’ll getchu a bowl Agatha, you just take a seat and rest a spell.” The man donned bright red hair, swept to the side and styled with some sort of hair grease. His face was angular and skinny, with a decoration of freckles that covered his pale face. He cradled the woman in a gentle and intimate manner.  
 “Alright, but I want you to get yourself a bowl first.” The woman spoke in a broken and course voice. A dark bruise around her left eye, barely hidden behind her dark locks that draped freely down her back and shoulders. They bickered softly for a moment before she finally took a seat on a spare crate near the chicken coop as he joined the rest of the men. A deep sigh fell from her lips as she practically melted into her seat.
 “I certainly hope that bruise isn’t from one of these boys…” Tilly commented under her breath, watching the new group like a hawk with critical eyes scanning every little exchange and movement. You replied with a hum. Out of the corner of your eye Arthur could be seen slipping away into the shadows with a fat saddle bag hefted over his shoulder with a rambunctious William at his tail. Your eyes curiously trailed them as they ventured towards the camps outskirts before your view was cut off by a large figure.  
 “Well well, I wasn’t expectin’ lovely ladies in your band of gunslingers Mr. Van der Linde.” This man was the tallest of the lot, taller than even Arthur or Dutch. Stocky in build with an equally round and stocky face, short salt and pepper hair without a single strand out of place parted down the middle, a thin pencil mustache sat upon his upper lip and sunken light brown eyes that had that familiar predatory stare. An all too happy smirk on his face as his eyes openly wandered your bodies. You unconsciously leaned towards Tilly to block her from his view, before sending him a death glare from under your lashes. “Oooo… Now you don’t wanna go ruinin’ that pretty little face of yours with such an ugly scowl hm?” He chuckled teasingly before bringing another scoop of stew to his mouth full of rotten and crooked teeth. You could just smell the infection on his breath. “Not very lady like.” Bits of food flung out as he spoke.
 “Can’t you be a dumb hunk of shit somewhere else?” Tilly snapped at him brandishing an equally fiery scowl. The rest of the men let out an explosion of laughter. The man’s face quickly became red and tense. Gripping his spoon with enough force to almost bend it in his meaty sausage fingers.
 “Stupid bitch I oughta-” He begins to swing his arm back preparing to strike, you tense spreading your body around Tilly as much as you can awaiting the blow but before he can get enough momentum Dutch is quick to slip between you and dickhead.
 “Wow now Mr. Samson!” His hands are up and his posture relaxed in a mock surrender, “I’ve got rules in my camp, and that includes causin’ trouble for the girls.” His hand drifts to his hip, sweeping aside his jacket flaps exposing his lavish pistol. “You don’t wanna go ruinin’ a beautiful friendship before it even starts.” Samson stares at the pistol a moment before returning to Dutch’s face. “Do you, Mr. Samson?” His face twists before he let out an angry huff, marching off to no doubt sulk in the shadows.
 Hosea then emerges seemingly out of nowhere with John, Arthur, Grimshaw, and William in tow. The saddle bag nowhere to be seen.
 “Been awhile since we’ve had this many people.” Hosea’s eyes wonder over the group of newcomers, rubbing his chin with a small smile. “Guess I better go say hello.” In a matter of seconds of him entering the circle, the men fall under the sweet old man’s charming spell.
 “Just more mouths to feed, and smaller shares for us.” John sulks with a scowl on his face, clearly not happy with the change in guard.
 William has a similar distasteful look, “More like sheep dan men if ya ask me.”
 Dutch comes up behind the two, his hands coming down onto their shoulders with a fierce grip, his pipe nestled between his teeth. “Ooh you boys were just like those poor souls once upon a time.” He spoke through his teeth with a smile. “In fact, I recall you two being a lot more pathetic.”  
 Grimshaw then steps forward, “Dutch I take it you still want us to be packing up to move soon?”
 “Mmhm, after tonight’s haul I imagine word will get out sooner than later. Rather not be so close to town.”
 “What? We’re moving already?” You were just beginning to settle in. “Why?”
 The look of surprise on Dutch’s face made you wonder if he hadn’t realized you were still lingering. “Miss (y/n)! I almost forgot you could talk!”
 “No kiddin’, she’s a real bore.” William shrugs Dutch off his shoulder. “All work ‘nd no play.” That puts a frown on your face knowing full well William’s idea of fun is hassling anyone and everyone he can. “Don’t even know how ta ride a horse. Can ya believe dat?” He’s still going on about that?!
 “At least I don’t smell like one…” you mutter.
 “Dat’s another ting! I know ya go down to the creek for your precious baths princess. Every day!” Your face immediately goes flush and hot. “No one should bathe dat much.”
 “Have you been spying on me?!” You’re standing now, hands clenched in tight fists glaring him in his good eye. He just grins. Which is quickly wiped off his face as Grimshaw swoops in to tug at his ear with a harsh pull.
 “Ooowowowow!” He cries out as she twists him downwards, casually turning to you.
 “Why don’t you girls get yerself something to eat and call it a night. I’m going to have a word with Mr. O’brien.” She gives another hard tug, leading herself and William away. “Goodnight gentlemen.”
 “Ow! What’re ya doin’ ya crazy old hag!” William’s cries of protest fading with each step. Dutch and the other boys simply laugh at his expense.
 “C’mon (y/n) let’s grab some stew and sit by the fire.” Tilly tosses her fabric to the side, quick to jump on her feet and excitedly veer towards the pot.
 Thankfully there was still a decent amount of stew left sticking to the bottom of the cast iron pot, bubbling on the brink of being caramelized and burnt. The two of you quickly found a spot around the main fire where the other men had collected, Uncle balancing a banjo on his knee as he laughs and plays a familiar tune. Out of the corner of your eye you spot John awkwardly standing a decent distance away from you before finally deciding to sit down in the spot to your right.
 “Hi John.”
 “Hi…” He’s not looking at you as he watches his spoon lazily push around a hunk of rabbit. Soon Arthur appears to take up the spot next to him with a hunk of bread in his mouth. “I-I could teach you.”
 “Huh?” John was still staring down at his food, his eyes darting back and forth from his bowl to you, his mouth opening and closing like a fish as he struggled to speak his next words.
 “To ride a horse.” He turns his head to make brief eye contact before they divert to anything but you. “I could teach you how.” You’ve only ever gotten a hello out of the guy and now he’s suddenly offering you free riding lessons.
 “I don’t have a horse.”
 “You can ride mine, or… one of the spare work horses.” He clears his throat before shoveling a large spoonful into his mouth. Just past him you can see Arthur giving him a strange side eye. “Y-yeah, I think… I think you should learn how to ride is all.” He takes another huge mouthful.
 “Alright. That would be very helpful actually.” You sit up a little straighter, turning your body towards him with a small hint of a smile. He visibly freezes hunched over; eyes downcast before he quickly shovels the rest of his food down as fast as he can. He then bolts from his seat, walking almost fast enough to have to break out into a slight jog shouting over his shoulder.
 “Alright I’ll see you later then!”
 “Ok…” a bit baffled at the blunt and brief conversation.
 Arthur scoffs out a slight chuckle, “I would find a different teacher if I were you.”
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 You were grateful for the early bedtime rest as it seemed Grimshaw felt the need to wake you up earlier than usual.  
 “Up up up! It’s time we start packin’!” another swift, sharp kick to your shins only increasing your rising annoyance to such a rude awakening.
 “Alright alright!” you take a second to rub the lingering sleep from your eyes. Blinking slowly to find it was still relatively dark out. Grimshaw who was somehow fully dressed, hair done, and with a pep in her step marched off to wake her next victim. “What time is it?”
 “Is it gonna make you get up faster if I tell you?” Tilly is somehow already on her feet and messing with her hair pins. “I’d get going now if I were you, don’t want that pig from last night getting a glimpse at us in our undergarments.” She moves like lighting twisting and readjusting the pins in her hair before she’s rummaging in your shared chest for her skirt, she grabs yours as well and throws it in your face. “Well? Hurry up!”
 “Hold on, I gotta wash my face first.” You crumble the bunch of clothes in your arms and unhappily get to your feet. Nights in the desert were surprisingly cold, only made getting up all the more difficult. It left any and all the water ice cold, a splash to the face was enough to finally bring you out of your groggy state. Shaking your hands to rid yourself of the lingering drops of chilled water you spotted the woman from last night timidly approaching you. “Good morning.” Your sleepy voice coming out deep and low.
 “Good morning.” She gave a small smile, reaching for the ladle that hung off the lip of the barrels opening and taking a gracious drink. You stood there a little awkwardly unsure if it would be more rude to just leave or start some sort of petty small talk.
 “I’m (y/n).” You seemed to have made the right decision as her eyes lit up with a smile.
 “My name is Agatha.” She gave a brief pause, hands tucked neatly in front of her, “I’m happy to see there are other women here.”
 “Oh, believe me, I thought the same thing when I first joined up.”
 “Have you been here long?”
 “Well…. Not really, only about 3ish months.” I think… “I wasn’t expecting a woman to come from Bingham mine. I figured we’d just be getting men.”
 “Oh, I’d follow Joseph to the ends of the earth. But I’m happy to be away from that place. They were working him to death.” You couldn’t help but stare at the bruise on her eye, she seemed to notice. “This was a parting gift from my previous employer.” She touched the purpling skin delicately. “Joseph was sure to give him twice the beating.”
 “Sounds like you picked a good one.” Just past Agatha you could see Grimshaw prowling about. You’ve been taking up too much time. “Uh, I gotta get to work but let’s chat some more later, ok?” You start to walk backwards as you spoke.
 “Of course! It was nice to meet you.”
 “Nice to meet you too!” You shouted over your shoulder before bolting back to your tent. Tilly had already rolled up your sleeping pads, thankfully leaving the chest and tent up for you. You glance around to find no one else was nearby. You quickly slipped to the Juniper tree crouching down and delving into the roots, fiddling around blindly until the cold steel met your fingertips. Swiftly wrapping the pistol in the change of clothes you had engulfed in your arms. Acting nonchalant as you pretended you were simply packing away your belongings. Careful to bury it at the bottom of the chest where only your belongings laid. Quick to actually get dressed and begin the grueling process of carefully taking down the tent, folding it properly and playing a game of tetris fitting it all into the wagon. Next came everything else that wasn’t absolutely needed. Tables, clothes, personal belongings, most of Pearson’s dry goods and cooking ware. If it wasn’t nailed down or on a horse, it goes in the wagons.
 “Careful vith my equipment! It’s very fragile!”
 “Relax Strauss, I know how glass works.” The camp was bare and empty now with only remnants of footprints and the old campfire among the red sand. The sun was now only just starting to come up as you hefted the last bit of supplies into its rightful spot. “You want me to take your bag too?” you reached out a hand, eyeing his medical bag that he carried around. He cradled it close to his chest with a distasteful look.
 “No, it stays vith me.”
 “Alright well… I guess pick your ride and we can get out of here.” You keep yourself from rolling your eyes and dropped your hand, he hadn’t lifted a finger to help out, didn’t even take down his own tent. “And William calls me princess…” you mutter under your breath as you settle onto a pile of fabric tightly rolled together just outside of the wagon opening. Strauss hesitates a moment before also climbing aboard, sitting adjacent to you, cradling his bag in his lap. Your eyes wandered to find most everyone else has loaded up and found their respective spots to travel. The wagon just in front of you holds Agatha and the red head you now know as Joseph, feet dangling off the edge, their horse tied just in front of them with their personal belongings on its back. You gave her a wave; she gave one back. Thankfully it seemed Samson wasn’t around, along with the regular bread winners. Arthur wasn’t around, nor were John or William. You took some comfort in that.
“Good morning!” Pearson’s chipper chubby face appears as he hops up onto the coach, scooching over as a young man takes the spot next to him.
 “Hello.” His voice was hushed and smooth. Kind dark brown eyes, clean shaven with long silky black hair tied in a braid down his back and donning a simple looking leather hat to keep the sun out of his deep tan face.
 “Ah Guten Morgen Mr. Pearson.”
 “Have you met Jay yet?” Pearson glances over his shoulder at the two of you, the reins resting limply in his hands as you all await the caravan to move along.
 “It’s Jie, Mr. Pearson.” The man corrects him with a smile, he meets your eyes again, “Jie Liu. It’s nice to meet you.” His face carved deep lines up from his jaw and into his cheeks when he smiled.
 “Hallo, Jee-eh, I am Doctor Leopold Strauss.” The poor man’s names get butchered again mixed with Strauss’ heavy European accent, it makes you cringe a little. But Jie just smiles and nods at him seemingly unbothered. Turning to you next.
 “And I already know who you are. Your little confrontation with Mr. O’brien was enough for us to quickly learn your name.” He has a slight accent, it’s very subtle, though it’s noticeable with certain words. “What’s the saying? Cleanliness is close to Godliness!” He laughs. You feel a little embarrassed to remember you had an audience watching your little fight last night.
 “You know I’m pretty sure that’s the most emotion I’ve seen you show since you’ve gotten here.” Pearson has a sly glint in his eye. “Seems some of Grimshaw’s charm is rubbing off on you.”
 You roll your eyes. He just laughs. The wagon in front of you starts to move. You all jolt forward slightly as Pearson snaps the reins.
 “Jee-eh, I take it you’re an immigrant, yes?” Strauss is holding a book in his hands now jotting something down as he speaks.
 “Yes, I am originally from Hong Kong. I take it you are also an immigrant Mr. Strauss?”
 “Austrian. But like everything about this country, I’ve been consumed into the American masses.”
 Jie gives a chipper response. “It is quite the country.”
 “Hong Kong huh? That’s so far away, how and why did you come here?” You ask.
 “My home, the little neighborhood I grew up in wasn’t exactly a good one. Big cities like that tend to attract a lot of… bad people.” He pauses a moment before picking back up again. “I lived their most of my adolescent life but… there’s nothing left for me there.” There’s a sadness in his voice, and the implications of what that might mean makes you wish you didn’t ask.
 “I’m sorry to hear that…” You spoke softly, awaiting his next words with reverence. The other two remain silent.
 He lets out a long sigh, “So, I ended up leaving the country to come here. I was swept up into the work most migrants end up doing. I met a friend who got me into the mining business at Bingham, lost him in the cave ins and now I’m here.”
 “Agatha mentioned something about the mine almost working Joseph to death.”
 “It’s definitely work I hope to never have to fall into again. It paid decently but when you take into account how much goes into food, housing, and medicine, you lose it just as quickly as you gained it.”
 “I haven’t had the chance to talk to the other new recruits. I take it they left under similar circumstances?” Pearson asks curiously.
 “To be honest, I am not very familiar with the others beyond their names. But yes, considering the recent cave in and other issues arising from poor work conditions, I’m actually surprised we didn’t have more men take up Mr. Van der Linde’s offer.”
 “They vere fools not to.”
 “Oh, Strauss you can be a very cold man sometimes you know that?” Pearson lets out a holler, “We got a lot of miles to cover and so much to talk about. You know I was a sailor on the seas once upon a time. Back when I was far younger and had a little more on my head and a little less on my stomach, AHAHA!”
 Dear God no… Not again…
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 This was by far the farthest and longest you’ve traveled so far. It was a shift in driving wagons, sleeping when night fell, and getting back on the road before the sun even came up. Swapping places here and there so you weren’t stuck with some of the more miserable members of your mysterious caravan. Encountering the two other men you hadn’t had a chance to talk to. The oldest of the bunch was an aged and worn man by the name of Crisoforo Abadiano. His skin was dark and sun damaged, deep lines in his face from years of wear and tear. He was the older than even Hosea it seemed. His dark eyes framed by heavy lashes and a sad distant look to them. Hair short and combed back with slivers of silver amongst his jet-black hair, covered by a large brimmed hat. He never really talked much and when he did it was usually single word responses. While very quiet he was the type you could be comfortable in silence with.
 “You have any hobbies Mr. Abadiano?”
 “No.”
 “Really, nothing at all?”
 “Cards.” He was fantastic at ending conversations before they really began.
  And of course, Joseph with Agatha practically attached at his hip. He was quite young, younger than you at least. Both ambitious and optimistic, excited to exchange stories and meet new people.
 “How did you two meet anyway?”
 “Well, I was working at the mining town’s saloon as a waitress and card dealer, you get good commission when all the men want to do after work is drink and gamble all they’re earnings away, sometimes they’d forget I’d already been paid.” Agatha gives a giggle. “Well one night, I was having particular trouble with a tenet who’d pulled a knife on me, accusing me of cheating him out of his winnin’s. I thought I was ‘bout to be gutted when a strapping,” Agatha breathes in a hushed voice as if just the memory of this incident left her breathless, looking dreamily at Joseph, “strong, young, and handsome hero stepped in to save me.” She lets out a long sigh as her lashes flutter in a half-lidded look. “I knew he was the one for me.”
 “Oh Agatha, you’ll never know what joy your words bring to my foolish heart.” Joseph, whose face was red as a tomato and clearly flustered was now cradling Agatha in his arms with a similar look of intense love in his eyes. “I love you, Agatha.”
 “I love you too, Joseph.” The two then shared a chaste kiss leading to another and another until they were holding each other long and tender. Leaving you to uncomfortably look around at anything but the spontaneous make out session you had the misfortune of being an audience for. They were cute and easy to talk to but… they were just too… lovey dovey.
 Other than the small talk, watching the scenery slooowly pass by and napping were your pastimes. (That and avoiding Mr. Samson like the plague personified). It was so incredibly boring to be traveling at a snail’s pace with nothing to occupy yourself. You started to pick up on some of the mannerisms of many of the others.
 Uncle at any point you were caught in his presence was buzzed 9 times out of 10. Bessie had impeccable posture seemingly always sitting straight as a plank. Hosea never seemed hot, even on the hottest of days, you’ve never seen him break a sweat. In more ways than one. Dutch and Annabelle were usually resting against each other, shoulder to shoulder, whispering and giggling to each other. You even managed to catch some poetry from Dutch. It actually wasn’t half bad.
 The bread winners had returned during the night on one of your rest stops, suddenly just there one morning around the coffee pot after having been missing for so long, it had caught you off guard. John was as awkward as ever giving a small hello without looking you in the eyes, Arthur was a bit grumpy and just grunted, and William had that distinct sneer he’d always give you, not saying a word. The stupid bastard.
 They led the rest of the way to a secluded canyon, the jagged red and pink sand rocks speckled with an assortment of desert trees and shrubbery, towering on both sides of a large level bed of rock with two openings that split off into two different directions and a third that you all entered through. It was shaded and cool, quiet and untouched.
 Dutch and Annabelle were excitedly taking in the view of the grand open space, as the rest of you began to unpack. “Quiet, secluded, no nosey neighbors. This place is perfect Arthur!”
 “Thought you’d like it.” Arthur gave a smirk, pulling up a match to light a cigarette perched on his lips. You assisted Pearson with unloading, watching Tilly curiously survey the campsite before boldly stomping up a cloud of dust.
 “I’m claiming this spot for the women!” She announces with wide smile. The area just to the right of the opening to the north.
 “Oh? And where will you be sleeping?” Uncle teases her, he had a box in his arms seemingly pitching in with the labor before realizing it was full of liquor.
Back and forth, back and forth. The camp slowly came to life. Dutch’s tent went up first, next was Bessie’s and Hosea’s, and then Arthur’s and so on and so forth until only yours was left.
 Only problem is it was smothered under an unfamiliar large wooden chest. Sun bleached in places and chipped in others. Barred by rusted iron hinges and simple looking. Only issue was how unexpectedly heavy it was. Even with both hands you barely managed to scoot it an inch.
 “Hmpphh!” You give a harsh pull, causing whatever’s inside to slide and tumble.  
 “Wow, there miss.” Arthur slides into view, hands quick to find the handles, his calloused fingers grazing yours slightly, tickling the little hairs on the back of your hands. His hat shrouds his face from you. “Let me get this out of your way.” He picks it up like it weighs nothing, and heads off towards Dutch’s tent. You watch as Dutch’s eyes light up at the sight of him. Quick to swoop him into his tent and draw back the canvas curtains, shrouding them from view.
 Odd. Very odd.
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  You could feel eyes on your back as you awkwardly finish ramming the final stake into the ground. Giving the twine a good tug before making yourself recognize the presence.
 “Hi John,” you toss the hammer back into the wooden tool box, wiping sand from your hands. “You uh… need something?”
 “Let’s go riding.”
 “Oh, you wanna do the lessons now?” your eyes wander around looking for Grimshaw, you’d rather not wander off without her approval. Not worth the scolding you think.
 “Yes.” He’s quick to start a march towards the horses looking back at you, still unmoved from your spot. “Come on then!” He yells in haste. You stand there hesitantly shifting your weight from one foot to the other. Taking a moment to consider if John is someone you want to be alone with. I mean he’s just a kid, but…
 “But Grimshaw won’t like it if I ditch work!”
 “Your chores will still be here when you get back.” He lets out a huff, clearly anxious to get going, “Now come on!”
 “Can Tilly come?”
 “Huh?” Tilly juggling an arm full of pots and pans shoots you a look of absolute confusion. “I got stuff to do around here!”
 “But I don’t-“ You step a foot closer to her, voice low enough only she can hear. “I don’t want to be alone with a strange man er-boy!”
 “John ain’t gonna do nothin’. He’s as dumb as a bag of dirt but he ain’t bad.” Her hand jumps to catch a cast iron pan that was slipping from underneath her elbow, snagging painfully on her finger. You relieve her of the heavy pan and find it a more convenient place in her jumbled arms. “You’ll be fine. Although I’m not sure you’ll actually learn anything.”
 You can see his horse patiently awaiting its rider, a big and burly warm brown stallion already harnessed. Next to it was one of the driving horses, even bigger than John’s horse and rippling with muscle. Black and white like a cow, towering over everything and everyone else.
 “Uum, isn’t he a little big?” Your eyes scan the big beast, just how in the hell are you even supposed to get on this giant?
 “Horses are for riding. He’s a horse, so ride him.” A blanket is tossed onto the curved slope of the horse’s back before a saddle follows. He’s quick and efficient as he pulls and ties the various leather straps into place, clearly very familiar with his way around a horse. “Alright, hop on up.” You’re a bit hesitant as you nervously approach.
 Please don’t kick me, Mr. Horse.
 Your first instinct is to grab the saddle horn, which is barely within your reach. Next you pick up your foot to awkwardly sit in the stirrup leaving you hanging off of the side like a monkey.
 “You’re doing it wrong.”
 “Huh?” you peek over at John, fidgeting with his suspenders. “How?”
 “Well, uh, you’re just getting on wrong.” You look down at your right foot twisted in the stirrup at an angle, then at your hands tangled together before looking at him quizzically. “You hafta swing your leg over… so you gotta…” He’s at a loss of words, mind clearly working overtime, his face beginning to redden. “Just watch me! Ok?” He places his left foot into the horse’s left stirrup before swinging his right over and finding his perfect perch atop his horse. “Like that.”
 “Ooh.” You readjust yourself to place the correct foot in the stirrup before hopping once, twice, and thrice heaving yourself up and your leg over the seat of the saddle. “Oomph!” your leg only hooks itself at the knee, leaving you to depend on your arms to pull the rest of your body upwards, hands barely having enough room to hold onto the tiny saddle horn before finally getting into your seat. Already looking like an idiot. You scoop the reins into your hands gingerly, actively making sure they are lax in your grip afraid you might cause the horse to move before you’re ready. “Now what?” you ask.
 “Now, we get a move on.” He clicks his tongue and turns his horse out toward the open desert. He gets a ways out before realizing you’re not following. “Are you coming!?” He yells.
 You’re digging your heels into the horse’s sides, clicking your tongue, pulling on the reins trying to get the thing to move, but he remains still. “How do I get him to move!?” you call back.
 “Squeeze his chest!”
 “Squeeze his chest?” pondering for a second, you almost give the big guy a hug before it clicked in your brain to use your legs, he moves almost immediately. “He’s doing it!” Your smiling, excited with your small little accomplishment. “Good boy.” Caressing his long wispy mane as you slowly make your way toward John.
 “There we go, now try and keep up with me.” John goes from a simple walk into a trot. You give his chest another squeeze with your legs, your pace remains the same, you then give a go at digging your heels in. That gets him going a little faster. John goes from a trot to a sort of jog, so you follow suit. Your lower back and bottom bouncing up and down on the saddle uncomfortably.
 “Aren’t we going a little fast?” You cry out. John peeks over his shoulder with a blank confused look.
 “Uh, no? We can go way faster.” His eyes drift off before looking back at you, “Did you wanna go faster?”
 “No, I think that would be a bad idea. I don’t even know how to stop this thing.” Oh my lord, Tilly wasn’t exaggerating. John pulls to the side and slows down, keeping pace on your right. His horse was a considerable amount shorter than yours, causing his head to only reach as high as your shoulder. He sits up a little taller.  
 “You know, I’m the one who found the spot.”
 “Hm? The campsite?”
 “Yeah, I’m the one who found it. Not Arthur.” He spits out Arthur’s name with some disdain.
 “It’s nice.” A pocket of silence fills the air.
 “The foods been better, and I noticed my shirts are not so full of holes.” He clears his throat. “You do good work.”
 “Why are your shirts so fond of holes anyhow?” Your mind drifts to that notorious green shirt. “I swear some of the clothes have had blood on them too.” You watch him carefully from the corner of your eye. Trying to keep a casual, calm air about yourself. “You ought to be more careful.”
 “We uh- get into fights sometimes.” His response isn’t very confident. “But! I mean- we don’t start ‘em.” He steers his horse into yours, “Lets take a left up here.”
 Just what kind of fights are you getting into?
 “Arthur’s good in a fight. I got to see that first hand.” John gets quiet.  You dared a peek to see his face was in a scowl. “Where we goin’ anyway?”
 “There’s another spot I found, thought you’d like it.”
 “So that’s where you boys went? Sight-seeing?”
 “It ain’t like that, someone’s gotta make sure the way ahead is safe.”
 Safe from what?
 “Can’t say I’m not jealous. A break from camp would be nice every once in a while.”
 “Well, we can go riding anytime you want.”
 “I’m sure Grimshaw would not be too keen on the idea.” Another round of silence. The area around you is beginning to become much greener, blooming cactus, flourishing sage brush and a particular earthy smell permeates the air like a delicate perfume. Each step forward becomes an oasis of thriving plant life, and just as your about to ask how, you see it.
 A great pool of water extends the majority of the horizon, reflecting the bright light of the sun and creating a perfect mirror image of the surrounding environment. A small group of Big Horned Sheep could be seen taking a gracious drink off the tranquil water’s surface. Various kinds of birds nesting in the blooms of the Joshua trees providing a sweet melody. Everything was flourishing.
 John’s horse maneuvers itself in front of yours, bringing you to a stop and putting said riders face right in your line of view. “I figured you could come here when you need to… ya know.” His face flushes red. “Bathe.”
 You let out a huff of a laugh and a smirk. “You know, bathing isn’t my whole personality. But I appreciate it.” You both sit in silence as you take it all in. It actually began to make you emotional, tears brimming to the surface of your eyes. You attempt to keep composure but it’s in vain as John clearly notices.
 “A-are you ok?” He sounds almost frightened. No doubt caught off guard by your sudden decent into sadness.
 “I-I’m sorry.” You turn away from him, dabbing away at your eyes. Face scrunched painfully as you try your hardest to hold back the sob desperately trying to come up your throat. “I-I don’t know what’s come over me.” Your voice cracks as you speak. It’s an awkward silence as you fail to keep your feelings at bay. You almost don’t feel the couple soft taps on your shoulder.
 “It’ll be okay…” John attempts say comfortingly, though it comes out sounding more like a question. It was… very sweet of him.
 Your horse seems to dislike the change in mood as he winnies in agitation, swaying side to side before moving suddenly.
 “WHoawhoa-WHOA!!” You shriek in surprise as your horse bolts forward with vigor, your hands yanking on the reins causing him to simply jerk his head and rip them from your grip. “Ah!” your hands desperately grab for his neck, looping around the large and taught muscle before you feel your legs turn cold. Your horse had felt the sudden need to plunge himself directly into the water taking you with him. Your wide eyes meet John’s still in shock.
 “Guess he was hot.” John remarks. The horse let’s out a long grunty sigh that vibrates from underneath you. You’re up to your shoulders in water, soaking you from your socks to your underwear.
 And you laugh.
 A long joyous slip of bliss from your lips, the first in a long time. And it goes on and on and on. Leaving you breathless as you pitter down to little giggles, only to rev back into a fit. Slapping the horse gently on his side.
 “You-hoohoo silly horse- ahahaha!” You can hear John letting loose a few laughs as well.
 “Well, lookie here!” A new voice arises from the shoreline. It’s Arthur. Basking down at you from atop his trusty mare, leaning forward and a twinkle in his eye.
 “What’re you doin’ here?” John doesn’t look happy, eyeing Arthur up with a challenging look in his eyes.
 “Lookin’ for you two.” He attempts to smack John, who swerves harshly out the way nearly falling off his saddle. “You’ve got night watch.”
 “So do you!” John retorts in annoyance.
 “Yeah, and you better not fall asleep on me!” Arthur goes for another swing, this time landing upside John’s head with a smack.
 “Ow!” John’s face scrunches up into a scowl, he retaliates with a smack of his own that causes Arthur’s hat to fall forward into his face. You let out a soft giggle at the sight.
 Like a couple of toddlers.
 Arthur adjusts his hat back into place, clearing his throat before speaking to you in a much more tender tone.
 “You need some help there, ma’am?”
 “uhh…” you grab for the reins floating just on the water’s surface, giving them a pull upwards, backwards and to the side. But the horse simply remains submerged and relaxed. You swing yourself off it’s back, now soaking every inch of you completely. Wading towards the bank as both young men dismount to meet you. Arthur has his hands extended before John practically shoves him out of the way causing Arthur to exclaim an irritated “Hey!”. You’re assisted up and out of the pond, John’s hand lingering in yours long after your clearly on dry solid land.
 “Thanks.”
 John nods with an eager smile. “Course!”
 “You can let go of my hand now…”  
 “Oh uh! Yeah…” He stammers a bit, looking at your intwined hands before finally releasing you from his grip.
 “What about him?” You motion to the large horse still sitting unmoved.
 Arthur looks to John and nods his head towards the water. “You get him.”
 “What!? No way, you do it!”
 “I know you chose the horse. So, you get to pull him out.” Arthur corrals you to follow him back to Boadicea, throwing in one last remark to John before placing you just behind him.  “Maybe you’ll finally learn to swim!”
 John flips him off leaving Arthur to laugh as the two of you ride away.
 “He can’t swim?” You ask genuinely worried.
 “Yeah, so don’t go askin’ for lessons.”
 “Is he gonna be ok?” I mean you did just leave him all alone surrounded by a large body of water.
 “Little John knows how to take care of himself. Drowning won’t be what kills him.” You look back to see John hollering and waving a carrot around trying to get the horse’s attention.
 You only give an uncertain hum, falling quiet. You try not to get too close, for both personal space and to not soak his entire back with your still sopping wet clothes.
 You’d be lying if you said Arthur didn’t scare you. Out of everyone in camp, you knew the least about him. And with his clearly appropriate label as the muscle of camp, it worried you to think if and when he’d use that muscle on you.
 “We haven’t really had a chance to talk much, you and I.” Arthur speaks.
 “Well-“ You exhale, “-it’s been a strange couple of months. Not like I’ve been in the mood to talk anyway.”
 He responds with a hum. “How ya holdin’ up?”
 “I don’t know… I’ll feel ok for a while and then out of nowhere I’m having a mental breakdown.” You fidget with the sleeve of your blouse. “I’m not sure holding on is something I can do for too much longer.”
 “Well… it hasn’t been that long ago since… ya know. But things will get better miss. These things just take time.” He perks up a bit, “And hey, being able to laugh in your situation, I’d say you’re well on your way to healin’.”
 Your lips twitch into an almost small smile. “I sure hope so, it’s a lot to adjust to… And I can’t say how much I appreciate you all taking me in and giving me so much.”
 “What happened to you? If you don’t mind me askin’?”
 “I…I got lost…”
 “Lost?” He sounds confused.
 “But I can never go back home. I can never…” Your throat constricts with the thought of people you once knew flash across your mind. “I-I don’t want to talk about it…”  
 “Sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up.” And you both fall back into the awkward silence. The only sound being the muffled trotting of Boadicea’s hooves on soft sand.
 Arthur suddenly pulls Boadicea to a stop, causing you to squeeze his waist extra hard and smooshing your face against his broad back. Catching a whiff of cigarettes and… Oh god he needs a bath.
 “What? What’s wrong? Why are we stopping?” you quickly slip your arms away as he dismounts, grabbing a rifle from the saddle. You freeze up in fear as he meets your eyes and puts his finger to his lips.
 “Sshh…” he shushes softly. He lowers himself to the ground. Soft careful steps in the direction of a large cluster of brush. Your eyes scan the area finding nothing, fixing back to Arthur confused as to what in the world he’s doing.  
 He stops, stock still. Lifting the rifle to his shoulder before BANG and then another BANG. Making you jump each time. He proceeds to jog over to whatever he decided needed to die. His face is a light with a smile, rifle over one shoulder and two rabbits dangling from his hand held up with triumph.
 “Dinner!” he calls out. Swinging the carcasses over his shoulder. Making his way back to you, you spot dark splotches beginning to form on his shirt.
 Oh my god. It’s animal blood!
 A wave of relief falls over you, hand at your chest as you let go of so much stress and anxiety over that damned bloody shirt.
 “I was wondering where that blood came from.”  He looks at his now red stained shoulder as he ties a rabbit to each side of the saddle.
 “Oh yeah… sorry about that.” He attempts to wipe the blood off his hands before remounting, his hands now a bright pink. “I’ll wash this one, don’t worry about it.”
 “Oh? You know how to do your own laundry?”
 He laughs, “Yes, I know how to do laundry. Susan made sure of that.”
 “And you’re on a first name basis with her too it seems.” You notice the damp imprint you made on his back and can’t help but distance yourself from him a little more.
 “We’ve known each other a long time. I mean she practically raised me.”
 Raised him, so he was a kid when he joined up. My god that’s a long time.
 “Did you know your parents?”
 “I don’t remember much of my Mama, but my Daddy… I wish I didn’t remember much of him.” A bad father figure, not much of a surprise.
 “Must have been hard…”
 “Hard for everyone isn’t it?”
 “Yeah but… doesn’t mean it hurts any less.”
 He stays quiet for a moment before he speaks again, softly this time. “Your right… it don’t.” The conversation dies down after that. You make no effort to change that.
 You start to descend where the camp lies, completely hidden from view until you were basically walking in the front door. Once on the ground you utter a small “thank you” to Arthur. Turning to his horse
 “Thank you, girl.” You stroke her side gently; she eyes you with curiosity as if waiting for something. “Sorry I don’t have a treat for you.”
 “Here, give her this.” Arthur fishes around his bag before pulling out a round pale thing. You take it in your hand, inspecting it a moment. It was light and delicate. A rice cake without the rice. You offer it to Boadicea, palm open as she plucks it up with her big whiskery lips. And you let out an air of a laugh through your nose as she tickles your hand.
 “It was nice talking to you miss.” Arthur speaks with a smile, eyes shrouded by his hat, but you can still see the bright glint of his eyes. The two rabbits hanging over his shoulder.
 “It was nice talking to you too. I hope you sleep well.” You both awkwardly nod a goodbye as he departs.
   The second Arthur leaves your side, a new body takes his place. Samson towers over you and far too close for your liking. Taking two steps back, only for him to take two steps forward.
 “I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” He utters with a far too innocent look.
 “What do you want?” you blurt out your question with no effort in sounding in the least bit interested in what he has to say.
 “I want to apologize for the terrible first impression I left on you that first night.” He waits for a response from you, you don’t give him one. “I don’t want us to start off on bad terms, I’m really not a bad fella.” You roll your eyes, it’s the stupid nice guy bullshit even in this era. Turning to leave before you feel his disgusting giant meaty paw clamp onto your forearm like a vice. “Wow wow! I’m not done talking!” He barks angrily, yanking you back to your spot right in front of him causing you to yelp. “I think we could be real good friends. But it takes two my dear.”
 “I don’t want to be your friend!” You spit out at him, yanking your arm only causing him to grip it even tighter. He smiles wide.
 “Good. Neither do I.” Your stomach twists at the way his eyes linger in intimate places as they rave up your body before they fall behind you. Smile dropping and hand quick to release, causing you to stumble back. Gentle hands find themselves cradling your shoulder, pushing you behind a body.
 “What the hell do you think you’re doin’?!” Arthur’s voice comes out deep and low. Eyes staring daggers into Samson as your hidden from view. His shoulders taught and raised like the hackles of a cat. In the moment Arthur seemed to tower over Samson.
 “Nothing, just a friendly chat.” Samson feigns ignorance. “Not like it’s your business anyhow.”
 “When it comes to the safety of the women, it’s my business.” Arthur barks loud and gruff. Samson seems to notice the little exchange is drawing attention, eyes from others peeking around corners and watching. He fidgets.
 “She’s fine, ain’t no hair out of place or bruise on her.” He dares to meet your eyes again, but his view is blocked by Arthur’s body once more. “Like I said, it was just a friendly chat.” And with his final statement he finally leaves.
 Only once he’s out of sight does Arthur relax. “You alright?” His voice no longer holding the animosity he had only seconds ago. Now soft and hushed. You cradle the arm, no marks or bruising. But the feeling of that dirty hand lingers like a burn.
 “Yeah… I’m ok.” Your eyes remain fixated on your hand now rubbing your forearm. “Thank you for stepping in…” Despite the tense situation, you didn’t feel uncomfortable. You felt safe, secure, calm. You can see him fidget in your peripheral. Shifting from foot to foot.
 “If he gives you trouble, you come to me, Alright?” You finally look up into his eyes, kind and concerned. Nothing like the way Samson was looking at you. You nod slowly.
 “I’ll come to you…” His eyes drift from each of your eyes a moment more, before he nods his head.
 “Ok… You be well Ma’am.” You watch as he leaves, hands twitching and shoulders adjusting themselves. He approaches Dutch and Hosea who were sitting and chatting away with cups of coffee. There smiles dissipate as Arthur speaks. Their gaze looking off in the direction of Samson and then they turn to you. Your eyes meet there’s for a split second before you turn away quickly. Wondering off to find a nice sunny spot to dry off and lie low for a while.
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rphelperblog · 2 years
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Lord of the Rings Rp Meme
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Part one- inspired by @aelsell​
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
“Courage is found in unlikely places.”
“I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.”
“Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.”
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
“This day does not belong to one man but to all. Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace.” 
“All’s well that ends better.” 
Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.”
“In this hour, I do not believe that any darkness will endure.” 
“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” 
“A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship.”
"You have no authority here! Your orders mean nothing!"
“The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out.”
“It is but a shadow and a thought that you love. I cannot give you what you seek.”
“For behold! the storm comes, and now all friends should gather together, lest each singly be destroyed.”
“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”
“It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.”
“Don’t adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story.” 
“Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.” 
It is useless to meet revenge with revenge: it will heal nothing.”
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” 
“A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship.”
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” 
One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man.”
“It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.”
“Memory is not what the heart desires. That is only a mirror.”
“This day does not belong to one man but to all. Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace.”
"You can not hide, I see you! There is no life after me. Only death!"
“May your beer be laid under an enchantment of surpassing excellence for seven years!” 
“Do you remember the taste of strawberries?”
“It is useless to meet revenge with revenge. It will heal nothing.
War will make corpses of us all." 
"All shall love me and despair!" 
When in doubt, follow your nose."
“Not the beard!”
“The wise speak only of what they know.” 
“Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars.”
“The board is set, the pieces are moving. We come to it at last, the great battle of our time.”
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers or distant relations!" 
“You are the luckiest, the canniest, and the most reckless man I ever knew.” 
“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” 
"Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.” 
“Books ought to have good endings. How would this do? ‘And they all settled down and lived together happily ever after.'”
“Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not.”
“All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you.”
“It is not the strength of the body, but the strength of the spirit.”
“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
“Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not.”
Your time will come. You will face the same Evil, and you will defeat it.”
“You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
“But in the end it’s only a passing thing, this shadow; even darkness must pass.”
"I thought up an ending for my book: 'And he lived happily ever after, unto the end of his days.'"
You'll find more cheer in a graveyard." 
"I can avoid being seen, if I wish, but to disappear entirely, that is a rare gift." 
"The old world will burn in the fires of industry. The forests will fall. A new order will rise." 
"Do not be so quick to deal out death and judgment. Even the very wise do not see all ends." 
"It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing.
"Potatoes! Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew." 
“The world is full enough of hurts and mischances without wars to multiply them.”
“He that breaks a thing to find out what it is, has left the path of wisdom.”
"You shall not pass!"
“I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.”
"It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life." 
“It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing, such a little thing.
“You may learn something, and whether what you see be fair or evil, that may be profitable, and yet it may not. Seeing is both good and perilous.” 
“Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.”
“Who knows? Have patience. Go where you must go, and hope!” 
“It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing … such a little thing.”
"I wonder if we'll ever be put into songs or tales."
“But do not despise the lore that has come down from distant years; for oft it may chance that old wives keep in memory word of things that once were needful for the wise to know.
You can not hide, I see you! There is no life after me. Only death!" 
“Few other griefs amid the ill chances of this world have more bitterness and shame for a man’s heart than to behold the love of a lady so fair and brave that cannot be returned.” 
"A wizard is never late. Nor is he early; he arrives precisely when he means to.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.”
“Evil will be drawn to you from outside the fellowship. And, I fear, from within you must trust yourself. Trust your own strengths.” 
“It’s a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
“Home is behind, the world ahead, and there are many paths to tread through shadows to the edge of night, until the stars are all alight.”
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." 
"Fly, you fools!"
“It came to me. It’s mine, my own, my love, my precious.”
Do not trouble your hearts overmuch with thought of the road tonight. Maybe the paths that you each shall tread are already laid before your feet, though you do not see them.”
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thecursedhellblazer · 2 years
Text
Punk & Road Thugs
( @thedemonconstantine )
The growing light of dawn stretched lazily across the vast grass field, the rays of the rising sun spreading through the cheerfully green grass and getting caught among the beaches of the rare trees. They rode the gentle waves that the hills painted all over the landscape, washing away the shadows of the fading night and spreading brighter splashes of colour in their place.
John dropped the side of his head against the window of the passenger’s seat, blue eyes distractedly following the scenery that rushed just out side of it. No matter how in love he had fallen with London and her gloomier sights, the tall buildings reaching for the clouded sky and the fog that so very often intertwined its cold fingers with the city’s alleys, he couldn’t help the tinge of awe that gripped at his still half asleep thoughts.
There was something liberating in finding himself floating in the middle of such open spaces. They made it much easier for him to breathe. Or, at least, they gifted him with the welcome delusion that the air could move more freely in his lungs.
Rolling his eyes at his own thoughts, John grumbled a half unintelligible curse under his breath and moved his attention at the man who was currently occupying the driver’s seat.
“...Ey, Chas. E’er been to bloody Scotland before?” He asked in the most casual tone, moving to stretch his slightly stiff limbs and turning to shoot a glance over his shoulders.
Gaz, Les and Beano were fast asleep in the back of the van. Lucky bastards. He had dozed off for half an hour at most during the whole trip. Unfortunately, someone had to keep company to their designated driver.
Chas had been driving them all night long, to get to Edinburgh at a decent hour of the morning. The concert they had managed to snatch wasn’t until nightfall, but they would have still needed to find a place to stay for the next few days and John was sort of looking forward to do some sight-seeing.
Not that he had openly told it to his bandmates.
“Ne’er been outta England. Blimey, I’ve ne’er been far from fuckin’ Liverpool till I left for London.”
He and Cheryl had moved around a bit when they were kids, mostly during the period their father had spent in jail, but that had been it.
“Dis is like a bloody vacation for me. Shitty sleep arrangement n’ same oul company aside.”
He snorted and flashed his companion a cheeky grin. Things had been a bit tense between them after that night in the back of the van, on Chas’s side at least. Then the days had turned into weeks, Chas had agreed to become a permanent fixture in their little group and the air between them had relaxed once again.
Still, that didn’t mean that John didn’t enjoy poking fun at the poor young cabbie from time to time.
“Yeh know woh would be brill? If we ditched th’ other tossers when we get there n’ go somewhere. Jus’ yeh n’ me. I gots a few ideas tha’ could be fun to try ∿”
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seawitch62 · 2 years
Text
Shortcut and out of gas!
Luckily you are with Joshua.
Word count 1 147
Joshua narrates stories, are they true?
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          The shortcut. 
"Out of gas!"
"What?"
"I know a shortcut! Which added miles did not subtract, now we are out of gas and lost!" Glaring at Joshua accusingly.
"We are not lost!" He counters with masculine bravado.
"We are completely lost! And we have no phone service!"
"This is wonderful" her tone drips with icy sarcasm.
"We are going to have to walk it" he thinks out loud.
"Walk it! These shoes" pointing to her navy blue heels "are not meant for walking"
"You stay here then, it's going to be nightfall soon" looking at her with a look of wicked relish.
"Dark? All by myself? She nervously mutters.
Joshua rummages through the backseat and finds a pair of sneakers. "Here you can wear these".
Looking at him "thank you".
"Let's go, we better move it, we don't want to come across the wildlife!".
"Wildlife?" Joshua ignores her question and starts walking.
Silence is broken only by the wings of the bird life flying to their nests for the evening. The sunset is spectacular, at any other given time she may have thought of this as romantic, but not now not at this moment in time. The long stretch of road seems never ending and these shoes are more practical  than her heels, but too big.
Slipping and sliding within the shoe, trying her best to get traction. 'It's going to be a long night'.
The sun now says good night to this part of the world while the moon offers its greetings.
"Have I ever told you about?.."
Thinking out loud, "no I haven't".
Joshua starts his story.
"There is this guy, some may think he's attractive, who loves to dance. Let's call him Dino.
He practices his craft with determination, hour upon hour in a small dance studio, his only company is the music and his shoes. He often complains to those close to him about needing and requiring comfortable shoes.
Blisters! A dancer's curse!
How he wished he had a pair of shoes which were a dream to dance in. One afternoon whilst gliding around the studio a knock at the door breaks his momentum. The intruder, a delivery man, asked, 'are you Dino?' Nodding his answer, 'sign here'. He promptly hands his package over and leaves. Dino, curious as to what he received, opens the parcel, a shoe box, inside a pair of sneakers. 
Not just any sneakers, these shoes white and gold,  his name embroidered on them. Looking for any sender information, none was had. 
Trying on the shoes, 'wow these are amazing' the urge to dance consumes him, nothing else matters but the dance.
Dance dance dance, non stop dancing. He moves and grooves to the music all day and into the night. His feet bleed, he doesn't notice nor care all he wants to do is dance!
Finally a friend goes looking for him, after locating him and assessing the situation, he yanks the shoes off his friend".
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She looks at him, "is this an urban legend?"
Laughing, he looks at her, "true story".
"I have another story " Joshua begins his narration.
"Hoshi, known to his friends, is by no means a quiet retiring person in fact he is often loud and boisterous. A chatterbox at times this can aggravate 'his friends' chatter chatter chatter.
Non stop,  mix this with his hyper persona, well it can grate on one's nerves. On one such day Hoshi was overly excited, his rampant speech seemed to be set to the highest setting and he was oblivious to the annoyance this caused amongst his friends.
'Special Delivery for Hoshi' the package read. Not thinking twice he ripped into the parcel. Inside was a wooden puzzle music box.
Thoroughly intrigued he tinkered with the puzzle, till he opened the box. Winding up the box, Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, played softly.
Looking for sender information none was found.
Well he had a staff meeting to attend, so the mystery box was for the moment forgotten.
Arriving barely on time, Hoshi offered his apology, his mouth moved but no sound was uttered.
He tried again, and again and again.
He lost his voice. 
Panic set in, he tried to mime his dilemma, "stop clowning around" was the answer to his Marcel Marceau impersonation.
Grabbing a notepad he scribbles, 'my voice is gone!'.
His friend through written word ascertains the problem.
Destroying the music box".
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Disbelief is evident on her face, "luckily his friend figured it out" she snickers.
"Yes," his voice oozes affirmation.
In the distance a lonely howl echoes through the night.
"I will protect you" he states, taking hold of her hand as they continue their trek.
"Let me tell you the story about Jun" he grins.
"Jun's friend graciously mentioned with no malice intended,  that his skin seemed dry and shiny, Jun rushes to the mirror and stares at his reflection but notices nothing unusual. Is that a laugh line? His friend asks.
Again Jun, sees no lines. 
His friend hands him a jar of cream, 'hand made, my own special recipe' not wanting to hurt his friends feelings he accepts the gift with thanks.
Applying the lemon and vanilla scented lotion all over his face.
'Don't want to disappoint all the ladies' his friend grins, 'huh pretty boy'.
Days later Jun is absent from a get together, his friend texted no response, he calls, straight to voicemail.
Thinking this is odd, his friend heads to Jun's place.
Knock knock knock.
No one answers but he hears shuffling.
"Jun open the door!".
Hesitantly Jun opens the door, the room is dark and the curtains drawn.
His friend opens the curtains.
Looking at Jun, Jun's pretty face is covered in pimples!
"Wow what have you been eating?" His friend enquiries. 
Jun looks at him in disbelief, "it's the lotion!".
"My lotion?"
Jun hands it back to his friend stating thank you but I think I'm "allergic to one of the ingredients.
His friend looks at him, retrieving the jar, 'better stay inside pretty boy, you will scare the ladies'.
After tossing the lotion in the bin he makes his exit.
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Smirking at her, "all true stories".
The wildlife let their presence be known, wrapping his arms around her, his hold tight, they continue to walk.
In the distance a soft light shines, as they get closer, it's a 24 hour gas station.
"See" he points, "everything is okay".
The gas station is lit up like a Christmas tree, a beacon for travelers.
Glancing at the sneakers she is wearing, she notes they are white and gold, and Dino is embroidered into the shoes.
"The taxi is here! Let's go !" Joshua states.
Looking at him and the taxi hesitantly, he takes hold of her hand and slides her into the back passenger seat.
"What's your problem?".
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poemoftheday · 1 year
Text
Poem of the Day 10 April 2023
Easter, 1916
BY WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS
I have met them at close of day   
Coming with vivid faces
From counter or desk among grey   
Eighteenth-century houses.
I have passed with a nod of the head   
Or polite meaningless words,   
Or have lingered awhile and said   
Polite meaningless words,
And thought before I had done   
Of a mocking tale or a gibe   
To please a companion
Around the fire at the club,   
Being certain that they and I   
But lived where motley is worn:   
All changed, changed utterly:   
A terrible beauty is born.
That woman's days were spent   
In ignorant good-will,
Her nights in argument
Until her voice grew shrill.
What voice more sweet than hers   
When, young and beautiful,   
She rode to harriers?
This man had kept a school   
And rode our wingèd horse;   
This other his helper and friend   
Was coming into his force;
He might have won fame in the end,   
So sensitive his nature seemed,   
So daring and sweet his thought.
This other man I had dreamed
A drunken, vainglorious lout.
He had done most bitter wrong
To some who are near my heart,   
Yet I number him in the song;
He, too, has resigned his part
In the casual comedy;
He, too, has been changed in his turn,   
Transformed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.
Hearts with one purpose alone   
Through summer and winter seem   
Enchanted to a stone
To trouble the living stream.
The horse that comes from the road,   
The rider, the birds that range   
From cloud to tumbling cloud,   
Minute by minute they change;   
A shadow of cloud on the stream   
Changes minute by minute;   
A horse-hoof slides on the brim,   
And a horse plashes within it;   
The long-legged moor-hens dive,   
And hens to moor-cocks call;   
Minute by minute they live:   
The stone's in the midst of all.
Too long a sacrifice
Can make a stone of the heart.   
O when may it suffice?
That is Heaven's part, our part   
To murmur name upon name,   
As a mother names her child   
When sleep at last has come   
On limbs that had run wild.   
What is it but nightfall?
No, no, not night but death;   
Was it needless death after all?
For England may keep faith   
For all that is done and said.   
We know their dream; enough
To know they dreamed and are dead;   
And what if excess of love   
Bewildered them till they died?   
I write it out in a verse—
MacDonagh and MacBride   
And Connolly and Pearse
Now and in time to be,
Wherever green is worn,
Are changed, changed utterly:   
A terrible beauty is born.
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libidomechanica · 1 year
Text
Thus I stars and the vats upon the dear divide wilderness tree:
A sonnet sequence
               1
Men, skippings at on which like a hurrying presents, old of silver face to it and humour mine’s garded stories, wash’d him. The revolving you, sir, I put it is that crazed upon her on the plied in the was just as this, authority, by wholly. Against so free fresh air. That water is not fail! Make an in public slip. Freshening; For years, their heau’nly good, every low and our dirty though seen: fire scorch’d and made me, we remain to the day’s mostly I cannot pine. Thus I stars and the vats upon the dear divide wilderness tree: there the peach with the sente me to hardly knees.
               2
Thy lips of Lebanon, excels, and painting stately, with shouldst not yourse and so dear into my back her east: tis Phillis, on the altar-foot, fresh—Desires, none else to bark. Come thy cloisted gray wall are twilight what power, Muses ere the dew. Lest I gainst concerns your pocket doth instant with that grown, my own the sobb’d of all her my lose dead? Reading what can mark? I have we remains; rolled at out one; aurum, softly go, and heart white and vow, perfect, His work, the mass may meet, where is dream: the shall be of remembered come guest of happy spirit beautiful lemonade and hate?
               3
In their door, the Father, with love to countenance, in the brief, thou waiting hell: Oh, weeping from Gilead. And of a virtue she straue to say,—whose eyes, led be; after me thee see; my finger shines still but we knot. Old dwarf hadst thy heart. Set me six months, legs are as once thing milk: eat, and her my said, Decatur, Union, Straubs, with than mine: but, rises—and Glooms, and what if he capricious since my indolent light. And me loveless and each? Had we in mine—tender is shalt called Rescue Inc. Soon or ever like the Eternal, while I did if a man in love angry withoute long; to be!
               4
The but this the thousand answer’d its knee. And white. The hill air is Musicke, Wisedomes in the and go to whom should see a man, she mark their colors of skill. Two river’s waste; the corpse, thereal as thou will of love, through, thin; then she is yet the flood repeating yet promise! Which heaven, and not responsible not responsible for their Latin more like a husband, white. These valleys. Road, which flie to my chamber many a hill; but down. Experience departures they boring me, without. Who never bright all the gold grow by what crazed her. Solitude, less grow. Veils the appear!
               5
True-telling must have fretful place, nothing will delight lest traits that ease, and to thee will a children cheek. So it shame, veil that ye this there’s ingratitude; Out of us love’s be dearth careless us all the loves his eyes are within they practice uplift from out from thence we delay, tis not dead! What come thy perswasion of Life divinely leave. Come, we may, but gaze upon the cockles, but play; he thou should so was full-crowned, to a woman is quarter- florin to coverlooking the lovers’ season know which is comes long friend comfort at an autumnal Nightfall burns her graves.
               6
And what man’s way, purfles already, o mount and eating up to heart half in deceitful painful air is Musickest daughter in another, I send your knaves, her a jokes with ev’ry please. Gude faint Laurence, that will stay and realized heavy stood and knife so long since summer, the bed- furniture—a doze I shrink—whatever me not asham’d by they saw it—put they strife, to the drew him on his face of Humber me to? Pity and feel your torches and streaming the bargain her shows so will it hate; since I have wi’ th’ unguard to be. Ask for me, while thickly move lied. Hush!
               7
Do but die, and all, and to its do I not be such would I were deaths would wives a woman a’ her you fostered you reaching the Courtesies of that dark. Our love did no soldiers work they punched his eye in whether, not one, haply said the dead! To make a threw and nose, till the monthly year, sorrow in age at met and the high Iliads; about me wedding is, in my house the Captain’s opprest, your ring thus, this shine eyes all the life. Close, and him the was the mountains asleeping, he knew and feedeth among the wind, which was there; I knew it. Let but the dead! As the Carming roguish een.
               8
Though with tempt these poor love and flame. Well and saffron; calamus and Adonais did frame, and a lanterns. That forests and thee to my care, myself has thereof. For some laurels at the beds. That hardly hear than cause of Prince’s diurnal flowers, soft and the part with a shadow for me. And where is combustion an English all men some on it, gives away. And body thin; therefore dead! And strength of the night at left the small round, it in Wales. For, losing God, but not fair he business on that her mind so red, wand’ring gray walls; could not therefore the kill the pale that are undo, bow pair’d?
               9
Is—you’ll no more! With soft like they at on my mouth and silver loue, the stay, and, but heav’n, who next, a years shining sunbeams around in it show; and the among thy way, what convent’s them lying sun and scar of the city, we who she wanderings ill- wrestingers re-deliver who kept. Of losing into him, the Setting his desire, with the business best? Fair of dove, my bosom or hardly knee is your hear, despite of thee as thus sigh; and modest in hue, all together, the lions’ bier, breast and fitly she sexton, and the city, will be of guilt, in the be felt, yet never hair and than and them on, nor starved the bottom the since my mothers, the sky, the leave to say pray’r, and Death the ghost a thing his triumph is yellow and with a summer bed, whiles Beauty and Sence, like than and with great man have only weary, I would plant a precede the eclips’d, but grieve.
               10
Knees her there and may morn about gives tune of admires younglings, can die! Men, so bring itself, mum’s teats, we stormy night! Maybe kiss the Medici, i’ the fig tree; she maintain side; the clock of sways are will seek heau’ns count and faire encreasing did appetite with our hearts? Those evening through neuer slaves and gave a very low that I have so red, the green spray, most Women green hold then I was his ill, the hill the seen thing comes to scent, some the wink, if ye find our friend, that cling myrrh, upon your tears begun; the passion, that set with his you again, mix not vain forehead’s like a kid rubbish.
               11
No more relation while his, a weeping tree, when hawthorny roam; no less beloved the future of the life finding it the kings beauty and bless’d means defection to their cribs of my pray, that prevailing. They first not seem’d thy neck clamor with down her perch, how him run. The occupies me suddenly, with veild that beauty she lay; o’er my pray’r, and art of the mountain-top, to writer locket, valents is so, although neuer sleep to her sovran shade them; an’ aft my begin revisited the children are two hour when my belly sheds, that night is heaven’s light stars to owe you?
               12
With grieve: for you can’st see a morning, or turning, not appetite with great heau’nly eyes have no disguise in smiled, of hopes, he can’t fear of sigh of Golden hair ones, build to whom fair plainer to sight, because to her angels so, to roose and sell as the bands to be, such a heart and body. That, man was their garland every of his fate proposed in it catch him? Body join’d a fattention tolled the upright fair the tavernal flow’ring roguish een. She rose, falls me out of that ever. My heads; unwrappiness of splendour, to Fame’s two bites, were past, i’m sure, borne? And the from the strange.
               13
Also it is, with the gloomy mother mourns not so longing will run through she rusted was the watch’d Urania scattering woman is it never out of one who griefs, and the Abbey-stone, she, which thy season is in Ithaca or he is tumble vale. Leave one barren are the grave eyes? In the tender that kind is brand, so is it was filled; in across’d beautiful isn’t melt or to her death man in pure and snake, my pensive Sara! Our ministered him, but only cry, The eyes fly, till our loss with bugs is that thou before but all thee with my fair, which refusing the grace!
               14
Longing is thee shadows flying, loue she were postman have closely by track’d the yellow what’s face and he only fears for no, for sure, in forests of the wonder the riverse. A swooning thrown good, like a child, to Fame’s watch. To be see and virgin shepherd’s none sent thaw not, dear, when the robe better or pray, to give, and moonlights of songs that I am gone, summer air, the inmost humble as closed it above, and threat it means daiquiri. With unto dance it was it shall she warm wet mount and flat, with ev’ry trace past ride with the dewy splendours, dawn, I were are me, hearts, O Sea!
               15
So very morning, and I. The swelling follow’rs, time and tower of liberticide, thy tempests of the height tell the loue might to life’s eglanting the soul gives and bucklers, and now what a jest, for Gods sang hell, you catch upon a science, I leaned among to whom fair. Into ashes and ripe; a song of spill the art dead, and uncomplicities his to till the fled; in that never tongue. Thus two hundred ball. This remember’d marry. In perfumes to clamor withoute long glancing among the kinde myself, and Oh, odious eye cherry. Are you can kill! Whence, it grow, well away.
               16
Pursue; with thee, we all but for a whole he is gone? And catch meet; she distant Sea tells in the Seventh a corner-houses were mouse, and faint alone, but life! And the ladies like tomb? Love they stand as refect of conscious green fucked out, cajoled by take: in every surrogate? Fondly faults they never case to possible not gone by the curse or fast. But loves me life has twa spacious as brow to the call other’s hear, All here. The gear that young Ben hand is not we firmly like to green. We simple some did, he cried, and of changed, have closed at his passport I shall I waking women, when the plain to pray. And my sister’d through that which is solemn agony had give my gentle galleries. Brother Johnny, my thou catch out of the forth, and Debauchee of the passionato. The beauty shamed, I should grief to become? Let go. Within forests, ceased as happened a dewy more dead!
               17
So keen pyramid a walk humbly with crimson which all suck my wrath, and Life divine Muse: I heart wit that it shines, crown monogamy lips like know beauty, out office, a soft and was folds in her hair little to loving years and the only by dainty mistake a change. She hand where’s no time. Saying Lucan, by the sound eyes, with pins; meseems I owned. At thing waters, knee and in the very loud till in an English all wealth I remembraces glimmer breathe old or you bend thou hast the darkness might of you not conceal it bear to no pray. As than bean, thy amiss, these tea.
               18
From his every original of all too kindled a blood. As closed is thy face in to light, moon is berth, and of all, can emergents, the fruit, I would in state the inmost about this country of snarling roguish’d his hands and Lucy knee is gone; for, soone angers walked and run through purest but who like two soul from they scrambling from thy cold rush hounds shouldst not conveys it is purchase pair of the twilightshades, can’t I teach in the churches her head is mine: he disting’s a big white&things in the songs their death. I shall sides, sure than me, and tranquish’d the corner. Stand drowsily, even then she day two spill, for Adonais; till the eye cannot for a daughters thou wanton stands the vapour, selected, and bowls of the plied her hard to young hand: pity and drown monogamy life in mine; forget simple once her legs proof darts, O Solomon’s; thou art fair a psychologist.
               19
Quo’ her shall be a sting, the honeycomb: honeycomb: honest, for my belong Or hadst thou or I, who wit thy spend in me on mistake, the would may breast ages, empires at evenings throws on the clothes out fords eased I than mark the eyes fingers of animals of nature dares be dead like awe, there’s an undisting shot him, but wishes; granted hyacinth a soldiers warp in the picks forever. As well, my better panting brain, thou leave tossing every loud hear the dry voice with him them; an’ aft my love, or forget how, each breath; but I found my echo and the sweet said, My love the came. The insects of with eternal flowers. Man he shouting thee to expiring for me in the changed the mountain both day cake at th’ Indian cherye with a cheerful anguish een. She is, thy cold and salt sits, not against thou truly Bacchanalian-like flies in these world’s door.
               20
So long years, the incantation meaning from field! Say, whose but there spoken she caught then, in the rich a flock has twa sparkling smil’d, as in Ithaca or her forgoer to be that ye seem long th’ enamour’d draw—his, thou serve me to dry they shall delights! Because in the took thou swells; could it no crimson clouded ransom all above take a fervor bore a fool I was a bitter a joyless and be conservant o’er thee: there’s my woes gives the sour when Chloe knot. Love the fading, as each ephemeral a portraits of a wreathed all those, who do more done, in the love, if your hand some red balloon. Make an alleys, so she size of their joy? Alas for me, when your Johnny to pat then Himself Narcissa’s mimic, all think of delights through seen, and rue, and built me the book the cell, you know the shall bury the moon is there, and streets at Satyr he warm shame?
               21
It’s lightning sunset. Which bore it in those blest, that crowned. When his swooning him in me of my earth: shiness is my love, tolerable on each times, parking of relation’s at for virtue she heart. What heart alarm’d; her teens.—Alas, if never moan Oh, comes to see: when those none. I vex my heart, believe to see you truly sun be but Lippo force my walles thereupon his we, and there’s no light, as if she tend upon his Ambush, without a straue to have its doesn’t it to me of Heaven fill’d so near to thy cold and see them which of Golden borne in the world betwixt the lasting.
               22
But Roger, Rosamonda’s bowels with the love. Can fine by dainty thought. I chariots. To home; but tis your hand dew upon a tree? The other sae meikle into the made river-tide. And there was Job; and cance clear and changes everythings vse infant’s when I told. Eye-water-side, in purest structures of saddest into one had turn’d, and thence, nor, who, where wet with poets that? Eating the stood and said half-curled fro, she meal upon his, and part, yet I am push. As ten, somersetshire more that bears even see and fine summit of many more, in fine warp in they flee away.
               23
Church, as what you reprov’d. Then so sweet Societies I must next to be; and that our Cot, and should be. Surely spray than wit. Her cribs of the in the lips bidding. I shall be eclipse and lur’d draw—his, and in his shalt sit beneath, had my face to all the streets and hurt she, with love, like an in rhyme so. The second time dide thee up underly i’m guessed is his fill of desires, and on just out a fervor both, then my dear-purchas’d, but each time, stead of all but in ever regions, so saddle, broken? So favour one fragranted sidewalks into shade the had brindle day office.
               24
While the Bust at the dares and naught we’d love the gravy as I will hap sometimes unto my grief opprest of woe? Why, one makes or ripe; a spotless and she main, passed that responsible loves the swallows gather, there is life; only grow: the eyes, less the winter clothes, and off in sparkling soul. Stay, loathed then those deep upon a jonquility or like pursue; The One day comes its meaning’s a stones. Spirit see love invitations—sun’s down brother’s soul the prove: for such a fit, have ladies ripened by my sorry I cannot be gray will no more, whose blush on it. Amid them, as closed.
               25
Me welcome virgin full grief with the light along, who kept. Find is head been none in a world? Of music we know thou hast ride. And, feel your naive there came, thought her to go of the beauty found thy duties, doubt to me in her way, gone beast and not your bonny blush’d not as we went, study window. Your body. On Chaos; in its sounds: or how has twa sparkling round he knew: for friendless that I am born. And none say? My dove whence, it no redress, and silver- greeting thing to the sounds cut of silver is that saved forgive; o, the corn on tiptoe, said the world while stains; long man, child!
               26
How referred for peace? And have me that avows, that cannot wise men in this watch of us, they less sat in the horrible at midsummer day’s disguise, our nor awake million’d Earth; where the look up and laughing him in a can next to my morn Hath travery bed you’re not your will rise and covering singers who wit thousand, to thy sleeves o’ a brand; with the spongy closely bound, i, that I should heaving thee presents, or prey.—Natures chorus leaned again; far off and burst and half daddy, has twa sparkling roguish beyond move, and painting orb crowning spangless shadows flee awake.
               27
Me with to my garden by all ill counted and thrill’d on they clouds are mirror’d ships go further sovran shower, satiate dang men; companions from the fury stares of early buy, if the strives in thee—ponder tale, who laughing in that me, and like a science in descended to The glory from thee, clumsy Will to my brother’d moulder, dear-purchased of grape give thou mad’st see what never and my friend! He is this should eclipse and his steals all the soft like mate in you shoulder, that fosters, and dreadful cried to deface of golden bound see and fool to public means and dew-drops of time.
               28
Love that among head wanton Sally murmur of please. You serves to the showers, brightness it may this plain it does me with her vain conduct nice, than with her evening roes the pears; and consign’d and live, till they of changing lip, you’re hands and glance of none engender gross just farther struck out of old, that said a mute and ruffled by think you get thine head up—but shoulders, colours chorus led by Cupids colours latch; weeded, fool I was in New York, my soul of a rush hours half turned put a moment land; which gave I remembrace; and to the comfortless, as well. Filled his heart serenely mouth.
               29
Time and the says, We’re like though she fled the sure selfe one sent sane curtain front of honored half daddy, and pray. Toasts arms, she measure their winter sleep, this Plight and become? He hair with sanctifying sun begins to Art, how that your arms undefiled: for that need to write; and like a length-ways see this twinkle in his heart light. Off her with a lights, and warrangers of Jerusalem, by all these green how unlike knot. Hair way even the shrank like the solid ground could know his own sweetest Thine eyes have a water foot only regular somewhat once in a bit of her fourscore of reach.
               30
Man of moon is a mortal state, nor dine. —Your slake, doth too soon o’er three took the princely Grace one, that all get him in my most full promise thee, the grew as wet without at her brains. And all that heart suck my within the possible at me, the oxen’s face. His most, a beauty and steal, a walking back I always in light of the ghosts of the has twa spare rich an and now if the love all those wit my hearts, your loved beneath a beasts of sighs: and muffled togethere— and God, or happy, for Adonais is and stroke my breasts and her done!—Nay, we may seek that hue from her rang, All ’s Well!
               31
I told to see hence is; let’s steals in case we soul revolving Might the night. Women her at there she has twa sparkling houses ere torturing called it hate: if a flitting with hound with sapphire, which, believe me the vines: for you are freckled Chloe want to run fast moss that had wakeful doze I stand unminister hair, the level: spatter’d ill of many beneath upon her breasts and married and is you saw her fingernails fell in the sweet birds and me, I thing. Three chiefly under clothes out the vanquil flower babe, ringeth: o stones, the company of what charnel-roof!
               32
On one to her tripped shield. If ye for itself in the join to built beyond the shalt heart. In Magdalen’s low, the imposed in me; myrrh, and nor servant on her both among there stirs thou should plants all trees that was a wound she loveless as happiest at me seen, which is course of you, which Sense, good is memory, doth be rude songs that over- beaten he hopes sweetest night forth them, my own way the houses to each! Long and soft hath his swooning not market I stood measures of follow winter can reachers. A furlong sequacious chariot hurt out the seen turneth among must have learn.
               33
When pauses betweene my angel-brood, today two breasts, long that tended that at his hard to me once purple, there’s my lov’d remember that if I bear, no news; there, like thee: thus, that your ere the day to thy side. Merry, if never circumstance, let it is a peer or ten contrast the gloomy monks clovers as if she says proof darts, which not paint hours leaves, he cross body bear topp’d beautiful light gay me to my beloved the laugh forest strenuous this held in the desires, nor the fishes; grant, bone-dry white shrubs, with with a median during and I with a Moon and I.
               34
The green hopes, and passion-winged thy part because her matins, and what’s straight of her my dove, my darlins and satiate her, and God many hour and swift the ears: she wealth of face or dine. I would that went been window at hob-nail Dick sung of Humber me wish, and that hand into the grave, and one in my made me, thou not up, a fault of means sadly doors ajar? He leprous corpses in Boston, whose limbs strong, and a’! Thence of these was soon o’er it is it did not death and queen; then I’m made barren among tell you can spurrings whose doth she scandal shall unload and some maintain by, and their burn!
               35
” Or we could marish-mosses theatre. The day and wept its mortal seraphs swing or vanished those distinct in each ephemeral in the shall fate and gray be, or serve that appear; but yet awhile I should ember the sun rose the bounds shouts, then since her and to-night, a light. I will no more to the finally wrath, and all’s enduring, she is wingèd chase part of love these many think of all her eddy brave, flowers, and country and if thy soul made riversal sounds shouting melon passed perhaps she a mortal curtain to live thou shouldst thought is they will the stood that need not to shame.
               36
For to belt and that last, she, fair, and won his boat a goodness, months sing, when I’ll she exercise her send: for not to meet! Unlike type of the chiefly into its of A Love O gentle to say, in the Fair one, and gently, shew him! That came, the midst the mouse behold my golden strands on it, ignore it was no fitter like a fell again, the lied. The strives how, and look into there killing on youth in the depart! Eat off and some once I raised your came a slave,? Draw me, tired in dart thou should bay and friend’s directed, one of the bodies like his gold gray will be eclipse, and died.
               37
And your between other of desire? Her evening, and may veil. Attracts to travelled with me the bodies, and disconsolation— for soone and round analys’d your mistress was the other, Calista of many a cream won’t yet come the political of me up a soft Form, who in another Lips. New pearls the wind. When yourse! Like the thing passion starts—but the one many, red is golden had flee away and the canker like an image worse foes that wasn’t it to blame, a teeming soil. I do more, on while one arm, sighs: and the fierced to me; my sound in a woman-love wise?
               38
Set for thy breast, i’m surer body. I have it in whisks its nub, its cruel ray, hurt he crevice tell what conceals. Though neuer sleek, and should say and Temple body spurre can spite thee, dearest help the wrough a wink at cloud, they practice loss is thirst. He relationshine, which streets and robb’d of hopes, how he plain.—Laid heaven our mom did brings in Ithaca or her live, I calls! Watching age’s crowned: I sung. Wishes and and changed for all that is will her heau’ns intense had blendering strength-ways with bold of air and still I thou bitten any both days, We’re made up seven shapes of losing at twig.
               39
The bats a places and and models of Jerusalem. Down to see that if heart the lofty thou deep for everybody thick coated offer o’ luve wishes as the self a cry, the Death is left desert thy hart upon truth never again, and red nor leagues they thunder as the very dream an autumnal stars and there white: to stem; but heavier children women into my below. Wise with the Prior’s niece … patron with the would cause it bare hold task, without a precede that we may, and we two with we’ll be sad an expect at him, Life’s she plant a chuckle of your eyes went.
               40
Into a life that keep you will go, she mine own the watched with his conversion put to unsluice of the shall sixty year, and sighs, has taughters of my pain wild, if sheep, have beetle, the might she lost in the evil tempt to love; and, as silken for the rain is added, like his laid. Leaves you tell; then let Lisa go, mountain both in youth side, since when that water-sides full bring a twists of the arrange nothing of night, because my better, urge not there she bang’d to dwell she distressed, like Spirits are; her thy restiness one thick clutch of the fading part, this so greed but a passionato.
               41
It solve if he thickly shall flee away so is this is as tall smiled, What my arm and naught is pleasant fruit, ignore it bare even the pain wild cry’d in Heaven as chalky, when you only, with one was contender my draught went bore is my wrap your warmed by nodding the yellowing the Prior’s boy, the smelling rain of guilty of waterman colour’d Home, until its and stroke. He learns them all, eat it the prey; actaeon-like, whom rage, nor blank; it see forms the thinks o’ your hand Look always seen the bone down knots, ye nymph we canker like pressing face, thousand. Busy old Catoes by the World, th’ address my angelo, done vaster on the measure near, and I see a waketh. An’ she cat inly fix’d privately with bitter the work, ’ said my daught for my pouch the Eternal with her to the love shape, that all they are kind into the wonder my life. At throws of our lash!
               42
But never hill and so hush! With dew and clear and hide to pain; my flickering benediction and cleave. Of frank to pleasure; but never faces, shops, a side; in a woman and the z, paint Lucy Gray upon her silken from ever more celess like delight remove. But what some near. Who do rude so radiant of myrrh withouten any soil. Died. I am a man a’ her face, in the like town’s fair, that take young as dead! So very of the soul you review the humble what my vocabulary for such refuse of time did glim’ring state to end: to her, a bliss that breakfast.
               43
And the shall bondage with thy state, it wits; camphire in would thered; next my rose. And end. So, all thine, buzz, and old, that I inhabiters appetite I, who grief of the Prior, turn to the leave out, till taken my door believe me out. An’ aft my daught years. Bleeds from there in the dark valleys, has driving a fishes love him to rub the sober last like the pine, he is gone, and and that shriek’d, or she grass and lov’d, as his own so shock a saint—is it about to find the silent and any sort of though the other, dear, All her from there’s their own dying the wax to says she last!
               44
Ten lizard, held the air like their crime, with thy unwon, how much of praise himself: and die with their fathering to climb her familiar in heart move anyone out golden Day, what beauty all the fat, breath, dim- descry such a tongue has some he settled forbear in the mother of her. And lonely, O ye dauntless and the promise! Range den, so shame, with their tear; she had turn from thousand be good naturally; but one of body, and with such, so much, you hides this was, before I go, and saints of my wife; only this; by mad transform’d with do pleas’d with never a silent light glare again.
               45
Like an apple-leave ties his back downcast forth, now shoulder, he is come maintain. When and Phœbus first or lasses me back hue from yon kindles it did foyle thou sets meaning’s ingratitude, and small; or shall grown monogamy life. Dry as herself did passion put today two spirit was happiness so fair wert as my face prevenge fashionable. Into thee; yet tonight and conscience taper perhaps when I should spie, no news; the impossible after plants that I said in love-sick men, heartles it confuse through that evenings in full fleeth, leaving purpose: brood, like toward joy the beats, but straight!
               46
For tension to harves in her a light on all at clever, the consume us love what it is in flood expanded, quo’ her of David built beyond, half in speak as a tower the end there, that Ben he pine, like a cheeks needs in the end where you will remember me. At twenty, yes: we were my sigh and Death should I exhausted, it’s accessary needed and came, the mortgage with sacrificent men her wooed, and dumb with a song throught mickle ado, wander all, and know they saw Cupid bitch, ere like a mourn her love? A man love should waken’d him to rent; the eyes, and the ears, were drinking worthine ears, like Apollo, from her here have? Of her earth stone, with life from Tankards of petals beloved, O thou, sir, find stellaes ioyful a double sexton to recite there wild Wisdom beneath rever, and see on a joyless us, yellow deck the day loved, O daught whence!
               47
I charge the fruits. The comely miserably the last clear. When I speake? Or like music hath dew, and in themselves a wounds: or he is your eyes; nay morn, till we love the wine! The beauty and the dropped with a subject Lute! For, doing! Thou thus sing, the mind your cities she blushing man’s fastern in bean, with light speake a devised race. Chief the ants. Shake heed; with the lights, some like though all sit and do suggest mountains. With his great the tries relent, the bar, and rend a pointed the only mare, for that hard yew a blood. As mine own descried. Coy maid, The hope you that I would I be a wings and put all!
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lrtncomic · 3 years
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missameliep · 2 years
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SECOND CHANCES - CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT
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Book: Desire and Decorum – Modern AU 
Rating: G
Word count: ~7K (huge, i know)
Summary: The weekend at Edgewater reserves many surprises to Elizabeth and her friends, and might turn out to be just what some of them need to speak up about their feelings...
Characters: Elizabeth Foredale (OC); Briar Daly; Edmund Marlcaster, Annabelle Parsons; Prince Hamid; Luke Harper; Dominique Foredale; Vincent Foredale; Mr. Sinclaire.
Notes: 
* All characters belong to Pixelberry, except OC.
* I want to thank @princess-geek for being my beta in this chapter and her support to my writing. You're a treasure, my friend! 💝
* This is my awfully late submission to @choicesjanuarychallenge2022: Day 12. stairs
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Smiling, Elizabeth sings along in the chorus of another pop song from the playlist she created with Briar and Annabelle, looking out of the window, the countryside slips by. Villages with ancient stone houses come into sight for a moment, disappearing in the next. The further they went North, the less traffic ahead. London has given space to greened hills that were now covered by the blanket of darkness. Though, even before the nightfall, the dark and heavy clouds hanging above barely let any sunlight through.
The weather forecast predicts rain for the weekend; however, this predicament did not reduce Elizabeth’s enthusiasm to see Edgewater, nor her friends’, who are looking forward to spending fun days together.
The car swivels to the left, taking a secondary road. Behind the wheel, Edmund Marlcaster relaxes. The closest red lights flicker many meters away and disappear after the curve. Adjusting the rear-view mirror, he takes a good look at Briar, who was doing a little dance.
“I love that song!” Briar chanted from the backseat.
When another pop song started playing on the radio, she and Elizabeth singalong, ignoring Edmund’s visible annoyance after he pleads to play something else.
“No,” they both reply in chorus, and laugh. However, despite the failed attempt to change the playlist, he smiles softly when his gaze meets Briar’s.
“How long till we get to Edgewater?” Briar asked, trying to keep his attention a moment longer.
“We’re halfway now.”
Elizabeth takes the mobile from her bag and checks the messages.
“Hamid says they are on their way,” Elizabeth announced, and her attention was absorbed by the mobile while she typed the response; meanwhile, Edmund’s eyes found Briar's again on the rear-view mirror. She offered him one of her most flirtatious smiles and a wink, causing him to flush bright red.
“So… Edmund, is your fiancée joining us?”
Edmund coughed a few times, and Elizabeth cast a side glance at him. Clearing his throat, he managed to find his voice.
“No, Theresa is staying at London during the break.”
Averting her eyes, Briar hummed to herself, and a smile curled her lips.
“Doesn’t she mind you going to Edgewater without her?”
“She has her own plans with –” Edmund paused, searching for the appropriate word to not speak ill about the vipers that are Felicity Holloway and Donna Bowman. “Friends. She’ll spend most of her time occupied helping Felicity with her party. By the way, Theresa mentioned your name was on the list, Eliza… Are you going to the party?”
“Absolutely not! I already RSVP’d my ‘no’.”
“Oh,” he sighed, without looking away from the road, “I was hoping you'd keep me company…”
“Sorry. I really need my Felicity free time.”
“I envy you!” he muttered.
“There will be plenty of people to keep you company… Even Hamid is going.”
“You’re letting him?” Briar howled her question from the backseat, startling the other two.
Turning around on her seat to face her, Elizabeth asked, “What do you mean I’m letting him? Briar, he’s a grown man who can go wherever he likes...”
Her words were received with a dramatic eye roll and a disapproving slowly shake of head.
“Unbelievable!”
“Hamid is thrilled to wear his zombie costume... and I’ll help with the makeup.”
“Have you ever heard about that party and what goes on there, Lizzy? There will be a throng of gorgeous girls on the pull and a geezer man like Hamid all by himself...” Briar trailed off, casting a knowing look at her friend. “You know what can happen, right?”
“Well... it’s up to him.”
“Won’t you mind if he meets someone?” Briar insisted, “What if he starts dating? What if he falls in love?”
Elizabeth swallowed the lump on her throat and looked outside. “What if he already did?”
“Oh, my God! Are you talking about yourself? Did he say he love you?”
“What? No; why would he?”
“Must I state the obvious?”
“We’re friends.”
“You’re more than that! You’re more like a real couple than some couples I know.” Briar scoffed, crossing her arms.
“Briar, please,” – Elizabeth turned around again, facing the passenger seat’s window – “I don’t feel like having that conversation again…”
“But, Lizzy, only the truth will set you free!” The seat belt snapped, pulling Briar back when she tried to lunge forward and approach Elizabeth. “You must acknowledge your feelings and speak up! You love him!”
Elizabeth’s head snapped back to face the other. The word love was definitely a stretch, but Briar has no parsimony in using that verb, especially when referring to her relationship with Hamid. Whenever she does, Elizabeth scowls in the most unladylike way imaginable. She does not love Hamid. How could she? They barely know each other. That’s not how this love thing works. Hamid is someone dear to her, someone she cares about and wants to have close. But love? No, she is not in love, but it’s futile to argue with someone who does not listen to reason.
“I beg you stop this nonsense once Hamid gets there,” Elizabeth said softly with pleading eyes, “I don’t want things getting awkward... He told me he likes someone and wanted –”
“What?” Briar cried, eyes open wide and eyebrows shooting up and disappearing underneath the black bangs; the car swivelled slightly with Edmund’s reaction to the high-pitched noise, and Briar apologised.
Even Edmund, who abstained himself from joining the conversation this far, looked gobsmacked. “He actually told you that, Eliza?”
“Yeah. Last time we met… He asked me advice on the matter… Why would he do that unless we are only friends?”
“That’s impossible!” Briar exclaimed, “What were his words exactly?”
Burying herself further into the seat, she rested her hands on her lap, and reminisced for a moment. “Suffice to say he asked me advice on how to talk to this woman, because he gets speechless around her.”
“Speechless? Hamid?” Briar snorted. “Are we talking about the same guy who never shuts up?”
Edmund cast a sideway glance at his stepsister. “This woman must be really extraordinary to leave someone as eloquent as Hamid tongue-tied.”
“Probably. And I’m not ready to hear about her. Or them. I need time to process this and whatever it means to our friendship... so please, let us all have a quiet weekend.”
“I cannot promise quiet. I cannot promise I won’t try to set you two up either. Or lock you in a room together. With only one bed and –”
“Briar!” Elizabeth squealed, and Edmund snorted with laughter.
“You are my friend, Lizzy. I will not lie to you.”
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“Welcome to Edgewater,” Edmund announced when the manor comes unmistakably into sight after a curve, the façade illuminated by a soft yellow glow, and recited the same words one can read in the brochures about the estate. Elizabeth knows it is a show for Briar, however, her very own heart races at the sight.
“Quite impressive,” Briar sighs, nose a hairsbreadth to the window. “Can you imagine all the secret romances, intrigues and betrayals that have happened there over the years?”
Elizabeth and Edmund shared a knowing look. “Yes, we can.”
After crossing the gate, the car followed the path through a manicured lawn with statues illuminated by yellowish lights. Everything looks so quiet, but Elizabeth knows how deceiving that is. Similar to other manor’s this size, Edgewater has an army of employees working from dawn to dusk and beyond; and depending on who is staying at the house, gossip is served 24/7.
When they pulled over, members of the staff were already waiting. While one took their luggage, another guided the trio inside, where Lady Dominique waited to offer a proper welcome. No sign of the countess, despite the news she would be staying at the manor until the end of the following week. Maybe she was avoiding Elizabeth, and she would not complain if she did this the entire weekend.
“Where’s the wicked witch?” Briar whispered into Elizabeth’s ear, acknowledging the absence too.
Holding a chuckle, she forced a polite smile to greet her grandmother.
After the proper greetings, Lady Dominique asked about the rest of the party, and Elizabeth explained they were coming with Annabelle.
“Annabelle is such a talented young lady. Did she tell you how she used to come here often and play the piano for us?” Elizabeth nodded, and Lady Dominique smiled wistfully. “It will be delightful to have her here again.” After a pause, certainly reminiscing about her grandson Harry, the woman collected herself, and her gaze focused on the present.
“Now, you should go upstairs and get ready. Flora is waiting for you, and I asked Joanne to assist Miss Daly. I will guarantee the others are welcomed and escorted to their respective rooms.”
With a polite smile, Elizabeth thanked her grandmother. Despite her disagreements, she admires the way she manages to run things at the house so smoothly. There is usually not a situation unforeseen. The moment she learned about the plans to the weekend, she was extremely zealous and helpful; even if Elizabeth suspects it is another attempt to earn her forgiveness after the incident with Felicity, she thanks her again for everything.
Accompanying the trio out of the parlour, Lady Dominique was amused by Briar’s wonder.
“This is all so fancy! It looks like a museum. But in a good way, of course.”
Lady Dominique expressed her gratitude, without hiding the pride in being the major responsible for the current decoration and pointed at some esteemed items. After speaking to one of the employees, Lady Dominique proceeded to tell them about the accommodations, and soon Elizabeth, Edmund and Briar were on their way to the stairs.
“I thought we were all staying together in one giant room, and have a big slumber party.”
“Maybe some other time.” Elizabeth smiled.
“Don’t ever expect Lady Dominique to allow single young ladies to share accommodations with male guests, unless they are in some sort of extremely official commitment,” Edmund explained, following her dangerously close upstairs, delighting on the sweet smell of her shampoo.
“I have a feeling my mother would get along well with Lady Dominique…” Briar snorted.
“Briar, your room is in the family wing, next to mine,” Elizabeth said when they reached the second floor. “Annabelle’s too.”
The news she would have a room for herself and a bathtub in the en-suite made Briar squeal, and both Edmund and Elizabeth were amused by her reaction.
When the door from Elizabeth’s room closed, Briar mused for a second, biting on her lower lip. Lingering by the door of the assigned room, she looked over her shoulder at Edmund who was debating with himself on what to do next.
“And where’s your room, Eddie?” Briar asked and her voice was barely above a whisper.
“Mine?” he gasped, then pointed at a door across the hallway.
“Good to know.”
“It is?”
“Of course.” Briar grinned. “I need to know where to find you to hold you to your word.” His eyebrows shoot up and almost disappeared beneath the ash blond hair. When there was only confusion in his eyes, she teased, “Your promise; or have you forgotten the reason you’ve invited me to Edgewater?”
“Lady Clara’s journal! Of course. I will definitely take you to the library… and we can look at the journals together… if you wish…”
“I expect you to fill me in all the gossip about Lizzy’s great-great-grandmother.”
“Absolutely.”
“Alright then. See you later.” With those words, she waved and closed the door. The man couldn’t hide his smile.
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Elizabeth picked the mobile from the vanity and checked the messages. She could hardly wait to see her friends’ reaction to the surprise. Annabelle and Hamid have been present to the historical re-enactments at Edgewater, but Briar and Luke have never seen them personally. What would they think about being part of one? Judging by the pictures in the group chat and Pictagram, at least Briar was enjoying the look. There was no text from the others, which increased her fear that Hamid could be offended.
“Your hair is done, ma’am,” said the woman standing behind Elizabeth, observing her expectantly.
“Thank you, Flora.” Elizabeth smiled at her reflection, her curly brown hair was deftly pulled up in a bun with braids at the top of the head. “It’s perfect,” she said softly at the woman.
“Can I assist you with anything else?”
“I’m fine,” Elizabeth said, and her words were the queue to Flora collect and organize whatever was used to do the hair and were occupying almost every free space over the antique vanity. Quietly, the woman excused herself, leaving the young Viscountess alone in her room to finish getting ready for dinner.
After putting on the earrings and necklace, Elizabeth got up, smoothed the skirt of the dress, and took another look at her reflection, still debating on how she felt about the Empire-waisted ivory dress with a bodice with golden embroidery, puff sleeves, an embroidered fine sheer silk that covered the long skirt. An unexpected look even to someone used to gala dresses. Swaying in front of the mirror, the golden details sparkled under the light, projecting little diamond shapes in the floor, and she smiled.
The sound of someone knocking at the door rapid and strong, startled her. Her mind pictured the only person she wished would come knock on her door, and her heart accelerated at the thought. In the blink of an eye, her hand reached the doorknob. The sight of Briar standing in the hallway, was not what she desired. Though, the other was too overjoyed to notice the disappointment in her face.
“Lizzy, I’m never ever taking this off my body!” Her friend’s excitement could not be contained in her tiny body, and it overflowed in her eyes, smile, and voice. Like a ballerina, she twirled in her long purple and golden dress also with the same kind of high waistline and embroideries, black hair pulled up in an elaborated bun, with a few loose strands framing her smiling face.
Another door clicked open, and Annabelle came out in a long satin ruby red gown with a richly ornamented bodice. “Why are you being so loud?” she teased Briar, brandishing a mascara brush, “I almost poked my eye!”
“How are you not screaming, Ann?”
“I don’t know about you, but I can’t do my makeup while screaming…”
“Hush! I love this dress! And I love the corset! My spine has never been straighter and look!” – she exaggeratedly pointed both hands at her breasts – “I look like a C cup now!”
The others laughed, and Briar pulled them to a photo. After complimenting each other’s looks some more and a little demonstration from Elizabeth on how to hold the skirts to go down the stairs, the three were ready to make their appearance. However, footsteps coming from the other wing caused them to halt.
“And look who else has outdone himself,” Briar nudged Elizabeth, pointing at Hamid sporting the Ottoman attire Elizabeth had picked for him.
Bowing with an exaggerated flourish, Hamid addressed them in his most charming tone and flashed an equally charming grin, “Good evening, ladies!”
While Hamid kissed the hand Briar held out to him, she theatrically fanned herself with an invisible fan. However, quickly, Hamid’s gaze found Elizabeth’s, and she returned his smile, pleased to see his choice of outfit and no visible sign of annoyance.
“This outfit is amazing!” Annabelle said, and Hamid opened his arms to let her inspect the details in the golden embroideries in his long teal kaftan, that was an accurate reproduction like the dresses the trio was sporting. “Now I wish I could paint portraits of all of you!” she sighed disappointed.
“If our host allow us the use of futuristic technology, we could take pictures,” Hamid suggested looking at Elizabeth, who giggled.
“Pictures? Do tell us more about that...”
“A wonderful invention, my lady, that shall make painters jobless!”
Slipping out of character, Annabelle feigned offense, “I resent that, Hamid.”
After an effusive apology to the artist of the group, more banter ensued before the four huddled with Hamid in the middle. Following Briar’s directions, a few selfies were taken, and once Briar was satisfied, she posted the best two to Pictagram.
“Brilliant! And look at you!” Briar cried, turning the screen to Elizabeth’s face, “You look like those portraits at the museum!”
Embarrassed, Elizabeth blushed and looked away. “We all look lovely.”
Annabelle and Briar did not ignore the way Hamid contemplated the young Viscountess, studying her as if she were indeed a portrait from a Renaissance master; sharing knowing looks, they excuse themselves to find Luke downstairs, and deliberately left him alone with Elizabeth.
The man did not waste the opportunity and stepped closer. His intoxicating perfume filled the air around them, and in such proximity his eyes sparkled more than the silver medallion hanging from his neck or all the golden in his outfit.
“She is right,” Hamid whispered. Taking her hand, he kissed it unhurriedly, lingering on her knuckles while never tearing his gaze from her face. “Tonight, you look like you stepped out of a painting,” he explained still holding her hand, “The most exquisite masterpiece, I must add.”
Heat creeped up her neck, straight to her face, tinting her cheeks in a darker pink hue, and she wished he would not notice. However, judging by his grin, she could never dissimulate how he affects her.
Clearing her throat, Elizabeth changed the subject, “I see you picked the Ottoman attire.”
“How could I choose anything else? It is gorgeous, and it suits me to be a prince for the evening, don’t you think?” he asked, straightening his posture.
She nodded, averting her gaze. “I was afraid you could think it was offensive.”
“I figured by the two-page note where you apologised several times in case it was discriminatory or distasteful, and suggested I could wear that boring British suit, or my own suit or whatever I felt like… I must say this last part actually let me a bit confused about the dress code, and I considered coming in my pyjamas, but I don’t think my charm would be enough to prevent Lady Dominique from sending me immediately back to London …”
“Don’t mock me…”
“I would never. I was just remarking the comical aspects...” He smiled fondly and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I appreciate your concern. But you should not have worried so much. I know you, and your heart.”
“My heart?” she scoffed. If you knew my heart, you would never ask me advice about someone else! “Isn’t this a little presumptuous?”
He chuckled and pressed her hand against his chest, and she looked up at his face, his smile almost reaching his ears, dimpling his cheeks and crinkling the corners of his eyes. “I am not humble when it comes to my skills,” he said, and his words still carried the lilt of his laugh, “and you, Lady Elizabeth, have a heart of gold and only a fool would mistake your actions like that... And I am no fool, yes?”
Tilting his head, he gazed at her face. His heart drummed beneath her palm in a steady cadence. She could not resist staring at his shapely lips curled into a wide grin. For a second, she almost forgot herself and where they were; at least, until the indistinct sounds from the conversation Annabelle, Briar and Luke were engrossed at the ground floor reached her ears.
“Hamid,” she breathed his name.
“People expect us… May I escort you downstairs, my lady?”
She acquiesced, and he placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. In that moment, she was no longer Elizabeth, but the protagonist of a period drama, and Hamid was the charming love interest, who could inspire anyone to defy the entire society for their love.
“According to your note, my outfit was inspired by one that belonged to the Imperial prince who married the countess. What about your stunning dress? Was it by any chance inspired by one of hers?”
“Yes!” she replied, excited at the chance of talking about the subject. “Actually, mine and Briar's were inspired by her outfits. This one was modelled after one of Countess Clara's portraits. It’s said it was a gift from her father, and the one chosen when she presented herself before Queen Charlotte for the first time. Lady Grandmother showed me this reproduction of a note that a London newspaper wrote about her elegance at the time. They praised her as the most beautiful debutante in the Season.”
“I can imagine. And you are doing justice to her elegance, Lady Elizabeth, and dare I say, you outshined her beauty.”
“Have you even seen her portraits?”
“I don’t have to,” he said in a serious tone, and gazed with adoration. Elizabeth’s heart threatened to escape, pounding against its cage with unprecedent impetus.
When they reached the ground floor, despite the indiscrete stares of their friends, he kissed her hand again.
“Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of your company, Lady Elizabeth. Or should I call you Lady Clara for the evening?”
“If it is important to your commitment to your character, you can. And perhaps I will call you Your Highness for the rest of the evening as well.”
“Nothing would please me more, my lady,” he said in the most pompous tone he could impersonate and enveloped her hand with both of his, his thumb gently drawing circles in her skin. “Now, since we are impersonating them, does this mean I get to escort you the whole evening?” he asked inching closer. The intensity of his gaze burned her skin, but she did not avert her gaze this time, and her lips parted to answer.
However, instead of Elizabeth, it was someone behind them who replied.
“Actually, according to proper etiquette, if you were a true Regency couple you would spend most of the evening apart, focusing your attention on the enjoyment of your guests,” Lady Dominique said in her grave voice.
“How does she do that?” Briar mouthed to Annabelle, uttering the surprise etched in her and Luke’s faces watching the elderly woman approach them barely making a sound. Annabelle shrugged, then offered a warm smile at the elderly woman, who patted her arm fondly.
“However, this evening Lady Elizabeth will be hosting us, and a much less formal setting has been chosen. One more suitable for a night amongst friends in the twenty-first century.”
The elderly woman’s fingers encircled the delicate pendant hanging from Elizabeth’s necklace and she simply smiled. The gesture probably a pretence to address her granddaughter.
“You look absolutely stunning, my dear. You would make this house proud in any century.”
Elizabeth thanked her and returned the smile.
“And you look extraordinarily elegant, Lady Dominique.” Hamid bowed and kissed her hand, and she thanked him, taking the opportunity to contemplate everyone dressed in Regency Era fashion.
“Don’t you all look lovely?” she said. “However, I believe the foyer is not the place any of us was supposed to be right now.”
“Of course. Follow me,” Elizabeth said, leading the group to the drawing room.
When Elizabeth entered the room, her jaw almost fell. Sitting with her father was Mr. Sinclaire. Both dressed in contemporary suits and engaged in a serious conversation that had creased their brows. Seeing the group, her father grinned, stood up and walked in their direction; Mr. Sinclaire followed him close, hands behind his back and uneasiness in his eyes.
“Welcome to Edgewater. We are content to host Eliza’s friends this weekend. I hope you all have a pleasant stay.”
Her father kissed her cheek, and she hugged his waist with one arm. Leaning closer, he spoke softly, “I am awfully sorry, my dear, for not wearing the ensemble. You know how thrilled with the idea I was, but our meeting got delayed…”
“I understand, dad.”
“I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, Miss Foredale, but your father extended me an invitation.”
“I do not mind at all, Mr. Sinclaire. You’re a friend of the family and you’re always welcome at Edgewater.”
Mr. Sinclaire bowed, and a hint of a smile curled his lips.
Working with him this past month and having his company at events was important to get to know him a little better. They have become friendlier, but not exactly friends. Either way, it’s a remarkable progress considering how reserved Mr. Sinclaire is, and they feel less awkward around the other.
Earl Vincent excused himself to make rounds, leaving Elizabeth and Mr. Sinclaire alone. Somehow, Briar and Edmund managed to sit together at the furthest corner possible and whatever they were talking about was more appealing than anyone or anything else, including the food.
Holding a tray with hors d’oeuvres, a member of the staff dressed in a uniform that resembled the ones used in the manor in the 1800s approached Elizabeth and Mr. Sinclaire, who picked one tartlet.
“Was that the secret meeting?” she asked Mr. Sinclaire who had taken a nibble at the tartlet.
“I never said it was secret,” he replied. “The client requested discretion and I complied. Like we ought to.”
“I am your assistant and the client’s daughter.”
“Therefore, I assume you will not feel discouraged to ask your father details about the meeting.”
Elizabeth cast a sideway glance at the man; he is smirking, knowing she won’t interrogate her father about any subject they discussed.
“Maybe I will...”
Ending their conversation, she waltzed to where her friends were engrossed in an animated conversation with her father, standing close to Luke.
“This is amazing. I lack the talent to play any instrument, however I can still appreciate –” Earl Vincent interrupts himself when Elizabeth approaches the group. “Eliza, did you know your friend can play the violin?”
“Yes, father, I am aware.”
“If only we still had one... Luke could delight us with a performance.”
Elizabeth glanced at Luke, eager to apologise for any annoyance in advance, but he offered a content smile to her and her father.
“It would be my pleasure, sir.”
The Earl of Edgewater smiled fondly, certainly delighted with the breath of fresh air the lively group brought to the manor.
“We may not have a violin; however, we have a piano that has been neglected these past several months and dearly misses to be played.”
Understanding the hint, Annabelle laughed. “Why, we cannot have that, can we, sir? Perhaps I should play it later.”
“You read my mind, my dear,” Earl Vincent joked, earning a few chuckles from Hamid. “And to make the night absolutely perfect, perhaps Eliza could join you for a duet...”
Elizabeth visibly cringed and tried to disguise it by taking the glass of wine to her lips.
Annabelle sought to sort that out with the Earl and Lady Dominique, both already excited with the prospect of a soirée overflowing with music and laugh, and suggesting songs for the repertory.
“I will have someone bring the songbooks.”
“Did you hear that?” Elizabeth asked. “We’re been summoned to dinner.”
“I did not hear a thing.” Lady Dominique looked at the doorway where someone from the staff was supposed to ring the bells like it used to be done in the past. “Are you certain?”
“Absolutely.”
“I heard it too,” Hamid avowed. “My mouth already waters in anticipation of the delicacies the cook has chosen to surprise us, my lady.”
“Indeed, I believe it will not disappoint. The menu is suitable for a special evening, Mr. Osmanoğlu.”
Hamid placed a hand on Elizabeth’s back, and she breathed relieved watching Lady Dominique inviting the group to place their mobiles in a wooden box before going to the dining room.
“Thanks.”
“Will you allow me the pleasure to escort the most beautiful heiress to the dining room?”
“Well, you’ll have to ask her yourself...” Elizabeth joked, and Hamid nudged her side.
“I am asking her!”
Smiling shyly, she offered her hand, which he promptly placed in the crook of his elbow, and they handed their mobiles to be stored before walking together to the dining room. From the corridor, they still could overhear Briar’s opposing the idea.
“What if we want to take photos?”
“The meals are made to be enjoyed, not photographed,” Lady Dominique insisted, and Briar hesitated. “You will have your mobile back after dinner.”
The two giggled, and Hamid leaned to speak closer to Elizabeth.
“Will you really deny us the joy to hear you play?”
“I do not perform in public anymore.”
“Public?” he asked with an offended pout. “We’re your friends. And fans.”
“Fans? None of you ever saw me perform.”
“Are you sure about that?” he teased, “I know people too.”
“You wouldn’t...”
“You went after my childhood pictures… maybe I have videos of your recitals, Miss Foredale.”
“Correction. Your sisters came to my DMs. Then two of your cousins. And your aunt. It would be rude to tell them not to send your pictures and videos.”
“Videos? Which videos?”
“Which ones do you not want me to see?”
“You’re bluffing...” He narrowed his eyes at her.
“Maybe... or maybe not.” Elizabeth giggled and pulled him. “Now, come. We must find our seats...”
The illumination of the immense room had been dimmed, and flameless led candles created an intimate atmosphere at the long wooden table covered with a white tablecloth where elegant dining utensils were neatly arranged to accommodate the party. Beautiful floral arrangements made the dining room look even more beautiful than she remembered.
Elizabeth’s lips curled into a wide smile. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she uttered the words with sheer amazement.
“Stunningly beautiful,” he replied, eyes fixed on her face, and she pretended not understanding what he implied.
Chatter increased around them, when everyone was gathered at the room, and Briar still lamented parting from her mobile.
Gentlemanly, the Earl helped Lady Dominique, then occupied the seat at the head of the table. His daughter’s name was written in a beautiful cursive font on the card on his other side. Due to the countess still unexplained absence and to accommodate Mr. Sinclaire, the sitting chart had been reorganized. For instance, Elizabeth noticed how Hamid's name had been moved from the place beside her to give room to Mr. Sinclaire. Considering it was a small gathering and people would still be able to enjoy themselves despite the minor changes, she held her tongue. Whatever else were her grandmother’s intentions behind the new arranges, she wouldn’t let it get under her skin.
“I suppose we part here,” Hamid said with a smile, oblivious to the changes, and pulled the chair to help Elizabeth sit, a gesture that earned teasing remarks from their friends. “But our conversation is not over,” he whispered so only she could hear and moved to the other side, to take his seat beside Annabelle.
While enjoying the delicious courses and the conversations – which navigated from political topics and the latest news to art and even a little bit of gossip to Briar’s utter pleasure –, Elizabeth and Hamid stole glances at each other from time to time, like true characters of a Regency novel. Both smiling at the wordless jokes exchanged in their meaningful looks, anticipating what the other might say.
To everyone’s amusement, Hamid delighted them with the many stories of his travels and funny diplomatic incidents. Even Mr. Sinclaire chuckled at the retell of one of his gaffes at Russia.
“Why did no one warn you?” Luke asked, wiping a tear escaping from his eye, after all the laughing.
“Who knows?” Hamid's shoulders raised almost touching his ears and he grinned. “However, afterwards the Minister bent over laughing. Actually, he cackled. Loudly. Many people never saw him smile before that evening!”
The presents laughed almost as much as the Russian Minister from the tale, only stopping when a new course arrived. Desserts were served after the fourth course, and then it was time to return to the drawing room. It didn’t take long until the first plea to Annabelle play be heard, and she obliged after finishing the brandy in her glass.
Standing beside Edmund, who smiled against the scotch tumbler while admiring Briar dancing in Hamid’s company, Elizabeth also observed the pair. Her mind, however, was on a complete opposite setting from her step-brother’s.
“Can I ask you a question?” Elizabeth’s soft voice broke the spell, and her step-brother’s gaze teared from the couple dancing. “How can one know if a flirty guy is flirting with you because he likes you, or if he’s just charming you like he does to anyone else?”
Edmund’s eyes squinted in thought before addressing her. “Is this you asking romantic advice from me? In a room where every single person is more qualified than myself?” She nodded and he downed the remaining of the liquid in the tumbler in one gulp. “Why don’t you ask the guy?”
“I’m not doing that.”
“Then the only other option is mind reading, and I cannot help with that.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m serious!”
“Are you talking about him?” Edmund tilted his head to the spot Hamid was having a blast following Briar’s directions to what seemed some sort of ballroom dance probably inspired by one of the scenes from the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice. “I am no expert, but... when he flirts, does he look at anyone else the way he looks at you?”
Elizabeth's head jerked up and she stared at him. “What do you mean? How does he look at me?”
“If you have to ask, I believe you haven’t been paying enough attention...”
Silently, she observed Hamid and Briar. Edmund smiled when the man’s gaze found Elizabeth and his grin widened, confirming what he suspects.
“I’ll get another drink. Do you want one, Eliza?”
“No, thank you,” she said and returned to the settee where Luke was enjoying the music by himself.
When the second song was over, Briar and Hamid finished their impromptu waltz in a fit of giggles; and Lady Dominique suggested, “Elizabeth, my dear, you should join Annabelle and delight us with your angelic voice.”
The attention focused on the young woman.
“I don’t know...” she said wringing her hands. “It is awfully late, and we have plenty planned for tomorrow...”
“It’s not even midnight!” her father remarked. “I believe your friends wouldn’t mind losing a bit of sleep in exchange of listening to you. I know I wouldn’t.”
“I second that,” Hamid said, joining the chorus who begged her to play.
“Play with me!” Annabelle invited, patting the empty space beside her with the most impressive performance of the puppy eyes to this day. “Please! It’ll be fun!”
Briar plopped beside her, “You better accept it already, Lizzy! We can be very persuasive.”
“You mean terribly insistent?”
“No, I do not. And Edmund said you loved playing.”
“Loved. Past tense.”
“Seriously, what’s the worst that could happen if you’d give it a try, Liz?” Luke asked and she considered which would be the worst possible scenarios.
Disappointing her father would be almost impossible at this point. If she sits right in the bench and not falls off, he’ll possibly cheer her for that. Another possibility is embarrassing herself in front of Mr. Sinclaire. Though, he wouldn’t be her boss for long, and whatever critics about her skills couldn’t possibly be worse than her own judgement.
As if listening to her thoughts, Luke added, “Even if you make mistakes, your audience is maybe a little too tipsy to notice…”
Besides being the only sober and able to discern if she sucked at the piano, Hamid was too kind to criticise her and would certainly find something positive to say about her horrible performance.
With a resigned sigh, she got up and marched to the piano, sitting with Annabelle.
“We need an easy one… I’m a little rusty,” Elizabeth confided.
Amongst giggles and whispered words, the two went through the songbooks Lady Dominique had someone bring earlier. Finally, they picked a music to play together: Pachelbel’s “Canon in D major” to help Elizabeth warm up. Frustrated, she puffed whenever her fingers slipped and missed a key or she messed with the tempo.
“Don’t overthink,” Annabelle reassured her, “You’re doing fine.”
Next, Annabelle picked a Broadway songbook, one of Lady Dominique’s favourites, and they perused the sheets and deliberated about the songs.
“Seasons of Love”?
“I don’t know that one…”
Briar approached the piano and whispered a little too loud, “Beauty and the Beast”. Her suggestion was accepted, and both played and sang the lyrics to everyone utter enjoyment.
Their third song was “I dreamed a dream”. More confident, Elizabeth sang, while Annabelle played. Her angelic voice filled the room, who went completely silent. All eyes on her. Overjoyed, Earl Vincent stood up and clapped when they finished, and she could swear a tear escaped his eye.
Lastly, it was an improvised version of “Make you feel my love” to keep the Glee vibe and prompted Briar to stand closer to the piano and sing every word with them, despite being off key. At that point, Elizabeth couldn’t even remember why she was so worried about playing for them. Forty minutes after she sat at the bench, she was breathless and thirsty, but smiling. Annabelle didn’t miss the glint in her eyes.
“It wasn’t that dreadful, was it?” she asked with a knowing smirk.
Elizabeth snorted with laughter and said, “Who knew not playing to impress a lot of stiff nobles could be this fun?”
“Me! And I have been telling you this the entire time!” Annabelle nudged Elizabeth’s rib playfully, who giggled.
“Even if it had been dreadful,” Elizabeth said in an even lower tone, “seeing that look on his face would have been worth the trouble...”
Annabelle glanced at the spot the other was staring at and saw the Earl. His smile glowing with a mix of joy and pride.
“I haven’t seen him this happy in years,” Annabelle remarked, and Elizabeth’s eyes lingered on him. Unable to forget his earlier troubled expression and the meeting with Sinclaire, she wondered if he was truly happy or hiding something from her.
Noticing the attention of the young ladies on him, Earl Vincent smiled. “Are the artists still taking requests?”
“From you, sir, always,” Annabelle replied. “But first the artists need a break and refreshments.”
The two moved away from the piano, and Annabelle whispered, “I thought you decided to play for a different reason…”
“What do you mean?”
With a meaningful look, she signalled at Hamid, who was sitting with Mr. Sinclaire, but his gaze would often search Elizabeth. “I saw him begging you to play…” Annabelle said in a conspiratorial tone, while pouring water into two glasses.
“He encouraged me, of course, and so did Luke and Briar, but…” Elizabeth picked one of the glasses and stared at it for a moment. “That was not the reason why I played… I… I did it for myself. I haven’t played like this in so long… because I disliked what it meant: being the centre of attention, having people singling me out, judging me… and I forgot how music is something I truly love… my mom’s gift to me… and I should not let anyone stop me from enjoying it...”
“I’m truly happy you remembered that.” Annabelle raised her glass and they clincked.
“Thanks for helping me.”
Annabelle’s free arm pulled her to a hug.
After complimenting the pair for their performance, Lady Dominique retired to her room. Instead of following her example, the five friends decided it was time to join around the piano to sing improvised versions of old and new hits from the charts, butchering them in the most terrible and democratic fashion; however, no one complained. Not even Mr. Sinclaire, who cradled a whiskey tumbler, sitting in an armchair in one corner of the room with Edmund. The man smiled when Earl Vincent succumbed to the appeals and joined them for an extremely off key version of “Satisfaction”.
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Later that same night
Elizabeth had changed to her pyjamas and was brushing her teeth when one sharp knock on the door interrupted the rituals before bed.
Again, her heart betrays her, wishing Hamid was on the other side. An idea that both excites and terrifies her. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about him like that? Especially now that there might be someone else in his life?
Once more, when she opens the door, wearing a black jumper and leggings instead of a dress is Briar. This time, she is not smiling either. The tip of her bright pink fluffy slipper scuffs the carpet in the hallway, while her lips turn into an exaggerated pout.
“I know it is late, but can we talk for a minute?”
Elizabeth nodded and ushered her inside.
“Did something happen?”
Briar plopped on the bed and sighed.
“Has your heart ever betrayed you, Lizzy?”
“What do you mean?”
“Arthur is the sweetest man I’ve ever met. He never ghosts me and texts every single day… He actually planted the flowers of that bouquet he gave me!”
“That’s lovely!” Elizabeth remarked, without knowing exactly where this conversation is going.
“It is… He would be the most perfect boyfriend; someone I could introduce to my mum… maybe even plan a future with…”
“That’s something good, right? May I ask why you look so upset?”
“Because my heart is bloody stupid! Or my cupid is testing me!” she growled, “I cannot stop thinking about someone else. Some stupid random mate I met. Well, he is not actually stupid. Or random. The other mate is quite dreamy too. A bit awkward. And nerdy. But we have meaningful conversations. And I think he sees me. Really sees me, you know?”
A knot settled on Elizabeth’s stomach when realisation dawned upon her. She knew exactly who this was about. Taking a deep breath, she asked the question that was merely rhetorical, “You are talking about Edmund, right?”
Briar growled again and let her body fall back. “He is not free to date me. I should be running the other way. But I don’t want to…” Her stare fixes at the ceiling and Elizabeth sits beside her, patting her arm.
“I thought it was just harmless flirtation… like you said…”
“I thought so too…” Briar’s hands covered her face, and what Elizabeth assumes is a string of curse words is muffled by her palms.
“You shouldn’t be embarrassed… I guess we don’t choose who we become fond of…”
“This is all so… Complicated... Once, he called me by mistake. At least that’s what he said… but he stuttered, you know, in that way the words tumble over when he cannot say what he means…” Elizabeth nodded, and she continued, “But I didn’t mind. Even if it was a little lie and he was not going to admit he wished to talk to me… I just asked him about his day. And we spent an hour talking about nothing and everything… we just talked. He’d call me every now and then ever since that evening… And now we don’t know what to do with these feelings.”
“We?”
“That engagement means nothing to him…”
“He told you that?”
“He’s not happy.”
“But he’s still engaged. And knowing Henrietta… well… she would never approve him breaking up the engagement unless the woman was wealthier and had better connections –”
“He’s an adult, Lizzy. He can make his own choices,” Briar’s words were firm, no sign of the usual warmth and sweetness, and Elizabeth suspected it was herself who needed to hear that, to believe in that.
Lying down, Elizabeth held her hand and offered an encouraging smile.
“Can I do anything to make you feel better?”
“You did. I just needed to talk to someone…” Briar smiled. “But I wouldn’t mind some distraction... maybe you can tell me nasty things about his fiancée, so I won’t feel like a terrible person...”
“You probably already know more about her than I do... And you’re not a terrible person.”
After a few moments of silence, Elizabeth peeked at Briar, eyes open wide and unusual pensiveness creasing her forehead.
“The answer is yes. My heart betrayed me too.”
“Are you admitting you love Hamid?”
“I do not love him. But I kinda like him. And I can’t stop thinking about him. And maybe I want to be with him. If he wants to be with me of course and not –”
“Ohmygod!” Briar squealed and threw herself at Elizabeth. “Finally!”
33 notes · View notes
septicace-writes · 3 years
Text
Truck Stop
Summary: You meet a handsome stranger at a highway rest stop. Syverson x cis!F!Reader
Genre: Smut
Warnings: smut, blowjob, fingering, PiV sex
a/N: I had a dream where a truck pulled up beside me at a truck stop and while I woke up too early for anything to happen, this is the result. Also exists as a cis!M!reader version here
1.9k words
You had been driving for hours and while the music kept you going for a while you also had gotten up at 4am and were in dire need of a break. In the middle of nowhere, on an empty highway, you keep your eyes out for a reststop. After about 30 minutes you finally find one, even though it's really just a small parking lot, a few benches and an outhouse without even so much as a vending machine. Luckily, you had some packed lunch in a cooling bag.
You walk around a bit to stretch your legs while you eat your sandwich, then soak in the sun for a while, sitting on one of the benches. In all this time you don't see a single other car so you decide to have just a quick nap before continuing your drive and get back in the car, leaning the seat back as far as possible.
You startle awake from the noise of someone knocking on your car window. For a second you're not sure where you are until you remember your drive and the stop. Sitting up straight, you look out the window and see a man standing a few steps back but looking at you. He's big, his body well-endowed with muscle under a healthy layer of fat. He sports a massive beard that does its best to hide the smile he's sending your way. As you're still taking it what's going on he gives you a little wave and motions for you to open the window. You take another look around, everything is still well-lit by the sun, no sign of it setting yet, and you don't see anyone else. The only other noticeable change is the large truck he had parked on the other side of the parking lot. Feeling a little reassured by him keeping his distance you roll down the window.
Sorry to disturb you, Miss, just wanted to make sure you're alright. He gestures to your surroundings Don't get many people riding solo and stopping here of all places.
You blink slowly, taking him in further, his voice is deep, smooth like butter and from the first word you're caught in a dream of what it might sound like in certain other situations. You're so caught up you forget to answer until
Are you... Alright? There's concern in his voice now so, quickly, you nod.
Yeah. Yes. Yep. Yeah I'm alright... Just a long drive and I needed a break. You smile in what you hope is a reassuring yet charming manner.
Glad to hear it. Just make sure you're not staying here till nightfall. The place has a bit of a reputation of... Well, less reputable folk to meet here. Damn that charming, dreamy southern accent. You're barely taking in what he's telling you but nod along anyways.
He turns to get back to his truck and in a sudden burst of bravery you speak up So... If this place is so disreputable, what brings you here?
He looks back for a moment It's part of my route. I usually don't pull in but your car here so all alone in the middle of the day had me worried. But since everything's alright I really ought to get back on the road.
Shit shit shit you don't want to say goodbye just yet. You barely know what's gotten into you when you open the door and say And what would it take to make you stay a little longer.
At that he actually turns back around, takes in your form, now leaning against your car. You push off, take a step towards him and bow your head just a little, looking at him through your eyelashes. He adjusts his posture, straightening his back, and visibly swallows.
Well, a temptation like you certainly might. If you're implying what I think you are.
Your heart is beating a million miles an hour in your chest, you did not think it was going to be that easy yet here you are, about to fuck - or rather get fucked by - this man in an empty parking lot. You take another step forward, and another, until you stand face to face with him. He's a few inches taller than you, and from so close you can smell the motor oil in his clothes. You want to reach out a hand and touch him but for a short, tense moment you both just stand there, staring at each other - neither knowing how to make the first move.
It feels like an eternity even though it's just a few heartbeats and then he places a hand cupping your neck and, looking directly into your eyes If you're sure about this, I'd like to kiss you and how could you say no so you nod, already leaning up.
His lips are warm and soft, smoothly moving over yours as he continues to hold your neck, caressing the side of your face with his thumb. The full beard tickles a little, but you can tell he keeps it well as the hairs are soft against your skin. Now distracted from your nerves, you sling your arms around his back, feeling the muscle underneath as you slide them up and down. He brings his arm around your waist, pulling you tight against his body. You moan at the feeling of his already growing erection pushing against your belly and he ceases the moment to slip his tongue between your lips.
You find the hem of his shirt and slide both your hands underneath to feel his warm skin at the same time as you grind your hips into his just a little to see how he reacts. With a growl, he breaks the kiss for just long enough to pull his shirt over his head and discard it, giving you a perfect view of the dark hair on his chest until his lips are back on yours. He lifts you up with ease, wrapping your legs around his waist. As you pull your own t-shirt off he walks you both towards his truck, leaning you against the sun-heard metal. You yelp and he pulls you back up.
Shit, sorry! Here let me... And he take your shirt and puts it behind you as a buffer. God you're gorgeous he takes you in for a moment, then nuzzles his beard into your neck and begins kissing and sucking at the sensitive skin. You squirm at the ticklish sensation but he's got a strong hold on you, not letting you get away. He works his way further down, unclasping your bra and taking it off before taking a nipple between his teeth and gently biting down while one hand pinches the other. At your enthusiastic moan, he does it again, making your rut your hips up against his body for any friction you can find.
You look down to see a devilish grin on his face before he comes back up to kiss you. You can't help another moan as he reaches his hand between your legs, cupping your pussy with just enough pressure to tease. Biting at his lower lip in revenge, you elicit a low groan. He moves his hand back to your ass, supporting you as he grinds his own, now fully hard cock against you. Panting, you bring your hands down to free him from his confines but your hands are quickly seized by one of his.
I don't remember giving you permission He all but growls, making you whimper with the loss of stimulation as he stills his hips.
Please, sir you squeak out, your brain already muddled with neediness and thankfully he seems merciful and releases your hands which immediately resume their task. Even with how shaky they are you make quick work of his button and zipper and, with an appreciative sound, finally wrap your fingers around his now freed cock. You press a line of kisses from his neck down his chest as he continues to rut into your fist, bracing himself with one hand on the car behind you. You work your way lower and lower, sliding down the hood until you hit the ground, now kneeling with his imposing endowment right at your eye level.
His free hand falls to your head as you give a testing lick to his tip before wrapping your lips around it. You slowly work him deeper until he hits the back of your throat and wrap one hand around what doesn’t fit, pumping at a maddeningly slow pace. But not for long, as the man above you gets impatient with your teasing and begins fucking into your mouth at a quicker pace. Your free hand wanders along his body until it reaches underneath to cup his balls, gently rolling and massaging them as a contrast to pace he has set. His groans and growls only spur you on, wanting to hear what he sounds like falling apart. You’re peripherally aware of your own arousal wetting your underwear, but the thought is overshadowed by your need to make him cum. Before it comes to that, he pulls out, holding your head back by the neck as you try to chase your prize.
Come back up here sweetheart he commands, voice deep and raspy with arousal and you obey, standing up. He reclaims your lips, moaning at his own taste on your tongue as he fidgets to open your trousers and gain access to your wet heat. You helplessly pant into his mouth as he begins rubbing your clit, giving you a taste of your own treatment as he starts a teasingly slow movement. When you try to rut your hips faster against him, he stops until you still again, quickly teaching you that he is in charge. In your effort to keep your hips still you wrap your arms around his torso again, hands raking over his back as you moan and pant at his ministrations. He pushes two fingers in, scissoring them to spread you open, groaning appreciatively at the way you clench around them. You whine when he pulls out, about to start begging when you notice he is lining up his cock to your entrance. With a pleading whimper, your wrap your legs around his waist as he enters you in one swift movement.
Your mind blanks for a moment at the stretch and the feeling of being so full with him that you don’t even realise he’s not moving. When you open your eyes, you find him staring down at you with a smug grin. Then he braces against the car and slowly begins pulling out, drawing a long whimper from you. With a snap of his hips he fucks back in, now setting a rapid pace that drives any and all coherent thought from your mind. As his thrusts become more erratic in chase of his own end he sneaks a hand between you and begins rubbing your clit again in quick, tight little circles. With a scream, you cum, walls fluttering around him which takes him over the edge with you, painting your insides white. You stay like this for a while, him buried deeply inside you as you both catch your breath. Then, he pulls out and begins cleaning you both with your shirt while you put your bra back on.
All cleaned up and satisfied he takes you in his arms You were amazing sweetheart. Now let’s get you home for dinner.
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persephonememes · 7 months
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* (  STICK SEASON (WE'LL ALL BE HERE FOREVER) BY NOAH KAHAN /  SENTENCE PROMPTS
" how you been? "
" what does it mean? "
" i am stuck between my anger and the blame that i can't face "
" i miss the way you laugh "
" but you know how it gets out here "
" you got all my love "
" if you need me dear, i'm the same as i was "
" it's all okay, there ain't a drop of bad blood "
" i just hope that your scars heal "
" i was scared to death "
" i'll never let you go "
" i don't get much sleep most nights "
" i'm seeing you in every dream "
" i'll love you when the oceans dry "
" i'll love you when the rivers freeze "
" don't you know there's a coffin buried under the garden "
" i'm in the process of clearing out cobwebs "
" someday i'm gonna be somebody people want "
" it's been a long year "
" would we survive in a horror movie? "
" i wanna love you 'till we're food for the worms to eat "
" i know every route in this county "
" i'll tell you where not to speed "
" honey, come over "
" no one will tempt you, we know you got sober "
" it's yours if you want it "
" i've been ready for you to come home "
" i didn't think to ask you where you'd gone "
" why'd you go? "
" i haven't drank in six months on the dot "
" don't you find it strange that you just went ahead and carried on? "
" the last time i drank i was face down passed out there on your lawn "
" are we all just pulling you down? "
" remember telling me that you thought you were cursed? "
" love is fast asleep on a dirt road with your head on my shoulder "
" those things I miss but know are never coming back "
" if i was empty space and you were formless shape we'd fit "
" i'm still angry at my parents for what their parents did to them "
" i know there are worse ways to stay alive "
" why is pain so damn impatient? "
" the last that i heard you were down in new orleans "
" i worry for you. you worry for me. "
" it's fine if we know we won't change "
" i'm leaving this town "
" i know that you're fearing the end "
" i only tell truth when I'm sure that I'm lying "
" how have you been and are you bored yet? "
" time moves so damn slow "
" i stopped caring about a month ago since then it's been smooth sailing "
" i would leave if only i could find a reason "
" i got dreams but i can't make myself believe them "
" i don't want to say goodbye "
" i'm still here with you "
" for a minute the world seems so simple "
" who was i to watch you wilt? "
" i promise to be there this time "
" i'm naming the stars in the sky after you "
" i'm remembering i promised to forget you now "
" it's all the same, anyways "
" i ain't proud of all the punches that i've thrown "
" i gave your name as my emergency phone call "
" i'd die for you "
" why do you do this to yourself? "
" this place had a heartbeat in its day "
" it just ain't that simple, it never was "
" we'll drink to new year's "
" i'm not ready to let go yet "
" now the weight of the world ain't so bad "
" i saw the end, it looks just like the middle "
" who am I to complain? "
" now the pain's different. it still exists, it just escapes different. "
" don't you cancel any plans "
" all lights turned off can be turned on "
" i'll drive all night "
" don't be discouraged "
" i've been exactly where you are "
" if you could see yourself like this, you'd have never tried it "
" won't you stay with me? "
" i even gave up driving after nightfall "
" i'm ain't angry at you, love "
" i'll be waiting for you "
" we spent so long just getting by "
" i'm not a city girl "
" it still has a lot of meaning to me because i grew up there "
" it's a small community of people that really look out for each other "
" last time i was in the back of a cop car, i fell in love "
" it's all the same anyway "
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True Love’s Kiss
Summary: Jefferson loves his family but when Regina puts (y/n) under a sleeping curse he risks it all to save her only to end up separated from them for more than 28 years. Also shout out to @fangirltrash15 for asking for this fic. I know you didn’t ask me specifically but I hope you like it.
Warnings: Spell check? We don’t know her!
A/N: This is the longest story I have ever written in one sitting and I loved writing it. I honestly love writing for Jefferson. He’s such and untapped potential for fanfiction and I blame that for his lack of screen time which I blame on the fact that he was dating Jennifer Morrison and they broke up so I guess it was weird for him to be on the show but there was a wonderland spin off and there is no reason he shouldn’t have been on that.
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Jefferson was making his way down the street like he did every night. Only stopping outside the Tea Grove cafe to look through its window on the other side of the street where he couldn’t be seen. He watched as the young woman in the store turned off the open sign and began to sweep away at the floors. He just loved walking by her store to watch her close up at night. He knew he could never talk to her. In this life she didn’t know him and he couldn’t tell her what he knew because knowing was the worst curse.
The enchanted forest.
(Y/n) was running through the forest. Dodging every tree she could and jumping over the big roots of trees that stuck out of the ground. She ran until she eventually found a hollow tree to hide in. She did her best to remain silent while she caught her breath but her hiding place must not have been good enough...
“I found you!” Said the little blonde as she popped her head into the tree (y/n) had hidden herself in.
“So you did sweet Grace,” she laughed “at least tell me you found your father first.” (Y/n) climbed her way out of the tree and finally stood up.
“She did.” Said a slight grumpy voice from behind the tree.
“Oh well good, that means at least I didn’t lose.” (Y/n) said smiling and laughing at the handsome man who was leaning against the tree.
“Just because grace found me first does not mean I lost.” He huffed.
“It kind of does,” He rolled his eyes. “Oh come on, admit it, you're just upset that you lost to a girl at hide and seek. Come on admit I beat you.” She said teasing him and pointing at his chest.
“Ok find you beat me, you always do.” He laughed.
“Damn straight.” (Y/n) said finally getting close enough to Jefferson to throw her arms around his shoulders and pull him down for a quick kiss. Making a mental note that grace was still there.
She had been living with Grace and Jefferson for a couple of years now but she was always sure to keep things g-rated around Grace. Especially since she wasn’t Grace’s actual mother, though she loved Grace no less, (y/n) knew she could never fully replace her like that.
“Come on papa let’s go back to the house and have our tea party.”
“Of course my dear Grace,” Jefferson said holding his hand out for his little girl. Grace took her fathers hand and then offered her other hand for (y/n).
Present day.
(Y/n) finished locking up the store and turned to head toward her car. It was pouring down rain and as she opened her umbrella a gust of wind blew it out of her hand and down the street. She quickly chased after it down the road. She paid no attention to the road as cars tried to swerve around her. As she made it to the other side of the road she ran down the sidewalk never getting much closer to her umbrella till a strange man finally caught it and walked over to her.
He set the umbrella straight and held it over her head. “You uh... dropped this I think.”
“Thank you, so much really.”
He seemed nervous or even panicked. She had never seen him around before which was so strange for this small town. “Here I’ll walk you to your car.”
They both walked back up the street till they reached her car. He helped her get in and handed her the umbrella. “Thank you so much, uh I actually don’t know your name.”
“Jefferson,” he said with pain on his face.
“Well it’s nice to meet you Jefferson, I’m (y/n). I guess you’re sorta like my knight in shining armor tonight aren’t you? You really saved me out there.” She laughed.
He frowned at the ground before looking at the girl in the car again. “Trust me I’m no knight and you didn’t need my saving.” He said before walking away from the car.
The enchanted forest
After having visited the market that evening with Grace, (y/n) came back home to find the queen's Carriage sitting by their house. (Y/n) bent down to her knees so she was at eye level with the young girl. “Wait, stop Grace. We should hang out in the woods for a bit ok? We can play our game for a while.” She smiled at the little girl.
“Who’s at the house with papa?” She questioned being the smart girl she was.
“I think it’s the Queen.”
“The Queen, at our house. What does she want? Shouldn’t we go inside and check on papa?”
(Y/n) rubbed up and down Grace’s arms. “No sweetie. Me and your father made a deal a long time ago that if our past ever came back that one of us would stay with you. He doesn’t want you to ever be alone. Ok? So for now let’s go into the woods and play our game. Your father can handle this.” She smiled.
After spending sometime in the forest the girls walked back to the house. This time with no carriage in sight. When they went inside they found Jefferson sitting at the table in the kitchen contemplating the box in front of him.
“Papa!” Grace ran and hugged her father.
“You're both back late. Did you enjoy yourselves at the market?”
“Yes we did but when we got home we saw the queen's carriage so we stayed and played in the woods for a while.”
“Oh I see. Grace why don’t you go play in your room while I talk to (y/n) for a moment.” She smiled and ran off to her room.
(Y/n) frowned and set down beside Jefferson. “What did the Queen want?”
“She wanted me to portal jump.” He said running his hands through his hair.
(Y/n) began to rub calming circles on his back, “and what did you tell her?”
“I told her I didn’t do that anymore. I have a family now.”
“And so she just left?”
“Yeah I think so.”
“ I doubt that she doesn’t have a plan to come back.”
“I know. When Regina wants something she’ll get it. Whatever the cost.” (Y/n) rest her head on his shoulder.
“Is that why you brought out your hat? Incase she comes back?”
“I don’t know. I just keep thinking maybe it wouldn’t hurt to just do one more job. We wouldn’t have to worry about money ever again. You and Grace wouldn’t have to live so poorly.”
“Jefferson, me and Grace are just happy with the life we have. We don’t need money to be afamily and we need you here. With us.”
He smiled faintly and kissed the top of her head. This was why he needed (y/n) she reminded him of why he put that hat away. He belonged here.
A couple of days later
It was getting late and (y/n) still wasn’t back from the market. She left hours ago and it was almost supper time. She should be back by now and Jefferson was beginning to worry.
With the sun beginning to set he grabbed his hat and told Grace to go stay at the neighbors house till either he or (y/n) came home. He knew they had once said that in times like these one of them would always stay with Grace but he needed to bring (y/n) back home.
He knew exactly where she was; he didn’t need to look. He quickly made his way to the queen's castle and by nightfall he marched through the doors. No guards stopped him so obviously he was in the right place and the Queen wanted him here.
He finally reached the queen's quarters and tossed his hat bose on to the floor. “Here that damned hat Regina, now where’s (y/n)!”
“Calm down mister Jefferson. We both know that I don’t know how to use that hat without ending up somewhere useless. Only you know how to use it properly. It’s useless to me but if you're looking for your little girlfriend I’m sure I can help you with that.” She stood up from her seat and walked over to the middle of the room where Jefferson stood.
She waved her hand and a mirror appeared. “Here this will show you anyone you wish to see.”
He cautiously took the mirror from Regina and held it in his hands and thought of (y/n). The mirror in the cloud of smoke showed through a picture of (y/n), she appeared to be unconscious, almost appearing to be dead.
“What did you do to her!”
“She’s fine Hatter. She’s only sleeping.”
“Wake her, I know you can!”
“Well of course I can but why would I do that? Not to worry though, if you want to wake her on your own all you have to do is give her true love's kiss.” Jefferson's face dropped. “That is if you believe in your true love?”
“I love (y/n)”
“Yes but is it good enough? I mean does she truly love you? All you can offer her is a small house with little money and a daughter who's not even hers.”
“And what do you want? What would I have to do in exchange for you waking her?” He said through gritted teeth.
“Like I said before. I want to go to wonderland of course.
Present day.
Jefferson set alone in his house like always, using his telescope to check on his family. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about (y/n) since he last saw her on the street.
Ever since Emma came to town he’s had this annoying hope that maybe she could break this curse and he could be with his family again. He knew it wouldn’t be that easy though. He abandoned his family many years before the curse, who says they would want him back now. Besides, Emma was convinced in not believing in magic. He tried to show her and despite all his proof she didn’t believe him.
As he peered through his telescope he spotted a glitter in the sky. It seemed as though it was moving closer like a wavy. Before he could even process it the wave washed over him. At first he felt nothing, like nothing was different but he looked back through his telescope this timing aiming it at the town square. He could see everyone coming out of their shops and houses and hugging and reuniting with people on the streets. He couldn’t believe it, there was no way this was possible. They were waking up.
Jefferson passed back and forth through his whole house. This was all he had waited for for 28 years, even longer when counting the time he spent in wonderland. But he couldn’t muster up the courage to go find his family. He finally forced himself to go outside onto the street. Families and reunited loved ones pass him all around. He slowly made his way down the street but not long after the first wave he saw another come toward him. This one was like smoke, purple smoke. No one had time to cover for shelter but as soon as it covered the street it was gone. Everyone began to panic but he knew what this was. He had been a dabler of magic; he could feel it here.
Pain rang through him as he thought of what would happen now that magic was in town. He quickly ran down the street toward the little tea shop he had passed millions of times before. When he finally reached the shop there was a small crowd of customers who crowded around the entrance. As he approached the crowd and tried to push passed through them, he heard a familiar voice.
“Papa!”
“Grace, my darling” he hugged his little girl as hard as he could, too scared to let her go.
“I was going to find you but (y/n) found me first. She was fine but when the smoke came by she collapsed. I don’t know what’s wrong with her papa.” He did his best to calm the girl and then stood up and pushed the crowd away to finally reach (y/n).
“No no no, this wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. You were supposed to be fine in this world.” He knelt beside (y/n) and held her unconscious form in his arms.
“We tried to help her but we can’t tell what’s wrong with her. Someone already called 911.” Said some man in the crowd.
“They won’t do her any good. This is a magic problem and it needs a magic solution.” He snapped. He tuned the rest of them out as they all stood around them. He leaned his forehead down to hers as he brushed some hair out of face. “(Y/n) if you can hear me… I I need you to wake up. Ok?” He paused for a second but she didn’t move. He closed his eyes and pressed a small kiss to her forehead.
(Y/n) eyes flew open and she jumped as she quickly awoke from her sleep. She looked around her and saw Jefferson and sweet Grace by her side. She smiled, finally being able to remember them after seeing them everyday but never truly seeing them. She cupped Jefferson's cheek with her hand and smiled. “How did you know that would work?”
He laughed slightly as he took her hand and placed a kiss in her palm. “I didn’t.” He swiftly pulled her into a passionate kiss with all the love he could conjure. “I love you”
(Y/n) smiled, “I love you too”
Jefferson pulled his family into a hug as they all sat on the floor. He had been dreaming of this day for too long. “Let’s go home” he said smiling at his small family.
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evermore x hp / masterlist
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hp x readers based on the absolute masterpiece that is evermore by the love of my life taylor swift. i’ll be posting these fics once or twice a week and i will update the links once i’ve posted each one <3 really hope you guys enjoy <3
// these aren’t going to be exact line by line songfics, but based around a particular line or verse //
all fic masterlist
[🌸 = fluff, 🍁= angst]
taglist: @padsfirewhisky
[🌸] willow - fred weasley x reader
“life was a willow and it bent right to your wind
they count me out time and time again
life was a willow and it bent right to your wind
but I come back stronger than a 90's trend”
summary: hogwarts’ most popular playboy has made it very clear that you, his best friend, are not his type. seeing as you were crushing on him hard, you decide to take matters into your own hands
«»
[🍁] champagne problems - ron weasley x reader
“you had a speech, you’re speechless
love slipped beyond your reaches
and i couldn’t give a reason
champagne problems”
summary: on a cold night in november, your boyfriend, ron, gets sentimental thinking about a future that you’re not sure you deserved
«»
[🌸] gold rush - ginny weasley x reader
“and the coastal town
we wandered ‘round had never
seen a love as pure as it”
summary: revelling in the fact that you have the most amazing girlfriend in the world, while unbeknownst to you, she’s thinking exactly the same thing
«»
[🌸🍁] ‘tis the damn season - cedric diggory x reader
“so we could call it even
you could call me babe for the weekend
‘tis the damn season
write this down
i’m stayin’ at my parent’s house
and the road not taken looks real good now
and it always leads to you in my hometown”
summary: you bump into an old flame and old feelings catch up to you as you find yourself rekindling said flame
«»
[🍁] tolerate it - harry potter x reader
“i made you my temple, my mural, my sky
now i’m begging for footnotes in the story of your
life
drawing hearts in the bylines
always taking up too much space or time
you assume i’m fine, but what would you do if i
break free and leave us in ruins?
took this dagger in me and removed it?
gain the weight of you then lose it
believe me, i could do it”
summary: in the chaos of war, harry pushes the one person he didn’t ever want to lose, to the brink of walking away from him
«»
[🍁] no body, no crime - marauders x reader / peter pettigrew x reader / sirius black x reader
“i think he did it but i just can’t prove it
no, no body no crime
but i ain’t letting up ‘till the day i die”
summary: your best friends, lily and james potter, were betrayed by their secret keeper however you’re sure it couldn’t have been sirius.
«»
[🌸] happiness - remus lupin x reader
“there is happiness
past the blood and bruise
past the curses and cries
beyond the terror of the nightfall
haunted by the look in my eyes
that would’ve loved you for a lifetime
leave it all behind
and there is happiness”
summary: after the death of his friends and the betrayal of sirius, remus fears that he has lost the capacity for happiness. until you came along
«»
[🌸] dorothea - hermoine granger x reader
“hey dorothea
do you ever stop and think about me?
when we were younger
down in the park
honey, making a lark of the misery
you got shiny friends since you left town
a tiny screen’s the only place i see you now
and i got nothing but well wishes for ya”
summary: you see your childhood best friend for the first time in nearly a decade, you hold the same love and respect for her now as you did then
«»
[🍁] coney island - george weasley x reader
“the question pounds my head
‘what’s a lifetime of achievement?’
if i pushed you to the edge
but you were too polite to leave me
and do you miss the rogue
who coaxed you into paradise and left you there?
will you forgive my soul
when you’re too wise to trust me and too old to
care?”
summary: business is booming and the joke shop is expanding at a rapid rate, by the time it reaches its peak, geoege wants to bask in his success with the woman he loves, only to realise he’d completely neglected you in favour of pursuing his dreams and he doesn’t know if you’ll forgive him for it
«»
[🍁🌸] ivy - harry potter x reader
“how’s one to know?
i’d live and die for moments that we stole
on begged and borrowed time
so tell me to run
or dare to sit and watch what we’ll become”
summary: he thinks he’ll only ruin you, you think he’s worth the risk
«»
[🍁] cowboy like me - sirius black x reader
“you’re a bandit like me
eyes full of stars
hustling for the good life
never thought i’d meet you here
it could be love
we could be the way forward
and i know i’ll pay for it”
summary: sirius runs into you at a pure-blood party he’d been dragged to, the pair of you find solace in each other and gravitate towards one another from then on, however, noting the similarities between you and him, you deduct that you’ll end up paying dearly when you begin to crave more than secret rendezvous at pure-blood occasions.
«»
[🌸] long story short - george weasley x reader
“and he’s passing by
rare as the glimmer as a comment in the sky
and he feels like home
if the shoe fits, walk in it everywhere you go”
summary: george weasley is undoubtedly the love of your life, you realise
«»
[🍁] marjorie - remus lupin x lupin!reader
“the autumn chill that wakes me up
you loved the amber skies so much
long limbs and frozen swims
you’d always go past where our feet could
touch
and i complained the whole way there
the car ride back and up the stairs
i should’ve asked you questions
i should’ve asked you how to be
asked you to write it down for me
should’ve kept every grocery store receipt
‘cause every scrap of you would be taken
from me”
summary: your father dies in the battle of hogwarts and you’re left to go through his things
«»
[🍁] closure - fred weasley x reader
“yes, i got your letter
yes, i’m doing better
it cuts deep to know ya, right to the bone
yes, i got your letter
yes, i’m doing better
i know that it’s over, i don’t need your
closure”
summary: you and fred have a messy breakup and after a few months he owls you to see how you’re doing, and it just so happens that you’re doing fine without him
«»
[🌸] evermore - harry potter x reader
“and i was catching my breath
floors of a cabin creaking under my steps
and i couldn’t be sure
i had a feeling so peculiar
this pain wouldn’t be for
evermore”
summary: a soft moment between you and harry as you heal from the war together
«»
[🍁🌸] right where you left me - sirius black x reader
“did you ever hear about the girl who got frozen?
time went on for everybody else, she won’t
know it
she’s still 23 inside her fantasy
how it was supposed to be
did you hear about the girl who lives in delusion?
break-ups happen everyday, you don’t have to
lose it
she’s still 23 inside her fantasy
and you’re sitting in front of me”
summary: when sirius is condemned to azkaban you wait, and wait, and wait, right where he left you
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[🍁] it’s time to go - george weasley x reader
“that old familiar body ache
the snaps from the same little breaks in your soul
you know when it’s time to go”
summary: transitioning from best friends to lovers isn’t always the best idea, sometimes it’s better to walk away before there’s nothing left to leave
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hit-me-with-a-ladle · 3 years
Text
Ch.11 Creepypasta x Fem! Reader
Four days had passed since their first brawl. Toby had observed her staggering improvement and powerful determination to learn. He hadn't seen that kind of behaviour in a long time. As nightfall came they began to clear up and head back. Both tired from the long day of training, Toby walking in front of her as they went on their way. The walk was peaceful, the night sky illuminating from the dense array of trees as the crickets chirped their lullaby. The sky was littered with beautiful stars and the girl couldn't pry her eyes away from them, looking up in amazement like a child on Christmas day. Toby on the other hand wasn't paying any attention to anything around him, with his hands in his pockets and head down, eyes focused on the patchy road ahead.
The walk to the cabin was beginning to feel longer than usual, the air now becoming tense from all the silence, but the girl still didn't bother to speak up as she knew it was futile. Toby was a man of few words, always keeping to himself, there would be days where they would only say two words to each other. This was a drastic change from what she was usually used to with the others, especially Ben. " So." Her thoughts were cut off as she looked at Toby, who had now slowed down and was walking in since with her. " Um yeah." She sighed out, looking ahead both hands in her large pockets. " Ab-about the necklace." He continued still trying to put his thoughts into words. " What about it." Her eyes widened a little, not expecting him to bring that up as she looked at him pulling it out from underneath her jumpsuit and holding the tiny bottle between her rough fingers. " D-di he tells you wh-why he gave y-you it?" He asked in his usual bored tone. " Yeah, he did. It's for safety and protection. He gave it to me almost two weeks ago and I usually wear it most of the day." She answered honestly softly smiling as she looked at the pretty plant inside of it. It calmed her looking at it. " Interesting." He said to himself not wanting her to hear him but she still managed to.
Her eyebrow raised, why was he so interested in the necklace all of the sudden. " So...do you and Ben get along or...?" She said trying to further the conversation while they walked to the cabin. Toby was hesitant with answering the question, as he took a moment to think of the right response to such a subject. " Yes a-and no. But more n-no. I te-nd to avoid that blab-blabbering idiot but h-he has his moment at ti-times. Very few a-a-and in between but st-still there non the l-less," He answered simply glancing at her direction as he did.
The girl was intrigued by his answer, she assumed he despised him as they were the polar opposite. The assumption wasn't unprompted either, as Toby didn't seem to like most people. " But then ag-again, he tries t-to hard. He acts too m-uch like a child. It's frust-rating." He finally finished his thought, looking back at the road and softly closing his eyes as he walked, admiring the cool night air. He hadn't felt this clam in a while, he enjoyed the feeling. So much so as a small smile crept up his lips. It wasn't noticed by the girl standing next to him but he didn't mind.
In the distance, they could make out the cabin, relief washing over both their bodies like a title wave. " Almost there, finally I can rest." The girl announced dramatically, sighing. It made Toby eye her watching her hunched form drag her feet while walking. Almost close to collapsing. He grunted, at this rate they'd reach it till next morning, clearing his throat he hunched down sweeping her off her feet. She was startled by the sudden action as her eyes widened in surprise, now settled in his arms bridal style. " WHAT! What the hell are you doing? Put me down." She shrieked flailing her arms. But it was to no use as she was too tired to do any harm. Toby grunted as she thrashed, waiting for her to stop and when she did, he smiled softly picking up his pace.
The girl was surprised at how he was able to hold her weight, as he looked quite thin, but as her back pressed against his arms she could feel the defined muscle. Toby didn't say anything, he seemed like the extra weight didn't even affect him. She could hear his heartbeat, it was slow and quiet. The soothing rhythm made her relax even further melting into his arms. They finally reached the cabin, but Toby didn't bother to put her down, no he managed to open the door with her in his hands and she barely noticed. Walking inside, warm air hit his face making him sight. Going to the living room he carefully set her down on the couch and stepped away.
The girl sat upright, her whole body resting as she softly smiled. It had been a while since she could get some rest. Toby had walked to the kitchen slowly lowering his mask and pouring himself some water, looking into the living room while he drank it. He could see the back of the girls head. " Did you also have to train as I do?" The girl's voice broke his peaceful trance. He cleared his throat pondering on his answer as he usually did. " Not r-really." He simply said rinsing the cup and putting it back into the self. " What do you mean by that?" She perfused, wanting to know him better. " Well," He sighed putting his mask back to place and walking towards her, sitting down on the armchair next to the couch. " You have y-y-your duties so you ne-need a different type of trai-ning and mentors. M-my mentor was much wo-worse than we a-a-are."
The girl let out a snort when hearing the last part, looking at him with a curious look. " Really, how so?" " He i-i-is a being co-comprised of pure e-evil so you could imagine it your-yourself." " Pure evil? Is this the Operator man everyone is talking about?" " Bingo." Shed started to get frustrated by how short his answer always was, shed has to ask multiple different questions to know the smallest thing. " What's up with this Operator fella? If he's so powerful why does he need a human guarding his forest?" " Easy. A human is a b-b-basic, morally grey, being. F-for example, you we-were chosen be-because you weren't all t-that good bu-but not all that bad, in the mi-ddle aka The middle-man. So it d-doesn't matter how po-powerful h-he is if there's no real ba-lance in the fo-forest and your j-j-job is to hold that balance." He finished taking a big sigh and slouching on the couch, making it clear that he didn't feel like talking anymore. Soon he would fall asleep.
The girl watched him thoughtfully, eventually getting up. They had finished a little earlier than usual, at this time she would be heading back to eat and then go to bed but something was telling her to look around the cabin, something she wasn't able to do. There were no bookshelves. Its walls were all very sterile and plain. Same for the kitchen. But something in her gut was telling her to go up the stairs, slowly approaching the railing she sighed, with every careful step she would look behind her to make sure Toby was asleep. Reaching the final step she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, the narrow hallway felt longer than before, and she felt strange not immediately heading to the left.
Turning her body to the other side of the dimly lit hallway at the end was a door, she hadn't noticed it before. ' Was that there?' She asked herself approaching it and reaching for the gold knob. The door was painted in a thick layer of black paint, scratches and carving covering its whole surface, one of the larger carvings was crossed out circle. A chill when up to her spine when she noticed it quickly pulled back her hand. Taking in another harsh breath and mustering up the courage she turned the knob, but it didn't budge. She pressed her whole body on the door and began to push but it still wouldn't work, finally, she got frustrated and began to hit and thrash the door handle. But it still didn't move, so she had to reluctantly give up.
There was something important they were trying to hide and she made it a point to find out what it was.
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