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iwadori · 3 years

Note

hello! I love your works so much! Can I request an angst to comfort scenario for #21 on your prompt list?

“It’s my fault for trusting you”

Feel free to use whichever character(s) you like!!

When the haikyu boys neglect you for another girl PT 3

Part One Part Two Part Three Part four Part Five

Word Count: 2.7K

Genre: angst,fluff

masterlist

Akaashi

You and Akaashi were beautiful people

Probably the most attractive pair of young adults that anyone can find

You were both top tier models in the industry

You always had a little rivalry between you but you always promised each other to never let it affect your ‘relationship’

“Beautiful darling, your beautiful” praised your photographer as you finished your shoot giving you air kisses on your cheeks. You thanked him and the rest of the staff and entered your dressing room sighing.

“Rough day?” Asked a voice, startling you a bit. You looked up to see your boyfriend, Akaashi Keiji sitting in the corner of your dressing room on a love seat.

“Gosh Keiji you scared me” clutching your chest dramatically “But yes, the day has been tiring Fabio has really been overworking me lately” you complained. Akaashi walks towards you and gave you a peck on the cheek “Aww poor baby” he cooed mockingly, “but don’t worry ‘bout it Y/N your sucess will be all be worth it eventually” he says making you smile.

“and besides, you’ve got a shoot with me soon anyways” he winks, making you chuckle. You finished removing your make-up as Akaashi tells you about his shoot today and Bokuto’s (your fellow model friend) antics.

You and Akaashi first laid eyes on eachother when you were both up and coming models, you both are under the same company. At first, both of your agents decided to make you spend time with each other to push the narrative of you being a couple anyways. However, since you and Akaashi had great natural chemistry it made your relationship great and made for a great photo too.

As much as the public loved your relationship and the saucy photos you tend to make together, they also thrived of the slight rivalry you guys had together or the times when you guys bother shot with other people (since it was easy for a fan to make a new ship off of two people literally standing next to each other.)

You spent the next day having what you and Akaashi called a ‘rest day,’ you both specifically clear your schedules for every 2nd and 4th saturday of each month to not do any work-related for the day and just bask in each other’s companies (as you were both busy and barely got enough time to see one another.)

You watched multiple movies, made your own homemade cookies and dinner, had pillow fights, built forts. You both were having so much fun, until you both got a call...Just then, the vibe changed you went from your free-spirited fun selfs back into work mode.

Your agent told you that two brands *Insert big fashion designer brand here* and *Insert another big fashion designer brand here* were having some form of standoff. To be honest, you didn’t really care about the context of the shoot(s) in this case, as your agents call ruined your day. They wanted you and Tsukishima Kei, to do some competing shoots and promotional videos for their brand against the other designer.

After getting all your information from your agent, you go back into the living and see Akaashi sitting down thinking deeply about something. “What was your call about?” you inquire sitting down next to him.

“Oh just some silly designer brand competition thing.” he mindlessly replies, still thinking deeply.

“Yeah same. So what’s got you thinking all deeply then?” you ask

“My fellow model is going to be Kiyoko Shimuzu” he sighed, making you blink repeatedly before immediately saying “You can’t do the shoot”

Kiyoko Shimuzu was japans beauty. Everybody loved her, she’s been a model since she was a child everyone wanting a grasp on her looks. The guys wanted her, the girls wanted to be here. Kiyoko Shimuzu was a force to be reckon with.

The real problem at hand wasn’t her stunning looks, popularity and fame. It was her connection with Akaashi. Before Akaashi went big and met you, he was Kiyoko’s boyfriend (well ex-boyfriend now) and they broke up because of long-distance or something like that.

However, to you, Kiyoko’s feelings for your boyfriend have never went away. Whenever you guys bumped into each other at red carpet events or runway shows, she always seemed to linger a bit too long around your boyfriend, which definitely wasn’t to your liking.

Akaashi lifted up his head from inside his palms and looked at you as if you had grown another head. “What do you mean, ‘I can’t do the shoot’” he asked in disbelief

“I mean, you can’t do the shoot” you reiterated not understanding why he didn’t understand.

Akaashi sighs before putting his face back in his hands to think, “Well I know you got to the shoot aswell Y/N who’s yours with.”

“Tsukki” You said nonchalantly say as if it was nothing, making Akaashi look at you again as if you were fully crazy before he had a chance to speak you cut him off saying “Don’t even start Akaashi.”

You and Tsukishima Kei, have best friends since you were kids. You weren’t romantic in any way shape or form, well at least you weren’t. Akaashi always claimed that that Tsukishima was in love with you, that you and Tsukishima were the perfect example of every ‘childhood friends-lovers trope’ ever, which to you wasn’t true. Everything between you and Tsukishima was and still is completely platonic which you can’t say the same for Akaashi and Kiyoko.

“You’re not doing the shoot” he says firmly as if he was your father.

“Oh so you can do your shoot with your literally EX GIRLFRIEND, but I can’t do mine with my best friend... yeah make sense” you say standing up, astounded.

“Y/N chill, If you’re so adamant about me not doing it with Shi- Kiyoko, then I wont” he says pulling your arm down making you land on him “and you better not do it with ‘Tsukki’” he mocked.

“Okay so none of us are doing the shoots?” you ask looking up at him

“Yup” he says

“Pinky promise,” you joked sticking out your pinky in his face.

“Pinky promise” he agreed hooking his finger around yours.

For the next month it seemed you were booked busy, you barely got to see your boyfriend as his agent had him running around all of Japan and even had him booked in some places in Europe for this month. Of course, you missed him, but you understand how busy it can be doing your line of work. You’ve been quite busy too, doing the usual shoots and runways.

Although he was busy, Akaashi basically went radio silent on you. You still expected him to reply to some of your messages or at least call once or twice when he had the chance, since he must have 10 minutes of break time and that's the bare minimum.

It’s been two weeks since you last saw Akaashi (and that was on your saturday rest day) and you were expecting him to come over today so you could have another. Since of course, Saturday ‘rest days’ were basically a tradition for you and Akaashi before you even started dating.

You had no text from Akaashi explaining his lateness/absense, so you just figured he wasn’t coming putting a damper on your day. You spent the day lounging around and shoving your face with your favourite snacks and food.

You get a text from Tsukishima which read:

Tsukishima: 1 Image Attached

Tsukishima: Looks whose boyfriend stumbled on set...

You didn’t respond as you were shocked at the sight you saw, the image was a picture of Akaashi and Kiyoko on set doing shots for the *insert the other rich designer brand* the shoot that you both agreed you wouldn’t do, which was also a LINGERE brand.

You felt betrayed, you both agreed to not do the shoot and it’s not like you did do yours. You made sure to turn it down the day you made your agreement. And he skipped on your traditional saturday ‘rest day’ without even giving you any word of him not planning on arriving.

You didn’t know what to do, do you confront him about it? Or do you wait for him to approach you? Since he would plan on telling you about this right? You eventually messaged Tsukishima a ‘thanks’ and you decided how you were going to handle the situation. Pop up on Akaashi and Kiyoko at the photoshoot.

You knew where it was at, since you had the address already from when your agent first offered you the idea. You drove to the place in a breakneck speed, strutting in there like a woman on a mission (which you technically were.) You decided to wait in Akaashi’s dressing room, not wanting to cause a scene at the shoot which would be bad for yours, Akaashi’s and Kiyoko’s image and would be a waste of the time of the staff and photographer there.

Akaashi finally finished the shoot and entered his room with a sigh not realising that you were sitting in the corner of his room. “Did you have a rough time?” you ask mockingly making him jump and his eyes widen as you were the last person he expected to be there. “Why so shocked, you weren’t expecting me?” you still keep the same mocking tone in your speech.

“Y/N I-” He started

“Y/N what?” You interrupted “Y/N I’m sorry for basically ghosting you for a month? I'm sorry for doing a shoot with someone who I know is still in love with me? I’m sorry for lying to you? I’m sorry for skipping out on our rest day with no explanation on where I am?” you stare at him as he stares back speechless.

“Oh, am I missing something?” you continue “Oh yes ‘Y/n I’m sorry for doing the shoot that we both agreed that we weren’t doing’” you sit down and wait for him to reply.

Akaashi puts his head down in shame, not really knowing what to say. Because of his silence, you roll your eyes and get up fed up with his lack of explanation. Before you fully leave Akaashi blocks your way with slight tears in his eyes “I had no other choice Y/N, I had to do all those shoots and travel other places with Kiyoko because sh-”

“Wait, that’s where you were?” you shout “Gallivanting around the country with HER!” you extend your arm pointing outside the door before you turn trying to leave again.

“N-No No Y/N you’ve got to listen to me” he said putting your hands on my shoulder “She has something, on me and I-I couldn’t I can’t get out of it. It’s deeper than just a simple shoot.” You were confused but you were so upset you just didn’t want to hear it so instead of listening to your boyfriend you decided to say “you’re so full of shit Akaashi” making him gasp at your coldness and the use of his last name. “ but hey I guess thats my fault for trusting you”

You finally left the room and went to go get a breather for a second with tears sparking in your eyes. You leaned against the wall and whispered “fuck” frustrated with the whole situation. Making you jump, Tsukishima said “you should go talk to him you know.”

“What do you know Tsukki” he cringed at the nickname

“I know more than you Y/N, just go talk to him.” he said making you squint your eyes at him wondering what information he held.

When you walked back to Akaashi’s dressing room practicing an apology in your head. But you paused your arrival hearing Akaashi talking to the one and only, Kiyoko Shimuzu in his room.

“Let’s face it Akaashi, now that I’ve got this sex tape of us, I basically own you.” she said to him making your eyes widen.

You decided the smartest thing to do was to pull out your phone and record as much as the conversation as you possibly could. Because you could already tell Akaashi was in a bind.

“The next thing I want you to do is...” she continued acting as if she was thinking “break it with Y/N!”

“No certainly not Kiyoko, you’re going too far.” he said making you smile internally that he still defended your relationship. “Me and Y/N are definitely NOT breaking up.”

“Akaashi are you forgetting that I have something over you.” she pulls out her phone and she plays a video, which you can only assume is the sex tape. You can hear a bunch of moans and groans which made your stomache ache.

Tired of hearing this, you burst into the room and say “What the fuck are you doing Kiyoko”

“Oh Y/N how lovely for you to join us...” she said with a smile, “I was just discussing with your ‘boyfriend’ plans for our next shoots.”

“I always knew you were a bitch.” you say shocking your head at her.

“What do you mean Y/N?” she says with a fake smile, not knowing that you were listening in on your conversation “Actually Akaashi was telling me something he had to tell you... isn’t that right Akaashi.” you both looked over at him and he was scared and speechless.

“Oh you mean how you’ve been blackmailing him for the past two weeks...” you accuse

“You have no proof of that.” She taunted

“Oh do I..” you rebuttal then pressing play on the recording you just took watching as both Kiyoko and Akaashi look shocked. Kiyoko scurries out the room knowing she’s been caught leaving you with a triumphant smile.

You sit down, gesturing Akaashi to sit next to you. “Akaashi, I’m so sorry for not listening to you earlier I felt so betrayed thinking that you went agaisnt out agreement, but I guess I was just being a self-obsessed bitch” you say with you now looking down in shame.

“Y/N” he says with you still not meeting his eye “Y/N look at me” he lifted your chin up so you met his eye “It’s fine, It’s completely fine you didn’t know of course you didn’t know, how would you know of sex tape I unknowingly did back when I was 16!” he exclaims “Its fine, we’re good” he pulls you into a hug and kisses you on the forehead.

After you both calm down, Akaashi explains how Kiyoko started to blackmail him and how the agency loved the idea of them two being together (not the blackmailing) as it created a jealousy storyline between you and her and how every time they met she kept proposing ridiculous demands.

“Also, how did you know I ended doing the shoot?” he asks

“Oh a little bird told me” you tease

“You mean a 6ft2 bird with blonde hair and a shit personality.” he retorts making you laugh

“Heyy don’t be so mean, if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t of came to save the day.”

“True, I’d give him that.”

Eventually, you and Akaashi go to your agency and present all your evidence and claims that Kiyoko was blackmailing Akaashi. Although they were upset, that Akaashi did partake in a sex tape they knew that they’d be an even bigger scandal if you presented your news that Japans sweetheart Kiyoko Shimuzu was blackmailing Akaashi Keiji. So the agency thought it was in everyones best interest if they got Kiyoko to sign an NDA saying that she will never bring forth or share the Sex Tape to anyone and she’ll agree to be dropped from the agency.

Your life was great now, with Kiyoko off your back and Akaashi being back to his usual self you couldn’t wish for anything more. You ended up doing the shoot persuading the design brand person (whatever the name for it is) to agree to let you do the shoot together instead of with other people. Both brands let you, because who wouldn’t want Akaashi Keiji and L/N Y/N to do a shoot together?

AUTHORS NOTE: this is the longest work ive written for a single character and i am TIRED lol..I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my other works so I hope you enjoy this one.. to be honest I think with my works I start off strong and end shitly :// However I wanted to do something different today by making them models instead of students so I hope you like it. Now im off to read some fanfic so you guys have a good day!! <3

#haikyuu x reader comfort #haikyu angst #haikyu x reader #haikyu scenarios #haikyuu fluff #haikyu #akaashi scenarios #akaashi x y/n #akaashi headcanons #akaashi keji x reader #akaashi x reader #akaashi angst #akaashi fluff #signedwithane😌

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emisue-khaleesi · 2 years

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🐞HOLDING ON🐞 ~Triptych

The first single from Ella's Hunt debut E.P Triptych comes out this FRIDAY🖤19/11/21🖤

TRIPTYCH ERA HAS STARTED! AND I'M LITERALLY SCREAMING AND SHAKING! I CAN'T WAIT TO THIS FRIDAY! JUST LISTEN TO HER..SHE HAS THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL, PURE MAGIC! A GIFT FROM HEAVEN!💫🎶

🐞Better you guys stream "Holding on" as much as you can and share with your family and friends and followers, whatever, because we dreamed about Ella's new song and also she dreamed about AND WE FINALLY WILL GET IT ON FRIDAY!🐞

🐞HOLDING ON🐞 THE FIRST SONG OF HER EP TRIPTYCH🖤 WILL BE OUT THIS FRIDAY! OMG I CAN'T WAIT! SHE IS GOING TO REACH EVERYTHING! I KNOW!🔥 I'M INFINITELY HAPPY AND PROUD OF HER!!😍🎶 She deserves the whole world!✨

I'm soo proud and excited! She is going to be the singer that she deserves!💫🎶

Cannot wait for her stunning work to be out in the world..I'm incredibly proud of this girl and how far she has come. Ella I can't wait to stream Triptych ~Holding on (this friday, omg!) on repeat and watch those beautiful videos you made back in APRIL! I love you so much, you should be so proud. More of your music is finally going out into the world and it's going to be Art, Beautiful, Amazing and Incredible! I'm sure!! 🐞🖤🎶✨💘🔥

She has the most beautiful soul and her voice is pure magic! She truly deserves the whole world! AAAH I'm truly excited about this! She has all the talents and she never ceases to blow minds and steal hearts..so for sure she is going to inspire us & blow our minds with this beautiful art!! SOOO PROUUUUD AND HAPPYYYY QUEEN!! THAAAANKS!! I CANT WAIIIIT!!!😍😍🎶🎶💘💘✨✨

I' M SO EXCITED & I CANNOT BE MORE PROUD OF HER!! SHE HAS ALL THE TALENTS! YAS QUEEN!🐞🖤

I'M COMPLETELY SPEECHLESS AND REALLY EXCITED AND SCREAMING...THIS ARE THE BEST NEWS EVER! ELLA'S MUSIC IS ALL I NEED AND IT'S REAL OMG...SHE'S LIKE A RAY OF LIGHT AND DESERVES ALL THE RECOGNITION AND ALL THE GOOD...I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY, I'M CRYING...HER VOICE IS THE SWEETEST AND CAN HEAL ME INSTANTLY... SHE IS VERY BEAUTIFUL ON THE OUTSIDE BUT MORE ON THE INSIDE SO SHE DESERVES ALL OF THIS AND I AM VERY PROUD AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR HER MUSIC OMG OMG! HOLDING ON🐞🖤 THIS FRIDAAAAYYYY 🔥✨

🔥Better you guys stream this EP, give love to this EP, talk about this EP with friends and family and support this EP as much as you can because we NEED to make Ella proud as much as she make us proud of. We already love and adore TRIPTYCH!🔥

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fallforcs · 6 years

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Am I Your Girlfriend?

Art by @liloproductions

Author: @onceuponaprincessworld

Summary: Emma never thought that she would stay for long in that new sleepy town, she was a foster kid after all. She also didn’t expect to fall in love, but here we are.

Rating: G, there is kissing.

I would like to thank my wonderful beta reader @hookedonapirate for all the help and support, without her this story would never have seen the light of day.

Also a big thank you to my amazing artist for creating the banner for the story, I love it!

She doesn’t know how it happened, but she is in love with Killian Jones!

It all started in September, the first day of school.

She was the new kid, and she tried to keep to herself and stay out of everyone’s way. Well, she tried, but she didn’t really succeed. Because she literally fell in someone’s arms.

“Oh, steady there,” he said in a british accent.

“Sorry.” Emma tried to go around him and leave.

“Don’t worry about it,” he smiled. “Are you new? I haven’t seen you before.”

“Yeah, first day actually,” she answered rather awkwardly.

“Then let me introduce myself - Killian Jones, sophomore.”

“Emma, Emma Swan. Also a sophomore.”

“Pleased to meet you,” he beamed at her. “Do you need any help getting around?”

“No, I am good,” she replied and left him alone at the hallway.

She thought that was the last she would see of him. But boy, was she wrong. It turned out, they had all the same classes. Like all of them. From Math, and English to History and Chemistry.

So, yeah, it wasn’t really her fault that they started hanging out. How could she not when they spent all of their time in school together?

On the plus side he fit in well with her small group of friends. Ruby, who she met in gym class and had become something like her best girlfriend. The raven haired teen thought he was funny and good to look at, and it didn’t hurt that she had her eyes for his friend, Victor. Even Graham, who helped her find her English class and who she started to consider as a friend, though he was okay, and he was never easy to accept new people.

Eventually, they started to see each other outside of school as well. He took her to all of his favorite places around Storybrooke - Granny’s for milkshakes and onion rings, the movies because “Come on Swan, they’re playing a Harry Potter marathon,” and the docks to watch the boats. “They are ships, Swan.”

They were becoming fast friends, but that’s it, nothing more. Friends who spent all of their free time together or with their shared group of friends. And they liked hanging out with each other, and sharing their hopes and dreams and their pasts. Which was a first for Emma.

As the weather became colder, they spent all their time at Killian’s place. Emma’s foster parents were nice; Mary Margaret and David were doing their best to make her feel at home. But still, she liked to hang out at Killian’s house better. He lived with his big brother, Liam, who worked a lot, so it was usually the two of them. They watched movies, snuggling on the couch, doing their homework and having dinner together.

When Liam and his girlfriend Elsa, were home, they all hung out together. They played board games or cooked. Her favorite pastime was watching Liam teasing Killian, like when he called him “little brother” and Killian corrected him, but he did so while smiling. She knew they cared a lot about each other because it was just the two of them.

To top it off, she didn’t feel like an intruder in their home; they always made sure she was comfortable and included. Emma felt at home there; she felt safe. She didn’t know why yet, but she was about to figure it out.

During their Christmas break, she went to his house to hang out like usual. They were supposed to study as well since they had some math problems, and Emma could use his help for that. Math wasn’t her favorite subject.

Liam opened the door and welcomed her in.

“Hi Emma,” he greeted with a smile. “Killian is upstairs in his room. I will get him for you.”

“Thanks, Liam.” She moved to get her shoes off, hearing Liam calling from upstairs, “Killian, your girlfriend is here”.

She froze. Girlfriend? When did Killian got a girlfriend? Why hadn’t he said anything to her? Who was she? A sudden feeling of jealousy started taking over her. Did Ruby know? Was it Ruby? No, it couldn’t be. She was dating Victor.

Suddenly, she remembered an incident that happened at school before the break. Killian was on his way to his locker, and she went to surprise him when he stopped to talk to Tink, the cute blonde from history class who always wore mini skirts. Was she his girlfriend?

Just then Killian was coming down the stairs with a grin on his face.

“Hi love, I thought we could watch a movie or we could go out for a hot chocolate at Granny’s.”

Emma was still standing by the door, so he approached her and touched her arm. “Swan, are you okay?”

She tried to smile and nod when the realisation hit her.

Liam was referring to her as his girlfriend.

She felt relief for a moment and then shock. Was she his girlfriend? Well sure, they spent all their time together, he always watched after her, she cared about him a lot, and yeah she loved him, but girlfriend? Realization hit her like a brick.

She loved him! She did love him. She was completely and totally in love with him.

Now that she’s able to admit it to herself, where does she go from here? She doesn’t know what to do.

She smiles at him and replies, “Yeah sure, let’s just watch a movie.” She spends the whole time thinking about it.

Killian senses she is distracted, but he knows sometimes she needs space before she can talk to him, and he accepts it.

By next week, she is still distracted and she keeps avoiding him.

He knows she went out with Ruby two days ago, because Victor came over to play video games and he told him. He even joked, asking him if they were having trouble in paradise. It’s not like they are a couple and they have to always be together or inform the other when one of them is having other plans, but they always talk about their plans.

He knows it’s just him she is avoiding. On the one hand, he is relieved she has her friend to talk to, but it still hurts that she doesn’t talk to him.

So he decides to confront her. He goes to her place, but she isn’t there. Her foster mom told him she went for a walk, so he knows there is only one place she could be.

It turns out, she is there, sitting on a bench by the lake, where he took her the first time they hung out, just the two of them, and he wanted to take her to all of his favorite places around town.

He stays for a moment admiring her from a distance, she is wearing a red coat and jeans, her hair is loose and she looks stunning. He takes a deep breath and starts walking towards her.

“Hey Swan, I thought I might find you here. Is everything alright?” he asks when he is at a hearing distance.

She jumps a bit at his voice. She was so lost in her thoughts, she didn’t heard him coming. She quickly recovers and answers.“Yeah, of course. Why wouldn’t it be?” She then gives him a fake smile.

“It’s just that we haven’t seen each other a lot this week and I have a feeling you are avoiding me” he admits, and there is a hint of pain in his voice.

She hurt him, but she doesn’t want to hurt him. She loves him, and she doesn’t know if he feels the same.

“Everything is fine, Jones. It’s just a bit busy with the holidays and stuff.”

“All right then,” he murmurs, and she knows he doesn’t believe her. He always was able to read her like an open book. “Are we still on for New Years?”

They had made plans some time ago. He and Liam would go to her place and spend New Year’s Eve with her family. And on New Years they would all share dinner together.

Her foster parents had invited them over after Thanksgiving when they found out that it would be just the two of them. Mary Margaret said with the time they spent together, it would be rude to separate them on such a holiday, and Liam had accepted their invitation since he wasn’t much of a cook.

“Yes, my foster parents are all over the preparations. You should see how many recipes Mary Margaret has searched through in order to find the perfect one for a New Year’s pie.”

“Okay. What do you want to do now?” he asks, afraid she prefers to stay there alone.

“Am I your girlfriend?” she blurts out, and manages to leave him speechless.

“Uh… hem…” he coughs. “Excuse me, Swan?”, he says while scratching behind his ear.

“It’s just that… nothing. Forget about it,” she says and turns around to get up and leave. But Killian is quicker and puts his hand on her arm before she does so.

“Emma, please don’t hide from me. Do you want to be my girlfriend?” he asks with a shy smile and his heart is beating so fast he thinks it might explode.

“Liam called me your girlfriend the other day. So am I?”

“Do you want to be?”

She doesn’t meet his eyes, and instead she looks at her hands in her lap

“Because I would want nothing more than to be able to call you my girlfriend. To be able to kiss you as I’ve thought about so many times before. To hold your hand and hold you in my arms. You are so beautiful, Emma, inside and out, and…”

He doesn’t get to finish his thoughts before Emma leaps forward and kisses him. It takes him a moment to react, and he kisses her back, as he’s dreamt of doing so many times before.

When they break the kiss and touch their foreheads together, he asks breathlessly. “So, what do you say Swan, am I your boyfriend?”

Her “Yes” is answered between kisses.

8 Years later:

They exchange vows at the very same lake where they shared their first kiss. Mary Margaret and David, her now adoptive parents are sitting near Liam and his wife, Elsa. Their friends are all there to witness this important moment of their lives.

After the minister pronounced them husband and wife, just before Killian bends his head to kiss her, he whispers, “Am I your husband, Swan?”

Her answer is once again swallowed by his kiss.

And she couldn’t be happier that she is madly in love with Killian Jones.

The End.

#ffcs 2018 #fallforcs #fall for captain swan #blinddate with a fanfic #cs ff #cs au #debonairblackbird #am i your girlfriend #onceuponaprincessworld

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kpopreviews · 7 years

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BTS - ‘You Never Walk Alone’ Album Review

BTS has come out with a repackaged version of their iconic ‘Wings’ album. I have really enjoyed all of their releases so far, so let’s get started with how I feel about their latest album! **warning: super long and in-depth**

Rating: ★★★★★

Intro: Boy Meets Evil

J-Hope. Wow. He did that. When the instrumentals were going on and they built up the cymbals and the beat stuttered right before Hoseok started singing, I think I died of anticipation and excitement. Then, when he started doing his thing, the inflection of his voice was so enticing and passionate that I died again. Also, the choreography was super intense and intricate (Dead x3). If you haven’t watched the video for this track yet, PLEASE DO.

피 땀 눈물 (Blood Sweat & Tears)

I’m going to be completely honest, I AM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG. I think this is one of the best if not the best title track release that BTS has ever had. I don’t know why, but there’s something about this song that makes it feel like I’m listening to it for the first time every time. I think it’s because I notice something new every time. It’s so intriguing. When the instrumentals slowly creep up and Jimin starts singing with his alluring voice, I literally had goosebumps all over my body. I also appreciate the Caribbean, moonbahton trap sound that BTS went for. So different and refreshing. I swear, BTS can pull off literally any sound they wanted to. It’s because they put their own twist on every music genre they try out. Although they may be singing a ‘ballad’ or ‘rock’ or ‘trap’ song, they insert their own flavor into the tracks so that they sound distinctly like BTS. I’ll call it the Bangtan Effect. Their voices were amazing, the instrumentals were amazing, the choreography was amazing, the beat was amazing, the music video was amazing... I could go on and on. I think my absolute favorite part of the song is when Rap Monster is rapping with his deep voice and Jungkook starts harmonizing. THAT’S ART RIGHT THERE.

Begin

Jungkook has a stunning, beautiful voice. His voice is airy but hits you right in the heart. I don’t know how he does it, honestly. I love the heavy beat in the beginning of this song. It totally hints at the crazy tempo change that’s to come! I really enjoy listening to this song. And don’t even let me get started on the MEANING behind this beautiful track. Jungkook is given the chance to sing about anything he wants to, and he chooses to sing about his group members aka his brothers aka his best friends aka his role models. I cry.

Lie

Oh Jimin... Your voice... It does things to me. The strings in the beginning did NOT prepare me for this song! I worship the mix between the orchestra and Jimin. I don’t quite know why, but I think that he really fits the dark orchestral vibe of this piece. Maybe it’s his classiness? His seductiveness? His mysterious ways? He just screams ‘royalty’ to me. In addition, I feel like Jimin’s vocals have improved so much. His tone is golden. Pure milk and honey. He flows so well. Also, his ad-libbing absolutely saved me.

Stigma

My poor heart... Where do I even start? V honestly snatched everyone’s weaves with this one. The simple instrumentals complemented so so so well with his voice. And his RANGE. Taehyung... “Why are you like that to me?” His deep, soulful voice in the beginning hit me hard as always, but when those beautiful high notes came out, I was left speechless. I think this song truly embodies Taehyung. Just when you think you know everything there is to know about him, he whips out another talent masterfully.

First Love

DAMN. SUGA. I am in love with the way he carries his voice. He is such a raw, emotional rapper. The thing is, Suga doesn’t simply spit out words as many rappers seem to do. Instead, he mulls them over, contemplating and reflecting on every single one, before imprinting them in your soul. It is an amazing process and I am so glad that I am able to experience it. Also, let’s talk about the meaning behind the words. God, Yoongi. You can tell that music, and being able to create music, means the absolute world to him. He’s experienced loss, hard times, and heartache, but he’s come back stronger and he knows not to take opportunities for granted. I admire this man and the message he’s spreading.

Reflection

Rap Monster, or should I say Vocal Monster? I love when he sings. How does one possibly describe his awe-inspiring, passionate, deep voice? I really appreciate the slow, melancholy rap that Namjoon has been experimenting with these day. The technique was utilized perfectly in this melody, with the stripped down instrumentals and his raw, naked voice. Also, his artistry is next level. Inserting the sounds of Tteukseom at the beginning was genius. Genius and absolutely heartbreaking. I love you, Kim Namjoon.

MAMA

J-Hope is a god. I don’t deserve him. He’s voice is so nice. Songs about parents/grandparents always have a special place in my heart, but this one absolutely KILLED ME. The lyrics are so beautiful. I really liked how the song was upbeat, because although the lyrics could be interpreted in a sad manner, the melody made the lyrics uplifting and inspiring. It made the song more Hoseok-esque. He has a truly beautiful soul. Also, can’t forget the instrumentals! In love with the retro sound that he went for. It suits him so well. It’s incredible. THIS IS J-HOPE’S ERA.

Awake

JIN, WHY WOULD YOU HURT ME LIKE THIS. Seokjin shines SO bright in his solo song, finally showing the world his true range and aptitude. Wow. The first time I listened to this song, I was speechless. His higher range is so well-developed and rich that his voice sounds completely natural up there throughout the whole song. Truly amazing. But the lyrics... Oh my god I cried so hard... Jin saying that he knows he will always be behind the other members, but he’s still going to try hard anyway... Jin putting the rest of BTS before himself... Oh god look at me I’m crying again. I hope he is taking care of himself. I hope he knows that he’s absolutely perfect.

Lost

I really really really enjoy listening to this song. The very first time I heard ‘Lost’, I think I literally fell in love. It was the best but weirdest feeling. I like how it kind of sounds like the vocal members are tossing the lines around. They change up who’s singing pretty often in this piece (after almost every line), so it creates a very interesting blend of tones. So cool. In addition, love the synthetic beeps in the beginning and the snare beats at the end. Nice touches to a wonderful song.

BTS Cypher Pt. 4

Where do I even start? BTS’ rap line came back with a very different kind of cypher this time. Instead of their usual fit-as-much-as-you-possibly-can-in-4-minutes kind of cyphers, rap line took it down a notch. It’s more of a ‘yeah it’s chill cause we can’t hear the haters from all the way up here’ kind of vibe and I am absolutely loving it! It’s still fire as hell though, as expected. The super hard, distinct beats in the beginning had me bumping before the rapping even began! I live for Rapmon’s ‘Sorry Bae.’ It fits the whole song so well. And once again, rap line killed their raps and their haters. BRRR!

Am I Wrong

Country Music x BTS? Yes, please! How can they pull off literally EVERY genre? It’s astounding. Truly. Didn’t I call it the Bangtan Effect earlier? I love the end of J-Hope’s part, when everyone sings “mayday, mayday.” I treasure the sound of all their voices together. I see this is a pattern among Bangtan songs, but once again, THE MEANINGFUL LYRICS. Goddamn. Talk about SOCIALLY-CONSCIOUS ARTISTS.

21세기 소녀 (21st Century Girls)

I live for female empowerment anthems! J-Hope’s “You’re the best to me just the way you are.” Rap Monster’s “Live your life, live your life, come on baby.” Jimin’s “Tell them that you’re strong, tell them you’re enough.” Suga’s “All my ladies put your hands up!” So many iconic lines and such exquisite voice inflections throughout this song. Hype beat + Hype lyrics = HYPE ME.

둘! 셋! (그래도 좋은 날이 더 많기를) (2! 3!)

A really nice change of pace from the two beat-heavy tracks before this one. My favorite part has to be J-Hope’s line, “For becoming the flower in the most beautiful moment in life.” It’s a undoubtedly subtle and clever reference to their past releases. I know it’s supposed to be their fan song, but it is a bit sad if you look at the lyrics. However, it also speaks of promise and trust: “Hoping for more good days.” “If you believe then one two three.” I think the light percussion and the tone of the lyrics go well together to bring out an optimistic, hopeful song. Great bedtime song.

봄날 (Spring Day)

Let me say it right now, if you haven’t listened to this song yet, DO SO IMMEDIATELY. Absolutely in love with everything about this track. Rapmon starts off the song with his low, soothing articulation, which turns over to Jimin with his stable, airy voice, and then to Jungkook to contrast Jimin with his rich tone. Seokjin made me shed tears over his heartbreaking timbre, Yoongi saved me with his passionate inflection, and Hoseok added so much dimension and color to complete the song. However, the show stopper has to be Taehyung. The breakdown, where he sings, “You know it all. You’re my best friend. The morning will come again” hurt me with his soulful voice. Also, the ending (in the music video), where they all sing together was soul-moving. Furthermore, how about the meaning behind this song? Damn, Bangtan. They impress me time and time again. If you are not familiar with the Sewol Ferry Tragedy and how it ties to the ‘Spring Day’ music video, read a great explanation here. Masterful song with an amazing theme. A+.

Not Today

Hype song, hype message, hype choreography. What more can you expect from BTS? This time, they’re reaching out to the underdogs and telling them to keep working hard and having hope. I love it. The beat is distinct, strong, and original, which all add up to Bangtan’s recognizable formula. Additionally, Namjoon’s “Baby, yes I want it” had me feeling some type of way and of course I can’t talk about ‘Not Today’ without mentioning Jungkook’s iconic “Chong jojun BALSA!”

Outro: Wings

One of my favorite songs of this era. I am so glad they came out with a longer version. Damn. Never expected that insane breakdown and that wild verse from J-Hope. I LIVE FOR IT. But I also live for the exchange between Namjoon and Hoseok. “Yo J, Let’s do it.” OK! Meanwhile, BTS went for a ‘clubby’ sound in this track, with the ‘auto-tuned’ voices and the heavy synths, and they pulled it off once again! Bangtan Effect anyone? The best part of it all is that ‘Outro: Wings’ could be a club song, but it still has a deep, important message about believing in oneself and one’s decisions. That makes my heart happy.

A Supplementary Story: You Never Walk Alone

Suga. Singing. Need I say more? I love when Jin & the rest of the vocal line reference Martin Luther King, Jr.’s quote about flying, running, walking, or even crawling towards one’s dreams. Very nice touch. I want to point out the beginning of the song with the softer beat and the echo-y sounds, which eventually transitions to a harder beat as per Bangtan’s style. Classic. Then, Suga sings and the angels sing with him. Then, J-Hope sings and heaven opens its gates. Am I being too dramatic? I just really enjoy listening to rap line singing. Quite possibly my favorite track from BTS. Yeah... that says A LOT about how much I sincerely adore this song.

Overall, I think that BTS’ 'You Never Walk Alone’ album is a splendid masterpiece. The album is a mix of so many different sounds and genres, but they blend genuinely well together. I really don’t know how BTS could top this one, but I think that thought after each of their releases and they always manage to impress me every time. I’m totally in love with their artistry.

Rating: ★★★★★

#bts #bangtan #bangtan boys #kpop review #bts review #review #full #rec #bg #album #blood sweat & tears #bst #spring day #not today #you never walk alone #wings

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anavoliselenu · 7 years

Text

Monday Chapter 3

Disappointment punched her gut. “Oh.”

“It’s okay. I’ll go over what to expect, and what you need to say to the reporters.”

Selena nodded, took a deep breath, and stepped through the door. After securing the deadbolt, she turned to the car and let Jay lead the way.

Twice she caught herself lifting her fingers to her lips. She reduced herself to pinching her hands to keep them in her lap. Of late, the nail biting was becoming an issue. Normally her nerves were steady. She patted her purse at her side and remembered the small pistol she kept there.

It was a security blanket. One she probably didn’t need any longer, but she couldn’t be too careful.

Jay explained that Justin would do most of the talking. She was to nod, smile, and tell the media that if it weren’t for Justin’s intervention, she and Gwen would have been in danger.

“They’ll ask personal questions. Don’t answer them,” Jay told her. “Let Justin do the side stepping. He is the politician after all.”

Right! And everyone in office masters the art of double speak their first week on the campaign trail.

The driver maneuvered them around the front of the hotel briefly, where news vans from every local station were parked. The driver didn’t stop in front, instead he took a side entrance, parked, and opened the door for the two of them.

She was thankful for a few minutes out of the spotlight. Jay and the driver flanked her sides as they walked her into the hotel. A few employees glanced up as they walked through an obvious staff entrance, but no one stopped them.

The brim of your hat will hide your unease. Use it. Gwen’s voice echoed in Selena’s mind and she tilted her head.

The hard floors shifted to lush burgundy carpet as they passed a doorway. The cool, dry air inside the hotel circulated the smell of whatever cleaning agents the staff used. She kept her gaze low, barely noticing where they were walking.

Jay held open another door and Selena passed through.

“Jay, what’s going on, where’s…” Justin’s voice trailed off when Selena lifted her eyes to meet his.

His jaw dropped and his words dried up. Shock, admiration, and desire flashed in his eyes. “Selena.” Justin’s voice was breathy.

A wave of feminine power tugged at her pride, as he stood there speechless.

“Hey, Justin,” she said.

“Wow.”

Her cheeks warmed. The others in the room grew silent.

“You approve? The hat isn’t over the top, is it?” Not that she was taking it off. She felt safe under it, which was silly, but she did.

“Perfect. Everything is perfect.”

Behind Justin, someone cleared his throat. He turned and the half a dozen men in the room started to return to whatever it was they were doing. “Ten minutes,” a kid, maybe in his twenties, said waving a phone in the air.

Justin managed two steps in her direction and grasped her hand. He lead her to a second door in the suite where there was a king size bed, perfectly made with a garment bag draped over the frame.

“Sorry I had to send Jay to get you up. Something came up.”

“You’re a busy man.”

His hand rested on her arm after he’d pulled her through the door. He didn’t remove it.

“You look…amazing.”

She expelled a nervous laugh. “Are you trying to make me nervous?”

“No. I’m just… I mean, you’ve always been beautiful, but this…” He waved his hand in the air. “This is perfect. It’s as if you had a political coordinator telling you what to wear.”

He thought she was beautiful? Really? “Gwen,” she said, still stuck on his compliment.

“Gwen what?”

Shaking out of the daze, she gave him a better answer. “I knew Gwen would know what I should wear. If you need a political coordinator, she’s your girl.” Maybe it’s the dress and hat he thinks are beautiful.

Justin squeezed her arm. “Are you nervous?”

“No,” she lied. “Yes…a little. Jay briefed me, in the car. Nod, smile, and say very little.”

“Right. Let me do the talking.”

She chuckled. “Jay called it side stepping.”

A knock from the other side of the door interrupted them. “Time to go, Mr. Billings.”

Justin let his hand drop to hers. “You ready?”

“As much as I can be.”

His hand squeezed hers. He paused. “Selena, do you trust me? Outside of football plays that is?”

She remembered their conflict at Christmas and laughed. “I think you’re an honest man.” For good measure, she added. “I’ll vote for you.”

“But do you trust me?”

Would she call him in an emergency and expect him to drop everything and be there? “Yeah. I trust you.”

He bobbed his head. “Okay…okay. That’s good.”

He was having a short conversation with himself, she mused.

Someone knocked on the door a second time. “Mr. Billings?”

“We’re coming,” he called and directed them through the door.

****

He felt the moment her palm went damp. Double doors opened and the two of them, surrounded by his manager, one bodyguard Neil insisted on, and three of his staff, escorted them onto a raised platform.

The last thing Justin wanted to do was let go of her hand, but when he reached the podium, he didn’t have a choice.

He gave her a reassuring smile, squeezed her hand, and let go. She held tight to her purse but otherwise appeared unaffected by the constant flashing of lights set off by the photographers in the room.

“Mr. Billings? Justin? Mr. Billings?” Reporters called his name repeatedly. He lifted his hands and waited for all of them to calm.

“Thank you for coming,” he began. “Everyone has been patient. I hope to ease your curiosity today. Thanks to YouTube, many of you witnessed an interesting video last weekend. As many of you know, myself and Miss Havens…” He glanced at Selena, who smiled and nodded. “Stood up for our very close friends Lord and Lady Harrison, the Duke and Duchess of Albany as they renewed their wedding vows in Texas—”

“Don’t they do that every year?” someone from the mash of reporters called out. A few reporters laughed.

Justin smiled. “Yes. They do. Love makes people do things like that.”

“Give ’em five years. That’ll stop.”

Justin lifted his hands again. Sticking with his speech, Justin told the reporters he was in the bar briefly where he and Blake’s bodyguard noticed a couple of unsavory characters giving unwanted attention to Selena and Lady Gwen. He purposely used Blake and Gwen’s titles to add a sense of class to the situation. Earlier today, Blake suggested he use their titles as much as he needed if it would help the situation.

What Blake didn’t know was the press conference was only one phase of Justin’s plan.

The reporters would figure out the bar was sleazy and after a couple of interviews it would be discovered that Gwen and Selena weren’t completely uncomfortable up until the fists started flying.

“It’s unfortunate that my intervention was needed. Let it be understood that I will not stand by and watch a crime unfold in front of me without intervening.” Several reporters dipped their heads and franticly wrote down his well practiced and thought out words.

Justin glanced over his shoulder and reached a hand to Selena.

On the outside, she looked the picture of composure. But he sensed the frantic rate of her heartbeat when he touched her wrist. He noticed her chest rise and fall a little too fast.

She held his hand almost like a lifeline.

“Miss Havens?” A recognizable network reporter called out. “Can you tell us what happened?”

Justin met her gaze, and she allowed a half smile to reach her lips. “Of course,” she said standing next to him as she leaned into the microphones. “Lady Gwen and I weren’t familiar with the area. We’d been in San Antonio for a few days, preparing for the wedding. We thought it would be nice to hear some country music. It was Texas after all,” she offered.

Justin’s shoulders started to relax as a few of the reporters laughed. Even Selena seemed more at ease as she spoke.

“Like Justin said, a man led my friend outside, and if it wasn’t for Lord Harrison’s personal bodyguard and Justin, I can’t imagine what might have happened.”

“Who threw the first punch?”

Selena swallowed. “One of the men from the bar struck Justin first.” She glanced at him. “I for one am proud to know we have the opportunity to vote for such an honorable man.”

More pictures flashed.

A warmth filled Justin’s stomach.

“What’s your relationship?”

“Are the two of you dating?”

Justin stepped up to the podium and covered Selena’s hand with his. “I think we’ve answered your questions.”

“The public wants to know if they’re voting on a party boy with a bank account and friends in high places, or a serious candidate, Mr. Billings.”

Justin’s jaw tightened.

“Justin and I have known each for a couple of years,” Selena spoke for him. “Outside of a beer while watching a football game, I’ve never seen him over-drink. I dare anyone here to prove me wrong.”

“You sound defensive, Miss. Havens.”

“I’m offended. He might not call plays well from the sofa, but Justin Billing’s is an honest man.”

The rapid fire of questions and Selena’s revealing answers stunned Justin silent.

“You’re a football fan, Miss. Havens?”

“Isn’t everybody?”

Justin, along with half the crowd of reporters, laughed. He stepped forward and slid his hand over hers. She flinched, but didn’t pull away. “Thank you all for coming today.”

“Mr. Billings?

“Miss. Havens?”

Reporters pushed forward, cell phone and small recording devices in hand. Each of them begging for one more answer to one more question.

Justin slid a hand to the small of Selena’s back and guided her off the platform. Only when they were back in his room did he stop touching her.

Jay clapped a hand to Justin’s back once the door closed behind them. “Well done.”

Selena released a sigh and turned toward them. “What now?” she asked.

“We watch how they spin it,” Jay explained as he switched on the TV.

“How they spin it?”

Justin indicated a chair for her to sit. She sat close to the edge as if ready to leave.

“The media has a way of taking what you say, splicing it with what you didn’t say, and making a completely new story.”

“I’m not sure how they could possibly do so with what we said.”

“You’d be surprised,” Jay said, removing his jacket and tossing it on the back of the sofa.

“How long will this take?”

Jay glanced at his watch. “We have twenty minutes before the afternoon news runs.”

“Have you had lunch?” Justin asked. The way she twisted her hands together in her lap gave evidence of her nerves.

“I don’t think I could eat.”

“Which means you haven’t eaten.”

Selena shook her head.

“How about something light? We’ll have them bring it here.” He lifted the phone and didn’t wait for her to agree. The concierge put him through to room service. After ordering the soup of the day and a pot of coffee, two more of his staff members walked into the room. After a short debate, Justin ordered a few sandwiches to feed everyone in the room.

“I saw Bradley from channel four doing a wrap up outside the lobby,” Justin, one of the staffers told them.

“And?”

“Hard to say.” Justin’s eyes shifted to Selena. He smiled and shrugged.

Another staffer arrived, tossed his jacket aside. “Well?”

“Nothing yet.”

Selena glanced from each man in the room to another. Her skin grew pale.

The men spoke to each other, each speculating what the media would say. Justin sat on the arm of the chair Selena sat in and leaned forward. “Are you okay?”

“Fine.”

Yeah, right!

“We can watch in the other room.”

She glanced at the bedroom door and shook her head. “I’m fine here.”

Yeah, right!

Twenty minutes felt like an hour. As the opening credits for the news rolled over the television screen, room service arrived. Jay rushed the hotel staff in and out. Nobody bothered with the food.

“Shh!”

Justin’s first glimpse of Selena on the screen filled him with a strange sense of pride. It was unfounded, he knew, but watching her walking beside him on film felt right somehow.

“After last week’s blunder, gubernatorial candidate, Justin Billings is on clean up. He certainly enlisted a mysterious and charismatic partner to help him. It’s hard to determine if Mr. Billings was fighting off an unwanted suitor to his current girlfriend, or if his explanation holds merit. You be the judge.” As the press ran a clip of Justin’s press statement, Justin noticed what little color Selena had on her face disappear. Her index finger slipped between her lips, her eyes fixed to the screen.

You sound defensive, Miss Havens.

I’m offended.

“Even with Miss. Haven’s obvious edge, she humored the reporters with her crack about Mr. Billings not being able to determine a ref’s call during a football game. Still, this reporter isn’t convinced Mr. Billings will be able to escape the now notorious YouTube video.”

Jay switched to another channel. This one more sympathetic than the last, but still not what Justin was hoping for.

Without a word, Selena stood and walked past the crowded room and into the bedroom.

Chapter Six

Her stomach churned and she didn’t even bother to keep from biting her nails.

Selena glanced down at her expensive dress before removing the hat from her head and throwing it on the dresser. “What a waste.”

She collapsed onto the bed and grabbed her purse. She removed her wallet and found a well-worn picture. On the yellowed paper was a once happy family. Her mother, who Selena resembled so closely they could pass as sisters, and her father, an honest, loving man, and her as a child of only nine.

The picture had been taken six months prior to their deaths. Prior to their murders.

Those memories were buried so deep, at times, Selena would forget. After seeing her picture on every news channel, she realized how much she and her mother looked alike.

And that could be a problem.

A knock at the door had her scrambling to put the picture away and to close her purse. “Selena?”

It was Justin. “Come in.”

Closing the door behind him. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s you they’re smearing all over town. I can’t believe how much they’ve twisted everything.”

He leaned a hip against the dresser and tucked his hands into his pants pockets. Even with all the stress, he was sexy as hell. “We didn’t think one press conference would fix everything.”

“I hope you won’t need me. My wardrobe budget is tapped for the year,” she released a nervous laugh.

“I can reimburse you.”

Her jaw tightened. “Please. That’s not what I’m suggesting.” Besides, she couldn’t remember the last time someone paid for her clothes… Well, outside of a stupid yellow bridesmaid dress. “So what’s next? More press conferences?” She needed to know so she could make a graceful exit from this part of Justin’s plan.

“I’m sure those will happen.”

He moved over to the bed and sat beside her. She placed her purse to her side.

“You have a different plan, don’t you?”

He nodded, nervous suddenly in a way she’d not seen him before. “We’ve run studies, and researched past candidates in similar situations. Outside of waiting four more years, I need to do something drastic to get the media’s focus on the race.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“It’s simple. They want a family man in office.”

Selena shifted on the bed. “You’re going to pull a family out of your butt?”

He laughed and his blue eyes fixed to hers. “No. I’m going to get married.”

Her smile fell. Kathleen? Isn’t he done with her?

“That’s extreme, isn’t it?”

“I don’t think so. Getting married fixes the image of a fight-starting, party boy in a bar. It adds stability to an office that historically has been run by married men. It’s the answer to my problems.”

Maybe it was, but her stomach didn’t like it. She swallowed hard. “I suppose.”

“You agree?”

“You’re the politician, Justin. You have a finger on the pulse of the voting public more than I do. I guess as long as Kathleen agrees—”

“Kathleen?” His confused stare bordered on comical.

“Who else?” He probably had a small lineup of willing women to be Mrs. Billings.

“You!”

Selena jumped to her feet; her purse fell to the floor. “Me? Are you crazy?”

“Before you say no—”

“No!”

“Hear me out.”

“No!” She needed out of the room. Needed out of the hotel. Selena grabbed her hat and shoved it on her head.

Justin stood and stopped her from reaching for her purse. He placed a hand on her arm, and she pulled back as if stung. “Listen, Selena. You’re half the reason I’m in this mess.”

“Hey,” she said poking him in the chest with a cracked nail. “I didn’t invite you to that bar, and I certainly didn’t suggest you get into a fight. So don’t blame me for this.”

“What was all that about me being an honorable man?”

“The truth of that will change the minute you try and blackmail me into marriage.”

“Who said anything about blackmail? I was proposing—”

She tried to step around him only to be blocked again. “Yeah, well don’t. I’m the wrong woman for you for more reasons than you could possibly know. Now give me my damn purse so I can leave. I do have a life to live.”

“This discussion isn’t over,” he said.

“You’ll be talking to yourself, because I’m done.”

Justin clamped his jaw shut and stared.

She folded her arms over her chest and stared back.

He cracked first, stepped back, and reached for her purse.

Remembering the gun, she moved to intercept him. “I’ll get it…”

Justin reached it first. The purse wasn’t big, and the moment Justin’s hand touched it, his face turned to stone.

She tried to grab the bag he lifted out of her reach.

He undid the clasp.

“Stop.”

And dumped the contents on the bed.

Selena froze, staring at the weapon she’d carried with her all her adult life. Not even Samantha knew about it. And no one knew why.

“You want to tell me what this is all about?”

Her chest heaved with every rapid breath she took. “You want to know what this is all about? I’ll tell you what it’s all about. None of your damn business. That’s what it’s all about.” As quickly as she could, she shoved the contents into the bag, the gun last, making sure the safety wasn’t tripped, and then stormed out of the room.

She made it as far as the door.

She opened it and found herself faced with two suit-wearing men holding badges.

“Miss. Havens.”

“Sonofabitch!”

The detectives glanced at each other and put their badges away. “We need to speak with you.” They glanced around at the audience of Justin and all his men. “In private.”

Not too often in Justin’s life, at least since the age of eighteen, did he ever feel off axis. Apparently, all that was changing today.

His bodyguard stood beside the detectives, and his staffers had turned down the television set and were tuned in like an uplink to the net.

Justin took a chance and placed a hand on Selena’s shoulder. She didn’t flinch.

Worse, she trembled.

“What can we do for you, detectives?”

“It’s Billings, right?”

“That’s right.”

“We need to speak to Miss. Havens, alone.”

“Selena?” As if saying her name snapped her out of a daze, she shook off his hand and glared at him over her shoulder.

“I have this,” she told him.

“If you’d come with us, we can—”

“Hold up,” Justin stepped in front of her, stopped them from leading Selena away. He might not know what she was hiding, but he wasn’t about to let her leave the hotel in custody without some explanation. “I am a lawyer and was a judge before seeking office. If you have a reason to take Miss Havens—”

“I’m sure you’re a brilliant attorney, Mr. Billings, but even you understand that some things shouldn’t be discussed in the hallway of a very public hotel with an entourage of people at your back.”

Taking the clue, Jay said, “That’s our cue, gentlemen. Time to give everyone some space.”

“No.” Selena grasped Justin’s arm and tugged him back. “I’ll go.”

“The hell you will.”

“Listen, Hollywood. I get that you feel the need to protect and serve here, but you don’t get it. I’ll just go. Everything is fine.”

“If you’re in trouble…”

“I’m not.”

“She’s not.” Both Selena and the detectives spoke at the same time.

“I’ll call you later,” she promised and then stepped away from Justin’s protection and walked alongside the detectives down the hall.

What the hell is going on?

Justin met the eyes of his bodyguard, Joe, and nodded toward the retreating figures. Taking the hint, Joe followed them.

Unable to pursue without drawing attention to them, Justin watched until Selena turned the corner and disappeared.

The woman he’d just asked to marry him was being escorted away by bona fide detectives and hadn’t been surprised in the least. Expected it even.

The gun didn’t faze her.

She didn’t explain it.

Twisting on his heel, almost colliding with Jay, Justin returned to his hotel room and swung his cell phone to his ear. “Go.” He told his staffers. “And I shouldn’t have to tell you to keep your mouths shut about what just happened.”

“We’re on your team,” Jay reminded him.

Justin’s jaw hurt with the amount of pressure his back teeth were taking. “I know. Just… just keep the others silent.”

Jay nodded to those leaving the room. “I’ll spin it…don’t worry. It’s what you hired me for.”

Rubbing a frustrated hand over his face, Justin managed a half smile while the cell phone in his hand rang. Answer the f**king phone, Blake.

Answer the f**king phone.

****

At least the detectives waited until they hit the car before they started in. “What about “low-profile” did you not understand, Selena?”

“I’m not in the mood for a lecture,” she told them. She’d had a right-shit day, starting with a press conference she really didn’t want anything to do with. Moving on to the twisted media who couldn’t recognize a red light at an intersection if it was flashing in their face. Then onto a proposal from a gorgeous, successful man who, if she were being honest with herself, she had the ultimate hots for, but to whom she promptly said no…and ending with, but not limited to, being driven to destinations unknown by two of L.A.’s finest!

Yeah! She’d had a shitty-ass day!

“Standing in front of every media station in the greater Los Angeles area, and at least two national channels, isn’t exactly low profile.”

Dean, the overweight detective in the passenger seat glared at her. The last time she’d seen him he was chewing nicotine gum like it was crack. From the slightly yellow teeth peeking through his lips, Selena guessed the cigarettes won.

James, his skinny partner drove while keeping a keen eye on his rearview mirror.

Yeah, Jim was short for James…and the fact that putting their names together spelled out James Dean wasn’t lost on her.

“I’m not eight,” she told them.

“But you look exactly like her.”

Her…damn it, her mother had a name. Not that she’d remind them.

“She is dead. Has been for a long time.” No one knew that more than Selena.

Dean twisted in his seat and poked a yellow finger in her direction. “She gave everything to protect you. The least you could do is stay hidden so she can rest knowing you’re safe.”

“Hide you mean?”

“Hide, live life out of the spotlight…however you want to put it. Shouldn’t be hard. Zillions of people aren’t splattered all over the damn TV.”

“Yeah well…life happens.” Life with a duchess as your best friend and an influential politician suggesting marriage.

Nibbling on her fingernails, Selena took two seconds to wish things in her life were different. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to live a normal life with a sexy man like Justin protecting her.

Wasn’t gonna happen.

She glanced at James who had stayed painfully silent during their drive. “You don’t have anything to add,” she asked.

“We’re being followed.”

Unable to stop her natural instinct, Selena shifted in her seat and noticed Justin’s bodyguard in the dark sedan following them. “It’s okay. He’s harmless.”

“Your boyfriend’s?” Dean asked.

“Justin isn’t my boyfriend.”

“Looked like it to me and half of America. Even those in prison with privileges.”

Taking a deep breath and blowing it out thought clenched lips, she sputtered, “You’re reaching, Dean.”

“I’m not and you know it. You’re biting your nails. You know this shit stinks.”

Asshole.

“How are the cigarettes? Still smokin’?” It was mean, but he wasn’t playing fair and Selena didn’t care. “I’ve lived my life like a good little witness-protection-program girl. I’m done. You got that…? Done!”

“I don’t think you have a clue who you’re dealing with if you think you’re done. This isn’t a joke, Lisa—”

“It’s Selena. I haven’t been Lisa since I was nine.” Just one of the many changes she had to make in her life. “Take me home.”

“That isn’t wise,” James finally said.

“Take me home.”

Jim met Dean’s eyes. She couldn’t help but wonder if they’d take her into custody for her own protection.

Jim took a sudden turn back toward the freeway. Toward her home in Tarzana.

She sat back in her seat with her purse in her lap.

“I hope you know how to use that gun,” Dean said.

How did he know? Of course he knew. Jim and Dean seemed to know everything about her life.

“Anytime you want to have a shoot off, or whatever you call it, you let me know.”

“I might just do that,” Dean said.

Jim laughed. “You’d lose,” he told his partner.

She let a half smile meet her lips.

“So. Was this a scare tactic, or do you two know something?”

Dean looked at Jim and then the rearview mirror.

Neither of them said anything.

Scare tactic. Which worked when she was a kid trying out for the cheerleading team. Not so much now.

They turned off the freeway and down her street.

“Get back to the studio, Selena. Brush up on your Tae Kwan Do. Stay alert,” Dean told her as he turned into her driveway.

“And for the sake of God, call us if you find the butter in the wrong place in the fridge. Got that?”

Yeah, she got it.

Through their rough exterior, James and Dean were good guys. They had no idea what her life was really like, but they meant well.

“Got it.”

Chapter Seven

Her phone was ringing when she walked into the house. Caller ID told her it was a private number, but Selena knew without a doubt it would be Samantha. Blake and Justin were close. He probably hit speed dial the minute she disappeared down the hall.

To avoid a face to face with her friend, Selena picked up the phone. “Hey.”

“What the hell, Selena? Are you okay?” Under the tone of what the hell is going on was, I’m scared for you.

“I’m fine.” She pulled back the curtains and checked the street. As expected, Joe was parked across from her house and it looked like Jim had circled the block and was now a few houses back.

“Justin just got off the phone with Blake.”

“Yeah…” Looked like Jim was staring at the license plate of Joe’s car. Selena hoped Joe didn’t have a background he wanted buried.

“Yeah? Selena? Talk to me. What’s going on?”

She let the drapes fall back into place and stepped away from the window. Let the cops and bodyguards work it out among themselves. “I’m fine, Sam. Really. I’m sure Justin painted an ugly picture, but I’m good.”

“The police don’t escort you away for a private chat if everything is good. Justin is freaked out, and he and Blake are on overdrive trying to figure out what’s happening. You can save us all the trouble by talking.”

Selena leaned against the wall in the hallway and toed off her heels. How was she going to avoid this? She’d managed to keep her past buried for years. Maybe she could buy some time and figure out a plan. “Some things shouldn’t be talked about on the phone. I’m sure you understand that.”

Samantha hadn’t always lived the perfect life. And when she and Blake were dating, his crazy ex bugged the very phone Selena spoke on to gain information about their relationship.

“I understand. Do you want to meet for coffee? Come over to the house?”

As much as Selena would have liked to ignore Jim and Dean’s warnings, she couldn’t. How much could she tell Samantha? And how wise was it to have Gwen stay with her?

And how soon would Justin be pounding on her door for answers?

“I need a day or two. And before you say it, I know I can trust you. I just need a little time.”

Samantha blew out a sigh over the phone. “Okay. Promise me you’ll call or come here if you need anything.”

“You know I will.”

After hanging up, Selena ran upstairs and changed into two outfits, one hidden under another, and then quickly locked up her house before getting in her car.

Two cars followed her. Joe stayed close, not caring that she saw him, but Jim followed a few cars back.

Within ten minutes, she was in a packed mall parking lot and out of her car.

The crowded mall would have made ditching one person following her easy. Three would take some effort.

Dean weaved in and out of people, easily seen because of the size of his waist. Joe was talking into a cell phone, probably to Justin.

Keeping her sunglasses on, Selena found the movie theater inside the mall and noted the movie times. The latest young adult vampire movie was about to let out. “Perfect,” she whispered to herself.

At the ticket booth, she smiled at the twenty-something attendant and bought a seat for the latest chick-flick. “One for Ten Million Dollar Bride please.”

Ten bucks later, Selena was slipping into the crowd. She diverted to the ladies room but not before noting Joe buying a ticket.

Inside a stall, she shimmied out of her loose knit pants and black shirt and tucked them into her oversize purse. Her barely-there shorts fit the teenage style and the shoestring top should have been illegal to wear. She pulled her hair through a trendy black hat with a sparkly cross embellished over the brim. As she was applying gloss to her lips, a slew of giggling teenage girls crowded into the bathroom.

“Oh, my God that was the best one yet,” one of the girls squealed as the others oohed and awed over the latest teen heartthrob.

One of the girls noticed Selena standing there and let a toothy grin brighten her face. After a few seconds of chatty teenage noise, Selena glanced at the obvious popular girl of the group and said, “Love that shirt. Where did you get it?”

The tiny blonde lifted her chin and smiled. “Forever Teen,” she said. “Cute hat.”

Using the desire to impress an older hip girl to her advantage, Selena complimented the girl’s taste and in a weird way managed to gain her trust. The girls moved like a small mob from the bathroom while others shoved in. Selena slid her glasses on and melted into their group, chatting as she went about a movie she’d not seen. Thank God the trailers of the film had dominated the movie ads for weeks.

In the small gaggle of teens, Selena snuck out of the movie theater, right past a clueless Joe. Dean stood outside the door of the theater, but didn’t see her slip by.

and a��

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