Dress

A/N: Hello again yall happy one month to the first part - Magic Jake! I honestly don’t know how the rest of you do it always putting out content consistently I applaud you all! For those of you have been following or listening to me ramble about this fic forever, thank you for waiting and its finally here!! It went through a couple of rewrites and changes but we made it. I would like to thank my writing friends for always writing with me, listening to my TGM rambles and hyping me up for this fic @hptriviachamp (an iconic beta reader a girl can ask for!) @jeanvanjer (who yall can thank for some of the most wholesome and fluffy scenes in this fic) @sophiamariabeckett (a bestie for life).  To all my Top Gun mutuals and new friends thank you so much for welcoming me into the fandom and always engaging back whenever I interact with yalls’ posts - you guys are the best!! Special shout out to @magneticghouls my Top Gun bestie. @rad-topgunn @tgmavericklover @jakeseresins @pegxcarter @mavswife [Do let me know if yall wanna be added or removed from my taglist!]

[Fic Notes: I’m a dumbass and made the Young Guns 20 somethings in the first fic so Jake is celebrating his 25th birthday in this one. While the MC has a name, this can be read a dark WoC!Reader fic]

So without further ado, I present Dress! Happy Reading - support and hype a girl by screaming to me about this in reblogged tags and comments thank you!! :D

Part 1 - Magic Jake Based on This Song | Playlist I Made For The Vibes

Keep reading

Magic Jake

A/N: Hey everyone, first off shout out to @cassiopeiaeuropa for the amazing prompt that can be found here! While our MC does have a name, it can be read as a WoC!Reader fic :)

A HUGE thanks to my beta reader and dear friend Trivia @hptriviachamp who has never seen the film but was really invested in this fic and helped me hone this fic over the last week and helped write a few of the lines! Also shouting this out to my new found Top Gun friends @magneticghouls and @mavswife for hyping me up and always listening to me gab about our little gay pilot movie. Anyways this is my first time writing something steamy so go easy on me - happy reading everyone!

[Note: So I wrote this way before I got fully invested in backstories and ages so in my mind Hang is 25 and the crew are 20-something year olds in their mid 20s to early 30s]

To Lady Paige, With Love [Part 2]

Main Pairing: Eloise Bridgerton x FemOC! Paige Crane [Reference to Past! Marina Thompson x Paige Crane]

Series Summary: A WLW Rewrite of To Sir Phillip, With Love - featuring my OC Paige Crane, Phillip's twin sister. What happens when Eloise Bridgerton writes to Phillip after the death of his wife but her letter gets intercepted by his twin sister who loved more Marina than he ever did?

Chapter Summary: After corresponding with Eloise for over a year using her brother's name, Paige is mourning Marina's first death anniversary. All Paige wanted was some peace and quiet but little does she know, she's in for a rude awakening

Trigger Warnings: Grief, Brief Mentions of Previous Death/Suicide Attempt, Depression & Anxiety

Part 1 - Prologue: Take Me To The Lakes

Chapter 1: Right Where You Left Me [February 1823]

5:48pm. That time would haunt Paige for the rest of her life.

'Time of death: 5:48pm.' the doctor had said. The moment Marina was officially pronounced dead, Paige screamed. She could still hear the echoes of her own scream every night she spent in Marina's room, sobbing herself to sleep. It had been a month since she died. Paige truly understood what Marina felt and went through.

The grief, pain and sadness was all consuming. She was drowning in her own emotions. It made her want to throw herself into the lake and join Marina. At least drowning in the lake was tangible. It was a tangible way to match the melancholy she was feeling. Through the pain, Paige had learnt that when people take their lives, they don't get rid of the melancholy, they simply pass it on. Paige had become a victim of Marina's pain being passed onto her.

She knew that everyone was dealing with the loss on their own but she was just so angry with Phillip and the children and even the staff. Pretending like Marina was never there. The worst part is, she couldn't fault them for it. Marina wasn't there, at least not mentally present. The last month has eased off her anger. She nearly bit Phillip's head off when he came back from his business trip the day before she passed.

Tamil Lessons 101 with Kate Sharma

A/N: Hello everyone! So this stemmed from a head canon I was discussing with my dear friend Molly @newtonsheffield and she actually inspired me to start writing more Bridgerton content! I also got input from the lovely @viscountess-sharma who suggested Edwina and Kate conversing in Tamil so I had to do it! [Sorry it took so long! The dinner scene went on longer than I had originally planned in mind ehehe]

I also was inspired to have Kate give Anthony lessons by this interracial tiktok couple (Giselle & Boyd) where the basic white boyfriend learnt Spanish so he could communicate with his Hispanic gf's mom - its very sweet. Taglist:@sassynach @hella-sirius (Thank you so much for your support on the Kate & Thomas ficlet yall!) Happy reading everyone! (Side note: all translations are in italics right after the Tamil phrases are written out)

The first time Anthony heard Kate speak in Tamil caught him off guard. Intellectually, he knew she had to be bilingual. Yes, she was an Englishwoman through and through but he knew of other 3rd generation immigrant friends who still spoke their native language to communicate with their grandparents. He assumed Kate was no different. It was still jarring to hear her slip into a completely different accent when she spoke Tamil.

He didn't understand a word of it and quite frankly, it initially sounded like a string of gibberish to him. But from the way Kate was looking at him with an irritated look, and how Edwina and her exploded with laughter after she had said her piece, he kind of guessed it was a jab at him. He shook his head to himself. She couldn't even insult him to his face in their common language.

Molly I love this so much and it inspired me to write a little thing! I hope you don't mind me hijacking this post to expand a little on the first paragraph!

(So this is based off my own experience growing up cooking with my dad)

Thaman 'Thomas' Sharma was a somewhat a celebrity chef in league with the Gordon Ramseys and Jamie Olivers of the world. Except instead of being world renowned like his counterparts he was more than happy to be known in London.

He liked spending most days cooking up various dishes for his restaurant patrons, but his true joy stemmed from cooking for his family every chance he could. He would usually cook a dish for the family in the early morning to be reheated for lunch and dinner before heading off to work.

But he used his off days to make it a whole spectacle. Hence Cooking with Dad Sundays became a thing in the Sharma household.

Kate absolutely loved cooking with her dad every Sunday for as long as she could remember. Her favourite memory was when she was about 4 years old and she sat on her father's lap, begging him to go through the spice pantry together.

They made a game out of it, Kate would pick out a bottle of a specific spice and Thomas would name it for her in Tamil and she had to guess/remember the English name for it.

"What's this? ஏலக்காய் (Ēlakkāy)" He asked, placing the green pod in her hand. She played with it, trying to remember it's English name. Then it popped into her head: "Cardamom!"

She clapped excited when her father rewarded her with a piece of candy for it.

"கிராம்பு (Kirāmpu)?"

"Clove!"

கருமிளகு (Karumiḷaku) | Black pepper

சீரகம் (Cīrakam) | Cumin

மஞ்சள் தூள் (Mañjaḷ tūḷ) | Turmeric

கொத்தமல்லி (Kottamalli) | Coriander

சோம்பு (Cōmpu) | Anise

இலவங்கப்பட்டை (Ilavaṅkappaṭṭai) | Cinnamon

They continued all afternoon until she had gotten everything in the pantry. And that's how to this day, Kate Sharma knew all her spices by heart both in English and Tamil. She also knew every Queen song by heart since Thomas Sharma was very much a man of the 70s.

When he died, she found his receipe book but realised she didn't need them because he always walked her through every step of cooking the dishes. She did keep the book around as a memento and to pass it down to her own children one day.

He may no longer be alive but she was determined to keep the memory of Sundays with him alive.

****

Years later, she found herself sitting at the same spice pantry, pointing out spices to little 5 year old Edmund and telling him their names in Tamil.

To Lady Paige, With Love

A/N: Hello everyone! This is my first time writing for Bridgerton and Regency in general so hopefully it's not too OOC and modernized but do let me know if you have tips to make the writing style seem more regency-like.

Pairing: Eloise Bridgerton x FemOC! Paige Crane

Anyways this came to me as an idea because I just could not stand Phillip in the original To Sir Phillip, With Love and big thanks to @ladiesofwinterfell whose Phillip posts only fuelled my need for a new version of TSPWL. So I wanted to try my hand at writing a genderbent version of him who softer and kinder in her approach when with Marina. Instead, I somehow made a completely new character who happens to be his twin sister Paige. I tried my best to follow the book very closely with of course changes to the point of view and how Marina is treated by Paige. Another thing to note is that I used a mix of the show (especially when crafting Marina's backstory it's straight out of S1) and book's background of the characters.

I'm going to stop babbling now, and happy reading everyone!

Content & Trigger Warnings: Mentions/Descriptions of (Postpartum) Depression, Implied Child Neglect, Suicide Ideation, Suicide Attempt, Teen Pregnancy (?? I dunno if this needed to be tagged as tw but Imma add it anyways), Death and Grief.

**** Prologue: Take Me To The Lakes [14th February 1823]

It shouldn’t have been a sunny day. It was far too beautiful of a day for a tragedy to occur.

A tragedy on Valentine’s Day, it was almost laughable.

Paige had asked the servants to open up Marina’s curtains. She knew the sunlight would do her some good. While waiting for the kitchen staff to prepare a delightful breakfast of pancakes - Marina’s favourite - she decided to check on her flowers. She had grown a lovely patch of Eden roses, specially for her best friend.

Ever since her brother Phillip and her were children, they were enamoured with botany. Phil, of course, immersed himself in the science of it. Paige preferred simple gardening. If she needed information on more complex maintenance of their plants, she knew where to find his textbooks. Over the years, Paige had developed a thumb as green as her brother’s. While Philip used botany as an escape, Paige used it as a way to connect. It was the very same type of roses that helped Paige find her way to Marina.

Soraya’s First Week - PC 1

[A/N: Special thanks to Anya @thesparklingjewel​ for helping me create that cover! So sorry to keep y’all waiting, but school is starting up again early for film pre-production prep so I had to take a few days to focus on that but here it is! Soraya’s First Week!]

#1: Saturn Return-Soraya’s Intro Fic

Saturn Return  /ˈsætə®n  rɪˈtəːn/

Noun

#2: Plane RP

Thanks to Emi for doing this with me as @ladyjennaturner​!!

#3: Makeovers with Rosie & Raya

Thank you to the wonderful Si @rosie-marlow​ for doing this RP with me and here’s to an awesome friendship between Rosie & Raya!

#4: Running Into Eaton 

I cannot thank Myr enough for humouring my idea in this RP and here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery for Eaton @eaton-schreave​

C1: Raya Meets The Prince

[A/N: A Special Thanks to Elise for RPing with me as @damian-schreave​ truly the best company to have for midnight snacking. I did edit them a little to add some more internal thoughts and feelings she had during the RPs! Since the Interview and Side RP take place over back to back days, I put them together in the same document. I also threw in a ficlet between the RPs showing how’s she been feeling the past week through a conversation with her family! Also made a cute lil moodboard encompassing the best parts of their Midnight Snacking eheh. Enjoy reading yall! :D]

#5 & #6: Saturn & Neptune Sextile 

Sextile  /ˈsɛkstʌɪl,ˈsɛkstɪl/

Noun [Astrology]

Saturn  /ˈsætə®n/

Noun

Neptune  \ˈnep-tün,-tyün\

Noun

C2: First Dates

[A/N: Helloo I am not dead! School has had me busy that I didn’t manage to post this on time but now its here, meme/tea accounts feel free to speculate! [The last RP with Peggy in particular has a S p i c y ending]. Special thanks to Elise (@damian-schreave @peggy-schreave), Anya (@ladymariajosephinereyes) and Chris (@robin-loggedin) for the RPs this Challenge!!

Please enjoy the RP dump from C2 as well as a pre-Selection ficlet that gives more context into her life before The Selection and The Worst Day!]

The Name of the Game 

#10: Harmonic Convergence - Damian & Raya’s Date

[Alternative Title: Planets Aligning]

#11: Midnight Mercury in Retrograde Feat. MJ & Raya

[Alternative Title: Midnight Breakdowns]

[A/N: This is the point you see I gave up on the astrology theme, it will be back in C3 hahah]

#12: Little Bird & Little Fish - Robin & Raya

#13: Midnight Snacks Pt. 2 - Damian Side RP

#14: The Queen & I - Peggy & Raya

C3: Debate Week Pt. 1

A/N: I had planned to post earlier but hadn’t finished another pre-Selection fic so Imma just push that and post it for a future challenge.

Special thanks to Emi @hadleyjaneharper for a wonderful debate (as well as the post debate talk 😁) and Myr for facilitating as @ainsley-schreave it was really fun! Also big thanks to Elise @damian-schreave for such a fun hangout (second date?) between Damian and Raya :D

Happy Reading everyone!

#15: The Archer Constellation - Damian & Raya Side

#16: Sixth House in The Sun - Hadley & Raya’s Debate 

/sɪksθ haʊs ɪn sʌn/

Noun

[Sleepover RP Coming Soon]

America Singer Week Day 6: The Lost Years Between The One and The Heir

20 Years Worth

Her first birthday as Queen; her 18th birthday was probably the most memorable of birthdays. It was somewhat a new national holiday. Everyone was rejoycing at their new Queen and there was this huge party thrown - compliments of Silvia and Gavril. Everyone who everyone was invited. That was also the first time America encountered Daphne and it was safe to say that it was not the most pleasant experience. Had Maxon not intervened, Daphne might have scratched the birthday’s girls eyes out.

The entire Singer clan- save for Shalom, may his soul rest in peace - was present. Even Kota and this was first time they tried to reconnect but it didn’t work. Thank goodness Leah was there to keep him in check so he didn’t do anything too stupid. Then came the presents! Maxon had two for her. One was one of the three pianos he would gift her over the years. She gasped when she saw it and ran her fingers across the keys. It made the most beautiful sound in the world. May had made a portrait of her. Usually the Palace would comission this sort of piece but who better to paint a portrait of the new Queen than her sister? The portrait was different the typical monarch portraits because May decided to showcase both sides of America. America the Five and America the One. The guests were blown away by May’s talent and America started crying tears of joy. 

Kenna and James didn’t quite know what to get someone who already had everything so they had her old violin polished to look new and had it engraved with her name. America was so touched that they realised it was the thought that counted. Even little Astra gave her rattle to her aunt. Magda sang to her. Leah had made her husband sculpt something for his sister. He had seen her give away her songbird necklace so Ames recived a small marble songbird from Leah and Kota which also doubled as a perfume dispenser at the press of a button. Taking inspiration from his elder brother, Gerad had made her songbird alarm clock knowing that being Queen now, she might want to sleep in but she still needed to be up on time. The party ended on a high note when the guests were ushered out to see King Maxon and Queen America light the fireworks that was already set up for them. When the fireworks shot into the sky, they formed a birthday greeting to Ames in the colours of the old American flag. 

Over the years, there are only so many different themes one can do for birthday parties so Maxon and Ames decided to have a garden party for formality sake and then spend the rest of the day together. Though her 20th birthday was a big year seeing that she was two months away from giving birth to the twins. She was very well taken of but she somewhat felt stifled but it was all worth it when the twins came out. Her 21st was a happy one as well seeing it was the first birthday she celebrated with her newborns. Other than that, most of the birthdays were normal with a strawberry tart cake and since she could have anything she wanted and didn’t need presents, she always encouraged her guests and family to donate to her charities instead. 

Presents from the children: When they’re little the twins would sing America a song on her birthday, led very out of tone by Eady while Ahren shyly stands back. This tradition carried on for years even after they grew up with Kaden and Osten joining their ensemble. Though after which Kaden would step aside to recite sonnets by Shakespeare to his mother. Osten used to be really into making scrapbook for his mother before he outgrew that habit. 

And I can imagine Eady designing Ames a dress when she first gets into fashion design. During the first try, it is rather mangled because she hasn’t got the faintest idea how to make a dress. The maids notice and help her, the dress comes out better than Eady could have ever imagined. Over the years she would learn from the maids and every 26th February that rolled around, America would get a better dress from her lovely daughter each year.

Ahren would write her the most beautiful poems and design funny mad libs centering it around Ames to play with the rest of the family. There was one year Kaden and Osten decided to bake Ames her birthday cake but it went horribly wrong when the cake exploded in their faces. After that, they left it to the chefs forever. 

That’s more or less that happens every year, they were all just more than happy to be in each other’s companys. We all know what Ahren gave her for her latest birthday: A heart attack. Nice going dumbass. [Sky will forever be salty and bitter about this]

A/N: Thanks to @not-your-dear for giving me the idea of Eady making dresses for Ames and the twins singing to her!

America Singer Week Day 2: America & Family

Someone Like You Pt. 1

A/N: I am giving Kota the redemption arc he deserves, worry not America appears in this and I have incorporated in one of her birthdays into this and there is a tribute to her at the end of this fic. It has come to a long amount of pages and words on Google Docs so I’m splitting it into several parts. I hope you enjoy reading this as much I enjoyed writing it!

I’ve always known Kota Singer. Back when the Singers could afford tutors for their children, Kenna and Kota Singer were sent to my parents’ home for their general education. I studied along them and a few other childrens in the neighbourhood. Another prominent person who comes to mind is Aspen Leger who was Kota’s best friend. Not only have I always known Kota, I’ve observed him over the years. He was the only student who came to my parents for tutoring who was worth watching. He was a rather interesting character. I have never seen such a strong drive in anyone. He was also wildly ambitious. He never had to say anything about it but if anyone watched him carefully would see he’d always carried himself a little taller than his family. The hunger was also ever present in his eyes. Not to mention, in every test, quiz and assignment he would compete with his sister and other children with such tenacity. He has always wanted to get out of his caste. So it was no surprise when he struck the gold mine when his sculpture was sold to a Two and he gathered fame. I was truly happy for him when I first heard. When I went to congratulate him, his family told me he had left. Which confuses me greatly, I never pegged him to be disloyal to his family; I’ve seen how hard Shalom and Magda Singer worked for their children. After that, all the admiration I’ve held for Kota Singer disappeared. We may have been close in our classes together; I was the only one evenly matched with him. He used to joke about that, saying how having my parents as my tutors gave me home advantage. He used to be such an amusing and clever boy, my amusing and clever friend. What happened to that boy? I would soon find out years later. It was amazing how differently things could have turned out if I had tried harder to be in Kota’s life. I could have convinced him to share his fortune with his family and his sister wouldn’t have felt pressured to enter The Selection. Now look at her, Princess- soon to be Queen America Schreave. I wouldn’t have anyone else - other than the lovely late Queen Amberly - leading this country. I never knew her personally but she was a natural born leader and I had followed bits and pieces of her Selection journey. Her plan to demolish the castes is genius.   I was on my way to the screening of her official coronation as Queen at Carolina’s Town Square when I passed by an art studio. Something about it seemed familiar. Then I saw the signage. Kota’s. It was odder still to see that it was open. Why wasn’t he in Angeles at the actual coronation? I know they had their fair share of fallouts but surely they must have tried to mend it? I have no idea what came over me but I found myself going in. The bell rang, indicating a new customer for him. Before we even saw each other, I heard his hostile tone from the other room. “Get out! I’m closed!” I follow the sound of his voice to an isolated room. I put my hands on my hips as I see him staring out the window, wallowing in his own self pity. “That’s not what your sign says.” I say nonchalantly. He turns to me slightly taken back. He thought he had scared me off. When he finally recognises me, he stands up slowly and blinks rapidly. 

“Lee?” He sounded like he had seen a ghost. I’m sure I was the Ghost of His Past. I simple raised my eyebrows as if asking him to figure out for himself whether I was real or not. He only gets a reaction out of me when I see the cigarette dangling from his lips. I march over him and rip it from his lips. I threw it onto the floor and stomp it out. “That stuff will kill you, Koko. Each stick takes 6 minutes off your life.” His childhood nickname just slipped out. We both smiled fondly at the nicknames we had still preserved for the other over the years. After standing about in silence for a few minutes, Kota sits back down by the window and pats the space beside him. I dust it off before joining him. Clearly he wasn’t going to say anything so I cleared my throat and spoke up. “Don’t mind me asking but why aren’t you in Angeles? With your family where you’re supposed to be.” I cocked my head slightly waiting for a response. I only received a scornful scoff. “She didn’t want me there and made sure of it.” His tone was as bitter as my morning cup of coffee. “What happened, if I’m allowed to ask?” Momentarily I didn’t recognise the Kota sitting beside me. He seemed at a loss for words. Kota Singer always knew what to say and I have always admired him for that. Now he didn’t quite know where to start. I prompted him by asking him to start from the very beginning if he had to. “I just wanted out. You knew that, Lee. I didn’t want to be trapped by my caste. So when the time came for me to shine, I knew I had to leave and make a name for myself. Call me selfish but I couldn’t do what Kenna and America did for our family. I did not want to resent my family even more for holding me back. I promised myself once I achieved what I needed to, I’d help out. I was all too consumed, I was mad enough to want to buy my way into the upper castes. I was a foolish boy and when America suggested the caste elimination, I was outraged. I brought that rage and resentment for my parents for cutting my education short from way back then, back to the house when Father died. I was awful and yet still I don’t regret it.” He goes on to tell me how he is remorseful but can’t bring himself to apologise. She gave up on him and so did he. It was truly heartbreaking but after he was done recounting all the horrid things he had done and said to his family, I whacked the back of his head. “You admit you are foolish yet you are still being an idiot. It’s great that you feel bad, Koko but DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!” He frowned at her while rubbing his head to soothe the pain of her sharp blow. “Was that really necessary?” He asked annoyed. I nodded stubbornly and urged him to fly Angeles himself and apologise properly. He protested, claiming that it’s not his fault they gave up on him. I groaned frustrated. I stand up and walk out. Before leaving, I call out to him, “When you feel like doing the right thing for once in your life, come get me. You know where I live.” I spend the afternoon watching his sister get coronated in awe. *** Every day for the next three months, I watch the door. I wasn’t the type of girl to wait around for a man, so of course I went on with my own life. As soon as I came of age, I took over my parents’ tutoring business. Kota wasn’t the only one trapped by his caste and family but he doesn’t see me being a prat about it. Even while I continued with my everyday life, tutoring and copywriting for my parents, I kept a watchful eye out for the door. Just hoping the doorbell would ring and he would be there standing, telling me that I was right along and that he would go to Angeles to apologise to his family right now. I’ve had multiple variations of this daydream, most of which ends in him asking me to marry him. It’s awfully silly. Of course I know not everyone can have a fairytale story like America and Prince- King Maxon. It was bordering on the fourth month since I last saw Kota when he finally came. Funnily enough, the doorbell never rang when he came. He came through my room window like he used to back when we were extremely close. He would initially come over to get extra books for studying but he would end up staying and we would talk for hours about anything and everything. I was in my room preparing for my next lesson when he jumped in through the window without any warning. I screamed and started hitting him not having seen who it was and assuming it was a burglar. “Lee, Lee, Lee! LEAH IT’S ME!” I dropped the textbook and started apologising profusely. He was starting to bruise. I swipe the first aid kit from one of my drawers and sit him down to treat his bruises, especially the soon to be black eye forming. I dab the area with antiseptic cream to soothe the pain and prevent infections. He winced as it slightly stings. Without thinking I reach out to gently caress his face to distract him from the pain. He leans into my touch and we stay like that comfortably for a while. The spell is broken when my mother calls up to tell me that my students have started streaming in. I get up to leave when Kota clasps my wrist to stop me. I turn to him with a single raised eyebrow, somewhat asking him the silent question yet at the same time daring him to make me late for class. He knows how I hate being late. He lets go but stands up to face me and clears his throat nervously. Kota Singer being nervous, now that was truly a sight. “Lee I will always regret not staying in your during our later years and I no longer want to waste more time, so would you like to go out on a date with me?” He was so cute and meek but I knew what my answer was and he was not going to like it. “No.” I said plainly. “No? Do you know who I am? I am Kota Singer!” I shake my head at him disappointed. “It is saying shit like that, that made your family give up on you. I will not go on a date with you until you sort things out with your family. You have a family who loves and supports you. I bet they didn’t even actually hold you back, they wanted you to be happy so the least you could do, you impossible boy, is to support them in return.” When he was just sullenly looking to the floor instead of responding, I left him be, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a class to teach.” I didn’t see him for another week; this was so typical. I was however pleasantly surprised when he showed up by the end of the week at the front door with cornflowers in hand. I was never a particular fan of flowers but cornflowers were my favourite. Father answered the door and Mother followed behind. They called out to me telling me I had a guest and of course I had no idea who was waiting for me downstairs. As I descended the stairs, my lips formed a little ‘o’ at Kota’s presence. “Kota tells us he’ll be taking you out tonight.” Mother seems happy, she’s always lamenting that I never go out. Father was seizing up Kota until he realises this was the Kota Singer. I couldn’t very well turn him down in front of my parents, that was very sneaky on his part. I was adequately dressed and all I needed was my purse which I quickly grab from my room while applying a little makeup before going to greet my date. He holds out his arm and I take it gratefully. I can hear my parents whispering happily behind us before they close the front door. Once we were a considerable distance from my house, I turn to him and he smiles at me sheepishly. “I am not mad.” I say simply and he seems surprised at this.   “You aren’t?” I shook my head at him.   “I admire your ability to think out of the box far too much to be angry but that being said I won’t be as forgiving in the future if you ever put me in a spot like that ever again.” He nodded solemnly before taking my hand in his and leading me to a nearby restaurant. When we entered the restaurant, I shrunk into myself. I considered myself to be a confident person who was sure of herself but I was severely underdressed. This was also the moment I realised exactly how well off Kota was. He noticed my reluctance, pulled me closer by his side and rubbed soothing circles at the small of my back.

“Don’t worry, darling, you look perfect.” Darling? That’s new. I shrugged to myself as I leaned closer to him, taking in his scent. He just had a touch of cologne that went well with his natural musk of oil paints and sculpture rubble. I was too consumed with the ambience of the restaurant to listen to Kota speak to the host. Several chandeliers sparkled from above, giving the room an extra touch of glamour to it. The rounded tables were arranged in a perfect manner, dressed in silk table cloths with champagnes flutes and silverware arranged impeccably. The whole setting felt as fancy and classy as a wedding reception would. With my plain silvery governess dress, I really felt extremely underdressed. When we were seated - Kota being a gentleman and pulling out the chair for me - I hissed at him.

“Why didn’t you tell me we were coming to a place like this?” He frowned.

“What’s wrong, love? Don’t you like it?” “I am not your love! Are you kidding me? I’m definitely not dressed for this place!” I was trying to stay calm but I couldn’t tell if Kota was trying to humiliate me or not. I will not allow myself to be his charity case. He sensed my bubbling anger and reached out for my hand. Instantly I calmed down, I look at him quizzically. How did he do that?

“You look astounding so don’t you worry about how you are dressed. Everyone else is simply overdressed.” I snorted, that was a little funny.

“Next time, a fair warning would be nice.” He agreed and we went about with our dinner. It’s been too long since we properly talked - not since we were 14. I missed having him in my life, you never quite realise how prominent someone’s presence is in your life until there is an absence of it. Like old times, we conversed about anything and everything.

“How is Aspen Leger? You used to be best friends with him, right?” I asked, remembering that name out of nowhere. Kota let out a bitter laugh. I raised an eyebrow in inquiry. I wonder what happened.

“Turns out he was after my sister.” My eyes widen, was America with him while competing in The Selection? He nodded, answering my silent question.

“At least that’s what I gathered, not mention when I blackmailed her about at the funeral, it evoked a reaction.” I pursed my lips at the mention of him blackmailing his sister. I wanted to point out once again that this is why he has been estranged but he seemed torn up about Aspen even though he was trying to hide it behind his scorn.

I suppose that’s why despite all the horrid things Kota has done thus far, I could tolerate him. He does them for a reason but he just hides it under his façade of being jerk but I always see right through him. He needs someone like me to keep him in check as for me why did I need him?

Well the answer was quite simple, though I’d never admit it to anyone even if they held me at gunpoint, I have been in love with him since I was 8 years old.

Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

America Singer Week Day 2: America & Family

Someone Like You Pt. 2

That first date was truly marvelous, we laughed, we went down memory lane and generally I had an amazing time. I cannot remember the last time I felt truly happy to be in someone’s company. I never made friends in the classes I took with the other children because they were too intimidated by my parents and by association they were shied away from me. Kota was the first one who didn’t shy away and Aspen tagging along with Kota also made good company.

Snapping out of my little flashback moment, I pick up the phone and shove it into my sleeping boyfriend’s face. Though I knew he wasn’t really sleeping, he was just trying to get out of calling his sister.

“Kota Kansas Singer! I know you aren’t actually sleeping, call America!” He pretended to be slipping into a deeper sleep and turned to the other side. He was the worst roommate ever. Yes, it’s been two years since that first date and we bought a quaint cottage together in Angeles to be near to Magda. I push him off the bed as a punishment. He fell off with a painful thud and when I peeked from the edge of the bed to check on him, the man was still sleeping like a log. It was safe to say he wasn’t pretending to sleep.

An hour later, I was eating my breakfast watching my boyfriend wake up slowly. He sat up groggily from the floor and stared at me sleepily and confused. Well I couldn’t blame him, his girlfriend was eating breakfast cross legged on our bedroom floor while he just woke up from the floor.

“Good morning, sleepy head.” I say sweetly before roughly shoving the portable landline into his hands, “Call America now! No excuses.” I’ve been doing this for the past two years since he was officially elevated to a Royal through his family. I have been forcing him to call his family when the holidays or birthdays rolled around. Today was America’s birthday and it was potent that he called her because he has been making excuses not to call anyone for the entire year now. I’m surprised he never became tired of me forcing to call them on the special occasions without fail and at my ability to put up with his useless excuses.

“Noooo.” He whined. It was bad enough that we missed welcoming the twins into the world, I didn’t want him to miss anymore crucial moments in his family’s lives. When I relayed this back to him, he huffed before giving me the same old answer.

“You’re the only family I need, Lee.” That was sweet and all but when you hear it several times a year, the novelty wears off. There was a new found determination in me today. I wasn’t going to let this slide. I set down my plate of delicious scrambled eggs and picked up the phone. I dialled the private Palace number that Magda had given me and waited as it rang. Finally someone picked it up giggling.

“Maxon, no! Someone’s calling! Hello, Queen America speaking.” I cracked a smile at my future sister-in-law. Only she could make calling the King by his first name sound natural. It took a few hellos from America to snap me out my daydream where I envisioned a future like this with Kota. After he gets over his huge ego.

“Hello America, this is Leah…um Kota’s girlfriend?” I have no idea why that last part came out as a question, I wasn’t even sure if Magda told America about me or that she had given me her private number.

“Leah! My mother has spoken about you.” I let out the breath I didn’t realise I was holding in. This is a start, she knows me.

“I was wondering if Kota and I could invite you to a birthday meal, our treat.”

“NO!” Kota protested, still sprawled on the floor like a bum. I shushed him before reprimanding him harshly. “You don’t get a say in this, Mister. You are lying on the floor like a bum and are not making an effort.” I heard America laugh musically over the line.

“I like you Leah. How about you come over to the Palace for lunch today around noon onwards? I’m sure it’s about time my brother and I tried to work things out…” Her tone sounded forced when she talked about working things out with Kota. I could only guess that the King persuaded her to do so like how I was doing with Kota. She asked for our address, saying that she’ll have a car sent and we bid each other goodbye. I set down the receiver smiling, having made a new friend in the Queen of Illèa.

I straighten his gray tie and smooth over the light creases on his sleeves. I step back to examine my handiwork. I smile satisfied.

“Well don’t you look handsome, Mr. Singer?” I grin cheekily at him. He bites his lip, indicating him being turned on. I widen my eyes in faux innocence and wag my finger playfully at him. He steps forward and encircles his arms around my waist, pulling me to him.

“You are stunning as well, Ms. Lovett.” I giggled as he pulled me in for a kiss.

I pull away a little while later when I realised the car was to pull up any moment. I grab my purse and smooth over the wrinkle on my dress. It was rather pretty dress, a subtle orange and green intricately patterned dress that came down to my knees, hopefully it was good enough for the palace. We head out to the curb, hand in hand, waiting for the car. It was rather hard to miss, it was a long and slick onyx limousine. Kota pulled open the door for me before the chauffeur could, it was a wonder how he could be such a gentleman but so awful at times. He likes to joke that I’m only special one who deserves such kindness but it always leaves me feeling disgruntled.

I settle into the seat when I’m faced with shockingly familiar green eyes. My memory of him is fading since I haven’t seen him since we were little but this man seated beside me was Aspen Leger. He really grew into an impressive figure. I remember seeing him as a kid, he was scrawny but now he was still lean but had well toned, muscular arms. My momentary ogling was put to a stop when Kota came to sit beside me and was greeted with a hostile punch. I fell back into my cushioned seat from the shock of what happened. I turned to Aspen with a glare and at the same time shielding Kota from any more physical abuse.

“Was that really necessary?” I questioned with a set jaw. I knew Kota was a jerk but I do not take kindly to people who assault him. Use your words, people! “That was for blackmailing Mer about us.” Aspen ignored me and spat that at my boyfriend. Still shielding Kota, I leaned forward, making sure Aspen noticed me.

“Excuse me, I’m right here and I asked you a question. That was completely unnecessary and uncalled for. I’m only going to ask you to do this once otherwise we are going have a horrid experience on the way to the Palace. Apologise to him. I know my boyfriend is a jerk and he has done many awful things but that does not make him a punching bag. Kota, apologise to Aspen for blackmailing your sister.”

Both of them mumbled apologises and sat in sullen silence for the rest of the ride. I examined Kota’s face for any bruising. Since I was in between the two men, Aspen missed and softened the blow so he only nicked Kota’s jaw. I rub it soothingly for the rest of the ride. The only time Aspen spoke to us was to brief us on his presence; he would be our guard-escort for the entity of this visit (neither of the men liked the idea of this) and the security measures within the Palace. They would have to search our carry ons - my purse - and us before we could enter the Palace.

After our security check, Aspen guided us to the Dining Hall. Before we entered, I turned to Aspen and offered him a civil smile, “It was nice seeing you again, Aspen save for the moment you assaulted my boyfriend. You grew well into your arms.” I compliment and he throws me a playful wink. It was intentional to get a reaction out of Kota who immediately pulls me closer to his side.

“I’ll be joining you in a few moment I just need to change into something more casual.” This caused Kota to narrow his eyes into threatening slits. I elbow him for being so rude. Aspen gives me a slight bow before walking off in the other direction. I pull out of Kota gripping hold and start walking ahead, putting distance between.

“I’m a girl, Kota. Not a toy that you feel so threatened of losing.” My tone is sharp so he knows he’s in trouble. He catches up to me but before he could say he was sorry, we were faced with the royal family. I fell into a deep curtsy but Kota was reluctant to bow until I tugged on his arm. We stood together and made our way to our seats. For the sanity of everyone, Kota sat on my left, reasonably far from the rest of the family. While we waited for the food, I introduced myself to the family and they went around doing the same. It was funny how I was with the man for 2 years and never properly knew his family, I didn’t even know May and Gerad’s names until now. I was able to swoon and coo at the little twins. Eadlyn made a grab for my finger and shook it firmly. She was born to be Queen while her brother was a cute fluff of blonde. They were a lovely family and I already felt so welcomed and a part of the family. How could he hate them so much?

After the initial introductions and small talk, I took out America’s present from my purse. I honestly hope she liked it. She gasped when she caught sight of it.

“I’m sorry it isn’t wrapped, it’s something I picked up today in town.”

“I LOVE IT!” She exclaimed excitedly and was about to pop the faux strawberry tart into her mouth when I stopped her. I explained that it was a compact case to keep trinkets like personal jewelry. Her face turned sheepish at her mistake. Everyone simply laughed it off as she thanked me for the gift.

It was a great feast, stories were exchanged all around and I laughed when I was told embarrassingly cute childhood stories about Kota as a child. While I was having my fun, I should have seen it coming. He was getting restless and more sullen as the lunch went on. The tipping point was when Aspen came in with Lucy, his wife. All eyes were on them obviously because new company is always seen. My gaze on Aspen, however agitated Kota and he took it out on America when the old childhood friend of his sat next to his sister. I should have stopped him when he sneered before I let him open his big mouth. How did I not see it coming?

“Still getting around I see.” He commented sharply and loudly enough for everyone to hear. For extra effect, he gestured between her husband and Aspen and how she was perfect situated between both men. The whole table immediately fell silent. I was disgusted with Kota’s behaviour. I was about to tell him off when America beat me to it.

“What did you say?” Her tone was chilling to the bone. He had the nerve to look bored and stared at her square in the eye.

“You heard me.” Her cutlery clattered onto the table like harsh rain. Her face turned as red as her hair.

“Get out.” She tried to keep her composure. When he made no move, she started to yell, “GET OUT, GET OUT!” I practically shoved him out of the chair. When the guards came forth to escort him out, he waved them away,

“I can see myself out.”

I burned with humiliation. How could he do that? I apologised profusely and gave the Royal Family a deep curtsy before running after him. Never again, I decided as I chased him, will I clean up his messes again. I will never allow him to put me in that situation ever again. I refused to speak to or ever look at him throughout our ride back home. I stepped out and stared at the cottage, it no longer felt like home.

I roughly brushed past him and marched into the house. I efficiently went to our room and started packing. I could feel his eyes burning into my back as he watched me pack away. A part of me wanted him to stop me and ask why. I wanted to tell him why and I wanted him to try to mend his mistake. I would still be mad at him for a while but I just wanted the effort from him. I saw the fallen tear glisten on my suitcase as I realised he wasn’t going to even try to stop me.

My spirits were slightly lifted when he spoke just before I was out the door.

“Just like everyone else.” I lower my suitcase, slowly pivoting on my heel to face him. “What?” I wasn’t sure where this was going. “You’re leaving just like everyone else.” It hit me like a ton of bricks. I drop my suitcase completely and almost go to hug him when I hold back. He can’t just make a mess of things and then pull a pity card for me to forgive him.

“I never want to be put in a situation like that ever again but I’m not leaving. I just need a break and so do you. You need to reevaluate your life, Kota. How could you be so cruel to your family like that?”

“Those people were not my family! They have never cared for me, it was always about America the most talented or Kenna the eldest or May the most amusing and even when Gerad came along, he was adored! I’m so glad I left, I don’t need them!” I should have seen how ignore he felt instead I was too blinded by my anger at his lack of gratitude.

“THEY STILL LOVE AND CARE FOR YOU, YOU IDIOT! I bet if you just went to any of them, you would have been showered with the attention, instead you shut yourself away. YOU WEREN’T THE ONLY ONE WHO FELT TRAPPED BY THEIR CASTE!” I finally scream at him. I could no longer keep this secret from him. He stares at me dumbfounded. I take my cue to continue.

“I hate teaching. I never wanted to take over my parents’ profession. I wanted to sing and write. I could write as a Three but my parents insisted I teach and so ultimately my main ambition to be a singer was disposed off. At least you like what you do and have a family who supports what you do and love! Be grateful for once in your life, you brat!” As soon as the insult left my lips I regretted it. Kota’s face hardened. One of the best parts of our relationships was that we were supportive and kind to each other. Calling him a brat - something that all his family members have thought about him once or twice - was a harsh blow to him. It was even worse coming from me because I was a person who could be trusted to always be his pillar of kindness. I reach out to him, the phrase I’m sorry tumbling from my lips. He turns away. In a very quietly powerful and anger voice, he tells me to get out.

Part 1 | Part 3 | Part 4

America Singer Week Day 2: America and Family

Someone Like You Pt. 3

I went back to Carolina. Back to my parents. Back to being a governess. Back to dealing with bratty kids who had the attention span of a goldfish. It was suffice to say that I was miserable. At least with Kota, even if I wasn’t actively working, I was happy to assist him in his studio. With each passing day, I missed him even more. Once or twice I picked up the phone to ring him to apologise again but I knew he would hate that so I just waited for him to call me once he had simmered.

A year went by. My parents were badgering me about what happened with him. The second year went by, I wrote him letters to show at least I made an effort. My parents asked if I was ever going to get married. A third year flew past. My parents were getting impatient. They did not want a reputation of having a spinster daughter. We were in a revolutionary time; the castes were being dissolved. Their daughter being unmarried is the least of their worries in this modern society. Year four came and went. I had completely given up. I told my parents to find me a match if they were that desperate to get me a husband and wanted grandkids (though I never wanted kids, alas duty to my family is always a priority).

It was the beginning of five years since I last saw Kota Singer. I was supposed to meet my future husband on a blind date today. I carefully located the address that my parents had given me and my jaw dropped when I saw where the date was set up to be. It was the fancy restaurant Kota brought me to on our first date. My breath hitched and I had half a mind to run in the other direction. I braced myself and took a deep breath. I needed to move on, I couldn’t still be pining over that jackass. I pushed through the door and walk up to the host.

“Reservation for two under Lovett.” The man checked the list and found my name.

“Ah, your date arrived a few minutes earlier. This way, Miss.” He guided me over to the table and I caught a flash of red hair. Fuck no. (Pardon my language). My mystery date was Kota. I didn’t want to make a scene so I begrudgingly took my seat across him. I refused to look at him because I knew if I did, I’d break down crying.

“Surprise!” His tone was sheepish and could sense him wearing a nervous smile. Dammit I knew him too well. I betrayed myself by lifting my head up to him. It felt like 5 years hadn’t even gone by and we were right where we started. It was a weird sense of deja vu. I wore a blank expression, not quite sure what to say. So I started with the obvious.

“Did my parents put you up to this? I don’t believe it, this is a new low even for them.” I found myself clenching my fists furiously. Both Kota and I were surprised to see me this upset with them. The only person who ever made me angry was him but even with him it was layered with love. I finally somewhat understood Kota’s resentment for his family. He reached out and covered my fists in his calloused - from all the sculpting - yet soft hands.

“Hey don’t be angry at them. I asked them, I needed a way to talk to you and letters or phone calls didn’t seem enough. I flew out here and made the necessary arrangements with them. I’m sorry for tricking you but don’t hold it against them. Looks like I’m your future husband, huh?” He cracked a smile, I couldn’t help myself and followed suit.

“This doesn’t mean we are completely okay, Koko. You were gone for five years and not to mention I didn’t hear from you at all. A simple letter or phone call would have sufficed!” He smiled at his nickname (I wasn’t even sure how it slipped out) but his eyebrows crinkled ever so slightly when he heard my voice crack towards the end.

“I know and I’m so sorry. You were right, Lee. I needed to reevaluate my life and I did. I no longer want to keep apologising my actions. It took a long time for me to admit that and I realised that after that I needed you in my life. You make me want to be a better person, Lee. I’m not saying I changed overnight but I have been trying these past 5 years. I am still trying and I want you to give me one last chance. Oh, I made you something.” My heart swelled at the sincerity of his declaration. I believed him and trusted that he would keep to his word. He pulled out a velvet bag from his satchel and slid it carefully over to me. Before opening it, I felt up the mysterious item inside and he grinned at me fondly. He knew I liked to feel up and guess my gifts before actually opening them. Then I delicately loosened the strings of the bag and picked up the item inside. It was wooden and for a moment I didn’t recognise what it was. Examining the circular shape attached to a longer smoothed over cylinder, I realised it was a wooden microphone. I faced him with adoring eyes. I was extremely touched. He made this just for me and I know it must have been hard because he has never used wood for any of his sculptures, he mostly worked with clay and marble. I was about to question the sudden change in material, when he pointed to the latch.

“It opens.” He said simply but I could sense his excitement. He was on the edge of his seat, his eyes twinkling and his cheeks flushed to a rosy colour. What was inside this mic? I fiddled with the latched before it clicked open. I brought up a shaky hand to muffle my loud gasp. Embedded comfortably on a silk cushion was a ring. It wasn’t just any plain old, boring diamond engagement ring because he knew I hated how cliche and plain diamond rings were. He brought my dream ring come to life. I’ve always wanted a ring that was incorporated with my partner’s and my birthstones. The irony was that I hate diamonds but that was my birthstone while Kota’s - being born on October 13 - was an opal and pink tourmaline. He was smart enough to make sure diamonds were the smallest part of the ring while the opals and tourmalines shone through. It was a simple metallic band which had an intricate crisscrossed pattern on both sides before coming together in the middle with a heart shaped opal and a pink tourmaline which were connected together by three small diamonds lined up vertically.

We gazed into each other’s eyes, he didn’t even need to say anything and I said yes. He placed a dramatic hand to his forehead to wipe away non-existent sweat in relief. He explains that he invited his family to a dinner party to celebrate our engagement when I raised a questioning eyebrow at his relief.

“What if I had said no?” I wheezed, I can’t imagine how panicked he would have been if I hadn’t accepted his proposal.

“I would have asked again. Then ask again the next day. I would have  found ways to prove myself to you and asked everyday until you found me worthy and said yes.” I blushed, just only realising how much he really loved me and how much I meant to him. I went over to his side of the table to hug him really tightly.

On our walk back home, I realised that we were in Carolina and his family were in Angeles.

“Where exactly is this engagement party being held?” He was a deer caught in the headlights. He stuttered before I gave him a stern glare. Then he finally admitted that my parents were helpful enough to pack my bags for me while we were out today so that I could leave for Angeles tonight. This sly boy; my sly boy that I adored dearly.

The following night after we landed in Angeles, we held a small and private engagement party with our families. Magda and King Maxon were able to convince America come along and I promised that Kota was genuinely trying to be nice now. She only scoffed and wished me luck. I didn’t hold against her, it was rather hard to believe that after all those years of being horribly rude to his family, he was changed completely. They were bound to have their reservations, I just hope they can see he was trying and of course he did not pull a 180 change but rather was trying to more pleasant day by day.

It was a fairly normal engagement party; the women gushing over my ring, children running around playing catching and the men seizing up Kota. I turn away from the girls momentarily to see Maxon - I finally relented to calling him without a title when he insisted we were family now - offering little Kaden to Kota. I smile at Maxon, he seems to be the only one who seems to be giving Kota a chance other than Magda. A mother’s love has no bounds. When Kota gingerly took Kaden into his arms, I had to laugh at his terrified expression. His stiff posture relaxed and he carefully placed Kaden’s head on his shoulder and patted his back soothingly to put him to sleep. When my fiancé caught my eye, he gave me a serene smile. I had to excuse myself from the ladies to be by his side. I coo over Kaden’s sleeping form and watching Kota be so good with him made my heart swell. I never liked kids but seeing Kota right now with Kaden safely tucked away in his arms, I wanted to mother his children. I wanted to raise them with him, they’d have his red hair and my eyes, or vice versa. Every time I looked at them, I would see a little bit of him in them. I wanted a family with him.

After dinner, we gathered everyone because Kota wanted to kill two birds with one stone. His speech was directed more to his family than me and our engagement.

“Before I start, I want to apologise for everything horrible I ever did or said to all of you. As I told my fianceé a few days ago, I am done apologising, I no longer want to be that awful person you know. I l have had five long years to reflect and admit to myself that the problem didn’t just lie with you but with me as well. Those five years made me realise I have no idea where I’d be without this amazing woman in my life,” He pulled me flush against his side and I kissed his cheek affectionately. “I do not expect all of you to forgive me right away, of course you have reservations but believe me when I say I am trying. So here is to new beginnings and our family!” Everyone clinked their glasses and drank to that.

As everyone started to leave, America stopped to say her goodbyes. She hugged me tightly, “Welcome to the family!” and averted her eyes to her brother in an unsure manner.

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” She said simply and I could see him biting down on his tongue from lashing out a snarky comment. I squeezed his arm comfortingly with a hint of pride. After everyone had left, we crashed on our sofa, dreading the clean up and wedding plans to come. For the time being we were happy just to be resting in each other’s company with intertwined hands.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4

America Singer Week Day 2: America and Family

Someone Like You Pt. 4

11 years later, we were still blissfully married. It was a bumpy first few years. The wedding had gone splendidly but the strain between him and America was still tensed but it was slowly getting better as Maxon and I wear them down. The bumps came with a lack of a bump from me. A few years after we had settled down, we discussed the prospects of having children. We started to try but failed and when we visit a doctor, I was told I was barren. I refused to talk to anyone for months after that, it put a slight strain on our relationship. Eventually I recovered my slump and was simply appreciative that I was with the man I loved and I was finally free to do what I wanted. After we were married, I started singing and was catapulted to the top after Eadlyn and Ahren had me perform at their 13th birthday party. Soon everyone was booking me for events and parties. I gained even more popularity when I opened for Choosing Yesterday’s tour. This was around the time Kota gained international exposure. He was able to line up his tour with mine so that we could travel together.

That’s been our main activity for the last few years, travelling. Even after our tours ended, we travelled far and wide to exotic places, it was like having a never ending vacation. We were so caught up with travelling and selling Kota’s sculptures which had recently become insanely popular in New Asia, that we weren’t able to check in with what was happening in Angeles. We were devastated when the news of America’s heart finally reached us a full two weeks after it had occurred. We quickly dropped everything to fly back to Angeles. He had cried to me the whole plane ride home. I rocked him back and forth to calm him down and let him lie on my lap as I soothingly ran my fingers through his hair. He sobbed to me how he was so terrified of losing his little sister. They may no longer be as close as they used to be but she was still his favourite little sister and he would have died a little inside if she was taken from him. As he let it all out, I remembered when Kenna passed away. He locked himself in a room and he wouldn’t even talk to me. For a while I felt this was his way of getting back at me when I shut myself away because I couldn’t have kids. Then I realised he needed time to grieve by himself and I was always going to be here for him when he needed me.

Just like that passing years ago, I was going to be here for him. Even if we didn’t actually lose America, it was a close call. We arrived at Angeles just in time to find out that Eadlyn’s Selection had come to a close. It was even more shocking still when we discovered that her future husband wasn’t even in her original pool of suitors. My husband has sobered up from his crying and gave a half smirk at the news.

“Only a Singer would do that.” I nodded in agreement. On the way home, he was in his mood. It was when you could see the gears shifting around in his mind. This usually occurred when he had an idea for a new sculpture but now I could tell it was a different idea altogether. We were rather jet lagged from the plane ride so I decided to sleep it off but Kota decided to stay up to work on his new idea.

The next morning he was drowning himself in coffee to stay awake since he was up all night. I told him he could stay at home if he was too tired. His health came first. He shook his head and mumbled something along the lines of him wanting to do this right. He wasn’t making much sense but I was just going to wait for him to tell me as he eventually does. When we arrived at the Palace, we were given the routine security checks before being cleared to visit America.

“Ames!” He tackled her the moment he saw her. Maxon, America and I were all alarmed when he did that. It seemed so unlike him but I suppose he couldn’t bear to lose another sister. I mouthed Kenna as a form of explanation. America patted his back awkwardly and assured him that she was better. She looked awfully uncomfortable so I had to pry my husband from her.

“There is no need to suffocate your sister, Koko.”

The awkwardness didn’t quite ease when we stayed for lunch. America kept sneaking looks at Kota as if trying to figure out his agenda. I had no idea how times I had to explain to her that he was a better person now. Some things never change so I just let it be. I had the pleasure of meeting Eikko and I giddily approved to Eadlyn. He was dashing and well-spoken. While I was getting acquainted with the newest member of the family, Kota was in his own little world. Except he seemed to be examining the Dining Hall. I nudge him and ask if something is wrong. He shrugged and replied that it was for a new project so I leave it as it was.

We soon bid the family goodbye and head back to the cottage.

“You want to tell what that was about and why you were up all night last night?” He grinned wildly like he was finally able to tell his secret. He excitedly pulled me into his studio. He brought out samples of proposals as I read through them, I realised what he was working on. It was no sculpture or a piece of art, it was so much more than that.

We worked hard at it; drawing up more proposals and contacting contractors to bring our proposals to life. We moved to Carolina for that year to oversee all the construction. We coordinated everything from the remodelling and renovation to electricity and inhabiters. We even enlisted in the help of Kile Woodwork to design a layout through video call since my darling niece had banished him to Bonita. The poor boy.

Our hard work and teamwork paid off a whole year later. We flew the family to Carolina for America’s 38th birthday.  While the house was done up by the renovators and construction workers, Kota and I handled the interior designing with the help of May who aided in painting her beautiful murals. We wanted it to have our own personal touch. We coloured its exterior a bright strawberry colour after America’s favourite dessert. The interior was painted a sky blue like her eyes and it has been said that blue was a calming colour. May’s talent came in when she painted strawberry tarts as a wallpaper. She also painted constellations on the ceilings. The place was perfect. We brought America over with a blindfold over her eyes. We wanted to keep her in suspense until the last minute. Everyone else gasped when they saw it. This only made my sister-in-law even more excited finally we pulled off her blindfold and she gasped.

“Our house…” She whispered. Kota shyly put his hands in his pockets and looked at his shoes humbly. I had to take the lead because he was bashful of what he had accomplished.

“The house was still in his name and since we were living in Angeles, he decided to make good use of it. After your heart attack he knew exactly what to do. This was all Koko’s idea even if he doesn’t want say so.” I beamed proudly at him. America walks over to hug him and I faintly hear her whisper her thanks. We all lined up in a line to stare up at the plaque, naming the renovated Singer house.

The America Singer Care Home for Children

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

The Twins Week 2017 Day 5: Ahren + Camille/Whoever We Ship Him With 

AU Where Ahren Had A Selection Fancast/Drabble

Ahren’s Elite

“Trust me, Camille! It’s simply a formality, that’s why I was allowed to add you into the Selection.” Ahren was pulling at his collar, suddenly feeling very hot. “Then why haven’t you ended it, Ahren?” Camille was usually a calm person but this was getting on her nerves. She loved him and he loved her. It was that simple. He didn’t need anymore options so why was he dragging this out?

While Camille thought that it was being dragged out, Ahren knew that it was already a shorter timeline than usual. He knew this because the nation and the PR team knew this. He had narrowed down his pool of 35 ladies to 8 in a span of a month. Everyone knew he would pick Camille but couldn’t figure out why he was taking long. While a month was short, it was reasonable if he knew who he was going to pick and was polite enough to give the other girls a chance.

Although as of late, he wasn’t quite sure if Camille was The One. All of the other 7 girls were brilliant in their own ways. He ran through the names in his head. Erika from Waverly was an artist in every sense of the word. She would draw and sketch the other girls and even did several amusing caricatures of Ahren. She was also an artist with hair, she dyed her hair a different colour every two weeks or so and did all of the other Selected’s hair. Isla was from Honduragua and her Hispanic heritage reminded Maxon of Amberly so Isla immediately won points with him. She was also incredibly kind and Ahren liked that about her. Most of the previous girls were in it for fame and took the competition very seriously which brought out their mean streak. Isla was gracious throughout the whole process, helping the other Selected whenever she could. This gained her the protection of everyone’s strongest competitor.  Violet was born and bred in Angeles and every Selected’s fiercest competitor. She was rather ruthless, not in the way Celeste from Maxon’s Selection had been but Violet has been very intimidating towards the girls who tend to steer clear of her. Isla seems to be the only one to get along with her so instinctively Violet protects Isla from any harassment. Despite being rough around the edges, Ahren and Violet bonded over their mutual love for writing.  Nadia is a very mellow contender in the Selection, she keeps to herself mostly but is able to keep conversation when required of her. Before coming to the Palace she spent most of her days in Zuni as a wildlife photographer, she was able to talk to the King about their mutual passion in photography and helped Ahren dig deeper with his own hobby of photography. Ginny was Violet’s counterpart from Columbia. Some would say that the two of them were two sides of the same coin. While Violet was outwardly hostile about being tough, Ginny was more sly about her methods. While Ahren enjoyed her company, she was an aspiring architect, he didn’t quite like her methods of sabtoge. Eady was the one who asked to have her stay because she recognised the ambition Ginny had.  Sabrina had lived her whole life in Clermont, she worked as a life guard and swimsuit model. She was the life of the party and Ahren admired her social skills when the various dignitaries had come to visit Illéa for the Annual World Peace Conference. She was able to charm even the stiff Germans and that was something the people needed in their Queen. While everyone knew Camille was the clear winner, Sabrina was well liked internationally.  Ace’s birth name was Jen but prefered to go by Ace and was from Carolina. Ahren had absolutely no words to describe her. The moment they met they hit it off and there was an instant connection but of course he supressed it for the sake of Camille. Ace was rather quiet but when prompted she would light up the room with her jokes and she was a singer working her way up like his mother once was. In every room she entered, you could hear her humming tunes, old and new. 

He shook his head, trying to keep Ace out of his head. He didn’t want to think about her. Not while he was arguing with Camille. She was still expecting his answer. He was at a loss for words.

“I like their company. They are nice girls who make good friends.” Was his lame excuse and Camille could only scoff. She was losing her patience. “They can be friends after you’ve ended the Selection.” Ahren’s eyes wandered around his room. That’s when Camille knew. She whispered it so softly he almost didn’t catch it.

“You love someone else.” She left so quickly he couldn’t catch her. “No, I love you!” He yelled after her but added quietly as an afterthought, “but I might love her more.” He sighed heavily and headed down to the opposite wing. He was hoping the particular Selected on his mind would still be up. He knocked on her door softly. He waited a few second before the door opened slightly and her face was visible through the gap. She rubbed her eyes tiredly but perked up when she saw who her guest was.  “Your Highness, may I help you?” He noticed something was off. She had short hair instead of her usual cockscrew curls and her voice was lower. In fact, Ahren  realised that she was not at all a she. Ace saw the prince’s facial expression and instantly realised his mistake. He forgot his wig and forgot to make his voice higher.  “Is this why you wanted to be called Ace instead of Jen?” The Prince was positively heartbroken and Ace knew what he had to do. He invited the Prince into his room and explained everything. He recounted how his sister Jen was Selected but she was terminally ill and she knew how Ace wanted to enter instead. Ace, like most of the country, has watched Ahren grown through the Report episodes and like most girls his age, Ace fell in love. So when Jen gave her blessing, Ace dressed like her and snuck in. 

“Now here we are. I’d understand if you wanted me to leave, your Highness.” Ace stood up to back his things when Ahren held his arm to stop him. While Ace had been talking, Ahren ran through all the memories they had made. Most of their dates consisted of walks in the gardens, getting to know each other and singing ensued at random points of the date. When the Germans had visited, Sabrina was able to charm them with easy going conversation but Ace stole the show with a rendition of a German folksong. He also got on very well with Maxon and America, even more than Camille ever did and something about the three of them bonding, sparked something in Ahren. Ahren thought long and hard about what he wanted to say to Ace. He finally found the words with the memories guiding him.

“I think I might feel the same. I actually came here to talk about it to you. Ever since The Selection began, I’ve always been comfortable talking to you. I’ve had my best memories with you. I realised I want to spend the rest of my life with you, making new memories. Even now, after I know you aren’t a girl, my feelings for you haven’t changed. Only problem is that everyone is counting on me to pick Camille.” Ace couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The Prince felt the same way but Illéa would never accept it. They were in progressive times but not that progressive. 

“I am really happy that you feel the way I do but Camille never lied to you. You should be with her.” Ace clasped their hands together one last time before getting up to leave. 

Tomorrow, he would be gone and Ahren was left to pick Camille. 

Where Are They Now? Eady’s Elite Edition: Gunner

The Elite:  Henri | Hale & Ean | Fox | Kile

A/N: I would personally like to thank my tumblr readers for providing of all of their headcanons for Gunner. Even though I could never pull off Stripper Gunner or Dead Gunner realistically in this, I did mention it somehow in my own way but I will be glad to do a crack fic involving Zombie-Stripper!Gunner one of these days after I’m done with my Where Are They Are Now? Project.

Gunner

When Gunner left the Selection, he wasn’t disappointed. If anything he was relieved and slightly confused. Relieved that he wouldn’t have to fill Queen America’s shoes as a consort; he didn’t think anyone could fill her shoes as well as she did with Queen Amberly. He was confused because while Eadlyn’s kiss had been pleasurable, he didn’t feel anything. Not as in she wasn’t the One but he didn’t feel physical attraction. He had never felt it with anyone, for a matter of fact and it worried him. Does this mean he’ll die alone because he didn’t feel any physical or romantic feelings for anyone?

There was a time before the Elite boys settled down when they shared a house as roommates in Angeles because they missed each other after their Selection and simply enjoyed each other’s company enough to share a house.

This was one of those times where all the boys were gathered in the house to hang around each other and even Eikko was present. Gunner decided he would raise the question. He nudged Ean, since he was the current LGBT expert in the house.

“Hey Ean, is there a sexuality that involves not feeling any physical or romantic attraction?”

“Not feeling any physical attraction is being asexual and for romantic attraction is being aromantic. That being said, there are aces and aros who do experience those types of attractions but don’t find it pleasurable. There is a whole spectrum on this, I could get you some books on it, if you’d like.” Ean smiled and offered to get them right away but Gunner shook his head and had a faraway look of awe on his face. He was coming to terms with his sexuality. He never had the chance to think about it before, when society supresses you into thinking that being straight is the default sexuality. Gunner felt a new sense of belonging and pride. He pumped his fist into the air and let out a loud ‘WOOO!’ causing all of the boys except Ean to turn to him.

It was strange for them to see Gunner like this, he was an introvert during his time in The Selection but was slowly leaning towards becoming an ambivert after spending time with the rest of the Elite boys. He usually faded in the background which was why Eady never noticed him much until after his poem. So to see him so loud and happy, he seemed to mirror Henri, who was the first to question Gunner’s outburst.

“What happening?” Henri could almost start stringing whole sentences without Eikko’s help. “I’M ASEXUAL YOU GUYS! IT’S A GLORIOUS DAY!” Then he went around kissing all of the boys on top of their heads. Ean couldn’t help but bury his face in his hands and groan. The newbies who always come to this deep epiphany of being anything other than completely straight always do this; Ean knew this all too well. He did smile at Gunner’s joyous mood, he was glad he helped someone come to terms with who they are.

“You don’t have to always come out you know, Gunner. Straight people never have to do it.” Ean pointed out coolly. “I just wanted my best buddies to know.” Gunner ruffled Ean’s perfectly done hair but instantly froze and retracted his hand when he saw Ean’s cold stare.

Note to self: Never mess with Ean’s hair. Gunner thought to himself.

At this point, Eikko had translated most of it to Henri and Henri jumped up and hugged Gunner while exclaiming, “Onneksi olkoon, ystäväni! Onneksi olkoon, ystäväni!” “Congratulations?” Gunner questioned and Eikko confirmed with a single nod.

“Well, I’m so glad you came to this life changing conclusion, Gunny but now let’s see if you can get a real job!” Fox laughed, winking at the man of the hour. Gunner took the closest thing to him - a throw pillow - and threw it at Fox. “Shut up, Foxy. I thought we agreed not to call me Gunny.”

“HEY! I HAND-STITCHED THAT MYSELF! Just because it’s called a throw pillow doesn’t mean you actually throw it, if that keeps up the seams will fall apart and I will set Ean loose on you!” Hale reprimanded them and they all giggled in response. Everyone knew Hale never gets violent so he usually threatens everyone with Ean even though they all knew Ean was much too classy to punch someone. Just then, Gunner’s dog, Lara- a German Shepherd- came along into the room barking. She then started wrestling the throw pillow from Fox with her teeth. Hale almost lost it.

“Lara! No! Lara Croft, do you hear me? Let go of the pillow!” Gunner tried to help Hale out. After hearing her owner’s soothing voice, she let go of the pillow and jumped on Gunner’s lap. Ean just stared motified - he despised dogs- while Henri came over to pat it. “Söpö koira!” Henri laughed as Lara licked his face.

All the boys’ turned when Fox’s laptop pinged, indicating that Kile was online to video call. Since he had been ‘banished’ to Bonita, he couldn’t live with the boys but video called in frequently to check in with his best friends. The boys gathered around Fox’s laptop with Lara on Henri’s lap now and Ean on the other side of the group, as far away as he can get from Henri and dog but still in the frame. Fox set up the camera and called Kile. When his face popped up on the screen, they all cheered. A cute little ritual amongst the boys.

“Hey guys!” The different variations of ‘Hi/Hello/Hey Kile’ chorused and echoed through the living room and Lara barked happily once she saw Kile. “Good to see you too, Lara,” The shaggy haired blonde laughed, “Did you guys get my care package?”

Another traditional ritual between the Elite boys, they sent Kile care packages to remind him that they were always going to be here and he sent one back every month and it was always huge because it had something for everyone. This month’s package, especially the package for Gunner, had been a particular problem for everyone.

“You really shouldn’t have sent Gunner all that dairy products, you know what it does to him.” Ean reprimanded. Gunner smiled sheepishly with his mouth full of cheese. “He’s been hogging the bathroom because he has the runs everytime he consumes the cheese and you should see how he drowns his cereal every morning with milk!” Fox complained while Hale chimed in, “His lactose intolerance is getting out of hand, no more cheese for you, Gunner and Kile, do not send anymore dairy.” The tailor plucked the block of cheese Gunner was snacking on out of his hand.

“Well you could almost say that my problem’s intolerable.” Gunner giggled to himself at the joke and all the boys enjoyed in, unable to stop themselves. Fox thwacked him on the head. “Don’t you start on those jokes now. Once I stop peeing in bottles, then you can start your jokes.” “Okay, I’m sorry, I know that was cheesy.” Gunner ducked his head apologetically while laughing to himself so hard his dimples started to show. Even Kile was wheezing on the other side of the screen, reminding Eikko of how his father-in-law laughs.

“So help me God I will end this call, Kile Carter Woodwork.” Fox warned light-heartedly before turning to Gunner, “You spoil all the fun, Gunny!” “How dairy you accuse me of such a thing, Foxy!” He fake-gasped and now everyone was doubled over in laughter. After a few simple translations from Eikko, Henri fell over onto the floor laughing which scared Lara causing her to leap across the room and somehow land on Ean who shrieked.

This was the typical day at the Elite Household.

A few weeks later, Gunner came home frustrated at his lack of a career. He was currently working at the local high school as an English, History and French subtitute teacher but it was only a temp job. He looked at his housemates; Hale had his career jump started as a world-renowned designer because he designed Eady’s wedding dress, Ean liked to keep his profile low so he was a private tutor for ‘difficult’ (aka snotty rich) kids but even that was stable. Fox was okay being a lifeguard and teaching kids how to swim. Henri started his own bakery and café and occasionally worked catering jobs for celebrities. Then here was Eikko, Mr. Prince Consort. They all knew Kile was doing well in Bonita, helping the growth of Illéa.

What I did I have? Gunner thought, angrily. Unlike Hale, he didn’t want to be famous and make it big using his status as being a former Elite so he had sent his manuscripts under a pseudonym - Gunther Cross - because he wanted his manuscripts to be accepted because they were good not because the publishers thought that he might have close connections to the Queen just because he was in her Selection. Yeah sure Gunner was close to the Queen via her consort because Eikko came over every other weekend to have burping competitions with the rest of them.

So far, he had been rejected by most of the publishing companies and was still waiting on others. He was tired of waiting. To calm himself down, he set his work things in his room, grabbed his laptop and headed to the kitchen. It was a big house, with a few extra rooms other than the ones the other boys had occupied but the only two rooms Gunner ever utilises are his own room and the kitchen. When he walked into the kitchen, as usual Henri was cooking up something.

“Hello today, Gunner!” The bearhug Henri gave him cheered him up a little. “Hey, Henri. What are you making today?” Gunner gestured to the counter where the kneeded dough sat. “Leipäjuusto…is ah bread cheese?” Gunner helped to look it up and showed him a picture and Henri pointed excitedly and clapped. Gunner loved the guy, he was always so cheerful. As Henri baked, Gunner sat up his computer to watch a pre-recorded rugby game. He absolutely adored rugby and a few years ago as an adolescent he tried to play it but soon found out that he was the most uncoodinated person he had ever known. So after a while he realised that not everyone was meant to play rugby, he was content with watching it.

Halfway through he got hungry and Henri was still making his cheese bread (which Gunner swore to himself he will stay away from because he didn’t want Fox to pee in any more bottles) so Gunner got up and went to make himself some popcorn; after which he heavily salted it and melted just a little bit of butter on it, just the way he liked it. As he sat down, Henri passed something over to him.

“Thanks, Henri, WAIT NO!” He dropped it on the counter. Henri had offered him a chocolate bar. He absolutely loathed chocolate ever since he found out that it kills dogs. Henri scratched his head confused. “No chocolate?” “No chocolate,” Gunner confirmed, “Kills dogs.” He made a motion at Lara who had trotted in and made the killing gesture as he dragged his finger across his neck. Henri was definitely alarmed and then shooed away Lara so as to prevent her from accidentally eating the chocolate and also to ensure her fur doesn’t contaminate the food.

After the rugby game ended, Gunner skimmed through his emails and most of them were rejection letters for his manuscript. He had enough. He let out a string of expletives. Immediately, his friends came running to the kitchen. Gunner Croft never swore. This was the first time and there’s always a first time for everything.

“Damn Gunner, what’s wrong?” Fox asked while pulling his best friend close to hug him. Gunner was only able to mumble his words out since he was pressed against Fox’s chest. Fox, realising this, gave Gunner some space.

“God Fox, why are your boobs bigger than my sister’s?” Fox hit him. “Good to see you can still make jokes.” “Love you too, lover.” Gunner winked before drooping his shoulders again, “I’m pissed, you guys. I don’t have a stable job or a proper career unlike you. My manuscript has been reject God know how many times and I’m just so miserable.” He plopped his head on the counter and groaned.

“Gunner okay?” Henri asked. “I don’t think so.” Hale shook his head, poking at Gunner’s head. “I’m not dead, you idiot.” Gunner grunted. “I think Kile can help fix this. Fox, please go get the laptop and call Blondie.”  Ean instructed. Who knows where they would be without Ean? Fox looked mildly offended. “I thought I was Blondie! Ean, how dare you betray me? I LOVE YOU!” They all heard Gunner snort and relaxed a little.

“Hands off, Blondie!” Hale snarled. Once the call was set up, Kile’s calm voice floated through the room. “Gunner, as much as I love seeing your dark curly afro, it would be nicer to see your face, buddy.” Gunner slowly tilted his head up and it was clear that this was really bothering him, his eyes were rimmed red. The rest of the boys saw this and all huddled close to hug him. Fox relyed everything that Gunner had mentioned earlier to Kile.

“It’s all going to be okay.” They all assured him in sync. It was creepy how often they all did that. Only Henri was out of sync with his bashful little “Everything okay!”

“You know you don’t need a stable career to be happy. You can do whatever the hell you want and still be happy.” Kile told him. The other boys patted his back comfortingly. “Be happy! Have bread cheese. Bread cheese!” Henri echoed Kile and fed Gunner the bread while the rest all let out small giggles. Henri was more than happy to make them laugh and smile. Gunner sniffled and smiled too while eating.

“It’s not a nice feeling getting rejected.” he mumbled looking downcast. “I still don’t understand why you can’t use your real name.” Hale questioned. “Ha! As if Gunther Cross isn’t obvious enough. I keep telling him Fox Wesley is a much better pseudonym but he won’t listen.” Fox answered for Gunner which the latter didn’t appreciate so he punched Fox where the sun doesn’t shine.

“Okay I’ll shut up.” Fox squeaked. “The best you can really do is keep doing what you’re doing, Gunner. Hale has sneaked me some of your works. I will admit, they are really good. Anyone would be a fool to reject them. Just keep sending them out those manuscripts and at least one publishing firm is bound to accept it.” Ean advised and Gunner looked up at him, touched. “Thank you, Ean that means alot to me coming from you.” Then Fox tossed him some ice cubes and Gunner pressed it against Ean’s arm, “That being said I have wanted to do this for a long time. The Ice King has finally melted.” The rest of them held their breaths. They didn’t know what to expect from Ean at this point, not even Hale.

“HENRI UNZIP HIS PANTS!” Ean yelled while gesturing wildly to Gunner’s pants. Henri quickly understood and I unzipped Gunner’s pants and held it open while Ean dropped the ice cubes in and quickly zipped it back up.

“FUCK!” Gunner screamed and spent a full minute jumping around with his cold balls while Fox struggled to help unzip his best friend’s pants. Finally after that whole fiasco, the boys settled down and Kile raised a question. “So if Ean’s the Ice King, does that make Hale the Ice Queen?” Hale fanned himself and batted his eyes obnoxiously in response. “Ice Princes!” Henri chimed in, gesturing wildly at Fox, Gunner and himself. “I wanna be the Ice Princess!” Gunner yelled, gleefully. He stood up and placed a huge kiss on Ean and Hale’s cheeks while, yelling, ‘Momma and Papa’ at them. Ean wasn’t feeling it and shoved him aside. Gunner’s previous problems were all forgotten. Gunner looked around, appreciative of his friends and couldn’t imagine living without them.

Just then, the phone rang. Gunner instinctively knew it was for him and ran for it.

“Hello?” “Hello, may I speak to Gunther Cross?” Gunner almost squealed. It was a publishing company getting back to him. He gestured for the others not to pull any tricks like pretending that they were doing something obscene. Last time, his Nana called and she almost went into a coma after Fox did his rendition of an old song called Toxic by an old icon called Britney Spears in his most sultry voice.

“Yes, this is Gunther speaking. How may I help you?” “Well Gunther, I’m Jules Vernon from Illéa Publishing. I’ve read both your poem anthology as well as your novel. We would like to offer you a deal for both. When would be the most convenient time for you to meet with us to discuss this over on a more detailed and technical basis?” “Let me check my calendar, could you give me a moment?” He covered the phone speaker with his hand and threw the other fist in the air and let out a celebratory ‘WHOOP!’ What happened instead was, he knocked his fist into Fox who was drinking water and splashed his whole glass of water on Gunner and the phone. There was a live wire hanging off from the phone which came loose when Gunner pulled at the cord in excitement and the water got all over it, thus electrocuting him. It all happened in a blur and the boys didn’t know how to react until he fell to the floor.

“Ohmygod! He’s dead, you guys!” Fox screaming, running around an unconscious Gunner. “NOT DEAD! HELP!” Henri yelled and tried to pick up Gunner. They all came to their senses and tried to keep Gunner’s head elevated from the floor as Ean dialled for the ambulance.

“Who’s idea was it to install the phone near the sink and water pitcher?” Fox asked annoyed. “My idiotic fiancé.” Ean replied nonchalantly while he waited for the medics to pick up. “It was an aesthetic I saw online.” Hale exclaimed defensively. “Well is a dead Gunner a part of your aesthetic?” “Shut up and put a cold rag to his head, he might be going into shock soon. It wasn’t me who spilt water over him and the live wire.” Hale instructed and scoffed. “Shut up and keep Gunner out of shock.” Ean said as got off the phone, informing them that the ambulance would be arriving soon.

*** A week later, Gunner was fully recovered, the phone in the kitchen had been disposed off and he needed to call Illéa Publishing to make his appointment.

“So what was the call you were fussing about before almost dying?” “For the last time, Fox, I did not die! I’m here now, aren’t I? And the call was from a publishing company wanting to publish both my novel and poem anthology.” “Ohhh, here I thought I could suggest that you could become a stripper as your stable career that you were going on about. Well now that you are going to be an author; I can see it now: Author by day, Stripper by night.” Gunner almost threw the throw pillow at him until he remember how Hale reacted the last time. Instead he gently pushed Lara towards Fox.

“Bite him, Lara!” The fault was that Fox and Gunner spent so much together that Lara adored Fox as much as she adored her owner. “Bite me, Gunner.” “Mords moí, Fox.” “You know I hate it when you speak French.” “Tu sais que je déteste quand vous parlez français.” “Ugh!” “Pouah!”

“EAN, HE’S MIMICKING ME IN FRENCH AGAIN!” “EAN, IL ME IMITANT EN FRANÇAIS À NOUVEAU!” “Not my problem!” Ean yelled from his room, it was so obvious that Hale and him were doing it. Hale never shuts up during and it has kept the boys up on most nights.

“Now shut up, I need to make a call.” Gunner switched back to English. “You’d look good in stripper tights, I’m just saying.” “Fox, if you don’t shut up right now, I will find stripper tights and glue them onto you.” Fox knew Gunner would go through with this threat since the last time he shaved Fox’s hair off when Fox had pissed him off. He shut up and let Gunner make his call.

*** 5 years later

Gunner finally made it as a world renowned writer and poet. After coaxing from the publishing firm, he was convinced to publish his books under his real name. In the past five years, each of the boys moved out one by one. First was Ean and Hale because they wanted to start a family near Ean’s family so they moved to Hansport. Then Henri who had met Skye, serving as his translator amongst his friends until they wanted to move to Sota to be closer to Henri’s family. Fox was the last to move out, only because Clara couldn’t take Gunner and Fox’s constant pranks on her for the two months she tried to live with them. Five years since he got that call, now all the Elites and their families as well as Eady, Eikko and Kerttu had gathered in their house -which was left to Gunner- for his birthday.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GUNNER!” They surprised him when he walked through the door. He jumped back startled but soon recovered, smiled happily at his guests.

“It’s good to see everyone.” He hadn’t seen them in the last two years or so because they were all so busy with their kids but they did visit once in awhile that all the children tackled him. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE GUNNER!” Their squeaky voices chorused as they jumped on him one by one. Zofia, Hale and Ean’s eldest daughter stood at a distance. Gunner laughed when he saw her and pulled her towards the pile of children. “You’re so embarassing, Uncle Gunner.” “Does this mean I don’t get my present this year, Zo?” He pouted like a little kid that she couldn’t help but laugh. She shoved his present into his hands and ran off. Gunner let the kids go and play with each other while he caught up with their parents.

“So everyone, I’ve done a lot of travelling with the book tour and I think I’m satisfied. I’ve found a stable job that’s going to help me settle down, you guys.” “STRIPPER IT IS! I’m so glad you found your calling, Gunny! OW, CLARA!” His wife had elbowed him in the ribs and Eady burst out laughing. “Look what you made the Queen do!” he reprimanded his wife. She just pinched him and told him to listen to Gunner’s announcement.

“Fox, I think your wife would like to know what I did for you 21th birthday. The stripper tights incident…” Gunner gave him a suggestive look. “You wouldn’t!” “Can you just get on with the announcement, Gunner?” Ean was impatient.

“Well I talked it over with The Royal Family and Gavril, we agreed that I could take over his job. I do like entertaining people and now we can all be closer together since I imagine that Kerttu would call for all of us to be interviewed every once in a while.” They all laughed.

“Congrats Gunner!” For the first time in five years, the Elites were once again in sync and now with Gunner being the new Gavril, he can call for them anytime, they will be more in sync for many more occasions to come.