#angts

— ꒰ What More Can I Say?

In which James has been too busy with work and doesn’t seem to be able to make time for you, so maybe the best—and fairest alternative—is to breakup.

｡ !Reader x Idol!James .ᐟ

◟♯ . Angst(?), A little of comfort, Very short oneshot, Not proof read

꣑୧ A/n;;haii,, I wrote this after reading the Oasis Ticket Martin story, it kind of inspired me in a way, but it was also 1am while writing this, and I was very tired, okay? These feels like those short paragraphs you cringe at while reading back, so maybe... read at your own risk? (i'm joking, def read.) ALSO thank you so much for all the love, and sorry for disappearing for so long (aka 3 or 4 days). I will try and be more active, okay? No one probably reads these but wtv. ENJOY! <3

Please, let him have some rest.

Dustin final bday drawings

My first fandub as Bruce 💔

Warnings: eventual smut, violence, depression, misogyny of the time, forced marriage, strangers to enemies to lovers (don't we all love it?).

Notes: credits for the dividers to @uzmacchiato and @pixopix

Enjoy!

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The opulence of the great salon was impossible to ignore.

Reds, oranges and golds could be admired in every flower and plate, the long table along the sweet and citric scent in the air was a whole experience of their own. There were laughs, plates being served and taken away, as all the guests shared stories, the kids screamed and did not care at all about protocol.

Levi was not at the head of the table as he expected, neither near (y/n), who was sitting across from him, Armin was on her left and Sasha Braus on her right, whispering things in her ear that made her cheek red with the strength of her giggles. He hadn’t had a moment to move closer to her, she was always surrounded by people, by her friends, and it was annoying him with every passing second. It was also no secret to him that the Earl was not only unhappy by his presence but also permitted her to be too close of her other male companions, which had unnerved Levi enough for the day, and now the night. He was well served, but every brush of Armin’s shoulder against (y/n) felt like a slap of humiliation.

What was the point of the public promenade when now it seems to be nothing?

He had barely touched his food. Pastries followed, along with fruit and crème, and when she was served another wine glass and laughed loudly at another vulgar joke of his friend, he knew he’d had enough. He stood up, and for once all the attention returned to him, and yet, he did not want to be seen like this, and it was improper to leave all of a sudden when the Earl was still enjoying his food, but he was the prince, and he did not have to care for anyone below his ranks.

“Leaving early, your highness?” Levi was surprised when the countess’ voice was the one that broke through the silence, but he appreciated not being asked by the Earl, especially after putting him down on the table.

“I am, my lady. Thank you for this banquet and for receiving me.”

At his leaving, conversation slowly began to resurface; the last important thing his eyes could catch was the delicate fabric stretched over (y/n)’s chest, and it annoyed him that he had to suppress his hunger. He made sure to get some blood before arriving at Aldridge manor, and yet his hunger and annoyance had little to do with his instincts but the way he was removed from the hierarchy, how everyone lost themselves on their own kindness to forget there were ranks. He walked through the halls, workers and maids seemed to be at every step he gave, and while climbing the stairs, he reminded himself how poor it was getting his strategy to control the woman.

But it was too late now to regret it, he could endure the celebration and take a moment alone so he could act. He reminded the look on lady Ashford, and he was beginning to wonder if his mother magic truly worked. He was sure she did not remember their little adventure at the Royal Palace, but her dark and constant stare was enough to worry him more.

Fate had some sick way of reminding him that his actions not only had consequences but also tormented him and his mother.

Levi was used to having an early routine. Strict and organized.

He would have a bath with scented oils to relax before a busy day, put on perfume and dress himself, adding a pair of white gloves to accompany the cravat on his neck. He was the aristocracy, and he might as well dress up as it.

The problem was that he had entirely forgotten where the training grounds were, and he just decided to take a walk along the castle. Servants were awake already, the sun began to rise, and he was attracting looks without meaning to. His three-piece suit was somewhat perfect for the morning, in London it would offer some kind of comfort against the cold, but here it seemed to be somewhat suffocating.

Still, he kept his head high while pacing around. He could never admit he was entirely lost in the heated labyrinth of Aldridge Manor. He did not wish to be with Erwin, he craved a moment alone; but it already seemed overwhelming enough since he in fact came out, only to see a large yard with chickens and the servants picking up the eggs, when one of them came to ask if he was alright, he nodded with elegance:

“I am merely looking around, these birds are… fascinating.”

He had never turned more quickly, keeping a serious face so as to not show an ounce of his confused and frustrated morning. To make matters worse, one of the roaming chickens pecked at his perfectly polished shoe as he walked past, forcing him to glare down at the creature in disbelief.

These creatures have absolutely no respect.

Returning back, he followed the sound of voices near. A child, clearly, of but also that of the very Earl that has decided to cast war upon him just for existing. He marched slowly, almost invisible to them as he loomed on the door of what seemed to be the kitchen.

“Thomas, what are you doing, young man?” Marcus had his arms crossed on his chest, shaking his head with clear disapproval at the young kid with a good portion of cake on his lap. “Your mother had forbidden you to eat any pastries!”

“Please do not tell my mom, sir. I was just hungry… and the kitchen was empty.” The child’s cheeks were red with shame; he was chubby and not very well at hiding.

It was in this moment that Levi decided to show up, ignoring the sweat on his neck when he stepped inside and called the attention, the Earl showed no signs of a bow, and it made him more furious.

“Good morning, your highness.” He mustered with a tiny smile on his lips, dressed in linen and clearly comfortable amidst the high temperatures of the estate. “Oh, little Tommy… this is the prince and heir of England.”

The little kid only blinked and waved at him, and before he could even muster any word, a mess of long hair dressed in a soft nightgown and bare feet appeared out of nowhere, almost pushing him aside as she yawned and stretched her arms up, kissing her father cheek and stealing a strawberry from the kid’s plate, making him roll his eyes, at which she stilled and signaled him with suspicion.

“Tommy, what is that gesture? You have definitely spent too much time watching my little brother, that is rude!” The Earl chuckled, watching the scene unfold with no worries. “I’m telling your mother.”

At that, she finally got a proper sight of fear out the kid. “No, miss, please”

(y/n) only laughed, eating the berry with not a worry in the world, Levi could only watch fascinated how she managed to look so bright even with the print of the pillow on her cheek. It took his breath away how quickly were his senses to pick on the citric natural scent of her skin, how hot he was on his body and how none of them seemed to be sweating unlike him.

When she turned to look at him, the easy smile disappeared to welcome a frown that deepened as she looked at him up and down while shaking her head. A soft blush extended on his cheek at her scrutiny before he cleared his throat. Everything was happening so fast.

“My lady—" “Why on earth are you dressed like that, your highness?”

Levi bit the inside of his cheek to try and keep himself from mustering any word. He was burning inside, the clothes that normally adorned his body so well were now suffocating him, the gloves were making his fingers damp with sweat inside and for the millionth time, he felt overdressed and wrong. But he’d be caught dead before admitting it out loud, especially in front of the servants’ brat.

“My lady, I am looking for a drink. Fresh, preferably… may you guide me to it?” Ignoring her words seemed to be the best idea for now.

“I—" She was left speechless for a moment, before nodding and shot a quick glance at her father who simply nodded too and stood over, walking over to take a jar of fresh orange juice. He served four glasses, and she extended one for him, the brush of his warm skin over the gloves was disappointing and exciting, for once he realized that these items might not be the best if he wished to feel her in any way.

Why am I thinking about that?

Marcus, instead, took the other and offered to the child, who smiled with shiny eyes as if looking up at him. There was a soft silence on the kitchen, he admired how she sat on the counter and her feet balanced on the air, he drank his glass fast and quick, feeling his dry throat finally freshen out.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you!” Thomas set the plate and glass down, jumping on the chair with enthusiasm. “I approved the algebra test! And it was all for your help sir, so thank you so, so much!

Levi’s brain almost exploded when the kid bounced out the chair and wrapped his little arms around Marcus, but it was even worse when the same man only chuckled and picked the kid on his arms to pat his back; he looked at (y/n) to try and find the same reaction but her eyes were warm and she was smiling like it was usual to see this kind of affection between the help and their employers. His throat felt suddenly tight.

What kind of madness is this?

It was a cloudy day in London.

Kuchel had finished his bath and was already wrapped in a long dress, a crown placed on her head matching the color of deep red in her dress. The rubies shining through the hallways wherever she and her ladies-in-waiting moved.

It was an important day; the new secretary was expected to arrive. Sent directly from the roots of the church, Kuchel knew this was a curse unfolding, but she’d be damned if the clergy was left to believe having the first hand. After so many years of secret persecution and slanders against the Ackerman, it was only now that she opened the doors for the devil to come in, eat her food and fold her letters.

The army of beauties behind her followed to the throne room where she was meant to meet the newly appointed secretary, her dress fell gloriously on the stairs of the high golden chair she was in, surrounded by gold and coolness nobody could ever dream of surviving. As the doors opened, the court and the ladies in waiting stood, the herald by the entrance began announcing him.

“Presenting Mister Elias Hale, Her Majesty’s newly appointed Private Secretary, recommended by Bishop Michael Johnson himself”

The tall man that went inside was handsome, beautiful and sophisticated. A black cross lingered on his neck, a high turtleneck beneath a long coat as he moved near the throne and made a deep bow, right hand looming on his left over his chest, over his beating heart. His eyes were dark and he had a soft and polite smile, clearly in his element even if he seemed entirely different from everyone around.

“Arise, Mister Hale. It is a pleasure to welcome you into my home and private office. May this be the beginning of a warm friendship between the clergy and the crown, as it has been for thousands of years.”

He stood up slowly, never out of breath or causing a misstep, before his dark brown eyes landed on Kuchel grayish ones. She could feel the moment the air became intoxicated with tension and suspicion.

“Your Majesty, I am deeply honored to be so welcome by yourself. I hope my services can help ease the weight of duty from your shoulders.”

She nodded with a cold smile, before standing carefully and going down the steps carefully to not step on her own dress. For her, it was a habit from all the years of doing it. For him, it seemed like magic, and his arm started to itch again with the notion of his own prejudices. As she neared the scent of roses followed, just like the persona. Soft and elegant, with thorns enough to make anybody bleed.

“The first assignment I have for you is easy enough, nothing to worry about.” She looked at him with benevolence; he could never imagine the next words coming from her mouth. “You must write to the Jaegers’ and notify them I call upon them to come as dearest guests for the advances in medicine that Grisha had shared with us and the world.” Turning to look over her shoulder, she eyed the closest lady-in-waiting, Lea Measly, and once she leaned closer, the Queen continued. “Lady Lea would guide you around the castle. Please, begin at once.”

He bowed, nodding with seriousness and a glint of his eyes she was yet to discover.

“As you command, Your Majesty.”

London was about to learn the weight of duty and pain carried by one woman. And Hale, what living around monsters could do to the faith.

Marcus was excited to start the hunt of the day, to take his kids on an adventure just like the old times, especially with Armin’s return, it felt like the family was complete for once. He spread word on his guests, even his dear daughter, but she refused to, so it was a gentleman only event. He was not surprised by Levi’s refusal, almost expected it; but did not think much of it.

Outside in the yard, the women began gathering to accompany the children on making flying kites, although most of them sat together to sip on tea and talk, having a relaxing time under the reverent sun with the breeze being so easy and fresh. (y/n) joined the kids, looking over the decorations some of them were putting on and watching all team up in a typical “boys versus girls” war; she giggled when helping one of the boys caused her niece to scream at her for being a “traitor”.

Not long after, silence broke through the garden for a moment, at least between the adults, as Levi appeared. He nodded at the minimal recognition, some of the ladies offering a soft bow before he saw her again, her hair that the last time he saw her was wild and free now was kept on a pretty braid, the green dress decorating her body made her skin almost shine while she crawled on the ground, helping some of the last kids that haven’t finished decorating, as others had their kite already in the sky.

Warm spread on his chest, and the sensation made him frown with annoyance. He was at a considerable distance, yet her scent was the only one he could focus on amidst all the people and perfumes they wore around. Her heartbeat was paced, a sound he began looking around against his own will.

“Ugh, auntie! It is not working; my kite is not flying!” The little girl seemed as distressed as it could be, but she only kneeled to grab on it, the amount of decorations probably made it harder to it to fly.

“Relax, little Marie, perhaps the decorations are too heavy, do you want to take off some of these ribbons?” Voice sweet while trying to explain physics to a charming little kid, who insisted on personalizing even the minimal of things.

With much reluctance, little Marie accepted.

Levi stood up, so annoyed by the heat to take off his gloves as he tried to walk near (y/n), under Margaret gaze, who saw everything from her position at the center of the couch in the stand with a nice cover from the shining sun. A boy rushed to him, grabbing onto his pants and calling out for his attention. When he turned to look down, the kid quickly pushed a kite on his hands.

“Please, sir, help me! My sister cannot win!” Ignoring titles, his name even, the kid signaled at the girl (y/n) was helping remove the ribbons. When she looked over him her eyes were soft, and he quickly reminded who was still calling for his attention. “It’s not flying, I think I might have broken something there…”

Saving the gloves on the pocket of his pants, he sighed but complied with the kid’s demands.

Holy shit, twins.

“Oh, uh, it is flying! Yey, thank you, auntie!” The pink kite was in the sky, battling against the wind to remain steady even with the remaining ribbons on.

“Oh no! She had won.” The sad and disturbed expression made Levi feel guilty, and he quickly fixed the yarn before standing.

“Stop frowning, brat. Come on here, your kite will fly higher.” When the thing finally moved through the wind, his chest puffed out with real pride.

The battle mattered nothing at all as the kids screamed happily and ran around, showing off their abilities to their mothers that were comfortably seated on the couches around. Levi kept walking amidst the boys, assisting and offering advice before he could finally reach the place he was craving to go.

“My lady.” “Your Highness.”

He took his dear time to look at her, expression somewhat softened after he played along the kids. A half smiled curled on her lips while he placed his hands behind his back, watching over the kites now, the previously battling twins were now side to side as their mother behind them admired their designs.

“I could’ve never imagined you like kids” She added, imitating his posture while the breeze caressed her skin.

“Why wouldn’t I? I am not some monster.” Quick to add, he failed to realize the word he used. Clearing his throat, he was somewhat relieved when she only giggled.

“Well, I could argue about that… but I will give you a break.”

Levi swore he never felt more out of place. He was hot on his suit, the sun was making him uncomfortable enough, and not even the cold tea was enough to soothe his thirst. And yet, hearing her giggle with him for the first time ever made him feel strangely at ease amidst the chaos his arrival here had caused.

“That’ll be the first kind thing I receive from you.” And yet, how he loved to make her blood boil.

“Do not get used to it, I am not the most benevolent person to be around. As you noticed.” Rolling her eyes, she played pretend like the girls were during the little war the children created. Levi huffed what could have been a laugh.

“You must have cheated; nobody could win me over the art of flying kites.”

She laughed, and he swore he was not melting. But his heart did not listen to him and began beating fast, warmth spreading over his chest in a way that almost took his breath away. She rolled her eyes, and for once he could hear her heartbeat was not anxious, but almost steady.

“Never in my life have I cheated at flying kites. Perhaps, you’re not as good or… fast.” Noticing his hands on his back weren’t covered by the gloves he usually carried on, she looked at him in the same way she did in the morning. “If you plan on surviving the country heat and nature, perhaps it would be wiser to use less… layers of clothes, Your Highness.”

He sighed with reluctance, of course, he knew that but hearing it from someone who’s skin was shining naturally and not with sweat like his was embarrassing. Looking to throw a side glance over her, he nodded as a sign he was listening to her words.

“It is hard to simply admit you are right for the first time since I met you.” He had to bite his bottom lip so as not to smile at the sound of indignation she expressed.

“I am always right; ladies are always on the right side.” Her arms crossed over her chest, already turning to go over to her family stand. “And since you plan to keep this farce of yours with me, you shall get used to it immediately.”

He could only admire as he walked away from him, the dress was not tight and yet the air made it fly and show off her figure with every step.

I am so fucked.

During the evening, the arrival of a maid from the Arlert estate from London surprised the other maids at Aldridge estate, but she was welcomed in and ushered on her employers.

At dinner, the whole family was missing from the big table, and thought it was a odd thing to happened, nobody commented about it out loud. Levi was pleased at not having to ogle over (y/n) being flirted over, or so he thought. The rest of the guest —there were many—, continued their loud dinner, talking over each other and giggling over the wine. Silence seemed not to fit with the Earl’s family, apparently. And just a couple minutes later, when Armin took back his seat next to (y/n), nobody even noticed they were missing.

The night was fresh, and there were not enough reasons for the younger ones to go early to bed. Sasha, Connie, Jean and (y/n) rushed over the garden to spread blankets on the grass and lay, bringing sweets and pastries stolen from the kitchen to enjoy the rest of the night together. Levi saw them going outside, but did not go along with them, still, he was very attentive with every single move they made.

For a while there were bad jokes and terrible reminiscent of the astronomy classes that only Armin could be the one actually paying attention to —according to Connie, of course—. Until the same blonde walked by the door and moved near them with his own typical smile, neat and gentle, even if it seemed a bit down.

“Took you long enough, Arlert” Jean commented, throwing him a jar of wine they managed to get.

“Sorry, friends.” He drank a long gulp from the wine before sharing a look with all of them, stopping only as his eyes landed on (y/n), his cheeks warming up at the instant and the ache on his chest worsening with the news he had to share. “I hope you are not talking about the Orion constellation without me.”

“Oh, mate… you really had to go there?” Connie commented, making them all giggled again.

It was peaceful for a moment.

The five laying on a blanket, seeing over the stars and drinking wine, everyone back at the estate knew the took with them. They felt mischievous, somewhat stealing moments of unaltered fun and worry about marriage prospects, titles or polite smiles. They were young and selfish, if only for tonight.

However, time was not kind nor stopped when nostalgia settles into one’s bones so deep it’s hard to walk again. Jean’s mother called out for him, and then Sasha smelled the just baked cookies and ran away to take some along with Connie, and then, there were just two.

Armin came outside to be honest with her, but as their shoulders brushed and he recounted the names of every star and constellation in the sky for her, just to see her eyes shine and the smile that weakened his knees appear back on her gorgeous lips; he admitted to be just a simple man that could not contain the emotions running through his veins. He was in love, completely captured, and nobody was in sight to judge him.

“You are the only one who could memorize the entire sky and muster every story with the voice of the most eloquent storyteller, Min.” They were sitting now, hearing the sounds of the crickets in the night and the fresh breeze that made her wrap tighter on the blanket.

“I can only narrate everything so good for you, (y/n).” Honesty, something he seemed to be lacking as he stretched the moment for his own enjoyment. He felt broken, but also hopeful.

“Armin…” She felt warm inside, and as he moved his fingers to brush a hair back on her ear, all her wishes seemed to be complete for one. “It has been so long since we have been together, alone.”

“I remember very well why.” He mustered, sighing as he leaned closer, memory of their goodbye before he had to part to go to service, the long kiss he dared to stole with unsaid promises of a return that could be finally their end together. “Do you still hate me for stealing your first kiss before marry?”

She slapped his arm with no strength behind, wanting to repeat the moment even if she dared not to voice it out loud. He was there, so close, and yet so far. Illusions roamed her brain, perhaps the prince was seeing her, searching for her, but even after all his threat and the little moment they had, there was an undeniable truth: her heart was taken from so long she did not remember a moment when she was not in love with Armin.

Maybe when they met, barely two years apart, he was 4 and she was 2, too young to understand what destiny could bring into their lives, what a title meant and the purpose of life they were supposed to carry along with the last name attached to their blood.

Maybe, when she was 8 and he was 10, and he cut his hair in the most precious way she had every seen and decided too early on that someday, not so far away, they were going to get married. Their parents giggle, hoping in their hearts that life was kind enough to make it happen. But they were just kids, and those words did not hold enough weight during the times to come.

But she knew exactly at her 16 that love commanded every action whenever he was near. She knew from that day onward, when he was 18 and ready to part to the military that he was madly in love. She remembered exactly the moment before his leaving, how they hid behind the long trees, how her eyes were filled with tears and how he was too quiet, but his body spoke. Wrapping his arms around her, tilting her head up enough for their lips to meet and touch.

“You know I don’t.” Her hand came over his arm, now bulky and strong. It was hard not to touch, not to dive into each other when they come so near to each other like this. It was not proper when eyes where on them, but with no lingering people around, it felt freeing to do it. “Not if the conditions are met.”

Armin was not strong or man enough to say it now.

Not when she looked up to him like he put the stars on the sky only for her enjoyment. Not when she undressed her vulnerability and leaned on him for his hold. Not when his arms wrapped on her waist.

Not when he was so hungry for her love, for her.

“Armin?”

Silence, yet his hold tightened as he acknowledges her words. And he knew what her eyes were asking, what her soul was craving. And he could not deny any other request of her heart, not when he knew time was not in their side. Carefully, his hand extended to tilt her chin up, just like their first kiss, but this time with a shaking fear inside his heart. He leaned quickly, intoxicated on her scent and the wine mixing. He tasted the wine out of her mouth, the strawberry tart they had before, and she melted below. For one, it felt like the end, and for another, the confirmation of her hopes.

Three floors up, the prince was becoming agitated.

Erwin went back with him into his room, offered his goodnights and left.

Levi undressed and went over the bed, yet his mind was back at that garden he saw them leaving. His own senses torturing him, heartbeats, scents and heat making him pace around the room. His fangs came out, and for once he did not have to hide them. At last, he came out to walk the hallways, trying to find the nearest window to finally see what was actually happening. When he found it, all that was left to see were (y/n) and Armin breaking away, panting. She was smiling like a fool, giggling and searching comfort in his neck while he closed his eyes, hugging her like he was saying goodbye.

He growled, eyes red before some guard passed near. Levi looked at the floor, sweating as he tried to get back on his senses, yet it seemed impossible. His gums hurt, and he just had witnessed something he knew could ruin her, trap her into him, and still that was not what was making his heart ache and his stomach twirl with nausea.

“Your highness, do you feel well?” The gentlemen moved closer, and he simply stretched up his hand to make him stop.

“I’m well.”

He returned to his room without looking up, feeling his body heavy and meeting a new kind of emotion he could not muster out loud without sounding ridiculous. Her heartbeat still loomed on his brain, the emotion, the way she relaxed on Arlert’s presence, how her eyes always looked up for him, the Earl sitting them close at any chance.

Was he losing a battle he did not know he was fighting?

Why do I care?