#in-laws

[kitramune]

He's so fucking talented, what the hell?? Sign that boy up to be a waitress

[jomiddlemarch]

Selfishness must always be forgiven, part II

Seven months after the wedding, a fortnight after they had arrived at Aubrey Hall, three hours after Benedict had left Sophie resting in their chamber with a freshly made pot of ginger tea and some plain rusks, he answered the summons from his sister the Viscountess and entered her private sitting room, smiling at his brother’s wife.

“Lady Bridgerton—”

“Kate,” she said.

“Kate, you are looking very well today,” Benedict said, crossing the elaborately patterned carpet that was one of the items Kate and Anthony had brought back with them from their extended trip to India.

“As are you. It is good of you to come and stay with us,” Kate said, her tone all warmth and ease.

Benedict leaned over and gave her the brief kiss of greeting the Bridgertons used among the family, grazing her cheek with his lips and stepping back. Kate smiled and then, in an instant, raised her hand and slapped him in the face.

He had experienced pugilists at Mr. Mondrich’s club with less power and still, he sensed Kate had employed some restraint.

“Kate!”

“You deserve that and much more besides, Benedict. I would hope you know without me explaining why, but I have not found the Bridgerton men to be overburdened with good sense, though perhaps Gregory will exceed my expectations,” she said coolly.

For a moment, Benedict wondered whether his brother’s wife, the mother of the next viscount, had gone mad. Kate looked at him, her dark eyes appraising, her full lips tight; his cheek stung and there was sure to be a mark, Sophie would worry when he saw her and perhaps she would not want to pursue the growing friendship she and Kate shared.

His reserved Sophie opening up to Kate’s amiable curiosity, her charm and inquisitiveness. Sophie, the former lady’s maid, housemaid, beginning to trust Kate, who had been born Kathani, the daughter of a secretary. Sophie, newly enceinte, allowing herself to confide in her new relative, the one most similar to her among of all the Bridgerton sisters and spouses.

“Sophie,” he said.

“Not the greatest fool, then. Eloise would be pleased, if I should tell her,” Kate said.

“If you should tell her?” Benedict said.

“I would not speak with your sister about the way you have treated your wife. She and I are sisters, she and Sophie are sisters, but Eloise would not want to learn any details of your carnal intimacy. I must say carnal and not conjugal, for I am referring to what Sophie divulged to me of your earliest acquaintance,” Kate said.

“You don’t mean the ball, the lady in silver,” Benedict said. Hoping he might be considered only a dimwit who could not recognize a woman in a domino.

“No, I don’t. You know what I mean,” Kate said.

She referred to Sophie’s deflowering, an expression Benedict hated, for its connotation of degradation and for its utter incongruity with how Sophie had responded to his every touch, how much more beautiful she had been finding delight in his embrace, how like a rose in full bloom her bare skin had been as he caressed her.

“I have not discussed this with Anthony,” Kate said.

Benedict thought that at least he was spared his brother and his wife talking about what a cad he was, how Anthony had written to Sophie to ensure the security of any child borne of their unsanctified union, Anthony unaware of whatever details Sophie had shared with Kate of the agony she had experienced, uncertain whether she was with child, her future balanced on the edge of an abyss.

“Thank you,” he said.

“You deserve worse than a smack. She suffered at your hands, when you had promised you cared for her. That you would take the utmost care of her,” Kate said.

“I know,” he replied.

“You don’t. You don’t know the fear, the isolation. If any woman in your family was treated thus, you would have called the man out. Indeed, Anthony was ready to do so on Daphne’s behalf, save that Simon begged his pardon and his blessing to marry your sister,” Kate said, narrowing her eyes. “You knew Sophie had no one to speak for her. And still, you risked her life for your pleasure—”

“I didn’t plan to,” Benedict interrupted.

Kate took a step towards him, making the space between them almost uncomfortably close, holding his gaze with her own.

“Do you think that is any excuse? She was a naif, an innocent. You knew everything, you made no secret of the circles you frequented; you had to have been aware of the variability available to you. You could have ensured your mutual enjoyment and preserved her virtue. Prevented any risk of conception,” she said.

“I was swept away,” he said. It was a half-truth. He had been beguiled by Sophie but he had never lost himself so thoroughly that he might have been kept from recalling the consequences of his actions. And even if he had been the first time, he had no excuse for the whole night, the second and third and fourth times they had achieved bliss in each other’s arms.

“You were selfish. Monstrously so. Which is why I hit you,” Kate said.

“Did Sophie tell you she was still angry with me?” Benedict asked.

“No. She will be aghast if you reveal this conversation and our interaction,” she said, glancing at his cheek and then down at her hand. It was ringless and she must have planned that, as she usually wore jewels on both hands, Anthony a generous and adoring husband. “You might tell her Anthony bested you in a sparring match.”

“She may not believe that,” Benedict said.

“Make her,” Kate said. “It is the very least you can do and she should not be troubled now, when she has the greatest expectations.”

“I will. I only want her happiness, her tranquility, her well-being. For her sake, not only the child’s,” he said.

“Tranquility is hard come by at Aubrey Hall, but an admirable goal. You may not hurt my sister so again, lest you discover that what happened today was a reflection of my innate gentleness,” Kate said.

“I understand,” Benedict said.

“Good,” Kate said. “Make sure she drinks the ginger tea. If she still feels ill, I have some tisanes from India that may help, I may brew them myself.”

“You are very kind,” he said.

“Perhaps,” she answered, a gleam in her eyes, her lips curved as she surveyed his face.

A thought occurred to Benedict that made him gasp as Kate’s blow had not.

“You will not tell Eloise, will you? You said would not, not will,” he said.

“Sophie is so fond of Eloise. It is for her sake and Eloise’s that I will not speak. Not yours, Benedict. If you understand that, we may be friends again,” Kate said.

“Do you wish to shake on it?” Benedict said.

“We are Bridgertons. Family. We don’t shake hands,” she said, leaning over and kissing him lightly on his tender cheek. 

[astrolovecosmos]

The 9th House and In-laws

The 9th House is associated with your in-laws. This house can describe your in-laws' personalities, some of the family dynamic, and your overall relationship with them. *Due to the 10th House's association with authority and parents' influence some may look at this House to reference in-laws as well.

Aries: Marrying into a highly competitive family, maybe a sports family, or maybe a military family. Passion, leadership, confidence, and self-focus may somehow be themes in the dynamics or personalities of in-laws. Aries is associated with separation and independence; this could indicate a more distant relationship to in-laws or even in a more literal sense with the in-laws being separated. Anger and arguments may be commonly caused by in-laws. In-laws could also be highly enthusiastic and encourage fun, assertion, risk, and being enterprising in your marriage or as a family unit.

Taurus: Marrying into a predictable, routine, unmoving or deeply rooted, maybe controlling family. In-laws may be dependable, huge foodies or materialistic, potentially may spoil their family, could be an artistic family, or a down-to-earth one. With Taurus's association with security this may mean they give their daughter/son in-law plenty of reassurance and stability OR they could see the new daughter/son as a threat as well. May be slow to form a relationship with. The in-laws will strive for peace and contentment in their family.

Gemini: Marrying into a family that highly values intellect and has high energy. Some in-laws could be flexible and others unstable. A highly communicative and social family. In-laws may be open-minded, easygoing, but potentially opinionated, may love debate or wild discussions, could seem detached as well. May judge their daughter/son in-law by their field of study, social standing, and how they hold themselves in conversations. Could have a lot to share and teach with their family. Some in-laws may be highly supportive and others two-faced, gossipers, and tricky.

Cancer: Marrying into a family that may have a great focus on family loyalty and tradition. In-laws could be very protective over their children and may not always be welcoming to spouses. Some could also be on the other end of the spectrum - highly understanding and kind to a son/daughter in-law. An in-law could be highly intuitive and frequently shares their wisdom. This family can have attachment issues. In-laws could be manipulative and possessive. This can also be a family one may easily be able to get close to, in-laws who embrace a spouse as one of their own. May be the type to show favoritism towards a daughter/son in-law.

Leo: Marrying into a proud family that focuses on honor, duty, and success. Can be warm, affectionate, and very generous in-laws. These in-laws may go out of their way to impress a spouse. But they can also be overbearing and arrogant behind their shinning gold. One in-law could stand out by playing the role of queen/king of the family. Can also be a lively, playful, and entertaining family. The married couple may feel as if they have to put on a performance when around the in-laws. Some may want to rebel. Some may fit in with the passionate and driven parent(s).

Virgo: Marrying into a hard-working, practical, intellectual, and potentially critical family. These in-laws may have high standards for their son/daughter in-law. May be very helpful and supportive in-laws who take on extra tasks, chores, and responsibilities for the couple. Could be rigid, potentially often complainers, and judgmental. These in-laws may try to contribute to the married couple's finances or health often in some way. May not be the best at sharing emotions and reassurance. In-laws appreciate a cooperative daughter/son in-law and may have a family dynamic that is all about striking a balance between teamwork, everyone contributing, and self-reliance.

Libra: Marrying into a family that has a very harmonious dynamic OR may seem like they do at first. There is pressure in the family one is marrying into to keep the peace. Maybe this family brushes issues under the rug, doesn't get too deep or passionate in their dynamics, or constantly pushes the importance of tact, manners, and grace. They could be kind, easygoing, and supportive in-laws but also potentially vain, shallow, and easily jealous. The individual with this placement may try hard to please their in-laws or the family they are marrying into. It is important for them to set healthy and realistic boundaries, and some may need to learn to stand up to their in-laws with their spouse. This can also indicate in-laws who have good judgment, admire their child's relationship, and help the couple with networking or even originally introduced the married couple to each other!

Scorpio: Marrying into an intense and passionate family. Potentially a highly competitive and combative family. This family may have many secrets, or many things might not be shared and discovered until long after the wedding and being part of the other family. Family loyalty may be important along with power and control dynamics. These in-laws could be overprotective, manipulative, and vindictive. But they could also be compassionate, motivating, intuitive, and filled with useful insight. Their protective nature could encompass their daughter/son in-law. But these in-laws may likely struggle with letting go of control and involvement. This placement can also indicate a deep, empowering, or transformative relationship with one's in-laws.

Sagittarius: Marrying into a gregarious, fun-loving, zealous, and active family. In-laws may give their adult child and their spouse a lot of space and freedom. Could also be unreliable, selfish, irresponsible, and dishonest in-laws. An in-law could also be boastful and dogmatic. They may not accept a son/daughter in-law unless they agree with their opinions or beliefs fully. In-laws could also be the type who refuse to acknowledge the marriage or relationship status, treating the son/daughter in-law always like a "stranger". Because Sagittarius is associated with luck, maybe a spouse has hit the jackpot and their in-laws could be very giving, open-minded, and friendly. In-laws may live far away or be part of a very different culture than the daughter/son in-law. Whether there is a good or bad relationship, the family dynamic is likely flexible, fast paced in some way, or maybe even exciting or wild.

Capricorn: Marrying into a strict, traditional, ambitious, practical, or potentially a well-known family. Reputation and work ethic may be important to the in-laws. These in-laws can also be reliable, patient, chill, and they watch out for their children, including the son/daughter in-law. These in-laws could be highly judgmental, negative, and rigid. Some may want to rebel against their in-laws or question their authority and judgment. Trust issues can be a big deal in the dynamic somehow. The in-laws could be workaholics or highly materialistic or even greedy and unexpectedly manipulative. Capricorn is associated with integrity, these in-laws may approach their married children with full trust and respect, at least at first. These in-laws could also help their son/daughter in-law with getting a job or career.

Aquarius: Marrying into an unconventional family or family dynamic. There are many ways the in-laws could be unique depending on your society. Maybe there are untraditional roles, large age differences, they could have a free-spirited lifestyle, are politicians, the list could go on. These in-laws could be separated, divorced, or not married at all. The in-laws could also be highly detached or estranged from the couple. These in-laws can also be conversationalist, highly value intellect, love a good debate, embrace quirks, and be open-minded or very friendly. There can also be a hypocritical, opinionated, or controlling nature. These in-laws could also be highly unpredictable and unreliable. In healthy and idealistic dynamics they can make a daughter/son in-law feel accepted, be a great teacher, and inspire the couple or individual.

Pisces: Marrying into a sensitive, emotional, maybe artistic, or maybe a touchy-feely family. This family and/or the in-laws may be easy to get along with at first, making a daughter/son in-law feel at home or at ease. But these in-laws can also be manipulative, elusive, and volatile. There can be an unstable and always changing feel to the family dynamics. An in-law or both parents may be highly intuitive and receptive to the married couple's relationship. A son/daughter in-law may conform to their in-laws beliefs and wishes or be highly sensitive to their wants OR the in-laws themselves may be quick to try to please or pacify a son/daughter in-law. Boundaries can easily be crossed in the dynamic. There can be a great opportunity for closeness, but this can come with plenty of pros and cons. Spiritual or religious beliefs may be a hot topic somehow. With Pisces strong association to healing, an in-law could become the mom this individual always wanted, or the daughter/son in-law could be the daughter/son the in-law always wanted. Or the individual may act as the family's therapist.

[envysparkler]

Having a mercenary for a brother-in-law sure comes in handy sometimes.

Slade with all the batkids. First up is Jason as Robin, who gets in over his head and ends up captured. Deathstroke walks in and buys him off the people holding him, before driving him to an undisclosed location with a phone call to someone about meeting him there to offload the goods.

Jason is absolutely terrified, but it turns out that that someone is Dick and Jason gets delivered safe and sound. Dick and Deathstroke aren't dating but they sure are something and Jason vows to keep an eye on what's going on.

Next up, Slade rescues Spoiler from Black Mask. He's back a year later, this time to rescue Hood from Black Mask and the Joker. This ends with significantly more violence and murder, possibly leading to a freezing of his relationship with Dick.

Slade and Dick are definitely on the outs during Bruce's lost-in-time arc, leaving Slade working a contract for Ra's al Ghul in time to spot Red Robin. Dragging his wayward brother back to Gotham in one piece is enough to win Dick back over.

Slade also ends up facing a drugged, near-feral Cass in a cage fight and gets her free, and ends up throwing a contract with an apologetic "he's practically my stepkid" when Damian is in the line of fire. He's engaged to Dick now.

Maybe a final bit with Slade rescuing Bruce (in his civilian persona) with Bruce being very disgruntled with his rescuer, but the ending to wrap everything up would be Slade getting captured. He's drugged/collared/whatever and musing how long it will take him to figure a way out, and to his immense disbelief, the entire Batfamily shows up to rescue him.

In-laws go both ways, after all.

[fafodill]

This scenario just came to my mind and I think it could be either really cute or really awkward.

What if Snape's partner was a muggleborn and, after being together for a while, his partner's parents wanted to meet him? Maybe they invite him over for dinner in their muggle house or something like that.

Muggle or not I really think he'd want to make a good impression. He'd act with his s/o as if he's unbothered but he would actually be quite stressed out about it beforehand.

He wouldn't need to change too many things about him since their parents are aware of their child magical status, but he may opt for some more muggle-y clothing for that first meeting (I've seen people put him in a suit and it feels wrong to me so I always just shove him into a black turtleneck and fitted black pants with little fine grey stripes).

The dinner would be a bit awkward at first. Not saying he'd stutter or anything but Severus is always a bit intense and I just picture him being stressed inside and serious-looking on the outside. It's not like using Occlumency would help him a lot here (because it would make him look too cold) so he'd just have to accept to be a bit awkward, as it can be when meeting your partner's parents.

But I think he'd b quite straightforward too about his intentions regarding his s/o. The in-laws wouldn't go to bed that night thinking this man isn't serious about their child. Because he is. Very much. Even if he's a tad strange.

[cynefincharis]

[wangxianficrecs]

utility by magicites

utility

by magicites

G, 2k, Nie Mingjue & Jiang Yanli

Summary: Jiang Yanli and Nie Mingjue's wedding is a political one — a gesture of unity between their Sects. A way for her parents to finally get some use out of the plain-faced sham of a cultivator they call a daughter. “Jiang-guniang,” Nie Mingjue says, and the formality in such a setting as intimate as their wedding chambers startles her, “I don’t wish to bed you. Or any other woman, for that matter. It isn’t fair for you to live alone because of my own preferences.” She rests her hand on his arm, cool relief flooding her body like water on a summer afternoon. “If it helps, I don’t feel desire for men,” she whispers. Kay's comments: The lavender marriage between Nie Mingjue and Jiang Yanli I never knew I needed but thorougly enjoyed. Really enjoyed Jiang Yanli's POV and how she's making a home for herself in Qinghe. Excerpt: A wolf slips under the fortress walls. Jiang Yanli sidesteps the frantic servants as she examines the hole it left at the gate. She tracks its muddy pawprints through the Unclean Realm. Somewhere between the fortress’s entrance and its heart, Nie Huaisang appears at her side. Nie Mingjue, her husband of three weeks, finds her at the staircase. His saber is drawn and his face is wary. “Stay back,” he warns. “Starving animals get vicious when they’re desperate.” Jiang Yanli shakes her head with a smile. She thinks of A-Xian, six-years-old and flat against the ground at the mere mention of wild dogs. “I can’t fault them for that.” Her husband and her newest younger brother watch in silent awe as she coaxes it outside with nothing more than her gentle voice and a strip of smoked pork belly. “How were you not scared, saosao?” Nie Huaisang asks, once the wolf’s fluffy tail disappears under the gates. “It was so big!” Jiang Yanli smiles at him. “I’m bigger.”

pov jiang yanli, canon divergence, arranged marriage, jin guangyao/nie mingjue, nieyao, jiang yanli/wen qing, yanqing, platonic relationships, lavender marriage, in-laws, getting to know each other

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for this hard-working author if you like – or think others might like – this story.)