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spine-buster · 4 years ago

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Patience is a Virtue ft. Matthew Tkachuk | 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒾𝓉𝓎

CONTENT WARNING: this story deals with cults, polygamous cults, escaping cults, strict adherence to religion, gender roles, abuse, miscarriage, and a character with a traumatic past. Please be warned.

Word Count: 20,294

A/N: This is the longest chapter of the series thus far. A lot happens. A LOT. So take a moment to take it all in lol. We also learn a lot of Geneviève in this chapter, which kind of alludes to the Jacob & Geneviève series that is going to follow ‘Patience is a Virtue’ once it is finished. As always, enjoy, and let me know what you think!

* * * * *

Effie had no idea what she was doing. No idea.

It all started on Christmas Eve, when she was baking in her apartment. She’d promised Levi and Jenna she’d make dessert – naturally – and was going to make a banoffee pie for everyone, complete with some homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings. While shopping for all the ingredients to make the one banoffee pie, she thought of Matthew. Matthew and the Tkachuks spending Christmas together in his condo.

So she bought two of every ingredient.

‘This is stupid’ she thought to herself as she stared at all the ingredients on her counter. ‘Why did you buy double? The pie will barely last until Boxing Day, and God knows when the next time you’ll see Matthew is.’

She made two pies anyway.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were lovely. Levi, Jenna, and Effie opened presents that morning. They got her some new clothes she’d been eyeing at the mall during her last shopping trip, and a really fashionable scarf. Effie loved it. She’d even gotten a gift from Annica and Elias, who gave her a massive box full of makeup that they’d eyed together in Sephora. Jacob and Geneviève gifted her a designer bag – well, she had to be told it was designer. It was a Chanel 2:55 bag, black leather with gold hardware. Jenna had to explain to her how nice this bag was, and how it was French – it was only natural that Geneviève got her a French designer handbag, being French herself – and how it was a big deal to own this bag. Effie thought it was fashionable, but she didn’t understand how or why it was a “big deal”. Regardless, she made sure to text the girls thank yous. Jenna’s brother Sean, his partner Ivan, and their kids Amy and Dean were an amazing addition to the day. They had a huge meal and lots of wine and her banoffee pie was a hit. When Levi noticed Effie’s fatigue at around 6:30, he drove her back to her apartment.

But she wasn’t at her apartment anymore. Instead, she found herself walking to Matthew’s apartment with a banoffee pie in her hands.

It couldn’t go to waste, right?

She wondered if his family had gone back to their hotel, or if they were staying at his place, or if they had even finished dinner – God, what if they hadn’t even finished dinner?! – or if they even ate sweet stuff, because with his dad as a former hockey player, were they even allowed it growing up? Her mind was running a mile a minute. Despite how fast it was going, she made the wise decision to slip through the open door as someone was leaving, meaning she didn’t have to ring the buzzer to be let in. She nodded courteously to the concierge before walked towards the elevators.

Before she knew it, she was knocking at his door.

She didn’t have to wait too long before it opened. When it did, she was greeted with another girl, around her age, with brown hair and striking eyes. They matched Matthew’s, so Effie could only guess that this was Taryn. “Hello?” Taryn asked.

“Hi, I – you don’t know me, but I’m a friend of Matthew’s,” she said, voice small but trying to make it as assertive as possible.

“Come in,” Taryn moved to make way in the doorway, and Effie stepped in, boots and all. There were much more shoes at the front than she was used to. “You’re one of Matthew’s friends? What did you say your name was?”

“Effie Schaffer.”

Taryn’s eyes lit up. “You’re Effie? You’re even prettier than what Matthew told us,” she said, smiling.

“Taryn! Who is it?” Effie could hear Matthew scream from somewhere inside the condo.

“It’s Effie!” she called back.

Effie heard the sound of something being dropped loudly, then footsteps rushing through the condo. Taryn was giggling. Soon enough, she saw Matthew round the corner, almost slipping on his socks. “Effie,” he said, slightly breathless.

“Hi,” she said meekly. “I didn’t—I didn’t mean to bother you—”

“—you’re not bothering us at all—” both Matthew and Taryn said at the same time.

“—I just –I—I baked a banoffee pie,” she said, holding the pie up like it was the prize pig at a rodeo.

“A banoffee pie?!” Taryn repeated excitedly. “Oh, yes!”

“Who is it?” another female voice was heard, and when Effie looked past Matthew, she saw a woman, who she could only assume was his mom, pop her head around the corner. “Hello!”

“Did I hear the word pie?!” Keith called out loudly from somewhere in the condo.

“Oh my God this is a disaster,” Matthew mumbled underneath his breath.

“Come in, darling!” Chantal said as she approached Effie, Matthew, and Taryn.

“Mom, this is Effie,” Taryn said.

Chantel’s eyes went wide even though she tried not to let it show. “Effie! Effie Effie!” she exclaimed. “It’s so very nice to finally meet you!”

“You as well,” she smiled slightly. She hadn’t moved from her spot. “I didn’t mean to intrude on Christmas—”

“Pie?!” Keith’s head popped out from the corner. Once he saw the pie in Effie’s hands and all was confirmed, he smiled. “Get in here with that pie!”

Taryn and Chantal laughed, but Effie and Matthew let out little nervous giggles. He was obviously happy to see her – ecstatic, really – but he wished he has…prepared for her arrival. He knew his family could be a lot; he could have talked to them and warned them to be on their best behaviour. “Here, let me hold the pie so you can take off your shoes,” he offered.

“I’ll get your jacket,” Taryn smiled.

After taking off her outerwear, Effie walked into the familiar condo holding pie. As she rounded the corner, she saw Keith standing beside the kitchen sink drying plates and glasses. An extremely tall body, who she could only imagine was Brady, was washing the dishes. “Guys,” Matthew said loudly so the men could hear over the running water. Both looked behind them, and Brady shut off the tap. “This is Effie,” he introduced her, his hand on her upper back. “Effie, this is my little brother Brady and my dad Keith.”

Effie noticed Brady’s eyebrows raise a little, but Keith smiled at her and looked directly down at the pie in her hands. “What kind of pie is that, Effie?”

“Oh! Um, it’s a homemade banoffee pie,” she said.

“Homemade?”

“Mhm,” she nodded quickly. She placed it down on the island and began taking apart the Tupperware keeping it safe. “I uh – I don’t know if Matthew has—” she stuttered, looking up at him. Surely he didn’t tell his family about her job. “I work at a café, and I make all the baked treats and breads and desserts and stuff, and I baked a pie for Christmas for my brother, and I decided to make an extra one, and, well, here we are,” she said, taking off the top to reveal the pie to everyone. “It’s a homemade graham cracker pie crust, then homemade toffee, then bananas, then some homemade whipped cream and 70% dark chocolate shavings.”

Keith turned his head slowly towards Brady. “Get the plates,” he deadpanned.

Brady acted quick. Chantal began to scream about tea and coffee being served with the pie so she began to make some quickly. Taryn set the table. Keith got the forks. They worked like a well-oiled machine so they could eat and enjoy this pie. Effie, for her part, felt cemented against the island, Matthew right beside her. “You okay?” he whispered so his family wouldn’t hear.

She nodded her head. “I’m sorry for intruding—”

“Don’t apologize,” he shook his head. “You somehow managed to know that the way to a Tkachuk’s heart is through their stomach.”

As the Tkachuks and Effie sat down at Matthew’s dining table, Keith handed Effie the cake knife (“Brought from St. Louis, because it’s not like Matthew has this shit”). She cut the pie into six equal pieces and scooped them up into everyone’s plates. Once everyone had a piece, she sat in her seat beside Matthew.

Brady took the first bite. Effie watched cautiously, but soon, she saw his eyes roll to the back of his head. “Are you kidding me?!” he said with a mouth full of pie.

Keith soon followed with a grunt. “Do you ship to St. Louis?”

“This is phenomenal, Effie,” Chantal nodded, eating her second bite.

Effie smiled bashfully. Underneath the table, she could feel Matthew grab her hand.

***

Everybody ate their slices of pie for as long as possible, savouring each bite they put into their mouths. They asked Effie some questions – how she’d spent Christmas, where she lived in Calgary, how she happened to meet Matthew – and seemed interested in her answers. She could tell right off the bat that there was a sort of banter between the family members that was unique to them. She certainly had never experienced anything quite like it, with the cult’s rigid rules and all-around lack of love, but it was so, so clear that the Tkachuks loved each other to bits, and that they did it because they loved each other, and that it was all in good fun. She thought Matthew was so lucky to grow up with a family like this.

As they cleared the plates, Brady assumed rinsing duty as Keith loaded the plates and mugs into the dishwasher. Effie found herself next to Taryn. “If Matthew gains ten pounds by the next time he comes home, I’ll know why,” she chuckled.

Effie laughed too, knowing that Matthew purposely paced himself with her baked treats or only forced himself to have one (after his taste test, obviously) or else he’d fail the physical next season. “I should get going and leave you guys be,” she said.

“Oh no no no, you can’t leave now,” Taryn said. “We’re about to play Monopoly and need a neutral person around to be the banker and so Matthew doesn’t try to kill Brady.”

At that, the family chuckled. “Yeah, you definitely need to stick around, Effie,” Brady chipped in. “That way mom doesn’t feel sorry for Matthew and sneak him fifties like last Christmas.”

Effie smiled slightly. She liked that they wanted her to become an active participant, but she had no clue what Taryn or Brady meant. “What’s Monopoly?”

Everybody’s head whipped around to look at her. It was quiet for a moment before Matthew spoke up. “It’s a board game, Effie,” he said casually, like a lot of people didn’t know what Monopoly was. “You buy property and build houses and hotels and collect rent and stuff.”

“And stuff? God, Matthew—” Brady began.

“Oh shut up, Brady—”

Effie got slightly nervous as Matthew and Brady went back and forth about Monopoly. She wished Matthew would look at her to calm her down, but he wasn’t because he was rolling his eyes at his brother. “I—um, can I ask a question?” she asked Taryn.

“Of course.”

“When you say banker, do I have to do, like, interest payments and compound—”

“Nononono,” Taryn shook her head automatically. “It’s basic math. Addition and subtraction.”

Effie calmed down considerably, but she was still nervous. Just as she was about to open her mouth and ask another question, Chantal piped up instead. “Would you like a pen and a piece of paper, Effie?” she asked gently.

Effie nodded. “I—I—yes please, it’ll…it’ll help me.”

“Matthew,” Chantal said sternly, grabbing his attention, just as he was probably about to put Brady in a headlock. “Go get Effie a pen and a piece of paper.”

“Why would she need that to be—” Keith began.

“It helps Effie to write it down, like me,” Taryn said sternly, not letting her dad finish the question. “Go get it from your printer,” she directed her brother.

The last thing Taryn did before leading Effie back to the dining table was smile at her.

***

There was a lot of screaming.

Monopoly was intense, to say the least. The Tkachuks got really into it. It took a while for her to get used to, but once she was in the swing of it, everything just sort of clicked. This was a family tradition, apparently, and Matthew was looking for retribution from last year after he had to mortgage off all his properties to Brady. Taryn was determined not to come in last place again. Chantal was constantly telling the kids to apologize to one another for calling each other names or taunting or swearing. Keith was doing the same. More screaming. More taunting. More “Pay up, buddy!” and “Gimme the cash, dweeb!” and “Don’t buy it don’t buy it don’t buy it!!!” and “Sell me the property, asshole!” and money coming in and out of the bank or in and out of the ‘Free Parking’ space. Effie was enthralled by it all.

What she was enthralled about the most was how much they loved each other. Yes, they called each other names. Yes, they raised their voices. Yes, there was a certain kind of dynamic that only they had that may have seemed weird to outsiders or to people who were not used to it. But above everything, there was love. Love was so apparent. It was apparent when Keith asked Chantal if she wanted more tea and refilled her mug. It was apparent when the boys couldn’t do basic math and Effie would have to correct them with their calculations and everybody would be laughing and teasing them. It was apparent when Brady and Taryn teamed up at one point against Matthew, only for Taryn to betray Brady and team up with Matthew later.

It was apparent when they included her in absolutely everything without hesitation.

At just past midnight, Keith was declared the winner. Matthew came in close second, and kept going on and on about how if he hadn’t landed on one of Keith’s hotels three times he would have won. Taryn came third, but declared herself the winner since she had Park Place and Boardwalk. Brady came fourth – a measly showing. Chantal didn’t mind coming fifth.

Effie had gone to the washroom while the family packed everything up, and when she emerged, Matthew was waiting for her right outside the door. It startled her a little, but she smiled. “Everything okay?”

“You look exhausted,” he said, knowing that, despite having fun, the whole night was probably mentally and emotionally taxing on her, just like their first date had been. He could only imagine what had been going on in her head during the length of the Monopoly game. “D’you want to stay over?”

Almost immediately, Effie shook her head. “I couldn’t—”

“We’re not doing much tomorrow, just having a lazy morning in before maybe doing some shopping—”

“—Matthew, it’s okay, I’ll go home—"

“—But I don’t want you walking home this late at night—”

“—So I’ll call a—”

“Effie?” Chantal’s sweet voice rang through the apartment. She and Matthew turned their heads to see her standing at the end of the hallway. “You’re staying over, right? Do you prefer one or two pillows dear? I’ll steal them from Brady,” she didn’t even wait for the answer before walking away.

Effie could feel the hairs on her neck stand. She knew she’d have to do it in a week, but this would be the first time she’d spend the night with people other than her family or Matthew. She thought she would have a week to mentally prepare for something like this, but even at the chalet in Banff, she and Matthew would be sharing a room – she wasn’t intruding on a space where people were already set to sleep. Matthew saw almost immediately that her body stiffened and she because anxious, and he responded immediately. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

She gulped. “It’s only ever been you and—well, in People’s Dominion, it was when I was sent to live with Abraham as his wife—”

“Okay, stay here,” he cut her off. “I’ll go talk to them. Just stay here,” he repeated, dipping down to kiss her quickly before rushing down the hall and towards his family where they were no doubt getting ready for bed.

She felt so embarrassed. She knew they were lovely people – she could see that, and she experienced it for the last few hours – but her nerves got the best of her. Houses full of people were a different beast. She didn’t really have fond memories of being surrounded by people she barely knew, especially since they would usually judge her on how good of a wife she was, how polite her manners were, how well she listened to her husband, how well she cooked and cleaned, how often she prayed, how often she got pregnant, how she couldn’t maintain her pregnancies—

“Oh thank God,” she suddenly heard Taryn’s voice. “At least now I won’t freeze to death from you hogging the covers.”

“I do not hog the covers,” Matthew chastised his sister.

“The quicker you admit it the quicker we can move on,” Taryn shot back. “Your couch is so much more comfortable anyways. Brady and I will each take a part of the sectional. We’ll be good.”

Effie’s hands were clammy. Was Taryn just saying that to be nice? Or did she really not mind? From the sounds of it, she was supposed to be sharing with Matthew tonight, but now those plans were uprooted. Effie decided she was no use standing in front of the bathroom door in the hallway, and that his family were already probably starting to resent her and wonder why they were being so nice and asked her to stay over in the first place. She walked to the end of the hallway and saw most of his family standing around – Brady had two pillows in his arms, and Chantal had a set of sheets. Keith was already in his pajamas.

“I’m sorry,” she told everyone, standing at the foot of the hallway with her hands bunched together. “If this messes everything up, I can just go—”

“Nonsense,” Keith said sternly, shaking his head. “We have the space. Taryn will appreciate not sharing a bed with her brother. You might be the only person here who wants to.”

“Wow, thanks dad,” Matthew smirked.

“You have a big enough ego,” he quipped before looking back at Effie. “It’s fine, Effie. If you’re most comfortable there, then we’re all comfortable with it too.”

“Thank you,” she said softly, still nervous and anxious that they were all just saying that just to say it. “I—I really do appreciate it.”

She could feel Matthew put his hand on the small of her back reassuringly before he saluted his family. “Good night folks. Sleep tight.”

“Effie, you’re allowed to kick him if he hogs the blankets,” Brady said as he laid the pillows down on the sofa.

“Good night, Braeden,” Matthew said sternly as he and Effie turned around to walk to his room.

***

Effie woke up the next morning beside Matthew, and early – really early. He was still soundly asleep when she looked over at him. Her anxiousness about the entire situation last night meant that they’d basically stayed on opposite ends of his bed the entire night. Matthew had tried to calm her down and talk to her, but it was of little use. It was only sometime during the night that they ended up touching, with Matthew’s arm extended across the bed and on her midriff – literally just so he could touch her. When Effie woke up and saw his face buried into his pillow facing her and his arm dead weight on her body, she couldn’t help but smile. Any time they slept in the same bed – which was more and more these days – and she didn’t punch him and give him a black eye, it was a success.

She pulled herself out of bed delicately, without waking him up, and walked into his ensuite to wash her face. She’d slept in one of his old Calgary Flames training camp shirts and a pair of trackpants, and as she looked at herself in the mirror, using her fingers to brush through her short hair haphazardly, she heard the sound of plates being moved in the kitchen. It was faint, so whoever in there was trying to be quiet, obviously assuming everyone was still asleep.

Instead of getting back into bed with Matthew, she decided to investigate.

Opening and closing his bedroom door slowly and quietly, she walked down the hallway to the kitchen where she saw Keith with oven mitts on, putting a tray of hashbrowns into the oven. He was still in his pajamas, but he had an apron on – it was quite the sight. Two pans were on the stove – she could only assume they were for bacon and eggs – and stacks of containers of fresh fruit were on the counter.

“Good morning Mr. Tkachuk,” she greeted him. Her voice was low enough so she wouldn’t make too much noise, but it still startled him slightly.

When he turned around and saw her, his face broke out into a smile. “Good morning, Effie. And don’t you dare call me Mr. Tkachuk,” he said. “It’s Keith. Now where are those damn eggs…” he turned back towards the stove.

It was a sight to behold – a man in a kitchen with an apron on cooking up a storm. This would have never happened two years ago. Effie didn’t think Abraham even knew how to boil an egg. But God forbid his meat was a little pink on the inside – he would get so angry about it. One of the first things Effie learned growing up, after being able to read the Bible, was cook. As a woman, she needed to learn how to nourish the men’s body physically because only the Bible could nourish someone spiritually, emotionally, socially…pretty much everything else, really. It was also one of the first things she had to ‘perfect’ when she married Abraham and became his fake wife. She hated cooking for him. He always found something wrong with it. “You can go back to bed, if you’d like,” Effie offered as she watched him open the carton of eggs. “I can make everyone breakfast. It’s no big deal. I mean you’re technically on vacation.”

“No offence, but it is a big deal,” Keith smiled as he turned to look at her. “It’s a Tkachuk family tradition that I make the Boxing Day Brunch after Chantal slaved away preparing our Christmas meal,” he said. “I’d be breaking a 23-year tradition.”

Effie couldn’t help but smile. Well, this was new. “Want me to at least cut the fruit?”

Keith paused, looking between the stack of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwis, grapes, and bananas, and Effie. “Alright, get over here,” he digressed.

Effie started by washing everything. Keith was busy cracking the dozen eggs in a big bowl. They were quiet as they worked together, but then Keith looked over at her. “You’re the one who was a member of a cult, right?” he asked.

At that moment, something weird happened. Effie’s body didn’t stiffen. It didn’t seize up. She didn’t feel a sudden rush of anxiety. Instead, all she did was nod her head. “Yes. That was me. It was called the People’s Dominion of Christ,” she informed him. “Matthew told you?”

“He mentioned it over the summer when he was back home,” Keith said. “And you escaped?”

Effie nodded again. “In January it’ll be two years since I left and joined…you know, the real world.”

“What was it like?”

“Well, it was a religious cult. We were heavily focused on our leader – Abraham. He was our prophet. He constantly had these visions from God and told us he spoke directly with God about things pertaining to, like, the cult. How we lived, how we dressed, what we were supposed to do, about praying and reading the Bible and all that stuff. It was all very strict, as you can imagine. Especially for women.”

“What was everyday life like?”

Effie shrugged. “Every stereotype you can basically think of, really. In the cult, we weren’t allowed TV or cell phones or anything like that. Everything was very strict and regimented. Women were seen as childbearers and that’s basically it. I had ten siblings—and I mean, most women had more than four or five kids. A lot of us got married young, too. I got married to the prophet when I was fourteen. He said he had a revelation from God that I would bear him the next son of God.”

Keith visibly grimaced at the thought. He was smart enough to know what that entailed, and he wasn’t going to go there. And, remembering Chantal’s question in the summer of “Was she abused?” and Matthew’s reply with a nod, he knew what he needed to know at this stage. “It was courageous of you to leave everything you knew,” he said diplomatically, and he watched as Effie nodded her head. “What was the real world like for you?”

“It was really scary at first,” Effie admitted. “My brother’s wife is a teacher, so when I came to live with them in Calgary, she taught me how to read and write, math, science, geography…all that stuff. Then um, Jacob Markstrom’s wife, Geneviève…she taught me a lot too. More, like, advanced concepts. The learning was great. I was eating it all up. It was everything else that was scary.”

“Everything else?”

“Like, the social world. I actually barely left the house the entire first year of me being out because I was so scared. I thought because I sinned by escaping the cult God was going to, like, punish me somehow. I didn’t wear pants or jeans or whatever for a full year. There was just a whole bunch of stuff I didn’t do until I started actually interacting with people. But ever since I have, like with Matthew…it’s been amazing. I’ve been learning so much. I’ve been experiencing so many new things and it’s been so…beautiful,” she said. “I can’t think of a better word. It’s been beautiful.”

Keith was smiling at this point. “So my son’s been helping you then.”

“Loads,” she nodded. “Because of what happened to me in the cult and what I went through, I have a pretty big need to appear perfect to other people. In the cult we always had to be virtuous, right? Representative of the church – the cult – and God and Jesus. I also constantly had the pressure of being the perfect woman, the perfect wife and all that. And that led to me having difficulties with anxiety, and having the need to appease everyone. But even on a more day-to-day level, it means I’ve never done lots of normal, fun things. The first time I went to a bar was because of Matthew. And, like, I’m sure he’s told you we’re going to Banff with a bunch of guys from the team next week for New Year’s. I’ve never been west of Calgary, so it will be great for me to experience.”

“Banff is beautiful. You’ll love it,” Keith agreed. “I’m glad to hear my son’s been helping you figuring everything out. Matthew can be a pest sometimes but it’s nice to know he isn’t in this situation.”

“I’ve never known him to be a pest,” Effie admitted. “Only on the ice, really, when I watch the games. But off the ice he’s been nothing but patient and kind with me. You know he introduced me to candy?”

Keith chuckled. “Candy? Really?”

“We weren’t allowed candy in the cult. He brought me to a grocery store and bought every brand of candy available so I could try them all,” she explained. “Said that were better than my original choice, which were raisins.”

“Well, he’s right,” Keith mused. “What else?”

“Tomahawk steaks,” she said, which garnered another chuckle from him. “Netflix. Swearing—”

“—Damn that boy—"

“—Corn dogs—”

“Corn dogs?! You’d never had a corn dog before?”

Effie shook her head. “It’s been a steep learning curve. But he’s been really patient with me. He didn’t even laugh at me when I asked him if he had ever heard of Starbucks."

"I have to admit, Effie, when he told us about you in the summer, I was very…apprehensive,” he began, pouring the eggs into the pan. “It had nothing to do with you. I just wasn’t sure Matthew was, well, mature enough to handle something like this. You can appreciate that these types of situations don’t happen all that often.”

“Of course.”

“But as a father it’s nice to know how great he’s being. I’m actually shocked that he hasn’t done anything dumb yet.”

Effie snorted. “Nah, he’s been great. I can say only good things.”

“You’ve been to games?”

“Oh, loads,” she smiled. “One of my first big outings was to a Flames game. Matthew was offended that I was wearing a Markstrom jersey. It was really fun. I didn’t really know what hockey was until I came to live in Calgary.”

Keith’s eyes widened. “Not even hockey?!”

She shook her head. “Not even hockey.”

“Jesus.”

“I know. But I like it. I mean – I’m no expert. I have no idea what’s going on half the time. But I love the sounds and the atmosphere. And it’s a big part of everybody’s life – Levi, Geneviève and Jacob, Matthew…I think it’s only natural that I find a place in it too, you know?”

Keith nodded his head. He seemed appreciative of the fact that, despite how much she was learning, she was making room for hockey because it was so important to Matthew and other people around her. To Keith, it showed character. Not everybody was that eager to learn something new – something as trivial as hockey, when there were other more important things in the world to learn and understand. “Is there anything else I should know about you, Effie?”

Effie considered the question. It was a loaded question, sure, and there were so many different things she could say, but through all the thoughts swirling around in her head, only one came out: “Just that I’m trying really hard.”

“Hey,” a sleepy, groggy voice interrupted their conversation. Both Keith and Effie looked over their shoulder to see Matthew standing at the foot of the hallway, his hair sticking out in every direction, still wearing his pajamas. For his part, Matthew had woken up to a cold bed, and he didn’t like that; Effie brought so much warmth to it. “Dad, aren’t you supposed to be making breakfast yourself?” he asked.

Keith smiled mischievously as he looked at Effie. “See?” he raised his eyebrows and nodded towards his son, obviously referring to the tradition of him cooking brunch for the family. “Why don’t you take Effie and go and wash up? By the time you’re done the bacon will be sizzling.”

“But Mr. Tkachuk—”

“Go,” he directed her, and she had no choice but to accept.

She left the sink and walked towards Matthew, and only once they were down the hall enough that Keith couldn’t see did Matthew wrap his arms around her. “I missed you,” he mumbled into her ear as they entered his bedroom again.

Effie laughed. “I was gone for like, fifteen minutes.”

“Too long,” he said, spinning her around in his arms so they were chest-to-chest. He leaned his head down to kiss her, and couldn’t stop.

“MMMMMatthew,” she cooed in between kisses. “Matthew we should get ready.”

“Nuh uh. He was lying.”

She smiled and Matthew kissed her teeth. “No he wasn’t.”

“Yes he was.”

“Matthew.”

He pouted. “One more kiss,” he whispered.

“One.”

“Just one.”

He attached his lips to hers again, except this time, it was smouldering, not just the quick little kisses of earlier, and this time, it was Effie he couldn’t keep her lips off of his, and it was Effie who cradled his head in her hands to keep him there, and it was Effie who pressed her body up against Matthew’s. It wasn’t until minutes later, when both of them had to catch their breath, that Matthew smiled. “Just one, huh?”

She scowled at him. “Shut up.”

***

Breakfast was delicious. The boys apparently liked bacon, because there was more bacon than anything else on the table, and they chowed it down like it was the last bacon on earth. Taryn begged Effie to come with them to the mall, and Effie couldn’t say no to her. She made a quick pitstop back to her apartment to take a shower and change, then met them at CORE, which was just down the street from her, anyway. They split up in threes at first – Keith, Chantal, and Brady going one way while Matthew and Effie followed Taryn to Aritzia (since she couldn’t get it in St. Louis). Effie spent the afternoon trying her hardest to give fashion advice to Taryn, though all the things she knew about fashion she learned from Geneviève anyway. Matthew would pitch in every now and then but Taryn always rolled her eyes at his advice. Taryn ended up getting a heap of new clothes, and Effie was suckered into getting an oversized knit turtleneck she knew would be of use in a few days in Banff. Matthew slapped his credit card down for both purchases, despite Effie having the cash.

They met back up with Keith, Chantal, and Brady for a food court lunch. Brady and Keith carried bags from Hugo Boss, and Chantal even had a bag from Holt Renfrew. They had lunch in one of the restaurants in the mall before going back to Matthew’s apartment to relax and pack the last of their things into their suitcases. Before long, Effie was helping Taryn carry her suitcases to the elevator so they could meet the taxis downstairs.

“He really likes you, you know,” she said as they were alone in the elevator together.

“Matthew?”

Taryn nodded her head. “When he mentioned you the first time this summer, we were all a bit skeptical, but after seeing you guys together last night and today, I can see that he really likes you. I don’t think he’d be doing all the helping-you-figure-out-life-post-cult stuff for anyone else.”

Effie bit her bottom lip. “Why me, then?”

“Because despite what you’ve been through, you’re authentically yourself and Matthew likes authentic people,” Taryn said. “You have this really interesting balance of not letting your past define you, but you also acknowledge your past and use it as a means to push forward and learn and grow. You’re not stuck to it. And I think that’s the most authentic thing somebody can do and be.”

So Taryn knew too. And understood. Effie thought it would have probably been obvious last night when she asked what Monopoly was, but maybe something was said in the summer that said everything before they even met her. “For what it’s worth,” Effie began, “I really like your brother too. I hope you—you and your family can see that.”

“Oh trust me, we do,” Taryn said with a little giggle and a mischievous grin. “Like, it’s glaringly obvious.”

“Is it really?”

“You’re a bit quieter about it, but Matthew’s obsessed with you. He’s never been like this with someone.”

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” Effie asked as she felt the elevator come to a stop.

“The best thing,” Taryn said as the doors opened.

Matthew was waiting on the other side, designated to help Keith load the suitcases into the SUV taxi they’d ordered to the airport once it got there. When he saw his sister and Effie smiling in the elevator, he got skeptical. “What’s got you two smiling?” he asked, taking their suitcases.

“Nothing,” Taryn mused, making Matthew even more confused. She and Effie gave each other one last look before stepping out of the elevator to walk through to the lobby of his apartment building.

“Hey! Come on!” he trailed behind them, demanding answers.

Taryn looked over her shoulder to stare at her brother, but didn’t miss a pace as she walked. “Effie just confirmed you talk in your sleep sometimes.”

Matthew’s face contorted into something Effie had never seen before, and she burst out laughing. “I do not!!!!!” he exclaimed, causing Taryn to laugh out loud. “I do not talk in my sleep!!!!!”

Effie had never said such a thing, obviously – Matthew slept like a rock – but Taryn seized the opportunity to tease her older brother. “Get me off the horsey mommy!” she mimicked his voice tauntingly – obviously referring to something he’d said in his sleep however many years ago they still made fun of him for.

“Taryn!!!”

The SUV was just pulling up to the front door of the condo building as Effie and Taryn rounded the corner. Keith was standing with his jacket on, and when he finally saw his daughter, he shook his head. “What’s he screaming about now?”

“Not talking in his sleep.”

“Oh for Christ’s sake…” Keith rolled his eyes, causing Effie to giggle. It was hilarious to see Matthew’s family torture him all in good fun. “Effie, is he this whiny with you?”

“No.”

“Thank God.”

“I do not talk in my sleep. You’re being mean,” he chastised Taryn as he came around the corner too, still dragging the suitcases behind him. “And you!” he nodded his head towards Effie. “You just staying silent! Being complacent! You two are as thick as thieves already, aren’t you?”

“You bet,” Taryn answered for them, sticking her tongue out at her brother playfully, who did it right back at her before helping Keith load them into the trunk.

Once the entire family was downstairs, Effie watched as Brady loaded the last of the suitcases in the back while Keith and Chantal spoke to the driver about getting to the airport. Once he shut the trunk door, he turned towards her. “It was amazing to finally meet you, Effie. Take it easy and make sure to kick Matthew if he gets out of line, okay?”

And then it happened again.

He went in for a hug, like any normal person would do, and his hand grazed her shoulder to pull her in. Except when it did, she flinched again. Dramatically. Like, jumped almost a foot away from him dramatically. He even let out a shocked “Whoa!” at her action and backed up to give her space. “Oh God, Effie—”

“—I’m s-s-sorry Brady—”

“—It’s alright, I should have remembered, Matthew told me and I forgot—”

“Everything okay?” Matthew’s voice suddenly asked as he appeared around the car behind Brady. He eyed his brother and noticed he and Effie were standing a foot away from each other.

“We’re all good,” Effie smiled, immediately calming him down. If she was smiling, then it was all good. “We were just saying goodbye.”

“I told her to kick you if you get out of line, too,” Brady covered quickly.

“She won’t need to. I’m a good boy,” Matthew grumbled.

“Effie!” Keith’s voice could be heard screaming out of the car window. Matthew and Effie walked over to see him and Chantal already seated in the backseat of the car. Chantal was leaning over, looking over his shoulder. “You can kick him if he gets out of line,” he echoed Brady sentiments.

Effie snorted. “I don’t think I’ll need to, but thank you for the permission,” she said as she felt Matthew’s hand go to the small of her back.

“I second that,” Taryn commented from the backseat.

“You third it,” Brady said as he slipped into the passenger’s seat. “I said it first.”

“It was so lovely to meet you Effie,” Chantal piped in. “Have fun and stay safe in Banff. You’re going to love it.”

“Thank you, Chantal—”

“Yes, it was nice to finally meet you,” Keith said too. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon, Effie.”

“Hopefully.”

Effie backed up so Matthew could say his goodbyes to his family, hugging his dad through the window and giving a kiss to his mom and sister in the backseat. He saluted Brady and said something that made him howl in laughter before saying goodbye to his dad one more time. Matthew backed up, and Keith waved at he and Effie one last time as he rolled up the window and the driver began slowing driving through the semi-circle. Matthew and Effie waved after them. Matthew didn’t stop until the car wasn’t in sight anymore.

For someone who ran away from her family, the fact that he stayed outside in the cold, brutal Calgary winter just to wave goodbye to his family made Effie think about how much he probably missed them. Though she didn’t miss her family, she knew Matthew missed his every day. “Is the first day always the hardest?” she asked.

Matthew nodded silently, wrapping an arm around her. “Come on. Let’s go inside.”

When they were back in the solitude of his apartment, Effie could see Matthew pacing awkwardly. She knew he was probably overcome with emotion at his family leaving, but this wasn’t the usual way he showed it. Matthew wore his heart on his sleeve – Effie knew when he was angry, when he was happy, sad, anxious, whatever – but, this she couldn’t read. “Is everything okay?” she asked, putting her hand on his forearm.

Matthew looked down at her. She watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “I got you a Christmas present,” he said nervously.

Effie furrowed her brows. “That’s what you’re nervous about?”

“No—Yes—I—I just didn’t know how you’d react because I—well, I know you didn’t get me anything.”

“There’s no reason for to be nervous, Matthew,” she said, cupping his face in her hands. “That’s very thoughtful of you. Thank you.”

“It won’t be as nice as the Chanel bag Geneviève got you,” he tried to crack a joke.

Effie smiled. “She told you about that?”

“I had to make sure we didn’t get you the same thing,” he said. “Let me go get it.” He paced over to his Christmas tree and pulled the lone tiny box with a gold bow that was still sitting underneath it. Effie hadn’t even noticed it there. When he brought it back to her, he handed it to her gently and she took it. “If you don’t like it or whatever, I can exchange it or take it back—"

“I’m going to love it because you got it for me, Matthew,” she interrupted him. “Why’re you so nervous about this?”

“Just open it.”

She ripped off the wrapping paper delicately, revealing a robin-egg blue box with the words “Tiffany & Co” on the lid. She looked up at Matthew. “I guess this is a nice jewelry company,” she said.

Matthew snorted. “Every woman in the Western world knows that jewelry company…except you.”

Effie would have to search it up when she got home…whenever that was. She opened the box and saw a velvet pouch, the opened that and emptied its contents onto her hand. What dropped out was something beautiful – a delicate and dainty gold chain with a gold pendant. Upon closer inspection, Effie realized it was a cursive, lower-case ‘e’. “Matthew…” she whispered, a smile growing on her face.

“I know how important your name is to you—cause it’s yours now,” he said, as if he needed to justify such an amazing gift. “And I just thought you should carry it with you everywhere you go as a reminder that you get to make your own decisions now.”

Her smile grew even wider, knowing the thought Matthew put into it. The necklace was perfect. It was absolutely perfect and she couldn’t have asked for anything better. “Can you help me put it on?”

Matthew smiled. “I don’t know if my fat fingers will be able to do the clasp, but sure.”

She unclasped it for him and held it against her decolletage as he moved behind her. It took a few tries and a frustrated grunt, but eventually, he got it. He let the chain fall on the back of her neck, and she let go of it too, now securely around her neck and presenting for the world to see. She took out her phone and switched it to selfie move so she could see what it looked like on. It was stunning. So simple but so classic. Effie never wanted to take it off. As she admired it, Matthew wrapped his arms around her and laid his chin on top of her head dramatically, causing her to giggle. Since her phone was already on selfie mode, she snapped a quick photo. Matthew took it one step further and placed a kiss on her temple, and she snapped another quick photo before locking her phone and spinning around in his arms. “I love it,” she said, bringing her hands up to cup his face once more like she was doing before. “Thank you so much.”

Matthew couldn’t hold back anymore. He leaned down and began to kiss her, slow and passionate and with everything in him, because he had everything to give her. As they kissed in his kitchen, he reached underneath her ass and picked her up so he could place her on the island. Instinctively, her legs wrapped around him – exactly what he wanted – and his hands wandered everywhere, from over her thighs and squeezing the flesh there, up towards her breasts where she pushed herself further against his body. When his hands wandered underneath her shirt and he felt her body shiver slightly, he pulled away. “Couch or bed?” he asked her.

Effie was hesitant – it was almost like she needed to regroup after all the kissing. “Bed,” she finally decided. “B—but…”

“But what?”

“You’ve just gotta go slow, okay?”

Matthew nodded. “I promise.”

He picked her up and began carrying her through his condo and towards his bedroom with her legs wrapped securely around him. He lay her down on the foot of the bed gently and when she noticed she was there she immediately moved back so that her head was on the pillows. He followed her, crawling up to her and over her body. “You okay?” he asked.

Effie nodded. “Kiss me, Matthew.”

“Gladly.”

They made out for a long time. A long time. So long that Matthew got tired of holding himself up above her, so he lowered himself, then lower, then lower, then he was practically on top of her, and he quickly thought about how uncomfortable that must have been for her, so he rolled off her and onto his side, except he brought Effie’s body with him, and with an arm tucked under her neck and his other arm holding her close, she draped her leg over his and his thigh could feel how warm her core was through her pants, and it made his body feel like it was on fire, and…and…oh God he was in fucking heaven. Being with Effie was like being in heaven. Her soft lips, her soft skin, the warmth of her body…it was all divine.

Then she tugged on his shirt to get it off, so he did the same.

Then he kissed down her neck and collarbone, and she let out hot breaths and moans.

Then he rolled her back on her back.

Then she – she – worked to unclasp her bra, and threw it off to the side, and Matthew continued to what was quickly becoming his favourite activity – tongue dragging along Effie’s skin, over her breasts, taking a nipple into his mouth, and hearing her moan in pleasure. “Fuck, Matthew…” she let out a shaky breath.

“You like that, huh?” he asked quickly before moving to her other breast, looking up at her for her answer.

She nodded her head quickly. “You make me feel so good.”

He began massaging her other breast with his hand and she arched her back slightly. He never knew a girl who was this sensitive to it all, but it wasn’t like he was complaining. Plus, he knew she’d never experienced it before, and had only experienced it with him, so he had to admit he took some pride in knowing he was able to make her feel this way.

He worked on her breasts for a while, until he was practically drunk on them, before her little mewls and little moans let out a “Kiss me, Matty” that almost drove him insane with lust. He popped her nipple out of his mouth and moved up, laying on his side again and pulling her body against him before giving her sloppy, wet, tongues-everywhere kisses.

His free hand wandered to massage her breast again, which caused her top stop kissing him so she could moan.

His free hand then wandered to her ass, squeezing and kneading the flesh there, which caused her to drape her leg over his thigh again and allowed him to feel how wet she’d become.

His free hand then took a chance, wandering around her ass and in between her legs, feeling for a second exactly how wet she’d become, which caused her to bring her hands up against his chest and push him away, telling him a strong and sobering, “Stop.”

He stopped.

They were farther apart now, but still close. Effie’s eyes had practically popped open, bringing her back down to reality. She hadn’t seen Abraham – a plus. She didn’t feel guilty about feeling pleasure – another plus. She just didn’t know what he was doing. “Why was your hand there?” she asked.

Matthew couldn’t believe that he was going to lie there with blue balls and explain to her the concept of fingering. “I—I was—I was going to make you feel good using my hand---my fingers,” he said shakily.

“How?”

Okay, so this was going to become an anatomy lesson. By him. This was a fucking disaster. “I was—you know how you’re wet down there right now?”

“Yeah…”

“Well, I was going to take my fingers,” he held his hand up in position to show her, “and I was going to—I was gonna rub your clit—your clitoris.”

Effie furrowed her brows. “And that would have made me feel good?” she asked.

Matthew nodded his head. “Could you feel my erection on your other leg?” he asked. Effie nodded her head shyly. “Well, if you would have put your hand down my pants and started, um, like stroking it, you would have made me feel good too.”

“Would your fingers have made me orgasm?” she asked again.

“It might have, depending on how good I made you feel.”

“And if I stroked your erection, would that have made you orgasm?”

“Probably,” he was honest.

“So then it’s like masturbation, except I do it on you and you do it on me.”

“Yeah, exactly.”

He could see the gears turning in Effie’s head as she came to the realization. Once she came to terms with it, and she understood what he was trying to make happen, she looked him in the eye again. “When I orgasm for the first time, I want it to be because we’re having sex. I don’t want it to be from masturbation or from mutual masturbation. Is that weird?”

“No, it’s not weird at all,” Matthew said, a shiver running up his spine knowing she wanted it to happen that specific way. She was putting her faith in him that he would make her feel good. “This is just another way to achieve it. It doesn’t have to be your first time, but once…I mean, once you get used to having orgasms, it can be one way you achieve them.”

Effie nodded her head. “Masturbation was illegal in the cult. The prophet once caught a boy doing it and whipped him with his belt.”

“That won’t happen here,” Matthew was stern.

“I know,” Effie said. She paused before asking the next part. “Do you—do you want me to stroke your erection?”

“No no, it’s okay,” he shook his head, leaning in to kiss her.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive,” he mumbled between kisses.

“Is it because you think I won’t…get you there?” she asked timidly.

Matthew stopped kissing her. “Don’t think that ever again,” he said, kissing the tip of her nose. “I know you’ll get me there. I have no doubt in my mind. I don’t want you to do it right now because it wouldn’t feel right to me – you giving me a handjob but me giving you nothing,” he said.

Effie’s lips curled into a smile. “A handjob? Is that what it’s called?” she giggled, lifting all the tension and dissipating it into the air.

“It is,” Matthew giggled along with her. “Let me take care of this. Why don’t you find something in the kitchen to make for dinner in the meantime?”

She gave him one last kiss. “Deal.”

***

“Did you pack the ski jacket I lent you?” Geneviève asked.

“Yes.”

“Slippers for the chalet?”

“Yes.”

“What about a bathing suit?”

“Bathing suit?” Effie asked skeptically. “For what?”

“There’s a hot tub at the chalet,” Geneviève said, looking through her own racks of clothing for things she should pack for Banff. “It would be a good idea to bring a bathing suit.”

“But it’s freezing outside!”

Geneviève laughed. “Trust me, there’s nothing better than getting into a hot tub when it’s cold outside. I bet you Sean will even do a Canadian polar if someone dares him.” Effie continued to look at her, confused. “You’ll see.”

“I don’t have a bathing suit.”

“Look in here,” Geneviève opened a drawer beside her. When Effie approached it, she could see loads of bathing suits almost spilling out of it. She picked up the first one she saw and it was only a top – a string bikini. Geneviève saw the horrified look on her face. “Okay, maybe not the string bikini I wore on my honeymoon when I had a banging body,” she said, taking it from Effie. “But what about a one piece?”

“I’ve never worn a bathing suit before.”

“Understandable. You don’t want to show a lot of skin?”

“I guess not.”

Geneviève dug through the drawer and pulled out two options for her. One was a solid colour – plum – and had ruffles along the v-neck and down to her chest. The other was striped, with ruffles too, and didn’t look like it would ride up her butt. “Try these on,” Geneviève handed Effie the suits. “And hell, if they look good, have them. It’s not like I need them.”

Both of them fit Effie like a glove. When she came out of the bathroom and modelled them for Geneviève, Geneviève was so happy, urging her to bring both just in case she needed to put both of them to good use. Effie made sure to fold them up nicely in her lap as she sat on Geneviève’s bed and watched her pack the last of her things. “So Matthew told you about how we’re all getting there, right?”

Effie nodded. “Johnny and Meredith are buying all the food, and then you and Jacob and Annica and Elias are carpooling, and then Sean and Britt and Noah are carpooling, and then it’s me and Matthew.”

“And we are leaving at?”

“Ten in the morning.”

Geneviève nodded. “I’m only checking because Matthew is notoriously late for shit. Which is hilariously because he wears a $40,000 Rolex.”

***

“Okay, we’ll see you guys when you get there,” Jacob said as he leaned down to be at eye level with Effie in the passenger’s seat, just as Matthew slipped into the driver’s seat of his Audi. “We’re probably gonna get there first so we’ll take care of check in, but we’ll call to make sure you guys are alright.”

“Okay, sounds good,” Effie smiled. “Drive safe, Jacob.”

“You too,” he eyed Matthew before standing up again.

Effie could see Geneviève and Annica waving from the SUV and she waved back. Rolling up her window, Effie looked over at Matthew. “How long a drive is it again?” she asked.

“About an hour and a half. Why?”

“Can we listen to some music on the way there?”

“Of course!” he said, grabbing the wire so she could plug in her iPhone. “What are we listening to?”

She stayed silent, scrolling through her phone for long enough, keeping Matthew guessing. It wasn’t until he turned and turned and turned and was on the main road leading to the highway that he finally heard the opening sounds of music.

It was Taylor Swift.

“Nooooooooo!!!!!” he groaned loudly as Effie began cackling at his displeasure with the choice in music. “Taylor Swift? You’re really going to do this to me the whole way to Banff?!”

“Don’t be silly,” she said, pausing for dramatic effect. “The whole way back too, Matthew.”

“Uuuuuuuuuugh!” he let out an even louder groan, causing her to laugh again. “You’re joking me!”

“Nope,” she giggled. “Geneviève recommended I torture you during the ride.”

“Of course she did,” Matthew shook his head, signalling to take the ramp onto the highway. “Geneviève’s favourite activity is to torture me. But I mean, she’s had a rough time in the past, so it’s nice to see her so happy, even if it’s at my expense,” he commented.

Effie furrowed her brows. “What do you mean?”

Fuck. Matthew figured Geneviève had told her. Most of the team knew, and Effie was so close with her that he thought it would have been mentioned or brought up in conversation at some point during their time together. Apparently not. And truth be told, he didn’t want to be the one to spill the beans. Knowing Geneviève, if she hadn’t told Effie, there was a reason why. Matthew wasn’t going to guess as to what that was – all he knew was that he wasn’t going to explain to Effie why seeing Geneviève happy made him happy. “I think she should tell you,” he said diplomatically. “It’s stuff that’s about her life, and I’d feel wrong sharing it. Plus she can explain it better.”

Effie had no idea what he meant by that. So many thoughts started to swirl around in her head. “She wasn’t a member of a cult too, was she?” she asked.

“No,” Matthew shook his head. He reached over the centre console and grabbed her hand, bringing it over to his lap while he held it in his own, his thumb rubbing over the back of her hand gently. “I’ll just say that…well, she’s had a bit of a rough go at things, and so I am genuinely happy to see her happy.”

***

“Oh…my…goodness,” Effie gasped as she walked through the rented chalet, admiring the cozy architecture and log walls that adorned it. It wasn’t until she got to the back, though – where the massive floor-to-ceiling windows were – that her breath caught in her throat. The chalet looked out onto Cascade Mountain, in all its snow-capped glory, and with the beautiful blue skies that day, the entire scene looked more like a painting than it did reality. “Wow,” she said, speechless, unable to think of anything else as she stared at the dream before her.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” Meredith asked rhetorically as she was unpacking the groceries she and Johnny bought in the kitchen.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Which bedroom’s ours?” she vaguely heard Matthew’s voice, but she was too preoccupied staring out the window to even bother turning around.

“The attic room above the garage,” Meredith informed him, watching Matthew as he looked at Effie before smiling to himself and hauling both of their suitcases up the stairs. When he was out of sight, Meredith continued watching Effie as she admired the view. “This is your first time in Banff, right?” she asked. Effie only nodded her head. “Well, we’re going into the village for dinner tonight, so you’ll be able to see it all lit up.”

At that point, Meredith could see Geneviève emerge from hers and Jacob’s room at the end of the hallway of the main floor. Meredith gave her a wiggle of the eyebrows and nodded her head towards Effie, all silently, so Geneviève would see Effie’s fascination with the view. Geneviève could only smile at Meredith when she realized what was going on. “You okay, Effie?” she asked in a happy voice.

“Just admiring,” she said, still transfixed. “I read the Rockies were formed something like 80 million years ago.”

“That’s right. 80 to 55 million years ago,” Geneviève said.

Effie finally turned slightly to look at both women. “Two years ago I believed the Earth was only 6000 years old,” she said, her voice soft. “We learned about how God made the Earth in six days. The more I think about what we were told and what we learned, the more I come to realize how fucking stupid it all was.”

Meredith couldn’t help the smile that overtook her face, even letting out a laugh at Effie’s tone. “How could you guys have not believed in dinosaurs? I mean, there’s fossils of them. What did you learn?”

“It’s not that we didn’t believe in dinosaurs…” Effie started. “It’s…well, God made the Earth in six days according to the Bible. And on the sixth day, he created the first man and woman – Adam and Eve. And the Bible gives this entire genealogy of their children and children’s children and all that. They’re all throughout the Old Testament, up until the time of Christ. So if you add up all the dates, it’s only about 6000 years,” she explained. “And so if you believe like we did that Jesus came to Earth about 2000 years ago, we come to the conclusion that the creation of Earth and animals – including dinosaurs – only occurred thousands of years ago, not millions. Because the Bible is right. It’s infallible.”

“But then what about them dying? Like why wouldn’t we still live with T-Rex’s like in Jurassic Park?” Meredith asked.

Effie smiled, only because the explanation was so ridiculous. “The Flood.”

“The what?”

“The Flood. The Great Flood. You know, like Noah’s Arc?”

“Are you for real?” Meredith deadpanned.

“I’m dead serious,” Effie smiled. “We learned that the animals that were saved on the Arc lived in a new world after the Flood, and those land animals, including dinosaurs, found the new world to be very different. So because of things like competition for food that was no longer there, and some other stuff, the dinosaurs died out.”

Meredith and Geneviève were silent, but Geneviève could tell Meredith was screaming on the inside. She was a nurse, after all, and so science was a big part of her life. Finally, she broke. “That’s literally the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” she deadpanned again.

Effie burst out in laughter. “It is, isn’t?”

“That’s literally so fucking dumb,” Meredith went on. “God, Effie. Are you just fucking with me?”

“I’m not,” she shook her head. “It’s really that dumb.”

“I’ll say. Thank God you’re out of that bullshit, huh?”

“Yeah. Thank God.”

“Ladies…” Matthew’s voice interrupted them. They all looked to where he was standing, but he was staring only at Effie. “You wanna come see our room?” he asked her.

She nodded her head, and although she was sad to leave the view she knew she’d already fallen in love with, she followed him up the stairs and down the hall, up another set of short stairs into the attic space above the garage. She walked into a cozy room, log walls like most of the rest of the chalet, and a big window overlooking some trees. Some of the mountain could be seen in between the trees, and just like she’d down downstairs, Effie stood in front of the window, admiring the view. She didn’t even hear Matthew sneak up behind her until she could feel his arms wrap around her body from behind. He pressed his body into hers, and nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck. She felt so calm and serene. “Thank you for bringing me here,” she said softly, resting her hands overs his and intertwining their fingers.

“You like it?” he asked, and she nodded her head. “What were you and the girls talking about?”

“Dinosaurs,” Effie smiled. “How two years ago I believed the Earth was only 6000 years old even though that mountain out there is probably sixty million years old.”

Matthew let out a chuckled, moving to quickly kiss right below her ear. “Isn’t it beautiful?” he asked.

“It is. It really is,” she said.

“Wait until we go to Lake Louise tomorrow. You’re gonna love it.”

“What’s Lake Louise?”

“You’ll see,” he said. “Just promise me you won’t Google it and spoil it for yourself. I wanna see your first-ever reaction to seeing it. Deal?”

Effie smiled. “Deal.”

Matthew could tell Effie didn’t want to talk. She wouldn’t want to unpack, or take a nap, or get ready for their night out in the village in a few hours. All she wanted to do was stare out the window and venerate the view. So that’s what they did: with his arms still wrapped around her tightly, and his head fitting perfectly into the crook of her neck, they stood at the window, silently, admiring the nature and the mountain before them.

***

“Oh wwwwwoooooooooowwwww,” Effie’s eyes were as wide as the sea as she stood on the street corner of Banff Avenue with Geneviève, Matthew, and Jacob, staring up at the breathtaking view of Cascade Mountain just as the sun was setting and dusk was coming in. Matthew was forever thankful that it was a clear night – no snow, fog, or clouds obstructed the view – so Effie got the real deal. “That…is…amazing!” her jaw was practically on the floor. “I can’t believe this is only an hour and a half away from Calgary!”

Matthew had an idea. “At the next crossing, you should pose in the middle of the street and I’ll take a picture of you with it in the background.”

Effie looked at him. “Really?”

“Duh!”

“Can you—but I—I want one with you too,” she said.

“I’ll take it,” Jacob offered. “I can be your Instagram husband, Chucky.”

After a minute, the crosswalk turned green and they rushed to the centre of the street. Effie posed alone at first, and Matthew took bursts so she had lots of options to choose from. Then Jacob took his phone and pushed him towards her. They posed like a couple with his arm wrapped around her shoulders and her hand just grazing his torso. Jacob made sure to take bursts as well before noticing that the countdown was getting close to finishing. They scurried across the street just in time, ensuring no car would honk at them for blocking the road.

“D’you think I should upload that to Instagram?” Effie asked Matthew as they continued to walk along the sidewalk.

“Of course you should,” he said.

She’d have to make sure to tag him.

***

Inside of the restaurant, at a long table having just been seated about ten minutes before, Matthew was grumpy. It had nothing to do with the restaurant. It had nothing to do with the company, or the fact that Noah wouldn’t shut up beside him. It had nothing to do with the overpriced beer he ordered, because he could afford it, and it had nothing to do with how they had to wait twenty minutes for their table, even though they’d made reservations.

It had everything to do with the guy at the bar who hadn’t stopped staring at Effie since they walked through the door.

Matthew liked to think of himself as diplomatic, especially these days when Effie had changed his life so much, but right now he was downright protective. Pest Matthew, which was the persona he was known on the ice. Effie didn’t notice, because Effie didn’t notice these things – men staring at her, men flirting with her – but he could, and that’s all that mattered. He was already holding her hand under the table; his thumb was already grazing the back of her hand, like it had been in most of the car ride to Banff; and he was already sitting beside her, obviously. But that wasn’t enough to him. Not when he was being a moody little baby (at least he acknowledged it). Not when he was being protective because he didn’t like the way the guy was looking at her, and the fact that he hadn’t stopped looking at her since. Matthew knew what was on his mind. How could he not?

“Is everything okay?” Effie asked quietly just as everyone was finished being served their drinks.

Matthew shifted uncomfortable in his seat. Just like he was able to tell when she was a bit off, she was now able to tell when he was off too. It was a damn miracle, he thought. But he didn’t want to be a pissbaby about it all. “Listen, I know you don’t like to be hands-on in public, even if it’s just our friends around, but that guy in the green vest at the bar has been staring at you since we got in here, and I really don’t like it,” he whispered into her ear.

Effie looked towards the bar – she hoped inconspicuously – and saw the man in question. He couldn’t have been much older than her, with ashy blonde hair and broad shoulders, definitely doing his après ski activities Geneviève told her were big in Banff, especially at this time of year. She knew exactly what Matthew was talking about now when she caught his eyes fixated on her. She could do one of two things: be timid about it, like the old Rachel who was scared of every man, let alone any man who stared at her who wasn’t her husband; or she could be the new Effie, growing in her confidence, the Effie that knew a man touching a woman or a woman touching a man in public was okay and allowed and normal and didn’t even give reason to people to bat an eye. She chose the latter, knowing it was the only choice she should make. “You can touch me,” she said.

“Even in front of our friends? You don’t mind?”

Effie shook her head. “You can touch me. I like it when you touch me, Matthew.”

A shiver ran up his spine at the implications of how she worded her sentence. In response, he tucked in his chair even closer to hers, letting go of her hand underneath the table only to bring his arm up and around the back of her chair. He reached across with his other hand to continue to hold hers under the table, and placed a quick kiss to her temple. “You’re becoming bold, missy,” he whispered again into her ear.

Effie smiled. “I can be bold now. Plus I don’t think anyone here is gonna tell on us.”

“Who would they tell?”

“Exactly. They’re probably encouraging it behind our backs.”

“Will you two keep it in your pants at the dinner table? We need to eat and I don’t want to barf,” Elias said, sitting across from them beside Annica, who slapped his arm for the comment.

Both Matthew and Effie giggled, and when Matthew looked up again, green-vest-guy was still staring, only this time with a scowl.

***

Matthew was sitting up in bed and scrolling through his phone as he listened to Effie patter around their ensuite bathroom getting ready for bed. Dinner had been delicious, as were the drinks afterwards, and by the time everyone had gotten back to the chalet, between the drive and unpacking and dinner, they were tired. Everyone resolved to go to bed so that the next day’s trip to Lake Louise would be lively.

When she finally opened the door (she still changed in the washroom instead of in front of him, despite him having seen her half naked many times now), he looked over to see her standing in the doorway with her pajamas on. Her clothes from the day were folded neatly, and she bent down to her suitcase to put them back in. “Ready for bed?” he asked, locking his phone.

She stayed silent. When she stood back up, she looked at him quietly. “Can I tell you something?”

“Of course.”

She didn’t get into bed with him. Instead, she stood awkwardly in the space between the ensuite and bed, her hands in front of her, picking at her nails. She couldn’t even look at him. “Tonight…at the restaurant…you helped me finally see the difference between possessive and protective,” she said.

Matthew’s breath hitched in his throat. “How so?”

She paused, trying to come up with the right words. “Not that we went out in public much, but even if we were just in a social gathering in the cult, if Abraham saw another man looking at me, he automatically thought it was lust, and he distrusted me so much that he would manipulate me into thinking it was my fault the man was looking at me. I don’t even know why he married me if he distrusted me so much. I mean I know I was supposed to give birth to the next Son of God and I couldn’t do that but…” she trailed off, her voice becoming shaky at the end. “How could someone he distrusted so much give birth and then raise the Son of God? I mean what logic was there in that? He wanted to control every single little thing about me and my life and how I felt and…and my actions and the actions of others, even though they had nothing to do with me. I was always blamed.”

“Effie—”

“—But tonight at dinner, you did not of that. You never, ever do any of that. You don’t blame me for anything. You…you, like, trust me. You trust that even though I’m new at all this, that I can take care of myself. You’re always there in case I need help but at the end of the day you trust me. You don’t, like, undermine my confidence to flatter your own ego and make me dependent on you like Abraham did. You want me to do better.”

“Of course I do.”

“You want to like…teach me. Or maybe not teach me, but at least help me learn.”

Matthew could only nod his head. A part of him wondered where all of this was coming from, but he knew better than to ask. Effie had an entire ocean of secrets within her, and he knew he was going to spend the rest of his life engrossed in them all.

She finally moved to get into bed with him. As she crawled in, he pulled the covers over them and brought their bodies close together, intertwining their limbs together so that almost their entire bodies were touching one another’s. Matthew kissed her a few times before she pulled away slightly. “Can you teach me something else?” she asked.

“What’s that?”

“Good sex.”

A shiver ran up his spine, and he swore his dick got hard in a fraction of a second. He could have taken her right then and there, but it took every ounce of strength and willpower in him not to do so. “When we start having sex, sure,” he said, trying to calm his emotions. If she grinded up on him even just the slightest bit he was sure he’d go crazy.

“Good sex so I can orgasm,” she said innocently, like it was something clinical.

Matthew smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll make you orgasm.”

“You’re sure?” she asked.

“Positive,” he asserted before dipping down to kiss her again.

***

“Your eyes are closed, right?”

“Yes, Matthew.”

“You can’t see anything?”

“Not with your giant hands and mittens over them.”

“We’re almost there. I just want to find a perfect spot with a perfect view.”

“I’m sure it’ll be breathtaking either way.”

“No. It’s gotta be perfect.”

Meredith and Johnny giggled as they watched Matthew lead Effie step by step to a central point to look out onto the lake, mountains, and glacier. “He’s leading you off the edge, Effie!” Johnny shouted out.

“You’re about to fall into the lake!” Meredith followed up.

“Shut up!” Matthew screamed at them, even though Effie was giggling. He looked between the lake and Effie and knew they were at the centre, so he positioned her to face it as he still kept his hands over her eyes. “You ready?” he asked.

Effie nodded enthusiastically.

When he removed his hands, he didn’t look out onto the beautiful, picturesque lake like she did, to see what she would see; instead, he looked at her, because he’d seen Lake Louise before, but he’d never seen Effie looking at Lake Louise before. He watched as her jaw almost immediately dropped, taking in the massive mountains and the glacier, the mountainside trees, the intense blue colour of the frozen lake. “Oooooooooh,” she barely managed to get out. The view quite literally left her speechless.

“It’s beautiful, huh?” Matthew asked after a while, finally staring out onto the lake himself.

“I don’t think there’s a word for this,” Effie mumbled, trying to take it all in. “Like I would say majestic but I don’t even think that gives it justice. I can’t…I can’t believe something like this is here only four hours from Sheerness and I never knew about it. It seems criminal not to know about it.”

Matthew thought about all the trips he took as a kid with his family, whether they were abroad or just within the United States and Canada. They were all so amazing, and he was able to see so much of the world already. He knew Effie had never experienced that, but to put it the way she did – that this beautiful sight was only four hours from where the cult was situated, but they never visited or even knew about – did make it seem criminal, as she put it. He was at least happy that he was the one responsible for showing it to her. “I’ll have to bring you back during the summer, too. The lake becomes this incredible shade of turquoise. No picture can compare.”

Effie stayed silent. Matthew thought she was still just taking everything in, but after a few moments, he thought he heard some sniffling. The moment he looked over at her, she let out a full sob and he could see tears had already fallen down her cheeks. “Hey hey hey,” he said, worried, getting closer to her and wrapping an arm around her. “What’s wrong? Why’re you crying?”

Effie shook her head, bringing her hand up to wipe her tears away with her mittens. “There’s so much I don’t know,” she whispered. “There’s…there’s so much I don’t know.”

Matthew’s heart broke, as it did often with Effie. He let her cry it out as he held her, and didn’t say another word until he saw that most of the tears had stopped. “Don’t be sad—”

“I’m not sad,” she interrupted him. “I’m not. I’m…these are happy tears. I swear. There’s so much I don’t know but that means there’s so much I get to learn.”

***

The boys couldn’t get too out of their routines. That meant that after a nice lunch at the Lakeview Lounge, the group headed back to their chalet so the boys could take pre-game naps, even though they weren’t playing a game. Matthew had wanted to cuddle before falling asleep (as most of the guys did with their significant others), but there was no way Effie could take a nap, so she cuddled with him and waited until he was sound asleep before slipping out of bed. Before leaving their room, she looked back at him and took in how peaceful he looked.

Making her way towards the kitchen, she was surprised to see Geneviève in front of the sink, filling the kettle with some water. Geneviève saw her out of the corner of her eye and smiled. “Want some tea?” she asked politely, to which Effie nodded. “Peppermint good?”

“I’ll take whatever you’re having,” Effie said as she sat down at the round dining table. She watched as Geneviève moved around the kitchen, preparing the mugs and cleaning some stuff up before the water began to boil. She took the kettle off the stove before it could whistle and filled the cups generously, bringing them over to the table where Effie was sitting and taking a seat beside her.

“Did you enjoy Lake Louise?” she asked as she settled into her seat.

Effie nodded. “I think it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes.”

“If it wasn’t winter, we could have gone to Moraine Lake too, but the road is closed because of avalanche warnings. You should get Matthew to take you there in the summer. If you can believe it, Moraine Lake is even more beautiful. Everything about it just really clears the mind and reminds you that you’re just a speck of dust on this earth.”

Really clears the mind. Effie thought back to the brief but mysterious conversation she’d had with Matthew on their way to Banff. It had been in the back of her mind since, and her inquisitive nature meant she had to get to the bottom of it. “Can I ask you a question?” Effie asked timidly.

“Of course.”

Effie hesitated. She always did. Geneviève always took so much time in explaining things to her like she was a five-year-old and Effie didn’t know if her question would offend her. She just wanted to frame it in a way where, maybe, it wouldn’t be offensive. “Were…did…” she had to stop. She had to think. “You and I both suffer,” she chose to say.

Geneviève immediately knew where Effie was going with this line of questioning. She smirked slightly, knowing that Effie was trying to be extremely cordial about it. She wondered who told her. It was probably Matthew. It’s not like anyone else would, really. “We do,” she nodded her head. “We both suffer.”

Effie nodded slightly. “H—How do you suffer?” she asked.

“Like you. My mind betrays me sometimes,” she said matter-of-factly. “It makes me think things that aren’t right – about myself, about my life.”

“Why?”

Geneviève took a deep breath. “I come from a family of very high achievers. I don’t know if Matthew went into specifics with you, but my dad was a very famous and respected French diplomat and my mom comes from a very old money French Canadian family from Montreal. My siblings and I lived with our parents growing up, but we didn’t really have a close relationship with them because we were raised by nannies. Then, when I was eleven, I was shipped off to an all-girls school in Paris. My brothers went to Eton College in the UK. And my brothers – well, they’re the same as my parents. They both work in politics.”

“What’s not right about that?” Effie asked.

Geneviève couldn’t help but smile slightly. “Nothing is wrong with it. It just puts a lot of pressure on a person to be just as successful and rich. After high school, I went to Wellesley College, which is one of the best private liberal arts colleges in the world. I studied English literature. And while I was there, I became a Rhodes Scholar, so I went to Oxford University for a bit, then came back and graduated from Wellesley – I was valedictorian – only to go back to Oxford so I could get my PhD. When I was at Oxford, I became editor in chief of their literary magazine, and I was gaining fame as a writer and humourist, public speaker, debater, social commentator…all these things. People wanted to know my insight into things because I was sharp and witty, even though I was young. Everyone ate it up. I did too.”

Effie was confused. She knew Geneviève could be referred to as doctor, even though she wasn’t a medical doctor. She knew Geneviève was intensely smart – she was basically her tutor, after all – but Effie couldn’t piece everything together. “I’m not understanding,” she said. “All those things that you mentioned – the family, your education, your success – I thought that’s what people want.”

“They do want those things,” Geneviève clarified. “But remember when you told me the reason you cut your hair was because you finally wanted something that belonged to you? And that you did it for you and no-one else?” she asked. Effie nodded her head. “My entire life – everything I just told you about – I was always subconsciously doing it for other people because I had an intense, crippling fear of not making people happy and not being good enough.”

Effie suddenly had an a-ha moment. In all made sense. The puzzle pieces were perfectly laid out in front of her, and she could see it all – every miniscule piece together to create the broader picture. “Oh,” she let out dramatically. “I get it now.”

“Exactly,” Geneviève nodded.

“And Jacob makes you happy,” Effie said as more of a statement than a question.

Geneviève smiled again. “Yes. Jacob makes me very happy. Did anyone ever tell you about the first night we met?” she asked. Effie shook her head. Geneviève loved telling the story. “It was the night of my graduation of my PhD in 2016. My friends and I were partying in a pub in Oxford, still wearing our Tudor bonnets and hoods. Jacob and his friends were there. They were doing some sort of Eurotrip and we just happened to be in the same bar, and he noticed my group with our bonnets and hoods on. He came up to me and we started talking. And we couldn’t shut up.”

“That sounds like Jacob,” Effie blurted out. She would have immediately regretted it if Geneviève hadn’t snorted at her words.

“We talked and we danced together the entire night while we all went barhopping. He’d help me adjust my hat all the time, or he’d step on my feet five times during a song and he’d apologize each time. And every second that passed, I fell more and more in love with him,” Geneviève continued, pausing for a moment. “The thing was, Effie…I had a fiancé. Daniel. We were together for four years at that point. My parents loved him. My friends loved him. He came from a good family like mine – a titled family, even – and everything was sort of just…you know, set. But then I met Jacob. And that same night, I broke up with my fiancé.”

Effie’s eyes widened. “I’m guessing people don’t usually break up with boys they’ve been with for four years for boys they’ve just met.”

“Absolutely not,” Geneviève shook her head. “Everybody I knew was very disappointed in me, my family especially. All my friends…they thought I was crazy. Most of them turned on me in a heartbeat. They kept asking me how I could do such a thing – how could I break Daniel’s heart, how could I throw away our future together for some random Swedish guy I met at a pub—”

“But you knew,” Effie interrupted her. “You knew it was Jacob. That is was supposed to be Jacob.”

At this point, Geneviève’s eyes were watering, but she nodded her head. “It was always supposed to be Jacob.”

“That was very brave of you, to do something out of love even though you knew people wouldn’t respect you for it.”

“It’s not as brave as what you did,” Geneviève said, meaning it. There was a moment of silence between the two women before Geneviève considered the question she was going to ask before her mind just forced her to ask it. “You know it’s supposed to be Matthew, don’t you?”

Effie found herself nodding her head too. “Yes,” her voice was soft as she looked down at her hands clasped around the warm mug. “He makes me feel things I never thought I’d be able to feel. He makes me feel…I don’t know, happy. Like all that stuff didn’t happen to me. Or like – that it did, but that I’m capable of moving past it and becoming someone new.”

“That’s a good thing, Effie. If Matthew makes you happy that’s all that matters.”

“But if Jacob makes you happy, why do you suffer? Why does your mind suffer?”

Geneviève felt like she was in a therapy session. In a way, she kind of was. She took another deep breath. “Well, my mind suffers because of the weight of expectation. I…I’ve had two mental breakdowns, Effie. And both times, I’ve hurt Jacob so much. But he still loved me through it. He helped me. He helps me, still. I made him suffer while I was suffering and that’s my biggest regret in life, the one thing I want to take back. But he stuck with me and loved me through all of it.”

“Wh—What caused your mental breakdowns?” Effie asked.

��Um, well my first one was when most of my old friends abandoned me, after I left Daniel to be with Jacob.”

“And the other?”

Geneviève averted her eyes down at her cup of tea before staring at Effie again. “I couldn’t get pregnant.”

Effie felt her entire body stiffen as the words came out of Geneviève’s mouth. Not only did they have similar minds, but their pain was similar too. In Effie’s case, however, her seven miscarriages prevented her from having children and becoming a mother – something she never wanted anyway, since it was imposed on her and she’d never made the decision for herself until now. Geneviève, on the other hand, wanted to become a mother. Effie knew that she wanted to have children with Jacob. Geneviève had once explained to her how she only wanted Jacob’s kids, not anybody else’s. To not be able to do that – to get pregnant with a child you so dearly want with your husband – must have hurt Geneviève immensely. “I’m so sorry,” Effie whispered, not knowing what else to say.

“That’s alright. It’s much better now, and I’m in a better place,” Geneviève nodded slightly. “But it was a vicious cycle for a long time. Sometimes my mind would make me think I’m not good enough for Jacob, that I shouldn’t be putting him through all of this suffering. But other times – healthy times – my mind reminds me Jacob and I are soulmates, and all I have to remember is the first night we met and fell in love, and that proves it to me.”

Effie understood completely again. “Sometimes when I’m sleeping in bed with Matthew – or, well, when he’s sleeping and I can’t sleep, and I just watch him sleep – I convince myself that he should move on. I’ve written letters to him about it that I’ve never shown him. If your mind tells you that you’re not good enough for Jacob when it’s bad – well, my mind tells me that I’m not good enough for Matthew because I’m making him work so much and wait so long.”

“Your mind is lying to you.”

Effie nodded. “Dr. Barlow says the same thing. She says I’m conditioned to think that I’m not worthy or good enough for love because of what happened in the People’s Dominion.”

“She’s right.”

“She says I should accept love whenever it’s presented to me so that I can give love back to those who truly love me. So, like, my brother. And Jenna. And when my mind is good, like yours, it tells me that…that Matthew can be – no, is a person that I can show true love to.”

“You know, by opening up to him the way that you have, I think you’re already showing true love to him,” Geneviève commented. “You’re both changing for the better. I hope that’s not lost on you.”

Before either woman could say anything else, Effie saw Jacob’s sleepy head pop up. He saw his wife with tea at the table with Effie and smiled. Effie nodded her head so Geneviève would look over her shoulder and see him. “Hey you,” she said softly, smiling.

“I can’t nap. Come cuddle,” he pleaded.

Both women giggled at his tone, but Geneviève stood up from her seat and grabbed her mug of team. “You gonna be okay?” she asked.

Effie nodded. “I’ll probably just stare out the window admiring the view until everyone wakes up,” she joked.

Jacob wrapped his arm around her wife as she approached him, though Geneviève took one final look back at Effie still sitting in her seat. “You deserve the love,” she said firmly, giving her a knowing look.

Effie nodded her head. “You do, too.”

***

“You almost ready, Effie?” Matthew said just as he heard the lock on the ensuite unlatch. Effie emerged from the washroom wrapped in a robe, and he knew a bathing suit was lying underneath. “You can borrow a pair of my slides for when we go outside,” he said, digging into his suitcase.

“Can I be honest with you?” she said.

“Always.”

“I’ve never been in a hot tub before.”

Matthew chuckled. “I kind of figured, Effie.”

“It’s not weird that I’m going to be in a bathing suit in front…in front of other men and their girlfriends and wives, right?” she asked, her voice much more apprehensive now.

Matthew stopped. “No,” he shook his head, his voice stern. “That’s not…no. It’s not like that,” he attempted to explain, but the words weren’t coming out right. “They won’t think it’s weird, and they won’t think anything about you, if that’s what you’re asking. This stuff happens all the time.”

“Okay,” she said, though she didn’t exactly sound entirely convinced.

“You’re not scared of them, like, looking at you, are you?” he pressed.

“No…not really,” she shook her head. “I know all the guys. They’re nice guys and they’re not like that. It’s just one of those new experiences where I’m going to be doing something new for the first time. That something new being presenting myself in a bathing suit in front of other men for the first time.”

Matthew moved closer to her. “Effie, if you’re nervous you don’t have to go in—”

“No, I want to,” she asserted. “You said it’s romantic.”

Matthew snorted. “I don’t know how romantic it’ll be when we’re surrounded by ten other people,” he mumbled. “But I can think of lots of romantic things we can get up to in here while everyone else is out in the hot tub,” he brought his arm up, wrapping it around her.

“You wish,” she giggled. “Let’s go.”

They made their way downstairs, all the way to the basement where there was a walkout to the lower deck where the huge ten-person hot tub was. Mostly everyone was there already – Johnny and Meredith, Elias and Annica, and Britt was taking off her robe to join Sean and Noah who were already in the hot tub. Britt wore a bikini – naturally, as women did – and Effie could feel her grip tighten along the lapels of her bath robe. From behind Effie, Jacob and Geneviève approached the scene. Jacob was wearing swim trunks and no robe; Geneviève was still in her day clothes.

“Hey!” Britt was mildly offended when she saw Geneviève. “Where’s your bathing suit, missy?”

“I’m not coming in,” she said as Jacob practically jumped right in. Effie was convinced he would have if it wasn’t so shallow. She’d seen that video of him backflipping off a boat house in Muskoka.

“Forget your bathing suit?” Noah asked.

“Nah,” Geneviève shook her head. “I uh…I actually can’t get in.”

“Why not?”

Everyone was silent, waiting for an answer, looking at Geneviève. They waited. And waited. Effie even flicked her eyes towards Jacob, seeing if he had any answers, but he only had a slick smile on his face. It was only when Meredith’s face dropped that Effie braced herself. “Wait,” Meredith interjected. Everyone’s heads whipped towards her. “Can you not come in the hot tub because you’re pregnant?”

Everyone whipped their heads back to Geneviève. A Cheshire cat-like grin crept on her face as she cupped her hand over the flowy material of her oversized sweater, showing a small but noticeable bump. The girls shrieked at the top of their lungs. Well, most of the girls – Effie was shocked into silence, but her jaw did drop dramatically. The boys started yelling too, in their stereotypical guy way, patting Jacob on the back as he smiled one of his broad, signature smiles from ear to ear.

“I can’t believe you’re pregnant! You guys are having a baby!” Britt screamed.

“Oh no no no,” Jacob intervened, shaking his head at Britt’s comment. Everyone was confused again. “It’s not a baby.”

“Excuse me?” Britt furrowed her brows, looking to Geneviève.

Geneviève couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “It’s babies.”

“TWINS?!” Annica shrieked. “You’re having twins?!”

Geneviève nodded.

The girls began shrieking again, Britt even going so far as to get out of the hot tub to hug Geneviève, even though she was soaking wet. The guys were dumbfounded. Sean had a look on his face like he was a medieval peasant and someone just told him the Earth revolved around the sun. “Twins, buddy?” he asked Jacob, who nodded his head. “Dude, you’re gonna be busy.”

“Believe me buddy, I know.”

Effie hugged Geneviève in congratulations. She was much happier about the news than she thought she would be – so happy, in fact, that she was speechless. But she was happy. Every time she’d gotten pregnant by Abraham, she cried because she knew what it meant and because she never wanted to be pregnant and was forced to be. It wasn’t what she wanted. But Geneviève wanted this. She’d wanted this for such a long time – so long, judging by their conversation earlier – that it had made her depressed at one point because it wasn’t happening for her and Jacob. To finally be pregnant – and pregnant with twins – was a blessing Effie knew Geneviève and Jacob had been waiting a really long time for.

“Come on Effie, take off that robe and hop in with me,” Britt smiled.

Effie began untying the knot in her robe, taking her time, mentally preparing herself for the moment she shed it. After unlooping the last loop, she looked behind her to see Matthew ready to take it from her, giving her a small nod. She took a deep breath and slipped it off her shoulders, expecting a reaction.

Nothing.

There was nothing.

Nobody even batted an eyelash.

“Come, sweetie,” Britt urged. “Sit in one of the corner spots. They’re the ones with the most jets.”

Effie climbed the stairs to get in. Sean offered his hand for her to grab on to politely, but Effie didn’t take it. She probably looked awkward, but she just wanted to make sure she didn’t slip and fall in. The second her toe hit the water, she could feel how hot the water was. “That feels nice,” she commented, smiling nervously.

“Wait till your whole body’s in,” Sean said.

Once her entire body was submerged into the bubbling water, Effie immediately felt at ease and relaxed – and she hadn’t even gone to sit in a seat where jets were. Matthew disrobed quickly and climbed in right after her. He watched as she moved and sat in a corner, against jets, and saw her eyes roll back. “Oh, you were right Britt. This feels amazing.”

Matthew settled in next to Effie against the back of the hot tub. Everyone else followed him getting in and settling into their spots, and they all began a lively conversation. The jets hit her lower back and shoulders in all the right places; she contributed almost nothing to the conversation for however long it was because she was so relaxed, she felt like falling asleep. When she was called out for it by a playful Jacob, she laughed it off and chastised him for interrupting her beauty sleep. That’s when Matthew moved even closer to her, so that their legs were touching underwater, and she looked over at him. “These jets are incredible,” she said.

“You’re such a hog,” he grinned at her.

She knew she was being a hog, but she couldn’t help it. “Wanna switch?”

“C’mere,” he urged, and their bodies moved until Matthew was seated with the jets across his back, and Effie was sitting in his lap with his arms wrapped around her. They were sitting exactly like Annica and Elias were, so Annica sent her a quick wink. “This okay?” Matthew whispered once they finally relaxed into each other.

“More than okay,” Effie nodded.

She could feel his lips kiss the exposed skin on her shoulder.

***

Effie looked through the series of ten photos she chose to upload to her Instagram:

The picture of her and Matthew in the middle of Banff Avenue with the mountain in the background.

A group picture of the entire table out at dinner.

A picture of her and Matthew together, posing in front of Lake Louise.

A group picture of the girls in the kitchen cooking breakfast together.

A picture of she and Matthew cuddled together on the couch, where his arm was around her and gripping her thigh as she had her knees up against his thighs and her arm around his shoulders.

A picture of her and Geneviève passed out while reading on the couch.

A picture of her and Sean, where he looked like he was deep into explaining something and she had no clue what he was talking about.

A picture of everyone playing Monopoly, where Matthew had pulled up a chair and made Effie sit in between his spread out legs with her back against his chest for the duration of the game.

A photo of everyone in the hot tub, with Effie in Matthew’s lap.

A selfie-style photo of everyone dressed up for New Year’s, taken just minutes before.

Friends.

She had friends.

***

“Okay okay okay okay okay,” Noah slurred as he lined up the champagne glasses only five minutes to go from midnight. Everybody had been partying and drinking (save for Geneviève, of course) for most of the night, and now it was time to pour the champagne. Effie didn’t feel drunk or tipsy at all, despite Annica making her a mojito, so she thought it best to follow Noah to all the champagne flutes. “You carry the tray, I’ll carry the glasses,” he said.

Effie looked down. He had just put the glasses on the tray. She giggled at how drunk he was. “What’s your plan B, Noah?”

“Plan B?” he looked flabbergasted. “Well how many bottles we got?”

“Six.”

He counted out six on his fingers like a toddler. “That’s one for everyone!” he said as he reached over and began grabbing the champagne bottles. Gripping a bottle in each hand, he walked back to the main family room and handed a bottle to Jacob and a bottle to Sean. “Now for Chucky and Johnny,” he mumbled, grabbing the next two bottles and going back to the boys to hand it to them. Effie could only stand there and giggle. He looked like a toddler waddling around. “Now Elias and me! All done!”

“What about the women?” she asked.

“Young padawan,” he said, bending down so he could be at eye level with her. It was sometimes so embarrassing how much taller all the guys were (and Jacob was in a league of his own). What was probably more embarrassing was that she had no clue what a padawan was. “You have yet to learn that you hold aaaaallllllllll the power. All the power. Especially with Chucky.”

Her smile was more nervous than knowing as her eyes flickered to where Matthew was already peeling the foil off the top of the champagne bottle. “You think so?”

“I know so. Matthew’s so fucking whipped for you he should win the Calgary Stampede.”

With that, Noah turned on his heels and returned back to the family room. Effie considered his words as she stood in place for just a moment longer, eventually following him and finding Matthew, who was putting the crumpled foil from the champagne bottle on the counter. When he saw her, a smile immediately appeared on his face. “You want to pop the bottle?”

“I’ve never done it before.”

“It’s easy,” he said. “I’ll prep it for you.”

She watched as he wiggled the cork just enough that it was still in, but out enough so that it would be easier for her to pop once the clock struck midnight. “Thank you for this year, Matthew,” she blurted out, suddenly unable to look him in the eye. “I—you—you’ve really made it the best year of my life.”

Matthew smiled. “We’ve just gotta make next year even better.”

“I don’t know if that’s possible.”

“Oh it’s possible,” he smiled. In the background, Effie could hear Annica yell “Thirty seconds!”. He grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers. “Come on. Let’s start it off right,” he said, bringing her in front of the TV to watch the countdown, wrapping an arm securely around her as they counted down with everyone else.

10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1!

“Haaappyyyyy Neeewww Yeeeeeaaaaarrr!!!!!” everybody screamed simultaneously. Sean popped his bottle of champagne first, and everyone else followed consecutively, Effie last because she was scared of wiggling the cork and scared it would pop in her face. Matthew helped her direct it towards Noah before it eventually did pop, the champagne bubbling up and almost spilling over. Effie brought it to her mouth to cover it and stop it from getting all over the floor, taking a quick swig. She watched as Jacob and Geneviève kissed, Jacob placing his hand over her small bump. Elias and Annica were kissing too. She looked up at Matthew and felt him wrap his arm around her again.

“Happy New Year,” he whispered, leaning down and planting his lips on hers.

“Happy New Year,” she whispered back, only for Matthew to kiss her again.

***

After hugging the girls, and drinking the champagne, and singing in the living room to music, and having some more hugs with the girls and laughs with the guys and singing some more, Effie found herself on a high. Everybody was going to bed, but she wasn’t tired. And when she found herself alone with Matthew in their room, all she wanted to do was kiss.

Kiss and kiss and kiss and kiss and kiss.

They were both in heaven. Matthew had never felt anything as soft as Effie’s lips or as electric as her skin; Effie, too, had never felt anything as strong as Matthew’s body or as soft as his soul. She knew a lot of people in hockey would disagree with her, but they didn’t know Matthew like she knew Matthew. They didn’t know the Matthew she knew.

With his kisses along her jawline and neck heating up her body, she moved on her own to take off her top. Matthew followed with his own, throwing it half way across the room before continuing his kisses, bringing a hand up to caress her breasts, knowing how much she liked it. Matthew groaned feeling her hands grip at his sides, her fingernails digging in ever so slightly into the muscles of his obliques. He moved to take off her bra and suck at her breasts. The mewls and sounds she was letting out were, as always, music to his ears. He wanted them permanently etched in his mind.

“Matthew…” Effie let out breathlessly as his tongue glided along the space between her breasts.

“Yeah baby?” he asked.

There was a pause before she spoke again. “I br—I brought condoms.”

Matthew stopped all movements. Even his tongue left her skin for the first time in what seemed like hours since they’d been kissing so long, causing Effie to look down at him. “You brought condoms?” he asked—clarified—whatever, his chest heaving up and down.

She nodded her head. “Can I go get them?”

“Yeah,” he said, still in so much shock he moved only slightly to let her out from underneath him. She slivered away quickly, going into her suitcase to grab the small box she’d apparently hidden underneath all her clothes. He watched her as she opened it, taking a condom out and setting it on the bedside table before placing the box down beside it. When she got back onto the bed, balancing herself on her knees, Matthew rose to the same position. He grabbed her face between his hands and kissed her gently. “Is this what you want?” he asked.

She nodded her head before he could even finish the sentence. “Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I want to have sex with you.”

The words sent a shiver up his spine, but he knew he needed to remain calm. He began kissing her again, gently at first, but as time went on, they got more passionate, their hands exploring each other’s exposed skin. Matthew could feel the weight of her breasts press up against his chest as his hands teased down to the waist of her pants. “Can I take these off?” he asked. She only nodded. “I need to hear you say it, Effie.”

“Yes.”

His hands unbuttoned and unzipped the front of the pants before snaking themselves underneath the fabric and over the mounds of her ass, bring them down to the tops of her thighs. “Lie down,” he whispered, and she did so, gently, until she could feel the pillows on the back of her head. She lifted up her hips so Matthew could take off her pants, leaving her only in her underwear. It was the most exposed she’d ever been with him, but she wasn’t nervous – far from it. Actually, she felt comfortable, the most comfortable she’d ever been.

“Can I take off your pants?” she asked, wanting to do it herself since she never had the opportunity or choice to before. Matthew nodded his head, and she followed the steps he’d done – unbuttoning and unzipping the front – except this time, she had to do it without looking, because Matthew had continued to kiss her like he would have died if he didn’t. She pushed his jeans down as far as she could and he took care of the rest, disposing them off the edge of the bed.

She caught a quick glimpse of the bulge in his trunks. She could feel her body getting hotter and she knew it was because of her arousal. “I bought large.”

“Large what?”

“Condoms.”

Matthew snorted slightly, a giant smile appearing on his face as he peppered her lips with quick kisses. “You really know how to stroke my ego, don’t you?”

She was bashful, giggling and covering her face as he tried to pepper it with more kisses. “I just figured…”

“Well, you figured correctly, baby.”

She cradled his face, her smile fading slowly until she bit her bottom lip slightly. “Kiss me. Touch me, Matty.”

When their lips met again, their kisses were passionate and loving and full, giving every piece of themselves to the other. Matthew lied on his side and brought Effie with him, hiking her leg up and over his hip so his hand could…explore. Effie’s breath hitched in her throat when she felt where his hand was. She looked him directly in the eye, but unlike last time, she didn’t tell him to stop. “Is that okay?” he asked. She nodded. “I need to hea—”

“Yes, Matty,” she said quickly, even nodding. “Touch me. Touch me.”

He cupped his hand over her underwear, taking it slow, because even that sent a jolt throughout her body. Her core was wet – which was obviously good – and he moved his fingers up and down over the fabric as he continued to kiss her until finally, finally, he pushed the material to the side and felt her lips between his fingers. Her hips bucked at the touch. “You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah,” she nodded quickly. He could see her gulp. “It—it feels really good.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Keep going.”

His fingers continued moving, teasing; her hips continuing bucking, trying to drive more friction. When he introduced his thumb into the equation, she let out a louder moan, and brought her arm over and squeezed his forearm. “Take them off,” she whispered.

He acted quickly, looping his fingers through her underwear to take them off before shimmying out of his own too before putting his hand back where it was. This time, Effie could feel the length of his hard cock on her thigh, and it made her body even hotter. Between what he was doing with his hands and the fact that their naked bodies were pressed against each other’s at almost every inch, she knew she was ready. There was no hesitation. No fear. No trepidation or anxiety or unease. “Put on the condom,” she mumbled incoherently against his lips.

“Huh?”

“Put on the condom.”

Matthew ripped the packet open with his teeth, rolling the condom on as Effie watched. When it was on securely, he began kissing her, and she rolled over onto her back so his body hovered on top of hers. She felt his hand snake down her side until it got to her knee, hiking it up so she could wrap it around his torso. He did the same for her other leg too, not once letting his lips leave hers.

“Effie…”

“Yeah?”

“If you want to stop or anything, we can obviously stop.”

She nodded her head, bringing her hands up to cup his face again. She knew he had to say it, but she didn’t want to stop. Her body felt like it was on fire – in a good way. “Okay.”

“If it hurts or anything—”

“—You won’t hurt me—”

“Effie, please,” he interjected softly. “If it hurts, or if…if—if you see him, you have to tell me, okay? We can stop and it won’t be awkward for me. You just say.”

She nodded her head. “Okay.”

“You promise?”

“I promise,” she said, gliding her thumb over his lips.

Matthew began kissing her again, because he wanted to take it slow, but eventually he put his hand between them and guided himself into her. Their breaths were heavy. Effie stopped kissing him at that moment, her mouth hanging open at the sensation. I felt good.

It felt good.

She moaned as he pushed further into her, gripping at his shoulder blades. Eventually, he filled her completely, and he let out a groan of his own. “Look at me, baby,” he whispered, and Effie focused her eyes on him. “You okay?”

She nodded. “It feels good. It’s never felt good before,” she said.

Matthew let out a breath. He placed a delicate kiss on her lips before beginning to move, which garnered more moans out of her (and him, too – he was enjoying the situation just as much as she was). Eventually, he built up a steady rhythm. Effie’s moans were the sign he needed that everything was okay, so he kept doing what he was doing – the kisses, the thrusts.

“Matty?” she asked, her voice breathless but sweet as he kissed her neck.

“Yeah, Effie?” he raised his head so he was looking right at her.

“You feel amazing,” she told him. “I can’t believe it can feel this good.”

“That’s a good thing, baby,” Matthew smiled. He decided to take things one step further, knowing he needed to do more to make sure she got off. He thrusted harder into her, and he garnered the exact reaction he wanted from her – she arched her back and mewled out, her grip on his shoulder blades digging deeper. Their bodies were so close that he knew he was pressing against her clit with every thrust he made. “That feel good?” he asked.

“God yes,” she nodded quickly. “Keep…keep…oh Jesus,” she was at a loss for words as he continued without being asked. “Oooooh, Matty…fuck…Matty,” she kept moaning. The more he did it, the better it felt. And the better it felt, the more she wished for it to never end.

Matthew could feel himself getting close – he couldn’t help it – but when he saw Effie’s eyes roll back, he knew she was close too. “Effie, baby, come for me. Come for me.”

It was like her body knew what to do without her actually knowing what to do. After those words left Matthew’s lips, she arched her back, and after a few more thrusts, Effie felt a strong, powerful wave of pleasure rush through her body, unlike anything she’d ever felt before. Matthew could feel it too, and he knew from the way her nails dug into his back and how her legs tightened around him. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, and after a few more thrusts, his own orgasm followed, a series of moans and high-pitched sighs that matched hers escaping from him as he felt her walls tightening around him. Her grip on him was so tight, like she was clinging on to him for dear life, as they both rode through their orgasms, doing everything in their power to have them last as long as possible. Eventually, Matthew’s thrusts steadied, then slowed, then stopped, and he pulled out of her and collapsed beside her onto his back.

They were both catching their breaths – Effie more so. After his high subsided, Matthew turned his head to look at her. “You okay, Effie?” he asked.

She nodded almost instantaneously. “That was an orgasm, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Matthew nodded. “Did it feel good?”

“It felt incredible,” she said, finally turning her head dramatically to look at him. “That was fucking awesome.”

They both giggled, Matthew leaning forward to kiss her quickly. “Told you I could make you orgasm.”

“You were right.”

He gave her one last kiss before pulling away slightly. “I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?”

“I have to throw out the condom.”

“Oh. Right,” she said, watching him get up and walk to the washroom. When he came back, he crawled into bed, the both of them still naked, and he pulled her body against his so they were cuddling face-to-face. He gave her a few kisses on her neck and shoulder, and rubbed her back soothingly. That’s when Effie spoke again. “Matty?”

“Yeah, baby?”

She wondered if she should even say anything, because the night had been perfect – New Year’s, champagne, friends, singing, dancing, kissing, sex – but he had a right to know. She knew he’d want to know how far she’d come. “I um…this is the first time that I want to keep my body.”

Matthew furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”

“Every time this has happened before, I didn’t want my body anymore. It…it felt like it was contaminated. I wanted to take my body off like a jacket. I was terrified of it and what happened to it. But I don’t feel like that after this. And this is the first time where I…I want to keep my body. I want to keep all the good things I felt.”

Matthew’s heart stopped. If it was possible, he tightened his hold on her. “I never want you to feel that way again,” he said. “You can keep everything, Effie. All the good things.”

“The best part is, I know there will be more.”

He nodded, giving her one last kiss. “Much more.”

As he continued rubbing her back, Matthew felt Effie fall asleep on his chest, her breath steadying until she was completely out. Matthew, for his part, couldn’t stop staring up at the ceiling, ruminating not only on the events that had just transpired, but on the words that were just said. The trauma she’d been through was inconceivable. He hated thinking about it, though he knew he had to so he could really understand. The anger that he felt towards the people who hurt her pure, innocent soul made his blood boil – so much so he was convinced that if he ever saw them, he’d tear them to pieces. But he meant what he said: he never wanted her to feel that way again. He wanted her to keep all the good things. And he was adamant in making sure she had many more good things to remember.

So many that hopefully, one day, they would outweigh the bad things.

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typical-simplelove · 4 years ago

Text

All the Way Across the World - 40s AU (J. Markstrom)

Summary: Jacob wasn't looking for love while he was in England fighting the war. However, he wasn't expecting for Lily Stratton to come in and change that.

Series Masterlist

A/n: Here is the first part! This one is the same universe as the Matthew Tkachuk part that is linked in the series masterlist. Also, I want to thank @glassdanse for sharing their stories with me and allowing me to incorporate them into this series. Thank you so much for your help with this! Enjoy reading!

Warnings: mentions of war, death, and fighting; everyone on the Calgary Flames for this is Canadian (this is what worked for everything to flow)

Word Count: 9.3k

Taglist: @boqvistsbabe @goalision @rmaye @mellany1997 @beauvibaby @heatherawoowoo @petey-patty @barzal-burakovsky @coffee-ontherocks @heaveniish @glassdanse @nhlboyshavemyhart88 @tkapuckit @heybarzy @stars-canucks @2manytabsopen (Do you want to be tagged in my fics? Fill out this form.)

May 26, 1940

The loud dancing music coming out of the Red Cross building on the base that Jacob was at was a calming welcome. After a ten-day boot camp trekking through the English countryside, being back in London was a nice sight. Jacob didn’t often opt to spend his nights off with his friends in the Red Cross building; however, Elias wanted to introduce Jacob and some of the other boys to the girl he’s been seeing. Rumor has it that Elias is going to propose soon. Jacob walked into the Red Cross building and immediately sighed. Loud music and drunk soldiers was not what Jacob wanted to do during his free time. He understood the idea and thought behind the Red Cross women setting this up each Friday night. That doesn’t mean he has to enjoy it.

“Please, be nice,” Elias pleads to Jacob. “Don’t be this mopey version of yourself, please?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jacob grumbles.

“No, I agree, you’re unusually grumpy,” Matthew interjects. What was it with Jacob’s friends and their need to point out Jacob's mood? Don’t they understand that they are fighting a war? All he wanted to do with his time was find a girl to love and marry and go live in a house on a lake. Isn’t that the dream? This war threw everything out the window.

“Fine, I’ll try to be less grumpy, but I’m not taking care of you when you’re drunk later,” Jacob relents. His friends cheer around him at Jacob’s admission and a drink is thrown into Jacob’s hand. That was quick. Jacob follows his friends as they find a table to sit at, and Elias goes over to find Annica.

Some of the boys are looking around trying to find a girl who will want to dance with them. Jacob isn’t doing that. War isn’t a time to find someone to fall in love with. During wartime, Jacob is going to put his energy into fighting this war and ending it as soon as possible. The sooner that it’s over, the sooner that Jacob can go home and live the life he was working for.

“Everyone, this is Annica,” Elias says as he motions to a girl who is holding onto his hand. “Annica, everyone.”

Some of the boys wave and others say hi. Elias found a pretty girl who definitely is crazy about him. Introductions are made and small conversation happens.

“I actually have to go back to work; I don’t think Lily thought I’d be this long,” Annica says. She kisses Elias on the cheek and heads back to the kitchen.

“She’s great, right?” Elias says as he watches Annica walk away. “I think I’m going to marry her.”

“That’s great for you,” Jacob says. He tried to sound chipper and happy, but it was hard when he was in an atmosphere he didn’t want to be in.

“Don’t do this, Jacob, you promised that you wouldn’t be grumpy.”

“Then maybe I should just leave.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Yeah, I know,” Jacob sighs. “I’m going to go outside for a moment.” Jacob places his drink on the table that he hasn’t taken a single sip out of and crosses the room to head outside. He opens the door, and his entire attitude makes a positive turn as he heads breaths in the air.

After a few minutes of standing outside, Jacob hears some commotion about twenty feet away. He turns and looks; he sees a woman in a Red Cross uniform pouring some liquid out of a giant pot. He watches her struggle and decides to go over and help.

“Do you need some help, miss?” Jacob asks and startles the woman. She jumps and the pot lands on the ground resulting in the liquid to spill.

“Well, I guess that completes what I was trying to do,” she says with amusement.

“I’m really sorry about that,” Jacob apologizes. He looks downs at the woman and notices her shoulder length black hair that was pulled back into an intricate updo.

“Oh, don’t worry. The damage was more of you frightening me than anything else.”

“Again, my sincerest apologies, Ms.; I’m not quite sure what to call you.”

“Stratton, Ms. Lily Stratton of the Canadian Red Cross. And you are?”

“Second Lieutenant Jacob Markstrom.”

“Well, Lieutenant, thank you so much for making this part of my job easier.”

“Dumping out whatever that liquid was?”

Lily laughs. “Yeah, that’s always the hardest part. It’s heavy and I don’t have the most strong arms in the world. I doubt you can relate to that.”

“I’m afraid I don’t follow, Ms. Stratton,” Jacob asks confused.

Lily laughs, and Jacob feels a blush creep onto his face. “How tall are you, Lieutenant? Actually, it doesn't matter. You’re tall. What I mean is, I doubt that holding heavy things is a difficulty for you, Lieutenant.”

“Oh, no, definitely not, Ms. Stratton.”

Lily giggles, and Jacob determines that it’s the best noise he’s ever heard. “Well, Lieutenant Markstrom, I have to get back to serving you and your fellow soldiers. It was nice to meet you; I hope to see you around.”

“The same here, Ms. Stratton.”

Lily takes one last glance at Jacob and walks back into the kitchen. There was something about Jacob, she just couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

. . .

“Who was that man you were talking to yesterday, Lily?” Annica asks when Lily walks into the kitchen the next morning.

Lily slightly blushes and pretends to busy herself with cleaning the dishes.

“Oh, so you’re not going to tell me about him, then?” Annica teases. When Lily doesn’t respond, Annica only prods further. “You know, I could tell that he was extremely tall. Maybe I should just walk up to each tall man on the base and ask if they talked to you yesterday.”

Lily gasps. “You wouldn’t!”

“I would. Unless…”

“Unless, what?”

“Unless, Lily, you tell me his name. It’s about time that you find a romantic partner.”

“Firstly, I don’t need to have a romantic partner, so hush! Secondly, his name is Lieutenant Jacob Markstrom.”

“Oh, Lieutenant Markstrom? He’s friends with Elias.”

“Of course he is,” you joke.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Annica asks, confused.

“No, nothing mean, I promise. It just means that the one man I find attractive and talk to also happens to be friends with your boyfriend, or soon to be fiance. This means that you can badger him and me until one of us makes a move. This, however, doesn’t mean he finds me attractive or wants to go out with me.”

“Who are we talking about?” Elias asks as he walks into the kitchen. He wraps his arms around Annica from the back and kisses her cheek.

“Your friend, Jacob,” Annica answers.

“Oh? What about him?”

“Nothing, other than the fact that Lily here talked to him and finds him attractive.”

“Oh?” Elias asks amusingly.

“Can we not?” Lily pleads. “This doesn’t mean anything and it was one conversation.”

“You were the girl that Jacob was talking to because let me tell you, he came back from being outside in a happy mood,” Elias adds.

“What does that even mean?”

“He doesn’t like loud party atmospheres. However, he was in a better mood and didn’t mind the atmosphere after talking to you.”

Lily just stares at Elias and looks to Annica for help.

“It means he likes you or at least enjoys your company, Lily,” Annica clarifies.

“Oh, oh!” Lily says. “Wait, don’t. Again, this doesn’t mean anything.”

“You’re right, it might not mean anything, but you could make it mean something.”

“Oh, be quiet, Annica. Can’t we just change the topic, now? We have to have the donuts made for the pilots who come back from their flights in a few hours.”

“Sure, but this doesn’t mean we’re done with this conversation,” Annica relents. She turns to say goodbye to Elias, and Lily turns away. It was nice to see them so in love; she couldn’t wait until they got married one day.

. . .

The following week, Lily was put to work in the kitchen. She was told to have dinner readily available to be filled. Lily didn’t particularly hate this job; however, she wanted to see Jacob again. She wanted to see him and talk to him. She doubted there would be any natural way for her to see Jacob or for him to see her. Oh well, right?

Lily was beginning to peel the next batch of potatoes when the door to the kitchen opened. Believing it was just one of the Red Cross women, Lily didn’t look up. “You can leave the tray on the table in the middle.”

“Well, I don’t have any trays to give you, so I’ll just sit on this stool,” the person who enters says.

Lily lifts her head and turns to the person talking. “Lieutenant Markstrom, what are you doing here?”

“Do you not want to see me? I’m offended.”

Lily smiles. “This isn’t where the other soldiers hangout on Friday evenings.”

“What if this is where I want to be?” Jacob flirts.

Lily raises her eyebrows. “Oh, is that so, Lieutenant?”

“Partially, Ms. Stratton.”

“What does that even mean, ‘partially’, Lieutenant?”

“Annica and Elias forced me to come talk to you. I was going to wait until you made an appearance, but they forced me into here.”

Lily shakes her head. “Of course they did.”

“Now it’s my turn to ask what that means, Ms. Stratton.”

“Don’t worry, Lieutenant, it’s none of your concern.”

Jacob has an amused look in his eyes. “Mhm, if you say so, Ms. Stratton. May I ask, what are you doing?”

“I am prepping the potatoes for you and your fellow soldiers’ meal.”

“May I help, Ms. Stratton,” Jaocb asks.

“No, you may not, Lieutenant.”

Jacob asks. “And why is that?”

“You are supposed to be enjoying your evening and not working. Let me do my job, Lieutenant.”

Jacob’s deep chuckle sent shivers down Lily’s spine. “Yes, ma’am. Mind if I stay here for a bit?”

“Don’t you want to go back to your friends?” Lily asks.

“Do you really want to get rid of me that quickly?”

“No,” Lily says quickly and gets a raised eyebrow from Jacob. She blushes before she responds. “I just don’t know why you’d want to spend the evening in a kitchen when you could be drinking and dancing and ignoring your problems and the war.”

“That’s fair, but why can’t I want to spend the time with my friend?”

Lily’s smile falters slightly when Jacob calls her his friend. She doesn’t let it show, though, in her response. “Quite presumptuous, no? Calling me your friend, Lieutenant?”

“Is that not what this is?” Jacob asks with a smirk.

“I’m not sure, that’s why I’m asking.”

“Well, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to be friends with you. I think you and me could be a very powerful duo one day.”

“As friends,” Lily confirms.

“As friends, what else would we be?” Jacob asks obliviously.

“No yeah, you’re right,” Lily says. Jacob didn’t want anything more than friends with her, and she was going to be okay with that, right? Lily wasn’t going to let the attraction she felt towards Jacob ruin a perfectly fine relationship. “I’m going to get back to these potatoes, okay?”

“Yes, of course; don’t let me distract you.” Jacob tells Lily. Yeah, maybe he should walk out of the kitchen then if he didn’t want to distract her.

. . .

“Oh, good morning, Ms. Stratton,” Jacob says to Lily outside the meeting room for officers.

“Oh!” Lily says in reply. “Lieutenant, good morning to you!”

“What are you doing here?”

“I am setting up coffee, tea, and donuts for the troops this fine morning,” Lily jokes at the end. It was an awfully dreary morning with dark clouds in the sky, fog setting on the land, and a chilly breeze.

“Nice joke,” Jacob tells her.

Lily pretends to be offended. “What? This weather is quite fine.”

“I’m not sure where you’re from, but this weather is normally dreary and not ‘fine’.”

“Where are you from, Lieutenant?”

“I’m from Calgary; normal people don’t find this weather enjoyable.”

“Oh!” Lily says and raises her eyebrows. “So you’re calling me not normal and weird.”

“Who says that being not normal is weird, Ms. Stratton?” Jacob asks in a flirtatious tone. “Wait, does this mean that you like this wet, dreary weather?”

“I do like this weather, Lieutenant.”

“Where are you from, then?”

“Well, I’m from Vancouver; this weather is quite normal for Vancouverites.”

“Ah, Vancouver. Quite a lovely city, Ms. Stratton.”

“If you’re asking for me to compliment your home, Lieutenant, let me tell you, I have never been to Calgary, so I have no idea what to say.”

“Understandable, Ms. Stratton. Care to tell me about Vancouver, then?”

“Well, Lieutenant, what do you want to know?”

“Mm, I’m not sure,” Jacob says, and he playfully scratches his chin. “What about --”

“Lieutenant Markstrom, we need you here!” Captain Mark Giordano, their company CO, interrupts. “Stop flirting with the Red Cross workers!”

“Yes sir!” Jacob says. He turns to face Lily, his face is tinged with red. “My sincerest apologies, Ms. Stratton. Maybe we could continue this conversation another time?”

“Of course, Lieutenant,” Lily tells Jacob with a smile. He gives her one last glance before turning and walking away.

“So, you two are getting pretty close, eh?” Chris Tanev eggs Jacob on when he’s joined his company.

Jacob gives Chris a weird look. “What are you talking about?”

“You and Lily.”

“What about me and Lily?”

“You should ask her out. I think she likes you.”

Jacob laughs. “No, she doesn’t, and I won’t be asking her out. So don’t bother asking me to.”

Chris sighs. “Sure, whatever you say.”

. . .

After getting back from his training, Jacob has a few hours of free time, and he doesn’t know what to do. Walking around base, Jacob opts to use this time to just escape from the horrors and gruelling atmosphere of war. Subconsciously, Jacob is heading towards the Red Cross building. Incidentally, this is also where Lily happens to be at the current moment. Realizing where he’s at, Jacob decides to walk into the building. Once he’s walked in, Jacob smiles when he sees Lily sitting at a table with a notepad in front of her.

Noticing she was concentrating on her current task, Jacob softly knocks on the table to signal his arrival. Lily looks up and smiles when she sees Jacob.

“Well, hello, Lieutenant.”

“Hi, Ms. Stratton. Mind if I join you?”

“No, not at all,” Lily says and motions for the chair next to hers.

“What are you working on?” Jacob asks inquisitively.

“The Red Cross is putting on a Canada Day celebration for the troops. Because you can’t be home with your families on Canada Day, we thought we’d host our own for you here.”

“That sounds nice; you Red Cross women work hard.”

Lily smiles at Jacob. “Thank you, but I think you soldiers work harder.”

Jacob smiles at Lily. “Do you need any help with this?”

“I think I’m good at the moment; this is the first event that I will be hosting and organizing on my own.”

“Wait, does that mean you’re doing everything on your own?”

“No, no, don’t worry. I’m just the one in charge with making all the decisions and leading everyone.”

“I think you’re going to do great, Ms. Stratton.”

“Why, thank you, Lieutenant,” Lily says. Jacob was truly going to be the death of her one day.

“So, what did you do during your free time?” Elias asks later that day. He had his suspicions when he saw Jacob walking back to the barracks in the direction of the Red Cross building.

“Oh, nothing,” Jacob says. He isn’t sure why he doesn’t want to tell Elias about going to see Lily, but he knows he wants to keep that to himself.

“So, you didn’t go to the Red Cross building, then?”

“Um, no?” Jacob says.

“Why the questioning tone with that response?”

“Why all the questions badgering me about my free time?”

“Fair enough,” Elias relents.

“Just out of curiosity, why do you think I went to the Red Cross building?” Jacob asks.

“I don’t think you went; I know you went,” Elias says with power. “I saw you walking back from the direction of the Red Cross building.”

Jacob laughs and shakes his head. “Why then are you asking if you know the answer?”

“So you did go to see Lily, then?”

“I, yeah.”

“Why did you lie to me just now, then?”

Jacob shrugs. “I don’t think you need to know everything about my personal life, Elias.”

Elias sighs. “Yeah, sure, if that’s the reason, then.”

“What does that even mean?”

Elias stares Jacob directly in the eye. “You mean to tell me that there is nothing going on between you and Lily?”

“Yes, why?” Jacob asks, confused.

“Nevermind,” Elias says. This was the way it’s going to be then; Jacob was going to be oblivious to what was directly in front of him.

. . .

June 5, 1940

“I’m thinking maybe make centerpieces for all the tables,” Lily explains to some of the other Red Cross workers. “I’m going to see if my mum can send anything from back home for us to use. In the meantime, Rebecca, if you can try to find red table cloths and red and white paper. We will use the table cloths for the tables. The paper will be used to make flags. I doubt that anywhere in Great Britain sells Canadian flags. For now, why don’t we work with what we have. Let’s work on making posters to put up around base, okay?”

The group disperses into their individual groups to work on the fliers and posters.

“Any way I can help?” Jacob says out of nowhere.

“Where did you come from?” Lily asks.

“I walked in to come see you, but you were talking. I didn’t want to disturb you; you seemed like you were on a roll.”

“Oh, well, at the moment, I’m okay at the moment. However, in the future, I might be able to use your height for my advantage.”

“Let me know the time and place, and I’ll be there.”

“Perfect. What do you have planned today?”

“The weather is too muddy for us to train, so it’s a day off after our run this morning.”

“Sounds nice, what do you plan on doing?”

“I planned on coming here to see you and help, but it looks like you’re all good here.”

“How are you with coloring?”

“Is that a threat or a serious question?” Jacob jokes.

“Serious question,” Lily responds. “I was going to color in these posters, but, since you’re here, do you mind helping?”

“I don’t mind,” Jacob responds.

“Follow me,” Lily says and leads Jacob over to where her posters were. “Here. Just use these paintbrushes, please.”

“And just color it in?”

“That’s how you do it.”

Jacob begins coloring in the outlined words and pictures on the poster. He looks up and sees Lily scribbling away on her notepad. “What are you doing?” he asks.

“I am finetuning some of the details of the decorations,” she responds.

“What kind of decorations do you want to do?”

“I’m thinking of making a banner to hang made of Canadian flags,” Lily answers.

“That’s a lot of work,” Jacob admits.

“Sure, but you guys do a lot too, so shouldn’t we do something for you guys?”

“But we’re fighting a bad guy.”

“And we’re fighting off bad morale and poor morale and spirit”

“I guess both are quite vital, right?” Jacob says.

“Yes,” Lily responds. “Oh, that reminds me. I want to launch a campaign to help you guys get stuff from home.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, our budget has a little bit extra cash,” Lily says. “I’m trying to get approval, so that I can reach out to your families to send the money to send small things to remind you guys of home.”

“That’s a great idea, Ms. Stratton. Also, I finished this flag, do you want me to keep going?”

“Yes, please. Don’t tell anyone yet, though, because I’m not one hundred percent sure that I’ll get approval.”

“I won’t, promise, but I hope you get it. The boys will like it for sure, if you can get approval.”

Lily smiles at Jacob. There was something about his presence that made Lily feel lighter and so much happier.

. . .

June 16, 1940

“Hey, Ms. Stratton,” Matthew says to the woman. “What are you doing here? Come to see Jacob?”

A red tint crosses Lily’s face at Jacob’s name, and Matthew smirks. “Actually, no. I’m here to pick up our shipment of supplies that came in today.”

“Oh, did you want some help?”

“Don’t worry, I’m good.”

“You sure?” Matthew asks. He looks at the large boxes labeled “Red Cross” and knows that it will be multiple trips to her car.

Glancing at the boxes, Lily changes her mind. “If you don’t mind, actually, could you?”

“Sure, I did offer to help,” Matthew says and follows Lily. The pair both grab two boxes each and head towards the car provided by the Red Cross for Lily. “Oh, hey, Marky,” Matthew says with a smirk on his face.

Lily turns to the man in question and a smile breaks out on her face. “Marky?”

“That’s my nickname,” Jacob responds with a red tint forming on his face. “What are you guys doing?”

“Oh, Lieutenant Tkachuk is helping me load up the Red Cross supplies into the car, so I can bring it back to the Red Cross building.”

“Did you need more help with that?” Jacob asks with a slight undertone of jealousy. Was Jacob jealous that Matthew was helping Lily?

“Um, I think we’re okay, but thanks,” Lily responds.

“Actually, I just realized,” Matthew states. “I have something I have to do, so, Marky, why don’t you help Ms. Stratton?”

“Oh, sure,” Jacob says.

“Bye, you two!” Matthew says as he walks away. “Behave!”

“Chucky, always making inappropriate jokes,” Jacob says.

“Oh, sure,” Lily replies. “So, Marky, huh?”

Jacob laughs. “That’s what they call me.”

“I’m assuming that’s a play on your last name, Markstrom, right?”

“You’re assuming correct.”

Lily laughs, “what would you like me to call you?”

“Anything is fine.”

Lily puts on a mischievous grin that makes Jacob’s heart skip a beat. “Okay, then. Marky, do you mind taking that box for me?”

Jacob shakes his head with a smile. “No, don’t call me that. You’re far too nice to call me Marky.”

“What does that mean, Lieutenant Markstrom?” Lily says with an emphasis on his name.

“The boys use that as a joke and to tease. They’re just being mean; you’re far too nice for that.”

“Interesting evaluation, Lieutenant.”

“You can call me Jacob, you know.”

“Oh, okay, sure, Jacob. You can call me Lily then.”

Jacob smiles. “Do you have a nickname or something?”

“Not really. My grandmother calls me Lilibeth, but that’s just because she wanted me to be an Elizabeth. She’s still quite bitter about that.”

“Well, Lily, I think your name fits you perfectly.”

“Thank you,” Lily says to Jacob with a smile that could win the war if anyone saw it.

After about fifteen minutes of transporting boxes, the pair finally finished.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what are all these boxes for?” Jacob asks. “Didn’t you guys get a shipment last week?”

“We get shipments every week with our supplies,” Lily explains. “However, there’s a bit more today because some of this stuff is also for the Canada Day celebration. I can guarantee that there are three extra crates of potatoes than normal.”

“What are the potatoes for?”

“Poutine of course. We can’t have a Canada Day celebration without it.”

“Are you making it?” Jacob asks.

“Well, me and some of the other women, but yes.”

“What else do you guys plan on serving?”

“Probably just sandwiches. We have to be careful with rationing and stuff like that.”

“Makes sense. Again, if you need any more help, just let me know.”

“Thank you, Jacob,” Lily says. “Just remember, you are fighting a war, so helping me is helping to fight the war.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Jacob says. “See you soon?”

“Yeah,” Lily says, and she gets in the car. Jacob closes the door for her, and she waves as she starts the car. “Thank you again.”

“Of course,” he replies. If he had a giant smile on his face watching her drive away, then so be it.

. . .

June 30, 1940

“No, a little higher, please,” Lily instructs Melody.

“Here?” Melody confirms.

“Perfect,” Lily responds, and Melody places the banner on the tape.

“Wow, it looks nice in here,” Jacob says from the doorway.

“Thank you,” Lily says with a smile on her face. “What are you doing here?”

“Captain Giordano had a box of supplies that his wife sent, so he sent me here to give them to you.”

“Oh, perfect! He was telling me about these; I’m glad they came in time!”

“Are you already for tomorrow?”

“I think so,” Lily says nervously. “The only thing we have left is to make all the food.”

“What are you making?”

“I told you about poutine and the sandwiches. I also want to make nanaimo bars; my mother sent me some ingredients from back home. I’ve never made it without her, so we shall see how it turns out.”

“I can’t wait to try them,” Jacob says. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

“No, actually,” Lily says. “I want this to be a surprise for you and the men, so you should leave.”

“I should leave?” Jacob asks with a raised eyebrow.

“You know what I mean, Jacob.”

“Yeah, well, can you at least tell me what I might expect?”

“I’m going to be very vague about it,” Lily says.

“That’s fine; I just like hearing you talk.”

Oh? This was new to Lily. “I, okay, I am going to deck this place out in Canadian flags, maple leafs, and red.”

“How do you plan to do that?”

“Through banners, tablecloths, centerpieces, and decorations.”

“If you want to help, let me know, Lil,” Jacob says.

Lily smiles at the nickname. “No, thank you. If you want to help, then you can leave.”

“But --”

“No,” Lily says and begins to push Jacob out the door.

“Lily, come on,” Jacob pleads.

“I’m not trying to be mean. I just need you gone, so that the Red Cross Ladies and I can get things done,” Lily further pushes Jacob out the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll be here,” Jacob says as Lily closes the door. Despite Lily pushing Jacob out the door, there was still a wide smile on his face with a slight blush. Only Lily could bring out a smile like this on Jacob, could there be another reason for this?

July 1, 1940

“Come on, we’re going to be late,” Jacob urges on to his friends.

“Why is this so important to you?” Matthew asks with a smirk.

“No reason,” Jacob says obliviously. “I know how hard Lily has been working on this, and I want to support her.”

Matthew laughs and shakes his head. So, this was still happening then; Jacob was going to remain oblivious. This was going to be fun.

When they walk in, Jacob smiles. He was impressed. Lining the walls and ceilings were banners made of Canada flags. Each table was dressed in a red tablecloth with an elaborate centerpiece in the center. Each centerpiece was made with fake flowers with fake maple leafs hanging around it. Lining the floors were fake maple leafs. The thought that each piece of decoration had was obvious. Lily really had the skill and knack to do anything she set her mind to.

“Hey,” Lily tells the group as they walk into the Red Cross building. “Welcome to our Canada Day in England Celebration.”

“Hey,” Jacob says, and his smile immediately widdens. “It looks great in here, Lil.”

The guys roll their eyes at Jacob’s pet name for Lily. Right, Jacob wasn’t incredibly whipped for the Red Cross worker.

“Thanks,” Lily responds. “We worked hard for this to be great for you guys, so enjoy! I told you it was a good idea for me to kick you out.”

“Sure, sure,” Jacob responds with a smile, and Lily waves as she heads to the next group to soldiers to greet.

The boys thank her and give Jacob an amused look.

“What?” he asks.

“So, when’s the wedding?” Matthew asks with a grin.

“Not sure. Ask Elias, he’s the one getting married,” Jacob answers.

“Elias?” Matthew asks Elias.

“Whenever he decides to pull himself together and figure it out on his own,” Elias answers.

“What?” Jacob asks, confused. They very clearly are not talking about Elias’ engagement to Annica.

“Nothing,” Elias and Matthew say together.

Jacob rolls his eyes. “Come on, let’s find the rest of the unit.” The trio walks towards their captain and other unit members.

“This is really good,” Matthew says as he spoonfuls a mouth of poutine. “You’re a lucky man, Marky.”

Jacob looks up. “What?”

“To have a girl who cooks this amazing is so lucky.”

“I’m not dating anyone, though,” Jacob says.

“Oh, right, you haven’t realized you’re in love with Lily.”

Jacob glares at Matthew. “I haven’t realized because I’m not in love with her.”

“Sure,” Matthew says and shakes his head.

“So, Jacob, do you love my Nanaimo bars?” Lily asks as the celebration is wrapping up.

“I actually haven’t had one yet,” Jacob admits.

Lily gasps in a playful manner. “You haven’t tried one yet?”

Jacob smiles. “No, I haven’t.”

Lily suddenly grows somber. “I don’t think we can be friends, Jacob.”

“Why not?”

“Because, you haven’t eaten one of the Nanaimo bars, yet, obviously.”

Jacob laughs. “What can I do to make up for it?”

“Come with me,” Lily says and takes Jacob’s hand. She leads Jacob into the kitchen and pulls out a paper plate. “I was saving these for the Red Cross women, but since you haven’t had one yet, I feel that it’s important for you to have one.”

Lily grabs a small plate and places a Nanaimo bar on it; she hands the plate to Jacob with a smile.

“I just eat it?” Jacob asks.

“Yes, unless you want to tell me how beautiful it looks.”

You’re really beautiful. “It’s beautiful, Lily; it’s absolutely stunning.” Like you.

“Thank you, and now, try it.”

Jacob nods and eats it in one bite. “That’s amazing,” he says after finishing it. “I absolutely love it. I’m not sure why I didn’t get one earlier.”

“I’m not sure if there’s anymore around here, but you can have mine from the tray.”

“No, no, I won’t do that; you eat it,” Jacob says.

“I’ve had a few already, you eat it,” Lily insists.

“What about we share it?” Jacob suggests.

“Sure, let me get a fork.” Lily goes to the drawer and grabs a fork. She places one of the Nanaimo bars on the plate, Jacob puts out the knife. “Where did you get a knife from?”

“When you were getting the fork, I grabbed a knife.”

“That makes sense. You cut then?”

Jacob nods and cuts the bar in half. He grabs the fork and spears one of the pieces. “Here you go.” Lily grabs the fork out of his hand, and their hands briefly touch.

“Thank you,” Lily barely whispers as her face grows warm. She could suppress these feelings she had, right?

. . .

July 2, 1940

“So, you and Jacob, huh?” Annica says.

“What?” Lily says with a blush.

“You and Jacob are finally dating!”

“Yeah, no we’re not.”

“Oh, come on, really?” Annica asks. “I saw you guys in the kitchen yesterday. You guys were cute together and interacted so well together.”

Lily looks up. “It doesn’t matter what you saw.”

“Why’s that?” Annica asks curiously.

“He doesn’t feel the same,” Lily answers.

Annica squeals.

“What?” Lily questions.

“You like him?”

“Oh, yeah, I guess I do.”

“I know you don’t think he feels the same why, but he does,” Annica insists.

“No, he doesn’t.”

Annica shakes her head and sighs. Will the pair finally realize the way they both feel for each other?

. . .

August 10, 1940

“Lily, wait up!” Jacob calls out to Lily.

She turns around and smiles when she sees Jacob. “Hey, it’s you!”

“It’s me indeed. Where are you headed?”

“Nowhere in particular. I’m just out for a walk. You?”

“Same, mind if I join you?”

“Of course,” Lily replies with a smile. “How has your day been?”

“It’s been fine. I can’t complain. How about you, Lil?”

“Same, too. I’m ready to immerse myself in our next project, though.”

“What’s your next project?” Jacob asks.

“Other than Annica and Elias’ wedding?” Lily jokes.

“I guess that is coming up soon, isn’t it?”

“It is, but it’s exciting for them.”

“The Red Cross is putting on the wedding?”

“No, we aren’t,” Lily shakes her head. “However, her friends who are in the Red Cross are putting it together. Both of their parents aren’t able to be here, so we are going to try to make this as special as possible for them.”

“Well, let me know if I can help in any way,” Jacob says.

“I’ll be sure to do that,” she says with a smile.

. . .

September 16, 1940

“Guess who?” Jacob says as he covers Lily’s eyes.

“Matthew?” Lily jokes. She knows exactly who it is.

“Oh, I’m offended,” he says, and Lily giggles as he sits down next to her. “What are you reading?”

“A book,” Lily teases.

“Really?” Jacob says with a raised eyebrow. “I never could have guessed. What’s the book?”

“Pride and Prejudice.”

“Oh, a classic,” Jacob says. “Are you enjoying it?”

“I’ve read it quite a few times. We only have so many books here, so I’m rereading it.”

“One of your favorites?”

“It is,” Lily responds with a smile.

“Whatcha reading, Marky?” Matthew teases.

“A book, Chucky,” Jacob responds but not looking up.

“What’s the book?”

“Pride and Prejudice.”

This gets a bout of laughs from the men.

“Why are you reading that?” Elias says. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you read a book.”

“It’s one of Lily’s favorites, so I’m borrowing it from her and reading it.”

This comment from Jacob results in the men looking at each other knowingly. So, Jacob isn’t in love with Lily, right?”

. . .

October 11, 1940

“We missed you this past Friday at the Red Cross evening,” Jacob says to Lily as she’s setting up for the day’s activities.

Lily sniffles. “Yeah, I came down with a cold, so I stayed in my room.”

“Are you feeling better, now?” Jacob asks, concerned.

“Yeah, I have a bit of a runny nose still but nothing to worry about.”

“You’re sick, so shouldn’t we be a little bit concerned?”

“I was a lot worse the other day, so, in theory, no.”

Jacob doesn’t seem convinced. “Sure, if you say so, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be worried about you.”

Lily isn’t sure how to respond. She’s tried everything in her power to conceal her feelings towards Jacob; however, when he acts like this and cares for her like this, it’s hard to hide them. It’s only a matter of time before they go away, right?

. . .

November 5, 1940

“Maybe you should ask a girl to dance tonight,” Mark suggests. “It’ll take your mind off of what’s happening.”

It’s been a tough month with training and fighting. The men are tired and exhausted and stretched thin. When there is a day off, all anyone wants to do is sleep and catch up on writing home. Today is one of the few days that anyone wants to actually do anything on their day off. To seize the opportunity, the boys are going dancing.

“I think I’m good,” Jacob replies.

“Come on, live a little, have some fun, Marky,” Mark eggs on. “How about this, you tell me what you want in a girl, and I will try to find you someone who fits the bill.”

Jacob sighs. “Fine.”

“Then, Marky, close your eyes and tell me about what you want in a girl.”

Jacob closes his eyes and begins picturing the girl he wants to marry. His eyes are closed for a few seconds, but he suddenly snaps them open. He shouldn’t be picturing Lily’s green eyes or dark hair. He shouldn’t be smiling at the memory of Lily’s giggle. Why was he picturing his friend? Why was Lily’s face all he could see when he closed his eyes?

“You figure it out?” Mark asks.

“Oh, um,” Jacob begins with a shaky breath. “Blue or brown eyes? Maybe light hair. It doesn’t have to be blond or anything. Like, light brown hair? Or a mix?” Yeah, opposite of what Lily looked like.

Thankfully, Chris didn’t catch on to what Jacob was doing. Why was he thinking about Lily as his dream girl?

. . .

December 16, 1940

“Are you ready?” Lily asks Annica. “It’s the big day.”

“I think so,” Annica responds nervously. Lily helps Annica put on her veil.

“You look so beautiful; Elias is going to love you,” Lily tells her friend. Today was the big day. Annica and Elias were getting married, finally. From meeting before the war and somehow ending up in the same place, the pair fell in love and are finally getting married.

“I hope so,” she responds. “What if he isn’t there?”

“He’ll be there, I promise. He loves you more than anything in the world; I have no doubt that Elias will be standing there in his dress uniform ready to sweep you off your feet.”

Annica takes a deep breath. “Let’s head to the cathedral?”

Lily smiles. “Let’s head to the cathedral.”

“Ready, Elias?” Jacob asks. “As best man, I think it’s my responsibility to make sure you’re ready.”

Elias takes a deep breath. “I think so.”

“You look great, and she’ll love you.”

“The bride is here,” the bishop says. “Jacob, if you could head to the back and Elias, follow me?”

Elias nods. “I’m getting married!”

Jacob smiles. “That you are.”

Jacob heads to the back of the cathedral to get ready to process in with the few bridesmaids and groomsmen.

“You have the rings?” Lily asks when Jacob finally reaches the vestibule.

“Yes, I have the rings,” Jacob says and looks at Lily. the breath leaves his body. “Wow, you look beautiful, Lily.”

Lily feels the heat rush to her face. “Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Jacob smiles and blushes. “We should get ready, yeah?”

Lily nods. “We’re walking down the aisle together.”

Jacob stops. He was supposed to lead Lily down the aisle when she was dressed in that beautiful dress that made his heart race? “Oh, okay.”

As the music begins, Lily and Jacob walk down the aisle as instructed. Throughout the entire ceremony, Jacob couldn’t stop staring at Lily. It didn’t matter if they were directly across from each other in the pew and Jacob had to move his head, he wanted to look at Lily. He wasn’t sure if she knew he was staring, but he didn’t care. She was so beautiful, and Jacob just couldn’t look away.

“How are you enjoying the evening, Jacob?” Lily asks as she goes and sits next to him at the ceremony.

“I’m enjoying the evening,” he responds with a smile. “I love that Elias and Annica are finally married. They are perfect for each other, and it shows.”

Lily nods in response. “I agree. I have a question for you.“

“Sure.”

“Do you see yourself getting married one day and doing all this?”

Jacob looks at Lily. “I’m not sure. Maybe? I think if I find the right woman who I want to spend the rest of my life with, then yes.”

Lily nods. “What does this perfect person entail to you?”

“I’m not sure,” Jacob responds. “I think someone who is smart, knows what she wants, kind, and passionate.” Kind of like you.

“Beauty isn’t a requirement?” Lily teases.

Jacob blushes. “Beauty is a weird concept, in my opinion. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and everyone’s standards of beauty are different. So, if you find yourself beautiful, I’ll find you beautiful. If you don’t find yourself beautiful, then I’ll still find you beautiful because you are beautiful.”

“That’s really sweet, Jacob.”

“I can be a bit of a romantic when there isn’t a war to be fought.”

Lily laughs. “I can see that.”

“How about you? Do you see yourself getting married one day?”

“I think so, but similarly to you, when the right person comes, I’ll know. I do know, though, that I want to have a family.”

Jacob nods. “What do you see in your future husband?”

Lily takes a moment to respond. How can she try to describe Jacob without describing Jacob? How does she tell him that she sees him, or someone like him, to be her future husband? Fortunately, though, another soldier walks up to Lily and Jacob interrupting Lily’s response.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but a pretty girl like you should be dancing, no?” he says. Smooth, Lily thinks.

“If someone were to ask me, then I’d dance with them,” Lily flirts back. If Jacob wasn’t ever going to reciprocate her feelings, she should be able to try to move on, right?

“Well, ma’am, may I have the next dance?”

Lily looks to Jacob for confirmation. Afterall, they were having a conversation. Jacob motions his hand to express that Lily could dance. What was he to say, anyways? No, Lily, you can’t dance because we’re just friends, but you make my heart burst? No Lily you can’t dance with him because you make me calm and happy, but we’re just friends?

Lily takes this soldier’s hand and follows him to the dance floor.

“If it’s not too much to ask, may I ask your name, soldier?” Lily asks.

“Corporal Liam Springs,” Liam responds. Lower rank than Jacob Lily thinks to herself. Stop comparing the two. “And you are?”

“Red Cross worker Lily Stratton. How do you know the bride and groom?”

“I trained with Elias before getting transferred to a different unit.”

Lily nods. “I work with Annica, and we are close friends. That’s how I know the bride.”

As the song continues, Lily and Liam strike up a conversation. The constant thought that Lily kept having were along the lines of “that’s not how Jacob does it” or “Jacob is funnier” or “Jacob makes me smile more”. What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she try to get over Jacob? It was obvious that Jacob would never feel the same, so why was she hung up on him? Because. Because Lily Stratton was in love with Jacob Markstrom, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Meanwhile, as Lily and Liam danced, Jacob was staring at the pair and sulking. There was something upsetting about watching Lily dancing with someone else.

“What are you staring at?” Chris asks Jacob as he approaches.

Jacob doesn’t realize someone was talking to him or came up to his table.

“Marky, what are you looking at?” Chris asks again; Jacob doesn’t realize. Chris smacks Jacob’s arm.

“Hey!” he finally says. “What was that for?”

“What are you staring at?” Chris asks for the third time.

Jacob doesn’t say anything but returns his gaze back to what he was staring at. This time, Chris follows Jacob’s eyeline and realizes what Jacob was looking at. He was looking at Lily, dressed in a beautiful blush dress, dancing with Liam.

“Jacob,” Chris begins.

“Why doesn’t she want to dance with me?” Jacob asks. “I’m right here, and she chooses to dance with him. I’m not disappearing or going anywhere.”

“Why do you want to dance with her?” Chris asks. Jacob always insisted that he and Lily were just friends, so why is he getting so worked up over Lily dancing with someone else?

“Because, I don’t know,” Jacob says and shakes his head. “I want to be the one to have all her attention. I want to be the one on the receiving end of her smiles. I want to be the one to dance with her. I want to be the one who she goes to when she has the biggest news or the smallest news. I just want to be around her.”

“Can I say something without you getting upset or mad at me?” Chris approaches.

“Maybe, I’m not promising anything.”

“That’s fair,” Chris begins. “I think you’re feeling this way because you’re jealous.”

“Why would I be jealous?”

Chris opens his mouth but then closes it again.

“Just say it.”

“Jacob, you’re in love with her, and I think you’re finally starting to realize that yourself.”

Jacob stares at Chris dumbfounded. He wanted to contradict his friend; however, as he sat with the thought, the more he realized that Chris was right. Jacob was in love with Lily, and he probably drew away your love because he acted in ways that represented he only wanted to be your friend. “Oh my goodness, I’m in love with her.”

Chris nods.

“What do I do? Do I just tell her? What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”

“I’m not sure what to tell you, Jacob,” Chris says. “I’m pretty sure she feels the same way, but whatever you do, you have to commit one hundred percent. You can’t go into it and only have one foot in and one foot out. She deserves the truth and everything you have to offer.”

Jacob nods. What does he do now?

. . .

“So, you and Lily, huh?” Jacob says to Liam quite passive-aggressively a few days later.

“Oh, um it’s nothing too serious,” Liam says. “We’re just talking and getting to know each other.”

Jacob scowls at the other soldier. “She’s a special girl, so don’t string her along if you have no serious intentions with her.”

“I wasn’t?”

“Good,” Jacob says and walks away angrily. That man shouldn’t get to have Lily’s love and attention. He wasn’t good enough for Lily.

. . .

“Guess what Elias told me?” Annica says as she and Lily are preparing for the day.

“What did Elias tell you?” Lily asks. “Something gross about your guys’ married life now?”

“Lily!” Annica says shocked. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t share that with you. No, Jacob and Liam got into a fight.”

“What?” Lily asks, shocked.

“Yeah, they were arguing about something and Liam punched him.”

“Do you know why they fought?”

Annica shakes her head. “I do have a theory, though.”

“What’s your theory?”

“You.”

“Me?” Lily asks.

“I think they fought about you because they both like you.”

“I’d believe you except for the fact that Jacob doesn’t like me like that.”

“I don’t know what to say to you, Lily. I think Jacob likes you, and you should talk to him.”

“Maybe,” is all Lily says. Why would Jacob like her if he’s only ever treated her as a friend?

. . .

“Did you know that vegetables can make you tan?” Liam says to Lily out of blue.

“What?” Lily says with a giggle. “There’s no way that’s true.”

“It is! I promise; I learned it in school.”

“Where did you go to school?” Jacob questions annoyingly. He can’t stand Liam, and Liam did punch Jacob in the jaw. Granted, however, Jacob was egging on Liam, but what else was he to say as Liam talked about how you weren’t good enough for him? Liam should be lucky to have you.

“I went to the University of British Columbia,” Liam answers in a tone that Lily couldn’t quite decipher.

“Of course you did; it makes sense why you learned that in school.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Nothing,” Jacob says and looks away. There was no reason for Jacob’s comment. He had no hate against UBC except for the fact that Liam learned something from there that was bringing out your giggles. He wanted to be the one to do that. Jacob wanted to make you giggle and laugh, not UBC Liam.

“Jacob,” Lily says to him in an aggravated voice. “Can we go talk in private for a moment?”

“Sure,” Jacob says in a monotone voice.

“Jacob, what is the matter with you?” Lily fiercely says to Jacob when they’re in private.

“What, Lily?” Jacob says.

“Why are you treating Liam like that?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re acting like an idiot and are being truly mean and cold towards him. Why can’t you be nice to him?”

“Why are you even entertaining him, Lily?” Jacob asks with conviction.

“I don’t know,” Lily confesses.

“Really? It doesn’t seem like. It seems like you’re in love with him!”

“Well, I’m not in love with him.”

“Then why do you care for him?”

“I guess because he makes me laugh, makes me smile, and gives me attention. He cares for me, and it’s nice to have that feeling.”

“You are entertaining him for the attention he gives you? I can make you laugh, smile, and give you attention, yet you chose his attention?”

“His attention isn’t the one I want, but it’s the one I get,” Lily tells Jacob.

Jacob looks at her with a sad expression. “Yeah, whatever.”

He walks away, and Lily is beyond confused. She kind of just admitted to having feelings for Jaocb, and he just walked away?

. . .

“I’m not sure what funk you’re in, but it needs to stop,” Mark says. This was the captain's cornering that Jacob was expecting to come soon. “It’s not affecting your fighting, but it will soon.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jacob responds.

“No, I tried to let you figure this out on your own, but it’s not working,” Mark contradicts with purpose in his voice. “What’s wrong? You’re not leaving until you figure out what’s wrong.”

“I think I blew it with Lily,” is all Jacob says. “I treated Liam like crap, and I think that’s the end of anything with her. She hasn’t talked to me in days. I miss her. I’m also in love with her, and I know I blew that with her.”

“Wait, you’re in love with her? When did you finally realize this?”

“When she started dancing with Liam,” Jacob says.

“If I’m not mistaken, I don’t think she’s been hanging out with him recently.”

“Wait, really?” Jacob says shocked.

“Whether or not you believe me, but I think she likes you, too.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Jacob insists.

“Yes, she does. I just think you didn’t know how you felt, so you ignored anything she did that might have indicated this. How many times did she spend her evenings with you? Or, did she go to you when she needed help? It didn’t matter, she always went to you or your aid. She always went to you first if Annica wasn’t around which is saying a lot because the pair are super close.”

Jacob just stares at Mark dumbfounded. He’s right. Did Lily really feel the same way? Was it possible? What if Lily didn’t feel the same way anymore? What if Jacob ruined anything ever happening? In order to quell any lingering thoughts, he knew that he had to talk to Lily.

. . .

January 1, 1941

New year, new start, right? That’s the saying? Jacob couldn’t set the world on it’s new start overnight, but he could fix his relationship with Lily. Hopefully.

You can do this, Jacob keeps telling himself. If she didn’t feel the same way anymore, then Jacob would understand. It took him hell of an amount of time to realize himself, so he’d understand if Lily got tired of waiting. He could do this.

Jacob walks into the kitchen where Annica told him Lily would be. “Hey,” he says when he walks in.

Lily looks up and gives him a soft smile. “Hey, Jacob. Happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year to you as well!” Jacob says and takes a deep breath. “Would it be okay if we went for a walk? I asked Annica, and she said that you deserve a break.”

Lily laughs. “Sure, let me just wash my hands and grab my coat. Give me a sec.”

Jacob nods.

“Ready?” Lily asks when she returns. Jacob smiles at her and leads Lily out of the kitchen to go outside. After about five minutes of walking in silence, Lily decides to ask what the reason for requesting a walk was. “Jacob, why do you want to go on a walk with me?”

“Can’t I just want to go on a New Year's walk with my lovely friend?”

“You are, but we aren’t really talking much right now.”

“That’s what I want to fix. I have one question first, what’s happening with you and Liam?”

“Nothing, I told him that I couldn’t be with him romantically if I was in love with someone else. Why do you ask?”

“I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t making a move on someone else’s girlfriend.”

“Who do you want to make a move on?” Lily asks obliviously.

Jacob gives Lily a deep chuckle. “You.”

Lily stops in her tracks and it takes a moment for Jacob to realize. “You want me?” she asks.

“I want everything with you. I know that I was an ass to Liam, and I treated you unfairly recently. In my defense, though, I finally realized I was in love with you, and I thought you didn’t like me or already got over me.”

“It’s hard to get over someone you’re crazy about,” Lily says, and Jacob erupts into a large smile.

“You mean that?”

Lily nods. “I’ve been crazy about you since that day you scared the crap out of me.”

Jacob laughs at the memory. “I think I’ve been crazy about you, too, but I just didn’t realize.”

“Good thing you realized now, yeah?”

“Absolutely,” Jacob says and cups Lily’s cheek. “Can I kiss you?”

Lily nods. “Absolutely.” The gentle kiss that Jacob places on Lily’s lips was immaculate. She never knew that kissing someone so softly could also be filled with so much passion. She knew that she never wanted to kiss anyone else ever again. “What do we do now?” Lily asks after they break away from the kiss.

“Well, we finish fighting this war, I bring you home with me to meet my family, and we live happily ever after,” Jacob says with a smile. “Is that okay?”

“Absolutely perfect,” Lily says and reaches to kiss Jacob again.

. . .

March 18, 1946

“Should I put my hand under yours?” Lily asks Jacob, her now husband. They were about to cut the cake at their wedding reception filled with their friends and family.

“Yes, you do that,” Jacob says and places a kiss on top of his wife’s head. The cut into the cake and cut a piece and put it on the plate. They both grab a fork to take a piece. They look eyes before eating the cake and smile. After finishing their bite, Jacob and Lily kiss amongst the hoots and cheers from the people gathered around them.

“Nice cake choice, Mrs. Markstrom,” Jacob says.

“See? This is why we listen to me.”

Jacob chuckles. “I guess I have forever to listen to you.”

“That you do.”

All the way across the world they had a love story. Now, on the other side, they had their forever. All the way across the world in England bloomed a friendship and love story for the ages. All the way in Calgary, though, Jacob and Lily had the start of their forever that was a story that instilled hope in all young people and couples.

#jacob markstrom #jacob markstrom fic #jacob markstrom imagine #jacob markstrom x reader #nhl fic #nhl writing #nhl imagine #hockey fic #hockey imagine #calgary flames imagine #calgary flames fic #calgary flames x reader #40s au #claudia writes

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littlefreya · 5 years ago

Text

Lines in the Sand

Summary: She is one of the best snipers serving in Iraq, but she is also suffering from an attitude problem and ironically has a hard time following orders. After an incident in her former base, she is sent to join the Special Forces unit led by Captain Syverson, who requires a talented sniper.

Unlucky for her, Captain Syverson is a hard man who likes things by the book and according to order. He ain't got the patience for troublemakers.

Pairing: Captain Syverson x OFC (Jessica Gallagher)

Word count: 1,784

Warnings: Smut in future parts, some foul language and sexual content.

A/N: Please enjoy, reblog, like. The world needs more Syverson, and I think he is one of Henry's finest roles.

Bad girl.

That’s what they say she is; trouble, attitude problems.

She heard all of it at psych evaluation.

'Prodigy' is another word they use for her.

And sometimes even 'asset'.

She likes this one the most. It strips her of all human notions.

That’s the only reason to keep her around, and it’s not like she has any desire to go home anyway. Home is tough. Here in the desert, surrounded by death and horny virgins - that’s the easy part.

“Killing is easy,” she said to the military psychologist who had her profiled from head to toe before being transferred to camp Warhorse.

“Gallagher?” a young soldier calls toward her, huffing and covered with a sheen layer of sweat as he runs toward her. She glares at him bemused, holding the fresh new uniforms which she just collected from the storage unit.

“Yeah?"

The boy's face is lightly freckled, his big doe eyes seem untouched by war and his freshly shaven buzzcut shows he only just arrived. 'More meat for the grinder' she muses, just another kid who doesn't belong here, like the most of them. She knows the type well enough to write a thesis about it by now. If she thought she had any brain to do that sort of stuff.

"Captain Syverson wants to talk to you.”

The kid looks her up, probably wondering why she even here. She got used to that type of stare a while ago.

“I just arrived here from another division” she explains, “didn’t even get into my uniform, what’s the fucking rush?”

The kid shrugs, looking slightly terrified as if she is supposed to be scared of Captain Syverson and shouldn’t be talking that way.

“Fine…” she sighs heavily, lowering the tip of her army hat and rolling her eyes.

As a soldier serving at the professional US army, Gallagher knows she has a shit-ton of issues with authority, yet she wouldn’t be in any other place.

The Captain sits at his office, wearing his favourite red t-shirt and army shorts that cut at his knees. A small portable fan is perched on his desk, pinning from side to side and blowing tiny droplet of sweat from his ridged forehead.

During that time of the year, the temperatures reach a level that won’t shame the fiery pits of hell. Even a southern-born man like him an effort dealing with the heat, but Sy suffers quietly, not even mentioning a word of the weather. Small-talk is a waste of time, and ain't nothing but the pretence that people care when they don't.

“Captain, Sir,” the kid walks into his room, saluting the Captain. “I have private Gallagher with me.”

The young woman follows, a blank stare on her face. She salutes toward the Captain, looking robotic and so indifferent he can tell already she had a great potential of pulling some stunt and getting detained.

“Thanks, Private Holt, you may leave now," he answers in a heavy southern accent, and voice low and rich like smoked Whiskey.

Holt leaves the room in a hurry, leaving Gallagher to stand quietly in front of the Captain. She has dressed in a plain white t-shirt and khaki field trousers while her eyes remain hidden beneath the tip of her hat.

“Sit down, soldier."

He commands, taking her file in his large dirt-stained hands.

She sits down quietly. Scanning the room with silence. It is yet another captain’s office, maps on the wall, guns and ammo. A "Slayer” labelled mug rests on in his desk with freshly brewed coffee, next to it is a deck of cards. No pinup girls posters apparent anywhere, not a perv unlike her former Captain, or at least he is hiding it in his bedroom.

He finally turns to look at her, manspreading on his chair with zero elegance or concern toward her. Why should she be treated any differently?

Captain Syverson is surprisingly a very attractive man. A big guy with broad shoulders and massive muscles. His cropped short hair does well to bring out his excellent bone structure while a few scars decorate his forehead and his upper left cheek. His strained face is covered with a thick, untamed beard which he strokes at his chin while thinking to himself.

He takes one glance at her with his fierce blue glare, and then gives her his next command “Hat off, private.”

“Sir”. She replies with compliance, taking off her hat and placing it atop her folded uniform.

One glance at her now exposed face, and he is forced to fight back a snort of laughter. He learned how to keep his emotions hooded in this job. She is petite, her arms may look strong yet quite skinny. And it’s quite a wonder that her skin is pale while serving in the middle of the fucking Iraqi desert.

If this was anywhere else right now, he’d offer her a burger. This is the elite they’ve been speaking of? For fuck sake. Better be worth it.

He is aware, of course, that she is pretty, they usually are. Chase and Annica for example. Sometimes he wonders if they send all the cheerleaders squad to his unit to fuck with him, since he can’t actually, fuck them.

“That’s better”. He gives her a small smirk which quickly fades back into what seems like his usual grumpy face.

“We’ll keep it short and honest, private,” he says, opening her file “You’ve been transferred here from your unit, they say you are a prodigy…”

“Take me out there, and I’ll shoot a rabbit between the eyes from 20 miles away.” she interrupts him, speaking coldly.

“Did I give you permission to speak?” he asks her with slight anger. Never in his life, he had a young recruit dare to do so, especially not a woman.

She remains silent, knowing that’s actually the required response. For change,

“Good. Your file shows amazing achievements” He throws her file in front of her with what seemed like an utter lack of actual interest “it also shows you have attitude problems.” His eyes meet hers as he says these words, his lips clasped to show some sort of severity. “Do you know what I want to know?”

Her blue eyes stare back into his with a dead gaze.

He sighs, rolling his eyes “Permission to speak granted.”

“You want to ask if I’m going to cause any trouble.”

He nods, folding his arms together, his eyes travelling up and down her features for a mere second.

“No, Captain.” She can’t promise him that even if a gun was pointed at her head, but she plays along. Everything in life is like her stupid video games anyway. Oh, she does miss those.

“Good.” He gives her another hasty smile, the kind that doesn’t show any genuine care or affection and is just meant to move the conversation forward. “So you know why you’re here?”

“I’m very good with my sniper rifle, Captain."

"It says you’re a fucking wonder”. He answers, not ashamed to curse in front of her, which she finds slightly refreshing. All the other men constantly apologize as if she doesn’t shoot people’s head-off for a living. As if women don’t see brutality as much as men do. Perhaps even more.

“Listen, I care about my men. Just live up to your name, be a good girl and you might just make daddy proud ”. He explains to her, not even regretting saying the finale part. It’s just how he talks and if she has a problem with that she might as well not be here.

But she doesn’t even flinch. Instead, she replies with a small, nearly invisible smirk and nods.

“Yes, Captain."

The Captain’s eyes lit up with the charm of a child as he smiles widely for surviving yet another conversation with a new recruit and even though he has scruff all over his face she detects two large apparent dimples in his cheek.

Finally, he stretches from his chair and stands. She follows, noticing he is menacingly tall and seems to carry himself with sheer confidence and intimidation.

"Come, I’ll show you your room."

She follows him silently down the hall. He doesn’t bother with making any boring small talk which she is actually quite thankful for. It’s easier to not try to connect with people. The base is quite loud at the moment anyway, and she’d be unable to hear half of it.

"Men go here.” He points to one room by the end of the hall and then continues walking until they pause next to a closed room, “Ladies go here, you met the other girls?” he asks to which she shakes her head “Well you will. Girls get their own private shower in the room, in under no circumstances you are to use the collective shower room”

He pauses and turns to look down at her. Eyes growing sofer all of a sudden. “Anyone ever bothers you, says anything even slightly inappropriate, you come straight to me, you get it?” he asks her, managing to sound both severe yet still soft at the same time.

“I’m just over there, by the end of the hall.” he looks to the other side, touching her shoulder without thinking, so she’ll face where he is pointing. His hand leaves her shoulder without any of them, giving it any attention.

The Captain has his own little private kingdom at the end of the very house they turned into an army base, so it seems. She wonders if that’s where all the pinup posters are hidden at.

“Enjoy your stay, Gallagher”. He speaks, looking down at her face, wondering how long will it be before he has her in his office for some sketchy behaviour.

“Thank you, Captain, I will.” she gives him another one of her forced smirks and turns away, walking into her new quarter.

He takes one look at her as she turns from him, unable to resist his natural temptation to look at her ass.

It’s small, tight, the way he likes it.

'Yes, she’s gonna be trouble.'

There are two girls in the room, sitting on their beds. A beautiful redhead with rather wide shoulders and strong arms. The other woman is somewhat petite as herself with tanned skin and beautiful dark eyes. They’re both looking quite curious to know her.

“The fuck is with your captain, walking around with severe big dick energy?!” she speaks out with sheer confidence.

The other girls look at her for a long moment, complete shock on their face by the content that came out of her mouth but then burst into laughter that can be heard all over the base.

Clearly, she isn’t the only one who noticed.

#Captain Syverson #Sand Castle #Captain BDE #henry cavill #captain syverson x ofc #captain syverson fanfiction

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attollogame · 4 years ago

Note

mudita // मुदित for Vasilisia?

mudita // मुदित (sanskrit, n.) - sympathetic, vicarious joy; happiness rather than resentment at someone else’s well-being or good fortune

"We got him."

The words are spoken barely above a whisper, but they're audible enough that Vasilisia's head snap up. Across the room, Annica's eyes are glued to her computer screen with a comic-like expression of surprise, almost as if she's not sure of her own statement.

"The lab results came in?" Vasilisia pushes her own chair back—ignoring the cold case she's been staring at for hours—and moves around the table to stand beside Annica. On the screen are the results of the DNA comparison; by the peaks present, the suspect matches the obtained sample from the scene.

"Holy shit," Annica gasps, spinning to face Vasilisia. "Holy shit, Lis!"

An infectious smile splits across her co-workers face that Vasilisia can't help but reciprocate. When Annica's hand comes up to grasp her own, giving an excited squeeze, Vasilisia returns it in full. Despite the ball of anxiety sitting in her chest about her own lab results, Annica's joy at this major breakthrough wills it away.

"Annica this is fantastic—you can bring this to HQ, and from there you can get a warrant and get to business." Vasilisia squeezes her hand once more before letting go. "I'm so proud of you!"

Annica quickly shakes her head, pointing at Vasilisia's jacket. "I don't know why you were saying 'you'—I don't do business without my partner. Grab your jacket cause we got a warrant to get."

Before Vasilisia can respond, the other woman is already darting from the room towards the printer space, leaving her only moments to get ready. Vasilisia's smile turns to a look of soft affection as she moves back to her side, grabbing her jacket and shrugging it on. She clicks off the computer with the negative lab results and looks to the door.

At least one good thing came out of this.

#char:vasilisia #thank you!!!! ♡♡♡

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krsnlove · 6 years ago

Text

Butterflies

A/N: Prompt from @alj4890

Pairing: Amanda[OC] x Elliott [OC], Liam x Riley, Drake x Olivia, Maxwell

Rating: PG

Tagging: @alj4890 @thecordoniandiaries @vickypoochoices @cora-nova @darley1101

Amanda studied her reflection in the mirror before frantically shaking her head. She slipped off the millionth dress she’s tried on tonight in a fit of frustration. The pile of clothes on her bed, chaise lounge, and floor seemed to grow as the big hand on the clock nearby ticked away. Nothing in her closet seemed right.

Not for tonight anyway.

A groan escaped her mouth as she searched her closet for a dress to wear. It was too late to stop by the boutique and she mentally chastised herself for allowing time to get away from her. Of all the days to be running late, it had to be today.

A rapid knock on her bedroom door startled the Duchess of St. Orella. Peeved at the disturbance of her search, Amanda grudgingly opened the door.

“Yes?,” her words came out with a touch of annoyance she immediately regretted once she saw the figure standing there. Her long-time butler stood at the door with a garment bag. He quickly gave her a short bow and handed her a sealed envelope before inviting himself into the room.

“For you, my Lady,” he announced as he delicately laid the closed garment bag on her bed. Amanda stared at the familiar hand-writing on the envelope and looked at her butler.

“Is there anything else I may assist you with?,” he asked. Amanda narrowed her eyes at him. She could see his attempts at hiding a smile but knew better than to pester him with questions. She sighed and let out a small chuckle before dismissing him and turned her attention to the envelope in her hand.

“What are you up to,” she murmured to herself. Opening the envelope Amanda ran her hand over the stationery on the sheet of paper folded in half. She read the words out loud to no one in particular:

“Saw this in a shop and thought of you. I bet myself you’d look stunning in this. Try to prove me wrong tonight?

-Elliott”

Amanda grinned to herself, rereading the note a few times before pressing the sheet of paper to her chest. Elliott was always doing something to make her swoon, as much as she despised that word and action. It was almost ridiculous how romantic the man is. Even from their first encounter, it seemed to be straight out of those cheesy romantic movies.

Her hands glide over the garment bag before pulling on the zipper. The sight of the beautiful royal blue gown carefully tucked inside stunned her for a moment. She holds the dress in front of her and takes in the features. The high slit bottom and low-cut top in a v-shape made the dress both complicated and elegant. It was perfect for tonight. The fact Elliott remembered her house colors made her involuntarily sigh.

Excitedly, she carefully slipped into the dress and made the final adjustments to her hair and make-up.

1 HOUR LATER

Amanda sucked in her breath and slowly exhaled as she descended the spiral staircase of her home. Tonight’s charity ball for Cordonia’s orphanages had taken weeks to plan but the outcome was always worth it when she would see the smiling faces of the children the money would be helping. It was a cause Amanda held close to her heart and always made her anxious.

But tonight’s gathering gave her another reason to worry over. She had invited Elliott to attend and he accepted. It would be his first at a Cordonian court event and him escorting her tonight would confirm the gossip that surrounded their relationship in the press.

It had been a few months when Elliott McKingley boldly asked her on a date and Olivia agreeing on Amanda’s behalf. Since then the days were filled with text messages and phone calls or video chats. Dates were random as Elliott’s main offices are located in New York City, a fact Amanda didn’t like to be reminded of, but being CEO of a Fortune 500 company made it both easier and more difficult for him to visit Cordonia.

She moves closer to the bottom of the staircase where Elliott’s handsome face is waiting for her. The black and white tuxedo he has on seemed to be made just for him as it tailored to his masculine body perfectly. His black curly hair is brushed to the side and the dangerous dimpled grin on his face completed his look. Amanda tried to hide her giddy smile sensing his eyes on her, watching every single move she made. Until finally, she reaches the bottom of the staircase.

“It’s exhausting being right, you know that?,” Elliott asked with an arrogant grin. Amanda let out a hopeless sigh followed by a small chuckle. “You look better than I envisioned in that dress,” he leaned in and softly grazed her cheek with his lips and suddenly her knees felt like jello.

“You clean up nice,” she looked down at his tuxedo. Elliott gave a small bow and then began to do a series of poses in his suit. Heads turned in their direction as Amanda’s laughter filled the hall before she clamped her own hand over her mouth.

“Come on. We have to get in there. We have the first dance,” she nodded her head towards the ball room. Elliott stood up straight and held out his arm for her before leading her into the room with the waiting guests.

“That’s my doing right there,” Olivia said with a smirk as she nodded towards the waltzing couple in the middle of the floor. Drake looked over at Elliott and Amanda before shrugging his shoulders.

“And that’s my doing over there,” he nodded towards Liam and Riley. “Which is better cause Liam outranks some average CEO from America.”

“Amanda outranks some waitress from America,” she shot back.

“Touché. But now that she’s a Queen,” he gave her pitiful smile, “mine outrank yours.” He tipped his glass to her in salute before taking a sip.

“Is everything a competition with you two?,” Maxwell asked with a touch of annoyance in his voice. Olivia opened her mouth to return a scathing reply but soon feels Drake’s hand on her thigh tighten its hold. Glancing at him sideways, he shakes his head no, and she closes her mouth but not before letting out a grunt of frustration.

“Oh look. Liam and Riley are joining Amanda. Let’s go,” Drake’s forced enthusiasm isn’t lost on either Olivia or Maxwell as Drake begins to pull her towards the middle of the dance floor.

“You know he’s still having a hard time with this,” Drake tells Olivia in a whispered voice as they move away from Maxwell.

“It isn’t my fault. He had the chance,” she whispered back. “It’s been months. He needs to move on!”

“I know that ‘Liv,” Drake’s voice is barely above a whisper now, “but let the man come to terms with this on his own without your gloating.”

Olivia begins to notice the stares from nearby couples at their harshly whispered conversation and purposely glares back in return. Since she and Drake have become a bit friendlier with each other these past few months, the gossip surrounding their relationship ran rampant.

“Duchess,” Drake’s voice softened causing Olivia to look back at him. “Do we agree? No more conversations about Amanda and the average looking American?”

The side of her lips turned upwards into a small grin. Drake could never acknowledge how handsome Elliot is much to her amusement. She leaned closer into him until her lips are inches from his ear.

“Okay Walker,” she whispered seductively, “but if you ever silence me again like you did earlier,” she paused for effect allowing the closeness fill her senses and tightened her hold on him, “I’ll destroy you.”

Drake grinned at the threat and looked into her eyes, “Is that a promise?”

A few feet away Elliott and Amanda watch the interaction between the infamous duo.

“What do you think they’re talking about?,” he asked.

“Knowing those two,” Amanda answered with a raised eyebrow, “Olivia probably threatened Drake and he’s loving it.”

“You have weird friends,” Elliot mused. Amanda elbowed his side emitting a small cough from his lips. “Pointy Elbows 3 Ribs 0,” he commented once he was able to find his voice.

Before Amanda has the chance to apologize she sees Adelaide charging towards them. Her eyes solely focused on Elliott.

“Lady Amanda!,” Adelaide greeted her and allowed herself to tear her eyes away from Elliott. “This is a lovely event. I’m sure we’ll be able to donate a large sum of money to the orphanages tonight,” she said before turning to Elliott. “And who do we have here?”

“This is a very good friend of mine,” Amanda began to make introductions and it wasn’t long before Adelaide coaxed Elliott into asking her for a dance.

“Will you be okay?,” Elliott asked in a low voice. Amanda let out a small chuckle at his genuinely concerned look.

“I’ve been to a million of these events. I’ll be fine sitting out for one dance,” she told him. “It might be even more,” she teased once she noticed Adelaide impatiently waiting nearby.

“I’ll be right back,” he called over his shoulder while being pulled in the opposite direction.

Amanda kept her laugh to herself as she watched Adelaide dance with Elliott. A few times he had to move her roaming hands back up to his shoulders until she finally pulled him into a close hug. She shook her head no when Elliott looked over to her and mouthed the words ‘help’ when Adelaide tugged him close.

“You look wonderful tonight Amanda,” she turned around to the sound of the familiar voice. Maxwell stood with a champagne glass in an all black tuxedo looking handsome as ever.

“Thanks Maxwell,” she greeted him with a smile, “You don't look bad yourself.”

“I try,” he said attempting a smile.

“Are you enjoying yourself tonight?,” she asked.

“I am. Annica won’t stop talking about how beautiful everything looks. You’ve really outdone yourself this year.”

“I’m glad she approves. Leave it to you to date Cordonia’s number one interior designer and to bring her tonight no less,” she teased. Maxwell let out a laugh and shrugged his shoulders.

“But I can’t take credit for all of this. Elliott has been such a huge help too. I think most of tonight’s success is because of him.”

Maxwell nodded his head and said nothing. It was proving difficult nowadays to not hear about Elliott.

“He’s lucky to have you,” Maxwell said in a low voice. Amanda acknowledged his statement with a small nod letting her gaze settle on Elliott.

“He is, isn’t he?,” she agreed with a teasing smile.

Maxwell follows her gaze to the American who has stolen her away from him. The one who was able to capture Amanda’s heart. The one who succeeded where he failed.

“Maxwell...,” her voice cut through his thoughts. He notices the troubled look on her face and gives her a reassuring smile.

“I’m okay,” he automatically replies.

“Are you?”

“I’m always okay Amanda,” he said before taking a sip from his champagne glass. “You look happy and that is what always mattered to me.”

“Maxwell,” her voice broke for a moment and she hesitated before continuing, “Please know...I never meant to hurt you.”

He flashed her a small smile and closed the distance between them until she was within his reach. Allowing himself to take in her facial features, the same ones he took for granted before and now haunted him in his dreams, he leaned in and whispered into her ear.

“You could never hurt me ‘Manda,” he said right before placing a kiss on her cheek. “You’ll always be my girl.”

#maxwell beaumont #maxwell x oc #the royal romance #oc galore #elliott x amanda

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margo-lemonycat · 3 years ago

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I love picking my old drawings and redrawing them to see how my style has changed. This is my oc - Annica - in version from 2022 and 2017.

Uwielbiam wyciągać stare rysunki i tworzyć ich nowe wersje żeby zobaczyć jak zmienia się mój styl. A więc powiatajcie moja oc Annica w wersji 2022 i 2017.

#oc #draw #new draw #new drawing

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wallpaperpainting · 5 years ago

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Seven Facts That Nobody Told You About Moon Painting | Moon Painting

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You can ysis out the video announcement the new bold below. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is yet to accept a close absolution date, but is set to barrage ‘soon’ on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo About-face and PC.

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ustupidmudbloodcanunot-blog · 8 years ago

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Only Me RemusXReader (Finally part 2)

A/n: Okieee, so I really wanted to do a “part two” to Finally. I think it turned out pretty okay, so I’m gonna try to write another smut. Purely because I love writing it. Warnings: Daddy kink, Dom!Remus, kinda longish. And SMUTTY SMUT. ———

It’s been two weeks since the Just-Because party in the Gryffindor common room. Two weeks since Y/n betrayed Remus. Two weeks since Sirius’s wish had finally come true. Y/n felt extremely guilty, to say the least. She’d tried to explain to Remus how she’d been drunk, and, in her defense, he’d been snogging with some Hufflepuff. “Did I fuck her?” He’d yelled, his voice filling the Ravenclaw common room. “You had a girlfriend! You shouldn’t have been doing ANYTHING with her!” Y/n retorted, suppressing the urge to slap him.

Remus rubbed his temples, closing his eyes. Without another word he left the common room. As soon as he stepped out and shut the door, Y/n had fallen down and burst into tears. Little did she know, Remus had done the same thing. Two weeks ago, this had taken place. Y/n had still felt very depressed, and guilty. Now, I’m the transfiguration classroom, Y/n found herself completely ignoring the lesson, drifting her eyes over to Remus. He looked awful, like he hasn’t slept in days.

She made it through class, and rushed to the potions class, not talking to anyone. Without having paid full attention to what they’d be making, she began brewing the potion. She saw Remus out of the corner of her eye, staring at her. Well since he’s watching, Y/n thought, we might as well give him a show. She purposefully knocked over a pale of rat tails. “Man, silly me,” Y/n bent down on all fours, and started picking them up, her short skirt barely concealing anything. From where she was, she heard Remus inwardly gasp. When Y/n finished cleaning up, she made sure to get up very, very slowly. Then, paid Remus no attention for the remainder of class. After potions, she was keen to get to dinner, as this was her last class of the day. As she was running to the Hall, she felt a strong hand clasp around her wrist, forcing her backwards. She turned around to see Remus, looking as angry-and hot- as ever. “What did you think you were doing?” He asks through clenched teeth. Y/n looks at him innocently and bats her eyelashes.

“What d'you mean?” She questions, her voice light and airy.

“I mean that display in potions!” He says quite loudly.

“Oh, that. Did you enjoy?” Remus’s mouth opens, then closes.

“You have been SO bad. And d'you know what happens to bad girls?” He asked her, dragging her to someplace she knew to be the Gryffindor common room.

“They get punished,” He whispered in her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine.

He turned away from her to mutter the password, and carried her in to his dormitory. After locking the door, he threw her onto the nearest bed. “Strip,” he ordered. Y/n did as she was told. Hands shaking, she unbuttoned her blouse, and her hands moves for her tie. Soon enough, Y/n was down to just her bra and panties. Not even matching, she thought with a twinge of shame.

Y/n looked at Remus. As he looked down on her, so vulnerable and soft, innocent, he was reminded of the old days. When they’d spend the night with each other. Her wasting nights of studying in his arms. He wanted all this back. But, of course, she wouldn’t get off too easily. He had to punish her. “C'mere,” He whispered at her. Slowly, she crawled up to him. Remus kissed her. The kiss started out soft and sweet, but quickly grew rough. This was what she loved, and he knew it. Remus dug his fingers into her hip bones, for sure leaving a bruise. He pulled away, leaving Y/n’s lip sticking out. “Undress me, Princess,” Remus growled, looking down at her. His need for her nothing less than obvious. At a torturingly slow pace, she unbuttoned his shirt. She slid it off his shoulders, and dropped it to the floor. Y/n’s nimble fingers moved to the button at his pants, in which there was already a slight tent.

Y/n slid his pants down his toned, tan legs. “All fours. Now,” Remus commanded. Y/n did as she was told. She felt her panties get ripped off her. Remus rubbed her cheeks, cooing softly. “You’ve been a very, very bad girl. Haven’t you Y/n?” All the could do was nod. Without warning, his hand smacked down, hard, on her Ass, leaving tears stinging her eyes. But she loved this. “You need to be punished, yes?” Remus cooed again before sending a new jolt of pleasurable pain through her body. When he got no response, he smacked her ass again. “Don’t you?”

“Yes, Daddy,” she whispered, biting her lip slightly.

“Good, now sit up. I think you might deserve a reward. What d'you think, Princess?” Remus asked her, dragging his fingers dangerously close to her soaking wet heat. “Not before you take care of me, though,” He says. Without being commanded, Y/n got on her knees. She pulled down his boxers, and his rock hard member slapped against his stomach.

Without warning, Y/n shoved him into her mouth, pumping what she couldn’t fit with her fist. His head hit the back of her throat every time and made her moan, sensing the vibrations all throughout Remus’s body. His head hung back, his mouth slightly agape with soft moans dripping from it. He pulled her hair back in a makeshift ponytail and thrust her into him more. As soon she felt him begin to twitch in her mouth, he’d pulled out. “On the bed, now. All fours,” Remus ordered. Y/n did as she was told, and jutted her ass in the air. Remus planted a few soft kisses to her cheeks. “No noises, no talking, and do not come before I give you Permission,”

“Yes daddy,” she said, voice quavering at the thought of Remus fucking her like the bad girl she was. After all this time. Not wasting a second, he smashed into her. Her throat ached at holding back the moans and screams she held within. Remus continued to pound into her from behind. “Can Sirius make you feel like this?” He asked, smacking her ass once more, making her moan out. “No daddy,” y/n nearly screamed. “Only you!”

“Fucking right. Only me,” he bent forward, still fucking her senseless. He sucked on that soft spot right below her ear. Y/n moaned and whimpered, disobeying every rule, except for not coming unless told. Suddenly, he started thrusting into her g-spot. Y/n cried out and Remus’s fingers immediately went for her clit, rubbing it in furious circles. The two sensations sent Y/n over the edge. “Please, Daddy,” Y/n begged, nearly crying, “Please let me come,” Remus’s fingers bit into her hipbone.

“Come for me, princess,” at his words, Y/n came unraveled in his hands. Remus followed suit not too long afterwards. He rode out her high, then slid out of her and plopped next to her on the bed. “Only you,” Y/n said in between breaths, still recovering.

Remus smirked slightly pulling her close to him, running his hands through her hair. “Only me,”

A/n: Okay, still feel like this was okay. But I’m in separate need of feedback. So shoot me a message. I’ll get my ask box sorted out soon. Thanks for reading! ~Annica

#smut #youngremus #im going to burn in hell #feedback #part two #dom!remus

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spine-buster · 4 years ago

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Patience is a Virtue ft. Matthew Tkachuk | 𝒫𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒

gif credit @czarniks

Word Count: 2,899

A/N: Was I really going to name the epilogue any thing else?

* * * * *

Effie had been quiet lately. When Matthew said ‘quiet’, what he really meant to say was not all there, and when he said ‘not all there’ what he really meant to say was that she was there, with him physically, but her mind was somewhere else. She had these bouts from time to time. Effie was always going to be a work in progress, and that meant sometimes she’d regress instead. He knew that when he signed up to be with her ten years ago now. He knew that when he raised the idea of buying and building a house together seven years ago, and she said no. He knew that when he raised the idea of buying and building a house together six years ago and she said no. He knew that when he raised the idea of buying and building a house together five years ago and she said no. He knew that when he raised the idea of buying and building a house together four years ago and she said no. He knew thar when he raised the idea of buying and building a house together three years ago and she said yes. He knew that when they moved in to said house two years ago. Some bouts were long, some were short, but he always noticed them.

This was another one.

She usually came around. Well, actually, she almost always came around. She’d ask something or propose an idea and Matthew would learn or realize why she was so withdrawn, why she was so quiet. Sometimes they were simple, and a short bout: “I want to change the menu at the bakery.” Sometimes they were vastly more complex, and a long bout: “I know Chantal’s okay with me not having kids, but what about Keith?” She’d get stuck in her head a lot. And with someone with so much to learn, as someone who was quite literally going through life learning by doing, it was almost a guarantee this would happen, considering what she came from.

But Matthew was there. Always.

As he spooned her in bed, he could feel how distant she was. He could practically feel her mind racing and refusing to slow down despite it being late at night. Matthew placed a small kiss on her shoulder. “D’you want to talk about it?” he offered.

Effie turned around so she was now facing him. He could see the worried look in her eyes and started to worry himself. She took a deep breath. “Would you want to marry me?”

Matthew licked his lips, and without hesitation, he nodded his head. “Yes.”

Effie looked away, almost ashamed. “I had it in my head that you wouldn’t want to because I’ve been married before,” she whispered.

A regress. Inevitable. Effie’s mind was a complex ocean. “You were never married,” he said firmly. “But if you want to get married, I’d love to marry you. We could do it however you wanted.”

“What about our marriage?”

“What do you mean?”

“We’d get married, but what would our marriage be like?”

Bad memories, obviously. The last time she was a “wife” it wasn’t a marriage at all. It was practically a hostage situation. An abusive relationship. “Do you like our relationship how it is now?” Matthew asked.

Effie nodded her head. “I want it to stay like this,” she said.

“Then that’s what our marriage will be like, too,” Matthew assured her.

***

“I don’t know what type of ring I like,” Effie mumbled on the phone to Geneviève as she picked at her lunch, a poppyseed bagel she’d made with a generous spread of lox and cream cheese. Geneviève was in Sweden, like she was every summer, with Jacob and her twins. Though they’d be back in a few weeks for the season, Effie couldn’t hold off talking to her. She never really could.

“Why would that matter?” Geneviève asked.

“Matthew and I talked about getting married.”

There was silence on the other end of the call before Effie heard the dial tone. She thought the call dropped – it did that sometimes, especially when Geneviève was in Sweden – but then her phone was vibrating all over again, and it was a FaceTime request instead of a simple phone call. Effie couldn’t help but smile as she accepted the call.

“You and Matthew WHAT?!” Geneviève shrieked, holding the phone too close to her face.

“Um…yeah,” Effie nodded. “We talked about it a few nights ago in bed. I asked him if he would want to marry me and he said yes.”

“Effie, Matthew’s probably wanted to marry you since he told you how to pronounce tomahawk. What made you think he didn’t?” Geneviève asked.

Effie shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know…” she said. “I just—last time I was married, it wasn’t a good marriage.”

“You were never married,” Geneviève deadpanned. It was good to know she thought the same thing as Matthew. “But besides that—has Matthew been anything like him in these past ten years?”

Effie shook her head. “No way.”

“Then what makes you think he will when you’re married?”

Effie knew Geneviève was trying to make a point – and a good one – but Effie was, for some reason, still apprehensive. “He comes home soon,” she said. “I’m going to talk to him more about it.”

Geneviève nodded in understanding. “Just remember that you deserve happiness, however that comes to you,” she reminded Effie. “And remember, Effie – you can choose happiness, too. You can choose to overcome a fear and make yourself happy.”

***

Effie searched all about engagement rings until she heard the garage door open and Matthew step into the house. He’d been at the gym, and his own lox and cream cheese bagel was waiting for him in the fridge. “Hey,” he called out from the laundry room.

“Hi.”

“Whatcha up to?”

“Uh, looking at engagement rings.”

He was silent. Silent until he rounded the corner and Effie saw him emerge from the hallway that led to the laundry room, his gym bag slung over his shoulder. “Engagement rings, huh?”

“Mhm,” she nodded, adjusting herself in the bar stool. “There’s so many different styles.”

Matthew looked at her skeptically, dropping his gym bag before walking over to her. “There are…” he began. “But you should look at a style or styles you like, and then we can bring it to a jeweler.”

“A jeweler?”

“I’m not gonna get you just any ring, baby. It’s gonna be custom made,” he said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Effie’s research told her that custom made rings were the most expensive types of rings. While there were so many pretty styles online, custom was definitely something to aspire to for many people, even thought it was out of reach. “You’d get me a custom ring?”

Matthew looked at her. Without saying a word, he leaned back into the barstool beside her but grabbed hers and scooted it closer to him. “Will you please talk to me?” he asked softly, but needily. “You know I’d get you a custom ring. You know I’m gonna let you get any dress you want and have whatever kind of wedding you want. You brought up marriage but the questions you’ve been asking me…Effie, it’s as if you think I don’t love you.”

“That’s not—no,” she shook her head, stuttering out her words. “I’m sorry, Matthew. I don’t mean it to be like that. I know you love me.”

“Then what’s with the questions?”

Effie took a deep breath, avoiding eye contact with Matthew until she knew she had to talk. “This is what it was like last time.”

Matthew’s heart dropped into the pit of his stomach. “What do you mean?”

“Abraham was nice before he abused me. He promised me so many things. And I know you’re not him—you’re nothing like him—and I’ve—I’ve told you that for ten years but—”

“—Effie, if this is too much for you, we don’t have to get married.”

Effie began shaking her head. And when she began shaking her head, tears started to well up in her eyes, and as they welled up, they fell down her cheeks. She tried wiping them away but Matthew beat her to it; she was so ashamed she couldn’t even look at him. “But everybody gets married. Look at Brady. And Taryn, even.”

“Effie…we’re already in a committed relationship that’s like a marriage anyway. I’m devoted to you, and you’re devoted to me…we—we live together, we act like we’re married anyway. If you don’t want to change that then you don’t have to.”

“Yes I do,” she stressed.

“Why?”

“I do because I want to do something for you. You’ve been doing things for me for ten years and I know you want this. I know you want to get married. So I want to give that to you because you’ve given me so much.”

“You giving me yourself is enough. You know that. You’re enough,” he said.

“I know,” she nodded. “But marriage is a celebration of love. It’s a celebration of love. And I want to celebrate our love. I just have to get it through my thick skull that marriage isn’t a punishment, it’s a celebration.”

Matthew nodded his head, giving her a quick kiss on the nose. “Want me to call Dr. Barlow? We can work on this together.”

Effie nodded.

***

Half a year later, Effie couldn’t stop staring at the rock on her finger. It glimmered in even the shittiest light. She was sure Matthew had something put in it to make it shine so much, but he kept denying it. Geneviève loved it. So did Jenna. So did Annica.

“But do you?” Matthew asked her.

She nodded. The second he slipped it on to her finger, everything became real. Everything. She’d never had an engagement ring before. She never had a testament to her partner’s love for her. And here it was now, on her finger, ready for her to wear for the rest of her life. Matthew gave it to her. Her Matthew. Nobody else but her Matthew.

***

“Oooooooh, Effie,” Chantal’s eyes lit up as Effie walked out of the fitting room of the small bridal boutique in St. Louis they went to on a whim. Taryn’s jaw dropped in quick succession as Effie walked out and stood on the platform in front of them, a three-panel mirror showing her every angle of the dress. She watched Chantal through the mirror. “Oh Effie, this is stunning.”

“Do you think Matthew will like it?” she asked.

“Matthew’s gonna bawl,” Taryn interjected, causing everyone to laugh. “I’m about to bawl!”

Effie looked at herself in the mirror, patting down the fronts of the dress, even though it fit her like a glove. Despite trying on some dresses already while out with Jenna and Geneviève, she didn’t get the same butterflies in her stomach as she did seeing herself in this dress, now, even though this wasn’t planned. It was the first one Effie chose for their consultant to pull but the last one of the three she tried on, and it was the most beautiful. She loved everything about it: the eyelet organza, the corset bodice with exposed boning, the A-line skirt with pockets.

The ivory.

The consultant puffed out the skirt for her, letting it fall behind her dramatically. Effie was quiet as she watched Taryn eye the consultant and say “We need a veil” before the consultant left them alone. Chantal was covering her mouth at the point, admiring the dress but also as a mechanism to stop herself from crying, probably. Effie pat down the front of the dress again, her heart beating in her chest. “Chantal?” her voice was small.

“Yes sweetie?”

“I can wear white, right?”

Chantal nodded automatically. So did Taryn. “Of course you can. You were never married,” Chantal said.

“Even if you had been,” Taryn piped in, “it’s your wedding. You can wear whatever you want.”

***

Matthew held Effie’s hand as they sat on a couch in Dr. Barlow’s office together, talking through Effie’s trepidations of marriage and expectations as a wife. Effie knew that the only reason why she was having trouble with all of this was because of her past experiences; when she thought about it, deep down, she wanted nothing more than to marry Matthew. But her mind was a funny thing – it always was – and that’s why they were here. Matthew had been patient in waiting for her to agree to buy a house and move in together; he’d been even more patient in not asking her to get married but letting her make the decision herself. Now it just all came down to this – the working through the nitty gritty things, the things that still plagued her mind – so she could go into the marriage in the healthiest way possible, just like their relationship was. And she was going to see it that way. It helped her immensely to see it that way. This is just an extension of our relationship. This is a celebration of our love.

“Have you given thought to any popular wedding or marriage traditions that the two of you would want to follow or not follow?” Dr. Barlow asked.

“Like what?” Matthew asked.

“Effie, will you be taking Matthew’s last name?”

Effie looked at Matthew before squeezing his hand quickly and nodding. “Yes,” she said confidently. “I’ll become Effie Tkachuk. I met this woman through hockey – her husband plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs – her name is Bee Rielly. She took her husband’s last name and she said the reason why she took it was because she had no connection to her maiden name, McTavish, because she had no real family and her mom was an alcoholic and it only really reminded her of that. Considering her background, she wanted it gone, and I feel the same way.”

Matthew squeezed her hand back. Dr. Barlow smiled and nodded her head. “It’s great that you’ve met someone like that, that can help you see these kinds of things in that perspective,” she said. “Are you having a church wedding?”

“No,” Matthew took this one. Even though he and his siblings went to Catholic schools, religion wasn’t a huge part of their lives. “Just an officiant. We actually already have her booked.”

Dr. Barlow nodded again. “Effie, how do you feel about the tradition of someone walking you down the aisle? Levi? Matthew’s dad, perhaps?”

Effie shook her head vehemently. “I love them, but no,” she said. “No way. I’m entering into a marriage freely and I’m making the decision. Nobody is giving me away.”

Matthew smiled. “And that’s that on that.”

***

The more that Effie planned, the more she got to experience what normal wedding planning was like. It was stressful, sure, but it wasn’t your-mom-telling-you-that-you-were-going-to-marry-a-55-year-old-when-you-were-fourteen-years-old type of stressful. It wasn’t an I-don’t-know-anything-about-being-a-wife-I’m-only-fourteen-years-old type of fearful. It actually wasn’t fearful at all. The more decisions she made about how she was going to marry Matthew, the more excited she became. Decisions about flowers, about table coverings, about décor, about music, about food. Her favourite was taste-testing cakes samples with Matthew. Every time they tasted something Matthew would always say, “It’s not as good as your cakes” to her.

Every. Single. Time.

***

Between family, friends, and teammates, there were about 130 people at the wedding. Effie wore her dress, tailored to perfection, and the veil – long and regal and cathedral length, because the only day it was socially acceptable to wear a veil that long was on your wedding day, and Effie was going to take full advantage of it. They did a first look and Matthew cried. He cried again when she walked down the aisle by herself.

When Effie stood holding hands with Matthew, reciting vows to each other, she thought about the past ten years. She thought about the person she was when she met him at Noah’s birthday party. She thought about their Starbucks meetings and him teaching her about corn dogs and candy and frappucinos. She thought about how different she was from then till now, and that though the past still affected her, and crept up on her from time to time, she had been strong back then, and was even stronger now, and that made her proud of herself in a way nobody else could understand. Not even Matthew. That she stood here with him, marrying him, making the choice to marry him, spoke volumes of her progression. It spoke volumes of the person she had been, the person she was now, and the person she was becoming. She was always a work in progress.

Matthew was there for it all. There to help her, there to guide her through it. There to help her achieve her dreams and expose to things she never thought possible. Lake Louise. Moraine Lake. The Bahamas. Europe. St. Louis. Confidence. Trust. Love.

“I love you,” he whispered to her when their vows were done, rubbing his thumb over the backs of her hands.

“I love you too,” she whispered back. Freely. Meaningfully. Deeply.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife!” the officiant beamed.

For the first time in her life, Effie was married.

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littlefreya · 5 years ago

Text

Lines in the Sand - Part 5

Synopsis: She is one of the best snipers serving in Iraq but she is also suffering from an attitude problem and ironically has a hard time following orders. After an incident in her former base, she is sent to join the Special Forces unit led by Captain Syverson who requires a talented sniper.

Unlucky for her, Captain Syverson is a hard man who likes things by the book and according to order. He ain’t got the patience for troublemakers.

Pairing: Captain Syverson x OFC (Jessica Gallagher)

Word count: 3,748

Warnings: Smut in future (it’s coming on part 6 so get ready), sexual tension, implied sexual stuff, big dick energy. Captain Syverson is BFD, slight mentions of sexual assault attempt.

A/N: My lovelies! I am so thrilled with all the love I am getting from you and that you guys are enjoying this.

Tagging: @sciapod @thiccgeralt @writingaftermidnight @fcgrizi @hows-my-hair @modernscarlett @vania-marie @centaine @ohjules @oddsnendsfanfics @hm-fck @ly--canthrope @peakygroupie @shortstacks-blog @hclovers @intototaloblivion @cataleya12345 @lifeisingrey @mytbel0st @goliveeasy17posts @agniavateira

Again, if you wish to be tagged/untagged let me know. I try to tag whoever liked this :)

Bonus question, do you think Tom Hardy is aware that Logan Marshall-Green stole his looks?

Part 5 - Inertia Creeps

“Sssssssssssssshit!!!”

Eyes glued to the floor, Jess shuts the door and leans against the hard surface helplessly.

‘Next time just bend me over?! The fuck are you thinking?!”

Dim pink lights cascade over the chamber, courtesy of Blazko and her silly attempts to make a shithole in the middle of the desert feel comfy and tender. If anything, it only makes Gallagher look dumber with her deer-caught-in-the-headlight gwak.

Chase and Blazko both sit on the upper bunk bed, lost in their heated gossip about god knows what when they pause and peer at Jess. Sniffing the air and curling her nose, Blazko breaks into a cynical chuckle, “Yeah, you do smell like shit. Please take a shower, babe.”

As Jess remains frozen, with her eyes still staring at the same spot, both girls become mildly concerned and jump off the bed, making their way toward the door.

“Ok, what happened?”

She looks at them for a prolonged moment, briefly wondering if to make a big deal out of the whole evening.

Syverson didn’t. He ignored it.

‘If you give a thought any attention you make it real.’ That’s what her dad always says.

Taking a long breath, she finally lifts her head from the floor, “I was just really rude to the Captain. Again.”

“Oh,” Chase answers but then shrugs as if this is nothing but a casual occurrence, “well, can’t blame you.” She turns to Blazko and lifts her finger in the air expressively, “Annica, he fucking manhandled her on the field today, in front of everything. Like you wouldn’t believe that jackass, he has some balls on him.”

“What? How?” Blazko gapes, though it’s not shock that lights her eyes but the utter excitement of hearing such juicy tales.

Gallagher breaks into a heavy sigh, already knowing where this is heading, she detaches from the door and begins pacing toward her cot. “It wasn’t sexual, he just wanted to prove a point, wanted to teach me how to stand properly and he kinda…” she turns and stands in the middle of the room with her legs slightly spread as if to demonstrate “sorta... forced my legs apart, with his foot, just to adjust my posture.”

Blazko lowers her head but keeps her eyes wide open, her maw grows larger while she averts her glare between Chase and Gallagher repeatedly.

“That’s. really. hot!”

“Don’t!” Gallagher warns and turns back to her bed. She crouches to collect clean clothes from her backpack, unable to withstand the stench that drifts from her own skin.

‘Seriously, fuck you for that Syverson.’

“From a viewer’s point of view? It was, I mean we saw them from behind, he did it quickly and so proficiently, as if he did that before but elsewhere. It looked like he was ready to have her bent down on the ground for some angry pounding, and he is so big and she is so small next to him it was...” Chase kisses her own fingers as if she is tasting something delicious while Blazko’s grabs onto her wrist, squeezing it with excitement.

“You know I think I am going to start writing erotic fiction about that.”

Gallagher takes one last pissed-off inhale, though she can’t deny their behaviour is mildly amusing. Friendship, she hasn’t had that in a while...

“Ok, first of all? Fuck you both. Second of all, and I honestly can’t believe I am defending that piece of shit, but if the Captain is a lot of things but he is not a perv. He made it clear that he is more into kicking me out of here than doing any ‘pounding’. Now, if y’all excuse me, I’ll be in the shower. Any hot water left?”

“No, but I think you probably need a cold one anyway.” Blazko teases and then both of her and Chase begin moaning mockingly in order to tease her.

Clamping her lips, Jess gives them the finger and walks off to the shower.

The small 4-meter square shower-room, big enough for merely one person and thankfully less disgusting than the men’s toilet she just spent an entire day cleaning. Stripping off her sweat-drenched uniform, she throws them on the floor before throwing a quick glance at the mirror.

‘Yes, the scars are still there. A reminder for a lifetime, whatever long lifetime it may be.’

Quickly, she turns her back to the mirror, peering over her shoulder.

‘At least the front is not as bad as. I should cover this with a tattoo or something.’

What does Syverson know of trust and failure. She muses.

Turning on the tap, she waits for the water to get mildly warm, which never actually happens here. It’s funny how a person can go through the worst sort of pain, yet there is nothing more horrendous than showering in icy cold water.

She takes a deep breath and steps under the stream, letting out a shriek as the freezing water hit her back. There is no adjusting to the cold, no matter how hard you try. Her body trembles underneath the stream, while she holds one hand against the tiles and the other soaps her aching muscles.

Bruises mark her hurting knees. She is willing to bet Syverson is pleased right now. thinking about her blue and bruised from scrubbing piss.

‘Yeah, let’s think of the Captain in the shower. The unfuckable Captain.’

The unbidden thought of having those strong arms soap her naked body creep into her mind. Jess leans her head against the freezing wall, spreading her legs, and muffling her gasps as she imitates his crud gesture. Though in her fantasy, he goes further, his bushy beard grazes her throat as he nuzzles her skin and his hands press her tattooed thighs apart...

‘Enough.’ She pauses and blinks her eyes open with a small pant.

‘Don’t go there. Be a good girl for fuck sake.’

~*~

The weeks pass relatively quiet, much to Syverson’s dislike. He prefers it the other way around; quiet means something’s brewing, quiet means he is free to roam the darker corners of his brain, those which he keeps untouched.

Sitting outside in the crisp desert air, he drinks his afternoon coffee and stares at his soldiers train and perform their daily duties. Wrought with concern, his eyes observe the surroundings while he strokes his beard thoughtfully.

It’s not just the cooler breeze of the end of August and the silence in the area. It’s been 2 weeks since spitfire “attacked”, as he likes to describe it to Harper. Earlier he teased the idea of putting up a huge sign like the ones they have in factories.

‘It’s been 14 days since the last Gallagher incident’

Sy huffs with amusement. Perhaps the last conversation indeed reached her? So he hopes. She's been a good girl for now but the fire within her still burns. Somehow, their gazes constantly collide; in the canteen during breakfast, during training and hell… he’d lift up his eyes from reading some intel while sitting in his office and there she is, just passing by, staring right back at him with that glower that’s full of war.

It bugs him, that look, as if she hates him. Does she not trust him?

‘You gave the private a reason, remember?’

Still, Sy controls his anger, unlike others, and gives her the space she deserves when in fact he has a very observant eye on her and the people she surrounded herself with. Yeah, she likes to be around guys, though it doesn’t seem like she’s interested in any of them.

‘Speak of the devil and she will appear.’

The Captain sent Holt, Stevens, Blazko and Gallagher on a recon mission earlier that day. Now as the sun is about to set, the squad returns, driving the M1117 Guardian. Gallagher exits the parked vehicle first, slight dirt dusting her uniform.

Harper strides beside her, trying to catch up with the Spitfire’s pace as they make way toward the Captain.

Sy grew fond of Harper, the unit’s staff sergeant, there is something honourable about how faithful he remains to his woman, who is continents away. While most soldiers speak about women as if they were nothing more than objects, Harper always tends to walk away and call Anne on the satellite phone.

Stroking his thick beard, Sy muses about being in a long-distance relationship like that, how tough it might be to be apart from someone for so long. He could never really do that. He’d want his girl close, to keep an eye on her, protect her.

“Captain Syverson, sir.”

Jess calls out, interrupting his musings. Agitation paints her face.

“Status report?”

“We spotted some rebels up ahead, they are getting cosy in some old hospital-like kittens around a radiator”

She pulls out a map, spreading it between her arms. “There... “ she gestures toward a black x marked over the southern side of the desert.

Sy leans a tad closer, his bicep unintentionally grazing her shoulder.

The proximity set an unease at her belly, but she remains in her spot, not moving a muscle and only peers at him from the corner of her eye. With the helmet still wedged around her head, he cannot make her face or tell that she’s staring at the veins that decorate his muscular arm.

“Vantage point?” Sy asks, chewing the inside of his cheek as concern begins to surface. Harper and Holt gather to stand in front of them, briefly nodding at the Captain.

“Sir, do you mind?” Jess lifts her head to stare at Sy and gestures to him to hold the map for her. There’s a short, silent pause between them as their eyes meet. Standing so close, she notices the colour of his eyes for the first time. Among the many shades of blue, a patch of brown taints his left eye, like an island in the middle of nowhere. A flaw, a quite beautiful one.

She forces herself to look away and averts her gaze to Harper.

“Harper, you have that marker on you?”

Harper quickly pulls the marker from the pocket of his uniform, handing it toward her. She grabs the cork between her teeth and marks the possible vantage points on the map.

“Here, and here.” She retorts. “May I speak my mind freely, Sir?” her gaze returns to Sy, but he doesn’t look back, too engaged with learning the map.

“You may, Private.”

“We should take them down before they’ll become a problem. The way I see it, they’ll lurk our forces, take us down when we patrol unaware.” Gallagher pauses and then wets her lips, “you know… I could have had them today. If I wanted to their brain would be splattered on the wall before one of them would even notice.” Her chin lifts, her lips twitching into a cocky smirk.

Unamused, Sy inhales sharply, and tightens his jaw, beneath the fur decorating his face his cheeks become sunken with disdain. Going against his commands would get her ass on a rocket back home crying, she knows that very well.

“But...” Jess drawls, “as daddy says: no orders, no fiesta”.

Sy tilts his head, glaring at her bemused. Was that meant to appease him? Her, explaining how she wanted to break command but didn’t?

A huff breaks from his flaring nostrils and he rolls his eyes, choosing to ignore her. She should be afraid of him, not tease him.

“What’s your take on that, Harper?” The captain asks, moving away from Gallagher.

“My take is that you’re not gonna like it, Cap. I think we should be extra careful,” the Sergeant comments in his low voice. “I also agree with private Gallagher, they are setting up an ambush, I’d alert our base at north and take them down before there’s trouble. They are probably stocking up right now.”

“Ok.” The Captain nods, “Good job. Holt, Gallagher, free to go, both of you. Harper, you stay with me, we’ll talk operations”.

“Aye, Captain.” Jess salutes, folding the map and handing the marker back to Harper who makes a face at her while pulling away with disgust.

“What?”

“It was in your mouth, keep it.”

Snorting, Jess shakes her head and grabs holt by his armoured vest, “c’mon, skinny, let’s go grab something to eat.”

Syverson observes their dynamics carefully, his piercing blue eyes watch as they continue to walk into the base. She pushes Holt playfully and he pushes against her in return. The two have seemed to become friends of some sort.

“How she doin’?”

Harper glares at the Captain, slight concern washing his green eyes. “Same? Not saying much other than sarcastic shit every now and then but overall? Even though she looks like she wants to set the world on fire she’s not acting out. She is the one who spotted the rebels too.”

“Good girl.” the Captain murmurs “You owe me a 20.”

Harper snorts and shakes his head unbelievably “You think you tamed her yet? If she is sucking up to you - trust me, it’s an act, you just don’t know shit about women.”

The Captain twirls the age of his whispers thoughtfully and then rolls his eyes.

~*~

The stars shine the most beautiful in the desert. When it’s utterly dark and the temperature drops severely, the night sky clears out and you can see the ghostly veil of the milky way, a tender mist of stardust.

Sometimes in her childhood, she dreamt of becoming an astronaut. She remembers how she studied everything there was to the stars with the naive hunger that only children can have. Night patrol in the middle of nowhere is the closest she will ever get to see the stars, but the irony is that instead of gazing at them with fascination she is now staring into the void of nothingness, watching for horrors, not stars.

Bracing onto hr M16 in pre[eratopn, she perks her ears, attempting to catch every sound.

The rich scent of bubbling coffee and heavy footfalls echo behind her, owned by a man large and bulky. Not a threat, she detects, at least not from the kind she is supposed to shoot, though the temptation is there...

“May I keep you company, Private?”

There is only one man with an accent like this in the entire region and that question is much more of a warning.

“Captain,” Jess greets without turning back, not going off duty, which is probably what he wants.

“You can take 5, Jameson’s on the roof, and Stevens is at 6 o’clock.”

A small frown forms between her brows. “Is this another test, Sir?”

Ever since she got here all the Captain ever does is testing her, to the point of exhaustion.

“At ease soldier,” Sy relaxes her, a somewhat dry chuckle creeps into his speech yet even that sounds somewhat like a threat. “Sit down.”

The large man moves to take the stairs, slumping down with his legs spread wide. As Jess turns to look at him she notices an extra cup of hot coffee in his hand.

“To keep you alert.” He reaches the mug toward her in a peace offering.

‘If he is trying to pacify me, coffee is definitely the way. Unless... it’s poisoned.’

“I never sleep anyway,” she answers but still takes the cup from his hand and blows over the steaming surface. The aroma and the warmth of the cup are what she’d kill for right now in the freezing weather. And somehow in zero degrees, that tough grunt is wearing his red shirt, the one with the black skull and the initials D.i.l.l.i.g.a.f. She can’t help but stare at his chest as she spells it out “Does it look like I give a fuck?”

It takes Syverson a second before a child-like smirk spreads on his face. He places a hand on his chest, a small chuckle escapes his throat.

“My favourite t-shirt.”

‘Yeah, saw you wear it like every day, must smell great…’

“Guess I am not the only one with attitude problems…” she dares, offering him a small wicked grin and taking a sip from the coffee.

His face twists at something that may seem like a smile but then he stares into the emptiness of the black desert with clenched teeth. Jess glances at his face confused for a short while - asking him if he can’t sleep would be redundant, he wouldn’t be here otherwise.

“Where are you from, Private?”

His question catches her off guard, making her observe him bemused. Sy never has this type of conversations, if anything, he hates small talk and relies on unpleasant silence instead. Would anyone blame her for wondering what hidden motives are rotted in his query?

“New York.”

“Queens?”

“Brooklyn.”

“What do you know?” Finally, his white teeth show as he offers what seems to a true smirk.

“I’d be damned, we’re neighbours.”

Jess raises her eyebrows surprised, not that it matters since their current home, their real home is here, this shithole. Which obviously makes them neighbours, regardless.

“Thought you are from Texas…” she answers, returning her eyes to the surrounding, trying to ignore how small the stairs appear beneath Syverson’s huge body. “I mean, I don’t know if anyone told you that, but you kinda have an accent.”

Sy chuckles briefly and takes another sip. “Born and bred but moved out with my brother ‘bout 6 years ago, doesn’t matter, though, ended up here anyway.”

She nods with understanding. One hand hugging the weapon close to her body while the other holds the cup. The stone-steps are freezing beneath her ass and the chill air makes her shiver slightly, though Sy’s body rediats with heat. Sitting close enough, it keeps her slightly warmer, secretly she wishes he’d move further close, just enough to keep her cosy.

“Didn’t take you for a New York city girl,” he continues.

“How do you mean?”

‘Because you care about more than your looks or how much money you make? Because you seem like you’ve seen too fucking much? Because there is something too familiar in your eyes? Because you left a good city to be here stuck in the desert with someone like me?’

“Why’d you end up here?” Sy deflects, asking another question instead. Slowly he turns his head to look at her face. The stars reflect on the glassy surface of her eyes and while he doesn’t understand much about art, he finds this is a picture someone should capture.

She doesn’t let him break her concentration, scanning the field to fulfil her duty. “Only thing I’ve ever been good at, and...” she pauses, licking her lips while thinking of the real answer, “wanting to fight the good fight. Like… maybe if I am here, less of our guys are getting killed.”

‘It's the only thing you’ve ever been good at as well… you tell this to yourself, every night.’ He reminds himself.

Sy glares at her for a long moment, learning her facial features while biting the inside of his cheek. The moonlight pales her face even further, making her skin glow. A dust of freckles adorns her nose and a small scar is visible on her cheek though it’s just a small white crease, unlike the deep cuts covering his face.

In his eyes, Gallagher was always quite comly, but right now, for an odd reason, she seems even prettier. Maybe because it’s the first time he looks at her and she doesn’t look back like she wants to bite his head off.

Jess finishes her coffee and places the mug next to her feet. It’s then in the quiet of the night when she realizes he is staring at her face, which naturally makes her slightly nervous. The Captain is not saying anything, no more questions left to ask, his face drops to its usual deep frown and his gaze lower to the ground.

Something pains him.

Aika appears from nowhere, grinding against the Captain first and then circling around Gallagher and causing her to bump against Syverson. Her shoulder hits his incredibly large bicep and her free hand grasps just above his knee to block the fall, feeling the muscle that twitches at her touch.

Faster than the speed of light, she pulls up, her heart jolting.

“Woah there, girl,” Syverson calls his dog affectionately, ignoring Gallagher’s touch as if nothing happened.

Aika approaches Gallagher, licking her cold face which breaks her tough expression into a peal of giggles. Syverson observes silently, seeing those dimples for the second time ever.

“She likes you,” he states the obvious, allowing the girls another moment of affection before jumping back on his feet and clearing his throat.

“Back to your duty, Private Gallagher,” he orders and then turns away, making a sucking noise to call Aika to follow.

Relieved that he is gone, Gallagher moves to stand, finally letting out that air that was locked in her lungs. For a reason, his presence caused tension in her chest, as if a wedge of stones was placed atop it. Commencing her patrol, she begins pacing away, holding her weapon at the ready, but now her mind is uneasy.

It seems like the Syverson trusts her now and has decided she is here to stay. Otherwise why have this conversation with her? And instead of taking it as it is, instead of being professional for once in her life, her mind trails into unbidden thoughts.

‘That thigh felt so thick at your hand…’

“For fuck sake…” she mutters and shakes her head at her frivolous desire. She continues patrolling when a strange wind blows through her mind.

‘I haven’t seen Stevens for a while…’

Pushing all other thoughts away, Jess begins to track Stevens position while remaining alert. For an odd reason, her intuition whispers of something wrong, and so she takes quick, silent steps, circling the base like a cougar ready for assault.

A sound of a muffled argument comes from the storage room, too far from the barracks, too hidden from the roof’s patrol. She can hear a voice of a woman, insisting on something, sounding quite distressed.

‘Shit.’

She recognizes that voice.

“Sean, stop! I told you I am not...”

The rest of the sentence is swallowed by his mouth as he forces a kiss.

Gallagher can feel the blood boiling in her veins, not wasting a moment she points the rifle at his head. “Get the fuck away from her, Stevens!” She commands in a cold emotionless voice, sounding relaxed yet intimidating.

Surprised to see her, he quickly pulls away, letting go of Chase, who appears to be crying, and trembling frozen against the wall.

“Woah, woah, woah, Jessica, it’s not what it looks like, we were just arguing, right, babe?”

“I’ll determine what it looks like”. Jess answers, not wasting a second to even hear Chase’s excuse. “And don’t call me Jessica, it’s Private Gallagher. Chase, did he hurt you?” She asks chase, motioning with her head to come stand next to her.

Chase, wipes her tears and carefully, makes her way toward Gallagher “Not yet…”

‘Good.’

But though her fury only worsens because he did, even if she appeared on time.

“You think women are worthless, Stevens?” she asks intimidatingly, slowly lowering her weapon to target his nether region.

“For fuck sake, put the fucking gun down! It was a misunderstanding.” Stevens yells at her angrily, putting his hands over his groin.

“No, I don’t think I will,” she answers and then grins viciously “I think maybe you’ll pull your cock out now, and fuck the sand…”

Stevens chuckles at first, thinking Jess is joking but there is a dead serious look on her face and she tilts her weapon as if to urge him to undress.

“Are you insane?” Stevens yells again, panic and tears rimming his eyes, “Captain Syverson was right about you, you’re nothing but a psychotic bitch.”

‘Well fuck. Here goes my 2 weeks of good behaviour.’

#Henry Cavill #Captain Syverson #Sand Castle #Netflix Sand Castle #Captain Syverson x OFC #Captain Syverson Fic #Henry Cavill Fic #Henry Cavill x OFC

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