#Happy Like a old time couple: Beth Riley

[bewitchingbaker]

"A hundred percent sweet an' kind an' gentle giant. Dat's your trademark, you know."

The baker stares at Beth for an eternal moment. Those warm brown hues take note of of that smile. Even though they've been dating for a while and they'd known each other even longer. But it was always blessing to see that knowing smile of hers.

It took the baker a moment to realize her answer to his question of what was his trademark. As always, the nurse's answer would earn a dusting of his cheeks.

That ever so large hand of his find their home entangled in her hand. As always, he happily returns her smile with a grin of his own.

"Guess working with those sweets all day had an effect on me," he smiles, "You can thank my mom for the giant part."

He presses a kiss to her temple.

"Just like your trademark is being sweet, brave, and a badass lady~"

[ @brooklynislandgirl ]

[going-to-ikea-for-the-fries]

Home Pt.9 - END || cbf!Simon "Ghost" Riley

Rating: E Words: 1.8K CW: CANON GHOST BACKSTORY, death, death of a CHILD, house fire, corpses, grief, cemetery, some smut. Tags: you/your pronouns, SOME SMUT, ANGST, HURT NO COMFORT, heartbreak, grief and loss, loss of identity, canon Ghost backstory, UNHAPPY ENDING. a/n: not proofread. THIS IS THE END (it WILL be angst and nothing else... but I'll write a happy ending alternative soon).

[← Previous] || [MY MASTERLIST]

Is it macabre to attend your own funeral? Probably.

Nonetheless, Simon Ghost found himself standing near the back of the cemetery, watching on. 

His family wasn’t particularly well-loved in the neighborhood… but when a tragedy like this happens, especially one involving a boy so young as his nephew Joseph… everyone and their mother comes out to pay respects. It’s the “proper thing to do”, they say, even though it’s only out of pity.

However, he has to admit that seeing Oliver, Archie, Jack and Harry, his old mates, come to pay respects, accompanied by their respective families, pulled at his heartstrings a bit. Especially when Archie tapped Oliver in the back while the latter cried.

He’s been here the entire time watching the people come and go, flowers being thrown down into the holes of the Riley family communal grave, and other arrangements being spread all over and around the headstones. Four holes in total. First, ‘Simon’, then his mum Joanna, then Tommy… Then Beth and Joseph in the same one. 

It was close-casket, the bodies too badly burned to allow anything else. The fake Simon has the cheapest coffin he could get, leaving the best for his mum, Tommy and Beth… And he had forced himself to pick a beautiful little white coffin for Joseph. He didn’t even think they made coffins that small. 

Per his request, they lowered Joseph into the hole first, Beth’s larger coffin covering the little boy’s. Just like she was when Ghost found them. Her lifeless body curled over Joseph’s, cradling him tight to keep him safe below her own chest… It was fruitless.

Ghost allows himself to take a deep breath as, finally, the last few people have walked off. The sun is starting to set and people can only pretend to grieve for so long before the cold wind and the darkness makes them go back home. 

In his skull-printed balaclava, black beanie, and black hoodie, Ghost basically blends into the shadows that are starting to take over the cemetery, standing under a tree as his eyes trace the last people walking away from the open graves.

Just days ago Ghost himself was in one of these… buried alive. That’s the night Simon Riley died, he’d say, though, officially, he died in the house fire that took his entire family… A faulty heater during Christmas Eve, you see?

Lost in thought, Ghost doesn’t realize it until now that someone lingered behind. A woman. She moves slowly, tentatively, in the direction of the graves, carrying a couple of bouquets.

More of the same, he thinks… Though he secretly admires the commitment to stay here as the sky is darkening and the air is cooling down.

She places one of the arrangements near the headstones, somewhere amidst the mess of all the other ones…

She flicks on the torch on her phone, to read the names on them… And very gingerly crouches, right in front of ‘his’ grave. She lowers the second bouquet onto it and tosses it carefully on top of the coffin.

Then, she lays her forearms on her knees, letting her hands hang between her legs as she remains crouched in front of his grave. Only to then watch her fold her hands and bring them up to her mouth, to hide the fact she’s crying. He can tell from the way her shoulders rise and fall and and her whole form shakes.

From this distance, he can’t hear her speak, and with the darkness, he can’t see her face.

But he knows.

He knows it’s you.

He watches you fish something out of your pocket and, slowly, toss it down onto the grave too.

He feels his breath being taken away torturously slowly… It feels like someone has grabbed his lungs and forcefully wrung out the air from them like water off a wet rag. 

He’s suffocating.

-

“Merry Christmas!” You cheerfully squealed as you tossed your arms around his neck from behind, strangling him a bit and, shaking him from side to side.

It was freezing outside and you had rushed out in the early morning so you could exchange gifts.

You were twelve, he was thirteen.

“Bloody hell, Y/N, are you tryin’ to kill me?!” He complained playfully as you let go and fake pouted… Then you both broke into laughter.

He tossed a bag of Cadbury mini-eggs at you, which you caught with a giggle. Then, you carefully handed him a little box with a Terry’s chocolate orange in it.

It was all either of you could afford.

“Merry Christmas, you pain in the arse.” He grumbled at you… As if he didn’t have a massive crush on you.

-

You were thirteen, he was fourteen.

“Merry Christmas, Sleepin’ Beauty.” He said it first, as he watched you sneak out the door carefully at 1:30 A.M. You had agreed to meet at midnight but you took your sweet time because you accidentally overslept.

“Shut up, you tosser.” You scoffed as you stopped in front of him, exchanging your gifts.

Terry’s chocolate orange, Cadbury mini-eggs.

“Go back inside, it’s freezin’.” Simon added as he watched you shiver in your pajamas. Poor thing, he thought, as if he hadn’t been here, in the freezing cold, waiting for you for over an hour.

“I will, I will!” You announced dramatically. “Merry Christmas, Riley.” You added as you reached up and kissed his cheek.

Then you turned and rushed back inside. Leaving him outside... but the chill in his bones was long forgotten.

-

You were fourteen, he was fifteen.

The wall clock at your local pub announced it was midnight.

“Merry Christmas, love.” He told you as he surprised you by dangling the Cadbury mini eggs bag in front of your face.

You leaned up and stole a kiss off his lips, his mouth melting into yours. Your friends around you complained in mock disgust at your PDA.

You pulled away and stuck your tongue out at them, mocking them back, before you turned all your attention to Simon.

You reached into your little shoulder bag and pulled out his chocolate orange, handing it to him. “Merry Christmas.” You told him and smiled sweetly.

-

You were fifteen, he was sixteen.

You were cuddling in the backseat of his dad’s Renault Clio, smoking together.

You had dozed off a couple of times by now, feeling warm and cosy in his arms, as usual.

Simon looked out of the window, enjoying the sight of the empty farm fields, lightly speckled in white snow.

“Darlin’?” Simon called for you and you stirred awake again.

You lifted your head from his chest, ever so slightly, where you had been lulled to sleep by his rhythmic heartbeat. 

“Hm?” You murmured groggily.

“Merry Christmas, lovie.” He whispers as he kisses your forehead.

“Merry Christmas, Riley…” You return as you nuzzle up to his neck, your nose rubbing against his skin.

You’d exchange your gifts before he dropped you off at home…

-

You were sixteen, he was seventeen.

It was tight in that backseat, his body no longer fitting lengthwise across the backseat and yours just barely fitting too.

Simon thrusted into you, holding one of your legs over his shoulder, while the other wrapped around his hip. His knees were bent and his head was pressed flush against the smooth roof of the car.

Your moans were loud and almost pornographic, forcing him to have to kiss you to shut you up. But even then, he kept up a hard and unforgiving pace, his hips slamming into yours feverishly.

It all stemmed from the undeniable hunger you felt for one another after three months apart while he was in Basic Training.

He couldn’t get enough of you, the way you looked up at him with those tear-filled eyes, your face red from the heat, your breaths erratic, your forehead dripping with sweat…

“Been… thinking… about this… for so long…” He grunted through the strain of trying to hold back his orgasm.

“Simon!” You moaned, your voice jumpy and high-pitched as he kept the rhythm that was driving you both to the brink of exhaustion.

“Three… bloody… fuckin’... months… without you…” He groaned. “God…” He grunted. “Keep moanin’ for me, darlin’... Show me who you belong to.” He demanded.

And you did. You made sure to make yourself heard, calling his name and whining, desperately so, as he made you both reach your limits.

As you both winded down, your weak legs wrapped around his hip, his head lying on your sweaty breasts, he looked up at you. “I love you.” Simon told you.

Your eyes softened when you looked down at him, his brown eyes seemingly even more beautiful that night than they ever had been. “I love you too.” You told him softly.

He pushed up and kissed you sweetly and, after glancing at the dash clock out of the corner of his eye, he chuckled against your lips.

“Merry Christmas.” He murmured. You probably replied something of the sort as well, though he kissed you back into silence.

You would exchange your gifts soon after.

-

You were seventeen, he was eighteen.

Simon was at the mess, shoulder-to-shoulder with his fellow Corporals, squeezed tight so they could all fit at the table.

His rifle hung around his back, as he lowered his head like an obedient dog while shoveling mashed potatoes and slices of roast turkey into his mouth.

The CO had barked a hurried “Merry Christmas” to the troops before allowing them to dig in.

They hurried to eat. 

Simon was one of the first to stand up and rush his tray to the tray return trolley, and then slap his helmet on.

Then, he dashed out the door to join his platoon in the frontlines, swinging his rifle forward.

There was no Terry’s Chocolate Orange that time…

There was never going to be another one.

-

By the time Simon Ghost finally catches his breath again, you’re pushing back up onto your feet. He imagines you’re about to walk off and leave… But you don’t.

The sun has fully set by now, bathing the cemetery in darkness… And there you are. Still standing. 

Grieving over him.

His chest hurts, his heart squeezing with the realization that you are not taking his death well… Even after 15 years.

He wishes he could go forward… To tell you he’s not actually dead… that he just needed to pretend.

He wants to ask you how you’ve been, what you’ve been up to, to tell you how grateful he is that you came, how proud he is that you’re alive and healthy, by the looks of it.

He wants to tell you about his regrets, he wants to apologize, he wants to tell you he wanted to marry you, that he's never loved another woman like he's loved you.

But he doesn’t.

He simply continues to watch you from a distance as you hang around for a long, long time. Longer than anyone else. Hell, longer than Oliver did.

He watches your figure seemingly take a deep breath… And then… you start walking off toward the car park

He’s tempted to follow after you, even if just to watch… just for a moment more.

But he doesn’t.

Instead, he walks up quietly toward 'his' grave, spotting what you threw into it easily.

He recognizes the shiny foil of a Terry's Chocolate Orange amidst the flowers without any issue.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before turning and walking away.

There was a time when you found a home in each other's arms...

But that's dead and buried now... Just like the chocolate orange will be.

And that's for the best.

[← Previous] || [MY MASTERLIST]

taglist: @iite-cool , @spicyspicyliving

Thank you so much for reading this fic, to the people who've read it here and on AO3! Your support mean the world to me!

[czigonas]

Saw this image of Soap and Ghost enjoying the spoils of a carnival/fair and my brain immediately went instead to Actually They Are Both Carnies AU.

(I am going to preface this by saying I am much more familiar with American traveling carnie lifestyles rather than the UK [do they... even do those over there?] or anywhere else, so that's what I'm basing this on. This is set vaguely late 80s-early 90s in my mind.)

Ghost has been working as a carnie for a very long time. He basically grew up on the fair circuit, helping his dad as soon as he was old enough to carry things and count out change (and do a little pick-pocketing on the side).

Old Man Riley runs a ring toss booth, though not well. He's constantly on the bad side of the man that owns the ring toss trailer but they keep him on the job because, when he's sober, he's charming enough to pull people in and keep them playing. Problem is, he's increasingly not sober. Simon's tall for his age though, so, as soon as they can pass him off as 14 (he's about 9 or 10), the lead has a few of the other barkers teach him how to draw people in. Look charming, smile wide, get them to see you as a friend, play the part and get paid. Simon hates it, but he does what he's told because it keeps his mom and Tommy housed and fed.

(Lead's wife is pretty good about keeping odd jobs set aside for Simon's mom at any time of day she needs to escape. Lead's wife can't interfere every time, but she and a couple of the other carnies do try to minimize the abuse by offering legitimate ways to get away for a short time.)

As Simon and Tommy grow, Old Man Riley steps back more and more. He's almost never sober anymore and rarely seen anywhere near the booth-fronts. He's a terror in the back lots, and burns through a lot of the goodwill the rest of the family manages to generate among their fellows. Tommy starts being trained up taking tickets at a fun house, and he's good at it. He's not as conventionally pretty as Simon, but he's flirtier, more attuned to crowd moods, and much more willing to bark, so he does well pulling.

As soon as Simon's 18, he joins the Army. He's always liked the travel aspect of carnie life, but he hates that it's seasonal work and the months and months of downtime. He never grew to enjoy having to put on the charming mask to draw in customers. Instead, he leaves with the lead's grudging blessing and a promise to his mom and Tommy to catch them up at whatever stop they're at whenever he has leave.

The Army is... nice. It's not necessarily a life he wants to live forever, but for now it's different and yet still enough like what he left behind to satisfy. He ends up having to take an extended leave right after basic to sort Tommy out, though. Drugs have always been passed around pretty openly around the booths and caravans, the the Riley boys had never partaken. His mum had sent a letter that Tommy had been getting into them and not handling it well. She doesn't say it outright, but Simon blames the old man.

He finds an unexpected ally in Beth, the daughter of the man widely acknowledged to be taking over as lead when the current one finally retires. It's not exactly an advantageous match for Beth's family, but she's stubborn and has made up her mind. She wants Tommy and she's going to have him so long as he wants her back. Together they get him clean and Simon gives the pair of them his blessing and a good chunk of the money he's saved over the years.

(Tommy uses it to buy his own caravan so he and Beth aren't imposing on their parents. They both agree Mrs Riley can stay whenever she needs. The old man has been getting worse the more he sinks into the drugs and drink. He'll need to be left behind soon, but no one can agree on where. There are a lot of jokes about ditches and empty fields. [A good number of them aren't jokes.])

Simon heads back to the Army with a lighter heart, ready to do his duty knowing his family is once again as safe and happy as he can make them. They exchange postcards and letters when they can, e-mails when they manage to find somewhere to send one from. Simon doesn't make it home in time for Joseph's birth, but he sees him as often as the leave schedule allows. Everything is good for a few years.

Then. Roba.

Ghost crawls out of his desert grave and, while the Army welcomes him back, they simply do not have a place in their ranks for a dead man. They want to forget the betrayal by one of their own and the loss of a whole unit of promising soldiers; sweep it under a rug and never speak of the shame again. Ghost gets an honorable discharge and several discreet leads to a few PMCs and even the CIA if he wants to stay fighting near the front lines. He doesn't.

Instead, he goes home. He takes what's left of his belongings, the rest of his pay, the survivor benefits in the name of Simon Riley's next of kin, and the hush money check thinly disguised as a pension and goes to find his family. He finds them happy, safe, and sound. Joseph is thriving under the attentions of both Mama Riley and Beth's parents. Tommy's in charge of a handful of booths now, and Beth is running their section of the back lots as well as any sergeant Ghost's ever known.

He gets himself a little trailer to sleep in so he's not imposing and slides back into the crew so easily it's almost as though he never left. Except now he has a mask he won't remove for anyone. The lead sets him up doing mostly setup/tear down, but supplements his time with stalking the fun houses and dark rides to make sure no one's slipped off into a corner trying to get frisky or burn the place down.

Sparks and Washington, when they show up, don't make it far into their convoluted revenge/enticement plot against Ghost. Tommy ends up losing an eye and an unlucky witness gets Sparks' knife to the ribs, but at least they'll both live. The same can't be said for the two ex-Army men.

The carnies close ranks when the authorities show up. They blame the injuries on an after hours party trick that got a little out of hand and accept medical treatment, but offer no information that would lead to any charges being filed against anyone. When they move on to the next show, they leave behind two unmarked graves that will lay undiscovered on those grounds for decades to come.

(The road out of town ends up with one of its own, and Old Man Riley is guaranteed not to bother anyone any further. The crew doesn't take lightly to rats.)

Life slowly crumbles its way back to a semblance of normal. A few stops later, they pick up a few new additions. One of them happens to be a brash Scottish man who comes highly recommended by the head of another crew named Price. Johnny "call me Soap" MacTavish immediately gets on Beth's good side (and Ghost's annoyed one, much to his chagrin).

Still, this Soap guy is kinda growing on him. Just a little.

[dollycas]

Cozy Wednesday featuring Peach Tea Smash (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs #Review / #Giveaway - Great Escapes Book Tour @BerkleyMystery @laura.childs.31

Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! I am delighted to share my thoughts about Peach Tea Smash by Laura Childs today! Peach Tea Smash (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs About Peach Tea Smash Peach Tea Smash (A Tea Shop Mystery) Cozy Mystery 28th in Series Setting - South Carolina Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (August 6, 2024) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593201019 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593201015 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLKSY4GV Audiobook ASIN B0CVLG7ZGL Murder at an Alice in Wonderland–themed event threatens to send Theodosia Browning through the looking glass in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series. During the Mad Hatter Masquerade, a fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Opera on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill, Harlan Sadler, husband of Cricket Sadler, the chairwoman, is killed. He’s been hit in the head with a croquet mallet, and his body hung on the chains and paddles of the grist mill. Nobody can figure out why since Harlan was much beloved by everyone. It’s only after Cricket and Delaine beg Theodosia to investigate that she realizes the killer might have mistaken Harlan for his crazy son, Duke. After all, Duke is a slum landlord and recently injured a woman in a boating accident. INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS! Dollycas's Thoughts The Friends of the Opera are hosting a Mad Hatter Masquerade fundraiser on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill. Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier and friend Drayton Conneley find a body caught on the paddles and chains of the grist mill. While trying to get the body down it fell fifteen feet landing badly on the cobblestone floor. Blood was streaming down the person's face and mask. The victim was identified as the event's chairwoman, Cricket Sadler's husband Harlan. Harlan was a popular person who was loved by everyone. Why would anyone want to murder this fine man? Was it a case of mistaken identity? Their son Duke is not well-liked and more than a few people may have wanted him dead. Knowing this Cricket implores Theodosia to look into the murder. It was a big event where anyone could have committed the murder so Theodosia, "Charleston's own Nancy Drew" finds herself right in the middle of another murder mystery. _____ Theodosia Browning is such a wonderful protagonist. In Peach Tea Smash she has a lot on her plate with a variety of special teas at her Indigo Tea Shop and catering several events before adding a murder investigation. With Drayton Conneley by her side, reluctantly for the amateur sleuthing, they seem to juggle it all. Theo does do some snooping on her own while Drayton, Haley, Miss Dimple, and Beth Ann keep things going at the shop. But she does talk Drayton into a couple of adventures and they can be comical, with Drayton's "long legs and all". Riley is not happy with them investigating but knows they will not stop. Same with Detective Tidwell, especially when they uncover new evidence and don't share it with him immediately. All of these characters remain fresh after 28 books and counting. It is always fun to catch up with them. I loved the Mad Hatter Masquerade event and the grist mill setting for the murder. The "twisty walkways, jagged walls, and flaming torches all near the City Marina, filled with masked figures and strolling musicians, dancing fairies, and a dozen or more characters from Alice in Wonderland" with foods and beverages come together for a "first-class high society soiree". Ms. Childs takes her readers there and all around the beautiful city of Charleston and her Indigo Tea Shop easily with her words. She also describes how the victim was tangled up in the gears of the ancient grist mill and the scene in front of everyone. The "giant paddles, the chains, wooden levers, the dust and chaff,  the clanging, people screaming, and screeching noise when the machinery ground to a halt". I could see the whole terrifying scene in my mind's eye. The author served up a fine lot of suspects. Theodosia did her best to figure out who killed Harlan Sadler and she had some good theories. Ms. Childs peppered the story with twists, turns, and red herrings. Just when Theo thought the case was closed and she could relax, she sees something that feeds a different theory. And of course, she has to follow that lead. She had choices but made the wrong one putting herself in a dangerous situation. But that woman can think on her feet. The takedown that followed was epic and included a "bone-rattling whomp". It was exciting and humorous too. I was shaking my head. Theodosia Browning is what the kids are calling "Brat" these days. She is bold, confident, fun, honest, and a little volatile. I would love to be her friend. Peach Tea Smash is a smash hit! A Perfect Escape! I love this series and am already excited to read Book 28, High Tea and Misdemeanors. It will be released on March 5, 2025. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About Laura Childs Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are: The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston. The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here! The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality. Laura’s Links:   Website –  Facebook  Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - PenquinRandomHouse  The Rest of the Series Coming March 5, 2025 The Scrapbooking Mysteries The Cackleberry Club Series Click on the covers for more information or to order from Amazon. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas. Great Escapes Praise for Peach Tea Smash (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs This latest novel in Laura Child's long-running culinary cozy 𝐓𝐞𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐌𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 series is a lot of fun. It is always enjoyable to read one of Laura Child's books. ~Story.Book.Lady Thrilling scenes highlight this fast-paced mystery that will leave you longing for your own tea party. ~Cozy Up With Kathy Peach Tea Smash left me feeling as happy as a clam at high tide. ~The Avid Reader TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops. August 6 – The Plain-Spoken Pen - REVIEW August 6 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT August 6 – story.book.lady – REVIEW August 7 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT   August 7 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT August 8 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 8 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT August 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW August 9 – The Mystery of Writing  - SPOTLIGHT August 10 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUST POST August 10 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 11 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT August 12 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT August 12 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 13 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW August 13 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW August 14 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST August 15 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW August 15 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 16 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW August 16 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW August 17 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT August 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 18 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW August 19 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” Read the full article

[msjr0119]

The American Adventure

Prologue

A/N: I swear choices is taking over my life, I’m dreaming about TRR characters. We watched ‘The Parent Trap’ last night, and my subconscious dreamt of an alternative version including the Cordonian Gang. So I’ve decided to do this. In my usual series Drake is older than the other characters, however because most camps only go up to the age of 17, they are all 16/17.

Prince Liam and his closest friends are sent to a summer camp in America for a month, whilst in Cordonia the nobles are preparing for Prince Leo’s social season unknowingly to him. During their time there, Liam and Drake become besotted with the same girl- Riley Brooks.

Characters all belong to Pixelberry; apart from Lola Hughes, Bethany Hughes, Nate Cooper, Andy Brooks and Jackie Brooks.

Warnings: Please do not read if you are under 18, if you do you are consenting that you are over this age. If any of the follow trigger warnings affect you please don’t continue to read. Swearing, mention of sex, bad habit- smoking.

Word count: 2,400

Tags- as always for prologues I tag my combined tag list and people who I think will be interested. If you don’t want to be included in further chapters please let me know. I won’t be offended. If you want to be added, again let me know.

@pedudley @kacie-0156 @loveellamae @annekebbphotography @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @bascmve01 @kimmiedoo5 @yukinagato2012 @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @burnsoslow @ladyangel70 @drakewalker04 @axwalker @nikkis1983 @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @cordonianroyalty @custaroonie @seriouslybadchoices @rainbowsinthestorm @princess-geek @jared2612 @desireepow-1986 @twinkle-320 @queenjilian @princessleac1 @bebepac @drakewalkerisreal @ravenpuff02

*****

Liam, enjoy this opportunity with your closest friends. I’ve spoken to the camp director- he is aware of your titles and has promised to treat you all no different. Or to disclose this information- Bastien will be staying on site for extra protection with a few other guards. I’ll see you in a months times, my son.

The youngest prince of the small country, Cordonia- couldn’t imagine what to expect from being at a summer camp for a whole month. For him, it was a month of freedom. Away from the palace. Away from the small amount of royal duties that the Prince’s had to do. Having a good excuse to not attend Royal events with his father the King, and his step Mother the Queen.

Drake Walker, Liam’s best friend was more than happy to leave Cordonia. To leave the noble lifestyle behind. He never fit in anyway. Madeleine and Olivia constantly reminded him of this. Three years ago, he lost his father. Jackson Walker was the head of the King’s guard who lost his life in the line of duty. Summer camp, was everything Drake enjoyed in life. Being outdoors. Camping. Besides it was in the country that his mother was born in. America. He was half American, being here- he should feel right at home.

Maxwell Beaumont, the spare heir. The fun brother. The outgoing one. You could take him to Timbuktu and somehow he would be enthusiastic- making the most out of it. He was feeling excited about attending a summer camp, most of the time his older brother Bertrand would be ashamed of him. Criticising him, for even breathing. This was a break that he was looking forward to, without the lectures about being etiquette- especially when it included forks.

Olivia Nevrakis- this girl never held back. You annoy her, she would openly insult you. Drake Walker should know this. Not wanting to attend this break from Cordonia, she had no choice. King Constantine practically gave her no option but to go. As much as Olivia tried to fight against it, it did mean that she got to spend time with her closest friend, Liam. When they was younger, she would follow him around like a lost puppy. Now they were older, she had grown feelings towards him. But she wouldn’t tell him, not yet anyway.

Madeleine Amaranth- the epitome of prim and proper. The true definition of a well raised noble for court life. She was fully aware of the description of a summer camp. However, she knew that she wouldn’t abide by the timetables that they would strictly provide. Madeleine was cunning, she knew how to get her own way, and she was fully intending on using this to her advantage.

****

Breathing in the fresh air, Andy and Jackie Brooks enjoyed this day every year. Yes, they enjoyed the traditional American holidays such as Thanksgiving and The Forth of July- but this was the day that summer camp started. This was where their love story began. The camp had been run by his family for many decades. Jackie came one year, and Andy was immediately attracted to her. Every year since then, he had hoped that she would attend - which she did. They were childhood sweethearts- both losing their virginities to each other. As soon as Jackie was old enough, she moved to New York to be closer to Andy. They were soon married, and raised two daughters; Lindsey and Riley.

“Now I can trust that you all will make everyone feel welcome, encourage them to participate in the activities. After all, I am paying you all a small wage. Enjoy yourselves even though you are all working.” The director of Camp Beaver Brooks said to the teenagers. For the last couple of years he had enlisted his children and their friends for this extra support to keep the camp running.

“Yes, Father. We will go over to the registration hut and help everyone get settled in.” Pulling his youngest daughter into his embrace, he held her tightly- knowing that she wouldn’t let him down. Out of the two sisters, Riley was a hard worker. Always pushing herself further. Always up for a challenge. Never letting anyone get in her way to achieve her ambitions.

“Thank you, Riley. I love you, sweetheart.”

****

Riley, Lola, Beth and Daniel awaited for the campers to arrive. At times they had an influx of people arriving at the same time, then it was quiet. So quiet, that they could hear the tranquility of the lake in the distance.

Witnessing a limo pull up, they all rolled their eyes back in unison. Each one knowing the usual scenario. People that turned up in style were the most obnoxious spoilt brats who refused to partake in activities.

“So it’s not the Coopers. They have a different type of limo. Mayors kids? Rich business mans kids? What are we betting?” Daniel asked the three women.

“They are arseholes. I can bet you all that...” Lola responded. Biting their lips they all attempted to not laugh, knowing that Lola was probably correct. Even if she wasn’t correct, she was still right. She would never acknowledge that she was wrong about anything.

“There’s five of them! I bet their parents are celebrating getting rid of them for a month.... oh, it gets better.. look...They’ve got a personal driver and a personal bodyguard!” Riley took a deep breath, ready to do the introductions to the people who had clearly never been to camp before. Not this one, anyway.

“Fake smiles, guys... we can’t let them ruin it for everybody else. We will bitch about them after.” Lola winked at the group of friends after saying this. They all knew that she was probably already making notes about the strangers. Making assumptions up.

****

“This is so exciting... is anybody else excited? I think I need to pee... maybe too late for that actually... but guess what? NO Bertrand for a month...” Clapping his hands enthusiastically, he was like a big kid in a candy shop.

“Li, please tell me that he’s not sharing with us?” Looking down at Maxwell’s damp trousers, Drake pleaded with Liam to not bunk up with anyone else but him.

“I’m glad he’s not sharing with me. I’m already stuck with ‘I can’t break a nail. I’m too precious.’ Eurghhh, count yourselves lucky gentlemen.”

“I’m stuck with Miss ‘look at me in the wrong way and I’ll slit your throat’...”

“I can’t wait to see you all pretend to not be noble.. this is going to be classic.” Sinking back into the chair, Drake laughed to himself- loudly. Deep down he had hoped that the girls would suffer during this trip. Just due to their horrendous attitude they have had towards him all of his life.

“Well you’ll feel right at home here... in the states where you actually belong.” Olivia smirked at Drake, knowing every time she criticised him about being a commoner it irritated him. Prior to his fathers death, it didn’t affect him - as he had his fathers support. Since Jackson’s death, himself and Savannah were criticised for still being in Cordonia- described as outcasts by the majority of the nobles. There was no reason for them to be there anymore, as their mother shortly abandoned them after tragically losing her husband, they all believed.

“I hear that there’s a lake here, Livvy. It’s apparently ice cold- just like your heart.” Scowling towards Drake, she didn’t think that he would respond with an insult. She hated him. He hated her. The feeling was mutual, and would be for the rest of their lives.

“Call me Livvy one more time, Walker. I dare ya!”

“That’s enough! Can we just enjoy this time. It’s the first time that I’ve been allowed a bit of freedom.. we’re here anyway. Remember, I am not a Prince and you aren’t nobles. We are all just normal people. Normal teenagers.” They all nodded in agreement, knowing how much this meant to Liam. For him to be free.

****

“Hey, welcome to Camp Beaver Brooks. My name is Riley. Myself and my friends will help you all get settled in. If you have any questions, just grab one of us. There are forms to fill out over there. If you all do that, then we will escort you to your dorms.”

“Charmed to make your acquaintance, Riley. My name is, Liam.” Pulling her hand towards his lips he kissed it tenderly. Dickhead, quit with the Prince charming act. Drake whispered in to his ear reminding him that they were no longer in Cordonia. “Erm, these are my closest friends; Drake, Maxwell, Olivia and Madeleine. We are from a different country, and are thrilled to be here.” Stepping backwards, she smiled at them all. Even though she was a bit freaked out by that introduction, she put it to the back of her mind- acting professional. Once they had all signed in, Bastien left them- phoning Andy he explained that they had arrived. Andy gave instructions for Bastien and the other guards to stay in a bungalow close by.

“So girls, Daniel will escort you to the girls dorm. Boys, myself and Lola will escort you to your dorms.” Fucking girls, we are nobles you fucking Yankee. Olivia took a sudden dislike to Riley. As she did with Drake. I hate commoners.

****

Maxwell latched onto Riley as she escorted them on the short walk to the dorms. He was acting as if he had known her own his life, Drake and Liam were both panic stricken that the Lord would accidentally disclose their true identities.

“Here you go, you will be sharing with a close friend of ours- Nate Cooper, when he arrives. He takes a disliking to people easily, but you’ve just got to defend yourself against him.”

“What Riley means, is Nate Cooper is a wanker. Good luck, boys.” Lola decided to abandon her post and sneak out for a crafty cigarette whilst Riley continued settling them in.

“Just ignore her. She accidentally drops the ‘f bomb’ and other swear words a few times. Quite a lot actually...” shrugging her shoulders, the men all laughed. Maxwell eagerly unpacked his suitcase and bagsed the top bunk of one of the bunk beds. Placing his teddy bear that he had since he was born, he would be more than annoyed if this Nate tried to steal his territory that he had marked.

“Ignore him, he’s still a child...” Drake explained, acting like the father figure of the group. As he said this, Riley locked her baby blues on to his dark eyes. Noticing him stare back towards her, she focused her gaze elsewhere. Not wanting him to realise that she was already hypnotised by his presence.

“So what is on the agenda for today, Riley?” Maxwell asked as he leaped off the top bunk, risking breaking a limb.

“Erm, well because it’s arrival day. You have this time to explore camp independently. Then we have dinner between six and seven. After that there’s a ‘welcome meeting’ then we all gather together around the campfire for a couple of hours.”

“Sounds fabulous.” Liam said, softly smiling at her.

“I hope that you all enjoy your time here. There’s a map in the top drawer. Don’t get lost on your first day though...see you all around six.” Waving goodbye, Liam followed her through the door- closing it behind him.

“Riley, I have a question.”

“Shoot.”

“Do we have any free time? Where we are not following a typical day agenda.”

“Yes, we have one day off each week. That day will change each week. There will be updates on this at reception. Why?”

“Oh, I just thought we could all ‘hang out’ as you Americans say.” Attempting to act like a normal ‘cool’ teenager, he hoped that she wouldn’t be offended by his upfront attitude.

“Sure. See ya.” Unable to erase the smile that was fixed onto his face, he entered the dorm. Grateful for his father suggesting this little adventure for them all.

****

Riley knew exactly where Lola would be, hiding behind the ‘bent tree’ as it was known. It was a common location for everyone to sneak away for a cigarette. Dodging all the tab ends that had been piling up over the years, her friend looked relieved that she had finally showed up.

“About time, I’ve chain smoked a whole packet nearly! What were you doing? Fucking them all?”

“LOLA! One, I highly doubt that you smoked a whole packet in five minutes. Two, I must be superwoman managing to have sex with all of them in that amount of time. Three, get a life!”

“So the tall dark handsome one, the blue eyed boy or the dopey one... which one would you sleep with?”

“Go fuck yourself. Or rather, Daniel. Come on, we need to get back.”

****

“Here you are ladies... this is your home for the next month. Dinner is at six.....”

“There’s room service, right?” Madeleine interrupted, as she scowled at the dirty room. Tracing her finger along the window ledge, she collected too much dust for her liking. Straight away she washed her hands in the cracked sink- then retrieved the hand sanitiser out of her handbag. I’m going to die.

“Erm, no. This isn’t a hotel.” The blonde nearly hyperventilated due to his response. Expecting for some elaboration, expecting for it to be some kind of sick joke- Daniel remained silent, shocked at her reaction. I’m a noble- get me out of here!

“Where’s the bathroom? I need a bath.” Olivia demanded to know as she folded her arms.

“If you turn left as you leave here and walk five minutes, there is a shared restroom. After dinner there will be a short ‘welcome meeting’ before we all gather next to the campfire. I’ll leave you to both get settled in. Enjoy ladies.” Both jaws practically dropped to the floor, before looking at each other with the same expression. Disgust. For the first time in their lives, they actually agreed on something. Why did we agree to come?

Daniel giggled to himself as he left the two snobs as he described them in his mind. Running back to the hut, he couldn’t wait to inform the girls about the newbies responses to being at camp.

This is going to be a long month. They are going to have a big reality check.

[brooklynislandgirl]

MEET THE MUSE Rules: Don���t reblog, repost.

Tagging: Heave away, haul away! Tagged by: Vaguely proffered in my general direction by the lovely @mynameisanakin​

( reply as muse talking )  

► NAME ➭ Trus’ me...is easiest jus’ t’ call me “Beth” Riley.  ► ARE YOU SINGLE? ➭ I mean is it like dat obvious? ► ARE YOU HAPPY? ➭  Sometimes ► ARE YOU ANGRY?  ➭  Sometimes ► ARE YOUR PARENTS STILL MARRIED? ➭  Dey been divorce since way back in lil kid time. ⚡️ NINE FACTS!

► ‘BIRTH’ PLACE ➭ Pearl City, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawai’i. ► HAIR COLOR ➭   Dark brown ► EYE COLOR ➭  mostly green but sometimes brown. Hazel? Technically is called heterochromia iridium and is a genetic abnormality, but mahalo for askin’. ► BIRTHDAY ➭  Ya nevah aks a lady how old she is. It’s rude. ► MOOD ➭  Is dat like one new horoscope kine? If so...I dunno what is dat. ► GENDER ➭   was born a girl, still feel like a girl. ► SUMMER OR WINTER ➭  Winter, duh! Best surf. ► MORNING OR AFTERNOON ➭  For...what? Specific contextual parameters of a question will getcha mo’beddah, more scientific result.

⚡️ EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE!

► ARE YOU IN LOVE? ➭  How could I not be? ► DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? ➭  No. And I t’ink da idea dat dis is a t’ing is harmful to people in immediate way wi’ long lastin’ ramifications. ► WHO ENDED YOUR LAST RELATIONSHIP? ➭  ...  ► HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN SOMEONE’S HEART? ➭  No f’ try to. No dat I know of. ► ARE YOU AFRAID OF COMMITMENTS? ➭  ...yes. ► HAVE YOU HUGGED SOMEONE WITHIN THE LAST WEEK? ➭ I love hugs! And Yeah! ► HAVE YOU EVER HAD A SECRET ADMIRER? ➭  I mean dere is dat one possum dat keep hangin’ out near da compostin’ bins. ► HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN YOUR OWN HEART? ➭ ...yes.

⚡️SIX CHOICES!

► LOVE OR LUST ➭ love ► LEMONADE OR ICED TEA ➭ coffee ► CATS OR DOGS ➭  both. An’ possum friends. But especially Bug Eatah. ► A FEW BEST FRIENDS OR MANY REGULAR FRIENDS ➭  only have a few close bes’ good friends. ► WILD NIGHT OUT OR ROMANTIC NIGHT IN ➭ I don’ really do eiddah much...so...I dunno. ► DAY OR NIGHT  ➭ Day.

⚡️ FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS!

► BEEN CAUGHT SNEAKING OUT ➭  no ► FALLEN DOWN/UP THE STAIRS ➭  no ► WANTED SOMETHING/SOMEONE SO BADLY IT HURT? ➭  ...yes ► WANTED TO DISAPPEAR ➭   So much so. ⚡️FIVE PREFERENCES!

► SMILE OR EYES ➭ Both. Can find a lot in a smile but always trut’ in da eye. Plus eye fit in jar mo’beddah. ► SHORTER OR TALLER ➭  li’dat...I’m 5 foot. Every kine taller, practically. ► INTELLIGENCE OR ATTRACTION ➭ I don’ undahstan’ da question. ► HOOK-UP OR RELATIONSHIP ➭  I could nevah do a ‘hook up’.

⚡️ FAMILY!

► DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GET ALONG ➭  Is...complicated. ► WOULD YOU SAY YOU HAVE A “MESSED UP LIFE” ➭  Dis is part of da ‘complicated’ part. ► HAVE YOU EVER RAN AWAY FROM HOME ➭  ...Mebbe. ► HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN KICKED OUT ➭  ...mebbe. ⚡️ FRIENDS!

► DO YOU SECRETLY HATE ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS ➭  If I hate dem, dey no my friend, yeah? ► DO YOU CONSIDER ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS GOOD FRIENDS ➭  I say I only have a couple of dem, so...yes. Like Call at t’ree in da morning, help hide da body kind of good friend. ► WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND  ➭  Probably say Jay an’ Anakin. ► WHO KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU ➭ Billy. Not dat he count as a friend, I don’ t’ink. Like I say...is reeeeeally complicated.

[thenextstepthoughts]

The Next Step Christmas Special (SPOILERS)

I have so much to say about this episode. Piper is one of my favourite characters so I’m really happy they decided to focus this episode on her. I’m quite upset they didn’t show Nick from the off-season in this episode but I am very excited to get to know him this season. A Christmas Carol is one of my favourite Christmas stories too so seeing The Next Step’s version of it was very cool for me. It was cool seeing alternative versions of the characters. Like seeing Amy all dressed up like a Diva was weird but cool. Having Richelle and Ozzy on B-Troupe as well. There was definitely some fan service by making them a couple in this story but I think it was done well. The person I oddly loved in this episode was Alfie. in season 4, I didn’t really like him but seeing him being friends with Piper, James and Riley, was really nice. I think he played a good threat to A-Troupe too. In my opinion, James’ anxiety is something they should’ve put a little more emphasis on. I think Piper seeing this side of James would’ve helped her character. Just because she got her Arial at regionals doesn’t mean her anxiety is gone or fixed and I think seeing James, this person she looks up to, feeling the same way she does would’ve been really nice. Some characters to me did seem quite empty but I think that’s because they didn’t have much screen time. There are some characters that I think should have definitely been in the episode that wasn’t, like LaTroy, Sloane, Cassie, Heather, Daniel and Beth. Reasons why would be the Zero Percent club was started by Piper so that would’ve changed things in The Next Step too like the relationship between Sloane, LaTroy and Amy. That and it was Piper that started the fundraiser for Heather to dance so it would’ve been accurate to the character to have Heather working in The Next Steep with Michelle and Emily. Beth would’ve been nice to see as a love interest or even just a friend for James as when drama has happened with Him and Riley before, he has gone to her. Daniel would’ve been nice to see since he was head choreographer at TNS East and he and Piper do have a teacher-student relationship. That and it would’ve been cool to see Daniel not interested in Dance.  It also would’ve been cool to have seen James and Piper’s family since they’ve been in episodes before. Some other characters I think would have made nice appearances would be James’ band (Luke, John and Theo) and Ella. A big one I missed was Noah. Noah did leave last season but since he did grow up there, I would’ve thought that he would attend such a huge anniversary. It just didn’t make much sense to be that Noah wasn’t there. What was also weird is that Thalia wasn’t there either. However, that could just be explained that she was too busy with Acronation. Another character that I think definitely should’ve been there even if he never met Piper was Chris from season 1. I think he definitely should have come with Miss Kate since it was such an important anniversary of The Next Step, I think he would’ve made an effort to be there. That and it would have been cool to see his reaction both to how much the old A-Troupe has grown and how impressive the new A-Troupe is. I did, however, enjoy this episode a lot. I like how she got Finn on side with her first. And Giselle as the ghosts, I enjoyed a lot. Seeing these alternative versions of characters like Alfie as the businessman, James as a Janitor, West as a struggling actor, Seeing Riley dressed so formally… It was strange but also very cool. I rate this episode a solid 8/10.

[queenlegacyproductions]

Daddy's Little Challenge

Relationship: Finn Balor/POC

Summary: Riley Carter, WWE’s resident American  Gangsta is paired with The prizefighter, Kevin Owens for the Mixed Match Challenge to team against her husband, Finn Balor and Sasha Banks. During the match, Riley distracts Finn, allowing Kevin to pick up the win. After going backstage, an upset Finn corner the Donne of Strong Style in her locker room and smut ensues.

Warnings: Smut, Daddy kink, Choking kink, Spanking kink, a slight Hair Pulling kink

Notes: I found one of my old fics from before the tumblr purge but now it's back! Ok, so uh…(laughs nervously) I am not proud of what I’ve have done. You know, have you written something that made you laugh as you were writing it? Not the “Ha ha, This is funny” Laugh but the “What the fuck is wrong, you sick...freak?!” Laugh. Well, it is one of those fics. Enjoy. Also sorry if there seems like too many gifs in here but I kinda went a little nuts. But again, enjoy.”

Tag list: @superrezzy00 @crookedmoonsaultpunk @neversatisfiedgirl @belsoleleann @itsnethbellins @briqueenofthenorth @ladytea19 @tacoshu @gold--gucciempress @melinated-moon-goddess @evilangel84 @littledeadrottinghood

‘Not giving it up!’

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Mixed Match Challenge, the most interactive show in sport entertainment. I’m Michael Cole alongside Corey Graves and Wwe Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix and guys, tonight we have a very interesting match on the card today.”

“Absolutely, Cole. Tonight’s card is stacked for the 7th week of the Mixed Match Challenge. Tonight, we have from the Raw brand, the team of The Boss Sasha Banks and The Extraordinary Finn Balor to team against the team from the Smackdown brand, The Prizefighter Kevin Owens and The undefeated American Gangsta Riley Carter. Guys, I cannot wait for these two teams to clash here tonight.” Corey said.

“And apparently neither could Finn and Sasha who seems very confident upon discovering their opponents.” Cole said before the camera cuts to a video of Finn and Sasha.

“On the 7th week of the Mixed Match Challenge, The Boss plans on cancelling the Carter and Owens Show and moving on in the Match Match Challenge.” Sasha said.

“And you can bank on that, Carter. Owens.” Finn said as he and Sasha did a Two Sweet. The camera then cuts to Riley and Kevin.

“On Tuesday honeys, Chaos will run wild as The Carter and Owens Show will air for the second time and disbands The Boss Club.” Riley rolls her eyes when she said “Boss Club.”

“Yep!” Kevin chanted when he popped up behind her. Riley joins with a smile.

“And surely, I would have to agree with Riley and Kevin.” Corey starts as Riley walks away from the monitor and adjusts her converse as well as the rest of her attire.

She then goes to Gorilla Position where she meets up with Kevin.

“Hey, Kevin.”

Kevin looks up from him taping up his hands. “Hey. Ready to collect some debts?”

“Everyone's got a price at The Carter and Owens Show.” She said as her theme song begins to play.

“And their opponents, Kevin Owens and Riley Cater!” Riley walks out, swaying her hips and holding her cape as it flows behind her.

She spins in a circle as she takes off the cape and heads towards with Kevin by her side.

“And here comes the co-stars of The Carter and Owens Show.” Cole said.

“And looking as confident as ever is the Donne herself, Ms. Riley Carter.” Beth said.

“Well I would be too, Beth. If I was not just the only one to not just successfully pin Asuka but also the one to beat the streak and eliminate her and The Miz. Carter’s got to be on cloud nine right now.” Corey said.

“Yeah, well she needs to be careful. She going up against a five-time women’s champion and her husband.” Cole said.

“Former five-time women’s champion, Cole. Besides, there’s a reason why Riley’s called Queen Ish of Pro-Wrestling. And she has great backup in the form of Kevin Owens.” Corey said. Meanwhile, Kevin rolled into the ring before Riley got onto the apron and dropped to a split before sliding in the ring.

Riley noticed Finn bite his lip and look at her up and down.

Riley gets on the apron by her corner when Kevin insists that he start the match. Kevin and Finn lock up momentarily before Kevin breaks it by whipping Finn to the ropes and knocking him down with a shoulder tackle. He then taunts him.

“Is that all you got?! Your wife’s right there, The Donne of Pro-Wrestling! C’mon, impress her for once!” Riley chuckled at the trash talk Kevin was saying to Finn. Finn then takes Kevin down for a roll-up pin which he kicks out of. Kevin charges at him but Finn rolls him up again and Kevin kicks out. When Kevin charges at Finn again, he takes his legs out from under him and delivers a double foot stomp to Kevin’s chest. Finn then taunts Kevin.

“How’s that for impressive huh, Kevin?!” Riley cackled at the look of surprise Kevin gave her as he sat on the mat by their corner. Noticing the look Kevin was giving, Riley sticks her hand out eagerly, wanting to get the ring so badly.

Kevin tags her in and she slowly steps into the ring as if to tease Finn before Sasha stepped in. Sasha gets a little frustrated with some of the chants the crowd was saying.

She charges at Riley but she ducks and trips her before walking across her back. Sasha stands up just as Riley mocks her taunt.

“And a little mocking from Carter. Not exactly a good idea to provoke The Boss.” Beth said as Riley and Sasha lock up in a collar and elbow tie up.

“Riley knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s getting inside the head of Sasha, trying to rattle the cage a bit. Look and wait for a mistake for her to capitalize on.” Corey said, as Riley puts her in a headlock.

“Ever the opportunist, Carter is.” Cole said, just as Riley flips Sasha onto her back with her hold still locked in.

Finn hits the dropkick on Kevin, throwing him back into the turnbuckle. As Kevin rolls in place for a potential Coup De Grace, Riley climbs the turnbuckle just as Finn climbs it and she locks eyes with him. He yells at her.

“What are you doing?! Get down!” He looks at her confused. She grabs the back of his neck and kisses him.

The small distraction caused her to push him off of the top rope while Kevin distracts the ref. Sasha tries to attack Riley but Riley catches her and hits her with The Chicago Overcoat, a Fireman's Carry Spinebuster as Kevin sets up Finn for a Pop-Up Powerbomb.

They both go for the pin and wins the match. Both Kevin and Riley immediately left the ring, walking up the ramp celebrating. Riley smiles the deeply distraught Finn and Sasha just as Kevin kissed her on her cheek in victory.

Riley notices Finn’s sadness turn into anger when he finally processed what just happened. Riley winks at him before walking backstage with Kevin. She started laughing.

“Oh, my god! Did you see the look of shock on his face when I pushed him over?!” Riley cackled.

“Yeah, I did. I also saw the look of anger, too. Hubby was not too happy about that little distraction that you gave him, Riot.” She rolled her eyes at the comment with a groan.

“Please! I’m not worried about Finn. He’ll get over it.” She said. All the while, Kevin notices Finn walking around backstage, looking for his darling wife.

He sees Finn lock his eyes on his wife with her back turned to him and he walks over towards them as Riley kept mouthing off. “Besides even if Finn wanted to get back at me, he’d have to find me first.”

“Well, you’re not that good at hiding.” Riley gasped as she turned around to meet the dissatisfied look in her husband’s eyes. Kevin slips away from the couple with a smirk.

“Baby! Um, hi….” She trailed off quietly at the look on Finn’s face.

Finn stares at her a little bit. “Hello, my little luv.” He said, that irish accent of his becoming heavy. “Looks like I found ya. Though, I don’t tink you were actually hiding from me….” He trailed off with a smirk. Riley rolls her eyes after her shock.

“Oh, please. I’m not scared of you, Finn. I don’t feel threatened by you.” She said, stepping up to him. “Plus, it seems like you’re incapable of putting me in my place as of late.” She smirks. Finn gives a look that Riley is oh so familiar with.

He chuckles a bit. “Is dat so, my luv?” Before she could sass him again, he had her pinned up against the wall with his hand wrapped around her throat. “Because it seems like yar challenging me, baby girl. And you know what happens ya challenge me, darling.” He said as he slipped his knee in between her legs causing her to gasp.

“F-Finn, not here. We-” A whimper cut off her protest when he pressed his knee a little harder on her dripping pussy at the same time he gave her throat a slight squeeze. “Baby....” She softly moaned, her pussy practically soaked Finn’s thigh. He laughs darkly.

“What’s dat, darling? I can’t hear ya over that dripping wet pussy of yours. I can feel your juices drench my thigh, babe.” He growls in her ear as he nibbles on her earlobe. She whines as she feels herself grow weaker with want in his grip.

“Baby, pl-please…..not h-here….someone could se-see….” She starts with breathy whimpers when he began kissing and biting her sweet spot on her neck.. She then gives him a knowing smirk. “And I know how possessive you are over your baby girl…’ She pauses for a moment before she said the one thing that turns him on without fail. “....Daidí.” (Daddy)

He growled in her ear before he pulls her off of the wall and smacks her ass. “That ass better be in my locker room in the next five seconds or I’ll take you over my fucking knee and spank that sexy ass of yours until I sting, Cailín leanbh.”(Baby girl)  He growled at her when he pulled her off the wall. She whimpers as she feels her legs shake as she heads to his locker room with him close behind, watching the switch of her hips and ass all the while. When she stepped inside his locker room, he quickly pushed her up against the wall and kissed the living hell out of her. She moans wantonly when he moved his hands from her hips to her ass, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Daidí, please…” She whines as she begins to rub his dick through his wrestling trunks. He groans a little, nibbling on her lip before backing off of her.

“On your knees, darling. Suck my dick, baby.” He said as he took off his jacket and threw it behind him.

She gets on her knees and crawls the very short distance to him. She reaches up to his hips to pull down his trunks just for his dick to smack her across her face.

“Hey!” She pouted. Finn chuckled at her face.

“Oh I’m sorry, baby. He’s just...happy to see you.” He said, giggling. She glared at him playfully as she begins to stroke his big hard dick, biting her lip. She then takes the tip into her mouth as she gently gives his balls a squeeze. He throws his head back with a loud moan.

“Oh fuck, luv. Ah!” He suddenly shouts as she takes him deeper into her mouth. “Fu-Fuck, baby!”

She looked up at him as she put her hands on his thighs when he began to thrust into her mouth. He moans deeply.

“Oh, fuck Leanbh. (Baby) Yeah take dat dick deeper, luv. Fuck you suck my dick so good, baby girl.” He growls as he grabs the back of her head. Riley then takes his dick all the way to the back of her throat. He growls at the sight when she looked up at him as well. “Fuck, you’re a little slut, aren’t ya?”

Riley takes him out of her mouth. “When I wanna be, daddy.” She bites her lip while stroking his cock. He raises an eyebrow.

“Oh really?” He asked. He leaned down to stare into her eyes. “Is that the reason why you were acting like a little whore out there in the ring?” Her eyes widened at the low tone in his voice with his words. “You really think that I didn’t notice ya out there? That little sway of your hips when ya walked towards the ring? That extra bounce of yar ass when ya did the split? You tink I didn’t noticed that shit, luv?” He pulled her up by her hair before kissing the living hell out of her. She moaned and jumped into his arms as he carried her to the couch where he practically throws her on. She giggles and bites her lip at him as she spread her legs. He growls at the sight of her wet pussy.

“Fuck. I can smell you, kitten.” He gets on one knee and licks her juices on her thighs. He moans in appreciation. “So delicious. I want to taste yar pussy so badly but I know that pussy tastes better when yar more aroused, babe.”He said as he stood up and backed away from the couch.

“Bend over the couch, luv. Let me see that gorgeous ass of yours.” He gave her a wicked smile.

“Again with the teasing, baby. Ya never learn don’t ya?” He gave a slight adoring smile at her which she returned.

She whimpered as she stood up and bend over it, shaking her ass a little. “You gonna spank me, daidí? You know how much I love that.” She looks over her shoulder with a little giggle which turns into a yelp when he smacked her ass hard. He sighed in mock disappointment.

“C’mon now, darling. By now, you should know I don’t like to behave all the time. It’s called being adventurous.”

“It’s called being a spoiled brat.”

She rolls her eyes a little. “Well, it’s your fault because you always give me what I want….daddy.” She suddenly yells out when he abruptly smacked her ass again. “Like now…” She whispered when she felt him rub both cheeks of her ass. He chuckled darkly as he smacks her right ass cheek again, this time harder. He does it again on her left one. She whimpers and wiggles her ass wanting more.

“Does baby girl like that?” He smacked her ass again. “Does baby girl want more, huh?” He runs one of his hands from her rubbing her ass cheeks down to her wet pussy, rubbing it. “Want me to eat this pussy, baby girl?” He takes his fingers and thrusts them inside her pussy, fingering it.

She throws her head back in pleasure. “Yes, yes, yes. Fuck, daddy. Please eat your pussy. It’s fucking dripping for you…” She trailed off when he kissed the sweet spot on her neck as he fingers her a little faster.

He smacks her ass before kneeling down so he’s face to face with her wet lips. He then sticks his face in between her legs and gives her a teasing lick at her entrance, making her throw her head back at the motion. He smirks when she arches her back more so, a sign that she wanted more. He grabs two handfuls of her ass before going to town on her. She shrieks out at the sudden motion.

“Ah! Oh, fuck...Fuck! Mmm….daddy…” She breathly moaned, gripping the couch harder as he smacked her ass and pulled her down to him. “Shit!”

All her moans and breathless whimpers drove him crazy. He kept feasting on her everflowing juices until she was shaking for release. She whined.

“Baby, why did you stop? I was so close.” She looked back to see him wipe her juices off his face and beard. He yanks her head back by her hair. She yelped in pleasure.

“Because the only way you’re cumming tonight is on my cock, you dirty little bitch. And you’re gonna kept cumming until I cum.” He chuckled darkly. “And you know how long it takes for me to cum.” She whimpered at the declaration. Last time he said that, she couldn’t walk straight for damn three weeks.

‘Fucking demon…..’ she thought. But she didn’t let that stop her from sassing him.

“Yeah, I know. About two minutes because you can’t properly handle this pussy.” She laughs for a few seconds before she suddenly screaming in pleasure when Finn thrusts himself inside of her. “Fuck!”

He yanks on her hair, pulling her up to him. “I’m gonna fuck that smart ass attitude out of you.” he said before he pushed back down on the couch and began to fuck Riley hard and deep, making her whine in pleasure.

“Fuck! Oh! Oh, yes! Yes, daddy, yes!” She begins to meet him thrust for thrust eagerly. He groans deep in his throat.

“Fuck yeah, baby. Fuck, I love when you throw that big, juicy ass of yours back on me.” He smacks both of her ass cheeks before picking up his pace a little. “Fuck, that turns me on.”

She screams wantonly as she feels herself grow closer to her climax. “Yes, daddy. Fuck me harder. Make this little pussy cum. Please, let it cum.” He growls as he feels her pussy grow tighter around him.

“Then, cum for me kitten. Cum for daddy.” He growls out, granting her permission. Her body then tenses for a second as she cums hard on his cock.

“Shit! Oh, fuck!” He still kept fucking her, never losing his pace even after she came. “Oh god…” She whimpered.

“God can’t save you from taking this dick, my little pet. So just be a good girl and take it and cum again like the little whore you, me and God knows that you are.” She squeals as he angled himself to hit her G-Spot dead on. She squeals as the little knot in her bursted as she came hard again for the second time. Finn growls and slows down the tempo but still thrusted into her hard.

“Good girl. I think you got one more in ya, yeah?” He asked her with the biggest shit-eating smirk on his face. She whimpered and shook her head no.

“N-no more. I….I can’t take no more….” She tried to crawl away from him but he put her arms behind her back and tugged on her hair, picking back up his tempo which causes her to scream.

“Uh-uh. Don’t you fucking run from this dick. You were talking all that shit earlier, kitten. Where’s that snarkiness now, huh luv?” She moaned some incoherent response. “Oh, that’s right. It’s hard to talk shit when you’re getting good dick, huh?”

She whimpered at his words. “Ok, daddy. I’m sorry. I’m sorry about-.” She gasped when he thrusted hard in the middle of her talking with a smirk. “I’m sorry about being a spoiled brat and talking back to you. Ok? Forgive me?” She breathlessly whimpered. He gave her a smile.

“I will right after I make this pussy squirt.” He said, pulling her back to his chest. She squeals at the angle of where his dick was hitting the bullseye of her G-spot. “Fuck! C’mon, baby. Cum. Cum with me. Cum with daddy, kitten.” He encouraged her as he rubbed her clit. She opens her mouth in a silent scream as she came explosively on his dick as he cums inside her. “Ah, shit! Riley!”

Finn recovered quickly and began to cover her body with kisses. She sighs in content.

“Are you ok, luv?” Finn asked, concerned. Riley giggles.

“Never better.” She kissed him tenderly.

“No, what would’ve been better is if you guys did that at the hotel and not at the arena. Fucking jackrabbits.” They hear Karl say from outside the locker room.

“Seriously, guys. We could hear all the way from the men’s locker room. Not cool, guys. Not cool.” Sami said walking away from the door. Finn giggled as Riley smacked him upside his head, embarrassed.

“Really? And you didn’t think to fucking tell me to quiet down?!” She whispered to him harshly.

He kept giggling.

“No, I knew. I just didn’t.”

She glared at him. “You’re an asshole, baby.”

“You love me.” She rolled her eyes playfully before kissing him again with a smile.

A/N Notes: Let me know what you think!

[celtfather]

Laugh Along, Funny Celtic Songs #303

Laugh along with funny Celtic songs from Black Market Haggis, Plastic Paddy, Ed Miller, Sligo Rags, Crikwater, New Shilling, The Crimson Pirates, Seamus Kennedy, Andrew McKee, Merry Wives of Windsor, Emerald Rose, Mairi Morrison & Alasdair Roberts, Stout Pounders, Dust Rhinos, River Drivers, The Canny Brothers Band, Barleyjuice. Listen. Like. Share. Then download 34 Celtic MP3s for Free! bestcelticmusic.net/302

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  Notes:

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  This Week in Celtic Music

0:05 "Angus and the Kilt" by Black Market Haggis from Better Than It Sounds

4:15 "Dicey Riley" by Plastic Paddy from Lucky Enough

7:27 "I Wish They'd Do It Now" by Ed Miller from Live at the Cactus Cafe

10:53 "We're Irish Tonight (Hung Over in the Morning)" by Sligo Rags from Roll Me Down the Mountain

14:32 "Three Drunken Maidens" by Crikwater from Crikwater

16:56 "Mary Mac" by New Shilling from Irishtown Sessions

20:15 CELTIC PODCAST NEWS

21:35 "Irish Rover" by The Crimson Pirates from That's So Sad

24:56 "The Scottish Song" by Seamus Kennedy from A Smile and a Tear

28:06 "Orange and Green" by Andrew McKee from The Irish Bard

30:30 "Lannigan's Ball" by Merry Wives of Windsor from Bottoms Up

34:36 "Danny in the Jar" by Emerald Rose from Con Suite

37:07 CELTIC FEEDBACk

38:53 "Never Wed An Old Man" by Mairi Morrison & Alasdair Roberts from Urstan

41:04 "Don't Go Blamin' Whiskey" by Stout Pounders from Thirst

44:50 "Drank the Whole Town Dry" by Dust Rhinos from I Should Behave

47:54 "Hot Asphalt" by River Drivers from River Drivers

51:06 "Drunken Sailor" by The Canny Brothers Band from The Guinness Situation

54:50 "Weekend Irish" by Barleyjuice from A Night at the Pub

BONUS

58:43 "Johnny Jump Up" by Beer Belly from King of Bellies

1:02:00 "The Scotsman" by Beltaine from Tilly's Jig

1:04:07 "Drinking for Two" by The Langer's Ball from Whiskey Outlaws

1:07:09 "Isn't It Grand, Boys?" by Marc Gunn from Happy Songs of Death

1:11:28 "Tie Me Down" by We Banjo 3 from Roots of the Banjo Tree

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Check out this episode!

[bewitchingbaker]

18. Does your muse have any strange features or characteristics? Something in particular that might be unusual?

"Hmm..."

Every blue moon Chris gets in small moods. A funk of sorts when he begins thinking about his family. The baker's eyes are glued to a rather old photo of his family. Nothing out of the ordinary. An avarage Luna family photo. Abuela Julia's hands rests on his aunt Angela's shoulders. Alice and Camillo both offer a small peace sign to the camera. Next to his mother is his dad, Kenneth Luna. Offering a wide grin as Jess is smiling cause she's on his shoulders. In his mom's arms, is a toddler Chris, happy as can be.

An average family photo.

At first glance.

Upon further inspection, one could notice something a bit odd about Julia and Regine Luna's fingertips. They were covered in dark black substance that they often referred to as a frostbite incident. But if you looked closely, it resembled a more ink like substance. A sign of a deal with a certain entity for who knows what.

What kind of deal did they make? Why? Was it for a good reason?

Questions swirled around his head. Those soft brown hues look to his fingers as normal as can be...but he briefly imagines if his fingers looked the same. Then he begins to ponder if he would repeat the cycle. His once calm breathing begins to pick up speed, his heart slowly getting ready to make a hundred yard dash out of his chest.

But a familiar hand on his shoulder saves his heard from jumping out his chest

His attention turns to Beth with a relieved sigh, covering her hand with his own. Chris can't help but offer a nod of thanks.

"Hey you," Chris greets, "You always find ways to sneak up on me."

He offers a laugh before resting his head on her chest.

"....You would stop me from doing something stupid, right?"

[ @brooklynislandgirl ]

[bewitchingbaker]

Chris knew alot of people. He could tell you their favorite orders, remember their children's birthday, and even their favorite episodes of daytime tv. But very few knew Chris. Not many could tell when he was stressed out. Or excited. Some of his family were still figuring out his little tells, even after years of raising him.

He could tell you the 4 people who knew his ins and outs.

Jess, Angela, Zora, and Beth.

The baker welcomed her into his arm, settling into her welcome warmth. Her scent was always welcoming, no doubt her ocean inspired shampoo she bought recently. When asked about what happened, he responds in an annoyed tsk.

"...Well," Chris begins, "I wanna preface this with saying I love Camillo with all my heart....but he can be a bit of a dick."

A roll of his eyes soon follows.

"So...you know we had that specialty order for that wedding? The one with the film reel shaped cake? Well, I baked the actual cake portion and prepared the fondant's design. Just as I'm about to begin to work on the details like the small candy popcorn buckets and oscars, Camillo comes in and starts saying what he would do."

His voice deepens a bit and his posture leans a bit, imitating his uncle's tone.

"'No, no, mijo, I would put dvds and posters of those new movies. It's movie themed right," Chris mocks. "Now I don't mind suggestions but I had to remind him that they specifically mentioned classic film aesthetics and he just shuts me down like I don't have their email. So he spends the entire time telling me I'm doing this wrong. I don't mind but it's what he said before he left that pissed me off."

His scowl grows.

"'I thought you would have better ideas with that degree...' Who the hell says that to they're nephew? Like I don't have a clue on design!? Am I wrong for being pissed at that?"

[ @brooklynislandgirl ]

@brooklynislandgirl said:

~gropes him. Gently. With her teeth~

A scowl is present on that often smiling face, arms folded on his couch. Even with the sleeping Dee on his lap and Quas resting at his feet, he couldn't help but shake the day off of him. Then he felt a familiar sharp sensation against his neck, small hum of appreciation escaping his lips.

"As much as I hate bad days," Chris sighs with a small smile, "If it leads to this, I might be a little more ok with them~"

[going-to-ikea-for-the-fries]

Clockwork. - OC Story

pairing: COD OC!Victoria "Whiskey" Callahan x Simon "Ghost" Riley bonus: MootOC!Meabh "Pirate" O'Malley x Johnny "Soap" MacTavish words: 1.4k~ (on the dot, bby!) cw: canon simon backstory. + none. just toothrotting fluff.

December and May are Simon's least favourite months of the year.

December because it's the constant reminder of his family passing.

May because it's the constant reminder that he was the cause of all his family's issues.

Simon was born within days of his own father's birthday; "a late birthday present" everyone called it...

Nevermind the fact the druggie was too high to even attend his own son's birth, and that his mum had to get herself to the hospital alone, with a young Tommy tucked under her arm.

Simon had a bad birth, having breached feet first, and having to get rotated in utero, and then having been born with the umbilical chord around his neck, which meant he needed extra care afterward.

Simon needed to get surgery at age 3 because of tonsilitis.

Simon needed glasses growing up, which is mum could barely afford.

Simon had trouble saying his Ss, so for a long time, he got mocked at school for calling himself "Shimon"... and ended in him having speech classes.

Simon's grades were horrendous, and he had a tendency to get into fights at school, which caused his mum to have to take hours off work to come see his teachers.

Simon.

Simon.

Simon.

Always him, at the root of every problem.

And yet Simon was the only one in the house to raise his voice (and later his fists) at the drunk that was his father, which earned him countless trips to A&E.

Simon was the one with the neglected birthday, not because his mum and Tommy didn't remember, but because being right after his own father's, the leech would blow all their money on a rager, and leave the family unable to eat, let alone buy the boy a cake.

So Simon learned to not care.

Going into the Army, people didn't really show that big of a deal about it like they would at a normal job. Hard to, when you spend all your time fearing a bomb will fall on you or a bullet will bury itself on your body.

But then he went home, and when he kicked that bag of bones out of the house, and got Tommy into rehab... It got different. Got... better. The birthdays got easier. There were phone calls, and cards, and he actually... sort of... looked forward to it.

Whenever he'd be scheduled for leave, he'd go home, and mum would've bought them a cake and they'd sing happy birthday, and mum would give him things he needed; clothes, boots, they'd watch films together, she'd kiss his forehead so often...

Then, Beth came along. And now he suddenly was being forced fed cake and handed gifts that he had no clue what to do with... So his barracks suddenly had color. There were new towels, and little trinkets, picture frames with photos from home...

Then Joseph came, the little boy that had been the apple of his eye, that learned to talk in May, at 10 months old, and Simon got an e-mail with a video from them, where little Joseph mumbled his way past a 'SiSi!' while pointing at a picture of him in Tommy's phone... One of, if not the, best gift he'd ever received.

And they they were gone.

It only got so much worse after that night.

He swore he'd never celebrate his birthday again.

All he had ever loved had been stripped from him.

He wondered if it was his fault.

If he was, somehow, destined to bring bad luck to all those around him.

If he was, somehow, the root of all evil.

If, because he spited some God, all that he loved, all that he touched, was destined to die in his hands.

He spent three years locked in a haze. Mission to mission, job to job, move move move, and never stop.

He spent three Mays buried in work so he couldn't think, and buried in alcohol so he couldn't feel.

And then, on the fourth...

“He tried to get the radiophone off me, so I broke a couple of his fingers… And his wrist. And kicked him in the balls.”

“It's a… Mexican-style MRE. Has beans and cheddar cheese or something. It's the only one I actually don't mind eating. The others are disgusting.”

“That feels like a dig at my social skills.”

“I've been swimming since I was a girl. Navy made sense too.”

“Took a napalm bath.”

For once since that bloody fucking day, he actually wanted something more than to simply forget, to drink himself into a coma and only waking up days later with his phone ringing and Price talking about a new mission.

God, Victoria made him laugh. She made him roll his eyes. She made him scoff. She made him talk. She made him listen.

Of course he couldn't let that go... let her go.

Of course he went looking for her once he was on leave.

Of course he held her close for those two nights.

Of course he held her close in that safehouse.

Of course he bore his face out for her when he got shot.

Of course, of course, of course.

He didn't isolate anymore, every May after that.

Simon'd wake up on his birthday and throw back the covers and sit on the edge of the bed and before the thoughts got to him, she'd already be wrapping her arms around his midsection, and pressing her cheek to his back.

And he'd put his hands over hers, and hear her breathing, and her heartbeat pressed against his back... And he'd close his eyes.

They didn't need to speak.

Victoria never wished him a 'Happy Birthday', but she'd always make sure to bake him a little sweet treat for dinner.

They share it the same way they shared their ''wedding cake'': sat across from each other in their kitchen, with a backdrop of trees beside them, a single knife to cut a slice, feeding each other pieces off the blade.

And when the thoughts got to be too much, on his birthday or all throughout the month, he'd simply turn and look at her, cup her face in his hand, and look her in the eye...

In those moments, he wanted to say it, he could feel it in the tip of his tongue...

That he cherished her.

That he appreciated all she did.

That she kept him sane.

That she was the best thing to have ever happened to him.

That she was like a lighthouse when he felt like a bloody gondola lost at open sea (wildly unprepared and definitely about to tip over and drown).

That he'd die for her.

That he'd kill (and had killed, and would kill again) for her.

That even if there was nothing else to go on for... he'd keep going for her.

That he loved her.

The words were always at the tip of his tongue.

Not just then, but every day. At all points of the day.

Whenever they touched, he'd want to say it.

Whenever they spoke, he'd want to say it.

Whenever they'd lock eyes, he'd want to say it.

Whenever he breathed, he'd want to say it.

His tongue would swirl with the taste of it, of the love he felt for her...

But the words never really made it out...

But he knew. And she knew.

Extra:

Then the news came, the baby, Meabh, it was always go go go, on the move, at home, never time to rest, just Meabh and the baby, and Victoria and him, and...

By the time Simon noticed, Fiadh was here, lying in his arms, little hands closed into fists, her small wrapped in a white blanket with anchors and fishes drawn on it...

And he looked up at his wife who stood beside Meabh, doting on her best friend and caressing her head, cooing at her that she did a good job, the girl a bit dozy from exhaustion from the recent breast feeding...

And then at the clock on the wall, marking 00:13 of the 19th...

And he felt his eyes begin to prickle, his jaw clenching under his surgical mask...

He looked back down at his niece again, little blind blue eyes, the same ones that used to belong to his best friend, staring up at him...

Maybe he didn't hate his birthday so much anymore.

for you @loveandplanet for making me sad ; and also @crashtestbunny sorry for this :)