#Managing the Crisis of Infidelity

[mv1simp]

That Boy Is Mine ♥️

Max Verstappen x Siren!Reader

that boy is mine, I can’t wait to try him, watch me take me time, boy is divine (that boy is mine)

As a young, beautiful and rich CEO living in Monaco, you have any man you want in the palm of your hand. But a certain handsome Dutchman has caught your eye…there’s just a small problem of his current girlfriend that’s in your way! You’ll just have to prove to Max how much better you could spoil him.

Content Includes: 18+ MDNI, smut, seductress! girlboss! Reader, naive!max, infidelity but Max’s unnamed gf is annoying anyway, size kink, Halloween costume sex lol, seriously explicit cheating don’t read if not ur thing!!!

The thing was, you wouldn’t normally ever go to such lengths for a boy. Why would you? You were a pretty girl in her 20’s living in Monaco, running your own successful public relations management firm. That’s how you’d met Max, through a PR crisis of Redbull that Christian Horner had personally called you to get sorted. Some drama with a defamation lawsuit against their poster boy, Max Verstappen, who you hadn’t paid a second of attention to despite living in Monaco. You were much more likely to get your nails done and enjoy a glass of wine than be following a race weekend.

But after you’d easily sorted the mess out, you’d been suprised to find Max himself patiently waiting in your luxurious office, wanting to thank you with a gift of tasteful French wine. It’s rare for one of your clients to take accountability for their actions instead of letting their managers sort it out for them, after all. You don’t miss the way Max’s pretty blue eyes widened as he took in your appearance, with a tight black dress with lacy sleeves that did wonders to push your tits up temptingly. He’d been expecting some old man, not a beautiful girl his age. He cleared his throat nervously, suddenly finding it hard to maintain contact with your sultry eyes as he stuttered his thank you. Cute, you think with a tilt of your head, enjoying his deep Dutch accent. He’s very different to the arrogant, pompous personality you’d expected from a champion F1 driver. And he was insanely gorgeous too, all 6 foot of thick thighs and broad shoulders. You’ve met many attractive men in Monaco and flirted your way around them, but Max catches your eye with his baby blue eyes and soft blonde locks. So you can’t help gently brushing your manicured hand against his bulging bicep, looking up at him with fluttering lashes to say it’s so sweet of him to go to all the trouble to come downtown, really, you’re happy to help him anytime!

He walks out of your office with your personal phone number for any media emergencies, of course. As well as a blushing face and a semi erection he guiltily tugs at his pants to hide, after looking down to see your plump, soft cleavage when your smaller body pressed up against his.

A quick google stalk of your client leaves you feeling very annoyed when you discover he’s not single like you’d originally hoped. You roll your eyes as you look at the B list model’s Insta he’s dating, spammed full of photos of her with Max’s wins for clout or artificial brand collabs. So tacky and undeserving of someone like Max, you muse later that evening over an espresso martini. You’re too deep in your own thoughts to pay attention to your date with a Monaco hotel chain owner that evening.

When you find a massive bouquet of roses on your desk the next day, you assume your date was being persistent despite your disinterest last night. But when you find VIP tickets to Max’s garage next race and first class flights nestled amongst the red flowers, you’re even more intrigued. You attended, out of curiosity more than anything. You’re not planning on getting involved with an already taken man - far too much drama for the CEO of a media relations company.

But you can’t deny Max knows how to give a girl princess treatment, something which you’d gotten used to providing for yourself since no man had been able too. From the relaxing, personalised flight experience, to the sleek expensive Mercedes he’d had sent to pick you up at the airport, the 5 star suite in a hotel, and to the exciting VIP lounge at his garage filled with interesting people you’d easily networked with. And when you see Max confidently dominate through the track to P1, sounding so sexy over the radio without a hint of shyness, pulling off his helmet afterwards to show off his gorgeous, messy hair as he adorably smiles at you to ask how you’d enjoyed the day, you realized this wasn’t just any man. No, Max was the one, the perfect man to provide you with whatever you asked for and take care of you when you needed him.

Not that you needed him to. After all, you were well known as one of the most successful businesswomen in your country - and you didn’t get that title without a pair of fangs to match. You’d be a true power couple - much better suited than his current subpar girlfriend, who dragged him down in every way.

You’d made up your mind. That boy was destined to be yours, no matter what.

So you began developing your relationship with Max and become frequently seen on the paddock, all under the guise of improving his media image, of course. The handsome blonde had no issues spending time with you, finding you to share his sarcastic sense of humour and in awe of your very keen analytical sense that you easily applied to the racing world as well. He liked how you were unfazed with the media circus that surrounded him, too, not blinking twice when trashy gossip magazines posted suggestive captions about you and Max. And you always seemed to know just how to carefully phrase your words assertively when asked insensitive questions by grid reporters, who were curious about Max’s new PR advisor. It was very different to what he was used to with his girlfriend, who frequently fed into gossip column content with Insta posts and livestreams - which constantly annoyed Max.

Soon you’re a regular amongst his group of friends. You meet his girlfriend, finally, at a dinner one night. She’s taken her hold on Max for granted, barely interested in you as she snaps selfies with the more famous people at the table. You can’t resist the foxy smile on your glossed lips - it’s almost too easy, given how unaware she seems of how discontent Max is with the relationship. You sit next to him all night, laughing and sipping your favourite wine that he now knows by heart and orders for you, the conversation genuine and a bit too flirty for “just friends”. And when your lace minidress rides up, and your soft thighs and crossed ankles brush against his muscular legs, he doesn’t move away, letting you press against him for warmth when he rests his large palm around your thigh. Your panties are soaked through by the time you get home from how often you had to clench your legs, imaging his massive hands drifting just a bit higher…

It’s easy to blame the touchiness on the alcohol the next morning and strictly maintain your professional distance as you hand him paperwork to sign in your office. You smirk when you catch his eyes in a passing mirror, glued to your ass through another tight lace dress as you walk away in Louboutin stilettos. Max was very much an ass man - that is, when he wasn’t being a tits man. You certainly had no qualms showing off your thick curves to him, knowing you had a lot more to offer than his girlfriend. It was impossible to miss the way his blue eyes would drift towards your tempting body whenever he thought no one was looking.

So next weekend, you invite him onto your boat for a day trip. It’s much smaller than his personal multi level yacht, but perfect for what you had planned. It’s a nice touch to have all your coupled up friends with you, who disappear off to various rooms in the boat as the sun gets hotter and they get drunker. You hand Max another strong G&T you’ve mixed yourself, now just alone on the top deck with him. He takes it easily, telling you you’d make a deadly bartender. You hmm, resting a knee on the couch he sits on. It’s a manoeuvre that brings your bouncing tits, barely covered in a white skimpy bikini, right into his eyeline. Max takes one look at your nipples pebbling through the fabric, gulps cutely, and promptly drains the glass in his hand.

You try to contain the smile on your glossed lips as he tries and fails to look away from your tits in his face, stammering out responses to idle chit chat you’re making. It’s adorable how his confident, dominating personality switches so fast off the track with you. At one point you say you’re sorry that his girlfriend couldn’t make it (you aren’t - you’d planned the getaway on a day you knew she had a modelling gig booked, of course, since you’re the one who’d pulled strings to set up the photoshoot). Relaxed with all the G&Ts, Max mentions that actually, his girlfriend had been very persistent in trying to stop him coming today.

Oh? You say with faux innocence, tilting your head and widening your doe eyes with worry. Why? She doesn’t like me? Max rushes to soothe your worries, saying no, no, it was more that - well, I think she’s a bit jealous…you’re very beautiful, after all. I think I might just need to spend more time with her from now on. You laugh at his cute blush, telling him Of course, but she had nothing to worry about, after all she was the model and not you!

You know how to play the game, knew that despite his model girlfriend at his side, you had him practically drooling in your tiny white bikini, contrasting beautifully against your tan skin. But he had to be the one to cross the line first, and think it was all his idea. Especially if his bitchy girlfriend was starting to catch onto your plans and demanding Max stay with her. So you walk away, making sure to sway your hips so he can enjoy the view of your ass as you lay on your tummy to sweetly ask your cute lifeguard if he’d mind putting sunscreen on your back?

Your lifeguard jumps at the chance, having already been checking you out all day. He’s taking the bottle and raking his eyes over your form hungrily - but Max interrupts even sooner than you’d predicted. His love language being physical touch works in your favour. You hide your pleased smile as a deep Dutch voice heatedly says that he can do it, and you turn to see Max glaring at the lifeguard with all the intensity of a lion. Are you sure you don’t mind, Max? You say sweetly, blinking your thick lashes up at him from your compromising position, your head right at the level of his hips. You hope he’s thinking the same naughty thoughts as you when his blue gaze darkens. That it would be so easy to slide his thick fingers past your pouting lips and hold them open as he messily fucks your all too willing mouth. You bite your bottom lip at the filthy idea.

You see him swallow, Adam’s apple bobbing in that huge muscled neck of his. No, it’s okay! That lifeguard…well, I don’t want him putting his hands on you. God, you couldn’t wait to lick hickeys all up and down his broad shoulders before wrapping your thighs around them as he ate you out. But you’re getting ahead of yourself, coming back to the present as you lie down to let Max touch up your sunscreen. His large palms are tentative at first, trying to remain respectful within the boundaries of friendship. But when you’re softly sighing, moaning that it feels so good, Maxie, work has made my back way to tense, could you use one of those massage techniques your physio taught you? it’s impossible for him to not go a little further. Your tiny bikini easily lets him explore your body, his strong hands gripping your plush hips and giving him a naughty mental picture of what you’d look like if he took you from the back. You’re glad your sunglasses are extra dark so you can peek at his trunks, enjoying the rapidly hardening large bulge there, responding to all the cute little moans and gasps you’re letting out as you tremble under his touch.

You decide to tease him a bit more, reaching behind your neck to untie your string bikini, shyly saying you didn’t want to get tan lines…he didn’t mind, right? You can totally go ask the lifeguard to help!

Max’s mouth goes dry at the sight of your bare back as he dazedly shakes his head, huskily saying he was happy to help, you’re his friend after all. All the blood rushed straight from his brain to his cock to make his decision as he feels the lush swell of your tits from the side when they generously slip out. You celebrate your victory internally when he shyly asks if he could take off your bikini bottoms so you didn’t get tan lines there, too?

You hesitate, coquettishly blinking and asking him if his girlfriend would be mad? Max pauses with your reminder, his large hands spread over your juicy asscheeks as he resists the urge to squeeze them. Your plan falls right into place as you cheekily suggest that surely it would be okay if he closed his eyes, just for a second, you really didn’t want tan lines there after all-

That was all Max needed to hear before he eagerly nodded, looking the picture of an overexcited puppy. This time you can’t resist your smirk as your slowly untie your bottoms, jiggling your ass as you slide them down so he catches a glimpse of the tempting flesh before he remembers to close his eyes. His large, calloused palms run down your plump ass, unable to resist squeezing roughly and making you moan sexily. You part your legs invitingly, and when those thick fingers of his brush against your pussy you know he can feel how wet you are for him. So dripping wet, that one of his fingers easily slides against your warm pussy lips. Max, you gasp breathily, your entrance instinctively clenching around the tip of his thick finger. What are you- Oh! Desire rushes straight to his groin as he gets a feel of how tight your sweet cunny would feel squeezing down on something else thick of his and he can’t help but sink his finger all the way in. It takes him longer than it should to come to his senses and move his hand away, stammering out apologies that he hadn’t meant to touch you there, his hand just slipped, could you forgive him?

To his relief, you giggle at his flushed face, turning around to meet his embarrassed gaze. Don’t worry about it, accidents happen! you say playfully, as if you hadn’t planned this, tying your bikini back up slowly. As he watches you strut away confidently in your little heeled sandals, he can’t resist tasting the wetness you’d left all over his fingers. He almost cums in his trunks from how sweet you taste, and hastily returns to his room. You smirk when you press an ear to your bedroom wall, hearing the shower running in Max’s bathroom right next door. Sadly for you, you can’t hear anything over the sound of the shower, leaving you pouting and pussy aching from the memory of Max’s hands on you.

But just on the other side, a certain blonde Dutchman is giving into his growing taboo desires. It’s not the first time he’s jerked off to you - no, with all the frequent teasing glimpses of your plush cleavage or your ass in tight dresses, he’s regularly mentally drooling over you. He knows it’s wrong, and in the beginning he did feel guilty…but now only the thought of your sexy little body that can get him hard like this. Tipping his head back and letting the cool water flow down his abs, Max slowly jerks off his impressive erection as he fantasies about you shaking and cutely moaning underneath him. Your lush tits spilling out from the sides, your wide hips that would be the perfect thing for him to hold tightly as he fucked you in doggystyle, his favourite. And now he knew what your soft tanned skin felt like, how sweet and wet your cunny was for him….well, it’s enough to make him addicted. He’s cumming within seconds, biting his lips and imagining how good it would feel to bury his aching cock inside your cunny instead of his finger next time.

He still blushes cutely when he sees you next, at a friend’s party, but you’re as nonchalant as ever, greeting him with a sweet kiss on his cheek. He watches you laugh at something one of his guy friends are saying and can’t stop the jealousy swirling in his chest, even when his girlfriend tugs on his arm to get him his attention all night.

Of course, you’re playing the long game. It didn’t matter how many men you flirted with - there was only one who you truly wanted. So for one of the exclusive Halloween parties in Monaco, you discreetly organise one of the big fashion houses you represent to send Max’s girlfriend a haute couture costume. She accepts it, spamming her Insta story with pics of it, just like you’d expected. You’re certain she would show up to the event with a reluctant Max in tow.

And on that night of the Halloween party, you smile as you spot a bored looking Max across the living room of the mansion the party is hosted at. His gorgeous blue eyes widen as he spots you…dressed in the same costume as his girlfriend. But you’d had some customised alterations made, looking ethereal in your white angel costume, tits pushed up with a corset and soft tummy and hips on display in your low waisted miniskirt. Max is far from the only guy who stared at you hungrily as you entered - including your date, some Russian model you’d met at a PR event, dressed just like Max in a tight fitting shirt and a Ghostface mask that hid his identity when on.

Someone might just call your choice of couple’s costume a random coincidence, but you didn’t make mistakes like that. Your date had two jobs tonight - one which he’d already done successfully, as you see Max’s icy blue gaze glaring at the hand around your waist. You whisper in your date’s ear, parting ways for now, because he had another mission to go complete that you’d already asked him to do for you as a favour. Namely, keeping Max’s goldigging girlfriend occupied tonight. And since your date happened to inherit his father’s multimillion manufacturing business, you were sure Max’s girlfriend would be throughly enraptured by him.

You laugh and mingle with friends throughout the night, catching Max’s intense gaze on you a few times but pretending to ignore it. He’s finally had enough of seeing you flirt with other guys when you end up on the dancefloor. You shiver as you feel his strong, muscled body behind you, shielding you from any guy who tries to get close to you. That’s fine with you, because the only one you wanted to grind back against was Max after all. So you toss your hair, getting lost in the music and tipsily giggling, enjoying the low rumble in Max’s chest as your fat ass teases his hardening bulge. His large palms settle possessively over your hips, leaning down to smell your sweet vanilla perfume. He lets you drag him into a quiet, dark corner, giggling and pressing your soft body against his as you whisper he looked so hot tonight, his biceps looked amazing, had he been working out more?

And then your doe eyes, prettily outlined in glittery eyeshadow and eyeliner, look up from his muscular chest to meet his piercing blue eyes as he pulls his mask off. You gasp, widening your eyes in supposed shock as you blush and stammer that you’re so sorry Max, you’d thought he was your date, he’s dressed the same after all…

He’s disappointed, of course, missing the touch of your manicured fingers running up and down his abs. He ends up agreeing to help you find your date again after you look at him pleadingly, although the idea of letting another guy put his hands on you makes him want to unleash Mad Max. But when you two finally find your date, behind a closed bedroom door upstairs, you see he’s been kept very good company by none other than Max’s girlfriend.

Your hands fly to your mouth in pretend shock at the scene of your date with his balls deep inside the gold digging girlfriend, her artificial sounding moans radiating around the room. Your date had exceeded your expectations and kept her very well occupied, it seemed. Max is disgusted with the sight, snarling in anger and moving to block your view of your date cheating on you. He’s so sweet, really, being so protective of you when you’d executed the whole plan to perfection. You hear his girlfriend exclaim in shock, trying to plead that it wasn’t what it looked like…but you’d given the Dutchman the final excuse to call it off. Don’t ever fucking come near me or her again, he growls, his voice radiating confidence and authority in a way which makes you squeal internally.

To your delight, Max insists on taking you home, worried about how you’d feel after finding your date cheating on you…with his backstabbing ex girlfriend, he mutters darkly. He’s fuming at her betrayal, but as you lead him into your cozy apartment you’re already planning your next scheme. When he asks you gently if you’re sure you’re ok, is there anything he could do to help, he’s so sorry that his ex got involved with your personal life like this you sweetly nod and tell him you just wanted to take your mind off it all.

He’s eager to help you, nodding enthusiastically when you ask if he’d help plan your costume for your next Halloween event the following night? Your date would no longer be helping you, after all. Of course, schat, anything you want he says earnestly, pretty blue eyes looking at you with adoration as you pout. Handing him a glass of whiskey to sip on while you guide him to sit on the end of your bed, you sashay into your walk in closet. You make sure to leave the door half open, so Max gets a full view of the red lingerie you’re wearing underneath your costume. You take your time getting ready, bending over to pull on your outfit and shaking your hips enticingly, making sure to give Max a naughty show. And if the angel costume had been sexy, the schoolgirl outfit you put on next is positively scandalous. You shyly walk out in heels and a tiny pleated skirt, skimpy white top tied around your breasts to push them out even more as you twirl for him. What do you think? you ask anxiously when Max just stares without saying anything. It looks bad, doesn’t it-

He hastily denies your words, stumbling out that you looked gorgeous, you always did, you didn’t have anything to worry about.

When you giggle happily and announce that you had a few more to show him, he licks his lips in anticipation and drains more of the whiskey from his glass. You give him another slow striptease through your closet door, this time taking off your bra so he gets a flash of your hard nipples. You see him widen his legs to accomodate the raging erection hanging in between his thick thighs and have to stop yourself drooling at the delicious sight. But Max is the one controlling himself next when you emerge in a cat costume, all black latex booty shorts and tight corset, paired with kitten ears and a tail.

His jaw drops open at the tempting sight, and when you ask him if he thinks it’s cute enough to make your date regret cheating on you he clenches his jaw and growls that the pathetic bastard didn’t deserve the privilege of seeing you all dressed up like this.

You try and fail to hide your coy smile at Max’s jealous words, and then find yourself pulled forward in between his legs as he murmurs that there were plenty of other ways to get back at your date. Oh? You say breathlessly, sinking onto your plush ass to sit in between his spread thighs, resting your cheek against his leg. Like what, Maxie?

He groans at the temptation in front of him, of your glossed pouting lips right next to where he needed you the most. You’re not behaving like a good kitty, he jokes, but his voice is rough as desire swirls in his eyes. You’re teasing me far too much while thinking about some guy nowhere near my level.

You grin like a Cheshire and slowly get on all fours, swaying your ass in the air and nuzzling your face right up against his bulging erection. Am I still a bad girl now? you whisper, flicking your tongue out to lick his zipper sluttily. Shall I make it up to you? Max groans above you, thick neck flexing as he tangles a large palm into your hair. Schatje, he says breathlessly, as you slowly unzip his jeans, squealing in delight as his fat cock emerges to slap against your cheeks. So big, Maxie you croon, going cross eyed as you place kitten licks all along his engorged cockhead. What did I say about teasing me? Max groans above you, applying delicious pressure to the back of your head as he pushes your lips down onto his shaft. Mmfh! Your moans are muffled as he loses control, fucking your mouth without abandon. Pleased moans fill the air as you drool over his length, letting him throat fuck you and use you for his pleasure. Your pink lip gloss is smeared all over his cock as your eyes roll back in your head, one of your hands reaching down to play with your aching cunny as Max leaves bruises in the back of your mouth.

Weeks of sexual tension finally lead to him cumming in your throat, so far down that you swear you can fill him hit your tummy, and you obediently suck up every last drop. He’s so far from done, though. He wants you on your hands and knees, his strong hands ripping a hole into your slutty latex shorts to hungrily taste your sweet pussy again. Soon enough your bedroom is filled with obscene sounds of Max fucking his bare cock into your cunny, pounding into you from behind. It’s even hotter than his dirtiest fantasies, and he’s making you tremble and scream his name as he presses down on your neck, burying your face into the sheets and whispering filthy praise in your ear. You’re so pleased you’d thought to set up a tiny camera by your nightstand, capturing every second of your first fuck with Max so you can enjoy it later. Your pussy squeezes around his length like a vice, and it’s most euphoric feeling he’s experienced in his life. He’s cumming again within minutes, moaning how good you feel, he fucking loves your cunt, loves you and takes you over the edge with him as he gives you an open mouthed kiss.

You smile contentedly against his warm lips, letting him slide his tongue into your mouth. Your red manicured nails tangle possessively in soft blonde locks as you sigh into the passionate make out. Max was exactly where he belonged, finally - in your bed, with you in his arms.

And unlike the silly women who’d taken him for granted, you were never going to let him go.

—————————————————————————

A/N: thank you soooo much for ur patience my dear readers, I fear I was getting a bit of writers block seeing all the photos of max and Kelly in the holiday season ����😭😭 I hope u guys enjoy this piece!! Send me lots of ur raunchy asks plz I need inspiration ♥️♥️

[itwasntimethatdidit40]

Merry Christmas, baby.

Pairing: Marcus Pike x f!reader Rating: just a little tiny bit of smut so still +18 but it’s mostly a huge pile of angst and fluff soooo Words Count: 10669 😵‍💫 Tags: POV second person, reader wears dresses, skirts, blouses and heels, she uses make up, she’s a journalist and a writer, no physical description of her is given besides having hair, angst, fluff, friends to lovers, slow burn, loss of a parent, infidelity, divorce, mention of food, alcohol consumption, both reader and Pike are bad at feelings, swearing, slurs, dirty talk, quarrels, reconciliations, funeral, sharing a bed, kissing, sad thoughts, casual encounters, mention of coffee, mention of spring break activities, geography probably a bit random (but I looked at the maps, don't jump down my throat, I did research and I've actually been to Boston many years ago, I tried my best lol), brief mention of Teresa. I hope I haven't forgotten anything, if so I'll add it immediately. A/N: Written for @pedrostories Secret Santa event, hello @letsgobarbs, I’m your Secret Santa! 🤶 Happy Christmas Eve, I hope you'll have a wonderful holiday season! 🎄 I hope you enjoy this story and I hope you find the angst, yearning and pining you wanted. Among the characters you had indicated as favorites there was Pike and I liked the idea of ​​trying to write him for the first time, he is so sweet and cute and he deserves to be happy, I hope I gave him an ending worthy of him 🥹 I apologize if you find any mistakes, English is not my first language and I don't have a beta so I did it all with just one pair of stupid and tired eyes 😵‍💫

A huge thanks goes to all the lovely people who supported me through the process while I was having a full crisis about everything in this fic 😂 @baronessvonglitter @almostempty @arcanefox207 @joelmillerisapunk I love you all, happy holidays 🥰

1990

“So what do you think?” 

“Um...you're good” You've just heard the ugliest Take on Me cover ever, but you can't tell the guy standing in front of you and looking at you with hopeful eyes. 

Marcus is your best friend, you've known him for a couple of years, since both of you were two dorky freshmen at your new school. You were looking for the literature room and wandering lost in the hallways when Marcus asked if you needed help. You bonded right away because you didn't know anyone else, you had just moved to Sacramento because of your father's job and he was from Texas, so it had seemed natural to lean on each other.

Over time you had become such good friends that he had met your parents, he would often stay for dinner, and your dad would let him use your garage to rehearse with his band. 

Marcus had put up flyers at school and enlisted two other boys, Timmy and Dave, who became the guitarist and keyboardist of Rocket Baby Doll. The name of the band was terrible, they were terrible, but you had never had the courage to tear them down in the face of Marcus's enthusiasm, he was sure that by continuing to rehearse they would make great progress. 

With his smooth talk, Marcus had managed to convince the committee to let them play at the freshmen's Christmas dance.

“You'll see that one day we'll be on the cover of Rolling Stone,” Marcus joked. Or at least you hoped he was joking because otherwise you wouldn't know how to talk him out of it. 

Marcus was a dreamer and he liked to do it big. He wanted to be a musician, or maybe an FBI agent, he told you. Two careers that had nothing to do with each other, but you knew that if anyone could afford to have ambitions it was him. Marcus was tenacious, persistent, dedicated, and never afraid to work hard to get what he wanted.  He certainly wasn't going to end up on the cover of Rolling Stone, but in your heart you were certain he was going to accomplish something important.

He was the kind of boy mothers liked, in fact yours loved him. When you needed math tutoring, he would come to your house totally for free and explain whatever you didn’t understand.

When Molly Preston wanted to exclude you from the winter dance because her ex-boyfriend, Ryder, had asked you out, he had been the one to give her a speech.

When you had a bad day Marcus would take you to get your favorite ice cream, you would talk for hours, and in the end he was the only one who could cheer you up.

Whatever problems you had, Marcus was there for you landing an helping hand. 

You knew your mother not too secretly hoped you would get together but it never happened, Marcus was your friend, just a great friend.

“Come on, my mom made cookies for everyone,” you told him as he continued to fantasize about what you might do. You would be their manager and you would both become rich and famous. He just couldn't keep his feet on the ground, even though he was a very good student and even had better grades than you.

You were 17 years old, your whole lives ahead of you, and you hoped that you will remain friends for many years to come.

_____________________________________________

1993

“What do you mean there is only one room available! We had booked two!” 

Marcus had yelled at the front desk of a motel where you stopped for the night. 

The owner, a rather creepy guy with a long scar on his right cheek, slumps in his shoulders, heedless “If you want number 12 is free, otherwise you can take your asses somewhere else for all I care.”

Marcus was fuming. 

It was spring break, any hotel was totally booked, and the possibilities were already significantly reduced given your pockets. 

You didn't even want to come; you had just broken up with Derek, your college boyfriend, and were back at your parents' house with the intention of spending your vacation there healing your wounds. Vegetating on the couch, reading books, watching movies, just relaxing. That was what you wanted to do. But Marcus had insisted, “Erik, Alice, Kate and Robert are in San Diego, let's join them!” 

You had shaken your head and declined “No way, I've seen enough wild college parties and besides, I'm not really in the mood.” 

“Oh come on, you don't want to spend Spring Break crying over that jerk,” he had said, shrugging and looking at you with his big brown puppy-dog eyes. 

“Marcus, I really don't feel like it.” 

“Come on, please do it for me! You'll see we'll have fun, they're nice!” Surrounding yourself with drunk and stoned 20-year-olds was the least of your desires. 

But on the other hand you felt you couldn't say no to him, it had been months since you had seen each other, your relationships had been reduced to long letters and phone calls telling each other about each other's schools.

You had chosen different colleges, Marcus had been accepted at Berkeley in California and you were at Boston University. You had changed coast, climate, everything. You were content but adjusting the first months had not been easy, you felt homesick and you missed your best friend. You were happy for him, you had known since your senior year that you were going to separate but that hadn't made it easy for you. 

You had only seen each other in person at Thanksgiving.

He had been forced to go to his relatives in Nevada for Christmas.

So you got dragged down to San Diego, because deep down Marcus was right, brooding all vacation about the relationship with Derek would not be good for you. You had had other guys before him but Derek had been special, until you found out he was cheating on you. You cried for hours on the phone with Marcus and he listened to you the whole time so maybe you owed him a little too.

After insisting on getting at least a room refund, Marcus had turned to you displeased “apparently we have no other choice.” 

“We'll adjust” you had smiled, but you couldn't deny that you were a little nervous. 

Once in the room he, too, seemed self-conscious. 

There was a double bed with a hideous floral bedspread in the middle of the room, brownish carpeting on the floor, dingy pictures hanging on the walls, and an old dresser on the opposite side of the bed with a rickety TV on it.

A smell of cheap deodorant with a musty undertone wafted around. It was the worst room you had ever set foot in, but at this point there was nothing you could do but make it okay. Sleeping in the car didn't seem so appealing.

You had set your bags down and looked at each other awkwardly “This room is awful,” Marcus had whispered, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand “I'm sorry, it didn't look that bad from the brochure.” 

“It's not your fault, I bet those pictures were taken at least 20 years ago” you had laughed ”it will do for one night” 

You had retrieved your pajamas from the suitcase and went to the bathroom. The light blue tiles made it look like a hospital, there was an old plastic curtain in the shower and the sink looked like it had been through a war but at least it looked clean. There was a strong smell of disinfectant that made you a little nauseous. You had changed quickly and returned to your room to Marcus who was sitting on the bed intent on calling his parents “Yes mom, everything is fine, we will be back tomorrow. Yes, sure, don't worry I'll definitely say hello to her, she's in her room now” You had noticed that he had not said anything about your misadventure, you had sat down smiling on the opposite side of the bed trying to be silent. 

Marcus had rolled his eyes closing the call “she is so old-fashioned.” 

You had laughed “I find her lovely” 

Marcus had chuckled “we'd better sleep, we have a lot of driving tomorrow. Are you okay with that side?”

“Yes, it’s fine” you had nodded ”however I'd rather get this bedspread out of the way, it gives me nightmares even when awake” 

Marcus had observed it agreeing that yes, it was rather eerie.

You had taken it off and laid it on the dresser before slipping under cold, scratchy and wrinkled sheets.

You looked at each other and burst out laughing, the situation was comical to say the least. “God, I think I won't forget this bed for a long time,” Marcus had said. 

“It feels like being in a burlap sack.” You had laughed.

“Could you not squirm like that?” 

“Sorry, I'm just looking for ways to be comfortable,” you had said, ”Mattress is lumpy.” 

You had laid on your side with your back to him and closed your eyes, trying to sleep. 

“So, did you have a good time?” you had heard Marcus whisper.

“Yes” you had replied “thank you” And it was true, his friends were really nice. You had bonded with the girls and exchanged addresses and phone numbers “you were right, I needed a vacation”

“I know, I'm always right” he had sentenced from the other end of the bed.  

You had turned to look at him "oh sure, like the other night when we ended up at that beach party and you said it was allowed and then we had to run away because the police were coming?”

“It was just a little misjudgment!” He retorted.

You had burst out laughing again “come on, sleep, Mr I know everything”

Marcus had turned off the lamp on the bedside table, next to the phone with which he had just called his mother “Hey...I need to tell you something” you had heard him say. 

“What?” the tone had suddenly changed and you felt confused, you looked over your shoulder at him in the dark. 

“I kissed Alice the other night” he seemed awkward in telling you and you didn't understand why.

“Oh. Well, good for you. She's a lovely girl” he was your friend, you were happy for him. 

If it weren't for the fact that you secretly hoped he would kiss you. You'd been thinking about it for a few days, ever since you'd seen him come out of the water while you were at the beach.

It had seemed to you that everything had started moving in slow motion, your eyes glued to his tanned skin, to his broad shoulders, to the way the water slid over his chest in little droplets that died on the waistband of his swimsuit. It was a feeling you had never experienced before in five years of knowing him. You had never seen Marcus as anything more than a friend, but in that moment, with his hair disheveled, his skin wet, a smile plastered on his face as he told you and the others that ocean was great, he had seemed like a vision, and you had felt your cheeks heat up. 

Where on earth that attraction came from you didn't know, but it had hit you hard and clear, like a bump on the head that had suddenly awakened you. You had convinced yourself that your brain was doing this to protect you from painful memories with Derek, lingering on your closest friend who had never let you down. Your trust in men was at its lowest, and Marcus had always reassured you, kept you out of trouble, and he was most reliable guy you had ever known.

He said he would do something and he always, unfailingly did it. You could not say the same about Derek or any other guy you had ever been with.

You had tried to chase that feeling away, burying it in the corner of your mind for all the following days; you didn't want to ruin the friendship between you, and you were pretty sure he didn't feel the same way about you.

Sure, you thought you kissed him on your 18s birthday while you were drunk, but the next morning you were so ashamed that you hadn't even told him about it, pretended you didn't remember anything and that it had never happened. Marcus had done the same, and everything had ended there. Two years had passed since that night, you had gone to college, you had both had more or less long relationships.

That one kiss was now so far away that you had listed it among “once-in-a-lifetime mistakes.”

"I wanted to tell you, that's it. Friends tell each other everything, right?"

“Yes, of course, you can tell me anything, I’m happy for you” you replied 

You had listened to Marcus talk about the girls he liked dozens of times and you had never cared, you would have certainly forgotten it, it was just a passing crush, you told yourself. That annoyance you felt, that bitter taste in your throat, would disappear after a night's sleep. Your friendship was more important, you wouldn't have ruined it just because your brain had thought it interesting to make it something more.

Yet when you had tried to sleep all you had seen was Marcus kissing Alice. You had not seen them, fortunately, but it was not a hard scene to imagine, and unfortunately it was now implanted in your brain. His strong arms holding her, his soft lips resting on hers, her surrounding his neck with her arms, her pelvis rubbing against his. Suddenly you couldn't stand it. You had narrowed your eyes, cursing your creative mind, grunting in frustration. 

“Hey, is everything okay?” had asked Marcus from the other side of the bed.

You had lied, of course, but you had kept brooding until you fell asleep exhausted by the workings of your brain.

In the morning you had woken up confused, not at all rested, and in his arms.

Your face was resting on his chest next to your hand. How had you ended up there like that? You didn't know. You felt like you didn't know anything anymore. 

He was blissfully asleep. He seemed unaware of anything as your throat was dry, your head ached, and your pussy throbbed. Yes, throbbing, desperately. The warmth of his body, the scent of his skin, that knowledge you felt inside that this was exactly what you wanted and you couldn't even quantify how long you had wanted it.

And the panic that had seized you immediately afterward. You were convinced it was a mistake, the most terrible mistake you could make. So why did it feel so right? Why did his body feel like it was made for you? Oh no, no you couldn't allow that. Certainly he had no idea whatsoever about the situation, there was no way he was aware and let you do it, it was all your fault. 

You were going to ruin everything, your friendship, your relationship with the one man who really seemed to understand and support you. And for what? To fuck him once? It wasn't going to work between you romantically. You were going to have to spend two more years away seeing each other only during the holidays to begin with, and then you were both stubborn, too proud...no, it was wrong, you didn't care what your body told you, you had to let your brain prevail.

You slowly slipped away, back to your side of the bed, practically holding your breath, cursing yourself and your heart that wouldn't stop hammering in the middle of your chest.

He had woken up shortly after, acted as usual, getting up, stretching in his T-shirt and basketball shorts, mumbled good morning to you and locked himself in the bathroom. 

Your eyes had slid lasciviously over his body, stealing glances of his exposed skin between his T-shirt and shorts, of his broad shoulders stretching the fabric, of his thighs...

All while you wanted to sink into a black hole and disappear forever. You sank your face into the pillow to keep yourself from screaming. 

And what was worse was that you had to carry the burden of what you felt alone because the person you would normally talk to about it was the one you were longing for. Wonderful, a wonderful situation. 

When he had come out of the bathroom, with his beautiful smile and that rough voice that he always had early in the morning you almost lost control. You were about to beg him to join you in bed. Ugh, your 20s, uncontrollable, stupid, senseless hormones.

“What are you waiting for? Come on, go get dressed, we have to leave,” he had told you, in the same friendly and vaguely mocking tone as always. 

“Oh. yes, thank you, I promise I will be quick.” You had stammered.

You got up, grabbed some random clothes from your suitcase, your beauty case and went to the bathroom to shower and change. He would be ready in 10 minutes at most so he would always let you go to the bathroom first, to give you time to do your makeup and fix your hair. Marcus knew that about you, too, and he was okay with that. 

You closed the door behind you, feeling the tears stinging your eyes. You had managed to hold them back until that moment, but in the shower, covered by his of the water, they had flowed copiously and salty down your cheeks. 

____________________________________________

2000

“Hey! How are you! My goodness, long time no see!” 

You had met him at the supermarket, as you were going around the shelves intent on shopping for your mother. 

You were back at your parents' house for Thanksgiving with your husband, John. 

The last person you thought you would see was him. 

“Marcus!” you had squeaked.

“I am fine! How are you? And Danielle?” 

Your mother had taken it upon herself to inform you that he had also married, had no children, and had become a detective. 

“Danielle is just fine, she is right there down the aisle picking potatoes according to my mother's exact instructions,” he had rolled his eyes, chuckling.

Damn, you had thought, he's breathtakingly handsome. 

You hoped that in all the years you had lost touch with each other he would have lost at least some of his hair like his father, but apparently he had not inherited that gene. His hair was thick and healthy as usual, he wore a gray T-shirt under a black leather jacket and a pair of dark blue jeans. You hated the way he could put on two random things and look so damn perfect while you felt like you had spent your whole life in front of your closet wondering what to wear. And even more you hated his smile, so friendly and sweet, that it hadn't changed at all. 

He seemed genuinely glad to see you. 

You had lost touch with each other after graduation, despite the advent of cell phones, computers, and email. Your friendship had survived handwritten letters, postcards, prepaid phone cards but still crumbled eventually. You were on the opposite coast, intent on your master's degree, dreaming of becoming a writer; he was hooked on a career in law enforcement. 

The letters had become fewer and fewer, as had the phone calls, and eventually what was there had simply slipped away as the months passed, the commitments increased, and each of you tried to become the adult you had dreamed of being.

You had thought it was much better this way, you had stifled your feelings for him for another four years before accepting that nothing would ever happen. You had dated other guys in the meantime, but Marcus had always remained in your mind as the perfect guy you could never have. It was only when you had met John that you had allowed yourself to think that maybe it could work with someone who was not your old friend. He was understanding, sweet, supportive, present and caring with you. John was a really good guy and so you had finally decided to marry him. He had asked you one spring day at the Public Garden, while you were eating a lobster sandwich under a tree in front of the pond, watching the swans. Your offices were close by, so you tried to spend your lunch break together as often as you could. You had gotten a job at the Boston Globe, were in charge of the wedding column, and wrote romance novels in your spare time, sending manuscripts left and right in the hope that some editor would notice them. John was a stockbroker, pragmatic, punctual and very thorough in his work as much as he was sweet and attentive with you. 

“How about we get married?” he simply had said to you, with his mouth full. You had laughed, thought he was joking, until you noticed his serious and hopeful look and exclaimed “oh my God, yes!” throwing your sandwich in the air and wrapping your arms around his neck. That was all you wished for. You had moved in together in a beautiful house downtown, not very big but lovely, you had fallen in love with it as soon as you saw it. It was bright and warm, the right place to start your life with John.

You had, of course, sent an invitation to Marcus as well, but he had declined, saying he was very busy with work. You had kind of tied it on your finger and so you had decided that he might as well get out of your life after all. Times change, people change, all I can do is move on and try to forget how I feel about him by devoting myself to my relationship with John, you thought.

Now that you had him in front of you again though, he looked the same as he always did, only grown. And your heart had skipped a beat the instant you recognized his voice greeting you.

“How long do you plan to stay?” you had asked out of pure courtesy. 

“About a week, we were able to take a few days to relax a bit. We're always working like crazy, you know, we both needed to get away for a while. How about you?” 

“Yes, us too, by the way if you remember Sunday is my father's birthday and my mother really wanted us to be there.” 

“I guess. By the way, I'm sorry. My mother told me when we arrived.” 

Your father had been ill for several months and unfortunately there was little left to do at that point. He was slowly fading away and it would probably be the last Thanksgiving you would spend together.

“I thank you. Oh here's John. John this is Marcus, an old friend of mine. Marcus, this is John, my husband.”

“Nice to meet you, Marcus,” John had said, shaking his hand. 

“Honey, I'm done, shall we go?” had chirped Danielle's voice as she approached you. 

“Yes love, but first let me introduce you to an old friend of mine and her husband” Marcus had told her softly. 

“Oh it's you! Marcus has told me several times about you! It's nice to finally meet you in person.”

Danielle was beautiful, dark hair, blue eyes and delicate features, a little nose that looked as if it had been drawn by an artist, full lips, high cheekbones and a well-proportioned chin. Her voice was melodious and sweet and she looked at you with an excited and surprised expression, " He didn't tell me you were so pretty!" 

“Oh, thank you, you are too,” you had said, slightly embarrassed by such kindness. At that point John had held you proudly, as if you were his greatest prize. His arm had wrapped around your waist, and his eyes looked at you lovingly "didn't she? I'm lucky that she married me." 

Danielle had laughed graciously and shook his hand introducing herself, while you and Marcus looked at each other almost studying each other, as if you were both trying to figure out how happy you actually were in your marriages.

That habit of worrying about each other had not gone away; after all, you had been close friends for quite a few years, and your friendship had faded not because of a quarrel, but because of distance and becoming busy adults. And because you had to get over the crush you had on him, of course, but you had never told him that. 

“Well, we have to go now, anyway come and see us if you can. My mother would love to see you again,” Marcus had said before offering to push the cart full of food that his wife had left beside you and start toward the checkouts. 

“We'll try, thank you,” you had nodded. You definitely should have helped your mother, tried to soothe her at least a little from the strain of caring for your father 24/7; you didn't know how much more time would be left for other things. 

You had watched them walk off together from behind, down the canned food aisle where you had retrieved the ready-made cranberry sauce you would never have time to prepare. 

They were a good-looking couple, really, attractive, well-dressed, Danielle looking impeccable in a pair of jeans that bandaged her while highlighting her curves, a red blouse that matched her complexion, and a pair of vertiginous heels on which you didn't even know how to walk. She seemed to do it without any problem. 

“We should go too, honey” John's voice had brought you back down to earth. 

_________________________________________

Once home John had announced to your mother that you had met your old friend at the supermarket, and of course she was thrilled, “Oh, he's such a nice guy, I saw him and his wife the other day walking downtown, they are such a nice couple, aren't they?” 

John had agreed, taking a beer from the fridge “really” 

“Well, like you, of course” your mother had added, looking at you softly. 

And it was true, you were fine with John, he was a good person, a hard worker, he treated you like a princess. What more could you want? 

Yet since you had seen him again, Marcus's face had made room in your mind. The intrigued way he had looked at you, as if trying to understand everything that had happened to you in the years you had not been in touch, the way his arms were reaching out to embrace you when John had arrived, a barely imperceptible movement that only you had noticed because you knew him better than the palm of your hand, the dimple that had popped up on his cheek as he smiled at you, the usual one you had grown to love so much.

You had pinched the bridge of your nose as you tried to drive it from your mind “Are you okay love?” had asked John immediately. 

“Yes, I just have a little headache, I'll get something later,” you had lied, hurrying to put away the rest of the groceries. 

What annoyed you the most was that it seemed like not a single day had passed since you were in your twenties and you had woken up hugging him in the bed of that dingy motel. It was absurd. You had worked so hard to move on and now it felt like you were back where you started. 

You couldn't let that happen, you wouldn't let your marriage be disrupted by a casual 10-minute meeting with him. 

You would not have gone to his house, no matter how much you would have liked to see his mother who had always been so kind to you. 

You had other things to think about anyway; your father was stuck in a hospital bed that you had managed to get him to be more comfortable. He had been put in the guest room on the ground floor, next to the bathroom, he couldn't do the stairs, and it was also easier for your mother to accompany him. The strong and generous man he had been was wearing out before your eyes, and it was a terribly painful image. You knew he had little time left, and you didn't want to waste it chasing the ghosts of the past when you had a husband who was helping you and hugging you every night trying to lessen your pain. 

Your Thanksgiving dinner had been unique to say the least, each of you shuttling from the dining room to your father's to spend some time with him, making sure he had everything he needed, helping him eat and drink. You had marveled at how gentle and patient John was with your dad, the big man you had married, one with two shoulders like a football player, feeding your father fruit jelly almost more gracefully than you. 

You knew how fond he was of your dad, they had hit it off right away, but you didn't know how much he was willing to sacrifice for him. You were moved.

___________________________________________

Your father was gone four days later. You and John were supposed to leave for Boston the next morning instead you had to call in to work, cancel your flight, call your trusty neighbor Marge to ask her to look at your house, pick up your mail, and water your plants. 

You were crushed and at the same time overwhelmed with bureaucracy so you couldn't stop. You had forgotten to eat breakfast that morning, got dressed in a hurry to go to the funeral home to deliver the suit with which you had decided to bury your father, then went to do some paperwork with the insurance company and finally to the church to arrange with the pastor the time of the service and the proceedings. When you left the church you felt an emptiness in your stomach, your head was spinning, you had eaten barely a sandwich in the last two days. 

You knew you were about to collapse, saw a café across the street from the church, and went inside to get a croissant and cappuccino to go. 

When you came out you found yourself in front of Danielle. She was so sorry, of course your mother had informed Marcus's mother and they would be attending the funeral. Danielle hugged you as if you were her sister, telling you that she understood you because she too had lost her father a few years earlier and even though you didn't know each other well you could have called her if you needed anything. 

You had thanked her and headed for the car, locked yourself in and took a couple of minutes to chug your croissant and drink your cappuccino. At least partially regenerated from the late breakfast you had headed back home, where John and your mother were waiting for you.

In the car you had been thinking about how kind Danielle had been and how lucky Marcus was to be with her.

The next day you had put on a sober black suit that you used for the office and probably wouldn't be able to wear again after that day, put on just enough makeup, helped John put on his tie, and headed for church with him and your mom. 

All three of you were exhausted, grieving, trying to hold the pieces together as best you could with each other's help but your dad's absence was hard to bear. You wished you could have woken up and found it had been just a nightmare, you wished you could have hugged him and talked to him and he, as he had always done, would have found the words you needed most.

There was only one other person who could soothe your worries in the same way your dad could, and that person was Marcus. 

John had been able to be there for you anyway, with actions more than words, taking tasks to take away from you, relieving you of burdens you could not carry alone, and for that you were infinitely grateful. He was a good husband. 

After the service, under his arm, you left the church behind your mother. You had lost count of the number of people who had come to hug you, faces you had never seen, work colleagues of your father's whom you had never met, old childhood friends, the church was full of people who had come to remember him fondly. This pleased you, but it was strange to you at the same time. You wished you had some time to yourself, alone, to try to catch your breath and rationalize at least some of what had happened, that blender of emotions that had shaken and sucked you in. 

You had made your way to the cemetery, walking along the path that led to the family grave where your grandparents were buried you had felt like you were in a muffled bubble where everything moved in slow motion, barely sensing John's presence beside you. 

When you had arrived, you had looked up for only a moment and before you had seen Marcus's. You had not noticed his presence in the church, busy as you were with hugging and greeting, you had seen only his mother but he had remained in the background, respecting your grief. Just as you wished others had done. There was nothing more to be said, he always knew what you needed, no matter how many years had passed, he could still read you like an open book just like when at 18 he had realized that your highest aspiration was to become a writer without even the need to make it explicit in words. 

His eyes were swollen and reddened; it was obvious that he was moved. Beside him was Danielle with a pair of dark glasses covering her face, clutching his arm elegantly and dignifiedly. 

You had smiled weakly at him, thanking him with your eyes, and he had smiled back, looking at you with the sweetest, sorriest eyes I had seen that day. 

___________________________________________

You had stayed behind to watch the final burial operations, while John had driven your mother back to the car, who had burst into convulsive tears, crushed by the realization that she had lost forever the man she had loved most in the world. 

You had felt a hand barely graze your shoulder, you had turned around and saw Marcus standing there on the grass “hey” As soon as you had seen him the impulse to hug him had come to you spontaneously, he had welcomed you into his arms, stroking your head, wrapping you against his chest, trying to comfort you. 

Being close to him still felt like home, his warmth immediately made you feel calmer, less alone, and not that John couldn't do that but with Marcus it was different. He had always been different in a way that was impossible to explain but that you felt hammering hard in your heart.

“Thank you,” you had whispered, with the tears you had finally allowed yourself to shed wetting your cheeks and his shirt. 

“Don't mention it,” he had whispered, continuing to hold you close. 

You had lingered a little longer in his embrace before pulling away and asking where Danielle was. 

"She went home with my mom. I stayed in case you needed anything.” 

“It's okay, thank you, there was no need,” you stammered lyingly. Yes you needed him, now more than ever, and he knew it well. 

“Your mother and John?” 

“Aunt Maggie drove them home, they left my mom's car with me.”

“Do you want me to drive?” she had asked and all you could do was nod ”please. But then how are you going to get back?” 

“I'll call Danielle, don't worry” he had encircled your waist with an arm as he walked you to the car. He had opened the door and helped you get in, even buckled your seat belt no matter how hard you had tried to insist you could do it yourself. 

Marcus did not spare himself when it came to caring for others. 

He had climbed up on the driver's side and in a rush had hugged you back, there, inside the car, whispering, “You don't know how sorry I am, baby. Your father was a great man.” 

You had looked at him gratefully, amid tears that had begun to flow profusely again "thank you" 

He had kissed you, right after that. And the instant his lips had rested on yours, you had felt that you could not help yourself no matter how hard you had tried to bury your feelings all those years. There was something inexplicable that united you, a way of understanding each other that needed no words, as if you were made to recognize each other, to see inside each other's souls. You had read in his eyes that day in the supermarket how much he had missed you, and he had read the same in yours, and just before that you had felt the same need to have him near, in spite of John, Danielle, and anything else that told you it was wrong. Deep inside you had always known it was right, you had felt it from the moment you first met him. You had been crowing for years about people talking about soul mates, meetings of destiny, and things like that. But now you knew you had felt it. His soft lips on yours were like honey to your soul, you wished you could sink into that feeling, drown in that sea and never rise again.

You couldn't leave John though. Not after you had built a life together in Boston, not after he had supported and cared for you all those days. Not after all he had done for you. 

As much as it hurt to do so, you pulled away from his lips. “I’ve always thought about you, all these years,” he said. “I’m sorry, you know, I didn’t realize it before, that maybe we could be something more. I never told you, but I remembered that kiss we shared when we were 18 very well.” Marcus was a torrent of words and was saying everything you’d always wanted to hear. “And I remember the night in that motel, too, how you held me in your sleep. I…” You knew he was about to say something like “I love you” “I’ve always loved you,” and so you cut him off. “Marcus.” He paused, his mouth half open as he looked at you in shock. “It’s too late. We can’t. Maybe there was a chance a few years ago, but now? We’re both married, we have responsibilities, we have to be realistic. It’s not fair to Danielle and John. And I have a job and a life in Boston, I can’t just leave everything all of a sudden.”

“But I…” and you knew he was about to say those words again. “Please don’t say that. Don’t make this any harder than it already is.”

Marcus had fallen silent, looking down at his hands draped over his lap, and then said sadly, “I understand.”

You had just lost your father and now you were losing him too. It wasn’t fair, but it was the only thing to do. “Take me home, please.” He would have started the car without saying anything, driving to your house without looking at you again, perhaps afraid that he wouldn’t be able to let you go if he ever laid eyes on you again. 

You got out of the car just saying thank you, without hugging him because you knew it would have hurt even more.

____________________________________

2008

When John had told you that you should move to Washington DC, you had not taken it well. You did not want to leave Boston, the bright home where you had begun to build your new life, that city that had welcomed you. Starting all over again somewhere else, in a city you had never been to, seemed too much. 

In the end, however, you had accepted it; leaving John seemed even worse. And he had continued to be a good husband, so you saw no reason to part with him.

After all, he had received a good promotion, he had rented a house where you had found a familiar light again, it had big windows, high ceilings, big rooms. John made good money and had tried to accommodate you in everything. 

He had made it worth it all the way.

You had been struggling a bit to fit into the editorial staff of the new newspaper you had found work for. You were aiming for the Washington Post, but they had totally bounced you, which had been no small disappointment to digest. 

However, after all, your life had regained some meaning. 

It was now six months since you had moved, you hadn't heard from Marcus in eight years. And this time it was not because of distance, but because it had really hurt you to find out that he felt something too but it never seemed to be the right time for you. It would have been in 1993 perhaps, if you had had courage, if you had taken the risk of exploring your feelings together. He hadn't had the guts to tell you anything, you were too afraid, and when you had found common ground it had immediately collapsed. 

John had noticed that something was wrong, even he knew you well enough to know that it pained you not to hear from your friend again, and at times he had even urged you to call him. You had told him that he had said something unpleasant about Danielle while you were in the car and you had felt sorry for her, from there you had started to argue. It was a really boorish excuse and you were pretty sure John hadn't bought it but had played it off for the sake of quiet life. 

“Can you stop by the bank to deposit this check this morning?” he had told you that morning before leaving the house. You were sitting at the kitchen table, drinking coffee and enjoying your day off. 

“Sure,” you had answered him, ”I'll go there before I go to the laundry to pick up my dress for tonight.” 

“Mmm the burgundy dress with that dizzying neckline?” he had told you as he leaned over to give you a kiss 

“Just that one” you had smiled as you returned the kiss and caressed his cheek ”you like it huh?”

“I'm looking forward to tonight” he had chuckled before leaving the house with his briefcase ”I'll be home at 7 o'clock okay?”

“Perfect, I'll be ready” you had thrown him a kiss and then curled up in your chair, finishing your coffee and admiring the view of the waking city outside. 

It was your anniversary, and he was going to take you to dinner at a French restaurant you had heard about in enthusiastic tones from your discerning colleague who was a food and wine critic. 

You had dressed quietly, gone out to do your chores, had a manicure appointment, then gone to pick up your dress at the dry cleaners and finally to the bank. 

As soon as you had left the bank you had bumped into a guy. 

You had looked up and been stunned. 

Marcus.

How was that possible? 

“Oh shit,” he had exclaimed.

His hair was slightly longer, he had grown a mustache and a beard but it was him, there was no doubt about it, you would have recognized him in a thousand. 

"What are you doing here?" you had asked him, widening your eyes, without a hello or how are you or anything else, you were too shocked. 

He was the last person you expected to see on your anniversary. 

Marcus had brushed his hand behind his neck, the gesture he always made when he was embarrassed “I got a big promotion” in a tone as if to apologize for existing in the same state as you, in the same city as you, for coexisting in the same environment as you.

“Whatever...I have to go, anyway, have a nice life,” you had tried to say quickly, to disengage yourself from that surreal situation. 

You had already turned your back on him when you heard him say “no wait...please...would you like to have a cup of coffee?”

You had turned silently to look at him. He couldn't have been serious. Yet he was.

And looking into those big brown pleading eyes, for some reason you had not been able to say no.

“All right,” you had replied with a shrug, ”I'll give you half an hour, then I'll have to go home.”

You went to sit in a café around the corner and ordered a cappuccino.

"So how are you?" you asked absentmindedly. 

“Danielle and I broke up last spring.” 

“Oh. I'm sorry.” It was like a blade through the chest to hear his voice again, to hear him say that he was single again and that his marriage was over. Somehow it made you feel guilty even though after eight years it was unlikely that the main reason for their breakup was you. 

“Yeah...she wanted children and for a while we tried but...” 

“Marcus please, I don't care, it's your business because it's over,” you cut off. 

You didn't have to get involved again. When you had thought back to your father's death and how he had confessed right afterwards you had been angry with him. Why had he done it at that time when you were so particularly vulnerable? It wasn't fair. 

"Sorry I-" he had babbled.  

“Never mind, never mind,” you had interrupted him again with a hand gesture. “Look, let's talk straight once and for all” you didn't know where all that aggression was coming from but it was growing inside you inexorably, like an infection ”why the hell are we here?” 

He had lowered his gaze to his cappuccino, then brought it back to you and stared at you in a way that made you feel naked and helpless. He still had an effect on you, and it pissed you off. “I miss you,” he had admitted under his breath, ”I miss talking to you and I miss having you around. I miss everything about you. When I saw you I couldn't believe it. But I know I can't let you leave without clearing things up.” 

“There's nothing left to clear up. It's over Marcus, can't you see that? There was never a right time for us.” 

“That's not true, I-” 

“Stop it! Look, I'm trying to live my life, you do it too,” you had screeched

“But-” 

“No 'buts'... Marcus, I'm tired. I'm tired of this running into each other and don't tell me it's fate because it's just pure randomness. John was transferred for work, now we live here, end of story. I'm still with him, okay? And I'm happy, so please leave me alone.” 

You could see his clenched fist on the coffee table, his eyes glazed with tears, his Adam's apple jumping as you mentioned John. He looked devastated. It was no longer your business anyway, so you had gotten up and made to leave, leaving a bill on the coffee table. “Don't look for me anymore.” 

Marcus had jumped up, his chair had fallen back crashing onto the pavement, and he didn't even seem to notice as he tried to stop you.

“Please” he had grabbed you by the sleeve of his jacket ”please.” 

You had turned back to him and looking into his eyes you had seen the little boy who asked you if he would ever be famous, the one who helped you with your homework, the 20-year-old who had involved you in the craziest vacation of your life, and then the adult who had broken your heart. 

“No.” you had whispered, ”no fucking way.” 

Marcus' face was a grimace of pain, as if in physical pain from your rejection, his shoulders hunched and his hand not letting go of you. He was pathetic and sweet at the same time.

His eyes were fixed in yours as he told you loud and clear, “I love you.”

I love you. 

You had longed to hear it come from his lips for so long that now it was like a lash that burned against your skin. You had stopped feeling like you were glued to the sidewalk, unable to take a step forward “What the hell! Did you have to tell me that? Was it necessary after I told you that I am still with my husband? Fuck, your timing is the worst thing ever. Do you know what day it is today? My wedding anniversary.” you had thrown up words at him angrily, feeling a knot in your stomach that nauseated you. 

“I don't want anything from you,” he had replied, his voice trembling, ”I just wanted you to know.”

“And now that I know according to you what have we solved? What have we gained? I'll tell you, absolutely nothing Marcus.” 

You had turned around and left, yelling at him, “I'll tell you again, don't ever look for me.” 

You had come home and taken a long hot bath, cried your last tears for him, and then decided it was John you had to think about, your special day. Marcus wasn't going to ruin it for you. You had prepared yourself carefully, put on the dress he liked so much, your favorite perfume, and waited for John. When he had come home you had driven out to a restaurant, had had a delicious dinner, sex as soon as you got home, and fallen asleep in his arms feeling that it was right. 

___________________________________

2010

“Love don't wait up for me, I'll be back late. I am so sorry, I love you.” 

It was already the fourth time in a week that he sent you such a message, by now John spent more time in the office than anywhere else. He had been given another promotion and was now mainly in charge of foreign exchanges, so he went to the office at impossible hours, came back later and later, and you barely saw him in the morning getting out of bed to jump in the shower. You hadn't had sex for at least a month, in those days you had talked more often with the mailman than with your husband.

Finally a publishing house had noticed you and they had published your book, you had gotten a chance to continue working for the newspaper by writing your articles from home so you could work on your second novel. 

You had huffed, looking at the screen, by now you were going to your friends' dinners alone, in those two years you had bonded with some couples in your neighborhood, and with a colleague from the newspaper and her husband. Every time you had been invited in the last three months John had declined, saying he had to work. 

You were beginning to feel really alone in your marriage, but you knew you had to try something. You still cared about John; you didn't want everything you had built together to be ruined. Sure, since he was earning more money he was showering you with unexpected and expensive gifts that certainly didn't make up for his absence, though. You had never been a materialistic person, no matter how beautiful the diamond bracelets and pearl necklaces and expensive shoes were, you missed falling asleep cuddled with your husband, feeling his caresses, having breakfast with him in the morning, spending a weekend together on the couch watching TV cuddling, simply spending time with him. For the past few weeks you had failed to write a word, you had hastily completed articles for the newspaper just to meet deadlines but your novel had stalled. You were busy cleaning to take your mind off things, you had joined the gym to force yourself to leave the house but then you would go back and find yourself spending entire evenings lounging around, not knowing what else to do. 

You had decided that night that you had to take matters into your own hands, put on a pretty dress, fixed your hair and make-up thoroughly, and then went out with the intention of surprising him. You were going to bring him his favorite dishes from your favorite Chinese restaurant to the office. 

When you had arrived at his workplace, you had looked up from the car window and seen the light on in his office. 

You had come down loaded with Chinese noodles and dumplings, and as you walked toward the entrance you had noticed his car parked not far away. 

You had taken the elevator with your heart in your throat, looking forward to seeing his happy face as he enjoyed a hot meal. The elevator had opened on the floor and you had started down the hallway leading to his office. There was no one there, everything was quiet and still, but the closer you got to his office the more you heard strange noises. Bellowing, hushed voices. 

The door was pulled over, you had pushed it slightly, and the scene that unfolded before your eyes was unsettling. 

Veronica, a married colleague of him whom you had met at the firm's Christmas party a few months earlier, was bent over John's desk, her skirt up, her panties down, her long legs covered by black hold-ups, her stilettos sinking into the Persian carpet under John's desk. And your husband holding her hips and sinking into her from behind. 

His shirt was hanging off his shoulders, his hair was disheveled, his neck tense and sweaty, as he stood there with his cool wool pants down, fucking his colleague. 

He grunted some words that you had never heard him say when you were having sex “Yeah, bitch, you like that huh? You like getting pounded by my cock huh? You're such a dirty slut, do you feel how wet you are for me?" 

You couldn't believe your eyes. Your sweet husband, the one who had stood by you so devotedly…where had that man gone? 

You dropped the bag with the Chinese dinner on the floor, the boxes had opened, and the noodles had spread all over the hardwood floor. “What the fuck?!”

John had turned around shocked, still with his cock inside his coworker “Oh shit. No, wait, honey I-” he had stepped out of her and tried to pull up his pants awkwardly ”please-fuck-I can explain.” 

“There's nothing to explain, you piece of shit!” you had yelled at him as he approached trying to stammer out some stupid excuse and had slapped him open-handed across the face as soon as he got in front of you ‘don't bother coming home’ you had added contemptuously.

“But love I-” he had pranced rubbing his cheek ”please-” 

“NO!” You had yelled “No, I don't want to hear your bullshit excuses, I don't want anything more to do with you, you disgust me!”

Veronica was standing in the corner buttoning her blouse and pulling down her skirt without meeting your gaze, her face hot and guilty.

Everything that you had sacrificed for that relationship, how you had followed him and reinvented your life for him, adapting to his needs, trying to build a happy nest for the two of you in Washington, all had been swept away. He had stomped on your marriage, your trust, your heart. 

You had driven home crying, risking missing a red light, had nailed down at the last moment with your heart bouncing inside your chest like a jackhammer. You had walked into the house throwing your purse and coat on the floor, throwing your shoes in the middle of the hallway and throwing yourself on the bed, hiding your face in the pillow with your head bursting, a sense of helplessness and defeat enveloping your temples, your chest, your stomach. 

It was over.

John had never come home, you had learned through his lawyer that he had rented an apartment near his office, and a week later he sent three big guys from a moving company to pick up his things.

You couldn't stay in that house anymore. Everything reminded you of him, the lies he had been telling you for months and what was even worse, all the happy moments you had lived in there in spite of yourself. 

You were dragging yourself from room to room without strength, you hadn't written anything anymore, you had told the editor of the newspaper that you were sick to have an excuse to delay the deadlines for your articles. 

You were tired, you were angry, you lacked the will to do anything, after three days without seeing you leave the house your friend Denise, who lived across the street had called you alarmed to see if you were all right, and hearing your dejected, fading voice had decided to use the keys you had given her in case of an emergency to come and check on you in person. 

You had not been able to lie to her; you had burst into tears and told her everything as soon as she asked you where John was. 

From that day she had been by every day bringing you dinner, making sure you ate, forcing you to shower, tidying up. You didn't know what you had done to deserve Denise in your life but you were incredibly grateful that she was there. 

Gradually you had forced yourself to take charge of your life again, started going out again pushed by your friends and even moved house, encouraged by them. You couldn't turn over a new leaf without getting out of there. 

And you had especially realized that you could walk with your head held high; you were not the one who had to be ashamed. 

And looking back on it, you had really overcome a lot in the last few years. The loss of your father, Marcus, your husband. All the men who had meant something to you in your life. 

You could have been proud that you did your best to stay on your feet. 

________________________________________________________

2011 

It had been a year since you had discovered John screwing his colleague.

You had tried dating men, without success, but things were going very well professionally. You had finally managed to finish your second book, and the publisher had been extremely pleased, so much so that he had arranged a series of meetings for you at bookstores around the country.  You had just returned from Ohio when you got a call from your mother inviting you for Christmas.

You had no desire to return to Sacramento, but how could you say no to your mom? She was left alone and it had not been easy for her. Your aunt and uncle lived nearby and took care of her but she had said she missed you a lot.

And she was so proud of you, she had asked you for copies of your books to give to all her friends, she was your biggest fan. You were happy to see her and spend time with her. 

And so, there you were at the airport, with a big suitcase, ready to get on yet another plane and fly across the country. 

You had just gotten an upgrade to business class and were in the private lounge of the area airline ordering yourself a martini when you heard a familiar voice behind you calling your name. 

Marcus. Again. 

“I swear I'm not following you,” he had raised his hands in surrender. 

“I know. I haven't seen you in three years, and we live in the same town.”

You had smiled; it wasn't bad to see his face again after all. 

“Martini?” He had asked pointing to your glass 

“Yeah. Can you please make another one?” You had said turning toward the bartender. 

You had sat at a small table with your cocktails “Are you going to see your mother?”

You had nodded, “You too?” 

“Yes, my parents were very insistent. Where is John?” 

“I have no idea,” you had squeezed into your shoulders taking a sip of your martini. 

“Oh, did you break up? I'm sorry, he seemed like a good man,” he had said.

“Apparently he wasn't since he was cheating on me with one of his colleagues.” 

“You should have better judgment anyway, aren't you a detective?” you had asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at him wryly 

Marcus had burst out laughing, “You're right, I should.”

And he had told you about the time he had fallen in love with someone named Teresa, a colleague of his, and had been left like a poor idiot the previous year, without realizing that she was in love with someone else. 

“It wasn't your fault, you know,” you told him sweetly, ”I know how you get when you have a crush.” 

“How do I become?” he had asked you with a sigh.

And you had replied with a smirk “Well, if you must know...naive, head in the clouds, like you live in a world of unicorns and fairies” 

“Really? A ridiculous clown? Is that what I become?” he had chuckled and then turned serious again ”Not with you, I hope”

You had laughed, you could have laughed at that point. Or maybe it was just the martini clouding your mind. 

“Whatever,” you had rolled your eyes. 

“Well, I'm sorry,” he had muttered.

“It's okay” you had smiled ”Really.”

At that moment they had announced boarding for your flight, so you had hurried to the gate together. 

You were both in business, so eventually you had sat next to each other and continued chatting. 

And it was nice, really nice. You were both single, more aware, you had reached an age where you could be honest with yourselves and you could joke about your dramas. 

“So you had noticed that I had hugged you that night huh?” 

“Sure. You pounced on me in my sleep and woke me up. I didn't want to embarrass you so I played it cool” she had smiled ”I thought you were sleepwalking and dreaming of hugging Keanu Reeves or whatever.” 

You had burst out in the loudest laugh you had had in years and then covered your mouth embarrassed that you had disturbed the other passengers. Fortunately those in your vicinity all had headphones on and were watching a movie. 

“Oh, come on” you had tapped his shoulder and then taken by you don't know what courage-probably the second martini you were downing-you had said ”the only one I dreamed of hugging was you.” 

“I didn't realize this until later...Now is there anyone you would like to hug by any chance?” he had whispered in your ear.

“Actually...yes” 

And there, in that plane, you kissed. For the first time without hindrance, without remorse, without drama, without fear. “I love you” he had whispered on your lips, and you had responded, finally free to say it ”I love you too.”

“So we'll try this time?” he had caressed your cheek, sliding his hand down your neck. 

“Yes” You had said ”definitely yes.”

“Your mother will be delighted” he had smiled, kissing you again “it's going to be a great Christmas.”

“Well, Merry Christman then” you whispered as your mouth moved down his neck.

“Merry Christmas, baby”

[vixenihy]

Late Night Guilt

Summary: A few months after the Cuban Missile Crisis, Jack is still facing the stressful aftermath and his survivors guilt from the war certainly isn’t helping either. Just when he feels he’s out of luck, someone he loves dearly is there to help.

Tags/Notes + Pairing: jfk x jackie kennedy, hurt/comfort?, swearing, mentions of past infidelity, antiquated beliefs about emotions, stress, anxiety.

Word Count: 1.1k

A/N: this is my first fic! i’m not super experienced with writing jackie, i fear. but i noticed that there aren’t any jfk x jackie fics so i wanted to change that. i love these two, lol. the indents may be a bit off bc i wrote this on my phone and used the spacebar as substitutes for indents… sorry lol. the banner was made by me, and the border below belongs to @/menschenopfer !

God Damnit…

Jack lets out a quiet groan of frustration, biting his cheek and hoping that the interviewer didn’t hear him. He’d forgotten to take the medication for managing his nerves. Not like he can remember what it’s called, though. There's too many names to even begin to remember what the Hell it’s called.

The past few months have been nothing but stress; Paper after paper and interview after interview. It’s a total mess, and it’s his fault. The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest the world came to ending; but who started this beginning to the end? Well, Jack blames no one but himself. He can barely resist the urge to tap his teeth with his fingers in front of the camera focusing on his face.

“Mr. President, after the close call with the Soviet Union and Cuba, a handful of Americans are curious about your story that led to you earning your Purple Heart. We know there is a movie coming out later this year, but would you care to give a little of your own personal perspective?” The interviewer asks. Jack clenches his jaw and tightly interlocks his fingers as a heavy pang hits his heart. The last thing Jack wants to be reminded of is the people who he failed to protect, the two people who died because of him. He can feel the guilt eating away at him as he speaks, his voice just as calm as his face.

“Oh, there isn’t much to say. They sank my boat, and we were stranded for a while. Then with the help of some of the natives, the Navy came and saved me and my crew.” Jack explains calmly, ignoring the burning hot fire, hours of pulling men to the boat, screaming the names of the men he’d lost till daybreak. The swimming, vomiting, starvation, the close calls with death, and the terrible guilt he faces to this day. He left out all of it. No one will know how he felt that day, because Kennedys don’t show how they feel. A real Kennedy never cracks.

Jack snaps back to reality just as the interviewer finishes scribbling his notes.

“Thank you Mr. President.”

—————

“Bunny, it’s okay if you want to talk…You know I'm here for you, don’t you?” Jackie presses as she helps to massage her husband's back. Usually, she wouldn’t press too much into his day and his issues as she believed it wasn’t right to bring up the stress of the day right after it had ended, but Jackie noticed how stressed he looked and how upset he seemed to be when she saw a glimpse of him when he was alone. It worries her. And though he had hurt her in the past with his philandering behavior, she knows why he acts the way he does and how he’s doing his best to change. So, she decides to focus on the future rather than the past.

“I know, Jackie…But I'm fine. It’s just that work is stressful. That’s all.” Jack sighs, laying his head in his arms and closing his eyes as Jackie helps to work the stress out of his body. He wishes that he could tell Jackie all about his day and vent his frustrations, but he finds himself biting his tongue. Men don’t talk about their feelings, especially not a Kennedy man. He can hear his parents chastising him in the back of his mind for even having such a thought. So, he just decides to let it go and switch the conversation.

“Thank you for helping me with my back, Kid…It’s been killing me for the past month. I think picking up Caroline at Christmas really aggravated it.” He continues, turning his head back ever so slightly to look at her. Jackie looks so beautiful with the dim lamp shining behind her, illuminating her figure like an angel. He doesn’t deserve her, how did he get so lucky?

“It’s alright, Jack. You certainly made her day.” She whispers with a chuckle, glancing into his faded green eyes and watching them spark with life, the Jack Kennedy she knows and loves seems to finally come to life.

——

The crackle of fire and the smell of oil taints the air as Jack slowly opens his eyes, groaning in agony as his back spasms. He goes to grab the nightstand, but only finds a cold metal surface beneath his hand. He stumbles as he pulls himself into a standing position, opening his eyes at last. His heart drops as he realizes where he is. He’s over a thousand miles from home, he’s in the same place he fought like Hell to escape from, he’s back.

The South Pacific.

Following the same routine he’s done a hundred times before, Jack leaps off the side of the creaking bow and swims out towards the voices of his crew. They scream and cry out for their skipper and their mothers, a haunting sound he’s listened to too many times before. Just as he’s about to reach one man, he sees a head disappear below the waves. Gasping with fear, Jack dives below the waves and claws his way downwards, the darkness of the sea making it impossible for Jack to see the face of the man he’s trying to save. But just as he reaches out, he slips out of his reach. And he helplessly watches the figure disappear into the dark abyss.

Jack awakes with a start, jolting to find himself back in the luxurious bedroom he’s lived in for the past few years. He sits up gently, bringing himself back to the present with a deep sigh. Attempting to alleviate his back pain, Jack brings his knees to his chest and lies his head on his arms. A tightness settles in his heart as guilt festers in his mind. He forces back a few tears as he remembers one of the hardest experiences of his life. Just before any tears begin to break through, he feels a hand on his shoulder.

“Jack?” Jackie asks groggily, confused to see her husband awake so late. “What’s the matter, Bunny?” Wiping his eyes with his hand, Jack lies down onto his back.

“It’s nothing, Jackie. Just a bad dream is all…” He sighs, turning over onto his side.

“Go back to sleep, Kid. It’s alright..” Jack mutters. But before he can allow himself to drift off, he feels Jackie's arms wrap around him and hold him close to her body. At first, he seems uncomfortable by the touch his wife is giving him. It feels so foreign and uncomfortable. But as the seconds pass, he finds himself warming up to it…

“Maybe we can get away to Hyannis Port on Saturday. No press, no people, no work…Just us. It’ll be cold, but I think you need a break.” Jackie suggests, placing a kiss on her husband's neck and rubbing her thumb over his hand.

“I love you, Bunny.” She sighs, cuddling closer to Jack.

“I love you too, Jackie.” Jack smiles, shutting his eyes and slowly drifting off to sleep.

[daegustae]

champagne problems | jeon jungkook

pairing ; groom!jungkook x wedding planner!reader.  

genre ; smut, angst | one-shot

summary ; the story we won’t tell is my greatest fantasy 

word count ; 4.1k 

chapter warnings ; infidelity, smut (18+), oral (f. receiving), bigdick!jungkook, multiple s3x positions, explicit language, creampie, unprotected s3x (yall know better), slight cockwarming, mentions of illness | plot twist at the end dont k!ll me pls 

a/n ; this was inspired by champagne problems obv AND the apartment we won’t share by niki jhsdjds IDK I WAS JUST LISTENING TO IT AND THEN BAM HERE COMES THIS AU . this is not edited. 

¯¨’*·~-.¸¸,.-~*’ •·.·´¯`·.·• `·.¸¸.·´´¯`··._.· •´`·..íì..·´`• 

“Nothing?” Hobi shakes his head no, pouting as he watches the screen in front of him waiting for a miracle to happen. You look at the letters written on your wall Garam Event Management Studios. It was your dream to have a business like this. An organizer for different types of events. At first, your business was doing exceptional, always fully-booked, never having a free day but better than you’re experiencing right now. Dry and dull. You even had to let go of some of your employees considering that you won’t be able to pay them due to this crisis.

“We won’t last a month” you sigh your head in frustration, thinking about what went wrong in your business. You can’t help but be in denial, this crisis started when your father purposely embarrassed you at that one dinner party, claiming that your business will eventually close down so people shouldn’t bother to get your services. His reason? Because you refused to work at his company where you’ll be the next CEO. To be fair, you were tired of being ordered around and being an office slave.

But humiliating you that night was uncalled for. Especially everything that happened before that confrontation.

“We just have to boost our ads, we used to be in-demand.” used to.

“I’m sorry Hobi, this was because of me.” he frowns, looking at your slump figure on the couch.

“You have nothing to be sorry for” you look at him giving him a pout, suppressing the tears that are threatening to come out.

“Thank you for sticking with me” he nods standing up from his table as he makes his way to you giving you the tightest hug. You are honestly thankful of Hobi, he’s your best friend and out of all people he was the first one to support you with your business, even dropping his corporate job to join you as a full time event coordinator.

“We’ll be fine, it's winter season, who wants a wedding during winter?” you laugh giving him a smack on his head before a ding sound comes out of his computer. You both pull out of the hug looking at each other with wide eyes, scrambling on the couch to stand up and read the letters on his screen.

“We got an appointment” you both scream jumping in excitement.

“We got this” you nod, doing your celebratory handshake before dashing to your own table, ready to contact the services you will need. Hobi focuses on the person who’s making an appointment.

Hobi sighs, you look at him puzzled, reading his face who’s hard to determine at this very moment. You look at him raising your eyebrows as your smile fades. “We got an appointment but it’s your choice if you want it or not.”

“Of course I want it! We can’t choose our customers, we're in a crisis.” you say matter of factly.

“Even if it’s your ex’s wedding?” he says slowly, waiting for your reaction.

“Of course, this is business, nothing personal.” you clear your throat, biting your tongue and proceeding to scroll through your desktop.

“Are you sure? Because I’m pretty sure there will be more cus-”

“Hobi, it’s fine. Plus this is good for our business, we’ll get exposure and such.” you give him a reassuring smile. It’s not time to be selfish. It’s been 9 months since that dinner party, you’re pretty sure everyone has moved on from it already, and yet you still remember the atmosphere that day.

“It’s his fiance that booked the appointment, by the way.” fiance you shouldn’t feel bitter hearing that, but somehow there’s a small part of you that aches for the future you planned, aches for him. “She said she chose us because she was a guest to this wedding once, and fell in love with us” Hobi chuckles “And the wedding’s in three days” he adds

“What?” that’s a small amount of time to prepare.

“And she can’t find anyone else to do it because it’s too little time” you sigh you either accept this or you’ll close down this business.

“We have to make this work Hobi, this is our last shot.” you say truthfully he nods looking at you with concern.

“Let's do this yeah?”

-

“Stop fiddling with your pants Hobi” you scold giving him a scowl as you watch him straighten up on his seat. You’re currently in your studio, waiting for your clients to discuss what they want for the wedding.

“I can’t help it, it’s been too long since we last saw him” you nod agreeing, smacking his hands that continue to fiddle with everything he touches.

“Are you the ex?” you whisper-yell wincing as you feel your head throbbing. Hobi looks at you with concern before you shrug him off.

“Funny” you laugh as he rolls his eyes, freezing as the door inside your office opens. Revealing a beautiful woman, and a familiar figure following him. Way too familiar.

“Our couple! Future Mrs. Jeon?” Hobi greets her and nods, giving you both a genuine smile. You stand up from your seat, reaching out to shake her hand in which she excitedly accepts before extending your hand to the man beside her.

“Jungkook” you greet

“y/n” he reaches out for your hand, his warmth engulfing your whole body.

“You know each other?” she gushes

“She was a friend” Jungkook says a friend you nod in agreement. Sitting on the chair and preparing the papers you will need.

“That’s good then! You both can talk about the wedding for tomorrow no? I have to prepare for my dress-fitting and such.” You look at Hobi asking for help in which he understands, changing the subject.

“Let’s talk about that later, okay so here’s the initial plan we prepared for you both based on what we talked about yesterday . You can choose which you prefer, and you can also change anything, just tell us and we’ll continue from there.” they both nod, you can’t help but feel the burning glaze of Jungkook, you look at him, your eyes meeting each other as Hobi proceeds to explain everything.

It’s been so long since you last saw him, nothing changed. He still has the same doe eyes, lip ring, and that mole on his neck. Nothing changed except his heart. You look away, nodding at whatever Hobi’s saying, this is gonna be a long day.

-

“Well we’ll see you on your wedding day?” You tell Hana she nods giving you her bright smile, no wonder he fell in love with her. Her smile is contagious and she seems really kind. You’re happy for both of them.

“Yes! I’m trusting everything to you, for the rest of the plans you can meet up with my husband. I’m really sorry I won’t be there”

“Of course, and no it’s fine. Just rest before your wedding day”

“I’ll see you guys soon” she says excitedly giving you and Hobi a hug, Jungkook waving his hands to the both of you as they walk outside.

You sigh in relief, closing your eyes as you lean your head on the table. Feeling yourself getting drowsy.

“You okay?”

“Mmm just nauseous” 

“I still think you need to tell him the reason you know” you look up at Hobi, frowning at him.

“Doesn’t matter anymore, his wedding is in two days” You stand up kneeling in front of Hobi who has his head low.

“Still it’s unfair” you shake your head laughing lightly, he looks like a child right now 

“Some things are better left unsaid, I’m okay really. And I chose this path, remember?” you can’t help but feel your heart swells, it’s good to know that someone still cares about you.

“I have to talk to our techs, and be on the reception to check the updated stuff tomorrow” you bite your lip, that means it’s just going to be you and Jungkook tomorrow. “Will you be okay alone?”

“Of course! Just business, nothing personal". Clapping your hands feels like you're convincing yourself more than hobi, ruffling Hobi’s hair as you stand up checking the needed items for the wedding so you can present it to Jungkook tomorrow.

-

“And we have this voice message thing booth, where your guests can leave their wishes through this analog phone which is perfect for your wedding theme.” You’re currently at your office as you explain to Jungkook, he listens to you intently, watching in awe as you present him with all the details for his wedding.

“That’s beautiful, you’re good at this” you chuckle with his compliment shaking your head as you list a few things on the paper.

“Thank you, you convinced me to do it” you smile at the memory, you’ve always wanted a job like this, designing and organizing things. At first you were hesitant about it, but when you told Jungkook what you really wanted, he was there to support and encourage you all the way. He even helped you in naming your studio, suggesting Garam which means river. And with a river, you can’t touch the same water twice, it keeps flowing, reminding us that life is fleeting and we should value every second of it. Which by the way is connected with your job, helping every client to remember and enjoy their special day that will pass by eventually. 

“I’m glad you still continue” he states as you look at him in the eyes nodding. “I’m sorry”

“For what” you stand up, compiling all the papers as Jungkook watches you leave your seat.

“My fiance is a huge fan of yours, she really wanted you to be our coordinator” you stop at your tracks looking at Jungkook as you shrug.

“I’m thankful for that Kook, nothing to be sorry for” his heart skips a beat, the nickname you gave him to him before feels like a knife jabbing through his chest. He shouldn’t feel this way.

“I waited for you, you know” you take a deep breath, watching Jungkook make his way to where you are standing.

“I’m sorry” you tell him sincerely “I’m just glad you found what you deserve” he nods taking a step forward, reaching out as he puts his hands on your hips. Leaning your forehead to his.

“What are you doing?” you know this is wrong, but you didn’t fight back, feeling the familiar warmth pulse through your whole body. “We shouldn't” you whisper to his lips.

“We shouldn’t” he repeats before he’s pulling away from you. You watch him clear his throat nodding his head as he makes his way to the door. You didn’t dare to look at him turning your back away from him waiting for the sound of your door opening and closing.

You gasp as you feel your body getting spinned. Before you know it, Jungkook’s lips are on yours. Kissing each other like there’s no tomorrow, pulling away to catch your breath only to put your lips on his again. His lips taste like poison, it burns you. Your hands wander each other’s bodies, exploring and holding each other like there’s no tomorrow. Because there isn’t.

You find yourself on fours on the couch with Jungkook, moaning as you feel him lick your pussy, eating you out with no mercy. “F-fuck”

“Are you still on the pill?” he asks from behind you, you nod watching his dick slap his stomach. “Good”

You feel his length enter inside you, both of you moaning in unison as he penetrates your walls. You clench your jaw at the foreign feeling. It’s been so long since he’s been inside you, you forgot how big and long he is.

“So tight princess, relax” he soothes you by kissing your neck to your shoulders. Tracing your spine as you arch your back. He starts thrusting inside, holding on to your hips for leverage. He feels your walls tighten, as he hits the spot he has always known.

“P-please” you have no idea what you’re begging for, but Jungkook knows you. He pounds inside you leaning his body on yours as you feel his weight on your back, only adding to the pleasure.

“You close?” you cry in pleasure, Jungkook lifts your body as he sits up without pulling out of you, making you put all your weight on his chest.

“Spread your legs” you do as he says, spreading your legs as he continues to thrusts inside you, this position sending you into a frenzy. You can’t help but look down, watching your pussy swallow him deliciously. He growls as you bounce, meeting his hips to get you there.

“I’m cumming” your legs shake as Jungkook repeatedly hits your spot. Putting all your weight on him this time as he massages your breast with his left hand, the other rubbing your pussy. You feel his breath on your shoulder, tilting your head on the side to chase his lips. Your pussy clenches as you feel your orgasm, breathing heavily with Jungkook’s cock still inside you.

“Good girl” he praises, he lays your body on the couch, watching you in your pleasure state, before he’s spreading your legs again. Lining up his length to show you deep he’s gonna be inside you. He spread your remains on his dick, rubbing it before slapping his dick on your sensitive pussy.

You wince making him chuckle. “Take all of me yeah?”

He inserts his throbbing length inside you once again, but this time slower. And intimate. Watching your face turns into pleasure as he brushes the hair on your face with his fingers. He takes his time this time, thrusting inside you slowly, but harder.

You look at his face, rubbing your thumb on his eyebrow as it furrows. You don’t say anything to each other, just feeling each other’s warmth. He kisses your lips delicately, holding your body close to his. You put your arms on his shoulder to his back, nails scratching softly that will be there until tomorrow.

“Almost there” he whispers, you can’t help but bite his shoulder feeling yourself release again. He kisses your forehead, his thrust becoming erratic until he’s cumming inside you. You both quiver with pleasure.He didn’t pull out after that, laying on your body instead. His head on your shoulder as you both breathe heavily.

You gently run your fingers to his hair, you feel him sighs in contentment as you feel your tears flow on your cheek feeling the coldness of his ring on your skin. Even if Jungkook notices your tears, he doesn't say anything, only holding you tighter. You stay just like that, holding and feeling the warmth of each other. Because maybe you both know that this will be the last time you’ll see each other. You both know the consequences and you’ll both suffer from it. Greatly.

You both know this is goodbye.

It isn’t long before you're both putting your  clothes back on, without words. Before you’re clearing your throat. Shame and guilt both eating you alive already. 

“Let’s pretend this didn’t happen”

“Like how you pretended I didn’t propose to you that night?” he says sarcastically, you can feel the bitterness of his words. You stand frozen. Not knowing what to say. Getting a flashback of that night.

“Can you at least tell me the reason? I deserve that”

“It was for all of this, you know that.” the lie sits like a venom on your tongue

“Do you really expect me to believe that?” you’re now both facing each other. His eyes meet your glistening ones.

“I’m not telling you to accept that, but that’s the truth, nothing else.”

“You could’ve just told me you wanted this career so bad, I wouldn’t have made you choose. I would have supported you.” you can feel the pain lacing his voice, and you can’t help but let your tears run down your cheeks.

“I know” you sob, Jungkook wants to hold you, but he stops himself from doing so. 9 months and you’re both still a mess. Maybe this was the closure you needed, but not the closure he wanted. He thinks about all the things you could’ve been if you only told him the truth. He can’t help but be offended, you really thought he won’t support you with what you wanted? All those years together and yet you thought so little of him.

“I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“You already did” he pauses, shaking his head, chuckling as he finds himself crying as well “The moment you started thinking I would stop you from chasing your dreams” he adds im sorry im sorry. You know no words will ever heal him from the pain you’ve caused. So you shut your mouth watching him leave before stopping to his tracks. Looking back at you one last time.

“Do you regret it? Leaving me?” he asks genuinely. Jungkook needs to hear it from you, so he can move on and stop living with the what if’s. He needs to hear it so he can wake up tomorrow without doubts about his future.

“No” you say without hesitating, staring at his eyes so you can deliver your point.

“Okay” he nods, shutting the door behind him as you fall down on your knees. Clutching your chest as you feel it aches.

“I’m sorry” the doctor looks at you with pity. You nod not knowing how to react.

“How long do I have?”

“12 months based on the size of tumor in your brain” you look at his eyes, hoping that he would be lying and this is a joke. But his eyes have no hint as such. “There’s a treatment but it’s not guaranteed you will live.” so it’s either you die slowly with the treatment or still die without it, except you’ll live shorter. Which is worse? 

You chuckle weakly, so many thoughts running in your mind, how could this be? Why does it have to be you? What will happen to those who you will leave behind?

Jungkook. If you tell him your illness, he would stay and be there for you. But you can’t let him witness you die slowly and suffer for the rest of his life. It will be too selfish for you to deny him the bright future he deserves. You can’t scar him and leave a painful permanent mark.

You’d rather him hate you than suffer loving you.

That night you and Jungkook were invited to a dinner party, and you were planning on breaking up with him for whatever reason you come up with. The guilt eating you alive as he intertwined his finger with yours. Constantly kissing your temples.

That same night, he was on his knees, asking for your hand around your family, friends and colleagues. You dreamt of this day, and you would have said yes if it weren’t for the news you received that morning. You remember the atmosphere that night, it was heavy. Too heavy that you feel like falling down to your knees. But most of all, you remember the confusion and pain written on Jungkook’s face that night, watching you shake your head and run away from the scene.

That very night, your father talks about the business you were starting. Slandering it so the attention won’t be with the failed proposal but your failure as his daughter who refused to take over the company. Your father did all that to save himself from embarrassment. That very night, you lost the remaining care your father had for you.

That night, you lost your bestfriend, your anchor, the love of your life.

That night, your world crumbled down into pieces.

You look around your office, tracing pictures of past events you had on the wall. You started this career because you wanted it, and you had Jungkook’s support. You still continue to do it because it gives you the comfort to plan for other’s future that you won’t have and experience in this lifetime.

-

“Don’t be nervous, just enjoy this moment.” you tell Hana, patting her on the shoulder as she nods. She’s the most beautiful bride you’ve ever met. The kindest too. She engulfs you into a hug and squeezes your body.

“Thank you for everything.” you can’t help but feel guilty, she trusted you. And you fucked his fiance the day before your wedding. And you know karma has bitten you in the ass once you're 6 ft underground.

“I’m sorry” you whisper sincerely, rubbing her back. As if she would know what you did. she gasps, pulling away from the hug before she’s pinching your sides.

“Everything is beautiful, what are you sorry for.” she giggles. Your conversation has died down when the door opens revealing Hobi in a suit.

“Ladies, we’re about to start” he announces, the bridesmaids stand up, shuffling to their feet as they get out of the room to prepare. “y/n, check on our groom one last time please” you gulp doing as he says. Hobi doesn’t know what happened between you and Jungkook yesterday, and you don’t want him to know. Not today, at least.  

“Let me fix that for you” you tell from the doorway, watching Jungkook jump in surprise as he tries to fix his tie.

“Please” you give each other a small smile, so many words left unsaid. And that’s for the better.

“I love her y/n.” He says suddenly, you stop fixing his tie for a moment, good before continuing your actions.

“I know, don’t worry I won’t tell. We’ll pretend it never happened.” you pat his shoulder, distancing from him.

“I really love her, she’s helped me get back up after everything. I will tell her about what happened last night, someday. I don’t want to lose her, I can’t.” you nod understandingly, knowing he’s telling the truth because he used to talk about you like that before.

“I’m happy for you Jungkook” you tell him honestly, this is what you’ve always wanted. At first, you thought you would feel jealousy and pain when you accepted this event. But now, you only feel happiness for the both of them, not even a small part of you feels bitter about this. Just genuine joy and pure contentment knowing Jungkook’s in good hands.

“Thank you.” You both sniff, laughing as you witness each other be a mess. Crying of joy this time.

“Jungkook you’re ruining your makeup”

“Stop making me cry then.”

“I will.”

- The huge doors open, revealing Jungkook waiting at the altar and for a moment you had a glance of the future that you could have had. You wait for the bride to get to the end of the hall before making your way to Hobi who’s busy ordering the staff.

“Hey”

“Hey, you look pale.”

“I’m sick, remember” you say matter-of-factly. Hobi only scowls at you. “Think you can handle everything else here?”

“Of course, is there something wrong?”

“Just tired” he observes your face, before nodding in understandment. Lately, you’ve been experiencing the symptoms, at first it was gradual but you feel it progress every day. One symptom at time, then all of it sometimes.

“You need help? I can drive you home” you smack his arm scolding him.

“They need an expert to stay here. Thank you Hobi” you both share your handshakes, giggling as you wave goodbye. Making one last stop before leaving, you find yourself in front of the voicemail booth. Picking up the phone with the label groom.

“Hey Kook, um, it’s me y/n” You take a deep breath, suddenly feeling awkward talking on the phone with no one on the other line.

“I just wanna say I’m happy that you found love because you’re a wonderful being, and you deserve nothing but happiness and more. I know you will be a great husband, and a loving father because I learned how to love unconditionally from you and I will always be grateful for that. You asked me before if I regret leaving you. Honestly, I don’t don’t regret any of it. I guess the only regret I have is making you wait longer when you could have had all of this sooner. Thank you for everything and I hope you can forgive me someday.”

Here’s to the future

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 1 Pt. 20 (Everyone's Midlife In Crisis)

Bella Goth was a proud woman. Cass knew she’d had an affair or two herself, even if they’d never been to the level of full-blown love like Mortimer and Karl, but she was constantly exhausted taking care of baby Dex. Deep down, Cassandra feared how her mother would take the news of her husband's infidelity.

Mortimer and Bella were childhood sweethearts from Sunset Valley, marrying after college and settling in Brindleton Bay to satisfy Bella’s interest in the supernatural. She’d heard the old museum roamed with ghosts who knew where to find buried treasure, and like Daisy’s obsession with finding a UFO plant, she would spend hours exploring the lighthouse museum at Deadgrass Isle, while Mortimer stayed home writing articles and Cassandra taught herself shapes with her building blocks.

Cass was too young to remember the birth of her brother, Alexander, or the shock death of Bella’s beloved brother Michael, but she remembered her parents’ arguments over what they each owed to their family. Bella cried one minute, raged the next, or flirted with the mailman just to upset her husband. Then one day, when Cass was about five, her mother disappeared. No one had any idea where she was; even the Goth family’s considerable resources couldn’t find her. Mortimer was warned to expect the worst if she was ever found, but almost two years after she left, she returned in great health as if nothing had happened, with no memory of the two years she’d been gone.

The government studied her to try to unlock the secrets of her disappearance but concluded nothing. Cass and her family were forced to forge ahead without answers, and her parents’ marriage never truly recovered from the ordeal. Cassandra feared her mother might snap and disappear again if she knew her husband loved another man, but she thought of Dex, who could barely walk yet, and she knew how he would feel if she left. It wasn’t without some guilt that she chose to keep her father’s secret.

With Daisy so preoccupied with her space missions back in Henford, her second cowplant, Second Simzee, turned to its skeleton form. She left it in the yard in memory of all the times she’d had to be swallowed by the freakish thing for the sake of science. She missed gardening, and after one final voyage she announced she wanted to return to her roots, but this time she wanted to follow a more creative path with flower arranging.

It felt right to make the change again. Now she could grow enough UFO fruit to leave some to be discovered by others under Sophie the Snail. She had all the knowledge she could gather and recognition from the Sim Gardening Society for all her hard work. She proudly displayed their congratulatory plaque on the wall and glanced at it often, but River’s creatively gifted girlfriend had inspired Daisy to unlock a new interest in artistic pursuits. She dreamed of crafting bouquets for her daughters to carry at their weddings one day.

Neal experienced a midlife crisis and purchased an expensive hot tub for their yard, but with the cold winds of winter chilling the air, Daisy had to admit the extravagant purchase was enjoyable. Neal added several wind turbines to their thatch-roofed home, and four dew-catchers to the backyard. Theirs certainly stood out among the quaint homes of Henford, with exotic plants and gadgets adding a sense of modernity to the timeless country aesthetic of Henford-on-Bagley. And their meat wall faced the laneway, greeting visitors with the hearty smell of sweet beet meat. The Nesbitts were one of the most interesting families in town.

With Neal and Daisy's children growing older, would they manage to find success like their parents? And what of Mortimer's secrets? ->

<- Previous Chapter | From the Beginning

[rainykthebroken]

As promised, here are some of the headcanons I use in "A Wonderful Attraction" (AO3):

Magolor:

-Even though he wasn't born on Halcandra, he considers it his home planet because it made the person he is. That's why I keep saying he is Halcadran in the fanfic. He doesn't speak about his real home.

-Kirby and all his friends have forgiven him (even Meta Knight), but he's still trying to prove his trustworthiness.

-After the Lor found him in the Kirby Clash dimension, he agreed to follow her therapy program, which lasted several months. He still have huge emotional issues that he cover up with his eccentric persona.

-He has a room in the Starcutter where he stores all the artifacts he has found on his adventures. He also collects objects from other dimensions, such as books, films and video games.

-Magolor hides a tail and whiskers because of the way some people reacted when he first explored the galaxy with the Lor. Some people didn't take him seriously with his kitten-like appearance.

-Magolor has a lot of scars that he hides.

Taranza:

-When Joronia was alive, he managed the feat of both being shy and pretentious.

-Joronia's death and his guilt kept him withdrawn and he became a bubble of anxiety. But today, he's regained a little more self-confidence.

-He comes from a noble family. He has an extremely complicated relationship with his parents (I intend to explore this aspect in a fanfic).

-While pursuing his passion as a gardener, he is also a diplomat for the kingdom of Floralia. Magolor has taken Taranza to other planets such as Ripple Star with the Lor, so that he can expand the kingdom's relations. What a good friend~

-At the time of the fanfic, Taranza has long since accepted that he can never bring Joronia back to life. The problem now is to overcome the impression of infidelity when he falls in love again.

Marx:

-As obnoxious and childlike as ever.

-He's Magolor's best friend and knows many of the secrets he keeps from others.

-Although Marx is impulsive and slightly idiotic, he manages in a disturbing way to feel other people's emotions with ease.

-While Marx can sometimes be a jerk, he's extremely protective of his friends and tends to be uncharacteristically serious when it comes to a friend's trauma.

-He'll never admit out loud that he cares about his friends.

Susie:

-Since her father's death, she's taken over the company and done a complete 180°.

-Susie has empathy problems but tries her best to socialize.

-She's Taranza's confidante and best friend because they understand each other through grief.

-Although she is friends with Magolor, they maintain a kind of rivalry over who is the best mechanic.

-Susie and Marx don't get along at all, so it's a miracle they put their differences aside to put Magolor and Taranza together.

-She's very close to the Mage sisters, especially Zan.

Lor Starcutter:

-She is Magolor's mother figure mentor. She is extremely protective of him.

-She blames herself for being mute for so long, and thinks she could have avoided the whole Master Crown incident if she'd been a better mother.

-Before the Master Crown incident, she only communicated with him small caring gesture that doesn't necessarily needed to vocalize. After his redemption, she used text to communicated before finally undoing thousand of years of mutism during the Void Termina crisis to say that she loved him and was proud of who he had chose to become.

-The Starcutter's interior is basically a dimension unto itself.

-One of her strange hobbies is watching telenovelas and other TV movies, which she justifies by saying that she studies organic beings.

I can't delve deeper without spoiling some of the fanfic.

Thank you for reading!

[carriecohencoaching]

The Ultimate Guide to Couples Counseling: Strengthening Your Relationship

Introduction

Relationships are the cornerstone of our lives, offering companionship, support, and love. However, maintaining a healthy relationship requires effort, communication, and sometimes external support. Couples counseling is a powerful tool for addressing conflicts, improving communication, and fostering a deeper connection between partners. This comprehensive guide explores the ins and outs of couples counseling, its benefits, techniques, and how to find the right therapist for your needs.

What is Couples Counseling?

Couples counseling, also known as couples therapy or marriage counseling, is a type of psychotherapy designed to help partners improve their relationship. It involves sessions with a trained therapist who works with both partners to address issues, improve communication, and develop healthy relationship habits. Couples counseling can be beneficial at any stage of a relationship, whether you are dating, engaged, married, or in a long-term partnership.

Benefits of Couples Counseling

1. Improved Communication

One of the primary goals of couples counseling is to enhance communication between partners. Effective communication is the foundation of a healthy relationship, allowing partners to express their needs, desires, and concerns openly. Counseling helps partners develop better listening skills, empathy, and ways to articulate their thoughts without causing conflict.

2. Conflict Resolution

All relationships experience conflict, but how couples handle these disagreements can make or break the relationship. Couples counseling provides strategies and tools for resolving conflicts constructively. Therapists teach partners to address issues calmly and respectfully, focusing on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.

3. Strengthened Emotional Connection

Emotional intimacy is crucial for a fulfilling relationship. Couples counseling helps partners reconnect on an emotional level, fostering a deeper bond. Therapists guide couples in understanding each other's emotional needs and developing ways to meet those needs consistently.

4. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills

Through counseling, couples learn effective problem-solving techniques that can be applied to various aspects of their relationship. Whether it's managing finances, parenting, or household responsibilities, having strong problem-solving skills helps partners work together as a team.

5. Prevention of Future Issues

Couples counseling isn't just for relationships in crisis. It can also be a proactive measure to prevent potential issues from escalating. By addressing minor concerns early on and developing healthy communication habits, couples can avoid more significant problems down the road.

Common Issues Addressed in Couples Counseling

Couples counseling can address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

Communication problems: Misunderstandings, frequent arguments, or a lack of open dialogue.

Trust issues: Infidelity, dishonesty, or breaches of trust.

Intimacy concerns: Sexual dissatisfaction, emotional distance, or mismatched desires.

Financial conflicts: Disagreements over spending, saving, or financial responsibilities.

Parenting differences: Conflicting parenting styles or disagreements about child-rearing.

Life transitions: Adjusting to changes such as moving, career changes, or retirement.

Mental health issues: Dealing with individual mental health problems that impact the relationship.

Techniques and Approaches in Couples Counseling

1. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT is a structured approach to couples therapy that focuses on building and strengthening emotional bonds. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT helps partners understand their emotional responses and attachment needs. The therapy aims to create secure emotional connections and improve relationship satisfaction.

2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT for couples focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to relationship problems. This approach helps partners develop healthier ways of thinking and interacting, leading to more positive relationship dynamics.

3. The Gottman Method

Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method is based on extensive research into what makes relationships succeed or fail. The Gottman Method emphasizes building a strong friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning. It includes specific techniques such as the "Four Horsemen" (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling) to identify and counteract destructive behaviors.

4. Imago Relationship Therapy

Imago Therapy, created by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, focuses on understanding and healing childhood wounds that affect adult relationships. The approach helps partners recognize how their past influences their current behaviors and learn to meet each other's needs more effectively.

5. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

SFBT is a goal-oriented approach that emphasizes finding solutions to specific problems rather than focusing on the past. Couples work with the therapist to identify their goals and develop practical steps to achieve them, fostering a sense of hope and progress.

The Process of Couples Counseling

1. Finding the Right Therapist

Choosing the right therapist is crucial for the success of couples counseling. Look for a licensed therapist with experience in couples therapy and a style that aligns with your needs. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care doctor, or search online directories such as Psychology Today or the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

2. Initial Assessment

The first few sessions typically involve an initial assessment where the therapist gathers information about the couple's relationship history, current issues, and goals for therapy. This assessment helps the therapist understand the dynamics of the relationship and tailor the therapy to the couple's needs.

3. Developing a Treatment Plan

Based on the initial assessment, the therapist will work with the couple to develop a treatment plan. This plan outlines the goals of therapy, the approaches and techniques that will be used, and the expected duration of therapy. Having a clear plan helps both the therapist and the couple stay focused and track progress.

4. Regular Sessions

Couples counseling usually involves regular sessions, typically once a week, although the frequency can vary based on the couple's needs and progress. During these sessions, the therapist facilitates discussions, teaches new skills, and helps the couple practice healthy communication and conflict resolution techniques.

5. Homework Assignments

To reinforce what is learned in therapy, therapists often assign homework for couples to complete between sessions. These assignments may include practicing specific communication techniques, engaging in activities that build intimacy, or journaling about their experiences and feelings.

6. Progress Evaluation

Throughout the therapy process, the therapist will periodically evaluate the couple's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the therapy remains effective and responsive to the couple's evolving needs.

Tips for Making the Most of Couples Counseling

1. Be Open and Honest

For therapy to be effective, both partners need to be open and honest about their feelings, concerns, and experiences. This honesty creates a foundation for trust and allows the therapist to provide the most accurate guidance.

2. Commit to the Process

Couples counseling requires commitment from both partners. This means attending sessions regularly, participating fully in the exercises and discussions, and being willing to make changes for the betterment of the relationship.

3. Practice Patience

Improving a relationship takes time, and progress may not always be immediate. Be patient with the process and with each other, understanding that setbacks are a normal part of growth.

4. Focus on Yourself Too

While couples counseling is about improving the relationship, it's also important to focus on personal growth. Each partner should take responsibility for their own actions and work on becoming the best version of themselves.

5. Apply What You Learn

The skills and techniques learned in therapy are only effective if applied in real life. Make a conscious effort to practice new communication strategies, conflict resolution methods, and intimacy-building activities outside of therapy sessions.

When to Consider Couples Counseling

While couples counseling can be beneficial at any stage of a relationship, there are certain signs that indicate it may be particularly necessary:

Frequent Arguments: If you find yourselves arguing more often than not, and the conflicts remain unresolved.

Communication Breakdown: When communication has broken down completely, and you feel like you can't talk to each other without fighting.

Infidelity: After an affair, couples counseling can help rebuild trust and work through the complex emotions involved.

Life Transitions: Major life changes such as having a baby, moving, or retirement can strain a relationship. Counseling can help navigate these transitions smoothly.

Emotional Distance: If you feel emotionally disconnected from your partner, counseling can help rekindle the bond.

Considering Separation: If you are contemplating separation or divorce, counseling can help you understand whether the relationship can be saved and how to proceed.

The Role of Individual Therapy

Sometimes, individual issues can significantly impact a relationship. In such cases, individual therapy can be a valuable complement to couples counseling. Individual therapy allows each partner to work on personal challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or self-esteem issues, that may be affecting the relationship. By addressing these individual concerns, couples can bring their best selves to the relationship, enhancing the overall effectiveness of couples counseling.

Online vs. In-Person Couples Counseling

With the rise of teletherapy, couples counseling is now more accessible than ever. Both online and in-person counseling have their pros and cons:

Online Counseling

Convenience: Sessions can be conducted from the comfort of your home, saving time and making it easier to fit into busy schedules.

Accessibility: Ideal for couples in remote areas or those with mobility issues.

Anonymity: Some couples feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues in a virtual setting.

In-Person Counseling

Personal Connection: Face-to-face interaction can create a stronger therapeutic bond and allow for better non-verbal communication.

Environment: A neutral, professional setting can help partners focus and engage more fully in the therapy process.

Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person counseling depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and specific needs.

How to Choose the Right Couples Counselor

Choosing the right therapist is crucial for the success of couples counseling. Here are some tips to help you find the right fit:

1. Credentials and Experience

Look for a licensed therapist with specific training and experience in couples therapy. Check their credentials, education, and any certifications they may have.

2. Approach and Techniques

Different therapists use different approaches and techniques. Research the various methods (such as EFT, CBT, Gottman Method) and find a therapist whose approach aligns with your preferences and needs.

3. Compatibility

It's essential to feel comfortable with your therapist. Schedule an initial consultation to see if their personality, style, and approach are a good fit for both partners.

4. Specializations

If you have specific issues, such as infidelity or trauma, look for a therapist who specializes in those areas.

5. Recommendations and Reviews

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare providers. Additionally, read online reviews and testimonials to get an idea of other couples' experiences with the therapist.

The Cost of Couples Counseling

The cost of couples counseling can vary widely depending on factors such as location, therapist's experience, and session length. On average, couples counseling can range from $75 to $200 per session. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income, and many insurance plans cover couples therapy, so it's worth checking with your provider.

[galaxyregent]

Here we have Dagur's Family, his mother Iona and his sister Brenna as a child. As you can see Brenna and Dagur favor their mother. I imagine Oswald had red hair too, though faded from the years. All three of Oswald's children got his eyes. Heather got dark hair from her mother.

Iona was a fierce and well respected warrior of the tribe, coming for a prominent family. She came from a family where she had one brother (Harold/Herald) and two sisters.

When I picture Iona and Oswald's relationship, I dont picture one of deep love but practicality. Iona was a good match for the chief and she found fulfillment in bettering her tribe and assisting him in war. She was never the type to stand still. Even though they weren't in love, they respected each other deeply. There was never a whisper of infidelity on either party while Iona lived.

Iona loved her children fiercely, wanting only the best for them in the future. It was actually more from Iona than Oswald the children get their mental instability from. Iona was great at managing it, on the battlefield she always let loose. For those who don't know, Berserkers were a supposedly real type of warrior among vikings. They would drink some kind of medicine, likely a serious stimulant, and charge into the battle fields, destroying all in their wake. It was said in battle they couldn't even differentiate between friends and foes so even allies had to give them a wide berth.

Brenna and Dagur loved their mother in turn, but only Brenna remembers her with any clarity. Still, Dagur remembers the fierce-some warrior his mother was from stories and faint memories. In BB I always right Dagur having deep respect for women, which seems to be canon too. That was partly due to Brenna being a domineering presence when they were children. She forced him to do her chores a lot.

It's never been clear why Oswald became agreeable, but I have a theory in the BB universe. Brenna is older than Dagur, and when she was born, there were many talks about a potential spouse. Wars between the tribes make intermarriage difficult, so they were trying to think of a spouse on island. However it was difficult, the population of the Berserker tribe is pretty much all related, more or less, especially the more influential clans. Now, inbreeding was nowhere near as understood as it now, but people understand cause and effect. Blood being too close has long since a valid reason to dissolving marriages of aristocracy.

When tribes are at war, blood becomes concentrated leading to sickly babes and deformities. Oswald found that every potential, suitable partner for Brenna was too close in blood. Then he had an idea. Even though he was at war with other tribes, he respected their leaders as warriors and men. What if there was a way to conquer tribes without bloodshed? What about marriage?

Slowly he begins his journey and establishing peace with other tribes. Brenna is promised to young heir of Hysteria tribes, one of his chief rivals. This bring peace and boost of commerce and fresh blood into both tribes, alliance also helps with dragon problem.

Peace with the Hooligan tribe is equally important, so he's thrilled when Stoick has a daughter while he has a son. Considering the difficulties with Hiccup's birth and the slew of failed pregnancies prior to her it's unlikely Stoick would have another child. This is confirmed when Valka is taken and Stoick refuses to take another wife.

It's an added bonus because law would support Hiccup's right to inherit the chief mantle. In the beginning it looked difficult because Stoick wanted his girl to stay close and resolve the succession crisis by marrying her to his nephew, his next closest relation. Eventually, Oswald convinces him to marry Hiccup to Dagur.

This plan actually kind of works because four of his six grandchildren are chiefs in their own right; his three grandsons through Dagur and his granddaughter Silvi through Brenna. Each chief ruling over a powerful tribe.

Iona means both Dove and Island

Brenna means burning or torch, again referencing her hair

[imb3rs]

⊹₊⟡⋆   kaya   scodelario   +   she/her   ⊹₊⟡⋆   blasting   back   in   black   by   ac/dc   through   their   airpods   is   FREYA   RIBEIRO   .   oh   ,   you   don’t   know   them   ?   they’re   the   thirty2   year   old   executive   (   pr   agent   &   ceo   of   her   own   boutique   agency   )   who   just   went   viral   for   verbally   eviscerating   the   paparazzi   and  successfully   stopping   a   barrage   of   negative   press   for   a   very   high   profile   client   .   yup   ,   the   one   that   drives   a   bmw   m8  competition   convertible   .   i   hear   they’re   pretty   +incisive   ,   but   others   have   claimed   that   they’re   quite   -acerbic   .   that   makes   sense   ,   considering   they’re   often   labeled   as   the   non-idle   rich   .

[  ✰  ]  WANTED  &  ESTABLISHED  CONNECTIONS  (  WIP  ).

penned  by  HECATE  (  she/her  ,  21+  ,  pst  )

001.     ↻     BASICS  .

[  ✰  ]  full  name:  freya  ribeiro  st.  clair

[  ✰  ]  alias  /  nickname(s):  freya  ribeiro

[  ✰  ]  age:  32

[  ✰  ]  date  of  birth:  01/15

[  ✰  ]  place  of  birth:  rio  de  janeiro,  brazil

[  ✰  ]  ethnicity:  white,  brazilian

[  ✰  ]  nationality:  american,  british  (  formerly  )

[  ✰  ]  gender:  cis  woman

[  ✰  ]  pronouns:  she/her

[  ✰  ]  orientation:  bisexual  /  biromantic

[  ✰  ]  language(s)  spoken:  english,  italian,  brazilian  portuguese,  spanish

[  ✰  ]  mbti:  ENTP

[  ✰  ]  element:  water

[  ✰  ]  zodiac:  capricorn

[  ✰  ]  character  inspiration:  nanami  kento  (  jujutsu  kaisen  ),  will  mcavoy  (  newsroom  ),  olivia  pope  (  scandal  ),  jessica  pearson  (  suits  ),  shiv  roy  (  succession  )

002.     ↻     BACKGROUND  .

NOTE:  this  is  a  quick  summary  /  tldr  of  freya's  background  .  for  a  more  detailed  bio  ,  please  CLICK  HERE  !

(  tw:  mentions  of  familial  death  &  infidelity  )  freya  ribeiro  st.  clair  was  born  into  a  life  of  massive  wealth  and  influence  in  rio  de  janeiro  .  the  product  of  two  powerful  families:  the  ribeiros  ,  known  for  their  booming  liquor  business  ,  and  the  st.  clairs  ,  a  family  of  finance  magnates  and  media  moguls  .  freya’s  life  was  shaped  by  high  societal  expectations  ,  all  while  navigating  the  somewhat  complex  dynamic  with  her  family  .  following  the  death  of  her  mother  ,  family  tensions  only  increased  as  the  rivalry  with  her  younger  sister  worsens  and  the  pressure  to  maintain  appearances  becomes  more  apparent  .  she  channels  her  focus  into  a  academics  which  eventually  leads  to  a  thriving  career  in  public  relations  .  and  after  witnessing  her  fiancé’s  infidelity  with  her  sister  ,  freya  leaves  her  family  and  rebrands  herself  in  america  .  all  while  establishing  a  quickly  rising  pr  firm  in  los  angeles  ,  she  resides  in  beverly  park  far  from  the  constraints  of  her  family’s  name  and  legacy  (  or  so  she  hopes  )  . 

003.     ↻     HEADCANONS  .

NOTE:  this  is  a  work  in  progress  so  more  will  be  added  at  a  later  time  !

has  a  european  dobermann  named  titus 

a  workaholic  through  and  through

owner  and  ceo  of  sparrow  pr  ,  her  boutique  pr  agency  that  has  quite  a  roster  of  clients  ranging  from  celebrities  ,  athletes  to  politicians

obtained  degrees  in  digital  media  &  culture  and  international  business management  .  got  her  masters  in  media  ,  culture  &  communications

specializes  in  crisis  management  and  has  an  extensive  background  in  not  only  public  relations  but  communications  as  well

a  fashion  girlie  through  and  through  .  always  dressed  to  impressed  .  even  if  the  fashionable pantsuits  and  structured  jackets  might  make  her  stick  out  more  than  usual  in  certain  situations

[sleekervae]

Past Lives [0.1]

Masterlist

A/N: Hi, and happy Sunday! I've been wanting to expand my writer-verse for a while, and I've found it's tough depending on the person I'm writing about. However, I thought this was a cute idea and Austin fit it perfectly. Just bear with me :)

Summary: As the filming for Elvis wrapped, Austin found himself flush in an identity crisis. His body ached, his head hurt, it was tough for him to get excited about anything. However, his interest was peaked when he found he was in the same city as Jade Theodore, a once good friend whom he'd been separated from thanks to time and circumstances...

Warnings: some mentions of InFiDeLiTy

Two years is a long time in hindsight. Add on sleepless nights, countless injuries, little to no contact with your loved ones, and a pandemic? It was any wonder Austin hadn't checked himself into a psyche ward when filming had wrapped. That last day, when the cameras were finally shut down and all the make up came off, he locked himself in his bedroom. He was positive he'd slept for almost three days, but it still didn't feel like enough.

By the end of that last week, Austin stared at himself in the mirror, poking and pulling with unfamiliar curiosity at his own face. His stubble was beginning to grow back, a mismatch to the black dye that would need time to fade from his usually burnt blonde hair. His eyes were opaque and his skin felt raw and plasticky, almost like a doll. He couldn't explain it then, but never had he felt so unnerved to stare into the mirror, and for once in his life, not recognize the person who was staring back at him.

This was the shell of Elvis Presley. Where did Austin go?

It was a week before Austin had gathered enough of his faculties to get his shit together and pack up. And before his eyes, he had traded the long, hot and humid country landscape of Australia for the rain-filtered stone neighbourhoods of London. His manager had afforded him a break before he would be whisked off to shoot his next project. It was a small break; three weeks to recover from two years. It seemed like a joke to most, but a break was a break. Any time he could take for himself was greatly welcome.

Austin's eyes cracked open, for once not at the behest of a blaring alarm. His brain was still wired to expect sun and native birds chirping away, though instead he woke up to rain pattering against the windows and traffic echoing from below his apartment.

He had taken to walking up and down the neighbourhood, exploring the hidden shops in small streets and wandering Trafalgar Square. Nobody paid him any mind, masked up and avoiding touching him and each other. He had to wonder, if this movie was as big as Baz had promised, how would this all change for him? Walking down the street would become a luxury he could no longer afford without becoming mobbed, if not by fans than by paps. And they would all watch this movie, all of them with the highest of high expectations...

On a bleary Wednesday morning, Austin sat by the window in an obscure little cafe. His coffee was becoming lukewarm and his breakfast sandwich only partially devoured as he scrolled through his phone. His mind was empty, colors and eye-catching headlines only holding his focus for mere moments before he'd move on to the next. However, he stopped suddenly at a particular paparazzi post of a singer.

Jade Theodore Sports Pleather Jacket with Sandals in London

He couldn't give a damn about whatever fashion fad the news outlet was focusing on, Austin stared intensely at the blurry photo. Slender, small, her usually long chestnut hair was cut short and a mask hid half of her face. But Austin was struck by an odd twang of nostalgia. He hadn't seen Jade in years, it felt like a whole other life since he had.

Jade Theodore had been conquering Billboard hits since 2014, exploding onto the alternative pop scene after ditching a go-no-where career at Disney. She was a force of musical talent to be reckoned with, speaking the most beautiful truths in her music that could vary from tasteful and classic to raw and raucous. Austin had seen her perform a couple times and he had a few of her songs on his phone. But he hadn't spoken to her in years.

And she was here in London, too...

Austin had spent the last two years in near full isolation from his friends and family. He felt like a stranger in his own skin, unaware of himself and trying to root himself back to who he was and why he did what he did. So it was a familiar comfort to him as he looked her up on instagram. Her page was full of gorgeous selfies and shots of the food she made. He remembered how much she liked to cook and she was good at it, even at a young age. And of course, she had pictures of her dog; a golden mini doodle that she took everywhere with her.

Jade's most recent photo was a window selfie with downtown London in the background. Her large green eyes twinkled in the reflection of the light, some makeup stained just beneath her lashes and pushed the grunge aesthetic she toted. She was younger than him by a couple years, she had to be twenty-six or twenty-seven by now, and yet she still held that teenage mischief in her stare.

His fingers moved before he could realize just what the hell he was doing, and he stared at the message he had ready to send in her DM.

Hey Jade, saw you're in London. How are you?

Austin stared at the message long and hard, his mind spinning with the fret of whether or not he should send it. And furthermore, would Jade bother to read or respond to it? Nevertheless, his thumb twitched once, twice, and then he pressed send.

Not two seconds later, he slammed his phone down on the table screen down. His rationality told him not to worry; she'd see he wasn't just a random user awaiting a response. Maybe she'd be happy to catch up with him? The irrational part however of his brain was screaming at him, wondering why he would message someone who was a point blank stranger to him. And he was to her, too. They hadn't spoken in nearly a decade, there was a slim to fair chance that Jade wouldn't give Austin the time of day. After all, she was probably really busy with her music and --

His phone buzzed, and Austin would admit he was a little too quick to turn the screen over and check. His heart dropped when he saw it was just a message from his agent checking in on him. He set the phone down again and his gaze shifted out the window again. He was being utterly ridiculous, but the constant thumping of his knee would easily give away his flicker of anxiety. He should just delete the message, she probably wouldn't see it anyway --

The phone buzzed again. Austin huffed, figuring for good reason it was just his agent again. However, his eyes blinked swiftly, and he stared in almost disbelief as he read Jade's response.

Hi Austin! Wow, it's been a while! I can't really complain, how are you?

He could still hear her voice in his head as he read the message over again, her honeyed Canadian accent penetrating his ears. His lips began to curl up in a small smile and he began to type back.

I know, it's been too long. Guess I can't really complain, either.

Austin considered himself an introvert, he had never been the type to throw himself at people or at social gatherings. However, he seemingly jumped at the chance when Jade offered to get a coffee together the next day. She had some off time and wanted to catch up a bit.

That Thursday afternoon Austin found himself sitting on a bench, overlooking the lush rolling hills of serene Regent's Park. Jade had texted him that morning telling him where to meet, and Austin kept looking to the same dented lamppost just to be sure he was in the right spot.

His knee continued bouncing, his long fingers tapping incessantly against the cold wooden bench planks. He didn't pay any mind to the footsteps crunching on the gravel trail before him, keeping his eyes glued just to his phone before the familiar honey voice took his attention.

"Austin?" his head snapped up, and his bright blue eyes met Jade's lush green ones. She smiled politely, one ankle locked behind the other as she stood there, and suddenly a rush of old memories flooded through him.

He stood up slowly, wiping his clammy hands on his jeans quickly as he approached her. Her eyes immediately went to his hair, needless to say she hadn't expected him to dawn a drastically different color to the burnt blonde she had come to know earlier.

"Jade, hi," he rasped out. Jade noted how his voice had changed, too; husky and thick. If smooth bourbon had a voice, Austin's voice would be it.

"Hi," she continued to smile, her cheeks tinting red despite the cool breeze whipping through the park.

Austin looked her up and down, he could see the small curls of her tattoos peeking out just below the cuff of her sweater. His smile suddenly curved into a playful smirk.

"Were you always this short?" he raised his hand to her height; the top of her head would just barely graze his chin, "Or was it my imagination?"

Jade scowled, her scorned grin still plastered to her lips as she rolled her eyes, "You know, I was gonna' hug you, but I could punch you instead if you want," she offered.

He began to laugh, taking a stride forward and pulling her in for a hug. She smelled of flowers and citrus, a reminiscing scent of seasonal turnings with the promise of spring break and refreshing decadence.

There was a quaint coffee stand at the end of a trail they stopped at, and Austin surprised himself with the fact that he could still remember Jade's typical order: black with two sugars. They took a seat on a bench shortly after. The sun was shining down so that was an added bonus, and they watched with little interest as other people lay out over their picnic blankets and played rounds of soccer football in the fields.

"So, how long have you been in London for?" he asked.

"Well over a year, now," she replied, "I had an opportunity to take up a residency for some work, and I had a friend who lives here so I've been rooming with her. Figured with all the bullshit going on back in the states, could England really be worse?"

"Wow," he simpered, "How long are you here for?"

"Two more weeks. My agent gave me the word, label wants me back in the pacific time zone," she said, "It's nice here, but it's not Australia,"

Austin smiled, "Yeah, it's absolutely beautiful over there,"

"Did you meet any koalas?" she asked with some giddy.

"Truth be told, I didn't have a chance," he replied, "Everything was shut down for about six months, so I mostly spent my days on the beach during that time. And when filming opened up again, I didn't really have much time for tourism,"

"Really?"

"Yeah,"

"Damn," Jade shook her head, "How hard did they work you over there?"

"Oh, we had eighteen hour days. And I maybe got three or four hours of sleep a night. I can't complain, though," he admitted, "Everyone on set was great, and the experience was just once in a lifetime, you know?"

"I suppose," she shrugged, "Not just anyone could pull off the King of Graceland,"

He huffed, "Yeah. It was a lot. I feel like I've been cramming for an exam the past two years and my body is finally coming out of it,"

"I'm glad you said so, because I didn't want to sound heartless," she said.

"Why would you sound heartless?" he popped a brow.

Jade smiled sheepishly, "Because -- you look like shit,"

"Oh, thank you. I looked in the mirror this morning," he smirked back.

Jade began to laugh, "I'm sorry. Okay -- but aside from physically, are you okay? I heard how intense these biopics can get. I mean, at least with Rocketman, Elton could give his notes if needed,"

He understood where she was coming from, "I got advice from the right people when I needed it. I'm just starting to come out of the fog, though. I need to either put my focus on something else or just not think about Elvis for a little while. At least until the press tours start,"

"I get it," she nodded, her lips pursing, "Is that why you messaged me out of the blue?"

He simpered shyly, "Well, no, I don't want you to get the wrong idea. I just heard you were in town and thought it might be nice to catch up,"

"Well, of course! It's only been... what? Nine years we last spoke?" she suggested, watching him carefully.

"Five," he noted, "I watched you perform at Coachella in 2017,"

Jade popped an eyebrow, "Oh? Why didn't you come say hi?"

That one, Austin didn't have a good answer for. His circumstances at the time were different, he was distracted to put it lightly. His social circle looked much different and his priorities were aligned elsewhere. It wasn't a very valid excuse, though.

"I don't know," he replied truthfully, "That's a shitty excuse, but the truth is I don't know why I didn't. I should've. I don't even know why I messaged you in the first place,"

Jade cocked her head, her gaze averting to the fields. The echoes of football games and chatting passerbys intermingled with the distant drawls of traffic in downtown. Regent's Park however was quieter. Jade turned to Austin again.

"I think I do," she suggested, "And correct me if I'm wrong: but from everything you've told me, coupled with some... unsavoury things that've come out in the past year, I think you're lost. Not just with yourself but in your reality as a whole. You've spent over two years pretending to be somebody else, and it's not exactly a children's game of dress up and make believe. So, when you saw that this familiar stranger," she stopped and pointed to herself, "you haven't spoken to in a while is suddenly within arms reach of you, you jumped for it like a seal doing circus tricks. You have to rebuild yourself, and how fortuitous you happened to stumble upon me,"

Austin sighed, nodding slowly as her words sunk in, "Does that make me a selfish prick?" he asked.

"Not at all," she shook her head, "It does make you a little whiny, I'm not gonna lie," that got a chuckle out of him, "I'm not exactly innocent, either. But still, I'm honoured you picked me,"

"I'm honoured that you even came out to meet me in the first place," he grinned, "Does it make me whiny to admit that it's really good to see you again?"

"Then we're both pretty whiny," she bumped his arm, "It's good to see you again, too,"

Time wasn't a thing as Austin and Jade continued to talk. It was as though years hadn't passed and it felt just like it used to when they were sit on set together. He told her about some of the upcoming projects he had in the works, including a possible call-back for the sequel for Dune. Jade had been a fan of the books as well as the newest movie, and regardless to say she was excited to hear about that prospective venture.

Jade meanwhile had a show coming up, her first in nearly two years at the Brixton Academy. After so much time lallygagging around she admitted she was a little flustered putting a set list and rehearsals together. Though the tickets were close to being sold out, Jade's nerves had a way of getting the better of her as the show loomed closer and closer.

The early morning soon turned into late afternoon and then the evening. Jade was surprised when she checked her watch and saw the time was bordering on five o'clock. Austin noted the time too, and he looked both ways up and down the park as he realized the crowd had thinned down considerably.

"It's getting dark," he said.

"Time always flies, I guess," she replied.

"Yeah," he collected the discarded cups, his mouth moving before his brain could register, "You wanna' get something to eat?" he suddenly asked.

Jade shrugged, "I mean -- if you have no where to be..."

"I have no where to be for another week and half," he told her.

"Alright," she stood up and slung her bag over her shoulder, fluffing up her hair, "There's a little pub down the road that make the best truffle fries. And I'm not even exaggerating," she chuckled, "They're deadly,"

Austin laughed as well, "Can't say no truffle fries now, can I?"

They ventured out of the park together, jacket sleeves occasionally brushing up together and the conversation kept flowing between them. He regaled her with a story from filming, some on-set shenanigans between him and his cast mates that helped lift the pressure. Jade watched him curiously, picking out the mischievous glint in his eye, the way his fingers fiddled with his coat pocket, how his smile was still the same as when he was seventeen. It felt so strange, content that she knew him and he seemed just the same, and yet he looked and was so different.

The gastropub was relatively empty at the time, a dark interiored venue that smelled of hops and fresh leather. Austin and Jade were given a booth in the back, a single candle accompanying the low dimmed sconces across the walls. Two pints of beer sat on the table, in between them a plate of steaming truffle fries.

"So... would you chew me out if I asked?" she asked meekly.

Austin had an unsettling feeling in his gut, but he nodded nonetheless, "Ask me what?" he asked.

Jade huffed, giggling nervously to herself, "About you... and a very long term relationship that didn't go the distance?" she was trying not to squirm in her seat.

Austin tried to put on a smile, but his fingers tapped slowly against the hardwood table, his eyes averting just the same. The side of his face was lit eerily by the candle, he was hauntingly mesmerizing.

"You know what? Forget it," she said quickly, "I shouldn't of -- I mean it's none of the my business --"

"No, it's okay," Austin assured, though his fingers continued to tap on the table, "Truth be told, I fell out of love," he scoffed, "Not as Lifetime as it sounds, I guess,"

Jade wasn't sure what she was expecting when he answered; probably something scandalous like one of them cheated, or there was a major fight. But what wasn't heard very often was the very thing he described, and seemed to still feel guilty over.

"I'm sorry," she said, "I get it, though,"

"You're one of very few people," he admitted, "Even my dad thought I was crazy when I told how I felt,"

Jade picked at another fry, "Ten years with somebody is a long time, Austin. But it's not a lifetime, either. And at the end of the day, you have to make a choice for yourself," she said, "Do you regret it?"

It was a question he had been asked often, and every time that relationship flashed through his head like a movie reel. He reminisced the good, the bad, and all the beautiful moments in between. However, his answer was always the same.

"No," he shook his head.

Jade shrugged, "Then, you can lift that burden off your shoulders," she said, "You know what's best for you, public opinion be damned,"

"I never thought of it that way before," he said, "As a burden, I mean,"

"I've found responsibility and naivety can be confused in situation-ships; whether that's for us or our significant others depends," she explained.

Austin sipped from his beer, "You sound like you've had some experience," he spoke before drinking.

Jade simpered, somewhat bitterly, "Suppose this the part where we discuss my failed relationships?" she asked.

"You asked me first," he smirked.

"Fair," she sighed, sitting back in the booth seat, "My partner and I are currently on a 'break'," she made air quotes with her fingers. Austin simpered with intrigue.

"Okay, Rachel. What happened?" he asked.

Jade shook her head, "Well, the shorter version is he caught covid really badly. So badly to the point where he had to be ventilated. His mother is a super sweet lady, but she's also super religious. She was concerned about his sins or whatever, so she told me -- while he was under ventilation -- that he had cheated on me,"

Austin popped an eyebrow, "Fuck..."

"Yep,"

"Hold on, lemme' get this straight," he said up, "He cheated on you, didn't tell you, told his mom, and now that he's in a coma his mom told you?"

"Oh, he's out of the coma now. He's fine," she replied.

"Holy --" Austin was at a loss for what to say. Not even the most twisted Hallmark movies could come up with such drama, "I can't imagine -- Jade, I can't even imagine what that must've been like,"

"So, you are blessed," she grinned.

"I assume though, that you did tell him?" he asked, "That you knew?"

"When he was well enough, I confronted him. And then he gave me the classic excuse 'she meant nothing!' and all that. Nothing concrete enough to forfeit him another chance, anyway. And don't even get me started on his mom," she squirmed in her seat.

Needless to say, she couldn't have dreamed up a more stressful situation. Jade had been so torn up, so angry with her boyfriend, and then guilty for being angry because he was so sick. But she also wanted him to pull through, partly because she needed the opportunity to confront him. And when she had, it still wasn't enough to satisfy her. Never before had she felt so violated, not just by her boyfriend but also by his family.

Though, she wondered in the back of her mind if she perhaps deserved it?

Austin was baffled, nonetheless, "When did all this happen?" he asked.

Jade's smile was bitter, regretful even, "About a year ago," she replied sadly.

He nodded, "So, when you had the opportunity to move to London amid a mass pandemic..."

"Like a seal in a circus," she admitted, "I'm nervous to go back because he's going to be waiting for me and promising over and over that he's changed and realized he can't live without me and all that bullshit,"

"So, break up with him!" he said.

"I have. Twice. He won't accept it," she stared off into space, teeth chewing thoughtfully on her bottom lip, "He's telling all our friends and family that we're just on a break..."

Her hand rested over the table, her index finger tapping impatiently. Austin couldn't help himself, he slid his own hand across the table and folded it over hers. Jade met his eyes again.

"I'm really sorry, Jade," he said, "If there's anything I can do..."

"Don't worry. I'll have him off my back soon enough," she shrugged, then her lips upturned into a gleeful smirk, "And hey, I'm a B-list celebrity! I could have a restraining order on him with a snap of my fingers if need be!"

He began to laugh, "Fame and its perks knows no bounds,"

The night dwelled on, the conversation moving on to more pleasant things. However, neither were privy to the fact that one hand always seemed to be in close contact with the other for the rest of their meal.

The restaurant filled up with people, endured its dinner rush, and then settled down again for closing. Austin and Jade were still in their booth, lost in their own bubble. That bubbles was popped however as a server came by and dropped off their bill. Austin felt a little guilty as he looked around, realizing they were the only table left in the place.

"Guess we became those people," he joked as he pulled out his wallet.

"Means we had the best time," she popped a brow, "What're you doing?"

"I'm paying the bill," he answered simply.

"Not by yourself," she countered, "At least let me get half!"

"Nope," he couldn't help the smug leer on his face as he pulled out some pound notes, "I invited you out, it's only fair,"

Jade opened her mouth to argue, but he had already closed the money into the booklet and gave it to the server. She relented nevertheless, following as he slid out of the booth and they made their exit.

The evening was chilly, but the sky remained clear, its pale visage looming down over central London. The streets were clear for the most part, though a good amount of cars were still driving up and down the roads. Austin and Jade walked side by side in the general vicinity of his apartment.

"This has been really nice. I almost hate to leave," she told him, chuckling bashfully, "But Cam is gonna bop me in the head if I'm late to another soundcheck,"

Austin simpered, "I understand. How long does your soundcheck run?"

"About two hours," she smiled politely, they both stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, "What are you doing next Wednesday?" she asked.

He shrugged, "Nothing, I guess," he replied.

"Why don't you come to the show? I can get you a ticket," she offered.

"Are you sure?" he asked, "I mean, I'm good for the ticket,"

"And you just bought me dinner, so you'll take it. I mean, the vibe's not exactly Mean Woman Blue, but..."

"Jade, I would love to come," he nodded.

She started rocking back and forth on her heels, "Cool, I'll send you the information," and she put her arms out for a hug. Austin obliged her happily. Her head fit snugly under his chin and his sharp cologne tickled pleasantly at her nose, "Thanks again -- for reaching out,"

"Hey, thank you for coming," he grinned, "And I'm sorry it took me ten years,"

Jade shrugged nonchalantly, "Hey, until the next ten years," she started walking backwards, "Bye Austin,"

A renewed excitement flooded over Austin, a shy smile on his lips as he began to turn, "Bye, Jade,"

[amyreadsandstresses]

AMY'S DAILY FIC REC

Today, BBC Sherlock and Teen Wolf

*Looking Down - HPswl_cumbercookie

6k, 1/1, Johnlock, Panic Attacks, Trauma, Acrophobia, Greg is a good friend, Hurt/Comfort

Sherlock's time away in Serbia has led to a rather severe manifestation of Acrophobia, which culminates in a severe panic attack and leads to some much needed confessions between our Baker Street Boys.

*The End - SherKat

5k, 6/6, Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, Identity Crisis, Ella Thompson, Mycroft Holmes, Trauma

After the fiasco at Sherrinford and Musgrave Hall, Sherlock is more than a bit not good.

And John has yet to learn that words, especially thoughtless ones spoken in haste, can cut very deeply indeed.

*What Was Different - thelookyouredoingthelookagain

17k, 9/9, Johnlock, Internalized Homophobia, First Time, Sherlock's Past, Gay Sherlock, Bisexual John Watson

John's list of assumptions about gay relationships surprises Sherlock. So the detective decides to enlighten the doctor.

*Denial - A_Candle_For_Sherlock

4k, 1/1, Johnlock, Sherlock's Past, Gay Sherlock, Past Viclock, Gay Bar, Friends to Lovers, Fluff, No smut

Written for a Tumblr prompt by grumpybijohn: "Imagine john and sherlock going to a gay bar for a case and the bartender/manager recognizes sherlock and is all like, 'Sherlock!! I haven’t seen you in years! How are you? Is this your boyfriend?'”

Or, what happens when denial finally gets too hard to maintain.

*On Blanket Forts And Waffles - reveling_in_mayhem

15k, 1/1, Johnlock, Parentlock, Rosie Watson, Sheer Fluff, First Kiss, Getting Together

John was happy with his life with Rosie and Sherlock. He had a lovely daughter and a wonderful best friend.

A sleepover in the living room wouldn't change any of that.

*Deductions Amiss - alice9

3k, 1/1, Johnlock, Confused Sherlock, Hurt/Comfort, Everything is actually fine, Implied/Referenced Infidelity

He sees, observes, and deduces, and the results leave him heartbroken. But he will do anything to keep John, even if it means having to keep his pain hidden and his mouth silent.

*I Can Carry You - lurikko

18k, 4/4, Johnlock, Dubious Consent, Angst with a Happy Ending, Fuck or Die

“I need you to do it for me,” Sherlock said.

*Looking Back, Moving Forward - Schattengestalt

12k, 2/2, Johnlock, Trans Sherlock, TW: Misgendering, TW: Past Transphobia, Supportive John, First Kiss, Domestic Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Childhood Memories, Body Dysphoria, Happy Ending

John believes that he has learned everything there is to know about Sherlock in the years that they have lived together. That is, until an unexpected letter arrives that challenges his view of his best friend.

*A (Sort of) Fairytale - briecheesie, daunt

25k, 1/1, Sterek, Fox!Stiles, Getting Together, Beautiful Illustrations, Hurt/Comfort, Magic, Romance

The summer after senior year starts normally enough, with the gang spending their final months before college together at the Martin family's lake house. Then Jackson stumbles onto the burial ground of a witch's ex-husband, Stiles is magically turned into a fox, and things somehow manage to get worse from there. The gratuitous Princess Bride references are only of moderate help.

[sebeth]

Christmas With The Super-Heroes #2

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

Christmas With The Super-Heroes #2 is DC’s 1989 holiday special. The cover depicts Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (Hal), Aquaman, Flash, Hawkman, the Atom, Plastic Man, and Nightwing at Santa’s workshop in the North Pole.

The issue opens with “Ex-Machina”, a Superman story by Paul Chadwick. Superman rescues a stranded, highly distressed man during a snowstorm. He directs him to seek shelter at the Kent Farm.

Story: 3 out of 5 stars. I do love a caring Superman.

Next up is Batman in “And In The Depths” by Dave Gibbons and Gray Morrow.

The story opens with contemplation over how long the Batcave has been in existence, Then we get a flashback to a young Bruce discovering the cave and the bats that live within.

We fast forward to Bruce turning into the cave into the Batcave, adopting Dick and Dick becoming Robin. Dick’s presence causes the “darkness” in the cave to recede but Dick leaves for Hudson University, causing the darkness to rush back.

“For some, there is no escape.” Some = Bruce.

“Dark. Cold. Dark as despair. Cold as death. The world can be cruel to the innocent. Lost in the abyss, they may lose sight of the sky. Battered and beaten, they may not remember tranquility. But even as their blood freezes in mortal dread. Even as eternal night seems inescapable.”

The art around these caption boxes depicts a dying robin (a bird) falling to the ground by the memorial case containing Jason Todd’s Robin costume.

The next page depicts a live healthy robin (the bird) flying into the Batcave and chasing off the bats: “Even then the flame of hope may still ignite in their breasts. They may discover strength within. May recognize a greater truth. And may be miraculously saved. For without darkness, light has no meaning. And long though the night has been…it cannot last forever.”

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.  The only connection this story has to Christmas is there is a Christmas Tree in a panel of the Dick portion of the story. I wasn’t enjoying the first few pages of the story, but it came around. This story was published within a few months of Tim Drake’s first appearance in the Batman series. If only DC had managed to publish this story before Tim’s debut – it would have been such a subtle way to foreshadow the appearance of a new Robin. And to publish it in a non-Batman title! Instant stealth bomb.

The third story is “Gifts”, a Wonder Woman story by Eric Shanower.  Eric Shanower is most known for his epic Age of Bronze comic series so its appropriate he was given the Wonder Woman story. Seriously, if you love Greek mythology, read Age of Bronze. It’s unfinished, it may never be finished, but it is worth it.

This takes place during the George Perez run on the Wonder Woman series so it will feature many of the supporting characters from that era. The story opens with Diana having a nightmare involving Hippolyta, Myndi Mayer (a publicist), Hermes, and Zeus. Diana wakes from the nightmare when Zeus proposes that he and Diana be of “one flesh”. Not gonna lie, that would make me wake screaming in fear too!

We then switch to the home of Julia and Vanessa Kapatelis. Julia is a Greek language/history professor. Diana stayed with the pair in Boston after she first came to “man’s world”. Vanessa would later go on to become the post-Crisis “Silver Swan”. I have no idea if Vanessa is the New 52/Rebirth/whatever era DC is currently in Silver Swan.

Pastor Sharon, an old college friend of Julia, tells her that she recently found out that her husband is having an affair and had filed for divorce?

Was everyone at DC depressed in 1989? The Superman story had a man attempt suicide, Batman’s life is neverending darkness he can’t escape, and Wonder Woman’s story is infidelity and divorce? The stories aren’t exactly spreading the Christmas cheer!

Sharon meets Wonder Woman and they exchange “what do you do for a living?” stories. Diana: “I really don’t consider myself a super-hero. True, I have assisted them and have friends among them, but I do not feel like one of them. I am here to tell this world of the Amazon way of life, to teach your people a new way of living, a way of love and peace.”

Diana, Sharon, and the Kapatelis participate in the traditional holiday events: caroling, baking, and a nice meal. Diana is unable to find sleep later that night.  Sharon is also unable to sleep and the duo talk downstairs. Diana is frustrated by the lack of progress in her mission. Sharon gives her the “fight the good fight” talk.

The story ends with the group exchanging gifts on Christmas morning.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

The fourth story is “Silent Night” by John Byrne and Andy Kubert. The story features Enemy Ace aka Hans Von Hammer, a German pilot during World War I. There is no dialogue in this story. It takes place on a base that holds wounded soldiers. Enemy Ace lands and delivers care packages. A blonde nurse has him stay and dances with him inside a building. Ace salutes the names of soldiers on a board. Possibly a list of soldiers who had passed away. A wounded soldier attempts to shoot Ace but is stopped by another soldier who has Ace leave. Ace kisses the hand of the blonde nurse and flies away. I haven’t read much of Enemy Ace, so I’m unsure of the dynamics between the characters. Did Ace drop off medical supplies for the other side? Is that why the soldier attempted to shoot him?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not a traditional Christmas story – the only “Christmas” aspect is the snow. It is a highly effective example of telling a story with no dialogue.

The fifth story is untitled by Bill Loebs and Colleen Doran. It features Flash (Barry Allen) and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). Barry is stuck at the Watchtower due to monitor duty. Hal is bored and joined Barry to pass the time. We discover Green Arrow (Oliver Queen) gives Hal a cop of “Das Capital” every year: “I think this is his way of making sure I read it!” Spoiler Alert: Hal still hasn’t read the book.

Barry tells Hal that Wally (the pre-Crisis Kid Flash) gives Barry socks every year – specifically, multiple pairs of yellow socks with tiny blue clocks. Barry now owns 75 pairs of those pairs of socks.

Hal announces that monitor duty is over (even though no one has shown up to replace Barry). Hal wants to go to “some small burg where they know how to have an old-fashioned Christmas”.

The pair change to civilian attire and head to “some small burg”. All they find is rain, grumpiness, and theft. They change back to heroic attire to stop a robbery and encounter C.B Feinster, one of the richest men on earth. He’s also one of the most depressed as he informs the heroes “life is meaningless” and people have “withered, evil, souls”.

The duo decide to prove Christmas is real, so they dress the millionaire in a Santa outfit, conjure up a sleigh, and essentially kidnap him to hand out presents.

By the end of the night, Feinster has gotten into the spirit and goes out of his way to help a homeless family and other residents of the town.

The story ends with Hal wishing Barry a “Happy Hanukkah” and Barry telling Hal “Merry Christmas”.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. 

The sixth story is “Should Auld Aquaintance Be Forgot”. A Deadman story by Alan Brennert and Dick Girodano.

Deadman, per the theme of this issue, is in a funk: “Christmas is not my favorite time of year. Too much damn goodwill floating around. Not enough for me to do. Too much time alone.” He contemplates visiting Corrigan (aka the Spectre) but decides “he gets little enough normalcy, either”.

Deadman (Boston Brand) pops into a body here and there, enjoys a bit of ice skating, etc, and hops along to a Christmas party. Boston leaves his host and rages: “Damn you, Rama! Is this the reward I get for serving you and your damned lords of order? Am I supposed to be grateful for this?”

A long blonde-haired woman with red earrings asks: “Is that why you do this? For the rewards?”

A startled Brand asks: “You can see me? Who are you, one of Madame Xanadu’s smartass mystic friends?”

The mystery blonde responds: “Me? No, magic and I have never been boon companions, I’m afraid.”

This is where the reader should be paying attention and connecting the dots on the identy of the mystery blonde. I’ve read the story before so I know the answer but I’ll wait to the end of the story for the revelation.

Boston continues: “Then how?”

The mystery blonde responds: “Does it matter? A minute ago you were raging against the gods for being alone. If you want, I can always leave.”

The duo continue their conversation and Boston thinks: “There was something about her…about her tone…that made me feel like a lichen, compared to her. I’d been feeling like Job, and her she was, making me feel like Judas. And I didn’t know why.”

The blonde takes off Boston’s mask to reveal the human face underneath. She tells Boston: “We don’t do it for the glory. We don’t do it for recognition. We do it because it needs to be done. Because if we don’t no one else will. And we do it even if no one knows what we’ve done. Even if no one knows we exist. Even if no one remembers we ever existed.”

The mystery blonde announces she must leave as she business to attend to. Boston stops her: “Who are you? How can you see me? I don’t even know your name.”

The blonde answers: “My name is…”

Yes, the blonde gives her name but I’m withholding for a minute to review the clues:

A long-haired blonde with red earrings

She can see Deadman. Who else can see Deaman but another ghost?

“Magic and I have never been boon companions I’m afraid.”

High standard of morality that makes other heroes feel lesser

She is able to remove Boston’s mask – another indication she is a ghost

The “we don’t do it for the glory” speech: “we do it even if no one knows what we’ve done. Even if no one knows we exist. Even if no one remembers we ever existed”’

Have you guessed her identity? Back to the reveal…

The blonde answers: “My name is Kara. Though I doubt that’ll mean anything to you.”

Boston reflects: “She was right. It didn’t”.

Christmas With The Super-Heroes #2 is the last appearance of the pre-Crisis Supergirl. Kara sacrificed herself in a last stand with the Anti-Monitor in the Crisis on Infinite Earths series. Even if you’ve never read the series, you’ll recognize the cover of a grief-stricken Superman holding Supergirl’s body. Due to the nature of the resolution of the Crisis, Kara’s existence was erased from everyone’s memories and the continuity of the DC Universe. Side note: Kara was awesome when she decided to truly throw down. See the showdown with the Anti-Monitor in the Crisis and her confrontation with Darkseid in the Great Darkness Saga.

The story ends “With respect and admiration for the works of Otto Binder and Jim Mooney. We still remember.”

Binder and Mooney were the creators of Supergirl.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. It was great to get one last appearance of the original and the greatest Supergirl.

[thedennysmanager]

I need to know about your dnd characters right now, so if you feel like it, pick any number of that dnd character question you reblogged (your favorites!!), I'll be very happy to read about them!! :3c

I'm so honored you want to know more about my dnd characters (I would also love to hear about your ocs btw), I could talk about them for hours so I will just pick one I haven't been asked about yet.

So about Thelise, my wildmagic sorcerer who I am currently playing:

1: Why did they choose their classes? Their subclasses?

It family tradition for Thelise's noble house to be schooled in the arcane arts by the most prestigious school in the kingdom, and Thelise showed a gift for magic from a very young age. Unfortunately, her family didn't want to send their illegitimate child out into the world and remind the other noble houses of their infidelity. So despite her gifts, Thelise was never allowed to attend the academy but she still practiced with magic every chance she got. However, with her especially powerful magic and no training it tends to surge and accidentally backfire, hence wildmagic sorcerer.

3: What is their goal right now?

Thelise's main goal is to get revenge on her family as when she ran into legal trouble, they took the opportunity to try and get rid of her. She managed to escape execution, and now she is biding her time until she can bring ruin to the House of Arelen.

5: Do they follow a higher power? What is their thoughts on divinity?

Yes, the culture she lives in is polytheistic and since the gods are provably real and very active, almost everyone worships at least a couple gods. Thelise especially venerates the usurper god of the moon Tiran. Tiran is evil but promises the downtrodden and abused the chance to rise up and overturn the society they live in. Worshiping Tiran publicly is a good way to get imprisoned though so she keeps it a secret. Generally she thinks the gods are just fixed forces of existence, they are unchangeable and undeniable.

34: What party member do they go to in a crisis?

Her best friend is a tiefling chronomancer in the party named Asini. Asini consistently sticks up for and helps Thelise so now Thelise is her ride or die friend. They tend to balance each other out and Thelise can trust Asini with most of her secrets and problems. (Asini and Thelise below at a masquerade ball the party went to a while ago)

[drkarenhawk]

Restoring Balance After a Relationship Crisis: Dr. Karen Hawk’s Guidance

Relationships, whether romantic, familial, or friendships, play a central role in our emotional well-being. They are often the source of our deepest connections, joy, and support. However, even the most loving relationships can face crises that disrupt the balance, whether due to infidelity, trust issues, communication breakdowns, or external stressors. In these times, it can feel as though everything is falling apart, leaving individuals unsure of how to move forward. Dr. Karen Hawk, a compassionate and experienced therapist, offers valuable guidance in helping people restore balance after a relationship crisis. Her expertise can provide the clarity, tools, and emotional support needed to rebuild trust, re-establish emotional connections, and heal the wounds caused by conflict or betrayal.

Understanding Relationship Crises

Dr Karen hawk psychologist A relationship crisis can manifest in many forms, each with its own set of challenges. A crisis could be a betrayal of trust, such as infidelity or dishonesty; a significant life change, like the loss of a job or the death of a loved one; or an ongoing issue such as poor communication, unresolved conflict, or emotional distance. Regardless of the cause, a crisis often shakes the foundation of a relationship, leaving both individuals feeling vulnerable, hurt, and unsure of what steps to take next.

In these moments, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by negative emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety, which can cloud judgment and make it difficult to see a path forward. Dr. Hawk’s approach to restoring balance in a relationship crisis is grounded in empathy, effective communication, and a clear roadmap to healing.

Dr. Karen Hawk’s Approach to Restoring Balance in Relationships

Dr. Hawk understands that every relationship crisis is unique and that healing requires personalized care. Her approach emphasizes emotional awareness, healthy communication, rebuilding trust, and creating a sustainable foundation for the future. Below are the key principles Dr. Hawk employs to help individuals and couples restore balance in their relationships.

1. Creating a Safe Space for Open Communication

In the wake of a relationship crisis, communication often breaks down. Hurt feelings, blame, and unresolved emotions make it difficult to have productive conversations. Dr. Hawk helps couples create a safe, non-judgmental space where both partners feel heard, understood, and respected. By guiding individuals to express their emotions without fear of retaliation or criticism, Dr. Hawk helps open the door to honest and constructive communication.

She emphasizes the importance of “active listening”—a technique where each person listens to their partner with full attention, seeking to understand their feelings and perspective. This allows each person to feel validated and fosters an environment in which both individuals can express their needs and concerns without the conversation escalating into further conflict.

2. Addressing and Healing the Emotional Wounds

A relationship crisis, especially one that involves betrayal or emotional pain, often leaves deep emotional wounds. These wounds can manifest as trust issues, resentment, or emotional detachment. Dr. Hawk helps individuals and couples identify the root causes of these emotional scars, allowing them to confront and process their feelings in a healthy way.

Healing from emotional wounds requires time and patience. Dr. Hawk encourages couples to acknowledge their hurt, without rushing the process of forgiveness or reconciliation. She provides strategies for managing strong emotions such as anger, guilt, or sadness, and teaches couples how to be emotionally supportive of one another during the healing process.

By working through these emotions with Dr. Hawk’s guidance, individuals can begin to heal the hurt caused by the crisis and move toward emotional recovery.

3. Rebuilding Trust

Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship, and once it has been broken, it can be incredibly difficult to restore. Whether the crisis involves infidelity, dishonesty, or broken promises, rebuilding trust requires both parties to be committed to the process. Dr. Hawk works with couples to rebuild trust through transparency, accountability, and mutual respect.

For those who have been betrayed, Dr. Hawk helps them understand that rebuilding trust is a gradual process that takes time and consistency. She guides individuals to focus on actions rather than just words, ensuring that each partner demonstrates their commitment to rebuilding trust in practical ways.

For those who have caused harm, Dr. Hawk encourages them to take responsibility for their actions, acknowledge the hurt they have caused, and make amends in meaningful ways. She teaches both individuals how to communicate openly about their needs and boundaries to ensure that trust is restored and maintained over time.

4. Strengthening Emotional Intimacy

Emotional intimacy is the ability to connect on a deep, vulnerable level, sharing not only your thoughts but also your fears, desires, and dreams. After a crisis, emotional intimacy can be severely damaged, with partners feeling disconnected, guarded, or distant. Dr. Hawk helps couples rebuild this connection by encouraging them to share openly and honestly about their emotional needs.

She teaches couples how to create moments of emotional bonding, whether through meaningful conversations, physical touch, or quality time together. Dr. Hawk also works with individuals to help them regain a sense of emotional independence, encouraging self-care practices that support individual emotional well-being.

By nurturing emotional intimacy, couples can re-establish a strong connection that will provide the foundation for their relationship moving forward.

5. Focusing on the Future and Setting Healthy Boundaries

While it’s important to process the past, Dr. Hawk encourages couples to also focus on the future. This involves setting healthy boundaries, establishing shared goals, and working together to create a vision for the relationship that promotes mutual growth and respect.

Dr. Hawk works with couples to set realistic expectations and ensure that both partners feel heard, valued, and respected. She encourages individuals to identify their personal and shared goals for the future and work together to create an environment where both people can thrive.

By setting clear boundaries and focusing on mutual growth, couples can rebuild their relationship with a sense of purpose and direction, avoiding the pitfalls that led to the crisis in the first place.

6. Promoting Self-Care and Individual Healing

A relationship crisis can be emotionally draining, and it’s essential for both partners to take care of themselves as they work toward healing the relationship. Dr. Hawk emphasizes the importance of self-care, whether it’s engaging in activities that bring joy, seeking individual therapy, or setting aside time for relaxation.

When both individuals in the relationship prioritize their well-being, they bring healthier energy into the relationship, which supports the rebuilding process. Dr. Hawk encourages individuals to be patient with themselves and each other, understanding that recovery from a relationship crisis is an ongoing journey.

Conclusion

Restoring balance after a relationship crisis requires time, effort, and commitment from both partners. With Dr. Karen Hawk’s expert guidance, individuals and couples can rebuild trust, heal emotional wounds, and re-establish meaningful connections. Through open communication, emotional healing, rebuilding trust, and nurturing emotional intimacy, Dr. Hawk helps clients navigate the complexities of relationship recovery and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling partnership. By focusing on both individual and collective healing, couples can emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to handle future challenges with mutual understanding and respect.

[better2getherr]

Understanding the Different Approaches to Marital Counseling in Queens, NY: What Works Best for You?

Marital counseling is an invaluable resource for couples looking to strengthen their relationship, overcome conflicts, and navigate the challenges that come with long-term partnership. Whether you’re dealing with communication issues, infidelity, financial stress, or simply want to improve your bond, seeking professional help can be the first step toward healing. However, with various therapeutic approaches available, it’s important to understand the different types of marital counseling to determine which method will work best for you and your partner.

In Queens, NY, couples have access to a wide range of marital counseling approaches, each designed to address specific issues or relationship dynamics. At Better 2 Gether, we are committed to offering personalized counseling services that align with the unique needs of each couple. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular approaches to marital counseling and provide guidance on how to choose the one that fits your relationship.

1. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Overview: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is one of the most well-established and effective methods for Marital Counseling Queens NY. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT focuses on improving the emotional bond between partners. It is based on the understanding that negative patterns of interaction in relationships often arise from unmet emotional needs. The goal of EFT is to help couples recognize these patterns, express their vulnerable emotions, and develop a stronger emotional connection.

How It Works: In EFT, therapists work with couples to identify and change negative interaction patterns that contribute to conflict. EFT emphasizes creating a safe space for both partners to express their emotions, allowing each person to feel understood and validated. By recognizing and addressing the underlying emotional needs, EFT helps partners develop a deeper sense of trust, empathy, and connection.

When It Works Best: EFT is particularly effective for couples experiencing emotional disconnection, chronic conflict, or issues related to attachment, such as infidelity or emotional neglect. It works well for couples who are open to exploring their emotions and willing to engage in vulnerable, heartfelt conversations. EFT can also be helpful for couples looking to rebuild intimacy after a crisis or traumatic event.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Overview: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented and practical approach that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. In the context of marital counseling, CBT helps couples identify how their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors contribute to their relationship difficulties and teaches them healthier ways to interact and solve problems.

How It Works: CBT encourages couples to challenge distorted or negative thinking patterns that may contribute to conflict. For example, if one partner constantly feels misunderstood, CBT helps them identify automatic negative thoughts and replace them with more constructive ways of thinking. CBT also emphasizes learning specific coping skills and communication strategies, such as active listening, problem-solving, and stress management.

When It Works Best: CBT is an excellent choice for couples who are struggling with communication issues, anxiety, depression, or anger. It is particularly effective for couples who are looking for practical tools and strategies to improve their relationship, manage stress, and resolve conflicts more effectively. CBT can be beneficial for couples who want to improve their relationship by addressing specific behaviors rather than focusing on deep emotional issues.

3. Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Overview: Developed by Drs. John and Julie Schwartz Gottman, the Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach to marital counseling that focuses on strengthening the friendship and emotional intimacy between partners. It is based on over 40 years of research on what makes relationships successful and the principles that help couples thrive.

How It Works: The Gottman Method involves teaching couples skills in four key areas: enhancing love maps (understanding each other’s inner world), nurturing fondness and admiration, turning toward each other instead of away, and managing conflict in a healthy manner. Couples also learn how to build shared meaning and create rituals of connection, ensuring that they maintain a strong emotional bond over time.

When It Works Best: The Gottman Method is ideal for couples who want to build a stronger foundation of friendship and intimacy. It works well for couples dealing with issues such as conflict resolution, lack of communication, and disconnection. The Gottman Method is structured, offering specific tools and strategies that can help couples navigate challenges in their relationship.

This approach is also beneficial for couples at any stage in their relationship—whether they are newlyweds or have been together for decades—because it focuses on both prevention and intervention to keep relationships strong and healthy.

4. Imago Relationship Therapy

Overview: Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) was developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and focuses on the unconscious factors that influence relationships. According to this approach, individuals are often drawn to partners who reflect unmet needs from childhood or past relationships. The goal of Imago therapy is to help couples understand how these patterns play out in their current relationship and develop healthier ways of connecting.

How It Works: Imago therapy involves structured dialogues where partners take turns speaking and listening with the goal of fostering empathy and understanding. A key aspect of IRT is the concept of the “Imago” or the unconscious image of a partner that is based on early life experiences. Couples learn to recognize these unconscious patterns and use their relationship as a space for healing and growth. This method emphasizes active listening, validation, and emotional support.

When It Works Best: Imago therapy is particularly effective for couples who feel stuck in negative interaction patterns and are looking for a deeper understanding of their relational dynamics. It is beneficial for couples who are interested in personal growth and want to explore the unconscious factors affecting their relationship. IRT can be helpful for couples experiencing long-term dissatisfaction or unresolved conflict.

5. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Overview: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented approach that focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. In Marital Counseling Queens NY, SFBT helps couples identify their strengths and resources, and create practical solutions to their challenges.

How It Works: SFBT works by asking couples to focus on what they want to achieve in their relationship rather than what’s going wrong. Therapists guide couples to set specific, achievable goals and identify the small steps they can take to reach those goals. The focus is on the present and future, rather than the past, and couples are encouraged to build on their existing strengths.

When It Works Best: SFBT is ideal for couples looking for a quick and practical approach to solving specific problems. It’s particularly useful for couples who want to address a specific issue, such as improving communication or managing stress, but don’t feel the need to explore deeper emotional issues. SFBT can also be helpful for couples who want to make tangible progress without engaging in extensive therapy.

6. Narrative Therapy

Overview: Narrative Therapy views relationships through the lens of stories. According to this approach, individuals construct their identities and experiences through the stories they tell themselves. In marital counseling, narrative therapy helps couples examine the stories they have created about each other and their relationship, and then reframe those stories in a way that empowers them to create positive change.

How It Works: In narrative therapy, therapists help couples identify the “narratives” they have created about each other, such as believing that one partner is always “the problem.” The therapist helps couples explore how these narratives impact their relationship and guides them in rewriting those stories to foster cooperation, understanding, and healing. This method encourages couples to view their relationship challenges as separate from themselves, allowing them to work together to change their behavior and interaction patterns.

When It Works Best: Narrative therapy is especially helpful for couples who feel trapped in negative cycles of blame and conflict. It is ideal for couples who want to gain a fresh perspective on their relationship and are open to rethinking their assumptions and beliefs. Narrative therapy can be transformative for couples who want to break free from destructive patterns and create a new, positive story for their relationship.

Conclusion

Choosing the right approach to marital counseling in Queens, NY, depends on the unique needs and goals of your relationship. Whether you’re looking to rebuild trust, improve communication, or simply deepen your connection, each counseling method offers valuable tools and strategies for strengthening your marriage. At Better 2 Gether, we specialize in providing personalized counseling services that are tailored to your specific challenges and relationship dynamics. By understanding the different approaches to marital counseling, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your relationship goals, giving you the best chance at success in creating a healthier, happier partnership.

[evolucion-counseling]

Bond Boost Couples Counseling: Strengthening Relationships with Evolución Counseling

Relationships require nurturing, communication, and mutual respect to thrive, yet even the most committed couples face challenges that can strain their connection. Whether it’s managing daily stressors, navigating significant life transitions, or dealing with deeper emotional issues, couples counseling can provide a vital space for growth and healing. Evolución Counseling offers “Bond Boost Couples Counseling,” a service designed to strengthen relationships, enhance communication, and rebuild intimacy. This form of counseling isn’t only for couples in crisis; it’s an invaluable resource for those looking to deepen their connection and enrich their partnership.

Understanding Bond Boost Couples Counseling

Bond Boost Couples Counseling at Evolución Counseling goes beyond traditional therapy. It’s a proactive approach that focuses on both resolving conflicts and nurturing the positive aspects of the relationship. Through structured sessions led by experienced counselors, couples learn skills to foster open communication, empathy, and trust. The goal is to build a lasting, healthy bond that can withstand life’s ups and downs.

Why Do Couples Seek Counseling?

Couples seek counseling for a variety of reasons, and it’s not always about resolving conflicts. Some common motivations include:

Enhancing Communication: Couples often struggle to express their needs, which can lead to misunderstandings. Counseling provides tools to communicate effectively.

Rebuilding Trust: Issues like betrayal or infidelity can severely impact trust. Counseling helps couples rebuild trust in a safe environment.

Managing Life Transitions: Major life changes, such as marriage, parenting, or career shifts, can put a strain on relationships. Counseling helps couples navigate these transitions together.

Resolving Conflicts Constructively: Every couple faces conflicts. Counseling provides strategies to handle disagreements without damaging the relationship.

What to Expect in Bond Boost Couples Counseling Sessions

During Bond Boost Couples Counseling sessions, licensed professionals at Evolución Counseling provide a structured yet flexible approach. Each session typically involves:

Initial Assessment: The first session is dedicated to understanding the couple’s unique dynamics, history, and specific concerns. This initial assessment allows the counselor to tailor a plan that meets their needs.

Identifying Core Issues: Through guided discussions, couples work to uncover and understand the root causes of their conflicts and communication barriers.

Skill-Building Exercises: Evolución Counseling incorporates practical exercises that help couples build essential relationship skills, such as active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution.

Homework and Practice: To ensure lasting change, couples are encouraged to practice these skills outside the counseling sessions. Evolución Counseling provides resources and tools that help couples integrate these skills into their daily interactions.

The Benefits of Bond Boost Couples Counseling

Opting for Bond Boost Couples Counseling at Evolución Counseling brings numerous benefits. It’s more than just repairing a relationship; it’s about nurturing a bond that brings lasting joy, support, and partnership. Here are some key benefits:

Improved Communication: Couples learn to express their needs and listen actively, which can significantly reduce misunderstandings and enhance harmony.

Enhanced Emotional Intimacy: By fostering open, honest communication, couples often experience a renewed sense of closeness and intimacy.

Increased Resilience: Couples gain tools to manage stress and adapt to changes together, making the relationship more resilient against external pressures.

Conflict Resolution Skills: Instead of engaging in repetitive, unproductive arguments, couples learn constructive ways to handle disagreements, paving the way for healthier interactions.

Why Choose Evolución Counseling?

Evolución Counseling stands out for its compassionate approach and commitment to supporting couples through every step of their journey. With licensed counselors specializing in relationships, Evolución Counseling provides a safe, supportive space where couples feel heard and understood. Whether you’re facing specific challenges or simply want to invest in your relationship’s long-term health, Evolución Counseling’s Bond Boost Couples Counseling offers a proven path to a stronger, more fulfilling partnership.

Ready to take the next step toward a healthier, happier relationship? Reach out to Evolución Counseling today and learn how Bond Boost Couples Counseling can transform your relationship.