#Skin tightening montreal

[dermacureclinic]

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[l-estappen]

Montreal Shadows & Lake Como Reverie 💨☀️

Warm lips trace the path of my tears, gently pulling me from the grip of sleep. As I blink away the remnants of a restless nap, I find Max crouched beside the narrow bed in his driver's room. The sight of him makes my chest tighten, a fresh wave of emotion swelling inside me. Before I can stop myself, tears well up again. I turn my face away, trying to hide them, but Max isn’t having any of it. 

"Hey, it's okay," he murmurs, climbing into the cramped bed beside me. His arms wrap around me, pulling me close, and I melt into his embrace. 

"I'm sorry," I whisper, my voice breaking. "Everything just... fell apart." 

Max's hand moves soothingly through my hair. "I know, schatje. Engine failures are the worst. But it’s not your fault." 

His words hang in the air, but they don't erase the tight knot of guilt in my chest. "It is, though," I insist, my voice trembling. "The messed-up strategy was my fault. I was the one who asked to pit for hards. If I hadn't made that call, maybe things would've been different." 

Max pulls back slightly to look at me, understanding shining in his gaze. "You took a risk, liefje. It didn’t go your way, but that’s part of racing. No one can predict everything. Even with a perfect strategy, you couldn’t have prevented the engine failure." 

I shake my head, biting my lip to keep the tears at bay. The echo of the failed engine haunts my thoughts, and I can't shake the feeling of responsibility. "But it feels like every mistake is amplified, and it’s hard not to feel responsible." 

Max's grip tightens around me, his voice firm but gentle. "Listen to me. You're a brilliant driver, and part of being great is taking risks. Sometimes they pay off, sometimes they don’t. That's the nature of this sport. But none of it is your fault." 

I nod, feeling the weight of the last two days pressing down on me. "I was waiting for something to go wrong, and it did. It feels like no matter how hard I try, I can't catch a break." 

Max kisses my forehead, his lips brushing gently. "I know it feels like that now, but think about all the times things went right because of your talent and decisions. Today was just a bad day; it doesn’t define you or your season." 

A sigh escapes me as I rest my head against his chest. "I just hate feeling like I'm always on the edge of failure, like any moment, something will go wrong." 

Max's lips move from my forehead to my temple, pressing soft, reassuring kisses along the way. Each touch is like a lifeline, pulling me out of my despair. His hand gently strokes my back, and I feel the tension in my muscles start to ease. 

"Charles, you’re so much more than just your mistakes," he says softly, his voice steady and reassuring. "You’re an incredible driver and an even better person. Give yourself some credit." 

I nod, his words sinking in as his lips trail down to my cheek. I can feel his breath, warm and comforting, against my skin. He shifts slightly, bringing his face closer to mine. Our eyes meet, and in that moment, everything else fades away. 

"Mon coeur," I murmur, my voice barely a whisper. 

He leans in, capturing my lips in a kiss that's both tender and intense. It’s like he’s pouring all his love and support into that one kiss, and I can’t help but respond. I kiss him back with everything I have, letting him know without words how much I appreciate him, how much I need him. 

The kiss deepens, his tongue brushing against mine in a slow, deliberate dance. It's intoxicating, and I feel the weight of the day lifting from my shoulders. My hands find their way to his hair, pulling him closer as the kiss grows more passionate. I can feel his heartbeat against my chest, strong and steady, grounding me in the moment. 

When we finally pull apart, we're both breathing heavily. Max's intense blue eyes are shadowed with emotion, and I can see the determination there, the unspoken promise that he’ll always be here for me. 

Despite the turmoil inside me, there's a spark of gratitude in my chest for him—always knowing exactly how to pull me back from the edge. I rest my forehead against his, letting the silence stretch, feeling the comfort of his presence. 

"Thank you," I murmur, my voice still thick with emotion. "I don’t know what I’d do without you." 

Max's lips curve into a small smile, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my back. "You’d be fine, but I’m glad you don’t have to find out." 

"Me too, chéri. Me too." 

We lay there for a moment longer, the weight of the weekend pressing less heavily on me now. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Enough about me. You won today. Sixty victories. That's incredible." 

His eyes soften, a mixture of pride and humility in his expression. "Thanks, schatje. It was a tough race." 

I nod, feeling a pang of guilt for focusing so much on my own issues. "I’m really proud of you." 

Max's smile widens, and he presses another gentle kiss to my forehead. "I know, and I’m proud of you too." 

I close my eyes, letting his words wash over me. It’s hard to accept his praise when I feel so low, but I know he means it. He wouldn’t say it if he didn’t. 

"We should celebrate," I say, trying to sound enthusiastic. "You deserve it." 

Max’s hand strokes my back gently as he looks into my eyes, his expression softening. "I don't feel like going out tonight. Can we postpone the celebrations until we get home?" 

A soothing sense of relief envelops me. The thought of facing a crowd tonight feels overwhelming, and Max seems to understand that without me having to say a word. "That’s perfect," I reply, smiling slightly. 

Max nods, still holding me close. "When do you want to leave Canada?" 

I laugh softly. "Yesterday would have been good." 

Max grins, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Good, because I already spoke with the crew, and we're leaving in three hours." 

Surprise and gratitude flood through me, and I can’t stop myself. I grab Max’s face and kiss him senseless, pouring all my thanks and love into that one kiss. When we finally pull back, breathless and smiling, I rest my forehead against his. "Thank you," I murmur, but suddenly I realize that I really don’t want to go back to Monaco right now.  

The thought of returning there feels heavy and suffocating. It’s home, yes, but it's also where all the pressures and expectations are waiting for me. I need a break from all that, a place to breathe and gather myself before diving back into the chaos. 

Max seems to sense my unease. "What’s on your mind, schatje?" 

I sigh, looking into his eyes. "I don’t feel like going back to Monaco yet. I need something different, somewhere to clear my head." 

Max’s brow furrows slightly, then his expression brightens. "Where do you want to go, then?" 

I think for a moment, considering my options. "I have to be at Mugello Circuit by Thursday." 

A grin spreads across Max’s face. "How about Lake Como?" 

My eyes widen. "Lake Como? That sounds perfect." 

Max's grin widens even more. "Great. I'll take care of everything. Just let me grab a shower really quick."  

Only then do I notice he's still in his racing suit, a hint of sweat clinging to him. "Mind if I join you?"

I wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside and the sun streaming through the curtains. The gentle lapping of the lake against the shore adds a soothing rhythm to the morning. Charles is nestled against me, his breathing soft and steady. It’s Wednesday, and we’ve been here since Monday morning, enjoying the peace and quiet of Lake Como. Renting this villa was the best decision. It’s been just us, the lake, and the silence we both needed. 

I look down at Charles, his face relaxed and peaceful in sleep. Carefully, I brush a few strands of hair away from his forehead. He stirs slightly but doesn’t wake. I smile to myself, wrapping my arms around him a little tighter. 

"Morning, schatje," I whisper, even though I know he’s still asleep. I can’t help it. I just love the way he looks so content and at ease, completely different from the stressed and tense Charles of the past few days.  

I let my fingers trace patterns on his back, feeling the warmth of his skin under my touch. He makes a small noise, nuzzling closer to me. I chuckle softly, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "You're too cute when you're sleeping, you know that?" 

He mumbles something incoherent, still half-asleep, and I take the opportunity to pull him even closer. I let my hands wander a bit, stroking his sides, feeling the soft rise and fall of his breathing. Charles finally starts to wake, his eyes fluttering open. "Bonjour," he says, his voice thick with sleep. 

"Morning, schatje," I repeat, my lips brushing against his temple. "How did you sleep?" 

He smiles, his eyes still half-closed. "Good. Really good." His arms tighten around me, and he presses a kiss to my chest. "And you?" 

"Perfect," I say, running my fingers through his hair. "Especially with you here, all over me." 

He laughs softly, his breath warm against my skin. "You're such a sap sometimes." 

"Only for you," I tease, my hand moving lower to rest on his hip. "But I think you like it." 

Charles looks up at me, his beautiful emerald green eyes bright and clear now. "Maybe I do," he admits, his voice a little husky. He leans in, capturing my lips in a slow, lazy kiss. It's soft and unhurried, just like our past mornings. 

I deepen the kiss, but keep it slow, savoring the taste of him, the feel of him. My hands roam his body, relearning every curve and angle. Charles responds eagerly, his hands sliding down my back, pulling me even closer. The kiss grows more urgent, and I roll us over so that I'm on top of him, my lips never leaving his. He moans softly, his legs wrapping around my waist, pulling me down. 

I can feel him hardening against me, his arousal matching my own. Our hips grind together, and the friction sends a shiver of pleasure through me. I break the kiss to trail my lips down his jaw, sucking and nibbling at his sensitive spots. Charles arches beneath me, his hands clutching at my shoulders. 

“Mon amour,” he breathes, his voice heavy with need. I respond by grinding my hips harder, pressing our erections together through the thin fabric of our boxers. With a swift, deliberate motion, I sit up slightly, just enough to begin pulling my boxers off.  

"Let me help you with these," I murmur, my hands gliding down to slide Charles's boxers off, leaving us both completely bare. 

“Fuck, you’re gorgeous,” I breathe, feeling the heat of his skin beneath my fingertips. 

“You too,” he replies, his eyes dark with desire. “Now come here.” 

I lean back down, capturing his lips in a fierce kiss, our naked bodies finally pressing together.  

Charles' hands wander down to my ass, pulling me even closer, and I thrust against him, our erections sliding together in a delicious rhythm. He gasps, his head falling back against the pillow, eyes half-closed in bliss. I take the opportunity to kiss and suck my way down his neck, leaving marks that he’ll have to cover up later. 

My hand finds its way between us, wrapping around both our lengths, stroking them together. The slickness of our pre-cum makes the movements smooth and easy, and Charles' moans are music to my ears. He thrusts up into my hand, his breath coming in ragged gasps. 

“Jesus, Max,” he groans, his nails digging into my back. But then he is moving, rolling us so he's on top. 

“What the—” 

"I want to eat you out," Charles explains, and the bluntness of his words sends a jolt of arousal straight through me. There's no hesitation, no shyness—just raw, unfiltered need.  

He kisses me fiercely, his hands roaming my body before he grabs a pillow and pushes it under my hips, lifting them slightly. I lie back, my breath coming in shallow pants as I watch him position himself between my legs and spreading them wider.  

His hands grip my thighs, fingers digging in just enough to leave marks. I love the way he takes control, his usual gentleness replaced by an insatiable hunger. 

"Please," I whisper, my voice barely audible, but he hears me. His eyes flick up to mine, and I can see the promise of pleasure in his gaze. 

He starts with a teasing lick, his tongue tracing a path from my balls to the sensitive skin around my hole. My body tenses, every nerve ending on fire. He knows exactly what he's doing, taking his time, making me wait. 

"Fuck, baby," I moan, my hips twitching involuntarily. His tongue circles my entrance, slow and deliberate, and I can feel myself opening up to him, wanting more. 

He licks and kisses around my hole, his movements growing more intense. When he finally presses his tongue inside, I gasp, my back arching off the bed. My skin tingles, and my muscles clench, sending waves of pleasure across my body. 

"Yes, like that," I pant, my hands gripping the sheets. He responds by pushing his tongue deeper, fucking me with it. The wet, obscene sounds fill the room, and it only makes me harder. 

Charles' hands move to my ass, spreading me wider. He devours me with a hunger that's almost feral, his tongue relentless as it works me open.  

"You taste so fucking good," he murmurs against my hole, his voice a low growl.  

The words send a thrill all over me, and I push back against his mouth, desperate for more. He doesn't disappoint, his tongue plunging in and out, driving me closer to the edge with every thrust. 

"Don't stop," I beg, my voice breaking. "Please, don't stop." 

He doesn't. Instead, his hands move to my cock, stroking me in time with the movements of his tongue. The combination is exquisite, pushing me closer and closer to release. 

"Baaaby, I'm gonna—" I can't even finish the sentence. The orgasm crashes over me, my body convulsing as I come hard, my cum spilling over his hand. 

But he doesn't stop. He keeps licking, keeps fucking me with his tongue, drawing out every last bit of my pleasure. When he pulls back, he looks up at me, and the satisfaction in his eyes is unmistakable. I can't resist pulling him up for a kiss, tasting myself on his tongue. 

"I want to ride you," I murmur against his lips. 

"Are you sure you're not too sensitive?" 

"No," I say, shaking my head. "I want you inside me." 

Without waiting for a response, I reach over to the bedside table, grabbing the lube. I pour a generous amount into my hand and coat his cock, slicking it up with long, deliberate strokes. Charles groans, his hips bucking up into my hand. 

"You need to be better prep," he says, his voice strained. 

"I want to feel you stretch me," I reply, my tone leaving no room for argument. "I want to feel your cock opening me up." 

The words send a shiver of anticipation down Charles spine. I straddle him, positioning myself over his cock. His eyes darken with lust as he watches me, his breath coming in shallow pants. 

 I lower myself slowly, the blunt head of his cock pressing against my entrance. I bite my lip, feeling the burn as it starts to push inside. It's intense, almost too much, but it's exactly what I crave. 

"Fuck, Max," Charles groans, his hands gripping my hips, guiding me down onto him. 

I take him inch by inch, the stretch and the fullness driving me crazy. Every nerve ending is on fire, and the pleasure-pain mix is overwhelming. I can feel every ridge and vein of his cock as it fills me, and it's exactly what I wanted. 

"God, you feel so good," I pant, finally settling down onto him completely, his cock buried deep inside me. 

Charles' eyes are wide, his hands trembling slightly as he holds me. "You’re so tight," he breathes, his voice full of awe and need. 

I start to move, lifting myself almost off him before slamming back down. My hands grip his chest for leverage, nails digging in. Each time I drop down, I feel his cock pressing against my most sensitive spot, and despite just coming, my dick starts to harden again.   

I quicken my pace, riding him hard, not holding back. The sounds of our bodies coming together fill the room, wet, obscene and perfect. 

"Putain, c'est bon!" Charles moans, his voice thick with need. His nails dig into my hips, leaving little crescents of pleasure-pain. 

I grunt, my hips slamming down onto his. "You like that, don't you? You like me riding you hard?" 

"J'adore ça," he gasps, his head falling back, exposing the beautiful line of his throat. "Plus fort, s'il te plaît." 

I feel a surge of satisfaction at hearing him lose himself in french. I lean down, capturing his lips in a fierce kiss, my tongue invading his mouth as I ride him harder. His hips thrust up to meet mine, matching my pace, driving deeper inside me. 

"Bébé, mon dieu," he groans, his breath hot against my skin. "Je vais jouir... ne t'arrête pas." 

"I'm not stopping, baby," I pant, feeling the tension coil tight in my belly. "I'm gonna ride you until you come so hard." 

Charles' eyes are wild, his pupils blown wide with lust. "Oui, oui... encore," he whimpers.  

I thrust down harder, feeling him hit that perfect spot inside me. The pleasure is overwhelming, my whole body shaking with the intensity of it. "Fuck, baby," I growl. "You're so deep... so fucking good." 

"Max," he gasps, his hands gripping my ass, pulling me down onto him. "Plus vite, je t'en prie... je veux te sentir jouir." 

I ride him faster, harder, my body slamming down onto his cock. "I'm close, baby," I manage to say, my voice strained with the effort. "So fucking close." 

"Moi aussi," he moans, his hands tightening on me. "Je veux te sentir venir sur moi... oh putain, Max..." 

I can feel him throbbing inside me, every thrust pushing me closer to the edge. "Come for me, baby," I whisper, my voice raw with need. "Fill me up... make me come." 

"Max, je jouis," he cries out, his body tensing beneath me. I feel the hot rush of his release, the sensation pushing me over the edge. I throw my head back, a guttural moan escaping my lips as I come, my muscles clenching around him, milking every drop. 

"Fuck, yes," I groan, riding out the waves of pleasure, my body shuddering with the intensity of it. "So fucking good..." Before I can fully catch my breath, Charles moves, flipping us over with surprising strength and agility, his cock still buried deep in my ass. 

I gasp at the sudden change, his weight pressing me into the mattress. He looks down at me, eyes dark with lust, his chest heaving. "I’m not done with you yet," he growls, pulling back just enough to slide his dick out of my hole.  

Glancing down I see his cum begin to drip and Charles doesn't hesitate. He dives down, his tongue lapping at my ass, cleaning up his own release.  

"Christ, baby," I moan, my hands gripping the sheets. "That's so fucking hot." 

He doesn't respond with words; instead, he moans against me, the vibrations adding to the pleasure. His tongue pushes inside, scooping up his cum and tasting every bit of me. It's raw, intense, and so incredibly intimate. 

"Jesus, you're filthy," I gasp, loving every second of it. He looks up at me, his eyes blazing with lust, and I can see how much he loves it too. 

Charles climbs back up my body, his lips and chin glistening, and leans in for a lazy kiss. Our tongues move together in a relaxed, comfortable rhythm, allowing me to taste the mix of both of us on his tongue. 

He breaks the kiss, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. "You're incredible," he whispers, his breath warm against my cheek. 

"Right back at you," I reply, my voice softening.  

Charles lets out a contented sigh, his head resting on my chest. I wrap my arms around him, holding him close. The rhythm of his breathing starts to match mine, slow and steady, and I can feel his heartbeat against my skin. 

“This trip was exactly what I needed, chéri” he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you for bringing me here, for being here.” 

I press a kiss to his forehead, feeling a surge of warmth at his words. “You’re very welcome, schatje.” 

He snuggles closer, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my chest. “I feel like I can face everything again.” 

I tighten my hold on him. “You’re stronger than you think, Charles. You just needed to remember that. And I’ll always be here to remind you when you forget.” 

He lifts his head slightly to look at me, his green eyes shining. “I love you.” 

“I love you too, schatje,” I reply, my voice steady and sincere. “Now, let’s enjoy the rest of our time here before we have to get back to the craziness.” 

He smiles, a genuine, relaxed smile that reaches his eyes. “Sounds perfect.”

[dr-gaby-doumit]

Body Cosmetic Surgery in Montreal by Dr. Gaby Doumit

Dr. Doumit has been performing body contouring surgeries for many years with excellent results. Dr. Doumit is known as a master surgeon and innovator who uses state of art plastic and cosmetic surgery techniques to care for his patients in a compassionate fashion. Dr. Doumit has worked at the world renowned CLEVELAND CLINIC since 2010. Despite moving to Montreal, Dr. Doumit remains on staff at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Doumit successfully treated many complex cases that failed treatments at other major university hospitals in the United States and the world (In some cases, patients had over 53 surgeries elsewhere). He frequently operates on royalties and celebrities.

Body Surgeries Performed by Dr. Gaby Doumit

a. Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty

b. Thigh Lift

c. Liposuction

d. Surgery after Weight Loss

e. Buttock Augmentation

f. Body Lift

g. ArmLift

h. Skin Tightening

i. Hyperhidrosis / Miradry

j. Coolsculpting

In 2014, Dr. Doumit along with his colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, performed a near full face transplant. In 2017, Dr Doumit performed his SECOND FACE TRANSPLANT. Dr. Doumit is the FIRST  CANADIAN to have performed two Face Transplants. Dr Doumit and his colleagues' work was featured in CNN, CTV, National Geographic and many other news outlets throughout the world.

[dermamode]

Montreal PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Skin Tightening | Dermamode

PRP, as a skin tightening treatment, amplifies collagen production, stimulates cell renewal, and fosters tissue regeneration, all contributing to the overall improvement of your skin's health.

[dermagiz]

PRP West-Island

A treatment that can help treatment hyper pigmentation is PRP in West-Island. The professionals for PRP at Dermagiz Medical Aesthetics are trained professionally to help get the most promising results of this treatment. It helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production that thickens and tightens thinning skin, effectively smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. To learn more about the benefits of PRP in West-Island, get in touch with us at (438) 378 0947 now!

[hairlossclinic]

PDO Thread Lift in Montreal | Dr. Yves Hébert Clinic 

Discover the secret to non-surgical skin tightening and rejuvenation with our Thread Lift and PDO Thread Lift treatments in Montreal at Dr. Yves Hébert Clinic. Lift, tighten, and revitalize your appearance for a more youthful you. Book a consultation today.

[lisaanella101]

Illuminate Your Beauty: LED Lights Facial in Montreal by Lisa Anella

Pamper yourself with the transformative power of LED lights facial treatments in the vibrant city of Montreal, brought to you by the renowned expert, Lisa Anella. Experience the ultimate fusion of technology and skincare as Lisa Anella harnesses the brilliance of LED lights to enhance your natural radiance. Whether you seek to rejuvenate, tighten, or revitalize your skin, this advanced facial treatment delivers astonishing results.

With Lisa Anella's expertise, you can indulge in a luxurious LED light facial Montreal that targets specific skin concerns, such as acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. LED lights work at a cellular level, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin cell regeneration, resulting in a noticeably brighter, smoother, and more youthful complexion.

Lisa Anella's LED lights facial treatments in Montreal offer a harmonious blend of relaxation and innovation. Surrender yourself to a tranquil environment, as Lisa Anella crafts a personalised skincare journey tailored to your unique needs. 

[leafs-lover]

#35 and #99 (I'm not sure if these are smut or fluff or what so have fun) for Freddie Andersen in Carolina

Thanks love!

Boyfriend!Freddie x reader, taken from this prompt list. I decided to go smutty with these, hope you don't mind 😉

By clicking ‘keep reading’ you are agreeing that you are eighteen and are game to read smutty themes. If you don’t agree to BOTH of these things, then keep on scrolling ;)

Watching the seconds tick down on the clock a smile tugged on your lips. Fred just got his six straight win, the longest streak in the Hurricanes franchise to start a season. Not only that, it was his first shutout with the team.

Two major accomplishments, and you are extremely proud of him. Proud that he is playing well, proud that he is starting off his time with a new team phenomenally, proud that every night he comes home wide-eyed and beaming.

It’s something you hadn’t seen since March, prior to his injury in Toronto. He had been playing really well, the entire team for that matter. The Leafs were the top of the north, a force to be reckoned with, and Fred was a large contributor to that.

Then he tweaked his knee.

And to make matters worse he played through the injury, like he had done so many times before. Except it never got better, and ultimately lead to him being sidelined for weeks and giving up the net to the new starter, Jack Campbell. He watched the team give up a 3-1 series lead to Montreal. Watched them fall apart, and once again be eliminated round one. Watched and did nothing.

Carolina was supposed to be a fresh start for him, a chance to redefine himself and get away from the intense scrutiny that comes with Toronto. And that’s exactly what it has been. You wish you could have been there to witness his shutout in person, but a presentation tomorrow meant you had to stay home and finish editing. But it also meant you get to wait for him and shower him with love, and that’s exactly what you did.

He was barely through the door before you were tugging him down the hall. Your clothes litter the floor, having barely made it to the bed. But here you are, wearing nothing but red underwear that are absolutely drenched in anticipation. Watching as your boyfriend kicks his dress pants off, leaving him in a pair of navy boxers growing tighter by the second.

He looms over you, kissing every inch of exposed skin. His hands roam over your body, following no particular path when you hear the sound of fabric slowly tearing. The fire in his eyes almost matches that of your discarded garment as he pulls the shredded cloth off you.

“Frederik,” you huff, trying to be stern in your words. “Those were a birthday present,” you add, even though they were a gift from him.

“Don’t look at me like that.” Hooking your knees over his shoulders he dives in, face first. “They were in my way,” he adds seconds before his tongue flattens against your folds.

Your moan matches his groan while your legs tighten around his head. Fisting the sheet your mouth falls into a silent ‘O’ as Fred gets to work. Flicking and sucking on your clit, tongue licking up the insides of your walls. Thick fingers sometimes thrusting in and out of your heat grazing your sweet spot, other times they allow his mouth to do the work while his thumb circles your swollen bud. He knows exactly what you like and tonight he is not holding back.

The first time you came, euphoria flooded your veins. The second time your moans were loud and breathing was sporadic, your knuckles were white from grasping the sheet too tight while your entire body trembled. The third one came after you’d barely recovered from the second and it had you seeing stars. An eruption of pleasure cascades off your body, Fred humming in pleasure from below.

“Babe,” Fred called out, popping his head up. Beads of sweat have collected on his forehead, your sticky juices glistened off his beard. The grip he had on your waist almost hurts, nails anchored in to keep you still above him.

“Maybe we can take a break so I can take care of you,” you offer the oversensitivity becoming too much. Glancing down his lower lip is white as he starts to smirk back in response.

“Oh I’m nowhere near done,” he explains, causing you to whimper, unsure of how much more you can handle. “I just wanted to let you know that I think you’re beautiful.”

The smile on your lips fades the second he ducks back down, tongue reconnecting to your swollen bundle of nerves, bringing you towards orgasm number four of what you can only assume will be many.

[ofherlionheart]

hey uh. wanted a quick writing exercise so here’s some boo chronicles: part i from zuko’s pov

—————

It’s not the first time he’s been slumped over his kitchen island at a stupid hour, eyes drying out as his tries to finish yet another dull paper by someone who’s allegedly smart enough to be relevant to his field, and it’s also far from the last time he’ll do this, but that doesn’t mean Zuko can’t huff about it. As his eyes glaze over another paragraph, he absently taps out a text to Sokka, because Sokka always has something funny to say about whatever’s on Zuko’s mind—even his petty complaints.

He’s just set his phone facedown on the counter again when his text tone dings. Zuko blinks. Sokka’s never up at this hour, but …

like u wouldn’t kiss bersani’s gravehole

Zuko smiles and shifts his thumb to slide the text open when another message appears with a chime: hey. would u be my pretend boyf plus-one for a wedding in two weeks?

He drops his phone, shooting upright in his seat and staring at his cell warily.

That’s. That’s one hell of a loaded, unexpected question.

Except Sokka doesn’t know about Zuko’s feelings for him. Zuko’s continued to treat one of his best friends like a best friend, because … because. Because Zuko knows he had his chance when they first met, seven years ago, but Zuko wasn’t ready for Sokka and wasn’t ready for anyone, really. And then Sokka moved on and that was fine, really, because this thing between them is as profound as Zuko’s relationship with Mai or Azula or Ty Lee, and Zuko wouldn’t trade it for the world.

He picks up his phone and replies, what?

A second later, a photo of Sokka wearing a bucket hat and sunglasses as he pretends to kiss a fish he’s caught flashes onto Zuko’s screen. Sokka hates that Zuko chose this photo for his contact; he thinks it makes him look like a straight man on a dating app. Zuko has to remind him that Sokka’s the one who sent him this photo in the first place.

Zuko picks up the incoming call and immediately gets an earful of Sokka. “—be the ultimate flex of a significant other on an ex. You’re, like, the most thoughtful, big-hearted person I know, and you’re beautiful and fashionable and accomplished. You’re going to be world-renowned famous in, like, two years.”

Sokka’s always been too generous when it comes to characterizing Zuko, but that doesn’t stop the flutter in his gut. It’s a flutter that tends to rise into Zuko’s throat, making his words catch and give him away when Zuko really doesn’t want to confess to anything, so he breathes steadily and waits until the feeling subsides before he asks the logical question: “Why not Suki?”

“Suki and Zahra are almost the same person,” Sokka answers without missing a beat, “so Zahra would just take pity on Suki and shake her head at me. But she’d think you’re wildly out of my league—”

“I’m not,” Zuko automatically refutes, even as he’s thinking, Of course, Zahra. Sometimes, when he’s not thinking like a kind and generous person, he wishes Zahra were an awful human being so he could properly hate her for the ringer she put Sokka through. She’s not, though—she and Sokka were just the maybe-right people and the definitely-wrong time—so Zuko’s left with nothing more than Of course, Zahras and a heightened awareness of Sokka whenever she’s brought up.

Sokka’s still going. “—and thereby infer that I’ve grown as a person since she dumped me, and then she might even question whether walking away from me was the right choice.”

It was three years ago, and Sokka put himself back together a while back, but sometimes something slips through the cracks.

“To be clear,” Zuko says—encourages a reaffirmation, really—“Her walking away from you was the right choice. Right?”

A sigh, and then an exhaled, “Yeah.”

He wishes he could see Sokka’s face. Usually, he can read Sokka from just the tone of his voice, but one word doesn’t give him much. “Sokka, you aren’t asking me to do this just because there’s a chance you’ll feel a brief sense of victory over someone you’re actually perfectly cordial friends with … are you?”

“No,” Sokka immediately says. “I’m asking because there’s no one I’d rather have by my side than you.”

Zuko’s throat tightens.

It took him a stupidly long time, really, to realize that words don’t mean the same thing to other people as they do to him. He used to get caught up in and read into word choice and modifier placement and goddamn commas to try to understand exactly what other people meant, but it wasn’t until Mai snapped at him, once, during their senior year of high school, “For fuck’s sake, Zuko, I sent t-h-x instead of thanks because it’s quicker, not because I secretly hate you,” that he learned that words are just plain words to most people.

So he knows that Sokka doesn’t mean that he wants Zuko with him first and foremost at all times. That’s just Zuko’s literary brain slathering layers of meaning and significance onto a sentence that Sokka meant in a very, ordinary, unexceptional way.

There’s still a small part of him, though—a part he’s working on—that needs to check anyway. “As emotional support,” he says, curling and uncurling the corner of his printed article with his fingertip.

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

There’s a pause before Sokka echoes, “Okay?”

Of course, okay. Sokka wants him there, and besides, no one reads Sokka as well as Zuko does, and he doesn’t think even Suki knows the full extent of the Zahra thing. He doesn’t want to send Sokka spiraling, though, so he directs them in a safer direction: planning. “You said it’s two weeks from now?” he asks.

“Yeah, on Saturday—you’re sure?”

Sokka’s hesitation never fails to baffle Zuko. The man has always radiated steadiness, and he’s been the stalwart of their ever-evolving group of friends since forever, so much so that it took Zuko a while to parse why Sokka was ever hesitant. Now that he understands that aspect of Sokka, though, whenever his uncertainty crops up, Zuko just wants to fight anything that’s ever held his friend back. No one deserves to thrive and grow more than Sokka.

“Why would I say okay if I was’t sure?” Zuko replies.

Sokka clears his throat. “Great,” he says and then surges on. “Uh, it’s in Montreal. I don’t know what your work schedule is like, but I was planning on taking Friday off to drive up, and then come back on Sunday—”

“Works for me,” Zuko interrupts the rising ramble. He has a couple meetings, on Friday, but meetings can be made up. This can’t. “We can take my car, if you want,” he offers, because he’s actually parked in the city and certainly gets better gas mileage than Sokka.

“Actually—yeah. That’d be great.”

Zuko can tell Sokka’s mind is elsewhere, so he waits. Sure enough, he clears his throat again. “The pretend boyfriend thing … We don’t—we don’t have to do it. Bottom line, I’d just like it if you were there.”

“Are you backing out?” Zuko teases before he catches himself, and fuck, okay. There’s no going back now. But that’s fine, because he’s an adult, and he’s equipped to deal with this. They might even be able to have fun with it. “Let’s do it. I bet we can get her to second-guess herself for at least a second.”

He can hear the smile in Sokka’s voice when he agrees, “Okay.” A few clicks make it through the line; Sokka must be working with some data. “I think I should get to bed. This data set won’t process faster just because I’m watching it.”

“I wondered why you were awake right now.”

“Enjoy the Bersani booty-lickers.”

Zuko sighs—the rectum essay isn’t the only thing that Bersani’s contributed to the field—and Sokka snickers. He should let Sokka go, since his friend really isn’t a night owl, but there’s something still tickling the back of his mind. “Sokka?” he asks.

“Yeah?”

He finally grasps the thought. “You have grown as a person. Since the stuff with Zahra happened.”

It takes Sokka a moment to respond. “Thanks. I’ll see you soon.”

His voice is soft, in a way that it rarely is around the rest of their friends, and fuck, Zuko’s throat is acting up again. “Get some rest,” he manages and then hangs up.

This time, he intentionally drops his phone on the counter, and his forehead follows soon after. The marble is cool against his skin, and he breathes deeply against the racing of his own heart. He’s doing this, he reminds himself, because he’s the best person to help Sokka in this situation.

It’s incidental that he’s powerless to the urge to remind Sokka, in every way he knows how, that Sokka deserves to shine his brightest self at all times.

[burgers-and-french-fries]

Taking Chances: Chapter Forty Four.

**TRIGGER WARNINGS APPLY**

~postpartum body image issues: mentions of hatred toward stretch marks on belly, breasts and bum/thighs/hips and loose skin on belly. As well as mentioning dark circles under the eyes.

~bodily harm: mentions of daggers causing death and mentions puppet like strings causing physical harm to extremists (arms and legs) in the dream sequence at the beginning of the chapter. This also includes the mention of extremely bloodshot eyes and vigorous shaking.

~dark: mentions of demonic figures/creatures and beings controlling what happens in the dream sequence at the beginning of the chapter.

~fighting: mentions of physical anger (Taron hits a steering wheel and scares Nicola). As well as bickering and taking digs at one another, and what is believed as hinted words at taking a child from her mother.

~foul language: swear/curse words are scattered throughout this chapter.

~sexual: mentions of morning erections and the embarrassment that comes with them. As well as mentioning the sexual tension between Taron and Nicola throughout this chapter. This also includes the insinuation of masterbation.

**IF I HAVE MISSED ANYTHING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL ADD THE TRIGGER WARNINGS PROMPTLY**

===

(Vision board for the dream sequence)

*DREAM*

The grass was cool and soft under her feet. The breeze was gentle as it tenderly kissed the leaves of the nearby willow trees. The warm incandescence of the fireflies lit up the atmosphere with a romantic glow. One that left Nicola with an ethereal feeling of beauty and confidence. The train of her off white dress trailed behind her as she slowly made her way toward Taron who was waiting for her at the end of the fairy path.

Her eyes locked with Taron’s in a longing glance. She could feel the butterflies begin to take flight within her belly. Her heart rate picked up and the blushing heat radiated on her cheeks. She felt an overwhelming sense of love for the man standing in front of her with a proud smile on his face.

His eyes flitted down as he took in her form. The delicate white dress she wore hugged her in all the right places, giving her body a royal affect. Her hair had been placed in a low bun while a few tendrils softly framed her features. She was the epitome of grace.

“My darling, you have me at a loss for words.” Taron whispered as Nicola finally placed her hand in his. It was at that moment she realized that her left hand was adorned with a sparkling gold ring. Nicola’s eyes once again locked with Taron’s after noticing a ring on his left hand. She coyly smiled at him.

“I could say the same about you.” She teased, hoping it would hide her shock at the discovery of matching rings on their fingers. Nicola let her eyes travel down Taron’s body just as his eyes had done to hers moments prior.

His black silk button up shirt hung somewhat loosely on his body. The top few buttons of his shirt had been left undone, allowing the hair on his chest to peek through. The sleeves had been rolled halfway up his sinewy arms. Everything about him made Nicola want to drool.

“Flatterer.” Taron chuckled. Nicola smirked at him, making him wink at her.

She wanted to reply but no words came to her mind. Instead she slowly leaned in but stopped just before she reached Taron’s lips.

“Dance with me.” Came Taron’s whispered request. Nicola wanted to slap him for interrupting their almost kiss but when his voice sounded so tempting, how could she do that. Nicola let Taron lead her through the gate they were now standing at.

“Only if you let me lead.” Nicola said. Taron shook his head in reply.

“You know the man is supposed to lead.” He pouted. Nicola smiled and laid her head on his chest, listening to the melodious sound of his heartbeat after they came to a stop in a clearing amongst the trees that surrounded them. Together they began to sway to a silent rhythm that only they could hear.

The feel of Taron’s arms around her made Nicola feel the safest she had ever been, especially in the presence of a male. There was just something about him that made her feel like they would always be together, no matter what they would face. He was her world and she was his.

Nothing could separate them…

The moment that Taron playfully spun Nicola around, the atmosphere changed to something that felt heavier. No longer did things feel light and romantic, they felt dark and despairing. It was eerie. Bringing her back into him, neither he nor Nicola had a clue that a dagger had appeared in Nicola’s hand. The only warning they had was when Taron let out a strangled sound as the sharp blade pierced his heart. The colour quickly drained from his face as he stumbled back and collapsed to the ground.

Nicola moved to catch him but she couldn’t as she realized that something was holding her back from him. Like it didn’t want them together. Nicola tried to look for a way to get to him when saw the strings that now appeared to be tied to her extremities, cutting deep into her skin and drawing blood. Off in the distance she could hear an evil cackle of something demonic. She looked above her and saw a freakishly tall figure clad in a long black hooded cloak standing there with contorted features and a sinister smile on its face.

“Let me go!” Nicola demanded. The figure simply let a throaty yet high pitched laugh.

“He’s mine.” It told her. Nicola could feel the chill in her bones as her hair stood on end. It wanted her to suffer and watch Taron die in front of her. What she couldn’t understand was why.

“No. I’ll do anything.” Nicola begged. The creature thought for a second before vanishing as quickly as it came. At its departure, Nicola was free. She bolted to where Taron’s limp body laid.

“Taron please, you can’t leave me.” Nicola begged helplessly as more and more tears clouded her vision. Taron was too weak at this point and stared at her through his extremely bloodshot eyes.

(This is what I picture Taron’s eyes looking like. This is an actual photo of Jeff Petry of the Montreal Canadien hockey team at this years hockey season Stanley Cup playoffs.)

“I’m sorry.” Nicola said as she gripped at his shirt that had now been soaked with his blood. Taron couldn’t keep his eyes open anymore and closed them.

“No, don’t. Please!” Nicola all but shouted as she began to shake him vigorously in the hopes that he would wake up. Unfortunately for her, no matter how many times she repeated this action, Taron wouldn’t respond. She didn’t want to let him go, she refused to.

“Come on baby, open your eyes please.” Nicola cried. This was her last attempt and it was no use. He was gone and she couldn’t do anything.

Eventually, Nicola leaned down and pressed her lips to his cold and lifeless ones and said her final goodbyes, despite not wanting to.

“I love you.” She whispered as she broke the kiss.

*END OF DREAM*

Upon waking up from his slumber, Taron realized that he had his arms wrapped securely around Nicola whilst she was clinging onto his vest top as though her life depended on it. Her head resting on the lower part of his chest. He wondered what she could possibly be dreaming about to make her hands grip onto him so tight and intimately. Their close proximity sent his belly flipping with arousal. Despite that, Taron just laid there for a couple more minutes enjoying having Nicola in his arms.

(This is how I kind of pictured the pair laying in bed)

It didn’t take long for Nicola’s light mutterings and slight moans to turn into something more helpless sounding. Though he knew that she was dreaming, the prominent moans coming from her lips did nothing to help his already growing groin.

“Nic?” Taron tried, hoping that she wouldn’t wake up and clobber him for calling her that. When the nickname didn’t work and her grasp tightened on him, he knew he had to remove her hand. He carefully pushed his fingers under her palm and gently pried her hand away from him as though she was glass and he was afraid she’d break any second. Her body wasn’t having it as her fingers wrapped around Taron’s In a desperate attempt to have him close by. To know that he wasn’t going anywhere.

Taron swallowed thickly. He knew the situation was going to be awkward now and he prayed that Nicola wouldn’t wake up and he’d have time to get rid of his ‘problem.’ Just as he was about to pull his hand away, Nicola jolted up right and started gasping for air; not realizing where she was or that she had just hit the underside of Taron’s chin, making his teeth clap shut with a blinding force.

“Fuck.” He groaned as he recovered from the sudden blow. He had never seen Nicola like this before and knew her dream must have been that bad for her to not realize that they’d both just been injured.

“Is your head ok?” Taron asked. Nicola looked over her shoulder at him and gave him an annoyed expression.

“You head butted me.” He remarked. Nicola’s face softened and she looked as though she wanted to cry. She really wanted to hug him and remind her body that he was not actually dead.

“Your eyes are normal.” Nicola said with relief as she looked at him. Taron furrowed his brow, while the corner of his mouth raised in confusion.

“Nicola, are you feeling ok?” He asked, genuinely concerned for her wellbeing. She nodded and laid back down with her back facing him in the hopes that he would wrap his arm around her. When he didn’t, she turned to face him again. She needed to see that he was ok.

“Bad dream.” Was all that she said before she closed her eyes to further calm herself and scooted closer to him. Taron was afraid that she’d move too close to him and feel his erection. He breathed a silent breath of relief when she stopped moving and laid still.

“Want to talk about it?” He asked, more for his sake and curiosity.

“No but I’m glad you’re ok.” She whispered, feeling more at ease. That was until Taron shifted and nudged her with what she thought was his leg. Taron immediately sat up and visibly cringed.

“What’s wrong?” Nicola questioned with rising concern, wondering if her moving closer to him had been the wrong thing to do.

“Nothing.” He said a little too quickly.

“Something’s obviously wrong, you look pale.” She pointed out. Taron’s eyes subconsciously glanced down at his crotch. Nicola followed his eyes and saw the problem.

“Oh.” She replied simply. Taron looked at her with a grimace.

“Don’t look at it!” He shouted with embarrassment. Nicola snapped her eyes away and tried to look elsewhere. Taron scrambled to get out of the bed while Nicola sat on her side of the bed awkwardly, not knowing what to do with herself now that she knew Taron was aroused. Once the bathroom door had slammed shut, Nicola decided that it might be best if she went elsewhere.

As she made her way to the kitchen to make herself some breakfast, Nicola walked past the small reading nook that sat in the small lounge room. She had never been one for reading but given the circumstance, she hoped it would get her mind off of what had taken place in the bedroom a few minutes beforehand.

Nicola hurriedly went to the kitchen to whip something up before returning to the reading nook. After she had everything made, she walked over to the bookshelf and perused the book selection. Of course most of the books had to be of the romantic genre but amongst those books, Nicola’s eyes landed on a murder mystery book titled ‘One of us is lying.’ Nicola scoffed.

“Yeah, ok.” She muttered to herself as she continued looking through the book collection. Upon further inspection, Nicola finally came across a book on Anglesey. It looked interesting enough to occupy her mind so she pulled it from its place and made her way over to the large reading chair sitting by the window. She sat down, placed her bowl of fruit in her lap and opened the book.

Shortly after starting, Nicola had well and truly given up on reading. Her brain kept whirling with thoughts of why Taron was aroused. Part of her wanted to believe it was because he found her attractive but the rational part of her brain kept telling her that she was nuts for believing that as his reaction clearly showed her that it wasn’t her that had caused the erection and it was simply what his body did in the morning.

“Give me a break.” Nicola grumbled as she put the book down and stomped to the bedroom to get dressed. As she entered the room, she heard music now playing from the bathroom. She let a small smile pull at her lips but when an off key hum flowed above the music, she knew that Taron was having ‘time to himself.’ Nicola felt the awkwardness envelope her once more. Today was not going to be easy. She could feel it in her bones.

Attempting to push all thoughts from her mind, Nicola went over to her bag of clothes to try and find something suitable to wear. Unfortunately the bag sat in front of a floor length mirror. Nicola glanced up and instantly regretted it. What she saw made her cringe. Her hair was wilder than a Lion’s mane, her eyes had little crusties in them, the circles under her eyes made her look like the walking dead. She also realized that her stretch marks were visible. Suddenly she wanted the ground to swallow her whole.

‘See, there is nothing about you that would turn him on.’ Her brain told her as she stared at her reflection. She lifted her shirt enough to see the loose skin on her belly. She felt disgusting and like she was worth nothing. Defeated, Nicola plopped down on the bed and put her face in her hands in hopes that it would stop her tears.

(Vision board for what Nicola’s stretchmarks look like and where they sit on her postpartum body.)

=

A few minutes later, Taron opened the bathroom door -wrapped in a towel- and stopped in his tracks when he noticed Nicola sitting on the bed looking up at him with no expression.

“H-how long have you been there?” He asked, embarrassment once again washing over him.

“What are we doing today?” Nicola questioned, completely ignoring his words. Her mind no longer on him. Taron swallowed and walked over to where he had his clothes.

“What do you want to do?” He asked. Nicola rolled her eyes.

“I’m not playing 20 questions with you.” She snapped as she abruptly stood up and made her way to the bathroom with her towel and toiletries.

“Never said we had to.” He retaliated, now looking at his chest in the mirror. He was seriously regretting shaving his chest hair as it had left a somewhat angry looking rash in its wake.

“We haven’t used the hot tub yet.” Taron called after a few minutes. Nicola’s face paled. The hot tub would mean that she would have to change into her swimmers and with how low she felt this morning, she didn’t want to see herself in it.

“Are you dressed yet?” Nicola replied.

“I have sweats on.” He said. Nicola was satisfied with that answer and walked back out looking a little more presentable.

“That looks painful, you know.” Nicola said as she caught sight of his chest rash. Taron nodded.

“It is.” He responded.

“Do you have anything for it?” She asked. Taron shook his head.

“I’m not sure if I have anything but let me look.” She responded as she went to her hand bag. She chewed her lower lip as she dug through it. Eventually she found a spare travel size tube of Luna’s butt paste. She had heard that nappy cream worked to help soothe razor burn and she was hoping that it would help Taron.

“You want to do it or shall I?” Nicola asked, not realizing that those words may have suggested some other activity all together.

“Would you mind?” He asked. Nicola gave him a smile and moved closer to him. She popped the lid and squeezed some product on her fingers before gently rubbing it into Taron’s chest. The action gave both adults flutters of all sorts and of course making them both aroused with want for each other.

“What is that? It��s kind of thick.” Taron noted out loud. Nicola tried to hide her smirk.

“It’s Luna’s.” She simply replied. Taron rolled his eyes.

“That doesn’t really answer my question.” He mumbled.

“It’s her butt paste.” Nicola replied with a slight chuckle. Taron joined in and laughed. Nicola’s chuckles soon turned into genuine laughter. It was something she desperately needed.

“It does feel so much better. This stuff is magic.” He said, still chuckling a little bit.

“I’m glad.” She replied as she finished rubbing it in. Once it had been absorbed, Nicola looked up at Taron. Big mistake. The atmosphere had shifted around them and they found themselves drawn to each other. Taron’s eyes slowly drifted down to her lips, asking the silent question. Nicola’s head moved on its own accord, giving him permission to lean closer.

The closer he got, the more Nicola’s brain was screaming ‘red alert.’ In an attempt to stop the kiss, Nicola’s eyes fluttered open and that’s when she noticed all the little freckles on Taron’s cheeks. She even noticed just how long his lashes were.

“You have freckles.” Nicola whispered just as his lips were about to meet hers. Taron opened his eyes and moved back.

“Is that a bad thing?” He asked, feeling oddly defensive about them. Nicola shook her head.

“Not at all. I just know I don’t have any and it made me wonder where Luna got her freckles from.” Nicola replied softly. Taron’s heart jumped happily.

“I was always told they were bad luck.” He admitted.

“Who the hell told you that?” Nicola asked, offended for him. Taron had to inwardly smile at her tone. He had never had anyone (besides his mother) tell him otherwise.

“Doesn’t matter.” Taron shrugged. Nicola smiled and moved further away from him, worried that she’d actually kiss him now.

“Well if it’s any consolation, I’ve always wanted them.” She told him. He smiled at her. Oh yeah, he really loved this woman.

“Thank you for the confidence booster.” He said.

“You’re welcome. Now, hot tub?” Nicola asked, ready to get on with the day, even the thought of swimmers freaked her the fuck out.

“Sounds perfect.” Taron replied.

(Vision board for what Nicola’s chosen swimwear looks like)

It may have taken a few minutes but when they were ready, Nicola and Taron made their way to the hot tub area with snacks and drinks in hand. This was something that they both needed and Nicola was really glad that she agreed to sitting in the hot tub in the end. It was absolute heaven for her and never before had she felt this spoiled. She made a mental note to thank the owner of the little beach house for this special treat.

“You’re quiet.” Nicola said without opening her eyes. She was leaning back and letting the jets massage out all the knots she had in her lower back. Taron tore his eyes away from her chest and looked out into the distance, trying to figure out how to ask her the question that was on his mind.

“I’m just enjoying this. It’s nice not having a little boy demand my attention to watch his going under the water skills.” Taron replied. Nicola hummed in agreement.

“It is nice just having time for us.” Nicola said, not thinking how that would sound to Taron.

“Speaking of us, where is your necklace?” He questioned. Nicola’s eyes snapped open. She scrambled to find a believable answer.

“Luna kept pulling on it so I had to take it off.” She replied quicker than she’d hoped. This gave Taron the real answer he needed.

“Right, blame the baby.” He snarked, his tone turning sulky. Nicola looked at him.

“I’m not blaming her.” Nicola defended. Taron ignored her though and kept his pouting face on the sea in the distance.

“Fine, you’re on your own.” Nicola said as stood up and got out, storming back inside the house. Taron had no idea what had hit him, she moved that fast.

He was left sitting there with his thoughts. He felt wounded at the fact she dismissed him and his feelings like that. He hadn’t deserved that. He was only wondering where her necklace had gone.

=

As soon as she stepped into the house, Nicola stormed to the bathroom where she ripped her swimwear off and jumped into the shower. She knew today was going to be a shitty one and for once she had prayed that she was wrong but once again, she was correct.

“Fucking asshole.” Nicola grumbled to herself. All she wanted to do was relax and enjoy the last day of their trip but oh no, why would Taron allow that. His words of blaming the baby hurt her. She would never blame her girls for anything. Luna had been starting to grab at things especially when she was feeding and for fear of it breaking, Nicola had removed it. Despite her feelings of Taron rushing things, she knew that he had put a lot of work into getting it made for her and she didn’t want it to break in case she one day changed her mind and wanted to wear it.

When she was done with her shower, she got herself dressed in her cozy jammies and went to the kitchen to start making dinner as it was her turn to cook. It was then that Taron decided to walk into the house. He ignored her of course and she was fine with that. Two could play at that game.

Nicola moved about the kitchen with ease as she prepared Taron’s favorite Indian curry she had planned for their last night in Anglesey. She wanted to surprise him with it but now she simply hoped it would make him feel guilty, especially since it was Eve that had shown her how to make it.

“Dinner!” Nicola called as she stood dishing her food up. She had put stuff aside for her as she knew she couldn’t really have anything spicy whilst breastfeeding.

Taron shuffled into the kitchen, grabbed a bowl and dished up without a word to her. He was out of the kitchen and back in the bedroom as quickly as he emerged.

“You’re welcome.” Nicola sighed sadly. Well there goes that surprise.

Nicola took her dinner and went to sit outside at the little table, wanting to watch the sun go down for the last time. She had come to fall in love with Anglesey and could see herself living here at some point in her life. Maybe she’d even move out here with the girls.

Nicola had just taken a bite of rice when her phone rang. Nicola picked it up and saw Brenna’s contact picture. She smiled to herself and answered. She felt like she could really use a friend. One that wouldn’t judge her for not doing something they wanted her to.

She and Brenna had a nice conversation. Nicola unloaded everything onto Brenna and felt better for it. She felt heard and appreciated. Like there was nothing she could say that Brenna would crow at and tell her she was stupid for feeling a certain way. Their conversation ended with both women feeling lighter and happier. That was until Nicola walked back inside to see Taron retreating back to the bedroom with a mug in hand.

“None for me? Alrighty then.” Nicola sassed under her breath as she made herself a hot chocolate before going to stretch out on the sofa and watch whatever was on tv since she was alone tonight while trying not to be bothered by the silence from Taron.

She hated to admit it but she missed him. Their last few evenings had consisted of either talking, playing a card/board game or watching tv together. All she really wanted was for Taron to come and join her but if he was going to be stubborn about this and act as though his actions hadn’t contributed to this, then fine, she’d happily play along in his little game of ‘poor me.’ I mean after all, he still hadn’t thanked her for making his favourite dinner and hadn’t offered to make her whatever he had in the mug earlier.

Nicola was pulled from her thoughts when her phone buzzed on the coffee table in front of her. She huffed and lamely reached for her phone.

<<Are you sleeping in here or what?>>

“Bloody coward.” Nicola scoffed to herself as she read Taron’s text.

<<show isn’t done.>> Nicola replied, knowing full well that she too was hiding behind the phone. Nicola put her device down and went back to absentmindedly watching tv.

Sometime during the show she was watching and the next show, she must have fallen asleep because the next morning, Nicola woke up with a blanket fully covering her body. She hadn’t remembered cocooning herself in such a nice warm blanket which could only mean that Taron must have gotten up during the night and covered her. Shit that man was confusing the hell out of her. One minute he was cold, distant, pouty and mad; and the next minute he was the sweetest, kindest, most caring and loving man she had ever met. Talk about bipolar.

“What time is it?” Nicola asked as Taron walked past her with a couple bags in his hands.

“Time to go.” He replied shortly.

“Not what I asked.” Nicola snapped, removing the blanket and going to pack her things since lord butt face was in such a hurry to leave. Maybe he felt the same as her and couldn’t wait to see the kids.

Rushing to get her things packed up, Nicola chose to stay in her jammies. When she felt like she had everything packed, Nicola did the once over and made sure that nothing had been missed.

Satisfied with how their holiday house appeared, Nicola went out to the car to see Taron already in the driver’s seat angrily scrolling through his phone.

“Finally ready?” He snapped, not bothering to look up and acknowledge her. Nicola frowned at him.

“Hey. You could have woken me sooner.” She snapped back.

“Whatever.” Taron replied as he turned his phone off and started the car, waiting for Nicola to get in and buckle up.

When she was in the car, she was sure to slam the door shut to show him how pissed off she was at his attitude.

“You’ll break the car.” Taron slightly seethed, gripping the steering wheel tightly. Nicola rolled her eyes.

“Oh no, your precious car. Not like you don’t have money to fix it.” Nicola sassed with a hidden smirk and her brows raised in challenge.

“Knock it off.” Taron said, this time slamming his hand down on the steering wheel. Nicola jumped and immediately wanted to cry. She hated when people got physically angry. It scared her to no end.

Instead of replying, Nicola stared out her window at the passing scenery.

Now that they had been on the road for about fifteen minutes with nothing but Taron’s music playing through the speakers, Nicola decided that now would be a good time to close her eyes and at least pretend to sleep so that Taron didn’t get it in his head that it would be a good time to bitch some more about the stupid necklace. She had had enough of talking about shit that was happening between them as just once she wished they could get along enough to have time together where they weren’t bickering about something benign and pointless.

=

A couple hours later, Taron and Nicola finally arrived home. Nicola was beyond excited at this point to see her girls and hear all about their time with Tina, Guy and the other three children. She was also excited to see them because at least she knew she’d get happy chatter out of them and she wouldn’t feel so alone anymore.

“I’ll send them out then shall I?” Taron remarked as Nicola got out of his car, grabbed her bags and walked toward her car to put her belongings in the back end. Nicola rolled her eyes but didn’t respond. There was no point.

Taron walked into the house and was greeted by Jasmine and Mikey running up to him with a jar of money they had collected so that he could buy a new laptop and replace the one they wrecked.

“Hi daddy, look it.” Mikey said as he handed Taron the jar. Taron painted on a smile.

“Where did this come from?” Taron asked, even if he already knew the answer.

“We helped clean.” Jasmine answered. Mikey nodded in agreement.

“They were such good helpers.” Guy said as he joined the trio in the entryway.

“We touched worms.” Mikey announced, still grimacing at the thought of it.

“I’m proud of you both. Thank you.” Taron said, crouching down so he could hug them both.

“Where’s Nicola?” Guy asked.

“She’s outside packing her car.” Taron replied, trying not to let the anger flash in his eyes but of course with being a parent, Guy was able to recognize the emotion right away. He gave his step son a pat on the shoulder.

“Your mam’s made a Shepherd's pie big enough to feed the whole of Aber. Why don’t you and Nicola stay for a while.

“Don’t want to spoil your New Years. Mikey and I can order a pizza or something.” Taron replied. Guy nodded.

“Long journey?” Guy asked. Taron pulled a face at him.

“Don’t get me started.” Taron said lowly, hoping that the kids didn’t pick up the annoyance in his voice.

“Beer?” Guy offered.

“Brilliant but first, where’s my Luna bug?” Taron questioned, desperately needing to see his daughter’s smiling face.

“She’s up stairs getting her nappy changed.” Guy told him. Taron nodded.

“I’ll take Jasmine out, are her things ready?” Taron asked. Guy nodded and pointed to the door.

“Everything is by the door.” Guy said. Taron gave him a short smile.

“Right, you two say goodbye.” Taron instructed his son and his friend.

Mikey and Jasmine threw their arms around each other dramatically and giggled. They had so much fun together and as much as they were sad to say goodbye, they were both glad that they didn’t have to help with the bugs anymore.

“Are they here yet?” Tina called to her husband as she descended the stairs.

“Hi mam.” Taron greeted as she came into view.

“Did you have a nice time away?” She asked innocently. Taron ignored the question and held his hands out for his daughter.

“This little lady certainly missed her mammy.” Tina said unknowingly pissing her son off even more.

“Daddy missed you so much.” Taron cooed with a hint of a warning tone toward his mother as he kissed Luna’s cheeks, earning him a beaming smile as she couldn’t laugh just yet.

Tina looked at her husband for answers but he had no clue what really happened.

“You better go and hand them over.” Guy spoke up. Taron frowned but continued kissing Luna’s cheeks. He’d never get enough of her. She was just so stinking perfect and just what his heart needed. Her and her brother.

“I suppose so.” Taron said, walking toward the front door. Jasmine followed behind him as Mikey helped to carry her pillow.

“Lina. I missed you.” Jasmine hollered excitedly as she ran toward her sister, throwing her arms around her legs. Nicola smiled genuinely for the first time that day.

“I’m glad to see that someone is happy to be in my presence.” Nicola said, taking a dig at Taron. He rolled his eyes and opened Luna’s car door and placed her in her car seat. Nicola doing the same for Jasmine. Thankfully Mikey had now run back inside after giving Jasmine one last hug and saying a final goodbye.

“I could say the same thing.” Taron said, smiling brightly at Luna. At this, Jasmine knew something was up. She knew her sister and Taron liked to fight but this was just weird.

“Are you guys sick?” Jasmine asked, seeing their facial expressions.

“Nope but thank you for asking to make sure.” Nicola said taking another shot at Taron, insinuating that Taron hadn’t bothered to ask her what was going on like a normal adult would.

“When can I see my daughter next?” Taron questioned once Luna was safely buckled into her car seat. He made sure to really emphasize the word ‘my.’ Nicola looked at him and if looks could kill, he’d be more than six feet under. Luna was her daughter, not his.

Nicola shut Jasmine’s door at the same time Taron shut Luna’s.

“It’s ok, they do this all the time.” Jasmine told her niece as she passed Luna her little toy giraffe.

Taron followed Nicola to her side of the car and blocked her from getting in

“My main priority right now is taking my girls home. Now move.” She snapped, putting strong emphasis on ‘my girls’ the way he had done when referring to Luna. She opened the car door, and got into the vehicle. She didn’t care that she had hit Taron. He deserved it. How dare he think that he can lay claim on Luna now. Bastard had another thing coming.

Nicola sped off soon after and headed for home.

=

Taron stormed into his mam’s house and sat himself on the kitchen where Guy had left Taron a beer and where Tina was now helping Mikey build a lego tower. Both Mari and Rosie being at a sleepover.

“Mikey, why don’t you see where grandpa’s gone and then make sure grandpa has pickles ready to go home.” Tina suggested. Mikey nodded and climbed down from his chair before running off to find Guy.

“Park your ass right here and tell me what you’re mad at this time.” Tina instructed.

“I’m fine.” Taron replied, trying to skirt the issue. Tina gave him the ‘look.’

“Now.” She ordered sternly. Taron knew never to disobey that tone of voice so he sat down but frowned at her.

“Nicola.” Replied shortly. Tina sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.

“What have you done to that poor girl now?” Tina asked.

“Poor girl? What am I, chopped liver?” Taron barked. Tina stared at her son.

“Every time you are upset with Nicola, your actions seem to be at the center of it. So yes, what have YOU done to that poor girl now?” Tina asked again. Taron took a long drink of his beer.

“She took her necklace off.” He grumbled finally. Tina was gobsmacked at this.

“That’s why you’re so mad? Boy you have your head so far up your ass.” Tina spoke, shocking Taron.

“Excuse me?!” He exclaimed, pointing at himself.

“Taron, this isn’t some movie fantasyland. This is real life. You have probably scared the living shit out of Nicola by giving her that necklace.” Tina explained. Taron sat reluctantly listening to his mam’s words.

“I know this is real life.” He muttered as though he were a child.

“Obviously not if you think that rushing things is going to help get you further with Nicola.” Tina said.

“May I remind you that she planned the weekend away, not me.” Taron defended. Tina shook her head.

“That’s not the point. The point is that you have to understand where she is coming from. She grew up in a less than ideal home with parents that she hardly knew, in situations that are not suitable for a child. Now she’s having to raise her sister and deal with lord knows what behind closed doors. The last thing she needs is someone pushing her to deal with a life that she isn’t ready to live yet or at all.” Tina began.

“Have you ever considered her feelings with all that you push toward and throw at her?” The mother asked. Taron had to admit it. His mam was right, he hadn’t bothered to talk to Nicola about anything. He had assumed that he and Nicola were always on the same page.

“I’ll take your silence as a no.” Tina said with a softer tone. Taron looked at her with an emotion she’d never seen before.

“What else did you do to make her upset?” Tina asked, reaching across the table to pat his hand.

“I sassed her when she told me she removed the necklace because of Luna grabbing things. Then outside today, I asked her when I could see my daughter next but I may have put emphasis on the word ‘my.’” Taron answered. Tina hung her head.

“Oh Taron, you ninny.” Tina groaned. Taron scoffed.

“Gee thanks.” He sassed. Tina looked up at him.

“I don’t blame her for being mad. If your father told me that when you were Luna’s age, so help me god I would clobber him if it meant I could keep you with me.” Tina told him.

“Meaning?” Taron questioned.

“By saying what you did, it sounds like your threatening to take Luna from her which is why her back is up even more. She’s in mama bear mode and ready to fight.” Tina responded. Taron’s heart dropped. He didn’t want Nicola to think that he’d take Luna from her. He could see how much Luna and Jasmine meant to her. Hell, he’d get his back up if someone said the same thing about Mikey.

“Tell me how to fix it.” Taron begged, his stubbornness slipping away.

“Go to London with Mikey and let everything settle down.” Tina replied.

“There has to be something.” He said. Tina shook her head,

“I am dead serious, leave her be. She needs time to cool off and so do you. When you get back from London, then you can both sit down and talk but until then, I will ring your neck if you do anything.” Tina warned him, pointing at him.

“How will I know when she’s ready to listen to what I have to say though?” He asked, still hoping that his mam would cave and let him go to Nicola now.

“Taron, when the time is right, you will know. Believe me though, now is not the time.” She replied, really making sure he understood that she’d kill him if he did anything rash.

===

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[nimsajlove]

a dip in the pool

Not sure about how this turned out. But its better than the first version of this idea.

Brothers-AU  Ao3

*~*

“Master, come on! This is not the first time, that you have sent me out alone.” Rex and the other men in the gunship did not bother to look up, the spectacle was nothing new. Ever since the Commander was nearly shot out of the sky, General Skywalker always went a little crazy when he had to send Ahsoka off alone. Even when ‚alone‘ was a huge lie, she had chosen the men to accompany her herself. Rex had to admit that it was his fault, that Kix wasn't there. Instead, he had picked Coric, who had more experience with the climate they would be in.

"I'll be right in front of you, okay?", said the General one last time, as the girl climbed into the gunship with the men. She huffed and shook her head, then the doors slid shut. Rex glanced down at her and had to smile. "Don't hold it against him, the last time was close.", he muttered soothingly, she answered him with a hard look and when he hold her gaze, she let out a deep breath. "I know. But I'm not alone after all!", she suddenly grinned again and he had to admit, that he liked her grin better than her anger. Outside, the other ships turned up their engines and also the one under their feet began to thump softly. One last time he went over the plan again in his head. Get as far behind enemy lines as possible and infiltrate the station. "If you fall in somewhere again today!", Jesse threatened at the other end of the narrow room and Hardcase laughed loudly, Droidbait and Echo shook their heads.

*~*

Grumbling, she pulled the coat tighter around her body, they hadn't been in the atmosphere long and the cold was already penetrating the ship. How she hated it. Togruta came from a dense grassland, she had never made friends with snow and ice. But unfortunately the separatists didn't ask about her preferences, so she would take what she was getting. She watched Coric tighten his backpack a little. One of the buckles seemed to loosen again and again and she saw Hardcase open his mouth, his comment being drowned in the noise of the first rocket.

She had known, that they would be exposed to fire. That didn't make it any less terrifying, however, when she imagined the gunships falling out of the sky. For a moment she had the feeling of wet palms, then she clung to her training in the temple and her pulse came back down a little. Even with the second bang, she stayed calm. Only the third one, dangerously close to the ship, made her flinch. The men put on their helmets, but she could feel their eyes on her. "It's going to be bumpy.", the pilot's voice rang out, then suddenly it was loud. With a ringing in her ears, she registered how the ship's center of gravity shifted and they tilted. The doors opened, she didn't knew how, and she saw two things. One was a wall of fire, the other was ice. That came very close very quickly. Then there were bodies between her and the picture and it got dark.

For a long time Ahsoka did not move, trying to understand what had happened. She clutched the Force fiercely and opened her eyes, her instinctive reaction seemed to have saved them, except the pilot. The clones stirred around her and when she wanted to turn her head the ship groaned above her head, immediately she regained her concentration. She had sweat on her forehead as the men moved cautiously towards her. "We're still alive, what now?", Hardcase asked and they waited a moment, Ahsoka barely had enough energy to think clearly. All her focus was on the junk above her. She paid little attention to the low murmur until a sound silenced everyone. The ice sang beneath their feet, then a fine crack appeared. Immediately Ahsoka's thoughts raced again, her brothers had to get out of here. Immediately! The panic in her stomach gave her strength and with a jerk she lifted the structure above her, the men didn't need any more commands. Rex and Coric crawled out through the crack first and put their hands back in, grabbed Droidbait and dragged him through as well. Hardcase was the last and hesitated before putting a hand around her wrist. "I'll push you through, okay?" Ahsoka wanted to nod when she felt the ship slip a little further as she tried. The soft crunch moved the clone to simply grab her, lay her on the floor and push her towards Rex and Coric, they grabbed her and put her back on her feet. Exactly two seconds later Hardcase was also outside and Ahsoka carefully lowered the ship, at that moment it slipped completely from her and slammed onto the ice. "Get out of here!", she roared and heard the men behind her start moving, as soon as they were a few steps away from her, she let go of the ship for good and fled herself. She heard the ice breaking behind her and the fine cracks spreading under her feet. She looked ahead, Droidait had already reached the bank of the ice. Sweat ran into her eyes, everything blurred and blinking she tried to get the last bit of energy out of herself. Holding up a ship for so long was way beyond, what she could normally do. Then it got cold, startled she let out a breath and sank.

*~*

She wasn't cold, but she didn't felt her body. It was, as if she did not have one and panic overcame her. Then the voices appeared, first softly, then more clearly. In the darkness in which she was swimming, she tried to understand what had happened. "Still nothing, the transmission is blocked." The voice sounded calm, with a frustrated undertone underneath. Echo. If he sounded so composed, then Droidbait was still there! That was good, otherwise the other dominoes would tear off her head... "Stop that! I'm fine.", someone nearer grumbled, Hardcase maybe? Or Jesse? She wasn't sure, at least one of the two must have hit his head in the crash.

After that the voices became quieter but did not move away. It was nice to know the men were still there. After a few seconds of silence, she realized with faint astonishment, that it was not black around her. It was like closing her eyes to a weak source of light... Something rustled near her ear and she wanted to turn her head to see what it was. She was surprised when she actually opened her eyes. So they were still there! Moving her head made a sharp pain shoot down her back and she breathed in with a hiss, and her body was back immediately. It was kind of nicer without it. Every inch of her body hurt terribly and her skin was numb, because she couldn't feel the crackling blanket. For that she could see it. "I would not do that vod’ika.", someone mumbled directly above her montreals and even if she couldn't look up, she recognized Jesse who was sitting behind her under the covers. He pressed his cheek against her head, it hurt! She hissed and wanted to duck her head, just away from the pain. One hand grabbed her and pressed her again against the clone behind her, Coric crouched in front of her and looked at her seriously. Oh, she was too tired to argue with a medic. “We have to get you warm. I'm sorry.", he explained in a surprisingly calm voice. Why get warm, she wasn't cold at all? "You broke in.", came another voice and without her being able to see him, her thoughts relaxed. Then Rex appeared in her field of vision, so that she didn't had to turn her head. "Don't do that again kid.", he chided her, but he seemed relieved. Had it been that close? How far had they gotten anyway? "H... How far...", she started and then broke off, the pain as she moved her mouth stretching across her face, through her jaw and down into her shoulders. It brought tears to her eyes when her teeth began to chatter slightly. Now that they were once moved, they never stopped! "Droidbait! Come over here.", Coric said to the shadows, that were moving at the edge of her field of vision. She couldn't see him, but heard how the blanket rustled again and Droidbait squeezed with her and Jesse. His hands on her skin let the tears run down. Everything was on fire.

She believed that the fingers were supposed to be gentle on her face. But the touch was like cutting through her skin. "That'll be over soon.", Rex mumbled in front of her, then turned his head to Coric, who was rummaging in his backpack next to him. "Found it?" He nodded and pulled out what looked like a small blanket made of bandages. It was tiny, it would just cover her chest. Rex took it and gave it to Jesse, who pulled it under the covers and draped it over the girl's torso. Immediately the pain went up brutally and she gritted her teeth with a growl, even if the tears continued to roll.

 Echo and Hardcase approached in concern, seeing the girl cry put all of the men in the little cave on alert. That was their Commander, their sister! It was wrong to see her suffer. Hardcase was glad Kix wasn't down here. The low cursing the medic tended to, would not have been helpfull. For a few seconds everyone crouched around the little fire and the girl, then her teeth began to clatter and she shook violently, Coric breathed a sigh of relief and got up again. "That's good.", smiled the Captain and Hardcase knew that his voice could be extremely gentle and calm. Fresh from Kamino, he hadn't known anything better to keep the nightmares away. He had never seen Rex turn away a younger brother. But the sheer relief that sounded in his voice now, made him realize how close it really had been.

The Commander's small body shook even more violently as she tried to keep a sob behind her teeth. Hoping that he might be able to help her further, he glanced at the girl's coat and clothes. But there was nothing to be done. She had only been in the water for a few seconds, she had slumped not far from the bank and Jesse and Rex hadn't let her sink particularly deep. In the eternity that followed, which they used to find shelter, the clothes on her were frozen stiff. Now these things near the fire were thawed, but soaking wet. Next to him, Echo got up and went to the entrance of the hole they had found. Hardcase followed him, he couldn't stand sitting around any more and maybe someone was out there to be spotted.

*~*

She was terribly cold! Now that she could feel the warmth again, her body had decided to freeze her nicely. At least the touch of the heat pad on her bare chest didn't hurt as if it was cutting through her skin. And she was tired. She felt empty, completely exhausted. It was a miracle that she hadn't sunk to the bottom of the lake like a stone.

Without the pain, she finally managed to think clearly again. Shivering, she curled up a little tighter and shuddered as Jesse wrapped his arms a little closer around her. Had her brothers always been this warm? She wanted to get a little more energy out of the Force, just to be able to get up again. But there was nothing left. To get a tiny bit of energy would exhaust her more, than serve her. So it was the traditional way. "I'm starving.", she muttered, grinning as the men around her laughed. Coric held out a ration bar and even if these things would probably never taste good, she gulped it down. It was surprising how filling a single bar could be. The wave of tiredness that overcame her again shortly afterwards, however, was not a surprise. A full stomach made you tired, she knew that. But if she could keep her eyes open beyond this point... "Still nothing!", Echo cursed from the entrance and came back in, Hardcase right behind him. Both took off their helmets. They showed the same frustrated expression on their faces. "How far did we get?", Ahsoka asked, finally she could get the words out of her mouth. She stopped shivering. “We were almost at the landing zone. I suspect, that the general didn't see our crash.", Rex replied and Ahsoka had to agree, otherwise her Master would have appeared here long ago to drag her back onto the cruiser. "Do you think, he has a chance as long as the base is stable?", she asked quietly, hoping that one of the clones would tell her not to worry. But she also wanted them to be honest with her. Everyone was silent for a while, seeming to consider the options. "I don't think so.", Echo then answered and rubbed his face exhausted with his hand, the others mumbled approvals and Ahsoka sighed, at least that drove away the leaden tiredness a little. Alright.

"Coric, please tell me you have prepared for something like this.", she smiled and nodded in the direction of her things, which were still damp by the fire. He grimaced and shrugged. "I only have one top to maintain the core temperature.", he announced and rummaged in his backpack, how much would fit in such a thing? Ahsoka knew how heavy they could be. But how heavy were they, when a medic was stuffing them with everything he could get hold of? The black top that went to her was clearly too big for her. Anyway, it would do the job. "Well then.", she huffed and peeled herself off the blanket before tugging the top over her head. Then she got up and picked up the rest of her clothes, they were cold and damp, but it would be okay... "I think that's a bad idea.", growled Droidbait, who had also got up. He and Jesse put their armor back on. When Ahsoka closed her cold coat she shuddered, she had only just warmed up! "But it's the best chance we have.", Rex replied and picked up his helmet from the floor. "How nice, that we are on the same page.", she grinned and put on her hood.

* ~ *

A gunship had never sounded so beautiful! Shivering, she wrapped her arms around herself, fine ice crystals covered her clothes. At least it was now clearly dry! No sooner had the doors closed behind her, Coric put down the backpack and held out his hand to her. "Get out of your coat, now." She considered protesting for a moment, it was still cold in the ship. But Coric's gaze did not allow any further discussion and trembling, she peeled off her coat, he put it to one side and grabbed her hands. Her fingertips were pale and tingled with every movement. "I will inform the medbay that-" "Out of the question!", she interrupted the Medic immediately and snatched her hands from him, every touch of her fingers hurt slightly. When she got in the medbay, Skywalker would again only let her walk in the back for months. That was not fair! She had proven today, that she could take care of the men and that she was practically unscathed! No grazing shots, scratches or the like. Coric huffed and she was already preparing for a lecture, when a comlink was switched on to her right. "Kix? Get us a few more blankets into the quarters, and a cup of caf.”, ordered Rex, she was sure that he was smiling under his helmet. Ahsoka alternated between being angry and being grateful. "Sure.", Kix confirmed and Rex seemed satisfied, he turned to Jesse. “I'll make sure that the General doesn't learn every little detail of this. Make sure she doesn't run into him half-frozen.” Now she could clearly hear the smile and puffed up her cheeks, before ramming an elbow into his side. "I'm old enough and I have the higher rank.", she grumbled, knowing that Rex didn't push her around like that often. But at that moment it got really on her nerves, she just wanted to forget the whole thing! "Okay Sir, then I'll let Coric take care of the matter." She immediately sagged, even the Medic had to laugh now.

*~*

It was a miracle they didn't even come across Master Skywalker the whole way. She held her fists convulsively at her side and kept her back straight, only when they entered the quarters did she gave up. Kix was already waiting for her and there was no point in trying to hide anything. If Coric wanted to take her off duty, Kix would sedate her in an emergency to take care of her. She wanted to avoid it, one angry medic was enough for her for today.

Kix clicked his tongue in disapproval as Jesse pushed her in his direction and he wrapped one of the rough blankets around her, before pushing her onto her bunk. Then he pulled his backpack over and took her hands, they hadn't really gained in color and only now did she see that the skin on the joints was torn and bloody. "I'll let you all go alone one time and you almost lose your fingers.", he scolded her and began to rub the joints, the thin layer of Bacta burned, although it never did otherwise. Ahsoka attributed it to the fact, that it was warmer than her numb fingers. It was a strange curiosity that made her move her fingers, she wanted to remember how they hurt to be able, to recognize it. She took a light hit of Kix, who had pulled out some bandages and was wrapping her hands with amazing speed, she kept forgetting that he had the ability to get the men back on their feet on the battlefield. He got up grumbling, she caught something about idiots and frostbite. A little guiltily, she looked down. "Thanks.", she muttered as Kix thrust a set of black clothes into her hands. As she wrapped herself out of the blanket, a little stiffly, his gaze softened. "It's okay, just skip the swimming next time?", he asked and packed his things again. When he closed the backpack, Ahsoka had already changed and tried to slide the sleeves, that were much too long, over her hands. Jesse, who had disappeared a short time, came back with a second blanket, a steaming mug, and a ration bar. Sighing, she sat down on her bunk again and wrapped one blanket around her shoulders, her brothers wrapped her in the second and Jesse pressed the cup into her hands. The heat even shone through the bandages and her fingers hurt, but she gratefully gripped the cup. The faster she got her limbs warm again, the sooner the pain would be over.

She had just taken the first sip and grimaced, she had never been a big fan of Caf, when the door slid open and Fives and Cutup came in. Jesse was still amused by the girl's face, but the two newcomers hesitated at the sight of the commander. "Sir, what happend to you?", Cutup asked and Ahsoka raised an eyebrow defiantly, should the others think what they want. "You are... pale.", Fives explained and when she only puffed her cheeks, the two men turned to their brothers questioningly. "Our commander wanted to try diving.", Jesse joked, he just seemed happy to finally be away from this freezing planet. Ahsoka would have been amazed, if she had known how much of his relief had to do with the fact, that she was still sitting next to them and drinking her Caf, disgusted but grateful. She wanted to shrug, but the movement made her still cold muscles ache. It was like they were contracting and not loosening again. She sucked in a sharp breath and the sound set Fives and Cutup moving again. They quickly got rid of their armor and climbed into the bunk with her. Squeezed so closely together, the warmth of the others seeped through the blanket.

When the others returned she was asleep, her head on Five's shoulder and finally warm again. Rex passed the datapad to Jesse, who scanned the report. He had to smile and exchanged a look with the Captain, he too grinned slightly. Ahsoka Tano had done an excellent job, but maybe it really was better to hide how close it had been. Skywalker did not need to know all of this.

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[lonely-bored-writer]

Is Everything Okay? Ch. 13

Deep breaths Danny. Deep breaths.

Danny groaned, dropping his head into his hands. The fear still coiled deep inside him, anxiety thrumming through his veins. He swallowed thickly, he can do this. He was sure of it... At least Anderson and Lancer were sure of him.

A sense of sadness filled him as he picked up his head and looked at his support. Jazz, Dash, Chris, and Lancer. All of which were watching from the sidelines. A feeling of disappointment and betrayal filled him with the sight of a missing brunette. His mum had chosen to stay by his dad side, rather than being here for this. She was supposed to be called to the stand, but she pulled out not even an hour ago.

Not that Danny could really blame her. Her husband, the lover of her life was fighting for his life in a hospital bed while the kid responsible for this was about to have a court hearing. He would love to stay by his dad, but he couldn't He couldn't just let this get pushed back, he knew if he didn't do this than he wouldn't do this ever again.

"It's going to be fine." Anderson smiled, taking a seat next to the distressed teen. Danny accepted the water offered to him with a tight lip smile and whisper of thanks. "You'll just need to answer a few questions, like we talked about, it shouldn't be long."

"I'm more worried about her..." Daniel mumbled, his head tilting into the direction of a hyper redhead. His eyes scanned the room quickly for the woman's sidekick, worry filling him at the realization that the little pest is missing.

"Hey." Anderson shifted forward, getting into the teen's field of vision and forcing him into eye contact. Soft brown eyes met anxious blue eyes. "It's going to be fine. I'm not lying. Ms. Spectra would not be able to play any of this into Masters' favor. We can win this."

Danny swallowed, the fear not wavering it's hold on him. But nonetheless the teen gave the agent a small smile, appreciating that someone actually believed in all of this. Even when him himself felt like all they were doing was grasping at straws.

"Now for the case of Fenton V. Masters."

"So Mr. Fenton, can you tell be about the first instance where my client laid a hand on you?" Jessica Fredrick questioned, walking up to the stand. The color drained from the teen's face, his eyes landed on Anderson who gave him an encouraging nod.

"Take your time." The judge spoke softly. Danny swallowed and nodded, choosing to ignore the fear stricken tears that pricked at his eyes.

"It... It was the time that he-he got back into my parents lives. There was a class reunion and he invited us to stay... My parents took him up on the offer, I mean I didn't even think he was a bad guy until I noticed things. I saw how he would insult my dad in ways no one really noticed, and he would constant flirt with my mum. I...It weirded me out, I didn't want to stay long so one night I went to look for something, anything for a reason to leave...

"I stumbled on this room, he had these monitors and it looked like it showed my house... That's when I started feeling really scared and uncomfortable, so I went to get my parents. But instead I bumped into V-Mr. Masters... He seemed angry, I tried to talk to him, but he wasn't having it That's when he hit me, and he did it a few times-"

"Why did you not think to call the authorities when you were first injured?" Fredrick asked, folding her perfectly manicured hands behind her back. An air of arrogance surrounded her suited form. "If you knew that Mr. Masters was stalking your family, and you were in fear for their life, why did you not call the police?" Danny trained his eyes on the wood before him, an odd feeling bubbled inside him.

"Because that night he threatened to kill my family if I told anyone... I believed him, Heck I still believe the froot-loop could do something like that. But now-"

"Now a teacher point out your bruises, so you're using my client as an escape goat?"

"It's-It's not like that!" Danny gasped, his head snapping up to stare at the lady before him. "Vlad has been hurting me for years! I just never thought anyone would care, that anyone would even bother with me . I was-am the slacker kid who 'goofed' off a ton-"

"So you admit you tend to vary from the things before you?"

"Objection!" Anderson quickly shot from his seat. "This is irrelevant."

"This is relevant for the determination of this teen's word." Fredrick turned to the judge.

"Move on Ms. Fredrick." Judge Montreal nodded, turning his gave back on the slightly trembling teen before him. The older man felt a pang of sympathy run through him, even if for the briefest moment.

"That is all." Fredrick smiled, however her eyes seem to glare at the teen. Danny saw a glint in her eyes that caused a new wave of fear run through him. Something wasn't right...

"Mr. Fenton." Anderson greeted, motioning toward a blank projector screen. "When you were first examined the medical examiner took photo evidence, correct?" Danny responded with a nod, tense when the screen shifted to his bruised and battered body. The sight of it made him realize just how much a week can do for healing.

"The M.E. recorded that Mr. Fenton here was given a fractured hip bone, a dislocated shoulder, three fractured ribs, a hairline fracture on his left wrist, a concussion. Along with that, more than fifty five percent of his body was covered in bruises, another fifteen percent was scar tissue, and five percent were covered in various cuts." Anderson listened, flipping the slide show through the various photos of the teen's body. "Mr. Fenton, do you see the man we did this to you in this room today?"

"Y-yes." Danny spoke, his finger nails dug into his arm out of view of everyone. He needed to stay grounded, he couldn't let the anxiety overwhelm him.

"Can you tell me who that is?" Anderson asked, making sure to move from in front of Masters. Danny looked up, only to be met with dark, angry eyes.

"Uh...Vlad-" Danny swallowed, his fingers tightened drastically. A small relief filled him. "Vlad Masters." Daniel nodded to the defendant table.

"No more questions." Anderson glance towards to opposing lawyer who signaled she was done with questions. "I would like to call Jasmine Fenton to the stand."

"We'll we be getting the verdict today?" Danny whispered to his lawyer, who gave a nod. Nodding as well, the teen shifted his gave at the vibrant redhead who took a seat at the podium. Danny did everything in his power to push down the anger and distress welling under his skin, but the sadistic smile the Psychologist flashed him told him he wasn't doing well.

"Ms. Spectra, can you please tell be about your clinical idea of Mr. Fenton based on his records?" Fredrick asked, but the double meaning in her tone and the spark in her eyes gave Danny conformation that something was going to do in his favor.

"As an unbiased opinion, I would say that Daniel is a child suffering from psychotic episodes while also being a compulsive liar." Spectra answered, her grim features were contradicted by the glee in her eyes as she stared straight at the brew of negative emotions before her. "His history has shown instances where he would disappear and once he came back he would lie a web without a second thought. Aside from that, he's classmates had reported seeing him speaking to, or 'fighting' with a seemingly invisible force."

"So, would you say the teen's words are unreliable."

"Very much so." Spectra nodded, before he next words came out she flashed a dark smile at the distressed teen. She could feel the surge of emotions that came from it, and she was rolling in her power. "It may also be smart to mention how the teen seems to believe that he is the ghostly hero of the town, Phantom."

Instantly Daniel tensed even more if that was possible, his mind clouded with anxiety and an intense sense of dread. Was it Spectra who was going to out him? He turned his gaze on the older man in the table aside of his, his eyes were met with a dark smirk from the man who was already staring at him. Suddenly it was getting harder to breathe.

"-Video of the teen acting as if he were the hero."

Did she just say video? Video of what exactly? It couldn't be good in any sense of the word. The panicking teen looked over his shoulder in hopes to see a relaxed and reassuring sister... Not what he saw. The disquietude quadruple at the sight of a panic looking sister. He needed to breath, he needed to get out of this. He turned his bleary and shifting eyes to Anderson who had a locked jaw and hard eyes.

Anderson could help. But Danny's mouth felt intensely dry, he wouldn't be able to speak even if he tried. Reaching out a shaking hand, Danny winced at the black dots running through his vision. Not enough oxygen, that much was clear.

His eyes focused some, trying to read or hear the words that Anderson was mouthing or speaking to him. He needed to focus, but the loud ringing in his ears made it so much harder for him to hear.

"Panic-You-Sir-We-Oxygen-Danie-Slow-S-Oka-" That was all the teen was able to make out before his vision was succumbed in darkness, his mind falling numb...

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