#anyway I’m sorry your mom did that to you and I’m glad you’re having fun with some physical media

[remembrancersticky]

Down bad freak mode for the most emotionally constipated blueberry

It’s been about 6+ years since I last picked up a pencil and drew, but I decided to get back into it. Im still very rusty as you can tell.

Enjoy some grumpy Sicarius and ignore my lead smudging, I’m left handed.

[1d1195]

Dolcezza Extra II

Read Dolcezza here | ~2.4k words

From me: something sweet and sexy

Warnings: smut, oral, and nothing else except some fluffy bits

Summary: She's had a long day and Harry wants to make it better.

There was a knock on her door immediately followed by Harry’s key unlocking the door. Harry always knocked even though she assured him it wasn’t necessary. “Jus’ want you t’know s’me,” he shrugged when she told him. She glanced up from her desk to see Harry enter. “Hey Principessa,” he smiled tiredly. A double at the restaurant on a Saturday was brutal. But it was especially brutal during the holiday season when people flitted in and out between shopping for gifts and getting holiday dinners done with extended friends and family.

He looked exhausted.

She knew the feeling.

“Hi baby,” she smiled. Even if he was tired, he was still really pretty and lovely. She didn’t know he was going to come up after his shift. Sometimes after a double, he wanted to go home and shower. But today he seemed to be in need of some snuggles.

She was still working. Which made Harry a bit insane. On a Saturday night. She could see it in his eyes as he crossed the room. His exhaustion slowly replaced by worry for how much she was doing. What did she prioritize today that resulted in her being unable to do something she loved and had to catch up on work at a late hour? Did Emma have a math assignment she needed to look over? James and Ethan needed her help with cleaning? Or did her mom ask her for help booking a hotel for the family wedding in the coming month?

Harry hated his double shifts not only because he couldn’t see her, but because he couldn’t take her control (just a hair) so that she wouldn’t end up working at eleven at night on a Saturday. “Bad day?” She asked.

He rolled his eyes. He was tired, but it wasn’t a bad day. Honestly, he had fun at work. He and Niall worked well together so unless it was busy and understaffed, it never felt much like work. “No, kitten. M’annoyed you’re working.”

She dropped her gaze. “I like working,” she reminded him.

“Shouldn’t be working at eleven at night,” he reminded her.

“Well, I was going to read but then I was really into this plan I’ve created. I wanted to make sure I got it done before I lost my train of thought. The data I’m looking at has this really cool model and I was analyzing it, and it looked like it was trending down, but I think it’s actually trending up—” She stopped mid-sentence, her cheeks turning that beautiful shade of pink that Harry fell in love with. “Sorry, you’re tired.”

He smirked. “M’jus’ glad y’didn’t stress yourself doing stuff for your family.”

She looked at her lap. “Do you want me to be honest?” She sighed softly.

He sighed rubbing his hand over his face. “Principessa,” he tutted.

She frowned, fidgeting her fingers while Harry sat beside her. “They’re just so helpless Harry.”

“I know, kitten. But they’re all adults.”

“Barely,” she grumbled.

Harry sighed, pulling her into his lap and kissing the top of her head. He was glad all that had happened in this apartment didn’t deter her from living in it. Harry loved this apartment. Loved that it was right above him while he worked, that she was never too far away from him. “How much time do y’need?” He asked rubbing the back of his head. He didn't want to give her time. But he wanted her to be happy. Work did make her happy and he knew she would feel guilty if she didn't finish it and it would spiral into her worrying more anyway.

“Twenty minutes.”

“Twenty. I’ll take a shower. Then we can go t’bed, yeah?”

She nodded. “Sounds like a plan,” she pressed her hands on either side of his face and brought her mouth to his. “You made garlic bread and didn’t bring me any,” she frowned licking her lower lip.

He snorted. “Niall told me t’leave,” he shook his head. “He’ll bring some up when he’s done cleaning up.”

She smiled delightedly. “I have the best life,” she sighed dreamily, falling back into her swivel chair dramatically. Harry kissed her forehead.

“Don’t work too hard, Principessa.”

*

Harry enjoyed the warmth of the shower and felt a little more like himself when he returned to her in the living room. Her eyes still focused on her screen; the pinch of her brow puckered in complete concentration. “Um...any chance you’d be okay with like ten more minutes of me working? Emma called me because...well, I don’t want to bug you with the details, but she needed my help and—”

Harry knew whatever it was, she was putty to her younger sister’s request. She was too sweet, his pretty princess. “S’fine, but m’gonna help,” he turned her desk chair, so she spun to face him. She frowned.

“Hey, I was—”

He ignored her protest and lifted her from the chair to the desk lifting underneath her thighs. Harry was glad she was wearing her sleep shorts. The ones with an impractical slit on either side of her hips. A T-shirt that didn’t match swam around her frame. One that she bought because it was easily three sizes too big.

“Harry,” she tried again, steadying herself with hands on his arms as he gently pushed her laptop away from her reach followed by the notebook and pen she used to jot down her notes and to-do list. “I was—”

Harry watched her eyes and slid his hand up the inside of her thigh, through the leg opening, and pressed his fingers right past her underwear, between her folds, and directly onto her clit. Cutting her off with a gasp. “You were what?” He asked softly. Even if she wanted to talk she couldn’t. “M’jus’ going t’take care of you, Principessa. Y’do too much for everyone else. S’only fair.” Her heart rate was flying, and it mirrored the rapid fluttering of her eyelashes as Harry searched gently between the soft sensitive skin between her thighs. “S’that okay?” He asked.

She nodded breathlessly.

“Good,” he sighed. “Love t’take care of you,” he murmured and knelt down so his head was between her thighs. “Y’okay, kitten?”

She nodded again. “Please,” she whispered shyly.

“Aw, y’don’t have t’beg, Principessa. I’ll give y’anything y’want,” he winked, tugged the fabric that was in his way from between her thighs, and then pressed his mouth to her center. She gasped leaning forward, threading her fingers through his hair for balance. His locks were still damp from his shower, and she knew she would mess up the curls and flow from messing with it before it was dried. She hoped she could blame it on bed head.

She supposed in some ways it was bed head.

She moaned quietly as his mouth devoured her. Suckling and licking at her just the way she liked. Harry loved to be between her thighs. It was a regular part of their foreplay, and it never ceased to amaze her how deliriously good it felt. His lips and tongue were sinful. The man was so sweet looking and downright boyish with his cheeky sweet grin. For fucks sake he called her a princess in another language. “Y’can moan louder, baby. Y’know it’s soundproof,” he murmured kissing her thigh as he spoke to her before he wrapped his lips around her clit.

Just like that. Her sweet boyfriend was anything but sweet when he said stuff like that. When he swirled and lapped at her clit the way he was. It was dizzying.

She whined pulling on his hair to press him harder against her core. He moaned against her as she did. The vibration caused her body to react instinctively. Her thighs tightened around his head, and he moaned again. “That’s good, Principessa,” his voice was practically thoughtful. “So good, kitten. S’that feel good?”

She nodded. “Yes, yes, yes,” she whispered the repeated word as if it was all the same syllable.

“You’re so good, Principessa. Jus’ want t’make y’feel good,” he nipped at her inner thighs while he spoke his breath cooling off her wet skin. She was simply soaked between her arousal and Harry’s mouth. “All jealous ‘bout garlic bread," he teased, shaking his head. "Y’taste better than anything we make,” he mumbled and traced his tongue down her slit then back up, running a tantalizing circle around her clit again. Her eyes actually rolled back in her head. She thought that was only in books and for dramatic show in movies. She didn’t know Harry could really make her eyes look for the back of her brain. He sucked hard on her clit making an obscene slurping noise that would have embarrassed her if her place wasn’t soundproofed to near silence. Although she thought the moan she released could have broken the barrier. “Y’make such sexy noises, kitten,” he groaned and continued to torture her with pleasure.

“Harry,” she gasped.

“What Principessa? Y’close? Y’want me t’make y’come?” She nodded shamelessly; wanting it so bad she thought she would cry if he denied her (as if he could ever dream of denying her anything). “M’jus’ going t’touch—”

She cried out as he pressed his finger into her. His lips wrapped around her clit while his tongue continued circling around the sensitive nub. He rubbed his finger against her walls, once more feeling around expertly, the way she liked that made her toes curl.

The smug son of a bitch smiled against her as she clenched lightly around him. “That’s it, Principessa. Want you t’come all over me,” he moved his finger in and out at a faster pace timing it with his licks so that she was nearly worried she was going to pass out from pleasure.

“Oh fuck, yes,” she whimpered, and Harry groaned right against her.

“Keep going, baby,” he hummed fingering her and licking her like it was the only thing he planned on doing. “There it is, good kitten,” he praised which only made her melt into a puddle.

Her orgasm seemed to last way longer than she thought possible. Her thighs kept squeezing around him after it officially stopped. Like she was trying to hold onto the final waves of pleasure. “Do y’want another?” He inquired thoughtfully once more.

Another orgasm, especially of that caliber, would definitely make her pass out.

“No thank you,” she whispered.

He chuckled and kissed the inside of her thigh. He pulled her clothing back into the correct position and he sat in her office chair before he pulled her into his lap. She could feel how hard he was through the shorts he was wearing as she fell into his hold. He kissed her neck, wrapping one arm securely around her waist. The other hand found her inner thigh, slightly sticky with sweat, arousal, and Harry’s saliva. It was hot and messy, but Harry didn’t seem to care. Probably because he was responsible for the mess. Instinctively, she squeezed her thighs again, against his hand. “Y’sure, Principessa? M’happy t’make y’come again,” he offered kissing her cheek. “Y’seem a little turned on still?”

“Just... it felt really good. It’s,” she blushed and smiled at him shyly. “It’s lasting a while,” she mumbled and tucked her face into his neck.

His quiet laugh shook through his chest and her in his embrace. “You’re so pretty,” he murmured. “Especially when y’come.” She shook her head against him, but her thighs betrayed her again. “Let’s go t’bed, Principessa.”

She perked up a bit. Her eyebrows knitting together to meet in the middle of her eyes. “I think it’s your turn—”

“Oh no,” he shook his head. “Some other time. That was purely for you,” he stood, holding her legs around his waist. She blushed, giggled softly.

“Harry, you had such a long day. It’s hardly fair.”

“Not 'bout being fair. Plus going down on you s’by far one of m’favorite things t’do," he shrugged one shoulder.

Her cheeks still felt warm. “You’re pretty good at it,” she nodded in agreement.

Harry chuckled. “Cute.”

He walked to her bedroom, setting her on the bed. “I really needed to finish a few things—”

“It can wait ‘till the morning.”

She sighed. He was right. Harry was good at making sure she was doing more for herself. Although that usually entailed him doing stuff for her. Which didn’t seem like a good trade. Harry opened her main door briefly. He returned to the bedroom holding out the garlic bread immediately to her lips. With his free hand he cupped it below her jaw to catch any crumbs that didn't make it into her mouth.

“I really do have the best life,” she sighed, crunching on the bread. He smirked.

“Do y'want more?”

She shook her head. “I love you,” she sighed dreamily.

He laughed and kissed the top of her head. “I love you.”

Harry put the garlic bread in her kitchen, turned off all the lights, and came back to her bedroom. “Let me brush my teeth. Garlic isn’t pretty.”

“It doesn’t bother me,” he assured her, cupped her face and kissed her as passionately as he could. Like it was their first kiss. Or the one they shared the first time they had sex. The kind of kiss she imagined would greet them on their wedding day, whenever that would be. He pulled away briefly, pecked her more softly, then kissed her forehead. “Delicious,” he promised, licking his lips cutely.

Harry went to the other side of the bed and pulled her to his body as soon as he was settled. His arms wrapped tightly around her, his lips on the back of her head, kissing her hair. “Are you sure you don’t want me to do something for you?”

“M’always turned on by you, Principessa. Don’t worry ‘bout it. Jus’ taking care of you.”

“But you had a long day.”

He shrugged. “M’feeling fine. Don’t worry ‘bout me, kitten. I promise.”

“I worry about—”

“I know,” he chuckled, squeezing her closer somehow. His body wrapped around hers like vine. “Go t’sleep, Principessa. Y’can go back t’being an angel tomorrow and taking care of everyone under the sun,” he sighed.

She shook with silent laughter. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me, kitten. I get jus’ as much pleasure out of that as you.”

“That can’t possibly be true.”

“If y’let me do it again, I’d definitely come,” he shrugged one shoulder and he kissed the back of her head then tucked his face into the crook of her neck. “I love you,” he reminded her.

“I love you,” she sighed.

“Sleep tight, Principessa.”

For a few moments there was no noise except their quiet breathing. “Harry?”

“Hmm?” She squirmed awkwardly. “Do you want another orgasm, now?”  She shook her head. “More garlic bread?” A swift nod. He chuckled untangling himself from her. “One minute, m’love.”

“God, I am the luckiest girl in the world.”

--

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[moonlight-records]

Christmas via letters| OP81 (HAC #10)

pairing: op81 x reader

summary: after you break your phone and waiting to buy a new one, you decide the only logical way to contact your boyfriend is via letter for the holiday season.

warning: fluff!

fc: none!

wc: ??

a/n: I FINALLY CAUGHT UP!!! day 10 of moonlight records holiday advent calendar!

day 1 | day 2 | day 3 | day 4 | day 5 | day 6 | day 7 | day 8 | day 9 | current day | day 11

My dearest Oscar,

Oh my dear, Oscar, I do hope this letter finds you well. How these are very troubling times we have entered. I write this letter to you in the darkest of nights as slumber is near impossible. With you thousands of kilometers away my bed is so terribly big and empty and I am so terribly cold when I’m not in your embrace. Oh how I long for your embrace and to see your handsome face again.

Seriously though, hi babe! Did you like that opening? I hope so because that opening put a LOT of brain cells to work and we both know that I typically never have the brain cells. Now, you’re probably wondering why the hell am I sending you a letter when we can text or video call even though you barely answer your mom or me though since you’re always napping or flirting with Lando or Logan but I’m letting that go right now.

I am so glad you asked because my phone is…broken!! Isn’t that SO fun?! Before you ask, I am already one step ahead of you. Imagine it: a cold, bitter, and rainy Tuesday morning. I’m heading to class. Am I running late to class? Yes. Was it because I got myself a sweet treat? I am just a girl babe, just a girl. Anyway, I am making up for a great time and I will be early to my 8:30 class. Well, about that. I’m looking at my phone and I trip over my feet. Phone goes into a pothole puddle and is completely ruined so I have to wait till my next paycheck to buy a new one while trading in my old phone to get like a piss poor discount off my new phone.

I think I sent you a message on Instagram and TikTok from my laptop about it. I forgot that you aren’t on social media often like me which is very valid so I decided to send you a letter! Besides, I’ve always wanted to write Christmas letters but nobody I know wants to write letters anymore so you, my most loyal subject, are going to write Christmas letters with me! If you want, that is but I hope you do! Unless you want to be on social media to talk to your totally amazing, beautiful, funny girlfriend because I would not complain about that. Maybe you’d finally look at all those super funny cat memes I keep sending you! Well, hope to hear from you soon love

With much love,  Y/N

My sweetest Y/N, 

I will not be talking in the 19th century. I don’t think I can do justice compared to you but I can confirm that this letter has found me well and I will cherish it deeply.

Listen babe, you knew that when you decided to accept the first date you gained a very sleepy and polite cat from what the fans are deeming me. This should not be a surprise to you or my mom. Though I am not ignoring your text messages to flirt with Lando! Babe, how could you ever think that I would do such a thing? Lando is just a dork that needs constant supervision. Now Logan, on the other hand…babe that is my emotional support American. Are you telling me I CAN’T flirt with my emotional support American? Come on Y/N, you should’ve known that when you said yes to being my girlfriend that it was me AND Logan. We are obviously a package deal.

You dropped your phone in a pothole puddle? That’s…disgusting oh my god. I actually almost gagged at the thought of you reaching into the puddle to grab your phone. No wonder why my phone hasn’t been blowing up as much, babe I am so sorry. Both about your phone being ruined but also for my lack of checking in. Honestly I’ve just been recharging socially to answer emails and stuff. It’s taking much longer since you’re not here to cuddle me…still not an excuse. I wanna emphasize that I’m not excusing my lack of check in for the past few days. Promise to get better on that.

You know what, when you get your new phone, I will not only have opened all your wonderful videos but I’ll even send some back. Just you watch. Though in the meantime since you do want to send letters this holiday season, I guess we can so, do you have anything fun planned for the holiday season?

Sincerely, Oscar Piastri

Dear Oscar,

You answered!! Oh my god, baby you don’t know how excited I am for this. Also god, please do not remind me about the puddle. The thought still makes me shudder and gag. Though babe, you know me. I am not upset at all with you not answering all the time because it doesn’t really upset me. You know that because I know that you answer when I really need you to, which is like once in a blue moon. Like when I got the flat that one time and you so graciously got me an uber home. That was like what? Three months ago? Besides that, babe, show me a sign of life and I’m content for the day. Though are you admitting that Logan gets more attention than me? I might have to find our dating contract and revise that I get equal amount sir sleepy Piastri. But you’ll send me silly Tiktoks?! Oh Oscar, if you want to marry me, you should just ask me but this is so much better.

Oh! I don’t know. I’m helping mom this weekend decorate since it’s going to be the warmest weekend to handle the outside decorations. I’m going to attempt to help with the inside decorations since mom got grandpa’s Christmas village since we finally cleaned his house out. After that I’m kind of going with the flow, you know? Though mom has trusted me to do all the online shopping this year AKA she sends me screenshots and then tells me to order it with her credit card and hoard everything in my room, so. Eventually I will sit down one day and attempt to wrap though mom will probably redo it.

I know one day my friends want to go ice skating and see Wicked again. Now I am all for seeing Wicked again but ice skating? Babe, I fear if we go ice skating that you’ll get a call from me with all of us in the hospital. We can barely stand on our own two feet on a regular day and I know you’ve seen us. You know how clumsy my friends and I are but ‘tis the season, I guess!

Oh! We’re hosting Christmas this year, which will be very interesting. I mean, we got the space for sure but now that means fighting my cousin’s off so they don’t steal my plushies. Gotta defend ‘Mr. Artbag’ and ‘Sir Giggles’ you know? Do you have any plans for this upcoming holiday season?

Waiting for these cat memes, Y/N

To my darling Y/N,

Oh my dearest Y/N, the thing about our dating contract is that it has sadly ended up with me back in Australia so you cannot have it. Though I am willing to revise the contract to make sure you get an equal amount of attention as Logan, though I need something in exchange. Luckily, I have found the contract and as I review our agreement, I think if I give you an equal amount of attention, you have to let me buy you one thing you want every month. Would you be willing to agree to those terms? I’ll throw in 5 cat memes a week free of charge.

Oh that’ll be fun. My sisters wanted to go shopping and since I haven’t seen them I decided to go with them. I really became the bag holder though I wasn’t that upset because I did manage to find some of your Christmas gifts and actually get them with the assistant of my sisters. AKA they asked me what I was looking for and they found it by some miracle. I wish I had that special touch to find things I need–like mothers do you know? Anyway, besides that I don’t know. Mom’s almost done decorating and dad got the tree since ours sadly broke (we’ve had it for almost 10 years, we needed a new one) and they already decorated the tree. Though I might take Rosie and Basil out to grab some gifts.

Wait, you guys are going ice skating? Well, surprise, I’m actually coming out to visit for a bit. Logan and Lando want to hang out before Logan heads back to the states for the holidays so if you guys could try to schedule that about two weeks later when I’m around, I would love to go with you guys, though I would ask if Lando and Logan could possibly join? I have no issue in becoming a personal ambulance, especially if Lando is going to go ice skating. Save us all.

What are you doing for New Years? If you’re not doing anything, mom and my sisters would love to have you over. They miss you and they’re going insane without you having a phone to text them life updates. To be honest, I also miss waking up to all your messages and memes and getting real time updates about your life. Can I buy you a phone? Please?

Hope you get your new phone soon, Oscar Piastri

To the polite sleepy cat,

I talked to my lawyer about this new agreement in our contract and we have agreed to the terms you are requesting. Though I am not exactly happy with the terms about buying me one gift a month but you promise to send 5 cat memes so it’s fine. Though I will say, I am okay with it just being 5 memes a week free of charge if you cannot find any good cat memes. As long as it is a meme of any sorts I will overlook the buying me something for once a month.

Though on a serious note, YOU’RE COMING TO VISIT?! Oh my god, babe this is the best news I have ever heard. Yeah of course! I already asked the group and they would love to have Logan and Lando join us with ice skating! We were planning on getting dinner after if that’s okay with you guys? We’re not sure where we want to go yet but I’m sure we all can figure something out when we all meet up! Also, yes I made sure I was all bundled up, I’m not that crazy! Besides, I want to be able to smooth my dear boyfriend before the season starts without getting him in trouble for starting the new season a bit under the weather. 

Ha! Jokes on you, I already ordered my phone. I’m just waiting for it to ship because of course it wasn’t in stock when I went to get it in person. You know me, I just need a simple phone so I was going to get the same one as before. Sadly, it seems that my phone has become popular because they sold out in person! Oscar, do you know how devastated I was to venture out on my weekend to find out it’s out of stock? Truly, a dark day for me but my phone should be here before this letter is sent out. Promise that I’ll send you all my funny memes to make up for these lost times.

 As of right now, I don’t think I’m doing anything for New Years. I don’t know what the group wants to do yet but I think they’re all spending the holiday with their significant others so I would love to stay with you and the Piastri family! Are you kidding me? How else am I supposed to see Rosie and Basil? 

Well, this is probably coming around the holiday so, merry Christmas my love.

You’re probably napping, Y/N

To the golden retriever,

Hopefully, this reaches you before I arrive. I’m glad to know that your lawyer agrees with these new terms. Do you accept memes via powerpoint presentations? I have taken some time out of my very very very busy schedule to compile a list of the top ten, not five but ten memes that I have seen this week that I believe you will enjoy. Most of them are from the same meme trending on TikTok but I think these stories are right up your alleyway along with some cat memes. 

I’m glad you were all bundled up. Not that I would personally care if I got sick if it meant getting my mandatory kisses and cuddles that I’ve been longing for. Any trouble is worth it if it’s so I can see you. I’ve spoken to Lando and Logan and they have agreed that planning for dinner would be the best. Lando has done his usual request of no fish please and thank you. Damn. I was hoping that you didn’t order it so that could’ve been the free gift of the month on top of your Christmas presents. Whatever. Buying you a book will be a great second option and you can’t yell at me!

Oh haha, very funny. I knew this was going to be an issue when I brought you home but I’ll let it go, only because that means you’ll give me extra cuddles later for feeling bad. Kidding, kidding, but seriously. I’m glad that you can come over for New Years. It’ll be fun and everyone will be glad to see you.

Also, I appreciate what you did with the lipstick on this letter. Y/N, you truly flatter me. You think so highly of me that you’ll give me a kiss through the letter? Oh, be still my beating heart. I hope you like my washi tape decorations. I know it’s not on the level of kissing a letter but I think for the first time, it’s great. I also hope you like the polaroid attached as well, if it stays attached. Mom is pretty proud at capturing my failure of trying to build a gingerbread house.

See you soon & at New Years Eve, Oscar Piastri

[laurenairay]

A reason to start over new - T. Jost

Summary: It’s been five years since Lucy has seen her ex-boyfriend Tyson. Can his grandparents’ Christmas party fix their broken hearts?

Happy birthday @senditcolton! This is my fic for your birthday bingo – I had a lot of fun with this one! I chose The Hand Touch, Exes to Lovers, Free Space (Resolved Angst), “You’re Too Good for Me”, and Winter Romance, making it a full bingo! Hope you have a wonderful day Nicole.

A massive thank you to @jostyriggslover96 for reading through this!

Words: 3.3k

Warnings: angst, flashback to breakup, some bad language, self-deprecation.

Title from The Reason, by Hoobastank

~

I've found a reason for me, To change who I used to be, A reason to start over new, And the reason is you.

~

“Oh wow, Val and Jim have really outdone themselves this year, haven’t they?”

Lucy glanced around at the Christmas decorations surrounding them, smiling at her mom’s words.

“Full of holiday cheer, as always!” she nodded.

She took off her thick coat and gloves, glad to be out of the icy air, hanging them up on the rack put out for guests.

“Now honey, if it’s too much, you can slip out back and head home, okay?” her mom said seriously, albeit quietly.

“You said that last year. And the year before that. For the last five years, actually,” Lucy mused.

“And I’ve meant it every year. They might be our neighbours, but you are my baby. And my priority, always,” her mom said seriously.

Not for the first time, Lucy was thankful to have the mom she did.

“And I appreciate it. But I’m going to be fine,” she said, smiling fondly.

“Alright, if you’re sure. You just send me a sneaky text if you change your mind though, yes?”

“Yeah, thanks mom,” Lucy beamed.

The Christmas Eve Party thrown by her neighbours was a tradition she’d attended her entire life, and even though she hadn’t dated their grandson in half a decade, Val and John had always insisted that she still came along. A lingering effect of being childhood sweethearts, she supposed.

“Amy! Gary! Lucy!”

The welcome from their neighbours was warm and effervescent as it always was, and soon enough Lucy found herself swept in by conversation and catching up. She may have gone to college in UBC Okanagan in Kelowna for both her degrees, barely away from home, but she’d lived in campus residence for all four years of her bachelor’s degree and moved out of her parents’ house properly into a small apartment near campus for her master’s degree. It would’ve been easy to move home after guaranteed accommodation ended, but Lucy had wanted to keep the independence she had grown to love, and it wasn’t as if she didn’t visit her parents at least every other weekend.

But it was still nice to be able to talk about her accomplishments with the people that she’d grown up alongside, especially now that she was in the final year of her master’s degree and looking like she was on track for starting the PhD she’d always aimed for.

After a couple of hours, she escaped the crowds in the living and dining areas, grateful for the sanctuary of the kitchen. There were a few plates of cookies and other Christmas treats laid out, and Lucy couldn’t resist reaching out for a snickerdoodle���

…at the exact time as someone else.

She jumped in surprise as a large hand rested on top of hers, not realising anyone was next to her, but as she looked up, she couldn’t but to freeze despite the warmth of his touch. Tyson. It was Tyson’s hand touching hers.

“Oh fuck, I’m sorry, I…Lucy?”

“Hey Tys,” she managed to breathe.

The familiar curls, the big beautiful eyes, the sweet smile, and now a little bit of stubble? He looked good. Of course he looked good.

Tyson quickly drew his hand away from hers, breaking her out of her thoughts.

“Uh, you have it, I shouldn’t be eating baked goods too much anyway,” Tyson said, rubbing the back of his neck a little sheepishly.

Lucy pursed her lips and broke a third of the snickerdoodle off, handing it to Tyson with a raised eyebrow. Tyson huffed out a laugh but accepted the offered treat, sending her a small smile of thanks. Fuck, it may have been five years since they broke up, but he really hadn’t changed, had he?

“So, uh, you still come to these parties?” Tyson asked.

Lucy bit her bottom lip but nodded.

“Yeah, your grandparents insist. I hope that’s okay,” she winced.

“Of course it is,” Tyson said quickly, “They always loved you.”

Well that was something at least. Why did this feel so awkward? Sure, it had been five years since she’d seen Tyson, but they dated from eight years – surely they had more than this?

“I don’t usually come to these. Well, I guess you already know that, if you come every year. I, uh, I have the 24th to the 26th off this year, so I didn’t want to miss another Christmas with my grandparents,” Tyson explained.

“I bet Val and Jim were over the moon when you told them,” Lucy mused.

Tyson laughed softly, nodding. “They were. Mom and Kacey didn’t hesitate to come to Kelowna to join us, so it’s a big family Christmas this year.”

“That’s great, Tys. Really. Spending Christmas with your loved ones is important,” she said softly, smiling.

His smile dimmed a little, but he nodded.

“How’s, uh, how’s your degree going? Gramps said you’re doing a master’s now?”

He knew that? Did he ask? Or did Jim just tell him?

“Uh, yeah. I graduated my bachelor's degree magna cum laude back in 2020 and went straight into starting my graduate program there. I’m a paid teaching assistant for my supervisory professor too.”

“That’s incredible, Luce. Still doing Earth and Environmental Sciences?” Tyson prompted.

He remembered? After all this time?

“Yeah, yeah it is. Focusing in on environmental impact assessment for my master’s thesis,” she nodded, a little stunned, “I didn’t think…I didn’t think you’d remember.”

“Of course I remember. You were always so passionate about your studies – it was one of the things I loved most about you,” he said softly.

“Tyson…” Lucy said faintly, trailing off when no words would come.

He smiled sadly at her, shaking his head.

“Sounds like…it sounds like everything was worth it for you,” Tyson murmured.

~

2019

“So you can’t make it over?”

“No, Tys, I can’t, I have labs to do,” Lucy sighed.

“We haven’t seen each other in so long!”

“I can’t just not go to my classes because you want me in Denver! You know this!” she groaned.

“I know, I know, but it sucks.”

Lucy frowned, even though he couldn’t see her. “You’re the one who didn’t come home for Christmas, remember?”

“The schedule didn’t make sense, and I offered to fly you down?”

“Tyson!” she groaned.

He stayed silent on the other end of the phone, a silence that sent an ominous shiver down her spine.

“So where do we go from here?”

“W-What?” she said, confused at the dull tone of his voice.

“Your priority is college, my priority is hockey, and neither of us can compromise. I would never ask you to compromise, just like you wouldn’t ask me. We have different priorities, clearly. So where do we go from here?”

“Tyson, are you really saying what I think you’re saying?” she whimpered.

“Yeah, I think we should break up.”

“We’ve been together for eight years! You’re the only boyfriend I’ve ever had, the only guy I’ve ever wanted. And you want to break up, just like that?”

“I don’t want to break up, Luce. But what other option do we have? Neither of us can give the other what we need right now. We have to focus on ourselves, don’t we? For our own careers? You have so much ahead of you and I can’t be there to celebrate it. And you can’t be by my side cheering me on from the stands. I love you, Lucy. But this isn’t working anymore.”

~

“Tyson, why would you say it like that? You think it’s been easy for me?” Lucy asked, throat a little choked.

“No, no, of course not,” he groaned.

“Then what do you mean?”

“Look, forget I said anything, okay? It was really good to see you, Luce.”

Before Lucy could say a word, Tyson walked away, leaving her alone in the kitchen with her head spinning. What the hell was that?

For the final few hours of the party, Lucy indulged in a couple more glasses of wine than she intended, sticking solidly by her parents’ sides. She did her best to keep a smile on her face and ease into the Christmas festivity, even when Laura and Kacey said their hellos, but her mind just kept going back to Tyson.

“We’re going to start saying our goodbyes, okay honey? Why don’t you find all our coats.”

Lucy just nodded at her mom’s suggestion, grateful for the opportunity to escape the crowd. Well, she was grateful, until she saw Tyson sitting on the bench next to the coat rack, face flushed and eyes glassy. He was drunk, at least moderately so.

“Ah, fuck, I didn’t want you to see me like this,” he said, voice slurring.

What did he mean by that?

“I’m just getting our coats. We’re heading out,” she murmured, trying to ignore the whoosh in her stomach.

“Already?”

“It’s nearly midnight, Tys,” she said, smiling wryly.

“Well, fuck. Time flies when you’re having whiskey, I guess,” he groaned, putting his empty glass on the bench next to him.

She huffed out a laugh, unhooking the coats when she finally spotted them.

“You look good, Luce,” he murmured, looking up at her through his eyelashes.

“I do?” she blurted.

Damn it.

But Tyson just grinned. “Yeah, you really do. You always looked good, but damn you���ve really settled into your own skin, eh?”

“I love who I am, yeah,” she nodded.

She wasn’t lying, or even placating. Her studies in environmental impact had opened up a whole new side of her she hadn’t even realised was there, and she loved everything about the person she’d become through it. She just hadn’t realised it was obvious on the outside.

Then again, if anyone was going to notice something like that about her, it was going to be Tyson, wasn’t it?

“You’re too good for me.”

Oh fuck.

“That’s not true. Not even slightly,” Lucy said, frowning.

“No? I can barely get a team to keep me, and you’re soaring ahead with your academic career, just like you deserve,” Tyson scoffed.

This was just the alcohol talking. It had to be.

“Tys, those teams are the ones missing out. You’re amazing,” she said softly.

He paused for a moment, before shaking his head.

“If I’m so amazing, why did we break up?”

Because he had to put hockey first.

Because she had to put college first.

Because neither of them were each other’s first choice.

“That’s not fair, Tyson. We were kids when we first started dating. Barely 13 years old. And we were together for eight years! We had an incredible relationship! It just…we wanted different things. Our priorities were different, our passions were different – we might have grown up together, but we’d also grown apart. Your life is hockey and my life is academics, and that’s okay! That doesn’t mean we didn’t have love, yeah?”

The way that Tyson’s eyes filled up with tears made her own eyes water, dangerous lump rising in her throat.

“If I could go back and change it all, I would. I’d choose you. I’d always choose you.”

His soft words tore a sob from her throat and she shook her head. How could he be so cruel?

“Don’t say that. We made the right decision five years ago and you know it,” she whimpered.

Tyson’s face fell at her devastated expression, and he staggered to his feet.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry,” he said sadly.

And yet here she was, broken hearted all over again.

“I should go. I need to go,” was all she could manage to choke out.

“Lucy, baby, please…”

But Lucy just shook her head, clutching the coats in her hands, shaky smile on her lips as the tears finally fell. “Merry Christmas, Tyson.”

~

“So what happened at the Christmas Eve Party that has you all torn up like this?”

Lucy flinched at her mom’s voice, turning her head to see her standing in the doorway to her bedroom.

“Nothing,” she said quickly.

“Uh huh, and I’m a fairy princess,” her mom snorted.

Lucy couldn’t help but giggle, earning a fond smile as her mom walked into the room and sat down next to her on her bed. Lucy placed a bookmark in the book she’d been reading to give her mom her full attention. She’d needed a little respite from all the preparations to hold her dad’s family for a late lunch, after all the intensity of having her mom’s family over yesterday on Christmas Day, but she’d found herself reliving her conversation with Tyson over and over.

“Sounds like…it sounds like everything was worth it for you.”

“You’re too good for me.”

“If I’m so amazing, why did we break up?”

“If I could go back and change it all, I would. I’d choose you. I’d always choose you.”

So really, her mom coming up to talk to her was a welcome break from all of that as well.

“If you know it was the Christmas Eve Party then you can take a guess,” Lucy said, shrugging.

“I’d rather hear it from you, when Tyson’s involved,” her mom mused.

Well at least her mom was blunt about it.

“We had a couple of conversations, and it stirred up old emotions, old drama. He…mom, he said he’d go back and change it all if he could. That he’d always choose me. What am I supposed to do with that?”

Her mom blinked a couple of times, lips parted in a surprised, before she coughed out a laugh.

“Well I could never accuse Tyson of being subtle.”

“Mom, seriously. This is stressing me out. I can’t stop thinking about it,” Lucy groaned.

“I think that’s an answer in itself, sweetheart,” she said softly.

“What?”

Her mom stayed silent, just nudging Lucy with her shoulder, and Lucy nudged back out of habit. What did she mean, that was an answer in itself?

“Lucy, honey, if you can’t stop thinking about Tyson choosing you above everything else, that means something,” her mom eventually said with a huffed laugh.

“But how can it? He still has his hockey, and I still have academics. Neither of those are going to change any time soon,” Lucy said sadly.

Because at the end of the day, that was the bottom line of it all. Their priorities haven’t changed.

“Just because your both still have your passions doesn’t mean that they have to be your only love. You can have both,” her mom said firmly.

What?

“How can I have both?” Lucy asked, confused.

“Do you love him?” was all she said.

“What?” Lucy said, surprised.

“Do you love him?” her mom repeated.

Lucy opened her mouth, shutting it again before huffing out a laugh. There was only one answer to that.

“Yeah, I never stopped,” she replied.

“Then you can have both. You spent the last five years missing him, and I know damn well that that boy missed you too - neither of you deserve that for another second. You can have both,” her mom said decisively.

She could have both?

How could she have both?

“You love him.”

“I love him,” Lucy whispered.

“Go get him.”

Lucy whimpered as she looked into her mom’s eyes, but she only saw warmth and encouragement. Her mom was right. She loved Tyson. She loved Tyson and if seeing him again this Christmas had taught her anything, it was that she was stupid if she tried to deny how much she missed him. If she didn’t tell him now, when would she?

“He leaves today. I need to go now,” she said suddenly.

“Well damn, okay then. Put on a sweater and I’ll find your snow boots,” her mom grinned.

Lucy felt like she was in a haze as she walked as quickly down the street as was safe, heart pounding as she spotted Tyson loading bags into his grandpa’s car.

“Tyson!”

His head whipped around at her shout, eyes going wide as he saw her walking towards him. Tyson shuffled down the driveway, missing Jim’s fond smile as he himself went back into the house, and the moment that she was standing in front of him, Tyson cupped his hands over her elbows to steady her.

“What are you doing here?”

“I love you,” she breathed.

Tyson whimpered, but Lucy wasn’t discouraged, not when she saw the wonder that filled his expression.

“You love me?”

“I love you. I love you so much and I can’t stop thinking about everything you said the other night,” she blurted out.

“Luce, I’m sorry, I know I upset you but…”

“No, Tys, it’s okay,” Lucy said, shaking her head as she interrupted, “While I stand by what I said, that we made the right decision at the time, maybe we could make a different decision now?”

“What are you saying?”

She could understand his hesitation, really she could. It wasn’t as if she wasn’t coming out with this out of the blue, after five years of nothing at all. After five years of heartbreak and heartache. But her mom was right – she missed him so fiercely and she couldn’t bear the thought of him not knowing that.

“I want us to start over new. I never stopped loving you, not for one moment. We could have both. We could have our passions and our love, and I hate that it’s taken me this long to even consider that? I miss you and I love you and I know you’re heading to the airport to fly back to Raleigh, but tell me I’m not crazy for thinking we could do this?”

Tyson’s jaw dropped as he processed her long rant, and it was only his firm grip on her elbows that stopped her from giving up hope.

“That was a lot,” Tyson said.

She winced. “I know, but…”

“And you poured out a lot of emotion there,” he interrupted.

Lucy kept her mouth shut this time, as much as she wanted to beg him to say more.

“It’s been agony for five years, for so many reasons, but hearing you say that you love me and you want to give our relationship another shot? I just…”

Tyson trailed off, letting out a long breath.

“I understand if I’m too late,” she murmured.

But Tyson huffed out a laugh, raising one hand from her elbow to cup her face in a gentle motion that had her breath hitching in her throat.

“There is no world in which you’d be too late,” Tyson said softly.

“Really?”

“I love you too, Lucy. I never stopped either,” he murmured.

She couldn’t stop the incredulous laugh that tumbled from her lips, smiling back up at Tyson as he smiled at her.

“We’re really doing this?” she asked, giddy.

“Yeah, baby, we are. I don’t know how we’re going to do this, or what it’s going to look like, but we’re both adult enough to know how to put in more effort this time round right, yeah? I’ll fly home for the all-star break, and I’ll fly you out for spring break, and we’ll have video calls that neither of us are going to miss. And everything else. We’re going to make it work this time,” he said, tone serious but face grinning.

“And we’re going to communicate, yeah? When one of us is finding it hard? We’ll find little compromises, as we can’t do the big compromises. We’re worth it,” Lucy added, not caring that her cheeks were aching with her smile.

“Yeah, we are. I love you, so much Lucy,” Tyson grinned.

“I love you too.”

Tyson didn’t waste any time in leaning down to press his lips to hers, their last first kiss.

[sage-green-matcha]

LOVE LETTERS - ETHAN LANDRY 💌

Small love letters Ethan would give you during your 3 years of dating in high school!

Content includes: fluff! Cuteness idk!! Small argument :(

<3

<3

<3

Dear Y/n,

Hi :) you did really well on your project today. I hope you get the grade you want! You look beautiful. Yours, Ethan Landry <3

Dear Y/n,

Hi :) I missed you in 5th period today. Hope you feel better soon! I like your sweater by the way :)) Yours, Ethan Landry <3

To my dear Y/n

You looked so beautiful today, I wish I could see you more throughout the day. I can’t wait to see you later <3 have an amazing day :) - Ethan <3

Dear Y/n!

Today I got an A on my final! I know I was stressing you out since I was freaking out!! Thank you for dealing with me!! I love you, have a good day ;) <3 Yours, Ethan <333

Dear Y/n

I know you’ve been feeling down but I just wanted to say I love you. I can’t wait to see you at lunch. You look pretty like always, hope you feel better soon. Yours, Eth <3

Dear Y/n!

My mom said you can come over for dinner tonight! Don’t get nervous I already know my family is gonna love you. Quinn is practically already in love with you so don’t worry about her. Yours, Ethan Landry <3

Dear Y/n <3

My parents literally adored you. They keep asking when you’re gonna come back. My moms already planning on inviting you to Christmas. Have a great day! I love u and adore u sm! Yours, Ethan :)

Dear Y/n!!!

When you walked into the classroom I was like “What the fuck?!!” You look more than beautiful, I love you and your style so much. You look so good. Style me next lol. From your amazing boyfriend, Ethan Landry <33

Dear Y/n!!!

Meet me at the library after school today? I have a surprise for you! Bring yourself and that’s it! Love you so so much! - Ethan! <3

Dear Y/n

I hope you liked your surprise from yesterday! I can’t wait to see what dress you wear to the prom. I already know you’re gonna look beautiful. Your baby, Eth <3

Dear Y/n <3

I had so much fun at prom with you. I can't stop thinking about you and that beautiful dress of yours. You’re taking over my brain but I’m not complaining. From your cutie of a boyfriend, Ethan Landry!!!

Dear Y/n!!!

I’m so hungry, text me so we can figure out what to get for lunch. Legitimately starving, I could eat you up ;) jk…but also not jk? ANYWAYS! lmk :) - Ethan!! <3

Dear Y/n

I know you’re upset at me. I’m sorry. You know that I will always support you in whatever you do. I was just scared to be away from you and I hope you know I love you and will support all of your decisions. Yours, Ethan Landry <3

Dear Y/n!

I can’t believe you’re leaving me for a whole week. I might just die without you. I hope you have the most fun on your trip! Hopefully, London is as beautiful as you are! (Which is impossible) - Your sad boyfriend, Ethan Landry <3

Dear Y/n

Oh my god, I missed your face so much. Thank you for bringing me all those snacks! I loved getting to see you this weekend. So glad to have you back I was so touch starved - Ethan! <33333

Dear Y/n:

Our last week of high school!!! I can’t wait to move into our apartment soon. You know I love you!! Get to packing! Yours, Eth <3

My dear Y/n

For the last 3 years, I have been writing you letters and giving them to you in between passing periods. Im gonna miss this a lot. But I’m glad that we’re getting to grow together. I'm so thankful for you and all your support. I can’t wait to walk up on that stage and look for you in the crowd. I love you so so much. Maybe when we get settled into our apartment I can write you notes on the fridge with magnets or something. Yours, Ethan Landry <3

[stupidlittlespirit]

I’m a mother of 3, and my middle child just turned 8. I read your tags. I cannot even FATHOM taking my child, dropping him off in a parking lot to make him think that I’ve abandoned him, and then come back and say “you should appreciate me.” ………… ffffffuckk that. The instance with your mother also, I can’t even imagine telling my child something like that. My heart absolutely aches for you. Legit I’m furious, I’m crying and my hands are shaking. No child should ever have to go through something like that. I am so so sorry you didn’t have the foundation you should have had in this world and it’s RIDICULOUS for people to say you didn’t succeed because you weren’t focused enough holy shit you were just trying to SURVIVE. My mother and step father were not abusive, but they were somewhat misguided and they did not help me get a good start to adulthood. I remember being told “you’re an adult, figure it out” at like 18. So I can imagine the kind of hardships you faced and I think you deserve all the grace in the world for your situation.

You know how at Pride events sometimes there’s parents there offering free hugs, because lgbtq+ people don’t always have parents that support them? Well this stranger on the internet who is a mom supports you 🥲

As someone who has written fanfic since (I’m a couple years older than you lol I’m gonna date myself here 😅) 2003, I know all the times that fanfic was literally the only thing in my life that was keeping me going, specifically the kind and wonderful interaction I received from reviewers. It made me feel like I wasn’t so alone, it made me feel like I had people cheering for me and people in this world who cared about me.

Your MtB series has been living rent free in my head since I found it. Like you find that one story that just takes up all your thoughts and you reread it before bed like a lil bedtime story (shut up you know exactly which chapters I keep rereading 😆🤭) and I am so interested and invested as to where it will go next. As soon as you mentioned Reader was glowing I was like hey that’s like Base12’s fic! I was really pleased to see yours was inspired by that one! Ford is my favorite Gravity Falls character and I love how much you understand him.

Oh also OF COURSE I still want MtB to end in smut LOL! 😆 idc how much body horror you put in I still want the good stuff 👌😆😁 I think they both deserve it after all this!

Anyway sorry about my rambling on this and how long this got, but I just couldn’t see what you went through and not say something 🥺 I hope you’re doing well and there are people out there who care about you! ❤️

Yeah it's funny you say that because I often look at children interacting with parents on the street and think to myself 'wow they're so little, I couldn't imagine doing something like what my parents did to me'. I literally step aside to let kids through on the pavement because I'm afraid that if I brush up against them as I walk by I might knock them off balance or something lol. I couldn't imagine hurting one on purpose. They're just babies!

And thank you, that's very sweet of you haha I really appreciate it <3 Thanks for being my internet mum!!!!

Ahh I'm so glad you like the series! I definitely write for the same reason in the sense that I hope it offers some small comfort to other people because it was one of the only good memories I have from childhood. I used to spend all my time reading fics and living in this different world, and I guess my intention is just to offer that to someone else. That's why I like hearing from you guys when you comment and stuff! <3 When people tell me they stayed up all night reading a fic, it makes me so happy because I can recall how much fun I used to have doing exactly that. I mean, go to bed by the way but LMAO

Ugh yeah they definitely do deserve to fuck nasty at the end of this thing lol I need them to get all this tension and angst out of each other! Heated sex scene pending.

Thank you, it's really kind of you to reach out like this. I'm in a decent place now. I'm finally in therapy that I fought very hard to get and it's really helping me. I live with my partner and I have two lovely cats, plus some very wonderful friends. It took a long time to even feel slightly happy, but I'm miles better than I was. There's still a long way to go but what is life if not a journey, right? I'll get there eventually. I haven't done all that work to give up now :)

[lynzishell]

Prev // Next

Transcript:

Dawn: So, how did your coffee date go? Phoenix: [rolls his eyes] You don’t have to keep calling it a date. Dawn: Why? It’s fun watching you squirm.

Phoenix: If you’re jealous, you can just say so. Dawn: Stop it, I’m not. Phoenix: But it’s fun watching you squirm. Dawn: Aha

Dawn: Seriously though, how was it? Phoenix: It was fine. Good to clear the air, but I’m kind of glad it’s over. Glad to be here with you. Dawn: Aw, me too.

Phoenix: How are you doing, by the way? I kind of dropped a bomb on you the other day. Dawn: Yeah, you did. [laughs] I’m good though. Thank you for telling me. It means a lot that you trust me. Phoenix: You can trust me too, you know. Dawn: I know, and I do. Phoenix: Okay, good.

Dawn: I think the hardest part, honestly, is not being able to talk to Atlas. He’s the person I tell everything to, and it feels weird keeping it from him. I’m not going to say anything, and I’m not complaining. I guess I’m just saying that I hope one day you feel like you can tell him too.

Phoenix: Maybe. I’ve wondered if it would be best to tell him and Kiyoshi since we’re all going to be on that mountain together. And I know Kiyoshi has been questioning Aurelio about it. I don’t know. I’ll think about it. Dawn: Okay.

Phoenix: So, what do you usually do for the holidays? I know you don’t speak to your parents (which you still haven’t told me anything about), but do you have any other family that you see or talk to? Dawn: [pauses thoughtfully] No. Phoenix: [shakes his head] Right, my fault for asking a yes-or-no question.

Dawn: Alright. So, leaving was not as easy as just moving out and not talking to my parents. We didn’t just leave them; we left our church too. Turning our backs on that meant losing the family and community that comes with it.

Phoenix: Hm. That sounds very… cult-y. Dawn: [laughs] No, it’s not ‘cult-y’. They’re religious, yes, but it’s not that extreme. Phoenix: Well, as someone who’s literally never stepped foot inside a church, they all feel a bit cult-y to me.

Dawn: Fair enough, but no. Anyway. Phoenix: Anyway.

Dawn: Holidays feel a bit weird, especially just being me and Atlas, so we don’t really do much celebrate. We cook food and watch movies, and maybe go see pretty lights or something. That’s about it. Maybe one day when I have my own family, I’ll enjoy them more again.

Phoenix: Is that something you want? Like, marriage and kids? Dawn: One day, yeah. I’m not in any rush or anything. Though the kids part might be complicated. Phoenix: How so?

Dawn: Well, there’s a slim-to-none chance I’d be able to get pregnant or carry a baby to term on my own. I have a fertility issue that I inherited from my mother. She calls us her “miracle babies” because she wasn’t supposed to be able to have kids, but then she ended up with twins. I suspect they had us through IVF, and they just lie to everyone about it.

Phoenix: Why would they lie? Dawn: Because it’s what they do. Um, anyway, sorry. Didn’t mean to launch into all that. [takes a breath and a sip of wine]

Dawn: So, now I’m curious what you think. Do you want kids? Phoenix: Not any time soon, but I’d be open to having one or two someday. Dawn: Hm. I think you’d be a good dad. Phoenix: I don’t know about that, considering I never had one. Dawn: You had a great mom though. Phoenix: True.

[simslegacy5083]

Today's (11/22/2024) Episode: Orientation Blues

Despite having his close friends with him, Skye’s first visit to the high school was definitely not drama free.

“Why did I drink all that soda with lunch!?” Skye moaned, exited the  auditorium with his parents and classmates. “Now everyone is going to remember me as the kid who burped so loud in orientation it interrupted the principal's welcome speech. They’ll come up with some awful nickname for me, like Burpface, and I’ll be the butt of all the jokes. My life is OVER!”

“I don’t think it was that bad” Greyson said. “Yeah, and we’ll hang out with you no matter what” Peter agreed. “Thanks guys” Skye smiled sadly, unconvinced but appreciative that his friends were trying to help.

“You know…” Luigi told him once they’d said their goodbyes “we haven’t taken you school shopping yet.”

“If you change up your look, get some new clothes and a new pair of glasses, I bet no one will even recognize you. It’s not like you met many new sims in person today anyway since we sat with Don, Denton, Amaya and the kids. What do you think son – interested in a little retail reinvention?”

Skye nodded energetically “That sounds great! No one will laugh or call me burpface if they don’t realize I was the one who did  it! Thanks dad.”

“My pleasure” his father smiled broadly “I have work tonight but I’m off tomorrow. We’ll start bright and early, so we don’t have to rush.”

Noemi snuggled in close to her spouse as Skye rushed ahead towards the teleporter that would take them back to the island “Well that certainly seemed to lighten up our boy's bad mood – good job you!”

Skye’s mood skyrocketed that evening when he got a text from Elyse “So BORED 💀!” it said “Come hang? New TV in my room, Simflix and Chill?”

“Sure!” he texted back, his pulse suddenly racing “I’ll be right over”

Stashing his phone in his inventory Skye ran to the bathroom to brush his teeth “ugh, if only we’d done our shopping trip TODAY!” he said to his reflection “then I could show Elyse my cool new look. I guess this will have to do.”

Finding Noemi out back practicing the barrels with Roach he called out “I’m going to Elyse’s, we’re going to watch a movie, bye!!” barely giving her time to shout out “have fun” before he was speed walking towards the boardwalk.

“Watch Out!” Skye screamed, covering his eyes just before the chainsaw welding main character of Moonlight Massacre 3 claimed their last victim.

As the credits rolled Elyse turned towards him, laughing “you are such a scaredy cat!”

“Well excuse me for not enjoying 2 hours worth of jump scares and death.” Skye shot back, his heart still pounding and not in a good way.

Seeing she’d hit a nerve Elyse backed down and changed the subject “Sorry. No more horror movies, I promise. Now tell me, how was orientation?”

“Terrible” he replied morosely “I embarrassed myself by burping right in the middle of the principal’s speech. I really don’t want that to be my main recognizable moment around school, so mom and dad are going to take me to pick out a whole new look tomorrow.

“Hey” Elyse replied “WE should go shopping together instead! I’m sure your parents won’t mind. Then I can help you pick out some really cool new outfits. You’re always telling me how much you like my style after all.” She blushed, suddenly unsure of herself… unless you’re just humoring me.

Skye did love Elyse’s sleek dark goth ensembles, but he also had one important question “I can wear SOME stuff that isn’t black, right?”

“I think we can find you something cool with blue highlights” she grinned “Come on, it’ll be fun!”

“OK… I’m in!” Skye smiled back at her, suddenly excited “I’ll talk to my folks and then text you to figure out a time. This is going to be great!”

“Glad I could make my lil’ blue teddy a little less blue” she giggled evilly, dredging up the nickname she’d used for him when they were toddlers.

“Oh Grim Elyse, you can’t spread that nickname around! It’s almost as bad as Burpface!” he groaned. Her teasing devolved into a tickle fight between the two friends, and while a good teenage ticklefight has no real losers, she eventually agreed to keep his childhood nickname their little secret.

When she finally caught her breath, Elyse had another proposal. Mom promised she’d make her famous taco casserole tonight and I’m starving. You want to stay for dinner?” “Sure” Skye smiled “You know I love your mom's casserole.” Skye’s sadness from earlier in the day was forgotten as he trailed her out of the bedroom. His best friend sure knew how to turn his bad day around.

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[luke-shywalker]

there are little moments

“Hold still,” she said, and Ben complied as his wife carefully adhered the new bacta patch over his eye. He flinched as her fingers gently pressed down to seal the sides.

“Why don’t you use your Jedi magic to just give me a new eye?” he asked dryly.

“That’s not how the Force works,” Fannie replied. She turned and went to dispose of the old patch, her lekku swaying behind her.

Ben groaned and massaged his right browbone. He couldn’t use his right eye to see—not yet, anyway—but it still moved in tandem with his left, and smarted whenever it did.

“Funny,” he remarked. “Anyone who sees me is gonna think I had some kinda heroic encounter against the First Order. When really, my eye just decided to stop working. Like…for fun, or something.”

“I’m glad we got it taken care of,” said Fannie. “You need your vision. You’re one of the best pilots in the Resistance.”

“One of ‘em. Mom seems to like Poe Dameron better.”

“Oh, hush.”

“At least this didn’t happen to you,” Ben said. “One of Skywalker’s Jedi. Though, you’d probably be able to use the Force to see, right?”

“Well, it’s not unheard of, but Force vision is not completely the same as natural vision,” said Fannie as she made her way to the kitchenette and pulled a canister of rice from the lower compartment. “You really don’t know how the Force works.”

“Sorry,” Ben shrugged. “Jedi school dropout over here.”

“I’m sure Luke much preferred training your sister,” Fannie teased. She began setting a pot of water to boil.

Ben shrugged again. Rey had confided in him recently that, without Luke to guide her, she had been struggling with the seductive pull of the dark…just like he had. But, that wasn’t for him to share.

“I can help make dinner,” he said, changing the subject and getting up from the foldout bed.

“Oh, no you don’t,” said Fannie. “Sit back down.”

“C’mon, Fan. I haven’t been able to do anything for like, two days. For the Resistance, or for you. I feel bad.”

“You took care of me after the Battle of Takodana. Call us even.”

A sudden ache behind his eye made Ben start to feel nauseous at the thought of food anyway, so he sat back down with a huff. “Fine.”

“We’re nearly out of protein rations,” Fannie noted. “We’ll have to get more soon.”

“Let’s just run out. I hate that stuff.”

Fannie flashed him a small, bittersweet smile. “Welcome to wartime, Ben Solo.”

“I’m sick of living through major historical events,” Ben said. “Though—I probably wouldn’t have ever proposed, if the war hadn’t happened.”

“Hm. So that’s what it finally took.”

“Aw, Fan. Don’t be like that. I just mean…life seemed to get way more real all of a sudden. And everything seemed to be moving way faster. Especially after Hosnian Prime was destroyed. I just…y’know…realized there wasn’t a whole lot of time left.”

“Well, I hope there’s some time left,” said Fannie. “I hope we get to see our children, someday.”

Ben squinted. “You have so been talking with my mom, haven’t you.”

Fannie smiled, placing the protein strips in the pot with the rice. “Your dad, actually.”

“Oh.” Ben scratched the back of his neck. “Well. Let’s work on making the galaxy somewhere we want our kids to be, first.”

“Yes,” Fannie agreed. She covered the boiling pot with its lid, then turned to look at him, leaning on the counter thoughtfully. “Is this what you thought it would be like, Ben?”

“What what would be like?”

“Being married.”

“Oh, well.” Ben shrugged. “I dunno. I never really thought about it much. I just like being with you, and I think we make a damn good team. And we do—at least—I sure think so. D’you think so?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“But…you used to think about it a lot, huh?” A teasing look crept onto his face. “Yeah, you always wanted the cute little house and the white duraplast fence and the two-point-five children—”

“Oh, stop it,” she said, waving a spoon at him. “But…yes, I did want that. The beginnings of a war would not normally be my ideal timeframe for a honeymoon—”

“—but we made it work.”

“Yes, we made it work.” She paused, thoughtfully.

“Well, I suppose it’s not at all like I imagined,” she said at last. “But, then…there are little moments, rather like this one, where it’s exactly as I’d hoped. Where we eat dinner together—”

“If you can call it that—”

“—and we talk about having kids—”

“—someday waaaay down the line—”

“—and reminisce about our life together so far, and I nurse my ailing husband back to health—”

“—not because something cool happened to him, but because his eye randomly stopped working…”

Fannie sighed, exasperated. “You just can’t let me speak, can you, Ben?”

Ben grinned from where he sat on the foldout bed—that roguish lopsided smirk he’d inherited from his father. “Hey, it’s my eye that’s busted, lady. Not my mouth.”

She rolled her eyes, but he was too difficult to stay mad at when he looked like that.

Even with the silly-looking eyepatch.

She smiled good-naturedly. “Well, I’ll soon fix that,” she said, and came over to give him a kiss.

[siriuslysatorusimping]

I'm back! Disappeared for a while cause of some complications with bub for things are all good now! And we've just found out we're having a baby boy! Can't wait to catch up on your new stuff!

AHHHH. WELCOME BACK!

I’m sorry there were complications, but glad to hear things are all good now!

CONGRATULATIONS ON A BABY BOY ON THE WAY!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Sending all the positive thoughts for a continued healthy journey and a healthy and happy baby!

LOOKS LIKE 2024 IS GONNA BE THE YEAR FOR BABY BOYS. Because my best friend also just found out that she is having a boy!!!

Fun story that she will probably kill me for sharing below the cut:

She and I are very close. If there is such a thing as friend soulmates, she is mine. We talk a lot about mental health. Our brains are similar in how we deal with our anxiety, and we're both incredibly empathetic. So when either of us is down, we know we can talk to the other to help us through it because sometimes boys (aka our husbands) are dumb and don't understand how to help us get back to a good place mentally.

ANYWAY. We were on the phone a few months ago, and she mentioned she was feeling off, which is a normal thing for her to say. So I did what we always do and asked what was up, why she was feeling that way, etc. All totally normal. Until she said something she had never said related to her feeling off mentally, and it just made me pause because I knew she and her husband had been talking about trying for a baby. So I asked if she was pregnant.

And she got all huffy and said, “I DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO ANSWER THAT.” Which, of course, answered it anyway. And when I started laughing, she kept yelling (in surprised anger. She wasn't actually mad at me). “YOU’RE SO CREEPY. I LITERALLY TOOK THE TEST YESTERDAY. WE HAVEN’T TOLD OUR FAMILIES. MY MOM DOESN’T EVEN KNOW YET. LITERALLY NO ONE KNOWS. WHAT THE HECK. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO TELL [husband] THAT YOU FIGURED IT OUT IN LESS THAN TWO MINUTES OF BEING ON THE PHONE??"

And that's how I was accidentally the very first person to find out my best friend was pregnant, aside from her and her husband. 😂😂

I was sworn to secrecy for weeks, only allowed to tell my therapist, who thought it was hilarious that I figured it out so easily.

[1d1195]

Sam! You’re so kind! Thank you for the lovely birthday wishes and such sweet words😭💕I look forward to always chatting with you and honestly Sam you’re one of my besties too no joke!😭💕💕💕 love you so so much my love!!!! Thank you you’re the literal sweetest!!

Ngl I forgot about wicked and honestly in my head she is living for it all! And now it makes a lot of sense why he’s so sleepy! He probably just had so much going on so it’s understandable why he sleeps lol and that’s wild kids actually think he could be your son😭

We love to see men suffer😁 you’ve mentioned your love for sports which makes since how well you describe the hockey dynamics and I Think you’re mentioned baseball too in your stories and how I’m pretty sure you did play it! And at this point Sam you could write whatever trope/au and I would eat it up!

I’m sorry you’re feeling the existential dread:( that’s truly never enjoyable! Though I’m glad that you were able to have some moments to help feeling that way! And how nice to chat with some friends! Hopefully this week is a bit better!

I did have a nice birthday! My mom was feeling good so we went out for dinner! It was nice and I’m planning on hanging out with some friends this weekend which I’m excited about!

So now I have finally read the second part of Pucking Rookie! SAM IT WAS SO GOOD!! You know I’m a such a slut for some jealousrry and omg I kinda loved he was going insane with her wearing Niall’s jersey!! And I thought it was so adorable how shy and bashful Niall was 😭 that was so cute and I LOVE Niall in any universe you put him in lol (saw of video of him the other day and ngl he looked so hot which was new for me lol but I’m not mad about it!) anyways he’s also so insane for following her to her apartment l?!? If it were any other guy that is so creepy! But honestly if it’s Harry I’m gonna let that slide bc he’s just everything lol the intention was sweet though so it makes up for it! But omg the picture on her fridge😭 and him asking her if she would wear his name 😭 that was a sweet moment between them!!! THEN THE SKATES😭😭 he loves her bad and she loves him bad😭 IM SO EXCITED TO READ MORE BESTIE!!! You did great as always!!

Sam im wishing you the absolute best start of the week💕💕 hope that you had a lovely weekend and have a wonderful week!!! Miss you loads! Love you!-💜

I'm so happy you had a good birthday and your mom was up for dinner! I'm glad you have plans with friends too! That's awesome!! 💕

It kind of clicked randomly regarding wicked one day. It made me think I should revisit them tbh but idk.

Kids are so DUMB that's all I can say. I'm trying my hardest bestie to make them LESS dumb but they really make me earn my pay check some days. In their weak defense, if they DID listen to me they probably could have done the literal math to figure out I am too young to have a 17 year old 🤦‍♀️(A girl cried today because I didn't put numbers on my coordinate grid and she was like "how am I supposed to know where -2 is?" and I was like "Bro, count the boxes????") I think if I had a kid though I would want him to be a lot like this kid. He's made some questionable decisions over the years but I think he's got a good head on his shoulders overall. I think he's going to be okay. I will also probably jump in front of a moving car for him so there's that if all else fails. I mentioned I had his sister a couple years ago (maybe?) and we've stayed in touch as well so it seriously feels like I'm in this family now lol.

Hockey is such a fun trope. As much as I LOVE my basketball bf there's nothing like a hockey bf. I've read a football and a baseball one as well. They're GREAT but they cannot compare to a good hockey boy. And thank you! I hope this week goes better too. Monday was a good start so we shall see. I'm thinking I might FINALLY get a pedicure.

I couldn't NOT make this specific Harry jealous the jersey was too easy 🤭 Niall's such a cutie for sure. I love that you thought he was hot (he is) Yes we will let all creepy things slide for Harry Styles. So terrible 🤭 He is insane though. I love it. I don't think it's much of a spoiler, but I'm really trying to imply that they both REALLY like each other but they both have some hang ups they need to get over if they want to be together. I really liked the skates part 🙈 I'm glad you liked it too 💕 You know I love to make Harry's pockets hurt whether the MC wants to or not hehehehe

Have a great rest of your birthday week! 💕

xoxo

[humanjadewingletaskblog]

Chapter 4: Winter

Winter laid down on the top bunk of him and Qibli’s shared bunk bed.

He just came back to this school today and was relieved.

To be back with Qibli? Of course not, he had no opinion on Qibli whatsoever.

Winter was just relieved to be away from his parents again.

Breaks from school were awful, having to live with being a disappointment to his parents and them having clear favouritism towards his siblings all day.

School was his only escape.

The only place he could be himself without anybody caring.

Well, except his twin sister Icicle.

Icicle was his parents favourite child.

She did what she was told.

Never acted up.

Was never unordinary.

Winter had always had a feeling of being unordinary from everyone else, and it didn’t help that this summer he was diagnosed with depression.

After his diagnosis his parents got worse.

They never took his mental health problems seriously.

They just saw him as a baby who needed to calm down.

Everyone at school though was much more accepting.

Especially Qibli.

Qibli was perfect, a kind boy who was the only person he’s ever met that could perfectly tell what he needed, when he needed it.

Winter felt his face growing warmer the more he thought about him.

‘NO! I can’t be into him! My parents haven’t approved of him even as a friend. They ESPECIALLY wouldn’t approve since he’s a boy. I don’t like boys, never have, never will. I have to be what my parents expect of me. I need to grow out of this phase.’ He thought.

Winter heard the rustling of keys at the door.

He quickly grabbed his sketchbook to look busy.

The door opened and Qibli walked through the door.

He had a short, low ponytail in his hair.

Winter remembered before summer break started Qibli mentioned wanting to grow out his hair.

“Winter!” Qibli said while quickly putting his stuff down. “Get down here!”

Winter reluctantly agreed and Qibli wrapped his arms around him.

“I missed you so much! How was your summer? Mine was great! Sorry I took a while to get here I was helping out my mom and sister do some things.”

“My summer was…alright. You grew your hair out.”

“I DID! I’m so glad you noticed! Does it look good?”

“UH-UM, NO, NOT AT ALL! GET A PROPER HAIRCUT WILL YOU?”

“And what would you determine a ‘proper haircut’?”

“I- uh- well…okay maybe I didn’t think that far BUT FIND ONE!”

“Glad you’re still as stubborn as last year, I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t so stubborn.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Your stubbornness makes you very fun to tease,” Qibli said, smirking.

“I AM NOT FUN TO TEASE!”

“You really are, anyways, We’re gonna meet up with my friend and her roommate tonight for dinner just so you know.”

“Do I have to go?”

“Yes.”

“Why can’t I just eat dinner on my own?”

“Winter I know you, if I wasn’t bringing you with me you wouldn’t even go to dinner because you have ‘better things to do’.”

Winter fell quiet.

“Come on, it’ll be fun for you to get to know new people!”

“I would much rather perish than do that.”

“Ha! I know, but it’s good to try new things.”

“For you, maybe.”

“Look, trust me Winter, it will be fun! I promise my friend is nice and I bet her roommate is too.”

“Ugh, fine, I’ll go.”

“Yay! I mean, I was gonna make you go anyways but I’m glad you’re actually willing too!”

“A little.”

[anglophiletraveler]

Chapter 31 of In My Life

Chapter 31

I Love You Just The Way You Are

By Billy Joel

The Weekend Part 2!

**********************

Hmmmm what is our favourite couple up to?  They’ve been having a fun and loving weekend and it continues onto Sunday morning.  Thanks always to everyone who supports me and this adventure of mine.  Special thanks to Karen Bockius for continuing to be my beta for this story, however she hasn’t read this bit yet, I wanted to keep it as a surprise for her, and also Happy Birthday Karen!  Your Eagles won!

*********************

Ross woke the next morning to the sound of a text notification on his phone.  He reached for Demelza but then heard her playing on the cello. The sound of Demelza’s cello always made him smile.  He looked at the phone and saw that it was his mother texting, so he called her back.  He let out a big yawn and stretched his long body.

“Morning Ross, did I wake you?”

“No, well yeah, but it’s time I was getting up anyway.  Demelza’s downstairs practising.”

“I never know what time to call you in the mornings.”

“You’re fine mum, no worries.  How are you feeling?”

“Oh pretty good.  Friday they got my latest test results back and made me go into the hospital for fluids because I was a little dehydrated.”

“Oh mum ya gotta take care of yourself!  How long were you there?”

“Just eight hours.  And I do take care of myself Ross!  I drink plenty of water everyday.  I don’t know how I get dehydrated. I hate the taste of water.”

Ross smiled.  He knew that his mum had never liked the taste of water.  “Well have you tried getting some of that flavoured powder mix that you can put in water?  Demelza uses those because she’s not crazy about the taste of water either.”

“Oh I keep forgetting to put them on the damn shopping list.  I’ll be glad to get the surgery and get these two lumps of skin lobbed off.  I’m tired of worrying about them, and I’m tired of everyone else worrying about them,” Grace was almost in tears by now.

Ross closed his eyes.  He hated hearing the frustration in his mother’s voice.  “I know mama.  I’d give anything if you weren’t going through this.  I really wish that you would reconsider and start seeing an oncologist up here in London.”

“Ross, I’m really perfectly happy with my doctors down here.  London is too far away, and the doctors are just as good down here.  Now, enough about me.  How are you and Demelza getting along?”

“Fine, fine.” He stopped talking on the phone to make sure Demelza was still practising before he continued talking with his mum.  “I finally broached the subject of kids with her yesterday.”

“Oh wow.  How did that go?”

“Alright.  Kind of like I thought.  She’s not sure if she wants children, because of raising her brothers and her career.  She said that she really hasn’t thought about it that much, which I believe.  She said she would give it some thought.  But mom, just so you know… I told her that I wanted to be with her whether she wanted kids or not.”

“Oh.   Darling, that’s… that’s a big statement.  Can you live with that?” Ross noticed that Grace’s voice cracked.

Ross bit his lip, “I, I think so. I don’t want to lose her mum.  I’m sorry, I know that’s not what you want to hear… but for now that’s where things stand on the subject.  I also mentioned to her about getting a bigger place, because this place is just so small with the two of us.  I need a bigger office and she needs a better practise space.”

There was silence on the line and then Ross noticed a sniffle from Grace like she was trying not to cry.  He knew this would upset his mum and it killed him to hear like this.

“Mum?”

“I’m still here.  Well that’s a big decision, and it’s not one that you absolutely have to make today.  And I coulda told ya that you two needed a bigger place!  Well, I have to go take my medicine.  I’ll talk to you in a couple days.  Love you.”

“I love you too mum.”  Ross heard the click on her end.  He felt horrible. He could tell that she was in a hurry to get off the phone with him.  Maybe he should’ve waited to tell his mum about his talk with Demelza yesterday.  He knew how much she wanted grandkids, and the thought of not ever having any probably hit her pretty hard. The mother and son have just always been so close and he’s always been able to tell her almost anything, but maybe he should’ve waited on this.  He noticed that Demelza stopped playing, and heard her footsteps on the stairs.

Demelza padded her way into the bedroom with two mugs of coffee in one hand and a mug of hot tea in the other and a smile on her face, “Morning! Coffee, tea or meeee!”

Ross laughed at Demelza’s play on the phrase, “Mmmm I’ll take you every time!  Along with the coffee!  Thank you gorgeous!”  Demelza carefully leaned down and kissed him good morning.  She couldn’t help but squeal when she felt something pinch her bottom, “Well, you are very welcome!”  She took a sip of her tea and Ross was enjoying his coffee.  

She heard a moan of approval from Ross when he took a drink, “Oh I hope that means I finally got it right?  Is it good?” Demelza asked.  

“It’s perfect, thank you,” Ross answered back.  “Oh good!  I don’t know why I’m so challenged at making coffee in that machine.  I think we need to get a new one.  Did I hear you talking with someone earlier?”

“Yes, mama called to check in.  She’s more than ready to have her surgery over and done with.  I still wish that she would come up to London and have her surgery here,” Ross was worried that his mum wasn’t getting the best care possible in Truro and had asked her a couple of times to have her treatment in London.  Because you know, everything is better in London.

“Oh Ross, I don’t blame her.  She has doctors that she’s comfortable with and doesn’t want to leave them for people she doesn’t know.  I know you mean well.  Maybe if she had come up here from the start and got a second opinion, but she didn’t so we just have to go with it.  Besides, your father wouldn’t let her stick with doctors if he didn’t approve of them, yeah.”

Ross took another drink of his coffee, “I suppose you’re right.  She did seem a little down though.”  He didn’t tell Demelza why she was down.  

“Did she? Did you speak with your father?”

“No, she didn’t mention him, so I don’t know where he was.  Do you think I should try to speak with him when he isn’t around her?” Ross asked.

Demelza shrugged, “Mmmm I don’t know.  You would probably know better than I would about that.”

“I’ll have to have a think on it.”  Ross took Demelza’s cup and his cup and set them on the nightstand.  Ross was looking at Demelza in her nightgown made of white eyelet material.  It was sort of old fashioned but it looked beautiful on Demelza.  “That is a lovely nightgown that you have on.  What’s this material called?”  Ross couldn’t help but notice Demelza’s ivory cleavage peeking out over the top of the nightgown.

Demelza smiled at his interest, “Why thank you sir.  This is white eyelet.  I’m glad that you like it, I just bought it a couple of days ago.”

Ross hummed, “I’m glad that you bought something for yourself.  Did you buy yourself anything else?” Ross was playing with one of the strings that tied the nightgown together.  

“Just some socks that look really warm, and another cardigan.  I bought you some socks too, but they're still in the bag.  Is that okay that I bought a few things?”  Demela suddenly got a look on her face like a scared child.

Ross put his hand gently on Demelza’s cheek and brushed some hair out of her eyes.  His eyebrows went up like a sad puppy dog, “Oh Demelza you don’t ever have to ask my permission to buy anything.  I don’t want you to ever feel afraid to purchase something for yourself or for the house.  You earn your money, you work hard for it.  I’m just disappointed that you didn’t buy me a new nightgown too!” His lips curled up in a smile to get her to smile too.  

She let out a big sigh, “Well, if you’re really good, the next time I go to Mark & Spencer’s I’ll buy you a new nightgown!”

They both laughed.  Ross reached up and started untying Demelza’s nightgown, “Well, I think it would be grand if this nightgown was on the floor.”  Ross sat up so that he could pull the nightgown off over Demelza’s head.  He let out a sigh and looked at Demelza’s dreamy eyes, “That’s definitely much better.”  He lifted one of her ivory hands to his mouth and gently kissed it.  Then he made his way up her arm with kisses until he got to her neck.  Demelza leaned her head over to give him more access.  “Roooss” she moaned softly.  She was often amazed at how quickly Ross could arouse her, make her weak at her knees.  She put her hands in his hair to hold him close to her, to feel those beautiful curls.  

Ross moved to kiss Demelza’s lips which she wholly accepted. Hot, messy kisses.  Ross felt Demelza’s fingernails scratching his back, up and down.  The sensation caused him to hiss and drop his head back.  Demelza took the opportunity to attack his neck, sucking and biting.  Ross lifted her from under her hips and placed her on top of him.  Demelza raised up so that she could adjust Ross’s cock between her folds and lowered herself.  They both moaned at the same time from the feeling of joining together.  

Ross leaned back to look at her.  There she was, his beautiful Cornish Goddess sitting on top of him with her creamy skin glowing and her red hair still wild from the previous night’s activities.  She had this dreamy look in her blue eyes that took his breath away.  He would never tire of seeing her like this.  “I know this sounds corny, but if I died right now, I would die a happy man,” Ross whispered.  She couldn’t help but giggle, “Oh Ross, I love you.”

Demelza was holding onto Ross’s shoulders and began to rise up and down on Ross.  Demelza laid her head back hoping that Ross would attack her neck like she did his.  She didn’t have to hope for very long.  As soon as she felt his lips on her she shivered.  She felt Ross’s hands on her hips again, helping her raise up and down on himself. 

Demelza’s cleavage was flushed from the heat.   He heard whimpering sounds come from Demelza, so he lowered a hand to where they joined so he could gently rub her sweet spot with his thumb.  Ross lowered his head to Demelza’s shoulder.  He loved the sounds that she was making.  He knew she was getting close, and so was he.  Demelza whispered, “Ross, please take me.”

All of a sudden Ross growled and rolled them over so that Demelza was on her back beneath him.  He didn’t even lose connection with her.  Even though the previous day and a half had been filled with lovemaking, their lips felt desperate to connect with each other, full of passion and heat.  Demelza wrapped her legs around Ross’s waist and locked her ankles.   When they were in this position,  it made her feel like they were one.  Soon both of their breathing picked up and Ross was entering her faster. The intensity was building.  They were staring into each other's eyes as they came to their end, tears in both of their eyes from the feelings they shared. Ross collapsed on top of Demelza in exhaustion, both of them trying to catch their breath.  Demelza could feel the stickiness from the sweat on Ross’s back but she didn’t care.  She just wanted to enjoy this moment full of love and passion for each other.  Then she had a question.

“Ross.”

“Hmmm.”

She could hear the sleepiness in his response, “Is it like this for every couple?”

Ross’s head was still laying down on her breast, “What do you mean?”

“Well, I just wondered, well we’ve been a couple like this for a while now, and our lovemaking is still very passionate and frequent.  Is it like this for couples who live together or who are married?”

Ross raised his head to look at his love, “Baby, I don’t know.  I’ve really only had one long term relationship, and most of that was spent apart because of Uni.  I’ve never lived with anyone else except for you.  I mean, I’ve heard husbands complain after being married for a while, after kids, that it’s not the same, but I don’t know if that’s just talk.”

“Oh.  Well, what about your parents?” Demelza asked.

“My parents!  Bloody fucking hell Demelza!  Do you really want to put that image in my mind!!  And here in bed with you!  Christ on a bike!”

Demelza was laughing at Ross.  “Judas Ross!  Well they seem very loving toward each other, so I just wondered.”

“Yes, they are still very loving towards each other, and I just assume, Judas, I can’t believe that I’m going to say this, I’m just assuming that they are still very active …. Sexually.“  Demelza couldn’t help but laugh at Ross.  “In fact, when I was growing up I walked in on them twice!  And Demelza, a kid just can’t un-see that!  It’s burned in my mind forever!  Fuck, I need to go brush my teeth and take a shower now after that.  Care to join me?”

“Sure, but we just need to get clean.  No funny business.  Don’t forget we have dinner plans for tonight!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”  

Demelza loved watching his naked arse walk away from her!

Demelza was still giggling at Ross, yelling out to him,  “Ross, you said ‘Judas’!!

*************************

It was in the shower soaping each other up that they noticed the marks that they had left on each other!  

“Judas Ross!”

He was looking around thinking there was a spider in the shower, “What? What’s wrong?”

She put her hand up to her mouth, “Your neck! I’m so sorry, I didna realise that I sucked that hard!”

Ross got a smile on his face, “Oh really?  Is it that big?”

“I’m afraid it’s in a spot that might be hard to cover up!  I’m so sorry!  That was careless of me,” Demelza was upset with herself.

Ross just laughed, “Baby it’s okay, I’ll just wear a turtleneck tonight!  No big deal.”  Then he started looking around Demelza’s neck and spotted a mark on her neck as well, "Um well, it looks like you’re going to need a turtleneck as well!”  

“What!?  Really?”  She started pulling down her skin like she could see it on herself making Ross laugh.  “Ross, stop laughing!  It’s not funny!  We’re too old to be giving each other bite marks!”

“Oh dear, just a minute ago you were worried that we were going to stop having sex and now you’re upset because you have a couple of hickies on your neck!”  Ross couldn’t stop smiling.  

“A couple! A couple! Dammit Ross!”  Demelza rushed out of the shower to look in the mirror.  “Where?  I don’t see two hickies, just the one!”  Ross was really laughing now!  “Ross Poldark you wanker!!”  She stuck her hand in the shower and turned the cold water on full blast!

“Fuck Demelza that’s cold!  Shit!!”  He jumped out of the shower.

Demelza stuck her tongue out at him, “Now who’s laughing!”

************************

Demelza was downstairs preparing a snack for the two of them so as not to spoil their appetite for dinner out tonight.  Ross was still upstairs getting dressed and looking at his suits for the week coming up.  Demelza was right about the hickey on his neck, he was going to have to cover it up somehow.  He noticed his duffle bag in the bottom of the closet and what was hiding in it.  He shut the bedroom door and pulled out his mother’s engagement ring.  He opened the box to look at it.  It was just as beautiful as ever.  Set in rose gold, it might not have the biggest centre diamond in the world, probably not even a half carrot,  but the way the middle round diamond was cut, it was brilliant and sparkled like a thousand carrots in the world. And the smaller round diamonds around the centre diamond just added to the daintiness of the ring. 

What am I waiting for? A special weekend away? We’ve just spoken about having children, and even though Demelza’s not sure about them, do I really want to leave her if she doesn’t want to have kids?  I just can’t see myself doing that.  I’m so happy with her.  I can’t imagine breaking up with her.  I love our life together and I don’t want anyone else.  I’ve already told her that I would support her in her decision if she doesn’t want children.  So what else is there, Poldark???

“Ross are you still upstairs?” he heard Demelza yelling.

He opened the door, “Yeah, I’ll be right down.”  He pulled the ring from the box and put it in his pocket.

Demelza had put a platter of veggies and dip with cheese and crackers on the coffee table with some drinks.  “Are you in the mood for a movie?” she asked.

Then Ross spotted the backgammon game and got an idea.  “Nah.  How about a game of backgammon?” He walked over to get the game and set it on the coffee table next to the food.

Demelza was kind of surprised that he suggested backgammon because she always beat him! “Really? Alright, sounds like fun.  We haven’t played in a while.  Maybe you’ll win this time!”

“Haha very funny Dem!  What time are we meeting Dr and Mrs Enys?”

Demelza laughed at how Ross referred to Caroline and Dwight, “6:30, so we have time for a game or two.”  Demelza started setting up the board.

“Sounds grand,” Ross replied with a smile.  They got comfy on the floor, sitting on pillows on opposite sides of the coffee table.  They rolled one dye to see who would go first, and Demelza won of course.  “Dammit!  It’s starting already!”

“We don’t have to play if you don’t want to.  We could play chess.  We haven’t played that in a while,” Demelza offered to play the game that Ross was more skilled at playing.

Ross held up his hand, “No, no I can handle it.  Go ahead, start the game.”

*******************

Ross couldn’t keep his mind on the game, nervous as to how he’s going to pull off his plan.  Demelza had noticed that he was a little jittery, but she just thought it was because he was losing the game.  

Demelza just landed on one of Ross’s stones and placed it on the bar, making that two stones on the bar for Ross.  “Ross, what is wrong with you? Two stones on the bar, that’s not very good!”

“Damnit, I know, I know,” Ross answered back.  He was trying to keep his eye on Demelza’s dice cup, but she kept picking it up and playing with it.  He had to distract her somehow. He was taking his time making his next move.  “Do we have any more dip?”

“I’m not sure.  I’ll go check, but don’t roll your dice until I get back!”

“Of course not! Cheeky you!”

Demelza got up and went into the kitchen and Ross made his move.  He took the engagement ring out of his pocket and quietly placed it in her dice cup with his shaking hands.  Then he quickly set up his cell phone to record casually sitting on the sofa behind him. After all, he had to get this on video!

Demelza came back into the livingroom with more dip and sat back down, “Alright, this is the last of it. Go ahead and roll.”

“Thanks, babe.”  Ross rolled the dice and it was the right number to get one of his stones back in play.  “Yes!!!  Today is my lucky day!!”

“We’ll see.  You still have one more stone on the bar.”  Demelza was shaking the dice in the dice cup, unaware that there is a special shiny something in the dice cup.  She emptied out the contents of the cup on the board.  At first she didn’t notice because she was busy looking at the dice, then all of a sudden she let out the shrillest scream that Ross has ever heard! “WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA  WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”  she jumped up to stand up and was covering her mouth with one hand and with the other was shaking a finger at the board!!!   “Ross!  Rooosss!  What is that?”  She was moving from one foot to the other!

“I don’t know, what is it that you’re staring at?”

She was still dancing from one foot to the other.  Ross was getting a kick out of the scene.  It was actually more of a reaction than he thought he would get out of Demelza.  “Stop it Ross!”

Ross picked up the ring and stood up and took a step towards Demelza, and then got down on one knee.

“Demelza, my love.  I know things have moved quickly between us.  Lord knows, you hit me like a freight train on that aeroplane just a few short months ago.  I had been doing my best to stay away from long term relationships, but I couldn’t help myself with you.  I’m pretty sure that I fell in love, hopelessly in love with you on that aeroplane.  I promise to support you in your hopes, your dreams, your career, if you will just do me the honour of becoming my wife and my partner for life.  Will you marry me Demelza?”

Demelza’s whole body was shaking, and she just dropped to her knees.  Tears were streaming down her cheeks, her blue eyes sparkling more than ever, one shaky hand covering her mouth.  She felt like she was breathing so hard that she was going to pass out.  Softly she said, “Oh Ross. Yes, of course I’ll marry you!”

Ross had the most joyous look on his face, “You will?  Really?”

“Of course I will!”  She held out her left hand, and Ross placed the ring on the ring finger of her left hand. He cupped Demelza’s face in his hands and gave her the most loving kiss.  He didn’t want it to end.  He pulled away and looked back down at the ring.

“It fits!  I wasn’t sure if it would!” 

Demelza gasped at the ring, “Oh Ross it’s perfect!  I love it!”

Ross was grinning from ear to ear, “You do!  It’s my mum’s!  I’m so glad that you like it.”

Demelza was already moving her hand to watch it sparkle, “How could I not love it?  It really is beautiful, and I love that it was your mum’s.  And it does fit perfectly.  I thought her hands were a wee bit larger than mine.”

“I think they are now, but they didn’t used to be.”  He looked up in her eyes, “Oh Demelza you’ve made me so happy!

“Judas Ross, you’ve made me so happy.  I had no idea that you were planning something like this!  How long have you been planning on proposing?”

Ross realised that they were still sitting on the floor in an awkward position, so he helped Demelza up to sit on the sofa.  “Honestly, just since I came out of the shower!  I’ve had the ring since Nampara.  Mama gave it to me when we were there, but I had no idea in my head when I would propose.  This weekend has been so special, and I just couldn’t think of why I should wait, so here we are!”  He leaned in and kissed her again, and leaned his forehead against hers.

“Is that why you wanted to play backgammon so badly?”  Demelza’s was lighter and full of hope.

Ross laughed, “Yep!  The idea just came to my head when I came downstairs and spotted the game!  I was sweating it too.  You kept playing with your dice cup and wouldn’t put it down!  I was going out of my mind waiting for the perfect moment.  So I finally had you go get more dip so I could put the ring in your cup and set up my phone to record!”

Now Demelza was laughing, “Well, aren’t you the sneaky one!  And I’m so glad that you are!  I can’t wait to tell Caroline and Dwight tonight!  Caroline will scream almost as loud as I did!”

“I’m sure she will.  But before we go, can we call my parents?  I don’t want them to hear about it on Facetime.”

“Oh aye, do you wanna do that now?” Demelza asked.

“If that’s alright with you?”

“Of course.”  Demelza was watching her ring sparkle again.  “I can’t believe this is really happening to me!”  Ross took her in his arms.  “You can believe it.  You make me so happy, Demelza.”

Ross called his mother, “Ross!  I didn’t expect to hear from you again today.  Is anything wrong?” 

“No mama, everything’s perfect. Is da there with you?”

“Well yeah, he’s sitting right here with me, do you want to talk to him?’  Grace was really confused now.

“Let’s skype so I can talk to the both of you.”

“Okay, go ahead,” said Grace.

Joshua yelled, “I’m here Ross.  What’s going on?”

“Hi da.  Well I have Demelza here with me too.”

Demelza waved into the phone, “Hello everyone!  How are you!”

Grace was getting impatient now, “Ross for heaven’s sake, what is going on!”

Ross was chuckling at his mother’s impatience, “We have some news for you.  I just asked Demelza to marry me, and she said yes!  Isn’t that great”

Grace and Joshua both gasped at the same time.  “Oh Ross, Demelza!  That makes us so happy!” Grace said.

“Absolutely, that’s the best news!  Congratulations to the both of you and welcome to the family Demelza!  We will love having you as our daughter!” Joshua added.

The tears started again for Demelza, “Oh goodness, you’ve got me in tears again.  That’s so sweet of you both to say!  I’m so lucky to be a part of your wonderful family!”

“And mama, Demelza is wearing your ring, and it fits perfectly!” Ross told his mother.

Grace was crying, “Oh that makes my heart happy!  Demelza I hope that it gives you as much happiness as it has for me all of these years.  And who knows, maybe you can pass it down to your first born.”  That statement took Ross back since he had just spoken with his mother earlier about the possibility of not having any children.

Demelza grabbed Ross’s hand, “Thank you so much Grace.  I love it.  It’s so beautiful, and it really does fit perfectly.”

Ross looked at Demelza, “It’s like it was meant to be.”  He wiped the tears from Demelza’s face.

Grace wiped her tears so that she could talk some more, “Yes, I think it certainly was.  Oh Demelza, you are the perfect fit for Ross.  I’m so grateful that he found you!”

Joshua noticed his wife looking tired and overwhelmed by the news, “Ross, I think we are going to hang up now, so you two can finish celebrating.  I think your mother is ready for a kip.  Congratulations again to the both of you.  We love you!”

Ross’s chin started to tremble, “We love you too da.  Thank you for everything.  I love you!”  Ross disconnected the call.  Demelza was rubbing his shoulder and wrapped him up in a hug.  Ross finally pulled back, wiping his own tears, “Hey, no more tears now, yeah?  How’s about we take some pictures and selfies!”

The giddy couple took selfies together in different positions, of course showing the left hand with the ring, and then pictures of just the ring.  Demelza wrapped her arms around Ross’s neck, "Sooo, after dinner tonight with Caroline and Dwight, we can post a few pictures, yeah!”

Ross looked deep into her eyes, “Yeah.”  He rubbed his nose against Demelza’s and kissed her lips softly, and then again and again melting into her, kissing her ear, moving down to her neck with open mouth kisses.  Then Ross felt a wet tongue on his cheek and it wasn’t Demelza’s, “Seamus!  Get back boy!  Go on, quit licking me!”  Demelza was laughing at Seamus giving love to Ross and interrupting their celebration.  Seamus knocked Ross over and was licking his master all over his face!  Ross was laughing so hard, but he’d much rather be kissing his new fiance.  “Come on Seamus get up now!  Enough!”  Ross was finally able to get Seamus off of him and stand up.  “Well, so much for a celebratory snog!”  He looked at his watch, “It’s almost time to go meet Caroline and Dwight, I need to change before we go.”  “Yeah, I guess I do too, but we can finish this later.” Demelza stated.  “Well, I’m looking forward to it, Mrs. Poldark,” Ross raised his eyebrow at Demelza and gave her another kiss.  

*********************

Ross came down the steps dressed and ready to go to dinner, to find Demelza standing by the front window moving the engagement ring around to see it sparkle in the light.  The diamond was almost as brilliant as the smile on her face.  Ross quietly walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her ear, “Hello Mrs Poldark!”

Demelza turned around in Ross’s arms and looked up at him, “Not yet!  Don’t jinx us!”  She put her hands on Ross’s turtleneck to smooth it out.  

Ross leaned down to kiss the side of her forehead, “Are you happy?”

“Oh Ross, I’ve never been happier.  I can’t believe this has all happened to me.  But Ross, are you sure you want to get married?  You didn’t propose just because you thought it was the right thing to do?”

Ross furrowed his brow, “What the hell are you talking about Demelza?  Of course I want to marry you!  I proposed to you because I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.  Why would you think otherwise?”

“Well, we really haven’t talked much about getting married, and we’ve only just mentioned whether or not to have children.  I don’t want you to regret it down the line if we..don’t have children.”

Ross let out a sigh, “You’re right, we haven’t really talked about marriage formally, but we’ve talked about long term.  And as far as children go, if you decide that you really, really don’t want to have children, then I will respect that. But I think that we should have future conversations about it before that decision is made.  But no matter what, I will still love you, and I will still want you to be my wife.  Understood?” Ross leaned down and lifted her chin up with a finger.  “Hey love, I don’t want anyone else but you, okay? I am very happy and I hope you are too.”

Demelza looked up into his whiskey eyes, “I am very happy.  I just wanted to make sure you are.”

Ross smiled, “Well, then it’s settled.  Are you ready to go meet the Enys’s?”

Demelza laughed, “You better not let Caroline hear you call them that!”

***********************

Ross and Demelza arrived at the restaurant, ready to make the big announcement.   Demelza had insisted that they both try to wear something to cover up their hickies, so Ross was wearing a turtleneck jumper, and Demelza was wearing a scarf, so hopefully Caroline wouldn’t figure it out.  Ross hadn’t been able to wipe the smile off his face since they’d left the house.  He grabbed Demelza’s hand and kissed it before opening the door of the restaurant.  The hostess showed them to the table where Dwight and Caroline were sitting.  Ross whispered to her to bring three bottles of Proseco over to the table.  Dwight and Caroline stood to greet their friends and exchange hugs and kisses, then everyone sat down in a cosy booth.

Dwight had a big smile on his face, “So how is everyone doing?  We haven’t seen much of each other since New Year’s.”

Demelza was doing her best to hold her hands under the table until the right moment.  She could have sworn that Caroline was staring at her, so she was trying to focus on Dwight.

Ross pushed his sleeves up a bit and put one arm around Demelza’s shoulders, “Oh we’ve been busy with Demelza’s schedule at the orchestra and the private lessons that she’s taking.  I’m hoping to be moved to the charity division shortly so that will be fun learning new things.  How about you two?  Are you still picking up extra shifts at the A&E?”

Caroline butted in, “No he’s not, he’s much too busy with me to be picking up extra shifts.  Aren’t you darling?”

Dwight shook his head, “Whatever you say darling.  Whatever you say!”  That made Ross laugh really loud, throwing his head back to show his almost perfect white teeth.

Demelza had been looking around the restaurant, “I don’t think I’ve ever been here before.  Have you Caroline?  I wonder what’s good here?”

Just then the server brought over two bottles of Proseco and four glasses.  Dwight furrowed his brow, “Hey mate, we didn’t order Proseco!”

The server stopped pouring and looked at Ross.  “Actually, I ordered the Proseco, so keep pouring!”  The server finished pouring into the four glasses and left the two couples.

Dwight looked at Ross confused, “What’s the occasion?”

Ross looked at Demelza like he was going to burst, “Well, I asked Demelza to marry me, and she said yes!”  He gave Demelza a quick kiss and then she raised her left hand to show off her ring!  And as expected, Caroline shrieked loudly enough for the whole restaurant to turn around and stare at them!  Dwight was shaking his head at Caroline, and Ross was laughing even louder while he scooted out of the booth so that Demelza and Caroline could get up to hug and scream some more while Caroline looked at the ring.  It was obvious enough to the rest of the restaurant patrons that they all started clapping!  

“Oh my God Demelza why didn’t you tell me!!” Caroline said.

“I did, I did!  It just happened a couple hours ago!” Demelza said.

“Oh my gosh!  Let me see it again!”

Demelza showed off the ring to Caroline again, “It’s Ross’s mum’s engagement ring!  And it fits perfectly!”

Caroline put her hand over her heart, “Oh Demelza that’s so sweet!  And it’s beautiful, and very vintage!  Ross, I’m so mad at you, why didn’t you tell me that you were going to propose to my best friend!!!”

Ross raised his hands, “Sorry Caroline, I didn’t know that I was supposed to clear it with you first!  I didn’t even tell Dwight!”

“No he didn’t,” said Dwight.  “Although you did tell me that you brought the ring back from Nampara.”

Caroline smacked Dwight on the arm, “And you didn’t even tell me that!  Dr. Enys!  How could you keep me in the dark!”

Ross was laughing at Caroline, “Caroline he kept you in the dark, so that you wouldn’t blab to Demelza that I brought the ring back with me!”

Caroline gasped at Ross.  Demelza just smiled watching all of the exchanges going on.  

Dwight raised his glass, “Well, I must make a toast for this most auspicious occasion, to the beautiful, intelligent, talented Demelza, who swept my best mate off of his feet and was finally able to make him a deliriously happy man for the first time in his life.  To Demelza!”  They all raised their glasses to toast to Demelza which made her face turn redder than her hair!   That was the first of many toasts made that evening.  By the end of the meal, Caroline and Demelza were sitting next to each other with their heads together already planning the wedding, and Dwight and Ross were sitting next to each other just taking it all in.  

Dwight leaned into Ross, “Thanks a lot mate.”

Ross looked at him, “For what?”

“For putting more pressure on me to propose now!  They’re probably planning a double wedding as we speak!”

Ross laughed at his best friend, “Sorry about that mate.  I didn’t even think about that.”  He picked up the second empty Proseco bottle.  “Should I order another one?”

“No!  I have to work in the morning,” Dwight yelled at him.  “So, I suppose that any issues were worked out?  Since you proposed so quickly?”

Ross was shaking his head, “You suppose correctly my friend.  And I’m going to start looking for a new place.”

Dwight’s eyebrows raised, “Really?  I thought you liked your place?”

“Oh I do, but it’s much too small.  Demelza needs a proper music room, and I’d like a bigger office, and Seamus could use a bigger garden.  And you know, some extra bedrooms for guests.”

“Or babies?” Dwight said, looking at Ross.

Ross shrugged his shoulders, “Possibly.”

Dwight smiled at Ross’s comment, “I imagine Grace and Joshua were very happy with the announcement.”

Demelza had turned from Caroline to look at Ross.  Dwight had a big grin on his face, “Yes, they were very happy.  We facetimed so they could see Demelza wearing the ring.”

Dwight was nodding and then furrowed his brow, “Sooo do you have an idea of when the   wedding will be?  Before or after Grace’s surgery?”

Demelza looked at Ross, “We hadn’t thought of her surgery.  Is that an issue, Dwight?”

Dwight shook his head, “It could be.  Recovery time could vary a lot.  She’ll have tubes and drains in for quite a while.  And there’s always a risk of infection with those.  Has the surgery been scheduled yet?”

“No, they want her to do more chemo first, which she’s not happy about.  So this recovery time, what do you think, two months, three months?” Ross asked.

“Mmmore like four to six months, longer if infection sets in.  It can take a lot out of a woman.”

Demelza spoke up, “Do you think we should have the wedding before the surgery?”

Dwight squinted, “I don’t want to tell you what to do, but if you don’t get married before her surgery, you might want to wait until she’s fully recovered, maybe a year down the road.  Sorry if I just spoiled any plans.”

“No, I’m glad you spoke up, Dwight.  I guess we will need to talk about it when we get home,” Demelza responded in a low tone.  

Caroline noticed the look on Demelza’s face, “Well it doesn’t matter, Dem.  Either way I will make sure that you have the wedding of your dreams!  Just leave everything to me!”  

Demelza put her hand on top of Caroline’s, “Thanks Caroline.”

Ross was watching Demelza.  They will have a lot to decide in the next couple of days.  He stood up and reached out a hand to Demelza, “Well my love, it’s getting late and I think it’s time we head home.”

Demelza stood up and took his hand, “Are you going to be okay to drive?”

Dwight and Caroline both looked up at Ross.  “Don’t look at us, we took a Lyft, mate,” Dwight said.  “You want to share one with us?”

Ross’s permanent smile was still on his face, “Well, yeah I guess we probably should.”  They all laughed at Ross.  

Caroline stood up, “Oh and by the way…”  she walked over to Ross and pulled down his turtleneck to expose the love bites, and then pulled Demelza’s scarf off, “You two are so busted!!!”

*********************

Ross and Demelza practically fell through the front door laughing their head off after leaving Dwight and Caroline in the Lyft car.  The Prosecco had definitely gone to their heads.  Ross had loudly shut the front door and locked it, stirring up Seamus in the process.  He was bouncing around and jumping up on Ross, practically knocking him over, which really didn’t take much effort given Ross’s intoxicated state.  Luckily Ross was able to catch himself on the couch.   

“Ross are you alright?”

“Yes, yes I’m fine.  I better let this mongrel outside.  Come on boy, let's head out the back door.” 

Demelza followed them to the kitchen.  Demelza yawned, “Okay, I’m gonna grab us a couple of bottles of water and head upstairs, yeah?”

Ross shook his head, “Sounds good.  I’ll be up as soon as I take care of Seamus.”

Demelza stood at the fridge and took off her shoes, unzipped her pants and took them off and laid them on the kitchen island, and then grabbed the water and headed upstairs. 

Ross came back inside with Seamus and locked the door and gave him some water and started to head upstairs.  He stopped at the island and noticed Demelza’s pants laying on it, along with her shoes.  He chuckled and picked them up and took them upstairs, groaning on the way up.

He found Demelza sitting on the bed attempting to remove her blouse but it was tangled with the scarf that she had worn to hide the love bites.  

Ross stood and looked at her fighting with her clothes.  “Oh love, here, let me help you before you rip your blouse.”  He was able to untangle the scarf and then worked on unbuttoning her blouse, “Demelza, my love, do you know what I found downstairs on the kitchen island?”

“Hmmm?”

Ross was starting to giggle at this point, “I found your pants and your shoes on the kitchen island!  I didn’t think you’d had that much to drink?”

“What did you say? Nooo, I don’t think that you drunk that much?  Did I?”

Ross couldn’t help but smile at this beautiful person before him.  This was only the second time he had seen Demelza tipsy, so it tickled him to watch her right now.   He sat down on the bed next to her and turned her back towards him so he could unhook her bra.  He started rubbing her back, “There, better?”

Demelza nodded her head.  “Mmmmuch better.  Thanks you much very for taking care of me, Ross.”

Ross couldn’t help but laugh at Demelza’s backward words.  “You’re welcome much very.” Ross started kissing the back of her neck and her back, giving her shivers.  Ross chuckled.  

Demelza jumped and gasped, “Ross!”

Ross jumped, “What?  What’s wrong?”

“We have to tell Drake!  We have to call him!” she exclaimed.

Ross closed his eyes and smiled, “We will baby, but tomorrow.  It’s too late tonight to call him tonight, yeah?”

“Oh yeah, right.”

“Right, I’m going to go to the bathroom and get ready for bed, okay?”

“Okay.  I love you Ross.”

Ross was giggling, “I love you too Demelza.  I’ll be right out in a bit.”

Ross went into the bathroom to get ready for bed.  Demelza took off her earrings and her bracelet and climbed under the covers to get comfortable.

Ross came out of the bathroom ready for a night of lovemaking to celebrate their engagement.  He stepped through the door in just his boxers, ready to give Demelza a corny, sexy pose, only to find her asleep under the blankets with a smile on her face, her red hair scattered on the pillow around her head.

He leaned against the door frame and just smiled at the vision in front of him.  “Oh well my love, there’s always tomorrow night.”  He tip-toed around the room to turn off the lights and climbed into bed beside her.  He leaned over and gently kissed her head and settled in behind her to wrap his arm around her.  “Good night my fiance!”

*************************

The engagement ring Ross gave Demelza!  You might have to click on the link twice.

[sydneyofalltrades]

for the first time in.. checks watch.. A WHILE! We’re getting some monason for your feed thank you

It was 10pm. The sun was clearly gone from the sky. Midnight was on the corner of Moni’s bed, sleeping soundly.

But she couldn’t get any sleep. Maybe it was her horrible insomnia, maybe it was because her mind was too active.

She knew Noel was still awake, his body wouldn’t force him to sleep until 2am, but she didn’t wanna go talk to him. He was boring at night.

So she found her phone and called Mason, not expecting him to pick up.

But he did. “Moni? What are you doing awake at this time?”

She saw that he was clearly just woken up, his hair was wild and his eyes were unfocused. She bit her lip.

“Sorry, I just can’t sleep.”

Mason rubbed his eyes. “Moni. It’s 10:32. Sleep.”

Moni frowned. “Mason. I can’t. My body is wired. It won’t clock out until 12:15 in the morning.”

Mason grumbled to himself and sat up. “So, what am I gonna do? Wait here until you finally sleep?”

Moni shrugged. “I wouldn’t have woken you up if I didn’t need to talk to someone. Then again, I figured someone who works every spare minute of his life would be awake by 10.”

Mason yawned. “I was at the nursing home all day visiting my grandmother. And we have school tomorrow so I need to sleep early. You being an owl who survives off Red Bull and coffee should not have to ruin my sleep.”

Moni rolled her eyes. “You’re no fun. And it’s not my fault. I just got used to sleeping really really late.”

Mason paused. “It was them, wasn’t it?”

Moni didn’t respond. Mason didn’t expect her to.

“You know it’s in the past, right? They can’t hurt you anymore, Moni.”

Moni still didn’t answer. She knew exactly who he was talking about. She still had nightmares. They still haunt her.

“Hey, you know what?”

Moni turned to her phone. “What?”

She saw Mason get out of his bed. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

He hung up the phone and Moni blinked. What was that supposed to mean?

So she scrolled on her phone for a while until she got a text saying:

If you’d rather me not break your window with a decent sized rock, open the door downstairs

Moni stared at the text, but went downstairs. She opened the door and blinked.

“Mason?”

He grinned. “Told you I’d be here.”

Moni hugged him. “You know my brother’s awake right? And my mom is passed out on the couch.”

Mason paused. He didn’t think this through.

“We’ll take our chances.”

They both found their way to Moni’s bedroom, only getting caught by Noel asking for a charger.

“Oh, hey, Mason. I wouldn’t suggest doing anything stupid, Mom wakes up pretty quickly.”

Moni gave him a spare charger and shoved him out of the room. She sat on her bed.

“So what are you even here for anyway?”

Mason scoffed.

“Isn’t it obvious? To help you sleep.”

Moni stared at him. “Mason Lovett. You drove ten minute to my house in your pajamas and sweater to help me sleep?”

Mason nodded. “You fall asleep easier with support, so that’s what I’m here for.”

Moni nodded slowly. “Okay. Nice.”

She gently removed Midnight from her bed, but he woke up and hissed at her angrily.

“Shut up,” she said, but Mason patted his head and he calmed back down.

Moni placed her head on Mason’s chest. “You know, I’m actually glad you’re here.”

She felt his hand in her hair. Nowadays it was less menacing and more comforting.

“I am too, Monini. Now actually try to get some sleep.”

She tried. And was successful, they both slept peacefully through the night.

Until the alarm rang at 6 am and Noel opened up her hatch screaming “Wake up, lovebirds, we got shit to do!”

[healeroflightanddark]

Stolen Hearts, Chapter 9: Text

Sawatari lay in his bed later that night, texting Yuya with a warm smile. Yuya still hadn’t told his parents about them, but the blonde didn’t mind. He was perfectly fine with keeping their relationship secret, a delicious secret all for them, for as long as Yuya wanted. Although he would love to broadcast the news of Yuya being all his on every social media account he had, Yuya’s comfort and happiness was more important to him than boasting about his pretty little boyfriend.

As Sawatari and Yuya texted, the blonde had almost forgotten about his dreams. But one little text from Yuya brought them all back to the front of his mind.

Yuya: So, I was wondering about something you said earlier. You said after the last fifteen, I think you said? nights you had to find out if I was attracted to boys. What’s been going on those nights?

Sawatari: Uhm… I might have maybe kinda sorta had some dreams about you every night?

Yuya: Awww! That’s so sweet! I’ve had dreams about you too! Like a few nights ago, I had a dream that you and me were at the arcade playing games together and having fun!

Sawatari: Well, your dreams sound cute. Mine are more… NSFW…

Yuya didn’t respond for a few moments, and Sawatari thought he might have screwed up big time. He was about to send a frantic apology text, when Yuya suddenly started typing again.

Yuya: Sorry, I had to stop Yugo from going to his D-Wheel. He was reading over my shoulder :( I’m sitting on his back now lol

Sawatari: So… You’re not weirded out by my dreams being not-so-innocent?

Yuya: Nope! I don’t mind at all! <3

Yuya: Oh, uhm, if Yuri offers you some flowers, DON’T accept them. There will DEFINITELY be a dangerous plant among them. Seriously, Yuto’s the only one who isn’t plotting to get you for your dreams… I think…

Sawatari: Good to know

Yuya: Hold on, let me try to calm them down

Sawatari waited patiently, focusing on the heart that Yuya had sent when he said he didn’t mind the not-so-innocent dreams. It made his own heart flutter in his chest. After what must have been at least fifteen minutes, Yuya finally sent another text.

Yuya: I think I got through to them. Told them it wasn’t your fault that you were having those dreams, and pointed out that it’s impossible for you to control what you dream about unless you’re able to do lucid dreaming, and even then it’s not 100% guaranteed that you can really control whether or not your dreams are lucid anyway

Sawatari: Oh, believe me, if I could control my dreams they’d be all about sweet stuff about you, not dirty dreams. I wanna have dreams about going on picnics with you, and watching the sunset together and dueling and dancing, not dreams about you walking into my bedroom wearing nothing but a towel and teasing me until I wake up with a problem every night!

Yuya: O////////O

Yuya: NGL, I’ve had one or two dreams like that…

Sawatari: >////////<

Yuya: Yugo just forbade me from ever going to your house alone for a sleepover lol

Sawatari: XD

Sawatari: While I would love for you to spend the night at my place sometime, I would NEVER do something like that to you without your consent

Sawatari: But, you know, if you DID want to do something like that…

Yuya: lol as much as I’m enjoying talking to you I think I should go before Yugo wakes up the whole neighborhood with his screeching. I’m just glad Mom and Dad are out of the house atm

Sawatari: lol, alright, talk to you tomorrow?

Yuya: Definitely!

Sawatari: Love you, Yuya! <3

Yuya: Love you too! <3

Sawatari sighed happily and lay his head on his pillow. He was so happy that he felt like he was floating on air. Yuya really was the perfect boyfriend for him.

[sadgirlautumn]

In regards to your nepo babies post: I’m so glad to see someone else who shares my view point! I have never understood why some people put so much care into hating on them. Cause like what else are these people supposed to do with their life as people who grew up within the entertainment industry?? To me growing up having one or both parents in the industry would make total sense for that person to also love it and want a career in it. Like I don’t see why someone with at least one creative parent, especially one of higher status, would want to go work some desk job or something. And also on the side of people hating on fans of a nepo babies, do the haters think someone likes an artist or actor just cause of who their parents are?? There’s no doubt there some fans who don’t even realize a favorite of theirs even has famous parents. Like take me for example who only knew Maya Hawke from stranger things and loved her work in it and had no idea who her parents were until like a year later, and even then I hadn’t even seen anything they were in lol Sorry I didn’t mean for this to be so long lol

YES EXACTLY!!! I’m glad we can agree on this and maya hawke was actually who inspired my post!!! I had the same experience as you I remember being so shocked when I found out her mom is Uma Thurman. I saw a post on instagram with a quote from Maya’s recent interview with The Cut saying: “There are so many people who deserve to have this kind of life who don’t, but I think I’m comfortable with not deserving it and doing it anyway,” the 25-year-old said, noting that choosing not to pursue her dreams “wouldn’t help anyone.”

The comments below that post triggered it even though they were mostly positive it still ticked me off enough to make a post. I get being mad at certain nepo babies who have literally scammed people or act like they’re really good at something when everyone can tell they aren’t (cough cough Brooklyn Beckham) but most of the popular nepo babies right now don’t bother me and I think a lot of people hate on them for fun or because they’re jealous. The fans of nepo babies are just regular fans who enjoy the artist??? I really don’t get why people think it’s okay to hate on their fans.

Like you said!! If you have the resources and you think your parents’ job is cool of course you’re going to give it a shot!! My grandmother was an artist (not a famous one but it was her main source of income) and I wanted to be an artist just like her. Does that mean I’m automatically a good artist? Of course not but I sure did have an excellent teacher.