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qqueenofhades · 4 years ago

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Modern AU Heartrender Husbands gives me the vibes of like they'll watch eurovision bc Fedyor wanted to and Ivan only begrudgingly agreed but in the end it's him who's standing really close to the TV with a bottle of beer loudly criticising the jury vote

Anon, your Mind. As 100% ever, I am so very easy to enable. As before, this is set in Phantom!Verse, and serves as a sequel of sorts to this (and as a further prequel to PEL).

Brighton Beach, 2014

It’s their first spring in their new home – they arrived in America in August 2013 and got this place, fittingly, right around Orthodox Christmas in January 2014 – and that means many things to them. Their apartment is in a formerly rent-controlled brownstone tenement right off the boardwalk, but prior to their arrival, it was occupied for fifty years by an old bat from Krasnodar Krai who apparently never, ever, threw anything away. (Fedyor is too scared to ask if she actually died in this apartment and her mummified corpse is lurking at the bottom of all the junk.) That is why he and Ivan were able to afford it, at least, but now that the weather is warmer, they have been spending all day cleaning, hauling boxes of crap to the dumpster, and trying in vain to get the smell of pickled cabbage out of the kitchen. It looks exactly like your Great Aunt Masha’s house, the one that traumatized you as a child and has never left your nightmares since. Home sweet home.

The upside is that the location is great, the apartment is surprisingly spacious and lovely – a big bedroom, a bathroom with two sinks and a deep claw-footed tub, a living room with high windows that let in lots of light, original crown molding and hardwood floors – and if it was located in the really chic parts of Brooklyn and inhabited by a tech-startup hipster rather than a Russian émigré spinster with definite hoarding tendencies, it would rent for some astronomical monthly sum. Fedyor has a three-ring binder full of paint swatches, sketches, furniture samples, and other plans to give it a total overhaul (he’s thinking a nice pale green for the living room?) But the one thing that spring definitely means is Eurovision, and it is just the ticket to relax from their grueling schedule of throwing boxes of junk away and hoping they don’t stumble upon a withered hand in a glass jar. He likes America and he’s excited for their new life, for all that they had no choice but to leave Russia in a hurry, but Eurovision is Eurovision.

Actually watching it, of course, is easier said than done. For one thing, Fedyor can’t find a blasted station that is airing it, when he could have just switched on the TV and found it right away back home. For another, Ivan is deeply dubious of the whole endeavor, having watched five minutes of it once when he was eighteen and turning it off in disgust, never to return. Fedyor spends a lot of time wheedling him to give it another chance. “Come on, Vanya. It’s fun!”

“It is a lot of homosexuals gyrating in leather to very bad music,” Ivan snaps. “They look ridiculous. And sound even worse.”

Fedyor glances at them – the fact that they’re sitting on the couch, he’s on Ivan’s lap with his legs draped over Ivan’s thigh, and Ivan’s arms wrapped around his waist – and coughs. “I’m not sure how to break this to you, darling,” he says, “but you are also a homosexual.”

“Maybe, but you would never catch me dead up there.”

“Of course not.” Fedyor rolls his eyes. “You might actually have to smile.”

Ivan makes a scoffing noise. Then he notices the full-on puppy-dog face that Fedyor is now giving him, and says, “Oh no. Oh no, Fedya. Do not look at me like that.”

“Why not?” Fedyor shamelessly snuggles closer. “Is it working?”

The predictable outcome is that Ivan grudgingly agrees to watch it with him, though they’re on American time now and Eurovision Song Contest 2014, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, is six hours ahead of them. Ivan thinks that it’s stupid to sit down and watch a lot of gyrating homosexuals in the middle of the day, when there’s still so much work to do, and tries to demand that they just watch the recording later. Fedyor says this is nonsense, you simply cannot watch a recording of Eurovision, and after a lot of investigation, finds the online streaming channel on his laptop and hooks it up to the TV so they can watch it there. Then he prepares his popcorn, his alcoholic beverages, and his glitter glasses, corrals his recalcitrant husband, and readies himself to experience pure joy. No wonder Ivan doesn’t get it.

However, the effect is both swift and remarkable. By the end of the first semi-final, Ivan is put out about the fact that Russia came seventh in the popular vote but was knocked down to eleven by the jury (this is evidence of an anti-Russian conspiracy, according to him) and when only Moldova, a tiny no-name non-EU former Soviet state, deigns to award them the full twelve points, he is openly incredulous. “Moldova?! That is all we get?! MOLDOVA?!”

“Well,” Fedyor says delicately. “There is that little situation in Ukraine, so I’m afraid we are not that popular right now.”

“That is bullshit,” Ivan grouses. “This is a song contest. The Tolmachevy Sisters are not Vladimir Putin. I am sure they have worked very hard to be here.”

Fedyor glances at him and wisely decides not to say anything. He is likewise a little peeved when the Russian contestants get booed by the Danish audience, but Ivan looks like he’s about to leap through the screen and throttle every single one of them. He thrusts out a hand. “Give me a drink, Fedya. I need it to suffer this indignity.”

Fedyor cracks the lid off a cold one and hands it over – there is the Brighton Bazaar just a few blocks away, stocked with Russian goods, so they are spared the ordeal of drinking Yankee beer – and Ivan takes a long slug. He thinks they can skip watching the second semi-final two nights later, since Russia isn’t in it, but Fedyor puts it on anyway. They both like Austria and “Rise Like a Phoenix,” sung by the bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst (there have been a few dumb comments about her from the usual suspects), but Ivan hits a fist on the arm of the sofa. “She was not better than the Russian girls,” he says loyally. “I still think that they should be the ones to win.”

“Right, well,” Fedyor says. “I think the only ones less likely to win are the Brits, and they never win, so we might be waiting a while.”

The grand finale, on May tenth, is an inadvertently hysterical exercise. They get up early and put on the pregame show, like the Americans do with their bewildering fixation on the Super Bowl, and Ivan gets even more furious when the Tolmachevy Sisters are booed again. “Are they not supposed to love everyone at this glitter bacchanalia? So much for the Scandinavians being tolerant and accepting people! The song is nice! They are nice girls! What is wrong with them?!”

“Come over here and give me a cuddle, Vanya,” Fedyor suggests. “Otherwise you will blow a blood vessel long before the show starts.”

Ivan growls like an escaped tiger from the zoo, but consents to sit down next to Fedyor. They both drink copiously once the festivities get underway, singing along loudly (and not that melodiously) to the various entries, Fedyor’s arm draped around Ivan’s neck as he sits on his lap and critically judges the acts before the official results pop up. Once again, the only twelve-point awards Russia gets are from former Soviet countries (Azerbaijan and Belarus) and Ivan looks like he’s going to have a conniption before Fedyor kisses him and he gets distracted for the next three minutes. “This is disgraceful,” he mutters, when they break away. “Not you, Fedya. Just the horrible way they have clearly rigged this show against us.”

“You know,” Fedyor says. “That’s Eurovision. You declare war on your neighbors when they don’t give you twelve points. Now they have the EU, they’re not supposed to fight anymore, this is the only way they can get all those old rivalries out. Just be glad that Australia isn’t in this year. You might have really blown a gasket.”

“Australia?!” Ivan shifts Fedyor to a more comfortable position on his lap and grabs for his third bottle of beer. “AUSTRALIA IS NOT IN EUROPE! It is not even anywhere NEAR Europe! WHY DOES AUSTRALIA GET TO BE IN EUROVISION!?!”

Fedyor laughs out loud. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” Ivan says. “But this is still the stupidest thing I have ever seen.”

“Shh.” Fedyor nuzzles him. “Just give in, Vanya. Just give in.”

Ivan consents to turn his grumbling down to a simmer, and is somewhat mollified that Russia comes in sixth overall, which is better than even Fedyor thought they were going to do. Austria takes the champion’s crown, they can both agree that Conchita Wurst deserves it, and get up and dance around their still-junk-cluttered living room as she gives her bravissima performance. A few things have been thrown during the judging, but they can’t add much to the existing mess, and in Brighton Beach, “damage caused to the apartment because Russia got shafted during Eurovision finals” might actually be a legitimate excuse. As he leans against Ivan’s chest and grins into his neck, Fedyor has to admit that this place may just feel like home yet.

#ivan x fedyor #heartrender husbands #fivan #pel asks #henchmen deserve happiness too okay #anonymous #ask #fivan ff

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secretsniper2 · 3 years ago

Text

Holiday Hell: Part 1

“Where are you taking me April?” Hazel said while being led to the bedroom by April.

“Just trust me and pack your bags! your going to love it!” April said as she started throwing clothes into bags.

Following her lovers advice she began packing 3 bags and caught April 3 times sneaking toys into her bags, the occasional dildo and buttplug, even the wand made it into a bag, April though she was so subtle.. Giving Hazel a deep kiss April began loading the car and headed to the airport and parked.

“you always said you wanted to see a new country so i got us 2 tickets to Australia!” April said with a big smile on her face as they both walked to the front doors making Hazel gasp with excitement, she always did want to pet a kangaroo.

The 2 enthusiastic women went into the terminal and placed their bags to be checked, passing through the X-ray, April watched the guards face change as the contents might as well be clearly labelled as ”sex toys”, but what really got her to laugh was when the guard went a deep red as bag after bag full of toys went through. Collecting their bags they boarded the plane and flew south to Australia for some fun. Landing at Sydney airport the 2 women walked through baggage claim and out the front doors the first thing the 2 women do is take a deep breath, taking in the sights and hailing a cab to go to their hotel to unpack and make plans.

Deciding the beach would be fantastic they put their bikinis on and skirts and shirts over them, Hazel turned to April and her jaw dropped as she was handed a vibrator and told to put it inside her pussy. Instant arousal make Hazel’s face burn red as she calmly took the toy and inserted it deep inside her.

“I'm going to have some fun with you.” April said with a smile.

“Yes, thank you Mistress” Hazel said with a smile matching hers

Walking out of the hotel they 2 women walk around the corner with Hazel wincing occasionally as her lover played with the remote. Being stopped by a man with long hair and a beard he asked if Hazel was ok as her face was a little red, Seizing the opportunity to have more fun April turned the toy up a few notches as Hazel tried to explain that she just has natural rosy cheeks, stumbling over her words abit as her loving mistress maxed the toy out, almost intent on making Hazel cum in front of this man but is stopped right at the edge as April laughs.

Face still burning hotter as they walked away to the beach, Hazel is edged another 5 times, her mistress clearly knowing the cues to her body perfectly. Reaching the beach the 2 women lay their towels down and took their shirts and skirts off, always making Hazel stare at her mistresses chest. Sporting a shiny blue bikini that seems to squeeze her G cup breasts its almost as if its made of latex making them all the more seductive, her shoulder length hair blowing lightly in the breeze clearly chilling her abit too much as her nipples begin to poke through slightly, sweat already visible from the heat as she lays on her back and relaxes.

Hazel herself was wearing a black bikini hiding her own B cup breasts, as small as they are her mistress always said “best things come in small packages” which made her feel better, her long brown hair blowing beautifully in the wind as a hand touches her back, looking down at April she's smiling up at her as her hand caresses her back. Her smile growing bigger as Hazel tenses up as her pussy begins to buzz once again and harder than before.

“Careful sweetie, were in public so don't make it obvious.” April says as she puts the remote between her breasts.

Hazel shaking all over as a man approaches them, long hair and beard, its the same man as earlier. Hazel forced to bite her lip as April clearly doesn't intend to reach between her breasts in front of the man to ease her stimulation.

“weird bumping into you 2 ladies here huh.” he says with a chuckle. “you 2 lovely ladies got much planned for today?”

“No, not really,” April says. “We were just checking out the beach before we go back to the hotel and relax and.. play” she says with a glance at the trembling Hazel at the end.

Offering to show the women the Opera House the women accept and they begin walking away with the man between them. Hazel squeaking occasionally as April is still keeping her on a higher speed she can feel a orgasm getting closer and closer with every step until it hits, a strong shiver trailing down her spine and deep into her pussy she cums hard, the man still talking as April nods her head Hazel knows she has to keep standing straight, she cant let even a slip of her situation escape but wearing a skirt there's not much to stop her orgasm from dripping through her bikini and hitting the floor.

Walking around further Hazel couldn't pay attention so all she could really see was a big fancy building while April took in the beauty of the opera house while her dear Hazel was cumming next to her, the 2 women take a picture with the opera house behind them as the man takes it for them, April with a smile on her face and Hazel with ruby red cheeks and a wet patch forming between her legs as she does her best to hide her debilitating orgasm. Taking a quick chance to ease her friends fun, April turns and dives into her cleavage, and clicks the toy off and turns again to the man who's smiling at the 2 women, offering to take them back to their hotel.

Returning to the hotel April and Hazel thank the man and return to their room to relax and play, the second the elevator door closes the stimulation returns as Hazel looks at April who has her hand under her shirt and clearly between her breasts clutching the remote, she leans over and whispers in Hazels ear.

“when we get to the room I'm going to fuck the shit out of you and your going to love me for it!” cupping her face as she said it.

Walking through the door of their room and locking it behind her April pushes Hazel forward and onto the bed, tearing her clothes off as she walks over, her breasts swaying unhindered as she does. Hazel begging to remove her clothes but is stopped by her mistress who clearly wants to do that job herself, slowly sliding her shirt off and untying her bikini top it falls away revealing Hazels perky B cup breasts and pointy nipples, pushing her onto her back her wrists are bound to the bedpost while Aprils breasts sway in Hazels face the whole time.

Sliding down her body April begging to reach up her skirt and pulls her panties down, gliding down her legs her bare pussy covered only by a simple skirt, her legs are tied to the corners completing her restraints. With a smile April goes into 1 of the bags and pulls a ballgag and blindfold out, followed by a strap on dildo, the latter is placed beside Hazel before she is gagged and blindfolded.

“were going to have so much fun here!” April says as she feels the head of the dildo part her lips and her mistress sinks deep inside her pussy.

Pulling a gasp of ecstasy from around the gag Hazel grinds her hips against her mistresses cock matching the rhythm of her thrusts, breathing deep she suddenly realizes she can barely breathe at all, all she can smell is sweat, and flesh. Realizing she is being smothered by her mistresses breasts she nuzzles in deeper as April moans, pulling back allowing Hazel a few breaths before she resumes smothering her lover in her tits, fucking her pussy at the same time like a piston she lets her breathe as she shudders in orgasmic bliss.

Continuing to push harder and harder into Hazels pussy April puts her hands on Hazels breasts and grinds her hips against her as she feels she squirt on her cock as she's assaulted by another mind-numbing orgasm as April finally pulls her cock out and admires her squirming lover. Taking a step back to breathe in the smell of her sex and sweat April reaches down and picks up her wand.

“Brace yourself sweetie” she says with a slight giggle as the wand buzzes to life forcing a shiver to rock Hazels mind and body. “the fun has just begun”

#Stories #Custom

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highpope · 4 years ago

Text

Silver Keys - Ch. One

JJ Maybank x oc / Soulmate AU / Topper x oc

warnings: none, if there are any let me know!

Word Count: 2k ish

Notes: Hi guys, sorry this is so long overdue. I was fighting with this one. But i really wanted to update this story. It’s not my fave but that’s okay. ** As always, reblogs and feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Masterlist - READ PROLOGUE FIRST :))

June sat at the piano she got for her 16th birthday. She had been saving up for years and finally had enough money for a keyboard. It wasn’t the same as the beautiful grand piano at her instructors, but it did the job. June nervously watched the clock tick down to midnight and tried to focus on the song she was trying to learn. If she came into lessons next week without having learned at least half of it she wouldn’t be on track to play at the recital in a few weeks. It was a big deal to her parents, and June too. The recital was on the mainland with tons of different kids from the surrounding areas. June had never gotten an opportunity to play and she wasn’t about to let worrying about her potential soulmate stop her.

She took a deep breath and began to play. As the minutes turned to seconds, June was gracefully gliding her fingers up and down the keyboard, trying to make sense of the melodies, allowing the notes to soak into the room.

On the morning of her birthday, June walked down the stairs into the kitchen to see a note and a box of donuts. It was Saturday, meaning both her parents were working and Olivia, her sister, was going to be sleeping the day away. June grabbed a powder sugar donut from the box and read the note:

Happy Birthday, Love! We can’t wait to celebrate with you tonight.

Have fun today, Mom and Dad

She smiles and folds the note up. June was just about to grab another donut when the doorbell rang. She looked at the time, 9:30. There’s no way any family member would be stopping by and Olivia’s friends wouldn’t show up unannounced. June opens the door to reveal JJ dressed in shorts and a light long sleeve t-shirt.

“Happy birthday Ju Ju!” JJ exclaims.

June rolled her eyes, “God, please don’t call me that.” She opened the door wide to let him in. The nickname originated from June’s younger sister. They were five years apart and she couldn’t properly say June’s name for quite a while. So from ages 5 to 8, she was Ju Ju.

“Nah, I think 18 is the year we bring it back,” JJ said, slinging his arm around her shoulders.

“Absolutely not,” June says, tapping his cheek lightly, “Thanks though.” He smiles as she jumps up onto one of the stools in the kitchen, “what’s up?”

“You, miss birthday girl, have very important places to be. Go get dressed.”

“Where exactly do I have to be?”

“Well, first, Kie’s and then,” JJ motions like he is zipping his lips and throwing the key away. June narrows her eyes causing him to throw up his hands in defense.

“Okay, fine, but don’t eat my donuts!” June runs up the stairs and begins to get ready. She decides on a blue tube top, shorts, and a white cropped jacket. She runs a brush through her hair and packs her swimsuit and a few other things in a drawstring before going down the hallway to leave a note for her sister. She tells her where she’s going to be and to call when she gets up.

JJ and her drive to Kiara’a in his truck, the windows down and the radio stuck on the same channel it’s been on since he got it. They’ve learned to tolerate it. JJ was so proud of the truck when he first showed the pogues. He had gotten a busted down pickup from some guy on the island and fixed it up pretty much by himself. The rest of them promised to never make fun of it.

“Happy Birthday!” The pogues yell when June opens the door. She can’t contain her laughter. Everyone is wearing pink sparkly party hats. Kie instantly comes over to her, throwing her arms around her neck, “baby is eighteen!” June squeezes back and accepts a hat identical to the rest and hands one to JJ who shuts the door behind them.

“Looking good, boys.” June laughs at Pope and John B posing in their hats.

“It’s the required attire didn’t you hear?” John B asks, kissing the top of June's head and Pope slinging an arm around her shoulders. They lead her through the kitchen and the sliding door to the outdoor patio. The lounge chairs are set up along with string lights and a birthday banner. It was perfect. The whole thing, being with her favorite people, the perfect weather.

“You guys didn’t have to do all of this.”

“But you deserve it. You’re always the first to do anything for the rest of us,” Pope says.

“He’s right, Juney,” Kie says, smiling.

“You’re a bunch of saps,” JJ says plopping into a chair.

After spending the morning and early afternoon hanging out in Kie’s backyard, the five piled into the van and headed down to the beach. The boys were in the water before June could even set her stuff down. It was arguably not warm enough to swim, but that didn’t stop them. Kie and June decided to layout, occasionally sneaking a few drinks from the water bottle filled with alcohol.

“So how are you feeling about the whole soulmate thing?” Kie asks, bumping her shoulder against June’s.

To be honest, June had forgotten all about it. She could barely sleep last night she was so nervous, but now that it could happen whenever, she felt much better.

“Honestly okay.” She admitted.

“Do you think you already know who it is?”

“I mean that happens more often than not, right? Just look at our parents.” Kie’s parents had known each other in high school, having grown up on the island, but didn’t know they were soulmates until later down the line. That happens all the time. Whether or not it’s just coincidence or really is fate, June hadn’t decided yet.

“I guess you’re right.” She paused before speaking again, “I don’t think I want to already know them. I don’t want to marry someone we went to high school with and be stuck here only for our kids to end up the same way.” Seeing Kiara open up like this made June wonder about her own future.

“Don’t worry Kie, you’re gonna go somewhere cool like Australia and stop the wildfires and clean the oceans and fall in love with some really hot girl and leave us all behind forever.”

She moved her sunglasses off her face to hold back her hair, “I could never leave you, but you really think so?”

“Of course. You’re going places. John B, JJ, and I are gonna be stuck here smelling like fish bait until we’re 80.” June gags.

Kiara laughs, making a disgusted face, “what about Pope?”

“Nah, he’s too good for this place.” They both laugh so hard they don’t even notice the boys had made their way back to where they were laying.

“What’s so funny?” John B asks, shaking out his hair.

“Nothing,” Kie says with a smile on her lips. The boys share a knowing look before dropping it altogether. That’s when June’s phone chimes with a message from her sister.

Mom said to make sure you were home soon for tonight. We’re almost all set up here.

I guess Aunt Morrane is coming:/

“No,” June groans at the last of Olivia’s message.

“What’s wrong?” JJ asks, sitting down next to her.

“My Aunt is coming to dinner tonight.”

“The horror!” John B mocks.

“Stop! I’m serious. She’s a nutcase.” June replies, throwing a towel at his face. He catches it in one swift motion.

“Ju it’s gonna be fine.” JJ said reassuringly, “I’ll drop you back off.”

The pogues only stayed a little while longer before packing up their stuff into the van and parting ways once back at Kiara’s.

“I won’t have any fun without you,” Kie begged before June got into the truck.

“You’re gonna be fine.” The rest of the group was going to the first official kegger of the summer. June always missed it. She was sure she would hear all about it tomorrow when she would stop by the chateau with a bunch of water and ibuprofen in the morning to make sure they were all breathing.

“Hey, thanks, J,” June says when JJ had pulled up in front of her house.

“No problem,” he starts. June reaches for the door handle, “actually, I got you something.”

Surprised, June says “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

He waves her off and reaches into the glove compartment, pulling out a bracelet, “uh. It’s not wrapped or anything.”

June examines the bracelet, it was a brown braided string with a single pearl threaded in the middle.

“I love it.”

“Really?” JJ asks, scrunching up his nose, “because it’s okay if you don’t I just thought-”

“No, no I do. Thank you,” June says and reaches up to kiss his cheek. Just then there is a loud pounding coming from the passenger side window, causing June to startle and drop the bracelet. Both June and JJ lean in to grab it off the floor of the car and smack heads. “Shit, sorry”

“Ow!”

JJ finally grabs the bracelet and hands it back to her before they are both faced with Aunt Morrane opening the door and practically dragging her out of the truck.

“You know,” her aunt starts, “darling, everyone is waiting inside.”

“I’ll just be one second, I promise.” She says flashing a smile to her aunt and pleading eyes to JJ. He tries to hide his laughter.

Aunt Morrane locks arms with June and begins walking up to their sidewalk, quite literally dragging her by her feet, and begins talking about this show she was watching.

“Happy Birthday, Ju Ju!” JJ yells from the truck. June tries to flip him off as discreetly as possible with her aunt still gripping on to her.

At the door, her mother engulfs her into a hug, “Happy 18th, love.”

“Thank you, mama.”

“Was that JJ? You know he could've come in. We have enough food.”

“It’s okay, Mama, he had plans.” That satisfied her enough as she went to close the door and straight back into the kitchen. June took off her shoes and that’s when she heard it. It only lasted a minute and she couldn’t recite it if she was asked, but it was there. Faint, but clear. Just how Pope had described it. Just how everyone had described it. Her soulmate.

taglist: @allycat449-blog @ifilwtmfc (hi im sorry I forgot to tag yall)

** if you want to be added to the taglist let me know!!

#highpope #highpopefics #silverkeys #silverkeys masterlist #jj maybank x oc #jj maybank #jj maybank x reader #obx #obx fic #outer banks #outer banks fluff #soulmate #soulmate au #outerbanks #fluff #slowburn

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taleofharrison · 5 years ago

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I’ll Never Give You Away | Ashton Irwin

Summary: No summary because I feel that the warnings give too much away and I don’t want to spoil it more but you need to know it is based on the movie Jersey Girl.

Warnings: Death, crying and agnst at the end. Italics are flashbacks and memories

Prompt: When I take a look at my life and all of my crimes you’re the only thing that I think I got right. - Lover of mine by 5sos

Word Count: 2035

A/N: This is my entry to the writing challenge by @writingfortoomanyfandoms I really hope you like it and it’s my first 5sos fic so I’m a little nervous, feedback is appreciated and I’m not a native English speaker I practice my writing skills by writing fanfcition so any comments and tips on that note are welcome too. Enjoy!

As Y/N made her final touches to her make-up she let her brain wander through the memory lane.

“Ash where are you taking me?” Y/N giggled as she let her boyfriend guide her through an empty beach in Australia.

“Princess we’re back home how many times do we get to run on the beaches we grew up?” he answered taking a quick look over his shoulder to look at girl who looked flustered. Even though they’ve been dating for almost 3 years the nickname princess still gave her butterflies and Ashton knew. He loved it.

“I know but can’t you please let go of my arm” she said with a smile. She knew Ashton didn’t hurt her in purpose he was just nervous about what was about to happen “t’s starting to hurt”

“Sorry I just-“ He had gotten to the place he had planned to be with her “D’you remember when we were younger?”

“Yes, we ran away every time we could to this beach” Y/N smiled at the memory “we used to play with the ocean and you asked me here if I wanted to move to California with you”

“I still can’t believe you said yes” he chuckled looking down at his feet “I mean we weren’t anything yet”

“We were best friends that was more than enough to me” the girl smiled again. Ashton loved that smile he can’t even remember when he fell in love with her.

“This beach saw us grow and was a witness of important moments of our history” Y/N giggled at Ashton’s sudden change to deep thinker. She liked it though “That’s why I brought you here, so it can witness another big milestone in our lives”

“When I take a look at my life and all of my crimes you’re the only thing that I think I got right” When Ashton got down on one knee Y/N couldn’t believe it “So Y/N Y/L would you say yes to another of my crazy ideas?” he had a blue velvet box in his hands with the most beautiful ring Y/N had ever seen.

“Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!” with tears in her eyes Y/N throw herself at Ashton’s arms. In that moment they were the happiest people on Earth.

“What are you thinking?” Ashton voice brought her back to reality.

“Just remembering” she said “when you proposed”

“Another time I couldn’t believe you actually agreed with me to do something” he smirked placing a kiss on the top of her head “You ready to go?”

“Yes, just let me get my purse” Y/N sighed a tone of sadness in her voice. Nobody would’ve notice but Ashton knew her better than he knew himself.

“Now what’s the matter?” he asked again getting a questioning look from you “don’t give me that look what’s up?”

Y/N sighed again before speaking “It’s your first Gammy nomination and I’m going with you seven months pregnant. This isn’t exactly how I visualized this moment for us”

“I think you look stunning” Ashton smiled giving her a small peck on the lips “Besides you know you are my lucky charm. Both of you are”

Y/N smiled he always said the right words to help her feel better “Alright Mr. Grammy Award Winner let’s go. We don’t wanna be late”

“I haven’t won anything yet” he laughed.

“Didn’t you say we are your lucky charm?” Y/N smirked with a hint of fun could be found on her words.

“We are 5 seconds of summer thank you for coming tonight” Luke spoke right after the last song. It was the first concert with an actual audience and Ashton.

“I can’t believe they told me that about two hundred people would be seeing us tonight” he complained once he could get back to his best friends all the 12 people there had gone home “They were like 12”

“Well Ash I was the thirteenth person here in the audience” Y/N laughed at his tone of voice and face.

“Nice now you’re making fun of me” he rolled his eyes punching her shoulder playfully.

“Ash it doesn’t matter if I’m the thirteenth person on the venue or the ten thousand one there. I’ll support you every single time” Y/N assured him holding his hand giving it a squeeze “This was only your first gig and I know you’ll go far”

He slightly smiled at your words “You’re right. I’m just taking this too seriously”

“Now you have to properly introduce me to my replacement” Y/N said dragging Ashton with his bandmates.

“Replacements?” he said a hint sound of fun in his voice.

“Well yeah, aren’t they your new best friends now”

A quiet afternoon had been interrupted by three guys bursting in with gifts in hands for Lea, Ashton and Y/N’s baby girl who was just a month away from making her debut into the world.

“One night” Ashton groaned as he closed the door behind them “one night with my wife is all I’m asking you guys”

The Australian boys ignored his complains as they pushed past him making their way to the living room where Y/N and Ashton had been binge watching Friends.

“We were thinking that maybe baby Lea would need some of these” Calum said showing the couple a big shopping bag.

“Guys the baby shower was months ago” Y/N said. She was tired being 8 months pregnant wasn’t easy. It was taking a big toll on her emotionally and physically “this baby has everything she needs by now”

“You never have too many stuffed animals Y/N” this time it was Luke with a big pout on his face “one of these could be the toy that will be her friend for the rest of her childhood”

Y/N laughed of course they came here just to make her laugh. They hadn’t seen her in a while since she barely left the house so close to the due date and with a babysitter in the house. Whether it be Sierra or Crystal Ashton didn’t want Y/N to be alone or outside the house while he was at the studio.

“And maybe we can help get the nursery ready” Michael pointed.

“The nursery’s been ready for weeks arseholes” Ashton told them

“Well we just missed Y/N we wanted to visit her” Calum shrugged

“That’s so sweet!” Y/N exclaimed “But right now isn’t a good time, rain check?”

The boys nodded being escorted by Ashton to the door.

“I know baby” she softly said to the belly “your uncles are crazy, but they are so excited to meet you. We all are”

The day came. Ashton was with you he had taken a few days off the studio, so he could be with Y/N all the way to the hospital to deliver the baby.

“Ok so the suitcase is in the car. I called the boys they know Lea is coming and we’re ready to go” Ashton was trying really hard to keep his cool a thing Y/N found endearing since she knew that his mind must go to a 1000 miles per hour right now.

He drove as fast as he could to the hospital but of course he was second guessing since his pregnant wife came in the car with him going into labor. At the hospital he was quick to fill the paperwork while some nurses took Y/N in a wheelchair.

Once Ashton could go into the hospital room he never left Y/N’s side. He held her hand and talk about all the things he was planning to do with Lea.

“I’m going to teach her how to play drums” he said excitedly with a gleam in his eyes. A gleam Y/N only had seen the day the got married “I’m so excited this is happening”

About two hours later nurse came in to tell the couple that Y/N was ready to go into the delivery room. This is it. They were going to meet their littler girl.

“Now Y/N one more push okay just one more” the doctor asked. Y/N squeezed Ashton hand one last time. The rest is a blur.

They took the baby away from them to clean her up. Ashton heard her crying and he smiled then he saw how Y/N fell asleep in front of him, he whispered her name before the nurses pushed him away kicking him out of the delivery room that’s when he started screaming his wife’s name.

Ashton waited outside the room sitting on the floor head between his knees waiting for a nurse or a doctor to come out and tell him that everything was okay both mother and daughter were ready to see him again and maybe go home tomorrow morning even earlier if possible.

“Mr. Irwin” the voice came from a doctor. Ashton was quick to pick him up the floor “I’m sorry but we did what we could. Y/N…she’s gone”

Ashton world couldn’t believe what supposed to be one of the happiest days of his life became the most bittersweet day. The doctor kept speaking but he just didn’t listen was he was saying the room around became black while tears came down his eyes.

“…on the other hand, you have a beautiful healthy baby girl waiting to meet you right there” the doctor said in the most neutral tone possible pointing at what was Y/N’s hospital room “One more time I’m so sorry for your lost”

Ashton was again crying on the floor. He wanted more than anything to meet Lea, but he wasn’t ready he just couldn’t see her in that moment and as if on cue three loud Australian boys came in looking for the Irwin family balloons and even more toys in hands.

“Where’s our niece?” Michael asked with a pink bunny balloon in hand. His smiled faded away the moment he saw his friend.

“And my goddaughter?” Luke’s tone changed from happy to dull in less than a second “What? Where?”

“Y/N…she couldn’t-“ Ashton was struggling for the words to came out but his voice kept breaking “the doctor said…Lea’s there and I just can’t pick myself up to see her”

“Hey hey hey Ash it’s okay it’s hard” Calum kneeled to be on eye level with Ash “We know you want to grieve and we have no idea how you must be feeling but right now you’re all that little girl has and we are here” Calum turned to see Luke and Michael tears in their eyes “We will always be here and we will help you with everything you need”

He picked Ashton from the shoulders so he could stand up at the same time “Now go in there and hold Lea we will wait here”

Ashton took a deep breath and pushed the door open and there she was, a beautiful girl sleeping in a pink blanket he just stared down at her “she looks like you” he whispered up to the sky “I’ll do my best with her I promise” he whispered again to the sky.

Lea started to cry. Ashton was quick to pick her up “It’s okay” he whispered against his head “I know you miss mommy I miss her too and when you grow I’ll tell you everything about her but right now it’s just and me against the world”

She kept crying but not as loudly “Do you want me to sing you a song?” he asked even though she couldn’t answer “Your mommy’s favorite was Lover of Mine maybe that’ll work”

He softly hummed the lyrics “I'll never give you away 'cause I've already made that mistake if my name never fell off your lips again I know it'd be such a shame when I take a look at my life

and all of my crimes you're the only thing that I think I got I right I'll never give you away…I’ll never give you away” and his little girl was asleep again.

He understood in that moment that he needed to be strong for her and to support her as best as he could the rest of her life. He opened the door and peaked his head.

“Hey do you want to meet you niece?”

Gif not mine

#courts4kwritingchallenge #5sos #5sos imagine #5sos x reader #5sos blurb #5sos fic #5sos fanfic #ashton irwin x reader #ashton irwin #ashton irwin imagine #ashton irwin blurb #ashton irwin fic #My Writing Corner #5 seconds of summer #5sos agnst

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calumance · 4 years ago

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It just occurred to me, but maybe one where mama, Cal and Aiden visit Australia for a vacation and he gets lost?? Only for them to find him napping in their vacation home?? -notinthesameguey

Aw, Calum would be so worried, so would mama. 🥺🥺🥺

Joy and David had been trying to get Calum, Aiden and you to come out to Australia for a long time, but between Calum’s tour schedule, Aiden’s school, and your part time job, you just hadn’t been able to find the time. After Calum’s last tour, the family was in dire need of an actual vacation. Although Calum sees the world on tour, it wasn’t a vacation to him. Spending time with the people he loved was vacation to him. Without hesitating, you started to plan a trip out to see his parents.

It wasn’t until everything was planned out that you finally told him about the trip. At first he was upset that you hadn’t talked to him about it, but behind his tired eyes, you could tell he was thankful for the trip away. “We leave in a week.” You told him as you handed him the paper that showed the booked flight. He took it from you as you chewed on your bottom lip and put your hands behind your back.

His eyes danced over the paper in his hands, a soft smile pulling at his lips. His big brown eyes meeting your, the tears welling on the rim. “Thank you.” He choked out before cupping your face and pulling your lips to his. You smiled against his lips and squeezed him as tightly as you could. The vacation was going to be perfect.

Calum’s parents insisted that you stayed with them, but wanting this to be a real vacation, you booked an Airbnb only a few minutes away from them. The Airbnb was right on the beach, from the back window, you could see the water and the backyard was just sand. It was perfect for Aiden who loved to swim, and it was perfect for Calum who wanted to spend as much time with his mom and dad as possible. Lastly, it was perfect for you who wanted to spend as much time on the beach doing absolutely nothing but relaxing as possible.

You were lying in a lounge chair, the sun beating on your skin. The ocean waves crashing making you melt into the chair in utter relaxation. Before you had gone outside, you had poured yourself a generous amount of wine. Without opening your eyes, you took a sip and then let your head fall back, a smile stretched across your face. Calum let out a soft chuckle from behind you. “What are you laughing at?” You asked him without moving.

“Nothing,” he started as he took slow steps toward you. His lips ghosted over the skin of your shoulder. “You know it’s only eleven in the morning, right?” He smiled and ran his hands down your bare arms before pressing a soft kiss to your neck.

You took a deep breath and opened your eyes and looked at the glass of wine in your hand. “Vacation means day drinking,” you said as a smirk pulled at your lips, “plus, it’s five o’clock somewhere, right?” You raised your eyebrows and took a large gulp of wine causing Calum to laugh. You laughed with him as you tilted your head upward so your lips could meet his.

“Thank you for setting up this whole trip. It was really needed, and I think Aiden is having an absolute blast.” Calum swung himself around your chair so that he was standing in front of you. He placed his hands on your knees and leaned forward for a proper kiss.

You reached your hand up and placed it on his jaw line as your pushed your lips further into the kiss. After he pulled away, you looked around, “Speaking if Aiden, where is he? Did he go back with your mom and dad to their house?” You blinked and looked into Calum’s eyes.

Calum shook his head, “No, he stayed here. He’s just inside playing with the hundreds of toys my parents brought over for him.” Calum moved out of the way as you pushed yourself off the chair and made your way inside.

Aiden was nowhere to be seen. You pulled your eyebrows together and looked around the room that had toys scattered from one end to the other. “Cal, you’re sure he didn’t go with your mom and dad?” You turned back at Calum and he stopped dead in his tracks.

“Yes, I’m sure. After they left Aiden sat on the floor and started playing.” Calum pointed to the floor and panic washed over his face when he realized that Aiden wasn’t where he left him.

Seeing the panic in Calum’s face, the panic stirred in your chest. Your heart started to race and everything was moving in slow motion. Your worst fears slowly coming true when you noticed the front door was open slightly. “Oh my god, Calum, call your parents right now.” The tears started to pour from your eyes as Calum immediately reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

While Calum was on the phone with his parents, you searched the house high and low for him, he was nowhere to be seen. As you reached Calum, the tears where forming in his eyes. He didn’t even have to tell you, Aiden wasn’t with them, you could tell by the look on his face. Without hesitation, you ran out the front door and started screaming his name. You screamed his name for a while until Joy and David showed up, their tires squealing as they came to a stop in front of your vacation home.

Calum ran up and down the beach with his dad screaming for Aiden. You and Joy searched around the house. He hadn’t turned up anywhere. Joy sat you down in the kitchen, and tried to calm you down. Your chest felt tight, your breathing was labored, your entire world was falling apart. “Mama?” Everything stopped as you turned around to see Aiden standing in the doorway. “What’s going on? Why is everyone screaming my name?”

You fell to your knees and scooped Aiden into your arms. “Oh my god, Aiden, where were you?” You pulled away from him and ran your hands through his hair and down his face making sure he wasn’t hurt.

“I was sleeping in the room at the end of the hallway. I was tired and decided to go for a nap.” Aiden pouted and his lip quivered, not really understanding what was happening, but could see how upset everyone was.

You suddenly felt incredibly silly for not checking that room, out of all the places you looked, you forgot to look there. “Baby, you have to tell me or daddy when you go somewhere, okay? We were worried sick, we didn’t know where you went.” He nodded and tears started to fall down his face. You pulled him close and put your hand on the back of his head. “You’re not in trouble, baby, we were just scared.” You shushed Aiden and heard footsteps behind you.

I’m the moment of seeing Aiden, Joy had run outside and called for Calum and David. Calum was standing in the doorway, he was soaking wet as if he had gone out into the water to search for him. His chest heaved every time he took a breath, tears rolled down his face as he looked between you and Aiden. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around both of you and kissed the top of Aiden’s head. “Don’t scare us like that, again.” He said in a soft voice, making sure Aiden knew he wasn’t in trouble, everyone was just scared. Aiden nodded into your shoulder and Calum squeezed both of you tighter. You held onto Calum as your heart slowed and the atmosphere became light again.

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

Tag list: @mantlereid @notinthesameguey @viiirg0 @wheniminouterspace @thinkofmehlgh @another-lonely-heart @limer-encia @itsmytimetoodream @babyoria

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vaastudesigners · 2 years ago

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Vaastu Designers presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking elegant and sophisticated townhouse living in the vibrant city of Melbourne. With their expertise in architectural design and a keen understanding of urban lifestyles, Vaastu Designers has crafted a collection of exquisite townhouse designs that perfectly balance style, functionality, and comfort.

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sablelab · 4 years ago

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Covert Operations - Chapter 128

SYNOPSIS: Jamie has whisked Claire away to a romantic getaway where she can recover from her incarceration at the hands of Jonathon Randall and the Rising Dragons.

Chapter 127 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations

THANK YOU all for taking the time to read my story and the last chapter where Murtagh took no prisoners at his interrogation. Operations and Madeline should have known better. This man was loyal to Section and even insinuating that he may have been the mole was offensive. Murtagh protects those he loves and his idea will protect his buddy Fergus when he too faces an inquisition in the next chapter that I will post on TUESDAY. I hope you enjoy this chapter that is setting the mood for forthcoming Jamie and Claire chapters.

CHAPTER 128

From the moment Claire walked into the villa she was astounded. Sleek and stylish with laid-back luxury, the white interior gave the dwelling an elegant vibe with touches of rustic wood, ocean-inspired art and sleek, sculptural furnishings. The room was bright and modern, with a free-flowing layout that meandered from living room to dining room to fully equipped kitchen. Claire could just imagine her and Jamie waking up early to watch the swimmers catch their morning waves, have a quick breakfast on the terrace then take a few steps off the decking to the warm sand of the private beach below. It would be heaven, and she couldn’t wait to settle in to this beautiful accommodation … Jamie’s home. From the amazing view to the beautiful soothing music playing in the background, the smell of freshly baked bread and the aroma of coffee to tempt the taste buds which the Heughan’s had kindly organised after their long trip, this house was perfect and a place where she and Jamie could recuperate and recharge their batteries. They both needed such a place of beauty to erase the memories of the past mission and what they both had experienced at the monastery.

Claire also noticed the floor to ceiling windows that framed the magnificent view every which way she looked. However, she noted that the windows were actually fold-away glass walls that enclosed the vista of the water. When opened they would create one seamless indoor-outdoor living space, where the terrace flowed into the open-concept living room. Her initial reaction to the setting of the house was one of wonder but the view from the windows was even more beautiful. As far as the eye could see they had a picture-perfect uninterrupted view of the hinterland and ocean. It took her breath away. It was so scenic and very picturesque and every area of the property appeared to take advantage of the view. Whether it was through the big glass panels of the room she was standing in, or out on the relaxing terrace where they could watch the world go by … this place was their very own utopia for the surroundings looked so peaceful and welcoming.

A sweeping wrap around private deck hugged the outside area and framed a panoramic view of the emerald clear water. In the distance she could see mountains of the various islands that dotted the Whitsundays and marvelled at how different the view was here to her apartment in Hong Kong and the landscape of Victoria Harbour. There was an openness to the vista here that was missing there. All she could see as far as the eye could see was beautiful tranquil water for there were no high-rise buildings hugging the water’s shore. It was remote and had an openness that made her feel one with nature and the surroundings.

The view in the daytime was already incredible, but under the stars in the night sky it would be absolutely brilliant, a truly spectacular and relaxing million-dollar view and one of pure tranquillity as they watched the setting sun sparkling on the water. Just the thought of opening the curtains every morning would be a blessing waking up to the breathtaking wonders. They would have their own private lookout of several islands dotted in between the emerald waters of this hypnotic panorama. This was truly a breathtaking vista; it had the solitude they needed, but it was also everything they required and more. This place was the welcome balm they needed before they would need to return to Section One and the mission to finally capture Sun Yee Lok. They would relish every moment spent in this paradise so far away from Section that they could forget everything and live, laugh, love and heal.

Claire was sure she would absolutely adore this perfect little escape from reality and would never want to leave the house. She could picture her and Jamie becoming domesticated in his home and the thought of making love under the stars or on the private beach certainly conjured up memories of their time spent on Lamma Island. But being here was totally different. The colours of the water, and the vivid greenery coupled with the fresh air and openness was already making her feel at home. This place made her feel safe and Claire was lost for words about the beauty. She just knew this was the place, for it had a serenity and calming space conducive to lull them into relaxation, while the spectacular beauty of the Whitsundays made her feel a million miles away from the reality of Section One.

This setting had a wonderful ambience to it that made her feel as if she really belonged here with Jamie and Claire could picture her time in this location as being memorable. Together they could watch the world go by in their very own Shangri-La. The absolute privacy with a special brand of quiet and serenity was just the medicine they both needed. This setting was as far away from the memories of their incarceration and life at Section as they could get and Claire was overcome with emotion at the thought that Jamie had brought her to Australia but more importantly that he owned this property and had brought them both here to convalescence. Her heart burst with the love she felt for this wonderful man who had pulled out all stops to bring her to this magical paradise.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The main living room was bright and cheery with a modern design that was fresh and indicative of a dwelling that was low maintenance. The room was open plan and the floor to ceiling windows that covered one wall accentuated the open spaciousness of the room by providing all the natural light the filtered into the room. Modern furniture was spaced around the room to take advantage of the view and there were large rugs on the floor under the coffee table and in front of a stylish, contemporary wood fireplace. Claire loved everything about it and could certainly visualize herself staying here for the next fourteen days and shutting out the world they inhabited at Section One.

The free-standing fireplace situated in the corner of the room would provide a powerful, efficient heating solution for those nights when it turned chilly because even in the sub tropics the weather could turn cold. Claire could picture the two of them making love before the hearth as the heat of the fire burned while their bodies burned for each other with the heat of seduction. It would certainly be very cozy in here when the wood was ablaze. She wondered if they would cuddle up on the couch sipping whisky by the fire as the twinkling stars sparkled in the night sky. That thought brought a smile to her face as she knew that they would indeed experience that scenario.

Claire couldn’t hide her excitement and glancing over at Jamie she noticed the broad smile that bowed his mouth. He gave her a piercing look realising that he had made the right decision coming here. He was glad that he had brought his Sassenach here to this sanctuary as far away from Section as possible. However, the smouldering look in his eyes as they caressed her face sent chills of anticipation racing through Claire’s body. She felt a rush of blood to her cheeks and she couldn’t look away as James Fraser’s stare seemed to burn through her very flesh. Biting her lip, butterflies suddenly fluttered in the pit of her stomach at the thought of the two of making love in every room of this house. Piercing blue eyes were caressing and undressing her at the same time as if he too had imagined the scenarios that had danced through her mind. Jamie had that look that said … Be patient Sassenach … It will happen … and she couldn’t stop the thumping of her heart pounding in her chest

His thoughts too were of a similar vein.

And now, here they were in this house he had purchased from the Heughans. They would live a normal life as a couple if only for two weeks but in that time, he knew that his Claire would recover her strength and with his help be able to eradicate her memories of what had happened to her. He knew too that he would heal as well and together they would gain back the lightness in each other’s psyche that had been damaged at the monastery. They would make memories here to last them forever; they’d unwind, relax and recover in body, mind and soul and … they would make love where and whenever they wanted.

Suddenly feeling a little shy, Claire averted her gaze hoping that Jamie hadn’t seen her reaction for she was having thumping palpitations all of a sudden and was feeling decidedly nervous but excited at the same time. Apprehensive feelings of actually being alone with this sexy man suddenly surfaced. It was silly to feel this way but this would be their first opportunity of freedom from the world of Section One where every move was monitored and every glance between them was interpreted by their superiors. In this place they could be free to express their emotions without the fear of forever looking over their shoulder.

Trying to calm her nerves and runaway feelings Claire moved over to the panoramic wall of glass windows and peered outside but was suddenly overwhelmed with what she was seeing. The living space had been perfectly designed but as she approached the windows, she noticed the Jacuzzi and infinity pool that seemed to merge in to the horizon. A breath suddenly wedged in her throat as Jamie’s arms unexpectedly wrapped around her waist and drew Claire back against his body. Resting his chin on her head they stood there together admiring the view.

“Are ye happy Sassenach?” he asked as his warm breath caressed her cheek and the warmth of his body seeped into her skin.

“More that I can say … Oh Jamie, thank you my love,” Claire replied as she leaned her head back into the crook of his neck.

Jamie kissed the top of her head as his arms tightened across her stomach. “I’m glad.”

“This is the most wonderful surprise and I just know that we are going to never want to leave this magical place.”

“They have a saying about here Sassenach. Beautiful one day … perfect the next.”

“How true. It must be so lovely here in the summer with the sunshine glistening on the water and the sunset’s magical colours in the night sky,” she replied voicing her opinions.

“Well I’m sure ‘tis like that all year-round mo ghràidh. We have fourteen days to see if that is so.”

“Have you ever been here before on your downtime Jamie?” She asked a little apprehensively in two minds as to what his reply might be despite his previous answer.

There were so many questions and feelings that ran through her mind. She wanted to know, but wasn’t sure if she would want to hear the answers just in case, she didn’t like Jamie’s replies. How long had he owned this property? Had he purchased it before she had been recruited to Section One? Had he ever taken others to this place of tranquillity? Why had he decided to come here of all places? And why bring her?

The likelihood of getting downtime away from Section was rare, but even their top operative James Fraser needed somewhere to ease the burden of their lifestyle. The outside world couldn’t hazard a guess as to the life they led and they wouldn’t want to know about the danger he and other operatives constantly faced on missions. Perhaps this place was his refuge … his safe haven but one that he’d never utilised … until now. Perhaps he’d never had a reason to come here before and now he did. Oh, dear god, she hoped that was the answer!

“No Sassenach … this is the first time.”

Claire gave him a shy glance over her shoulder as her secret thoughts had just materialised. “Oh … I’m glad,” was her spontaneous reply that held a multitude of meaning behind those few words.

Ever so gently Jamie turned Claire into his arms until she was facing him. Placing his finger under her chin he lovingly lifted it up so that he could see her face but more importantly her eyes. Claire Beauchamp had a glass face so much so that he could read her every countenance. He watched his love’s facial expressions crisscross her face as she looked up at him and he knew exactly what his love was thinking. A little satisfied smirk rose in the corner of his mouth as he observed his Sassenach and the answer she had elicited.

“I’m glad ye’re glad.” His smile was enigmatic but it warmed her heart so very much.

At Jamie’s reply, Claire shyly lowered her head as a blush deepened the colour on her cheeks for his gaze seemed to bore holes into her eyes.

He smiled seeing the rosy blush rise and gave her some respite from his intense scrutiny. “How would ye like to help with something to eat? Ye must be starving mo nighean donn because I am ye ken. The Heughans said in their note that the pantry and the refrigerator have been well stocked, so there is no need for us to get any other supplies for a while.”

However, Jamie’s words had the opposite effect. He had just exacerbated her wayward thoughts with his reply. Claire knew she was in trouble being around this virile man.

Big trouble.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jamie noticed her reticence at his proposal to help in the kitchen so suggested that Claire take a look around the home instead. “Why don’t ye go and unpack mo ghràidh and I’ll get us a bite to eat. Oh, and Sassenach, ye should find some suitable warm weather items that ye may like in the wardrobe too.”

His words conjured up what they had said on the Lear jet not knowing of their destination and Claire felt her rosy cheeks turn decidedly redder at his inference to their conversation. However, it was more the clothing optional option that registered in her mind that set her thoughts to picturing that very scenario happening here. However, she gathered her composure and replied to his first statement.

“Yes, I think that would be a good plan Jamie. There is no need for both of us to be in the kitchen and besides I’m not the best of cooks and I might cramp your style.”

Claire gave a little gasp. The only explanation was that she was flustered because of her own wayward thoughts about being naked with Jamie. She suddenly regretted those last couple of words that had left her mouth before she had completed her sentence knowing that he would jump on the inuendo of what she had said.

And he did.

Never taking his eyes from her flushed face and with a gleam in his eye Jamie replied, “Never Sassenach. Ye could never cramp my style.”

His Claire was adorable. He loved teasing her and tipping her off kilter because she had a glass face and he couldn’t resist mocking her as he did. Claire could never disappoint him. She was brave and fearless and this was proven tenfold with her incarceration at the monastery. Claire Beauchamp had a steel rod backbone and she had endurance to withstand the torture she was subjected to by Jonathon Randall. Seeing what she had gone through just broke his heart and made him more determined than ever to find those responsible and atone for what they had done to his Sassenach.

However, at times she did baffle and frustrate him but Claire could always emote the reasons for why she did what she did. It had taken him a while to completely understand her mindset and the sympathy and kindness that filled her heart for those who were persecuted and downtrodden. Claire was fierce in the way she loved and even to this day, he could not fully comprehend why she loved the man he was. He was so grateful that she had seen beyond the veneer and had looked into his soul until she held his heart in the palm of her hand.

Claire allowed him to be whole and encouraged him to express those feelings he had suppressed for so long. He’d thought he was incapable of love until she had shown him how to love and that he was worthy of her love. This remarkable woman gave him permission to surrender to the feelings he had for her, to let go and lose himself in her arms. She had made him a better man despite the life they lived in Section One. She had made him more human but at the same time vulnerable. Although Claire Beauchamp was his weakness, she was also his strength and he would help her to heal in this place of tranquillity. He planned to bring his Sassenach back from the brink of despair and he vowed to see that sparkle in her eyes once more.

On the contrary, his Claire could never cramp his style because she was innate good and he was under her spell and happy to be there.

While these thoughts crossed his mind, Jamie replied, “I’ll let ye off the hook this time Beauchamp. Go unpack and freshen up. I’ll let ye know when dinner is ready.”

“Okay, that sounds like a good plan. I just might do that.”

James Fraser smiled at her retreating back as his love made a hasty retreat from the kitchen.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It seemed hard to fathom that they had been discharged from Med Lab and now they were here in Australia of all places and as far away from the memories that Hong Kong held. Here in this place they would be able to let the world go by, enjoy each other’s company, relish the privacy of their environment and forget everything and everyone that had hurt them. These two weeks in paradise would be the place where they would live, laugh and love without fear or worry for what had happened to them. They would never forget but they would find themselves again and emerge stronger for going through this together. She felt relaxed and safe here and was so thankful that Jamie had brought her here. This dwelling really was the perfect place for the two of them to be to recover from their past ordeals and to escape the watchful eye of Section One. It was as if Section didn’t exist.

It had been a long day of travelling and both of them were exhausted. Claire was glad that Jamie was preparing a meal because she didn’t think she would have the strength to do so. She was dead on her feet and all she really wanted to do was to curl up and go to sleep on the inviting giant king size bed in the master bedroom. Having placed all of their belongings away and examined the items of summer clothing in the wardrobe including an array of miniscule bikinis, Claire propped up the pillows and lay on the bed. She couldn’t take her eyes off the setting sun that was disappearing behind the mountains. The sight was even more spectacular than she thought it would be and she suddenly felt as one with nature. The warm red and golden rays kissed the water as she watched the sun disappear completely over the horizon until all that was left was the beautiful colours of the sunset that would herald another beautiful day on the morrow. How wonderful it would be to wake up each morning to a new day knowing that it would be the start of a day of healing for both her and Jamie. Claire closed her eyes and soon succumbed to exhaustion.

And that is how James Fraser found his Sleeping Beauty.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Claire looked so peaceful and free of worries as she lay on the bed curled up like a little butterfly in a chrysalis. Jamie stood by the bed and looked his fill at the woman who had been to hell and back over the past few weeks. His piercing blue gaze swept his Claire from head to toe in the space of a heartbeat. She really was a Sleeping Beauty and all he needed to do was waken her with a lover’s kiss. Resting his hands over her body he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead then trailed another down her nose until his tender lips caressed her mouth. Claire stirred at the touch of Jamie’s kiss and slowly opened her eyes to see her love peering down at her with such devotion in his eyes that her heart did a little somersault.

“Wake up my sleepy head … dinner is ready.”

Jamie’s gaze sent delicious shudders down her spine. Claire had to look away and gain some composure for his look always sent her heart a fluttering and this one was particularly poignant. Stretching her hands above her head as well as elongating her legs, she wriggled her toes before replying to Jamie’s wake up call. Still avoiding his eyes, she closed them for a moment then swallowing quickly she softly answered.

“Okay … I’ll … get … up.”

She stumbled over her words and couldn’t really make a coherent sentence for fear that her voice would give her away and allude to the emotions that had fluttered through her brain at Jamie having found her asleep in the master bedroom. She tried to get up but he had her trapped between his arms. Claire managed to cast a look his way only to see that Jamie was quite enjoying seeing her lying on the bed. Passion filled eyes avoided his as she spoke again.

“Have I been asleep long?”

He noticed the darkening pupils in Claire’s eyes but he didn’t tease her although he was sorely tempted to do so just to see his love on the back foot. “Not long Sassenach, but when ye didn’t appear when I called out, I came in search of ye only to find a Sleeping Beauty on the bed.”

Sparkling blue eyes watched her like a hawk waiting for Claire’s reaction and more importantly her answer.

“So, Prince Charming … What’s for dinner?”

Jamie’s voice softened and his words cut to the quick. He held her gaze with a look that curled her toes. “That’s for me to ken and ye to find out. I hope yer hungry Sassenach because I’m feeling quite ravenous.”

“Oh?” Claire replied not quite sure if it was for sustenance or something altogether completely different for his euphemism was telling.

James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser merely smiled enigmatically.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued on TUESDAY 23rd June with one last Section chapter for a bit, then continuing where we left off here with Jamie and Claire on FRIDAY 26th June

#Jamieandclairefanfic #jamieandclairecrossover #the lallybroch library #outlander fanfic #covert operations #crossover outlander/lfn spies modernau #LFNoutlander #jamieandclaireau #sablelab

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douglashonorscollege · 4 years ago

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Burn the House Down

essay by Olivia McDougall ⌂

IT WAS 2006 in the heart of New York City. The New York Knicks failed to make the play-offs for the third consecutive year. President George W. Bush’s approval rating had hit at an all-time low. Panic! at the Disco released “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” and Justin Timberlake performed “SexyBack” on the MTV Video Music Awards—hosted by Jack Black—at Radio City Music Hall. For the American people, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times… and three young kids were out pursuing their dream in the streets of Manhattan.

Adam, Ryan, and Jack Metzger were trying their hand at busking in Central Park and Washington Square. The youngest at nine years old, Jack led vocals while his older brothers backed him with instrumentals. The boys played covers of songs old and new, anything to get enough money for new instruments with which to experiment. The brothers spent many years on street corners serenading strangers, earning their 10,000 hours. In the following years, when YouTube started gaining traction, the boys put up videos of their covers: more and more inventive spins on pop songs. Jack and Ryan also started trying their hand at writing, directing, and acting in their own little sketches for video content. At that time, the boys had very few followers, but nonetheless continued to play, to save up, to buy more equipment, to make more music.

As they grew, the boys were exposed to their parents’ old records and the sounds of a very different generation influenced their style. The Beach Boys; the Beatles; Peter, Paul, and Mary among many others inspired them, but more contemporary artists like Kanye West also came into play. Later, while eldest brother Adam pursued his degree at Columbia University, the younger two brothers took note of sampling—the music trend of artists taking sound clips and reusing them in their songs. Jack mentioned to his brotherhow cool it would be if someone sampled Spongebob Squarepants on a track.

“Well, why don’t we do it?” was Ryan’s reply.

In spring of 2013, the brothers, naming themselves AJR after their own initials, released a video of their first single “I’m Ready.” The song sampled the popular Spongebob catchphrase, and became a classic, upbeat, dance-floor pop song. The brothers sent the link to their video to several celebrities over Twitter, until famous singer-songwriter Sia noticed them and passed it along to her manager. The song was then commercially released that summer and began to see regular radio play, and the band was labeled as the next up and comers in the music scene.

After “I’m Ready,” AJR released a five song EP of the same name. Their first song continued to grow, receiving millions of views on YouTube and going platinum in Canada and Australia. The brothers continued to create music (and go to school; the eldest was only in his early twenties at this time), releasing another single and EP titled Infinity in 2014. The majority of the band’s music was pop songs, easy to listen to with familiar rhythms and lyrics of love and youth. Remarkably, the boys chose to mix and record all their own music in their NYC apartment living room, instead of paying for studio time. Paying homage to their workspace and independence, the band released their first album Living Room in 2015. Except for some bouncier, odd-duck tracks like “Big Idea” and “Thirsty,” most of the songs fit the same earlier patterns of the pop genre. However, in 2016, the band experienced the shift that would change their music career forever.

Before the What Everyone’s Thinking EP came out, AJR had little recognition beyond their break-out hit. However, the tracks on the latest EP sounded entirely evolved from the brother’s previous style. The lyrics were brimmed with honesty, abandoning the emptiness of many other pop tunes. The boys sang about missing out on their friends while pursuing their dreams, about being unsure about what love means, about not trying so hard to be cool, about being human. Their style of composition had also matured. The band would release videos on how they made their songs, revealing that they took whatever strange sound they could make and mix it however they could to make it new and interesting. They had people who were not musicians or artists, such as their ever supportive father, come in and sing to add a new dimension to their songs. They used something they called “spokestep,” a technique of recording a someone singing, then cutting it up over a beat in editing. They continued to utilize sampling, taking bits of anything from Fountains of Wayne to yodeling competitions. The EP was well-received with hundreds of messages from fans who deeply related to the music. This was all the push the brothers needed to keep writing freely, and not what they thought would sell.

On June 9th, 2017, the three brothers dropped the album that would unknowingly launch their music career to a unimaginable level. Several songs on the album made it to regular radio play, giving the band more recognition and growing their dedicated fan base. The Click clearly communicated AJR’s desire to get real in their music, with songs about the detached feelings of growing up or distaste toward the typical party scene. One of their most successful songs, “Sober Up,” featured Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo and paved the way for more collaborations with artists such as Steve Aoki and Lil Yachty. The band had been on tours before, playing small venues where the opener drew more fans than they, but now they began to sell out everywhere. The kids who had been playing to no one on street corners now began to sing for thousands.

Shortly after their album The Click debuted, AJR announced that they had been asked to create the theme for Supersize Me 2: Holy Chicken, a documentary attempting to expose the fast food industry’s lax safety regulations. The band had been asked to write for other people before, but never for a movie. The theme song, “Burn the House Down,” would live to surpass its original purpose and become the honest encapsulation of the political attitudes of its time. “Burn the House Down” expresses the band’s indecision to either “keep things light” or to get involved in important issues. The song, with compelling lyrics such as “Or should I march with every stranger from Twitter to get shit done? / Used to hang my head low / Now I hear it loud / Every stranger from Twitter is gonna burn this down” further cemented the band’s dedication to revolution and their abandonment of passivity. The song called out deception plaguing the media cycle and public affairs, and the need to burn it all down in order to expose the truth.

* * *

The election of Donald Trump in 2016 acted as a catalyst for various protest movements around the country. Marches have occurred on the White House doorstep since the signing of the Constitution, but the Trump administration triggered a marked influx. Beyond Washington, protests like the Women’s March and National Pride March were seen nation-wide. People from all over rallied together to advocate for science and evidenced-based policies, for immigrant’s rights and racial justice, for transparency over Russian involvement in elections, and even for the publication of Trump’s tax returns. People, especially those liberal-leaning, felt that their voices weren’t being heard and that the President was not reflective of their values. Change in politics is gradual and incremental, but it felt like everyday a new injustice was being thrown at the American people. Families were being separated at the border, more evidence that Russia swayed the 2016 election came to light, allegations of sexual abuse from the President were revealed, racism, sexism, and hate seem to run rampant and unchecked, and overall many people felt disheartened and disgusted with the state of the nation. So, with the power of social media, users of popular sites such as Facebook and Twitter planned protests. The marches drew thousands of people together, uniting many for a common cause. Today’s youth, often labeled as lazy and entitled, came together in the March for Our Lives, an empowering result from one of many tragic school shootings. High-schoolers fed up with feeling unsafe on their campuses advocated for stricter gun control laws and led the biggest youth rally since the Vietnam War, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of people. Americans refused to take anything sitting down and demonstrated their needs loudly to those in charge.

The effectiveness of these protests is a tricky one to determine, as many perceived different goals for the marches. Some believe getting people out on the streets and building a community of like-minded people is a strong start, but others think success is nothing less than immediate change and tangible evidence that they have been heard. Further, some argue that current protests lack the solid political backing that are required to enact true change, and that the marches will never be as powerful as they mean to be without that factor. However, even though many of the things modern protests have demanded have yet to come to fruition, it does not necessarily mean the marches have been for naught. Many of the marches throughout history that today are viewed as world-shattering did not see the change they were fighting for immediately. Politics take time, and the justice and change in policies the people demand to see might still be a long time coming. However, it is necessary to take up the fight, for the people to demonstrate that enough is enough.

Protest songs in the past like “Fortunate Son” by Credence Clearwater Revival or “The Times They are A-Changin” by Bob Dylan rallied people for their cause, stoking the flames of change in hearts across the nation. Music was a way for artists to contribute to the fight, giving a voice to those silenced and reflecting the opinions of the oppressed or wronged. Protest songs today have the same effect, uniting thousands to sing in one voice and empowering movements. “Burn the House Down” provides a battlecry for a whole new generation of people. It is a warning of accountability for those in the corrupt establishment; the harbingers will burn it down.

Works Cited “Burn the House Down” Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnyLfqpyi94 AJR Zach Sang Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQnXGsKwaIU&t=1725 Recent Marches Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rallies_and_protest_marches_in_Washington,_D.C.#2018 Supersize Me 2 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Size_Me_2:_Holy_Chicken! Article on political protests, bustle.com: https://www.bustle.com/p/do-political-protests-actually-change-anything-29952 2006 NYC Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:2006_in_New_York_City AJR Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AJR_(band) One of AJR’s “How We Made THE CLICK” Vidoes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YWj3DAo6xM ∎

More on Olivia ~ Minerva’s Owl Homepage

#journal #journal2021 #2021

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mysgprop-cstee · 10 months ago

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Midtown Bay @Bugis by GuocoLand

Midtown Bay @Bugis (滨海名汇)

Midtown Bay Set To Be A Game Changer In Beach Road 1Br 409~484sf From $1,545,000 2Br 732~775sf From $2,468,000 2Br Duplex 990~1,152sf From $3,018,000 3Br Duplex 1,324sf From $4,714,000 ✅80,000sqft of Facilities & Ameneties ( Swimming Pool, Jogging Track, Fitness, Etc). ✅Access to Networking Space, Private Dining & Event Hall of up to 200 Pax Capacity. ✅Access to Private Office Suites, Co-Working Space, Meeting & Conference Facilities. ✅ 5-min walk to Bugis MRT Station ✅ Mixed development with Grade-A office, residential, F&B outlets & public place ✅ Connect to four MRT lines ✅ New Direct Sheltred Link to Suntec City https://youtu.be/kWUbzFbKwhY A Place Of The Magnificent Life

Quick Links

Fact Sheet Unique Features: Location Map What's Nearby? Floor Plan & Virtual Tour Unit Mixes: Balanced Units & Price Official E-Brochure

Guoco's Midtown (国浩时代城) at 120 Beach Road will feature a 30-storey Grade-A office block, a residential tower, conserved former Beach Road Police Station which will house food and beverage outlets and boutique offices as well as public spaces such as City Room, Market Place, Green Spaces. Seawater street comprises low-rise retail and restaurants. This development has a total gross floor area of approximately 950,000 sq ft and a land size of approximately 226,330 sq ft. Designed by a renowned Architect, the architecture is the embodiment of a city’s ambition; its history and its transformation. Midtown Bay (海滨名汇) is the residential tower in Guoco's Midwtown. It is a 33-storey residential tower with a total of 219 units. Guoco Midtown offers is in the vibrant district of Beach Road with high concentration exciting mix of shopping, cultural places, prime corporate offices, entertainment facilities, amenities and more. Once completed in 2022, it will be a game changer which rejuvenates the Beach Road district connecting to other major offices in City Hal, Marina Bay and Bugis. The integrated development is served by four MRT lines with a direct underground link to Bugis Interchange. Each home is impeccably finished with top of the line materials and fittings, a reflection of the distinctive aesthetics that Guoco Midtown Residence offers. With the four level of amenities, from the hotel-inspired concierge service and the stunning infinity pool, to the private library and breathtaking observation deck, Midtown Bay is a tower which stands apart. Residents will get to enjoy the quality of the life one experiences here. Access to education is not an issue as Midtown Bay is located close to some of Singapore’s elite and well regarded educational institutions such as Singapore Management University, School of the Arts (SOTA) and Farrer Park Primary School. There are many more such premier institutions which provide world class education situated at a commutable distance from our Midtown Bay. This paves way for your children to receive quality education. Fact Sheet Type DescriptionsProject Name Midtown Bay by GuocoLand (滨海名汇)Developer NameGuocoland LimitedLocation120 Beach Road (District 07)Tenure of Land99-years leaseholdExpected Date of Completion (T.O.P.) Dec 2023Site area 226,333 SqftTotal No. of Units 219 units aparment (Mixed Development with Grade A Offices, Retail and F&B)Car Park175 Lots reserved for residential (Season Parking)

Listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited since 1978, GuocoLand Limited ("GuocoLand") is a premier regional property company with operations in the geographical markets of Singapore, China, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In 2017, GuocoLand marked its expansion beyond Asia into the new markets of the United Kingdom and Australia through a strategic partnership with Eco World Development Group Berhad in Eco World International Berhad. Headquartered in Singapore, the principal business activities of GuocoLand and its subsidiaries (“the Group”) are property development, property investment, hotel operations, and property management, and it is focused on achieving scalability, sustainability, and growth in its core markets. The Group’s portfolio comprises of residential, hospitality, commercial, retail and integrated developments spanning across the region. As of 30 June 2018, the Group’s total assets amounted to $10.5 billion. In Singapore, the Group has successfully developed 35 residential projects yielding approximately 10,000 apartments and homes. GuocoLand’s flagship integrated mixed-use development Tanjong Pagar Centre, integrates premium Grade A offices at Guoco Tower, a dynamic lifestyle and F& B retail space, luxurious apartments at Wallich Residence, the 5-star business hotel Sofitel Singapore City Centre and a landscaped urban park. It has also developed a sizeable portfolio of properties spanning across the major cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Tianjin. The Group’s 65% owned subsidiary, GuocoLand (Malaysia) Berhad (which is listed on Bursa Malaysia), is an established property developer of community-centric residential townships and innovative commercial and integrated development projects in Malaysia. Unique Features: - A mixed-use development that comprises premium Grade A office space, public and retail spaces, exclusive residences, and the former Beach Road Police Station, a conserved building - Located within Central Business District, at the intersection of two key development corridors along Beach Road and Ophir-Rochor Road - Key connector between 3 office micromarkets – City Hall, Marina Centre & Bugis - Served by four MRT lines and Nicoll Highway, as well as the North-South Expressway in the future - It will rejuvenate the Beach Road by being the final critical piece of jigsaw that completes the transformation of the precinct - It will introduce innovative and futuristic concept for Grade A office and re-define the way that landlords partner office tenants - It will foster community street life by providing a series of community spaces that can adapt and cater to different public activities and events - It will introduce a new way of luxury city living in response to the growing integration of live, work and play

Location Map

Midtown Bay is situated along Beach Road in district 7 of Singapore. It is close to Bugis MRT Station, Nicoll Highway and East Coast Parkway. Amenities and schools in the vicinity include Bugis Junction, Bugis +, Marina Square, Farrer Park Primary School, Singapore Management University and many more.

What's Nearby? Nearest MRT - BUGIS MRT DT14 EW12 440m - PROMENADE MRT CC4 DT15 530m Schools - Stamford Primary 720m - School Of The Arts 1.07 km - St. Margaret's Primary 1.48 km Shopping & Groceries SHAW TOWERS 200m BUGIS POINT 270m Bugis Junction 350m Read the full article

#CondoTOP2024 #District07Property #SingaporeCondoNearMRT

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architectnews · 3 years ago

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Sydney Houses: NSW Properties, Residences

Sydney Homes, NSW Houses, New South Wales Property Designs, Residence Photos

Sydney Houses : NSW Properties

New South Wales Property Developments, Contemporary Australian Homes

post updated 31 Jul 2021

Sydney House – Latest Property Additions

New South Wales Properties – latest additions to this page, arranged chronologically:

17 Jul 2021 Stealth House, Hunters Hill

22 Jun 2021 Kingsford House

22 Apr 2021 Coast House Design: Luke Moloney Architecture photograph © Tom Ferguson Coast House A single-storey cottage overlooking the ocean received a new first floor to take advantage of spectacular coastal views. An economical design tailors simple materials to make a comfortable home for a busy couple with young children.

16 Feb 2021 McLeod House Design: Ian Moore Architects photograph © Daniel Mayne McLeod House The four-bedroom McLeod House is located on a ridge above Sydney’s Middle Harbour, with significant district views as well as a distant view to Chatswood in the west. Officially it is alterations and additions to a 1970’s house, as 30% of the original house had to be retained to allow the house to retain it’s floor area, height and location on the site, all of which exceeded new planning controls for the area.

8 Feb 2021 Dodds House Design: Ian Moore Architects photograph © Daniel Mayne Dodds House This restoration of a one-bedroom house designed by Ian Moore in 1998 and completed in 2001, which had been unsympathetically altered by a previous owner.

17 Feb 2021 Hastings van Nunen House

3 Dec 2020 Escu House

23 Nov 2020 Chimney House

16 Nov 2020 Mosman White House

5 Nov 2020 House Anand

19 Oct 2020 Eagle’s Nest, Collaroy Plateau, New South Wales Architects: Ian Bennett Design Studio photo : Clinton Weaver Eagle’s Nest, Collaroy Plateau Perched high on a prominent escarpment in the highest level of bushfire attack; Flame Zone, Eagle’s Nest aspires to balance and curate the experience of outlook and expansiveness of site, with privacy and seclusion. The restrained material palette heightens this experience of site, landscape and built form along with the changing dynamic of light and shade.

20 Sep 2020 Pindimar Lake House, NSW

4 Sep 2020 Next Generation House in Pittwater, NSW

28 Aug 2020 Oye Mi Canto House, Carriageworks cultural precinct, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Design: CplusC Architectural Workshop photo : Murray Fredericks Oye Mi Canto House An alterations and additions project on a terrace-house located in the leafy suburban streets of Sydney’s Newtown, nestled into a narrow site backing onto the Carriageworks cultural precinct.

14 July 2020 A+C Residence in Seaforth

29 June 2020 The Waterfront Retreat, Newport, New South Wales, Australia Architecture: Koichi Takada Architects photo : Tom Ferguson Photography The Waterfront Retreat Newport, NSW The Waterfront Retreat is the epitome of an Australian dream home, adorned with a private beach, garden and open-plan living. Responding the clients’ brief – a house offering sanctuary and entertainment, the Waterfront Retreat is designed to allow nature to lead, offering maximum seclusion and connection to its surrounds and outlook.

23 June 2020 Hart House, Great Mackerel Beach, New South Wales Design: Casey Brown Architecture photo : Rhys Holland House on Great Mackerel Beach, NSW This new property is located on the idyllic shoreline of Great Mackerel Beach, and was conceived as a contemporary interpretation of the quintessential one-room Australian beach shack. The form was derived from a wrapped ‘box’ open to one side.

17 June 2020 Blackwood Residence, Clovelly, eastern Sydney Architects: McGregor Westlake Architecture photo : Brett Boardman Blackwood Residence in Clovelly This NSW residence is a recently finished alteration and addition to a house in Boundary Street, Clovelly.

8 June 2020 St Peters House II Architects: Kreis Grennan Architecture photo : Douglas Frost St Peters House II in Suburbian West Sydney The St Peters House II is built at the rear of a narrow lot in the Sydney suburb of St Peters. The client’s backyard provided a new site for his freestanding home. The original dwelling remained, creating additional accommodation and a sensible approach to increased urban residential density.

19 May 2020 YrdPods Architects: Kreis Grennan Architecture photo : Douglas Frost YrdPod Garden House YrdPods are a type of tiny homes that makes architecture accessible for everyone. They are not the type of tiny houses on wheels, but a permanent structure located in backyards.

19 May 2020 New House in Clovelly Architects: Modscape photo : John Madden New House in Clovelly, Sydney

9 Mar 2020 Infinity House, Curl Curl Architect: CplusC Architectural Workshop photographers : Murray Fredericks and Simon Whitbread Infinity House in Curl Curl This new NSW property is an exercise in material, time, and cost efficiency. A specific project brief included two bedrooms with built-in robes, bathroom/laundry, an open plan dining, kitchen, living space, and a deck.

5 Mar 2020 Tennyson Point House Architects: CplusC Architectural Workshop photograph : Murray Fredericks Tennyson Point House Working within the bones of a solid, well-constructed water front home built in the 1960s on Parramatta River, the adaptive reuse of this multi-level dwelling involved various changes. All the internal workings of the existing structure were removed, the central circulation core was re-invigorated, light and cross ventilation was developed, and the waterfront outlook reinforced.

2 Mar 2020 Porter St Ryde Apartments, Shepherds Bay, Meadowbank Precinct, Ryde, New South Wales Architects: Glyde_Bautovich photograph : Atelier Illume Porter St Ryde Apartments in Sydney, NSW Planning approval obtained for this new residential project within City of Ryde’s Shepherds Bay, Meadowbank Precinct.

4 Feb 2020 Townhouses on Tamarama, Upper North Shore, NSW Architects: David Mitchell Architects and Chapman Architecture photograph : Michael Nicholson Tamarama Townhouses NSW, Upper North Shore Three luxury properties on Tamarama’s waterfront have been designed to cut into the slope of the site’s natural landform allowing the building to open generously to the view as it simultaneously bunkers down to the landform.

29 Jan 2020 The Balcony House in Newtown

29 Jan 2020 Copper Top House in Mosman

17 Jan 2020 Iron Maiden House in Longueville, New South Wales

More contemporary Sydney Houses online soon at e-architect

Sydney Houses in 2019

5 Dec 2019 Balmoral House in Mosman

17 Nov 2019 Beachside Sanctuary House in Mona Vale

9 Jul 2019 Fundamental House in Annangrove

30 May 2019 Clovelly house, eastern suburbs of Sydney Architects: Rolf Ockert Design photograph from architects Clovelly house Having seen some of our earlier work the owners of this extraordinary oceanfront site invited us to submit ideas about what a new house there could look like.

14 Apr 2019 Taylors Bay House in Mosman, NSWW

4 Apr 2019 Avoca Beach Beach House, Avoca Beach, Central Coast, NSW Architects: Architecture Saville Isaacs photograph : Kata Bayer Beach House in NSW The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of this architecture practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner.

2 Apr 2019 Twin Houses Architects: Architecture Saville Isaacs photograph : Kata Bayer Twin Houses in Sydney Responding to the irregular site boundary and contextual differences, the houses take on different yet complementary forms. No.2 presents a street façade of sensually curved brick mass with window penetrations.

27 Mar 2019 Garden House Architects: James Design Studio photograph : Simon Whitbread Garden House in New South Wales A new home in the upper north shore using vernacular forms and gables defined by differing materials with a link in the middle giving a glimpse of what lies beyond while providing a framework for privacy.

3 Mar 2019 Wentworth House, Vaucluse, New South Wales, Australia Architects: MHN. Design Union photo : Brett Boardman Wentworth House in Vaucluse, NSW Wentworth House is located on the southern ridges of Sydney Harbour at the crest of a gully which feeds into Vaucluse Bay.

13 Feb 2019 International Lodge Apartment Design: Ian Moore Architects photo : Iain D. Mackenzie International Lodge Apartment, NSW International Lodge is a Harry Seidler designed apartment building in Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, completed in 1962. The building was designed as compact 40 square metre 1 bedroom and 29 square metre studio apartments.

2 Feb 2019 Tamarama House, Upper North Shore Architects: Modscape photo courtesy of architects Tamarama House in NSW Located just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, this elegant home in Tamarama, NSW is beautifully detailed to create a sophisticated, functional, light-filled family home.

31 Jan 2019 Earth Wind and Fire – The Village House, Upper North Shore Architects: Luigi Rosselli Pty Ltd photo © Justin Alexander New House in Upper North Shore Earth is one of the oldest construction materials known to man; it can be fired, as with bricks and tiles, or used in its raw state as with adobe or rammed earth.

More new Sydney Houses welcome for consideration on e-architect

Sydney Houses in 2018

1 Nov 2018 Sunrise House, South Coast, NSW Architects: MCK Architecture & Interiors photograph : Michael Nicholson Photography South Coast NSW Home A robust yet finely articulated home arranged as a collection of positive and negative spaces, opens up completely to its immediate landscape, or shuts down as the coastal weather turns.

7 Oct 2018 Hidden Studio, Byron Bay, northeastern New South Wales Design: Harley Graham Architects photo : Andy MacPherson Byron Bay House Nestled into rainforest on a 20acre property in Coopers Shoot Byron Bay, ‘Hidden Studio’ by Harley Graham Architects is a private sanctuary with views over the hinterland and Pacific Ocean beyond.

16 May 2018 North Curl Curl House Architect: Rolf Ockert photo © Luke Butterly North Curl Curl House The clients fulfilled their dream to live by the beach when they bought one half of a new subdivision of a double size block on a quiet street with great views across the road to the lagoon and beach of North Curl Curl.

25 Apr 2018 Escarpment House, Gerringong, Illawarra region, New South Wales, Australia Architects: ATELIER ANDY CARSON photograph : Michael Nicholson New House in Gerringong This modest two bed guest house explores the vernacular farm shed, with a plan that’s charmingly simple yet highly considered in its detail. Located on a quintessentially NSW South Coast dairy farm. The design explores the vernacular steel portal frame typology in a highly refined and detailed way.

23 Apr 2018 Headland House, Gerringong, Illawarra region, New South Wales Design: ATELIER ANDY CARSON photo : Michael Nicholson New House in Gerringong This new home designed by Atelier Andy Carson is a sanctuary from its harsh surrounds, perched on a sprawling coastal site overlooking Werri Beach, New South Wales. Green pastures and paddocks running dairy cows line this 150-acre property on one side, rugged coastal cliffs and ocean on the other.

18 Apr 2018 The Books House, Mosman Design: Luigi Rosselli Architects photo © Justin Alexander New House in Mosman Subtle and thoughtful new property that focuses on the startification of the rock found – and exposed – on the site of the residence. The concrete structure of each floor is oriented differently to suit the views, and also maximise the distances from the neighbours on each side.

10 Apr 2018 Double Bay House Architects: SAOTA photograph : Adam Letch Contemporary House on Sydney Harbour Shore An oversailing timber roof canopy connects the street side to the garden and the beach. It permeates the interior, presenting itself at odd moments, it protects and defines the collection of internal and external spaces composed beneath.

2 Feb 2018 Mt Duneed House, Geelong, Victoria Architects: Lachlan Shepherd Architects photo : Ben Hosking New House in Victoria An honest, low-slung building in a suburb of Geelong, Victoria. the property sits sympathetically with its surroundings. Simply clad with corten steel and recycled timber, the home is positioned on the crest of a gentle hill and surrounded by paddocks with scattered trees.

5 Feb 2018 Glebe House Design: Nobbs Radford Architects photo : Murray Fredericks Glebe House The project is primarily focused on the interconnections of cloistered spaces, created and selected framed openings. The outer concrete elements contrast with the timber elements that further define the various internal zones and functions within the house.

1 Feb 2018 Small Living Spaces Apartment, Surry Hills Design: Catseye Bay photo : Katherine Lu Small Living Spaces Apartment A New South Wales studio apartment structured by colour.

29 Jan 2018 House Pranayama, Bellevue Hill Design: Architect Prineas photo : Ben Hosking Home Pranayama in Bellevue Hill This residential project involved a narrow three-story side addition to a 1920s two storey brick house. The clients desirted space for a study, library and rumpus area that also provided an opportunity for internal connection/lift access from the previously separate garage.

13 Jan 2018 Maybanke House Architects: AJ+C photo © Michael Nicholson Maybanke House Design ingenuity and a dose of respect for its original Gothic Revival bones deliver a blighted 1870s harbourside home in Sydney into the 21st century.

Archive of NSW residences posted up to and including 2017:

Sydney Homes

More New Sydney Properties online soon

Sydney Housing

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

Architecture in Sydney

Contemporary NSW Buildings

Sydney Architecture News

Sydney Architect Studios

Sydney Architecture

Sydney Buildings

Sydney Architecture Photos

Australian Architectural Links

Australian Houses

Australian Architect Studios

Properties / photos for the Sydney Homes – NSW Residential Architecture page welcome

Website: Visit Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

The post Sydney Houses: NSW Properties, Residences appeared first on e-architect.

#e-architect

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chickensarentcheap · 4 years ago

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Best Part of Me -Chapter 87

Warnings: none

Tagging: @c-a-v-a-l-r-y, @innerpaperexpertcloud, @tragiclyhip, @alievans007

She dreams of the first Christmas in Telluride. That old farmhouse long before the extensive renovations that had transformed it from drafty and ill kept to a beautiful, warm place perfect for a growing family. It had had promise. High ceilings and original hardwood floors that could be refurbished. Thirty acres of property that backed onto a creek and woodlands and came with an incredible view of the snow capped mountains. After months of living with her mother and step father while getting their underneath them, the home represented the official start of their new lives in the States. Set a thousand feet from the main road and surrounded by towering trees, it had provided peace and quiet and a sense of safety and security; two things they both craved and believed would be the perfect setting for raising children in. At the time they’d had no plans of ever returning to Australia, and while Tyler had initially struggled with the culture shock and the enormous change he’d made in his life, he’d actually adjusted quite well to the change of scenery and the colder climate. There hadn’t really been anything for him back home; aside from a couple of old friends. His relationship with his father had always been toxic, and only became more so with each passing year. A change will be good, he had said. And his words had quickly been proven right.

There were no memories haunting him in Colorado, and a drastic change came with the trading in of the beach and sweltering heat for the mountains and the forests and the cooler air. He was noticeably happier; smiling and laughing more and possessing a much more positive outlook on their lives and their future. The ghosts of his pasts didn’t follow him there, and he started sleeping better and rekindled the passion for working out religiously; putting on the weight and the muscle -and the some- that he’d lost during that long and often agonizing recovery after Dhaka. They’d just had Millie then. Ten months old and chubby cheeked; thick and wavy sandy blond hair and enormous blue eyes framed by impossibly long, dark lashes. An extremely happy and healthy baby. Full of curiosity and wonder and in love with the world; always giggling and smiling and in turn making their lives even brighter. The twins hadn’t even arrived yet; a month before they'd make their rather dramatic entrance into the world.

He’d gotten up in the middle of the night with an uncharacteristically unsettled and grumpy Millie; a mixture of teething and a stubborn cold that was making it hard for her to sleep. And when an hour passed and he still hadn’t returned to the warm confines of their bed -either alone or with the baby- yet all was silent in the house, she’d gone looking for them. She’d expected to find him passed out on the couch with Millie on his chest, but instead discovered him standing in front of the Christmas tree. The lights on and their daughter in those strong, protective arms; voice soft and quiet as he talked to Millie about her very first Christmas that was quickly approaching. About how spoiled she’d be and how he was happy that she got to experience the extra bonus of having snow; how he’d always dreamed of experiencing a white Christmas when he was a kid.

And he’d told her about what the holidays were like when he was growing up. How his mum put so much time and effort into making it amazing for him; sharing the traditions she’d grown up with and creating her own that he’d hopefully one day continue with his family. It was the one time of the year his father wasn’t drunk. When he stuck to only one glass of wine at dinner and never raised his voice or his hand to either of them. For twenty fours hours, they were a normal family, and that night he’d go to bed and pray for one last Christmas gift: that he’d wake up and his father wouldn’t go back to his ‘old self’. That wish never came true, and once his mother died, Christmas lost any and all meaning or importance for him. Relegated to just ‘another day’ in his life; another chance for the old man to beat the shit out of him and degrade him and try to break his spirit.

He’d tried with his first marriage and child. Attempted to get into the Christmas spirit and bring back some of his mother’s traditions; wanting to make the time magical and beautiful for his son. But he could never seem to totally commit to it; too many bad memories holding him back. The pain of his mother’s passing and his father’s treatment of him still too raw, even though it had been more than fifteen years prior. But he was determined this time, he’d told Millie, as he stood there with her in his arms. Things would be different. HE’D be different. Because she and her momma and her soon to be born brothers deserved that; a husband and a father who was ‘all in’. Someone totally committed to making every second of every day matter. He wanted to be a better person this time around. A better man.

It had been a beautiful thing to hear. And see. This big, strong man covered in scars and tattoos, looking at his little girl with so much love and awe in his eyes. And Millie caught up in looking at him with pure adoration AND at the tree; amazed by the multicoloured lights and her little hands exploring the branches and the decorations. Esme hadn’t had the heart to disturb them, and she’d never told him about what she’d witnessed. That moment had been reserved for father and daughter. Instead she’d just gone back upstairs and returned to bed; pretending to wake up when he finally climbed back in beside her a half an hour later.

She stirs to the ring of her cell phone; muffled by its resting place under the pillow next to her. She had somehow managed to drift off, her body and mind finally giving in to exhaustion; lulled into a restless sleep by the continuous beeping of the EKG machine and her husband’s soft, slow breathing. The room is dark; illuminated only by the moonlight streaming through the window above her head and the glow of the bedside monitor. At first she’s disoriented. Blindly reaching for that solid, warm body that is usually beside her, but finding nothing but cool, crisp hospital issued sheets. It effectively snaps her fully awake and plunges her back into reality. The dream had been so vivid; as if she was experiencing that tender, beautiful moment for the very first time.

It’s heartbreaking to wake up to. Her children thousands of miles away, her husband’s life still teetering on a very narrow and dangerous ledge, the sounds of hospital life just beyond the closed door; bells routinely going off signally patients -or their families- need help, the quiet chatter of the nurses at the central workstation. And for a moment she doesn’t move; lying on her back in the middle of that little pull out couch, tears filling her eyes and a tremendous ache inhabiting her chest. She feels empty. Lonely. All of the fear and the worry and the anger sitting so heavily on her heart. And when her phone stops ringing and then immediately starts up again, she gives herself a pep talk: “You can do this. You HAVE to do this. He needs you to do this. He needs YOU.”

She reaches under the pillow and snags her cell, frowning at the word HOME emblazoned across the screen. She glances at the illuminated wall clock across the room; it would be just shy of five am in Cooktown. She can’t help but think the worst; that the situation isn’t over after all and troubled has followed them home. And she tries to keep the panic out of her voice when she answers.

“Hello?”

“Mommy?” That little voice greets. A harsh whisper; neither tearful nor scared.

“Amelia.” She hasn’t used that name in years. Adopting the moniker Millie when the then three year old decided that was what she preferred to be called. And she quickly sits up and swings her legs over the side of the bed; shoving her feet in the pair of flip flops that sit on the floor next to her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Well...yeah...there IS something wrong.”

“What’s going on?” She rakes a hand through her hair as she stands, then grabs the hoodie off the chair beside Tyler’s bed and shrugs into it. “Are you okay?”

“I guess.”

“It’s five in the morning, doodle. What are you doing up? You should be asleep.”

“Is daddy there?”

“No,” Esme lies, then steps out into the hall. Giving a small smile and a nod in greeting to the armed guard -one of Anil’s people- that sits next to the door. A precaution; in case some loyal and overzealous fan of Asif’s or Mahajan’s attempts to cause trouble. “He’s not.”

“Where is he?”

“He had to go and do some things.”

“Work things?”

“Yeah. Last minute stuff. Things that couldn’t wait and he had to get done.”

“Do you know when he’s going to be back? I tried calling his cell but it just went to voicemail. I want to talk to him. I want to talk to daddy.”

“He probably has his phone turned off. It’s important work stuff.”

“I’m important,” Millie reminds her. “And daddy always says that us kids are more important than anything else.”

“Well you guys are. You ARE the important thing to him. But I don’t think he was expecting you to call at this time of night. Not when you’re supposed to be in bed. Sleeping. And why aren’t you? Sleeping?”

“I had a bad dream. So I went into your room to get daddy. I forgot you guys weren’t home yet. Daddy always helps me after a bad dream. Always. He makes me warm milk and oatmeal and then he lies on the couch with me and rubs my tummy until I fall asleep.”

“Maybe you can ask Ovi or Uncle Kyle to do that,” Esme suggests.

“I don’t want Ovi or Uncle Kyle. I want daddy. That’s what daddy does for me. Not anyone else. I don’t want anyone else doing it. Just daddy.”

“Millie, we are thousands of miles away. Even if he was here, he wouldn’t be able to do anything for you.”

“But I could hear his voice and it would make me feel better. Remember how sometimes when he’s away for his job, I’ll call him and he’ll talk to me until I fall asleep again?”

“But he can’t do that, sweetie. Because he’s not here.”

“But if he’d turn his cell back on, he could do it. Can you call him on his other phone? His work one? And tell him I need to talk to him? If you tell him I had a bad dream, he’ll turn his other phone back on and call me. I know he will.”

“Millie, I can’t call him. He’s busy. And not even I can talk to him right now. I’m sorry. I wish daddy COULD talk to you. But he can’t.”

“Is he okay?”

Esme blinks. “Why wouldn’t he be okay?”

“You sound sad. Why are you sad? Is daddy okay? Did something happen to him? Is that why you’re sad?”

“Nothing happened, doodle. And I’m not sad. I’m just tired. It’s only one in the morning here.”

“I’m sorry, mommy. I didn’t mean to wake you up. I miss you.”

“I miss you, too. I miss you so much.”

“Will you and daddy be home soon?”

“I hope so.”

“I hope so too. Will you tell him I called? I left him two messages. On his cell. Will you tell him to listen to them?”

“I’ll tell him. I promise.”

“Ask him to call me later. I want to talk to him, okay?”

Esme nods, then swallows around the lump of emotion sitting in her throat. “Okay.”

“I love you, mommy. Tell daddy I love him. That I miss him. Today is Saturday. The sun will be up soon. We always watch the sunrise together on Saturdays and then we have breakfast and go surfing.”

“I know you do,” she brushes away the tears that finally manage to escape. “I know you guys do that together. And you’ll get to it again when we’re home, okay?”

“Are you sure you’re not sad? You sound sad, mommy.”

“I’m okay. Just tired. And homesick. I miss you. I miss all of you. So much.”

“I miss you too, mommy. I’m sorry I woke you up. You can go back to sleep now. I’m going to take Saju out to pee; he can watch the sun come up with me.”

“That’s a good idea. I’m sure he’ll like that. I love you.”

“I love you, mommy. Tell daddy I love him. And give him a hug and kiss from me.”

“I will,” Esme promises, and then disconnects the call.

Her hands violently tremble, making it nearly impossible to tend to the simple task of slipping her phone into her pocket. The ache in her chest worsens and her legs feel numb; threatening to give out from under her And she slumps back against the wall as the first sob escapes a pitiful, choked sound accompanied by another she attempts to to stifle with her hand. All she can hear is her daughter’s voice; tiny and beautiful and so innocent. Millie’s words replaying over and over again in her mind. About wanting to talk to her daddy...NEEDING to talk to him...because he’s the only one that can make things better. The one she relies on to chase away the monsters and make her feel safe and secure again. Six years old and her father is her entire world. That precious little girl who’d inherited his eyes and his smile.

The tears finally come.

****

When the return to sleep fails her, she heads to the family kitchen. It’s spacious and modern and stocked with free ‘goodies’ donated by the hospital; various flavours of teas and coffee, pastries and other desserts, and a selection of non perishables. Each family is given a small pantry and bar fridge marked with their last name; safe places to keep things purchased with their own money. It’s the small comforts that make a difference; those tiny details and touches that somehow manage to lift some of the stress, fear, and worry that have become your driving forces.

She boils water; thumbing through the wide selection of flavoured teas that sit in an ornate basket on the counter. And she freezes when she hears it; blood running cold and the hair on the back of her neck standing on end. The distinct sounds of wailing and sobbing coming from somewhere on the ward. At first it makes her heart skip a beat, then causes it to pound furiously in her chest. It’s gut wrenching; the harsh reality of someone else’s grief. Someone else’s loss. It makes you sympathetic towards them but also fearful that you just may encounter the same situation. You can prepare yourself for it; the chance that the person you love may not make it out of a place like this. That they may never improve and will only experience setback after setback and never find themselves well enough for the ‘step down’ unit. It would be foolish NOT to consider that.

But you’re never fully prepared for when it actually does happen. The loss enormous. Sorrow profound. Seven years ago, the loss would have been tremendous; robbed of what ‘could have been; and left to go through a pregnancy alone and then raise a child that belonged to a dead man. Now it would be catastrophic. Years of giving everything of yourself to someone; loving them with every bit of your body, heart, and soul and getting that same love in return. Having someone that looks at you as if you’re the most incredible and beautiful being on earth; their devotion and faithfulness unconditional and going hand in hand with their willingness to protect you at all costs. And having a family together has only elevated things ever further; creating life together and then getting to share in both the joys and the tribulations of raising them. It’s a partnership; working side by side and each bringing out the best in the other. And all of a sudden that is taken away…

She refuses to think about it. What life would be like without him. The enormous hole that would be left behind. Losing her father as a teenager had been bad enough; a loss that she still mourns even decades later. But to lose your entire world? The love of your life?

“Stop!” Esme orders aloud, and then inwardly scolds herself for letting her thoughts go to that dark, horrible place. It almost feels like a betrayal; counting him out at the very beginning of the fight. He’s never given up; no matter how dire a situation or how exhausting -whether physical or mental- the battle is. Always the one to keep her going when things seem hopeless. If the situation was reversed, he wouldn’t give up on her, and she feels ashamed for even considering doing it to him.

She turns away from the counter, mug of tea in hand then gives a small start and a ‘fuck!’ when she discovers she’s not alone. A man younger than herself; smooth, dark skin, a shock of black, curly hair, and kind, chocolate brown eyes.

“My apologies,” he gives a sheepish smile. “I did not mean to frighten you.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t even hear you come in. Lost in my own little world, I guess.”

“Sometimes it’s nice to have that little world. A place to escape to. To get away from this The smells, the sights, the sounds. That machine...the beep, beep, beep...drives me insane.”

“I hear you. I think the sound is permanently etched in my brain. It’ll be a long time before it disappears. And I just got here.”

“What are you in for?” he asks, as she moves towards the door. “Sorry. I try for humour; when things are difficult. It’s how I deal with the stress. How I cope.”

“I hear you on that, too. I’m the same way. I guess I try cracking jokes or making light of things because I’m hoping it will make ME feel better. It drives my husband crazy sometimes. Especially when a situation definitely does NOT call for it. Or I ramble. Kind of like what I’m doing right now. Only about ten times worse. He’s the strong, silent type. I’m the chatty one. Even during moments I shouldn’t. Like right now for instance. Sorry. I ramble. Like I said.”

“It’s alright. I don’t mind. We all have our ways of coping. Is that why you’re here? For your husband?”

Esme nods, then leans back against the doors, eyes riveted on her cup as she repeatedly dunks the tea bag into the boiling water. It’s nerves; the fear that those threatening tears will let loose. She’d thought there were no tears left after her emotional meltdown following her conversation with Millie. That she’d cried herself dry. At least for the time being. And the last thing she wants is to lose it in front of a complete stranger.

“He got hurt,” she says. “At work.”

“He works here? He’s from Bangladesh?”

“He’s Australian, actually.”

“You’re a long way from home.”

“We are. A very long way. Or least it seems like a very long way. I know; I don’t have an accent. Or if I do, it’s just starting and not very noticeable. I’m originally from Colorado.”

“And you married someone from Australia? How did that happen? You met on vacation?”

“Through work. We were assigned to the same project.”

“And he’s hurt? Bad?”

“Bad enough to be stuck here. It’s going to be a long road. Something tells me we’ll be here a while. He’s in pretty rough shape.”

“Must have been one heck of a workplace accident.”

“Someone tried to kill him,” she admits, and then quickly adds “He’s in private security. A job got out of hand. There was nothing he could have done about it. There was no way he could have expected things to turn out THIS bad.”

“I’m sorry. That he has to be here. That YOU have to be here.”

“So am I,” she gives a small, sad smile. “But thank you. Why are you here?”

“My wife. She’s been here for almost two weeks. She had a stroke. While giving birth. Our first child.”

Esme’s eyes widen, and one of her hands slides inside of the open hoodie and instinctively rests on her baby bump.

“The doctors say there is no brain activity, but I’m not giving up hope. Sometimes, miracles happen. I can’t just give up on her. She wouldn’t give up on me.”

“I am so sorry. I can’t even imagine what it’s been like for you. And the baby? Did the baby make it or…?”

“Baby is fine. Very healthy. Very beautiful.” He pulls his cell phone from his pocket, then turns on the screen and holds it out towards her, showing off the display. A beautiful infant with gorgeous dark eyes and little pink bows in her coal black hair.

“She’s beautiful. Congratulations. It must be so bittersweet; having a new baby while your wife…” her voice trails off, unsure of what to say next.

“You have children?”

“I do. I have five of them.”

“Five? Forgive me; you don’t look like a woman with five children.”

“Thank you, but believe me, I feel like a mother of fifty right about now. It’s hard; being so far away from them. They have no idea what’s happened. I feel terrible for lying to them, I do. But I really don’t know what to say. They’re so little; the oldest is only six. How do I NOT traumatize them? How do I tell them? I’m just so lost when it comes to this. To a lot of things, actually This is...hard Very hard. Having to trust complete strangers with the life of the person you love. To just put his life in these peoples’ hands. I’m not having a good time with it. At all. I’m sad. I’m angry. Mostly sad, though.”

“Angry?”

“At the person who did this to him. They’re dead, and believe me, there’s a special place in hell for them. But I’m still angry about it. And I’m angry at myself too. Because I made a mistake. And I guess in a way I feel guilty; that my mistake led to this.”

Her companion gives a sympathetic smile. “I don’t think he’d want you to blame yourself.”

“He definitely wouldn’t. Tyler would be pretty mad about it, actually. He already thinks I’m too hard on myself in a lot of ways. That’s his name, by the way. Tyler. My husband.”

“My wife is Priya. I’m Sanjib.”

“I’m Esme,” she shakes the hand offered. “I should get back. I know he’s not conscious and probably won’t be for a while, but I still don’t like leaving him alone. I like to think he knows I’m there. He has PTSD; hospitals trigger it. He will not be happy when he comes out of sedation, that’s for sure. This is the last place he’ll want to be. It was nice to talk to you, though Thanks for tolerating me.”

“We should meet. Every day. At a certain time. For tea. I would be nice to have someone to talk to. Other than doctors and nurses”

“It would be,” she agrees. “And someone other than my six year old who called me from Australia and should be sleeping. She had a bad dream and daddy always takes care of her after a bad dream. She’s missing him. A lot. But whenever you feel up to it, just come and find me. It’s hard to miss our room; it’s the only one with the armed guard sitting outside of it.”

Sanjib arches a quizzical brow.

“It’s a long story that needs a bit of time to tell. One that definitely calls for more than one tea. But it was nice talking to you. And I hope your wife heals. I hope a miracle DOES happen.”

“I hope for the same for your husband. That he’s awake sooner, rather than later.”

“Yeah,” she says, and opens the kitchen door. “So do I.”

****

When she returns to the room, Julie is stepping out; slipping the patient chart back into the holder on the door and then turning to greet her

“Is everything alright?” Esme asks, unable to stop herself from fearing the worst. Even the warm smile on the other woman’s face and the gentle hand that first touches her cheek and then lays on her shoulder. “Is he okay? Nothing’s happened, has it?”

“Everything is fine. I was just checking his vitals.”

“And they’re good? He doesn’t need to be intubated or…?”

“He’s doing all the breathing on his own. Doesn’t even need the nasal cannula anymore. And his oxygen level is still staying over ninety four.”

“And that’s good? That’s what we want it to be? Or better? It’s a good sign that he doesn’t need any help?”

“A very good sign. He’s a lot further along than anyone thought he would be, that’s for sure. Usually in cases like this, when someone has experienced that level of trauma AND so much of it, it takes weeks, sometimes even months, to see even a glimmer of progress. There are people who have been on this ward for a long time, with less done to them, that aren’t where he is. He’s got a strong will to live, that’s for sure.”

“He has five reasons to stay alive back home. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for them. No fight he wouldn't fight. If it was seven years ago, you wouldn’t be seeing what you’re seeing right now. Before the kids? He wasn’t the person he is now. Once our daughter came along, everything changed. HE changed.”

“I think you’re underestimating the role YOU played. That you DO play.”

“He is so strong. The strongest person I’ve ever known. And if anyone can defy the odds and prove people, it’s Tyler. So I hope you go and tell that one doctor...the neurologist...exactly what you’re telling me. Because he has been nothing but doom and gloom. He even told me not to expect much. Not even long term. I basically told him to go screw himself. No one is going to talk about my husband like that. No one is going to count him out. I don’t care how many degrees they have before or after their name. I know Tyler. And he doesn’t give up. He doesn’t know the meaning of it. And he is stubborn as hell! You’ll get to see that soon enough, I’m sure.”

“He’s already showing it. And so you know, he did wake. Very briefly, but…”

“Wait? What? What do you mean he woke up? How? Is that even possible? How can he? The surgeon said it would be a few days before they’d start bringing out of it. How…?”

“While it’s heavy sedation, it is still only sedation,” Julie explains. “It isn’t a medically induced coma. So brief periods of wakefulness and some level of lucidity are common. He likely won’t remember experiencing it, but it will happen.”

“And he was fully awake?”

“Fully awake in terms of all the drugs continuously being pumped into him. But he did open his eyes and ask ‘who the hell are you?’”

Esme gives a small laugh. “That sounds like Tyler. He hates hospitals. They trigger a lot of bad things. It’s good he’s doped up. If he knew where he was and he had the energy, he probably would have lost it. He has pulled out many an IV. He won’t think anything of pulling out a central line. Did he say anything? Did he ask about his kids or…?”

“He asked for you. Seemed worried. I told him you were fine. That you just stepped out for a minute. I asked him how he was feeling and he said sick. So I gave him an anti nausea med through the line. The pain medication he’s on is notorious for making people sick, And he asked for water. So if he does wake up and wants something to drink, that’s what he can have.”

“I can’t believe this even happened. Especially so soon. I didn’t think there was a chance of something like this. The way everyone was talking, it sounded like even after he was brought out of sedation, he might not come to right away. That it could take weeks, even.”

“Well between you and me, hun, doctors aren’t always right. I’ve seen a lot of patients they’ve been plenty wrong about. Now don’t get your hopes up; it might not happen again right away. That might have been all the energy he had to spare for a while.”

“But it’s a good sign, right? That he DID wake up? I don’t care how long it takes for him to be okay. Just as long as long as he is in the end. And this has to be a good sign.”

“It’s a sign that his brain is working the way it should. And I’m going to make sure I tell that neurologist, too. There is nothing wrong with that man’s brain; not when he can call his wife by name and answer me when I ask him how he’s doing. Everything’s going right for him, I promise you. And he’s in good hands. Very good hands. I’ll see that he gets everything he needs And that that mean old brain doctor gets put in his place.”

“You have no idea how much I needed this; to hear this. It’s just been a nightmare; I’m still trying to wrap my head around what went wrong. How could it go so bad, so fast? And then our daughter called and she’s six and her daddy is her entire world and they have this amazing bond. I mean, he has a bond with all of them, obviously. But it’s different with her; he calls her his miracle baby. He lost a son. From his first marriage. And he never thought he’d be a dad again. And then we met in a crazy way and we made her and he then he survived what he did and…” Esme takes a deep, shaky breath. “....it’s just different. What they have. She thinks the sun shines out of his ass and they’re so close and she misses him so much. I don’t know how to tell her. It’ll break her heart regardless. All she wants is to talk to him and I don’t know how to tell her she can’t. I don’t know what to say to any of them.”

“What do they think they can handle hearing?”

“I don’t know,” she admits. “Millie is so smart and so intuitive for her age. TJ is tough on the outside but a total softie on the inside; he has a huge heart and feels and loves so deeply. And Tanner is crazy intelligent and an old soul. But they’re still babies, practically. She’s six. They’re five. What do I tell them other than daddy got hurt and can’t come home for a while? I don’t want them knowing details. You’ve seen him. Would you want your children knowing how bad he looks?”

“No. I wouldn’t.”

“And the one person I have to talk me through things like this, I can’t turn to because he’s the one that’s hurt. He’s the rock, not me. He’s the one that talks ME down. I have no clue what I’m doing right now. Other than lying to my children.”

“Just tell them the parts of the truth you know they can handle,” Julie suggests. “They don’t need details Especially ugly ones. Tell them that daddy is hurt and unfortunately can’t come home for a while. But as soon as the doctors say it’s okay, he can be sent to a hospital there and then they can see him as much as they want. It’s what I’d tell my kids And my grand kids.”

“It’s just so hard; being away this far from them. Especially the baby. She’ll be four months old next week and I’m thousands of miles away from her and I‘m afraid she’s going to forget me. The farthest away I’ve been from her is a few hours. And that was only for two days! I could be here for a few WEEKS. I can’t go home; I can’t leave Tyler alone here. I just can’t.”

“Is there anyone that could bring her to you? A friend that wouldn’t mind doing that?”

“Our oldest would do it In a heartbeat. He’s technically not ours, ours We’re his guardians. We’ve had him since he was fifteen. He’s twenty one now. I trust him with my kids’ lives. He’d do it. No hesitation. But then that leaves my brother alone with four kids and I don’t think he can handle that. And I’m not asking him to do it. He and Tyler do not get along; my brother thinks my marriage is an epic disaster and the worst mistake I ever made.” Esme sighs and pushes a hand through her hair. “I can’t believe I’m rambling to you like this. I’m sorry; I’m sure you have a lot to do. I shouldn’t keep you like this.”

“Part of looking after patients is caring for their families too. And you’re a long way from home and you’re going through a hell of a horrible thing. You can lean on me. I’ve got broad shoulders. Why don’t you sleep on all of this? Or at least try and get some rest. This is only the end of day one; you don’t have to have everything figured out . Get some sleep and hopefully something will come to you in the morning.”

“I’ll try. It’s hard. Sleeping alone. You get used to someone being there. I tell you, I will NEVER complain about his cold feet and snoring every again. It’s so weird; the rest of him is a furnace, but those feet!”

“My husband is a snorer. You know how many times I’ve wanted to smother him with a pillow over the years?”

“Oh, I’ve had those moments, believe me. But apparently, I talk in my sleep. Tyler says he can carry on full conversations with me. Apparently my favourite thing to talk about is grocery lists. I always talk about peanut butter, ketchup, and kitty litter. And we don’t even have a cat.”

Julie laughs at that. “Try and get some rest, okay? You got a little one in there that’s depending on you. Come here…” she draws Esme into a tight embrace. “...you’re not alone. Remember that.”

“I’ll try,” she promises. And that pure, affectionate, and comforting moment once more brings tears to her eyes. And it’s sad. That harsh realization that this is the time in decades…maybe even ever…that she’s felt a hug like that Unconditional. Compassionate.

Motherly.

*****

“Your daughter called,” she says, as she parks the chair beside his bed. Gathering the hoodie around her as she sits, then putting down the safety railing

He’s succumbed to the mixture of sedation and the heavy duty anti nausea meds, and with his head turned towards the door, the facial injuries are hidden. No stitches -sixty altogether, thirty holding together the damaged muscle and tissue, the others closing the skin- or swelling, or bruising visible. A slight smile curves his lips; no furrows present across his brow, features bathed in the soft glow from the bedside monitor. It’s the first time in years she’s seen him this peaceful. Where he isn’t hampered by the demons and the mistakes of the past; his brain unburdened and at rest. His body pain free. Breaths slow and even. Relaxed. Right arm resting across his stomach, left lying flat on the mattress. And that’s the hand she takes; holding tightly as the fingers of her other hand repeatedly drift along his forearm.

“She wanted me to tell you that she loves you. And she misses you. She left you a couple voicemails; I’ll play them for you when your phone charges. I don’t know what to tell her. To tell any of them. I’ve never had to give this kind of news. You’re so much better at this than I am. This whole parenting thing. You always have been. You’re a ten; I’m hovering somewhere around...I don’t know...a six. Although you’d probably tell me I’m full of shit and that I’m being too hard on myself. I just wish I could talk to you about all of this. You’re way better at figuring this kind of stuff out than I am.”

She laces their fingers together, thumb brushing against the side of his. “And just so you know, I’m kind of pissed you had the nerve to wake up while I wasn’t here. I’ll try not to be offended that you woke up for another woman and not me. Unless you’re just pretending to sleep; hoping that I’ll just shut and you leave you alone. Sorry buddy, you’re stuck with me. For about another fifty years.”

She lightly scrapes her fingernails along his forearm, watching his face for any sign of impending consciousness. “And speaking of being stuck with me, I went through your things and your wedding ring has mysteriously disappeared. No one has seen it. Not in the ER, not in the OR. So it looks like you’re finally going to have to upgrade. You’ve only been talking about that for HOW long? I know you hate change; I know you’ve got a connection to the first one. But it looks like you’re going to have to suck it up and get a new one. Or, I could just go ahead and pick one out for you and surprise you with it. Our anniversary in three months, you never know. Looks like you’re not going to be getting your normal gift, sorry. You’ll have to settle for something else.”

She had been surprised at how much it had hurt; realizing that the ring was in fact gone. She had searched the bag of blood soaked clothes; rummaging through every pocket in hopes that he’d either taken it off before going into the storage facility of someone else -maybe Koen or Rata on the way to the hospital- had removed it and tucked it away. She couldn’t imagine hospital staff NOT giving it to her. But just when she thought her heart possibly couldn’t break even more, it had. And instead of tears, she’d felt anger. An all consuming rage towards Nathan. It was his fault, after all. He was the only one to blame for all of this; her husband’s battered and bloodied body, the weeks and months and maybe even years of recovery that lay ahead of him, the thousands of miles separating her and her children. Now the missing ring. There was only one person to blame for all of it. And while he was dead and that should be enough to give her a sense of comfort, satisfaction, and finality, it only made her even angrier.

She’d called home about it. Preferring to speak to Ovi or Nik or even Anil. Someone with at least an ounce of compassion in their bodies. Instead she’d been relegated to talking to Kyle. And while he’d listened to her long winded, rambling rage towards Nathan and the world in general, and her whining and complaining about the ring being lost, he hadn’t been the most sympathetic when it came to advice giving.

“It’s just a cheap piece of jewellery. Put on your big girl pants and get him a new one. No big deal. It’s your own fault you’re in this mess anyway. If you had just listened to all of us and left him a long time ago, you…”

She’d hung up. Not even giving him the chance to finish.

“I miss you,” she says, and issues a long, shaky sigh. “I know that sounds weird because you’re literally right here. But I do. I miss you. I miss you so much. I miss how we sneak the good snacks after the kids go to bed; sit on the couch eating ice cream right out of the carton. I miss how you tease me about being so short but never complain when I ask you to reach something at the bottom of the washing machine or on the top shelves in the kitchen. And I miss those talks. You know the ones. In the middle of the night AFTER we’ve done other things. We’ve always had those talks; right from day one. I can’t remember who started it, but do remember you complaining about how cuddly I was. It was a half assed complaint, mind you. I saw the smile on your face; you didn't mind it one bit. And you were a pretty good cuddler for someone who said they hated it so much. Maybe you secretly liked it and you just had never found someone you WANTED to cuddle. I know, it’s not very bad ass mercenary; being a cuddler. I’ve always loved that about you. That you’re such a study in contradiction. Everyone else only gets the one side of you; the mercenary side. But you’ve always let me see all of you. Even seven years ago. After that first time, you never hid it from me. Who you really are. For some reason you never felt a reason to hide it from me. And I think that’s one of the things that made me fall in love with you as fast as I did. That you were so honest and real and you didn’t pretend to be someone you weren’t. You didn’t hide the fact that you were a mess. And you didn’t care that I was either.”

Esme reaches out to move his hair off his forehead, then uses a fingertip to trace the scar that curves over the bridge of his nose. “I really do miss you, Tyler. And I know it probably sounds stupid to you because you ARE alive and you ARE going to be fine, but I can’t help it. I’ve spent seven years with you. Being able to hear your voice and your laugh whenever I want and seeing you smile and that cute little frown and pout you get when you’re really focused on something. Or when you’re trying so hard not to laugh when one of the kids drops the F bomb in the correct context. Remember that time in Telluride when we were in town and someone was texting and driving and turned into the crosswalk while you were walking with the twins? And TJ flipped him the bird and called him a stupid fucker? I wonder where he learned THAT from? You didn’t know whether to give him shit or be proud of him. I know you don’t think being adorable can go hand in hand with being a bad ass, but you manage somehow.”

She runs her knuckles along his jaw, then lowers her head to press a kiss to his forearm. “I just need you to be okay,” she says, and struggles to hold back the tears. “And I don’t want to hear any of your shit about how strong I am and I’m more than capable of doing this by myself; raising five kids. And maybe I am. Maybe I could handle it. Maybe I could handle them and another one. But I don’t want to do this by myself. That isn’t what I signed up for six and a half years ago. We’re supposed to do it together. And I’m not letting you back out on me. Ever. So I really need you to be okay. Because I need you. More than you realize. And probably more than I’ve ever let on. Why do it alone when you have someone so amazing to do it with? So you have to get better, okay? I need you to get better. Besides, you still owe me a trip. You have this really uncanny ability of getting out of taking me on trips, you know that?”

She releases her hold on his hand, then wraps both arms around his and lays her forehead in the crook of his elbow. Staying there for several minutes; eyes closed as she desperately holds back the flood of tears. And she almost doesn’t feel it; that light brush of fingers against one of her arms. Wondering if she actually just imagined it. Or perhaps his body had given an involuntary shiver or jerk; a known side effect from the meds.

“Don’t cry, baby.” His voice is barely above a whisper. Quiet and weak. But very much him.

She raises her head to look at him. And the tears that threaten now are ones of relief. “Hey.”

“Hey.”

“So you WERE pretending to be asleep.”

“I was listening.”

“Always the strong, silent type.”

“Please don’t cry. I hate when you cry.”

“It’s happy tears, I promise. Can you see me properly?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Well you’re pretty doped up. You could be seeing five of me for all I know.”

“Just one.”

“Out of both eyes or….?”

“Not so good out of the right. But yeah. Out of both.”

“I don’t think you’re really supposed to be awake right now. The doctors sort of said you wouldn’t be for a while.”

“Fuck ‘em. I do what I want.”

Esme grins, then pushes the chair away from the side of the bed and stands. “Yeah, you always do.” She presses a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “How are you feeling?”

“Okay.”

“Are you in pain?”

“No. Just tired”

“Well you’ve had a hell of a day,” she reasons, combing her fingers through his hair and resting her hand on the top of his head. “As happy as I am that you’re awake, you really need to go back to sleep. That’s what you need right now. Sleep.”

Tyler nods. “You okay?”

“I’m okay.”

“The baby?”

“The baby’s fine. You don’t need to worry about us. There’s a lot of people that are stepping up to take care of us. Time to worry about yourself for a bit. Just close your eyes, okay?”

“Cold.”

“You’re cold?”

He nods once more.

“I can go and find you another blanket. I can…”

“No,” he quickly objects. “Stay. Don’t go.”

“I won’t,” she promises. “I won’t go anywhere. I’m right here.” She places a hand on the side of his face and presses a kiss to his temple. “I’m not leaving. I’m right here.”

“You’re warm.”

“It’s your sweater. I always steal them. They seem to keep me warmer than mine do. Here…” she shrugs out of the hoodie and gently lays it over him. “...that’ll help. You really need to sleep, Tyler. That’s the only way you’re going to get better and get out of here. You need to close your eyes and get some rest, alright?”

“Alright.”

“I’ll be here when you wake up. However long that is.”

“Love you.”

“I love you, too.” She presses a kiss to the bridge of his nose, then rests her forehead against his. Eyes closed as her fingers continue to run through his hair. It is soft and comforting. Soothing. Quickly helping him drift off once more.

#Tyler Rake #Tyler Rake fan fiction #Tyler Rake fan fic #Best Part of Me #Chris Hemsworth character #extraction #extraction 2020

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