#cod x mash

[brokenpieces-72]

Oh my gosh, I loved your spin on the 141 taskforce and Mash 4077 piece! That was so good! I was giggling with the Mash references too 😂 I would love to see another Mash piece, maybe something on the lines of where "bird-eye"(����) gets slightly hurt, concussion or something while coming back to the Mash unit and 141 finds her?? Please and thank you! 😇

I wasn’t expecting anyone to make a request for this but I’m very happy you did! Also, not sure if your meant slightly or severly hurt, because concussion and slightly hurt I would say are two very different things.

Birdeye Down

CW: mentions of death, violence, medical inaccuracies, mental health inaccuracies, angst, let me know if I missed any.

Bird groaned in the ditch she'd taken cover in. Fuck, she needed to get up. Get a radio, make a call. Get help. Something. Bird hauled her self out of the ditch to check the wreckage. Vehicles were over turned, and scattered like a toddler had run through a set up of toy soldiers. She was fortunate to make it under the bed. There were still enemy units wandering and lazily inspecting their disasterous work.

As soon as one of them turned their head, Bailey dropped herself back to ground, eyes shut. Playing dead was her best shot at survival. She could almost hear her grandfather smiling at the irony. Thankfully none of them came closer to her position, at least she didn't think so. Bird didn't hear footsteps, so she forced her eyes back open. God it hurt to breath. Likely a broken rib...or five. Her throat was dry and sore from laying in the dirt and dust. Her uniform had been torn up by broken glass and bullets grazing. There was a pounding in her head, and her eyes kept trying to shut on her. All of which had been pacthed up by dirt and grime.

Bird Eye snuck a peek hearing transmission static. There was someone on the radio. A loud bang and a flash of light and Bird ducked her head again. Fuck, not even a word of good bye. Bird hated waiting, she'd been waiting for a discharge forever. Wouldn't get a chance for that. Shit she hadn't gotten her mail yet either. Took how long for her to get a new pair of boots. Not death though. Death wanted to expedite their appointments, and this one was personal.

Bailey slipped in and out of consciousness, pulling herself back before she could slip too far. The enemy units were some distance now. If she got up, which her body seemed to be highly against then she would be going in blind. There weren't any soldiers close neough with intact radios. Even then, they would hear it. Wouldn't get enough time to even say good bye.

All she could do was wait. Bird hated every second. Bird was in pain every second.

Price loaded into the vehicle with the 141, and sped down the dirt road. Alex had a couple of medics in another vehicle, with Farah scouting ahead of the small convoy.

"Captain. I've located the wreckage." Farah radioed.

"Less than a click out Kilo." Price called backl. When they arrived, the vehicles were parked, and every man exited with caution while Farah dismounted her bike.

Everyone was scoping around, staying low in case someone dareed to cross Task Force 141. Alex split off with two others and Farah, while Price pressed on with his men. Alex recalled the last time he'd come across a mess like this. At least he wasn't a victim this time. He circled the vehicles and found several men shot and even the one that had tried to radio them for help. A gun shot was all they needed to hear to come.

"Gaz, check em." Price said finding a few men on the ground. Soap and Ghost were at the rear scanning for any squirters. Gaz didn't find any life.

"Nothing sir." Gaz reported. Price radioed Alex. "Echo, anything on your side."

"No signs of life Bravo." Alex reported. Not even a minute passed before the 141 heard shouting on the other side of the danger zone. Then gun fire.

"Soap, Ghost, watch for squirters. Gaz with me." Price ordered. Soap and Ghost kept watch, Ghost nailing a squirter before Price and Gaz got a few feet away. Farah didn't hesitate to come out and grab for a runner, pinning him to the ground. Before she could fire on the other one, Price stepped in, firing into the spine. Farah knocked out the one she'd pinned, while Alex pressed forward, checking the damages. Gaz gave her a zip tie for their unconscious captive.

Price reported the status of the situation. No more squirters, or enemy units. They didn't know what exactly had happened. Only that the convoy was on it's way back from an aidstation. There were still some wounded in the back of one of the trucks. Not many, and another truck was on the way. Price radioed as soon as the captive was restrained.

Soap lowered his gun, following Ghosts lead, checking the vehicles for survivors. A couple. Not many, and not awake. Ghost kept watch while Soap got their bleeding to stop, and tried to wake them. Ghost noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. "Soap we got another one."

Soap eased his way out of the crashed jeep coming over. He recognized the uniform, cursing. A medic. Smart enough to get away so they weren't killed. If only the medic could help them with the wounded they had. Soap approached cautiously, checking quickly for any other threats. Ghost stood posted up. Soap checked the medic's pulse. Weak but still there. "My name is Soap, can you hear me?"

"Y....yeah... no cpr... ribs are broken enough..." The medic said. Soap paused for only a moment as he recognized the weak voice.

"Steamin jesus." Soap breathed, before talking into the radio. “Ghost it’s Bird.”

Ghost called it in immediately, as Soap got to work right away on Bird’s injuries. Couldn’t remove anything yet, the glass could have severed something. There was some blood on her head, just from a cut. Her leg was badly damaged. “Alright stay with us Bonnie.”

Soap ignored the sound of a vehicle approaching, focusing on getting Bailey into the clear. It wouldn’t be precise, but it would be enough. Enough to get her there. Soap got her wounds cleaned, and disinfected. Bailey’s body flinched at the stinging of the alcohol. “Mother…”

“Easy bonnie. We’re gonna get you out of this.” Soap said. Bailey was holding his arm, moving to his leg if he had to pull away. Kyle came over offering assistance. He cradled Bird’s head in his lap, keeping her still so she wouldn’t fight against the alcohol.

“Hey Bird. Fly the wrong way?” Kyle said trying to keep the mood up. Bailey gave him a smile while he kept a finger on her pulse. “Keep your eyes open.”

Bailey kept smiling but her eyes were drifting. Sleep. Rest was good medicine. Kyle started to panic, but maintained his composure trying to get Bird to wake up. “Soap she passed out.”

Soap looked up from what he was doing and cursed. “She needs medical attention, proper attention.”

Soap stood up, and picked up Bailey. He carried her to jeep, her body thankfully light and unfortunately limp. Ghost got into the passenger seat with Price taking notice and getting to the drivers seat. Farah took off ahead on her bike to make sure the route was clear. Alex stayed behind for when the ambulance arrived.

When they got to the MASH unit Tracker burst out of his tent chasing after them, and took Bailey from Soap’s arms, carrying her into the OR. Soap gave him everything he understood about her injuries as he went with Tracker towards the OR. Soap stopped himself at the door look back at his team. They stood there, for a moment, a silent prayer of hope among all of them before Price ordered everyone to return to the site. They would need help.

Soap jogged over to the jeep. Their minds focused on the objective, but lingering in the back of it was Bailey and her condition.

When they returned to the compound, the Major tried to give them lip, but as soon as Ghost stepped forward, lurking behind Price like a shadow, Borne backed off.

The corporal came up to them right away. “Uh sirs and uh… ma’am. If you don’t mind, you’re needed in the mess tent.”

“What for?” Farah asked.

“We really need some blood, I’ve been calling around but no one has any.” The corporal pleaded.

“Take as much as you can fill.” Gaz offered.

“Don’t have any plans tonight.” Alex added.

“Also. Tracker wanted me to tell you that Captain Bailey will pull through.” The corporal said. The team was relieved as they headed to the tent. Right now they were too tired and distracted to do much else. Once again the chaplain gave them a warm welcome before sitting them down for their blood donation.

Bailey was resting in post op with Tracker close by keeping watch over her. Price stepped inside, a bandage on his arm where his blood had been drawn.

“How is she?” Price asked.

“Sleeping right now. Should wake up before dinner.” Tracker said. He reached out and stroked her uncut cheek. Her mouth twitched into a hint of a smile. Her eyes started to flutter open.

“You keep doing that my wife will get upset.” She muttered.

“Hi honey, it’s your work husband.”

“Don’t have a husband… call the army.” Bird joked.

“Morning captain.” Price said.

“The Union Jack himself comes to greet me?” Bailey said, slowly sitting herself up. Tracker was quick to get her another pillow behind her. “Or is the queen in town?”

“Captain, would the boys be able to come in and see her? Farah has been pacing about Bird for a while.” Price asked Tracker.

“No problem with me.” Tracker said, looking to Bird. Bird gave a nod, consenting to their visit. Price started to walk out but Bird called after him.

“Captain… how many made it back?” Bird asked.

“8 causalities. The rest of the wounded made it.” Price told her. Bailey nodded and Price stepped out.

The team stayed in the compound for a while, trying to help around the compound, assisting as much as they could. They even went through some medical training to brush up on a few things. In that time there were many encounters with Captain BirdEye and the 141.

Bird had to write a report about what happened, alongside the rest of the survivors from what they could remember. Most of them didn't see much, playing dead in hopes they would be left alone by the enemy. Bird overhearing the attackers inspecting the wreckage was the only thing they had to go on. They were speaking Russian, at least what sounded like Russian to Bailey. As Corporal Echo wrote the report, with Price present in the room Bailey seemed visibly tired. Price half expected her to pass out right there in the chair.

"They hit the vehicles and... I went forward and then side ways, the glass broke. The vehicle flipped and... I just heard noises, I didn't even think, just started to hit the windshield. Had to force myself out of the seat belt, crawled out. Didn't get rid of the glass enough so it cut me. All I could see was the ditch, and I... I ran for it. That's what I was told in training... felt like a pool ball just hitting against vehicle after vehicle to take cover. The ditch had broken glass from the vehicles and rocks... my head... it was just pounding. I think my leg screamed at me..."

Price had seen Bailey's expression before, a thousand yard stare at the wall or floor, fidgeting and picking at her hands, clearing her throat and taking the time to remember what she saw. Echo kept writing, asking Bird to repeat a few things. Bailey sat up straight to address the corporal directly. Price was leaning against a filing cabinet, arms folded, boonie hat set on top of the cabinet. His vest was off, but nearby and a side arm in his belt.

"What happened next?" Echo asked Bailey.

"I uh... I don't know how long I was in that ditch, but... I tried to get out but there were some guys still there... I'm a medic, I'm supposed to call for help... no um..." Bailey bowed her head, biting her lips, and clenching her hands. "No radio..."

"We can stop Bird." Echo said. "They're already dealing with the prisoner."

Bird just nodded absently. Price pushed himself off the cabinet and approached Bird, offering her a hand up. "Post Op?"

"A drink... dryer than a desert, strong enough to make my liver kick me." Bird said. Price could help with that.

"There's a nurse insisting on giving you some meds, I'll collect you there." Price said, handing Bailey off to a nurse just outside the building. Price then turned to the corporal. "Who is running the interrogation?"

"Oh uh, Major Borne sir." Echo said. Price was in disbelief, surely they could get someone else to do it. "Where can I find the prisoner?"

"Not supposed to say sir it;s classified." Echo said, nervously. Price came closer to the young soldier, keeping his voice low.

"Find out when the prisoner is to be transferred." Price said with Echo repeating him almost word for word before finishing with a yes sir. Farah would probably want a couple rounds with the prisoner as well.

Farah and Bird talked quite a bit. Farah didn’t have much of an influence on their healthcare system but if Bailey could do some training with the ULF she would be grateful. “Certainly need it with the quality of care around here.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” Farah said, walking beside Bailey, offering her arm for balance.

“If you want a place to start that isn’t infested by the likes of Borne, there a small orphanage run by an American nurse. Helps a great deal of women and children, she can certainly whip the stubbornest into shape.”

“That so?”

“Have them wailing like rented mules but fingers like a pianist.” Bailey told her, making Farah smile.

Alex met up with the two ladies in the mess tent. He offered to pop up there to meet with her, get a head start.

“Take Borne with ya, he could use a good a whippin. Might actually enjoy it.” Bailey offered.

“Will he be saying mother or mommy by the end of it?” Farah asked quietly leaning in with a mug to cover her shit eating grin. Bailey nearly choked on her water and Alex was snickering until Borne came in. He cleared his throat, but it didn’t stop either woman. Borne ignored them.

Soap seemed to be attached to Bird at the hip. If Bird needed assistance, Soap was close by. Gaz and Ghost sat back and watched as he was practically a puppy. In the mess tent he offered to get the captain another coffee or whatever the black liquidy stuff was. “Juice, I need more vitamins or whatever passes for it.”

“If I could get ya something stronger I would.” Soap said before leaving the table. Bailey smiled and then noticed Ghost and Gaz’s expression.

“What?” She asked. Ghost just returned to his water not wanting to drink something that tasted worse than motor oil.

“The leash and collar coming soon?” Gaz asked.

“The PX has it on back order.” Bailey said. Gaz smiled shaking his head.

“Just remember he eats more than you think.” Gaz said.

“Walk him three times a day.” Ghost added, making Bailey wince from laughter. Soap came back and sat down.

“Thank you suds, cleaning up nicely as always.”

“Oh ya got jokes now?” Soap asked. Bird just leaned against him for a moment getting a smile from Soap. Gaz and Ghost looked at each other before going back to whatever they were working on. Tracker who was sitting with all of them hummed the ending to the song Beauty and the Beast.

Ghost hovered around keeping Borne off his team’s back. He almost wondered what would happen if he didn’t wear his mask around Borne. Send him screaming maybe. Ghost wasn’t one for people but Bailey was an exception. Did her work well, refused to take time off, was still hovering in the operating room despite being unfit to work on anyone.

Ghost found himself wandering the compound on patrol duty. He didn’t mind the MASH unit nor the wounded. Surrounded by death for most of his life, seeing people make it out of the shit alive was a much more enjoyable time.

The nights he wasn’t patrolling, Bailey invited him for a cup of tea, and a small chat. Sometimes a game of cards. If anyone else on call or nightwatch needed a break they were invited in. Father Malcolm and Corporal Echo joined them one night, and Bailey showed the lieutenant how to play Schmear. It wasn't poker, but it was a pretty good game. Bailey wiped the floor with whoever she was against.

"The lord has blessed you in mysterious ways." Father Malcolm commented one night. Bailey didn't say anything, instead shrugged.

"What's the trump suit again?" Echo asked. Ghost held up the low card for him to see the suit. Hearts. Echo gave a nod, before Ghost pushed the corporal's hands and cards closer to his chest so Ghost didn't see them. "Sorry."

Echo played a 7 in trump, Bailey an 8 in clubs, Malcolm put down a jack in trump, and Ghost finished with a queen in trump, winning the hand. Echo sighed, thinking he had that hand. Ghost played a 2 in spades, Echo finished with a queen in spades, Bailey revealed she had the King of hearts and Malcolm sighed playing his ace of clubs. Bailey smiled, pleased with her bid of three points, writing down the points. "Another game gentleman? Night is still young."

"It's 3 in the morning." Ghost said. Bailey continued to shuffle the cards.

"Well then the night is in labour." Bailey said, chopping the deck in her hands. Malcolm excused himself for some sleep before morning prayers and Echo had to finish writing his report. They left Bailey and Ghosty alone in the tent. After splitting the deck Bailey shuffled, and went to bridge the cards. Her hand slipped and the cards flew out from her hands. Ghost didn't flinch but caught a couple of cards, as Bailey slammed her hand on the table frustrated with herself. What remains she had of the deck were smacked on to the table, before rubbing her face in her hands. Ghost was familiar with the reaction but let her calm down.

"You should get some sleep." Ghost told her.

"I've gotten enough sleep. I'm bored of sleep, got no dreams to occupy it. No handsome men or pretty girls to make it interesting." Bailey said, gathering up the cards that had spilled on to the table. Ghost didn't mind reaching under to get the ones that had fallen on the floor. When he came back up he found the deck in her hands and Bailey sighing. Was she fighting back tears? Dark circles were hard to make out in the low light, but he could see them.

Ghost took the deck from her, shuffling. He was going to go back to his bed but how many people say they're bored of sleep? Bailey had found him at midnight and asked about a game of cards, so she'd gotten a little sleep at least. Tracker had a shift in post op, leaving their tent empty except for Borne. As he shuffled he noticed Bailey pawing at her eyes.

"What you have is normal." He told her dealing the cards. Bailey just nodded. "Should talk to a psychiatrist though."

"Taking advice from the guy who wears a balaclava 24/7." Bailey said looking at her cards. "Usually there's more booze involved."

"More smart ass comments and sarcasm." Ghost said.

"It's a second language for me. I'm fine, I'll bounce back." Bailey argued. "Why do you wear a mask? Just to hide your face?"

“Just too good looking for you to handle.” Ghost teased. Bailey smiled.

Gaz got to sit in on the interrogation. God Borne was shit. He’d seen better questioning from a rookie to a serial killer. Borne pulled rank so much, Kyle wanted to take Borne's chest candy and shove it down his throat. At least he could put his rank where his mouth was. Kyle was leaning back against the wall while Borne repeated the same questions. The Major definitely wouldn't like his methods of interrogation. Kyle was about to make an example out of Borne when there was a hard pounding on the door. The Majhor straightened and Kyle opened the door, despite Borne's protest.

"Orders from HQ sir." Echo said, walking in. Captain Price was right behind him, stepping inside.

"What orders?" Borne demanded, swiping the papers from the corporal. Borne looked over the documents and looked at Echo. "You think this is funny corporal?"

"No sir! They're from the Central Intelligence Agency." Echo said. Borne looked over the papers again. "That's the CIA."

"I know what it means!" Borne snapped. Borne looked between Gaz and Price before storming out. Kyle had seen plenty of pissed off people in his time, but no one as animated or cartoonish as Borne. Kyle hid his smile, peering around the door to see Borne still fuming.

"Corporal who exactly gave you those orders?" Kyle asked, shutting the door. The corporal adjusted his glasses, and cleared his throat.

"Uh..." Echo looked at the Konni soldier, who Price was now standing over, nudging him. Echo went over to Kyle, gesturing for Kyle to lower himself, so he could whisper. "Section Chief Laswell."

Kyle had to bite back his grin. "Thanks Corporal. You better run, this will be kind of ugly."

"Yes sirs." Echo said, before scurrying out of the room. Kyle looked over to Price hearing knuckles being cracked.

"Now... let's wake him up." Price said.

Kyle went to post op, where he found Bailey doing some rounds with a small limp. Farah and Alex offered assistance to the other nurses and doctors, translating for their patients. Kyle waited off to the side until they weren't occupied. It took some time, to the point Kyle could recline on a cot until a nurse butted him out for taking up space. Alex came over to him to chat for a bit.

Tracker came in and went over to Bailey, putting a hand on her shoulder. She was sitting on a cot with a wounded soldier, looking over his vitals. Tracker helped Bailey to her feet, and came over to the two men while Farah continued to translate for Tracker. Bailey had a hand in her pocket as she came over.

"Gentlemen if you're looking for a new mattress I could recommend much better locations." Bailey said.

"How's the leg?" Gaz asked.

"A few nurses are calling me House instead of Bird." Bailey replied. "All I'm missing is a cane and a sex change. What can I do you for? 20 bucks?"

"We talked to the Konni soldier." Kyle said quietly. Bailey ushered Kyle out. Alex intended to hear more about it later. A nurse was asking for help with another patient. Outside post op Bailey told Kyle to continue.

"It was an easy target, plenty of wounded, little to no resistance, reduce a few numbers, even plant evidence to make it look like it was AQ." Kyle explained.

"An easy target." Bailey said, pacing awkwardly with her leg. The doctor stared at the ground as she walked. An easy fucking target, that's what they were. A chance to make an example. Bailey felt sick and disgusted. Out of all the people in the convoy that were able bodied, she was probably the only one who hadn't been armed. Bailey look up at on of the parked trucks, seeing the same wounded soldier, sitting, and trying to radio for help. His hand reached the button, and he had maybe five seconds to get help. Bailey flinched hearing a gun shot and the soldier falling to the ground. It replayed. And then again. And then again. Each time she tried remember what the soldier had on his person, but she couldn't remember the gun.

Bailey gave up, rubbing her eyes and pacing back to Kyle. She was fighting to stay calm, but the lump in her throat was overwhelming and every time she blinked, tears fell. Kyle stood there as Bailey sighed, her voice broken with emotion. "An easy fucking target..."

Kyle didn't hesitate, to hug Bailey. It took a different kind of person to make it through a place like this. Bailey was still fighting the number of feelings she had. The hug made it a struggle, but if Kyle didn't hold her, not even she knew what her next step would be. Right now she needed to be grounded, given a chance to regain some senses. Fucking hell, how did her grandfather ever manage this?

"Orders for me Captain?" Kyle asked. At first Bailey thought he was talking to Price, and straightened. Bailey turned to wipe the tears away and looked around. Then she realized Kyle was talking to her.

"... A drink... and a pen and paper." Bailey ordered, taking his arm. Kyle took her back to the Swamp. Bailey started writing to her grandfather.

Bird was still awake, still writing and still drinking. Water, this time. She needed to deal with her pain, and she couldn't do that intoxicated. Not the way she wanted. Bailey was writing to her grandfather, hoping he might have some snarky words of wisdom from his own experience. The doctor winced, dropping her pen once she finished her sentence.

Price sat down across from her while she took a sip. He set down mug.

"Coffee?" Bailey inquired.

"Yeah well, I'm a long way from a proper pint." Price said.

"Could add a shot of rubbing alcohol. Might reduce the oily death taste." Bird suggested, sipping her water, and stretching her hand.

"Want help or is it intimate?" Price asked.

"Letter to my grandfather. Need someone to tell me how to deal with this." Bailey admitted, picking up the pen again. "Someone whose heart isn't made of brass. Ah."

Bailey dropped her pen wincing. Her wrist needed more time to relax. Price glanced at the letter and made out enough of her chicken scratch to get an idea of the letter's content. Bailey sighed, taking another sip of water. "When is your departure?"

"Day after tomorrow." Price answered. "You've convinced the commander to get more of her forces to assist with translations."

"If Borne isn't manning border control." Bailey said, setting down her mug. "Price, can I be fully blunt with you?"

"You're asking first." Price said. "It must be serious."

"The past few days have been nothing but self loathing, drinking, painkillers, and trying to control a rollercoaster of optimism and pessimism all while realism is threatening to break down the door. I'm bordering on stable and psychopathic. I want to storm into the nearest Konni Base filled with rage, while telling myself I'll leave full of lead. The only thing keeping me here is a still healing limp, the endless opportunities to fuck with Borne, and... and the convoy." Bailey said taking another drink. The luke warm liquid was admittedly soothing against her dry throat.

"You want to see the world burn to the ground, while wanting to put it out." Price clarified. He was spot on.

"The kid that radioed for help. I saw him. I could've gone to him, could have run out to another soldier and take their radio to call for help, could have given myself up and hope for mercy. Since Kyle told me why we were hit I keep thinking about getting a gun. That's the last thing I want to do, it was the one thing I didn't want since coming here." Bailey confessed. "Yet you go through all kinds of shit, every day, with more than a gun, and you're able to stomach that crap in your mug. Literally and figuratively. I don't get it."

"We get dirty, and the world stays clean." Price said. "I've dealt with a lot of shit, and learned a lot. Killed plenty of people, that's my job. Your job is to put them back together. You take an oath to do no unnecessary harm, and you live up to it. Don't lose your loyalty to it, because you'd make a shit soldier."

Bailey chuckled and pawed at her eye. "I needed that."

"You're doing good work, don't change that. The reality is, if you weren't holding on, in a ditch and out of sight, there's a much higher chance you would be dead right now, and the world would lose a fine surgeon and doctor, with many wounded following behind." Price told her.

"Needed to hear that too." Bailey said softly. She took a moment to fully process what was said, before glancing at her letter. What she wanted to say, had been said. The rest could wait until tomorrow. Bailey tore a fresh sheet from the pad of paper and set it down. "Can I interest you in some cards Captain?"

Price smiled. "Sure. You shuffle, I'll get myself something to wash this shit out of my system."

Taglist: @yourlovely-moon @kaoyamamegami @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @sans-chara @0wosugarmommymedic0wo @smitten-haematite-quartz @talia-the-gemini @yuki2129 @whitetiger846 @graystorm444 @chibiduck @reaperxxxxzz @danielle143 @sobbingnshtting @cringeycookies @cryingpages @dcnocap207 @reaper-chan666 @bestbookfriends @thriving-n-jiving @cutiecusp @shikigami-the-paper-spirit @lolyouranelf

[harveywritings92]

R/n, trying to wake Ghost up after their “nap”: Simon, it's time to wake up.

Ghost: I'm not sleeping, I'm dead. Leave flowers and get out.

[mccutcheon121]

O! M! G! 🤩🤩😍😍 This is incredible!!! My beloved Venom with SoapGhost mash has made my day😃💖

HEY THERE, YEAH YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL FOR 1K+ FOLLOWERS I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU!!!

celebrating with venom au 🎉🎉

[gloomwitchwrites]

Kinktober 2024 Collection Masterlist

Five stand-alone stories from Call of Duty during the month of October 2024.

Arrest Warrant (complete) John "Soap" MacTavish x Female Reader

Impact Play / Boot Worship / Degradation / Wild West AU / CNC

Secret Desire (complete) John Price x Female Reader

Bodyguard AU / Praise / Breeding

Monster (S)mash (complete) Task Force 141 x Female Reader

Porn Star AU / Group Sex / Fake Haunted House / CNC

Free Use Agreement (complete) Kyle "Gaz" Garrick x Female Reader

Coworker AU / Spirit Halloween Store AU / Free Use

The Mask, or Nothing (complete) Simon “Ghost” Riley x Female Reader

Mask Kink / Spanking / Dirty Talk

ao3 // taglist // main masterlist

taglist:

@glitterypirateduck @km-ffluv

@tiredmetalenthusiast @miaraei @cherryofdeath @ferns-fics @tulipsun-flower

@miss-mistinguett @ninman82 @eternallyvenus @beebeechaos @marispunk

@smileykiddie08 @chaostwinsofdestruction @weasleytwins-41

@saoirse06 @unhinged-reader-36 @ravenpoe67 @sageyxbabey @mudisgranapat

@lulurubberduckie @leed-bbg @yawning-grave81 @azkza @nishim

@voids-universe @iloveslasher @talooolaaloolla @sadlonelybagel @haven-1307

@itsberrydreemurstuff @cod-z @keiva1000 @littlemisscriesherselftosleep @blackhawkfanatic

@sammysinger04 @kylies-love-letter @dakotakazansky @suhmie @kadeeesworld

@umno-yeah @daemondoll @jackrabbitem @lxblm @arrozyfrijoles23

[pfhwrittes]

i shouldn't have started re-reading his dark materials because now all i can think of is a cod x his dark materials crossover/mash up and actually i wanted to work on something else today.

instead my head is full of thoughts about ghost's daemon never showing herself causing whispers to ripple after him that maybe he doesn't have one...

how price would be flanked at all times by an anatolian shepherd, watchful and steady. guarding her flock just as carefully as price watches his men.

soap's belgian malinois's teeth chattering against the leg of his combats, or pacing loops around the office he shares with kyle because she's so bored but as soon as she's out in the field she's still. steady. focused.

and kyle. kyle who has felt that soul rending tear as he slipped from nik's helo but his doberman's harness held, both of them dizzy and nauseous from the distance but having to shove it down to focus on getting the job done. on getting kate back. kyle collapsing into the sand and burying his face in his soul's sleek fur, vowing to never leave him behind again.

[gvtted-ratz]

read all our tags/ratings. they r important n give u all u need 2 decide if u wanna actually read or not. do not like the tags/rating? do not read.

FEM ALIGNING/IDENTIFYING PPL (unless mutuals/friends) DNI WITH OUR MLM WORKS. fem ppl can still request tho. respect our wishes or get blocked. yes we do read/check everything. we tag appropriately/use tags that go with our posts.

want 2 request? find the rules: here!

want 2 see all the fics? find em: here!

Mission Failed

Simon “Ghost” Riley x M!Reader x John “Soap” MacTavish

Last Edited: 17/03/2023

TW: slight angst, foul language, violence, blood, gore, gunshot wound, death mention

@denzellovehazelnuts: Hi! hope you have a good day! Can you do a poly "Ghost x male reader x Soap" (if you comfortable writing poly relationship) with slow burn, angst and fluff at the end? Where Ghost and Soap already in a relationship until the reader came into their team The two male thought the reader wasn't talkative around people but few weeks later, things change at first Ghost seems interesting in the male skill using gun and how fast he can run and Soap like the male sense of humour. Both of them thought it only a friendship type of things. Until the male save Ghost from the enemy on the battlefield and him laughing at Soap jokes. That when the two males known what happen to them, they weren't sure if M/n would comfortable in a relationship with them, so they start doing small things for him like making coffee or helping training,.. And M/n notice it, he even started to fall for the both of them. But he keep denying the things they did for him because he thought that what friend do. and M/n don't think he is ready for a new relationship, he wasn't sure he is good enough for them (the male got trauma from the previous relationships) (more angst please, I would like to suffer for a little bit) (・∀・) After a while, the three of them got into a mission together, everything went good until the male got shot. He thought he going to be de@d soon (only to find out that he only got shot at his leg) so M/n confessed how he feel about the two of them. (andddd I don't know what to do with the ending cause I'm ran out of idea. I would want to see how the treated each other when got into a relationship. Sorry about the grammar, English isn't my first language)

Word Count: 2,654

AO3 LINK -> HERE

Notes: hiiii! i dont do heavy angst but i did do some u know? slow burn it is!!! srry it took so long! irl things hold me back a lot. N since u wanted slow burn, n with all that uve put (about 350 words of things i can work on/with 2 get this drawn out as a full-on fic!! yay!) i had 2 like. try n put all u wanted in there so yea! hope u enjoy!! also! i threw in some other characters like gaz n roach. hope u dont mind em being in here since this is like, a mash of cod n codmw2 (canon? what cancon?) cause i rlly do wanna put some other characters in here that i find interesting n build some sort of character/personality 4 the reader. reader deserves some cool friends-2-brothers!

At first, you hadn’t wanted to join Task Force 141. You were comfortable with your position as the quiet, but light on your feet, knife specialist. Well, that wasn’t truly your title. You were just good with knives. You weren’t too shotty with a gun either. Either weapon being in your hands meant blood was going to be shed. KorTac needed those types, especially those who could use it to get in as well as out; you also couldn’t forget about using your skills to get information. Torturing the prisoners wasn’t something you particularly liked, but you were good at it too. Combining your skills with knives and guns, it truly was hell for anyone on the opposite side of your team. You also couldn’t forget that, out of the others, you were much faster. Sure, some could still beat you at times but that didn’t mean you weren’t good. Bets had been constantly taking place with you, along with others as it was one of the few things any of you could do to pass the time in a less-than-bloody manner.

The transfer from KorTac to Task Force 141 wasn’t smooth. Horangi, or Kim Hong-jin, didn’t let you go for weeks. You were part of his team, one of his men. The leader of KorTac is what most of you saw him as. He knew many of you like the back of his hand. Not to mention, a tiger can be cruel but would never devour its cubs for no reason, well, as some say. As far as you knew, because you were all together, you were a team and therefore family. While there were others who didn’t get along, out in the field, all of you had each other’s back. Very rarely did anyone get left to perish to the enemy.

With all that in mind, it took weeks for him to let you go. More or less, Laswell was the one to convince him; that is if you call bringing each plus every person in KorTac to ruins as “convincing”. She wanted you on a team she could keep tabs on you; doubting her power and skills was out of the question. Which meant leaving KorTac to ensure that everyone else was free from possible imprisonment or death was necessary.

Fitting in wasn’t too hard considering most of the people there were from all over the place. While it’s odd for a member from another team to suddenly appear on another, it didn’t bother most of the others. Just from a glance, you could tell who was into who; as well as who exactly was in a relationship. A man by the name of Ghost including another called Soap, you knew were together. Soap flirted with almost everyone, though it was more teasing and lighthearted. With Ghost though? The flirting went up by twenty percent. His dial for teasing went up tenfold too. Meanwhile, Ghost hardly looked at anyone else, nevertheless, stare at them unless they were the Scottish man. Frankly, you didn’t mind. Who were you to judge the two? Especially when they were good at what they did.

It takes weeks before you’re comfortable enough to so much as talk to anyone 141. Gaz, or Kyle as Soap tended to call him when annoyed, is the first to so much as approach you. While the others are interested, you coming from KorTac had put them off for a bit. Gaz on the other hand treats you like a brother. He’ll throw his arm around your shoulder, dragging you around as he laughs about the past or even at your jokes. At meals, he always throws a raised eyebrow at those who look at you oddly when you’re quiet or sitting with the man. He treats you like you’re part of the team, furthermore, that truly means more than anything to you.

The man is just as bloodthirsty as you are. His stories of falling out of planes along with taking out enemies only lead to you looking up to your new teammate and brother. His tales of meeting Captain Price, past missions, a few tidbits of him being with the SAS, together with some metals he’s earned, only makes you want to pry more stories from the man; not like you don’t have to try. Simply asking about his stories leads to at least an hour-long spill of them from the guy.

And with his stories comes a few of your own. You don’t share much of them, knowing Gaz spreads them to the rest of the team with more dramatics to try to get you to interact with the others. Something you do learn about him that you always keep in mind from his stories is that his blood type is B Negative and shooting any dog, wild or not, makes him feel a bit guilty; he had to shoot one a while ago and apologised to the poor mutt after having to put it down to finish his mission.

With all that he’s shared and how the both of you see each other as brothers, it’s only fair that you let yourself talk to the others in the team. Though your words are short, along with your jokes being told quickly to distract yourself from the stressful situations, you allow yourself to slowly relax with the others. Gaz’s constant support helps you finally allow yourself to bond with your new team and family. It’s only after a mission that things change. 

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

“Take the left! Keep your heads down and keep movin’!” Captain Price’s voice rings out in your earpiece. Everything has gone to shit. The intel you’ve been getting was entirely a trap. You’re running through an underground tunnel, Ghost and another man named Roach is running in front of you.

Roach is a quiet man, never talking or letting out a sound, but semi-friendly. From his actions and what you’ve been told of him, he does his best to complete the missions to the tea. The few interactions you’ve had with him were silent but nice. Whether or not he’s mute has crossed your mind time and mind again but you don’t ask; you’d rather leave the man be. After all, he has become something like a friend maybe even another brother.

“Copy. We’re nearly out. Roach and [Redacted] are with me,” Ghost responds, quickening his pace. The rifle smacks against your back as you speed up to keep up with the other two men. Despite the situation, the three of you remain as calm as you can be.

“You’re bein’ tracked like a rabbit is by a hound, Ghost! Move it!” The captain’s orders are clear and the worry is read between the lines. If you three don’t get out, it’s a huge blow to 141. Not only that, but Soap loses his boyfriend, Gaz loses two of his best friends as well as brothers, you three lose your lives, and Task Force 141 loses three of its members. Dying isn’t an option here.

“We have company,” Your words are muffled by your gear but the two soldiers in front of you hear them in their own pieces.

“Fuckin’ hell-” Ghost’s sentence gets cut off by gunfire from behind. Turning around, you fire the Lachmann Sub in your possession.

“We gotta go! They’re gaining!” You clip one of the enemies in the shoulder and another is hit in the stomach. Picking up the speed, the three of you try to beat them out of the tunnel. You cover the back, hoping the two get out before you. If you get surrounded, it’s over.

Thankfully, they haven’t reached the other end of the tunnel as the three of your burst out of the exit. You grab a grenade, pull the pin and throw it in the tunnel. As soon as it leaves your hands, you’re running faster to get to Roach and Ghost before anything else can; one arm wraps around each of your teammates’ necks, dragging them down to the ground as the little metal bomb goes off. Debris flies everywhere, looking for an area to land after being shot out of its place.

With the tunnel exist now collapsed along with no more flying rock and metal, you release the men. “How copy?” Crackles through each of your earpieces. You knock your forearm into Roach’s upper arm, eyes crinkling from your smile. He gives you a grateful nod, standing. You smack Ghost’s arm as he stands, glad to have escaped the enemies for now.

“Tunnel’s collapsed. We’re good. Ready for extraction, Sir,” Blunt and straight to the point are the skull-masked man’s words.

“Good. Heli’s close by. Move to the edge of the town.” With the three of you alive, you can practically feel Captain Price’s relief.

“Copy that, Captain,” Your muffled response comes before Ghost can send in his own. He scans you from the corner of his eye but doesn’t give you a retort. You do, however, hear a small huff of air leave him. You throw your arm around Roach’s neck again, puffs of air leaving you from happiness, meanwhile, his arm comes around your back. Seems the three of you live another day.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

After that mission, Ghost tends to lurk around you more than he originally had. It didn’t help that Soap tends to tag along as well. Thankfully, he finds your jokes hilarious if the loud, boisterous laughter he lets out all the time tells you anything. His teasing ends up piling onto you as well. Before, it was light as well as spread out. Now, it’s almost like he’s talking to Ghost with all the teasing and flirting he now does with you. His boyfriend hardly seems concerned but rather encourages his behaviour. Of course, that doesn’t mean he goes easy on you when the two of your spar together. He’s dead serious when it comes to sparring; it’s only a reminder that while he does good off, he’s just as dangerous as the rest of them.

The two men seem to be fixated on wanting to help you out in training as well. More pointers plus tips are thrown your way when you practice with either of them. Sometimes, they’ll even make you coffee for those sleepless nights. Mentioning such things to Gaz and Roach only leads to your sworn brothers giving you knowing looks or a few teasing words; Gaz is the one with the teasing remarks while Roach pats your shoulder in a mocking but teasing “you poor man” way. Neither seems keen on wanting to spill the tea on why the Scottish and British men have been more affectionate.

While you enjoy their kind gestures, including their company, you’re not sure if you’re ready to admit to yourself, or them, about such feelings or relationships. On the surface, you truly do want to ask them if this is some sort of flirting schtick they have going on. Deep down though, the idea of being with anyone again makes your stomach fill with the lead. How could you enter another relationship? After the last one ended with your soon-to-be fiance’s brains splattered all over a brick wall. How can you move past that? How can you allow yourself to find someone like them? Or even better than them? The answer to that is a sigh alongside a bitter smile. The ring hiding under your tactical gloves seems to burn your skin. Truly, how can you let your first love go? After all, if you weren’t good enough to keep them alive, how can you keep these two from meeting the same gorey end?

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

“To think I’d find myself here… How fuckin’ funny,” You mumble. Another mission, this one just like all the others. Well, it would have been if you hadn’t been shot. The blood leaking from your leg alongside a knife wound to your side leave you in pain. Feeling weak isn’t something uncommon but neither is it constantly happening. Words are being spoken to you through your headset. You were to be the lookout but ended up being the enemy's first target.

“How copy?” Rings in your ears. Your eyes stare blankly in front of you. You feel pathetic. Too tired to talk. Too tired to get up. You just sit, popped up against a tree in the heavily wooded area. You’ve failed, failed, failed.

“C’mon, Mate, how do ya copy?” Soap’s voice is worried and winded. He and Ghost are the people you’ve been teamed up with and you’ve failed.

“[Redacted], how copy?” The next tone is Ghost’s. It sounds slightly strained.

“Mission Failed,” You croak, head tilted back and against the tree.

“Status report, Mate. Where are ya?” He’s rushing, possibly panicked now.

“Got two wounds. Gunshot to the thigh. Knife to the side. Bleeding pretty bad, Soap.” You close your eyes, sighing.

“State your location.” The Brit seems to be just as worried as his Scottish counterpart.

“Dunno. Woods. Against a tree… There’s a lot of blood. Feelin’ woozy.” When you open your eyes, your sight is blurred. You’re losing too much blood.

“Keep talkin’ to us then, yeah? You’ll make it out. We’ll get out together,” The Scot’s words, though hopeful, only make you scoff quietly.

“You know… If I get outta here… Think we can go out sometime? Bourbon and whiskey? The three of us?”

“When we get out, [Redacted]. There’s no if here,” The masked man makes it sound final like there’s no way you’ll die on them.

“Yeah… Yeah..” You don’t say anymore, everything slowly hazing away. It’s like your floating in winter with how cold you feel.

“[Redacted]? Don’t sleep! C’mon! Keep ya eyes open!” Soap’s words fade away along with everything else. All that waits is cold darkness.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

“So… Think you can handle our drinking date after this?” Soap perches on the side table, messing with a lighter he took from Ghost.

“After he’s healed, Johnny. No alcohol before,” A semi-scolding is all the man gets from the brooding Ghost. You laugh slightly, jostling your wounds. You wince but wave off the concerned looks you get.

“After I’m no longer full of holes, Johnny-boy.” You take a sip of water afterwards, making Soap frown playfully.

“And to think I was gonna bring out the good shit fer ya. A shame. A damn shame.” You gently shake your head. It was a close call but Ghost got to you before you completely bled out. From what you’ve been told by Gaz, who yelled at you for an hour after you woke up from your four-day sleep, Ghost and Soap dragged you back to the helicopter. Both refused to leave your side. Captain Price ended up having to yell at the men and bribe them with a bit of alcohol to get them to even go to their own rooms. You made sure to apologize to Gaz, hugging him tightly after his blow-up. He thought he was going to lose a friend and family member so you couldn’t blame him.

Roach gave you the cold should for a while before appearing in your room with a cup of coffee. He made sure to smack the back of your head for your stupidity as well, though it was hardly rough. You grabbed the man before he could so much as bolt though when he saw you getting up to hug him. He hadn’t pushed you away though. And the captain? It felt like you were a kid again with how he pinned you with his stare. He made sure to tell you exactly how he felt, going from angry, to disappointed, to angry again. Another guy you couldn’t blame anything on. But you get to live another day at least. And you get to have that date with the two guys who were able to grab ahold of your heart after a long-time of heartache and loss.

[acespadesisgay]

Yes I bought Cod Ghosts and the official burger king Xbox 360 game together, as it should be done.

My very strange combination of games i bought today for 15$

[would-they-listen-to-that]

Howdy there!

Could you do one for: Hawkeye Pierce (MASH) x Reader please :)

Thanks!!

‧₊˚🖇️✩ ₊˚🎧⊹♡ hello! and YES!! Hawkeye is one of mod's favorite characters in all of fiction, fun fact! M*A*S*H is also mod's favorite show! <3 For extra effect, please imagine Hawk singing these while he's drunk in the swamp (much to Beej's amusement and Charles's dismay).

Cheek to Cheek - Fred Astaire

You're the Top - Cole Porter

Happy Days are Here Again - Judy Garland

I've Got a Crush On You - Frank Sinatra

Swinging On a Start - Bing Crosby

I've Got the World On A String - Frank Sinatra

Fever - Peggy Lee

Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love) - Ella Fitzgerald

Give Me The Simple Life - June Christy

Old Cape Cod - Patti Page

thanks for dialing in!

[gunjackk]

couldn't be happier my grate aunt gave me her secret rescipe for Pet Spiced Buttered Chocolate Nutty Spicy Cheesy Hummus Guac Banana Jícama Radish Turnip Horseradish Pine Hazelnut Chestnut Brazil Nut Sweet Tofu Samosa Curry Pound Cake Jam Screwdriver Barbecue Soy Icing Ketchup Mayonnaise Mustard Cheese Meat Tomato Sauce Chili Ground Clam Crab Human Prawn Squid Shrimp Lobster Octopus Mussel Crayfish Cod Tuna Salmon Herring Anchovy Sardine Mackerel Fish Bacon Ham Spam Sausage Burger Patty Horse Chicken Foot Kangaroo Veal Goose Beef Venison Duck Balut Pork Liver Calf Brain Goat Lamb Mutton Stew Jello Pizza Mayochup Mayomust Mustketch Rue Ube Yam Dill Kale Lettuce Cauliflower Watercress Red Cabbage Kohlrabi Bok Choy Brussels Sprout Leek Mashed Pumpkin Chickpea Ghost X Bell Pepper Cayenne Tabasco Habanero Jalapeño Onion Shallot Garlic Peanut Wasabi Cocoa Vanilla Purple Potato Tea Leaf Ginger Root Herb Soybean Coffee Bean Artichoke Seaweed Mushroom White Button Scallion Salad Friends Shepherd's Pie Rice Soda Milkstank

Ingredants:

i dunno

[cheesy-mak]

cod x gow x ddlc because i live for crossover worlds

makarov and heimdall teaching sayori how to handle a gun (mostly makarov is while heimdall just watches lmfao)

makarov teaching her how to hold it properly, usually explaining it verbally and not physically, which ends up with sayori accidentally holding it in the wrong way

(she may or may not point it at herself to look down the gun, and makarov fucking freaks out if she does) (dw sayori its ok to get curious)

after teaching her how to handle the gun properly, makarov tells her to aim the gun at the target and shoot at it, and not even minutes later after showing her how to hold the gun properly, once she pulls the trigger, the recoil of the gun makes it fucking fling out of her hand and drop to the ground

s: AAH! oh,, it does that?

m: ..

h: ..

m: don't laugh, heimdall. (proceeds to walk over to sayori) yes, it does that, as it does contain some,, explosive material in the bullet which makes it shoot out said bullet when you pull the trigger--

h: (trying to hard not to laugh, my god heimdall please)

m: i'll fold you over like a shirt heimdall. anywho, that's why you need to hold it firmly and tight. (he holds onto the gun firmly, having a steady grip on it and shooting the target easily without the gun flying out)

s: ohh! okay, let me try!!

in which, sayori does master some guns after some time of practicing with makarov with both his and heimdall's supervision, her having knowledge on how to handle such guns like pistols and small firearms. but larger firearms such as rifles and others are yet to be learnt and practiced of by sayori.

[wiypt-writes]

Riding On

Ch21: Her Hooves Set The Beat, My Heart Sang The Song

Summary: There’s a feel good factor at the Gallagher-Adler’s as Alex hits another milestone, but their happy little bubble his shattered with some bad news at the stables, and Fliss is forced to say a heart-breaking goodbye…

Warnings: Bad language, 18+, animal death.

Pairing: Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

A/N: So, for those of you who don’t know, Heidi was actually real. She was my beloved horse of a lifetime who I lost in July 2018 to complications associated with old age. At 28 I she had a good life, and for the 20 years I had her she gave me everything. Writing this brought back a lot of memories and was quite therapeutic in a way, but if anyone wants to skip over it for fear of being triggered, I won’t be offended.

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Fliss Gallagher and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Riding On Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 20

 April 2020

“Go away!” Mary laughed, pushing Fliss’ arm as she tried to peek over at what she was writing on the piece of card upon which she’d been designing the Wedding Invitations.  “You can see when I’m done!”

Fliss chuckled and backed away, hands raised, palms up.

“Okay, okay.” She walked backwards a few steps before she turned and her eyes fell on Alex who was in his pack and play loudly banging some coloured blocks together. He looked up at her and gave a huge smile before he shuffled a little to the edge of his pen and reached up, curling his hands onto the sides. As Fliss watched, he tried to pull himself up into a standing position but only got so far before he landed on his butt, and waved his arms and legs shouting something in, what Frank called Bean-Babble. Fliss grinned and moved to pick him up.

“Not quite mastered that yet have you, baby?” She smiled, kissing his cheek.

Alex let out another loud squeal of contentment as he perched on her hip and she made her way over to the kitchen area. There, she settled him in his high chair and headed into the fridge to grab him an apple. Since he had started eating solids it had fast become apparent that he was particularly partial to the fruit, something Frank directly attributed to the fact that Fliss had eaten so many of them when she was pregnant thanks to her craving. Fliss carefully chopped the fruit into large pieces before she placed them down on the tray of his chair, kissing his soft hair again as Alex grabbed a slice in his hand and promptly jabbed it in his mouth, making appreciative noises.

Happy that he was content, Fliss then turned her attention to their dinner. She soon had the base of the cream and garlic sauce for the seafood linguini simmering nicely in the pan so she then turned her attention to shelling and de-veining the fresh, king prawns Frank had brought home the night before, along with chopping up the squid and cleaning the mussels before she turned her head and looked over to the table across the large family room.

“Mary, do you want mussels in yours?”

 “No, they taste like snot.” Came the simple response.

“You know what snot tastes like?” Fliss pulled a face. “Gross.”

Mary didn’t reply, her hand was busy scribbling on the paper. Fliss shrugged and placed some of the sauce into a separate pan before she dropped some of the seafood through to cook, before pulling a cod and mash potato puree out for Alex for his dinner. Whilst that was in the microwave, she tossed Mary’s sauce through some of the pasta, before sprinkling over a little bit of parmesan and setting it down on the breakfast bar.

“Mary, dinner.”

Mary hopped down from the table and made her way over to the counter. With a thanks to Fliss she tucked in as Fliss smiled and sat next to her, feeding Alex.

“What time is Dad home?” Mary asked.

“I’m actually expecting him any time now.” Fliss glanced at the clock. “He has no meetings tonight so he shouldn’t be too long. Did you want him for something? I can call him.”

“No, I was just curious.” Mary swallowed her mouthful of food. “Do you mind if I don’t ride tonight?”

 “No, of course not.” Fliss gave Alex another spoonful of his dinner before she turned to Mary. “Is everything ok, Stack? It’s not like you to pass up an opportunity to ride.”

“Well, I thought I could spend some time with Frank.” She shrugged. “I haven’t seen him properly this week.”

“I’m sure he’d appreciate that.” Fliss smiled, giving Alex more food.

 “Just figured if you’re at the stables and Alex is in bed, it’ll just be the two of us. No offense.”

“None taken.” Fliss chuckled, as Mary grinned and continued to eat. And she meant it. Over the past two weeks or so, Frank and Alan’s son had decided to expand a little and as such had been meeting with potential new suppliers, often working until later in the night, something Fliss knew was hard on him because it meant his time with the kids had really been limited to a quick hour over breakfast, the morning school and crèche drop offs and weekends. Fliss had assured him that the kids were fine, she was fine, and reminded him that he was doing this for the family, for their future but it didn’t stop him feeling guilty.

It was kind of ironic, when she thought about it. As she’d been expecting to feel the same guilt after going back to work full time but as she was self-employed, she’d been able to work her time-table quite well around the kids. She’d taken on another stable hand to help with the day to day chores leaving her free to teach more freelance in the area and school horses when they came to her for training. Joanne was now taking the group lessons completely, having passed her final teaching exams earlier that year, and Alex had settled really well into his day care, going two days a week to the centre round the corner from Mary’s school which had come recommended by Bonnie’s sister. The other two days a week Verity (and nine times outta ten Bill) came look after him or take him out, meaning on those days Fliss worked later- scheduling in evening lessons for clients as Verity would sort the kids dinner before Frank got home, and then on Friday, Fliss did her paperwork so Alex stayed with her . It was busy, and often required military planning as to who was picking which child up and when, but they worked it well, and Fliss had been very surprised at how easily they had picked it all up.

They continued chatting, and just as Mary had polished off her desert, Thor gave a little woof and padded to the back door as it opened and they heard Frank giving his usual jokey greeting.

“The boss is home.”

“Yeah I know, she made dinner.” Mary shot back and Fliss laughed, giving her a hi-five.

Frank walked into the main room and smiled at them both, giving Fliss a quick kiss before he ruffled Mary’s hair as she shoved him away, rolling her eyes, jumping off the stool to escape him.

“Good day?” He asked, and Fliss nodded.

“Yeah, not bad. You?”

“Busy, but productive. We got the final Price Lists negotiated so…” he trailed off, nodding to Alex who was smiling at him. “Looks like he enjoyed dinner.”

“So did Mary.” Fliss mused, nodding to the empty place on the side. “She ate a full dish of linguini and a massive piece of Mum’s chocolate cake. Think she’s going through another growth spurt.”

“Great, more clothes to buy.”

Fliss chuckled as she fed Alex the last of his peach and apple puree before she reached for a baby wipe and scrubbed his face and hands clean, much to the baby’s annoyance. She stood up to clear away his dish, leaving the spoon in Alex’s hand as he was busy banging it against the tray of his chair. Frank sat down on the stool she’d vacated, kissing Alex’s head. .

“Hey, Pal. Meet any hot girls today at crèche?” He asked. Alex shrieked in response, banging the spoon harder and Frank nodded. “Oh really? Well, you play it cool and she’ll be putty in your hands.”

“Like I was in yours?” Fliss asked, turning to face him and Frank grinned as he settled on the stool.

“Think we both know it was the other way round.”

“Don’t you forget it.” She smirked a little.

“Like I’d have a chance.” Frank winked at her and Fliss smiled.

“Do you want your dinner now or-“

“Oh, can I show you the invitation first?” Mary suddenly piped up from across the room and Fliss nodded.

“Sure.”

She jumped off the table at the chair and approached them, placing the card on the breakfast bar in front of Frank. Fliss stood behind Frank, her hands sliding round his shoulders as she kissed his cheek, both of them glancing down at the design Mary had come up with. 

The front was a simple square piece of card. Across the top Mary had cut letters out of a magazine to spell out the words “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED” and underneath it she’d stuck a copy of a photo of the four of them which had clearly been taken at Bill and Verity’s a few weeks ago. Mary and Alex were both looking at the camera, whereas Frank and Fliss were both laughing as they looked at each other as Frank held Alex, the baby’s back to his chest, supporting under his butt with one arm, the other held across his front.

“Where did you get that?” Frank asked, grinning as he looked at it.

“Poppa Bill.” Mary looked at him. “He said it was like the five thousandth attempt at trying to get us all to look at the camera.”

“That was Frank’s fault.” Fliss laughed, “He kept nipping my ass.”

Frank shrugged, before Fliss spotted one of his arms snaking backwards, blatantly intending on doing the same and she slapped his hand, making him give a dirty chuckle as he pulled it away.

“Turn it over!” Mary urged. Frank obliged and they both smiled instantly at the back. It was written in Mary’s untidy writing, in bright multi-coloured felt tip.

“Oh Mary, this is just what I wanted!” Fliss grinned. “For it to look bright and unique.”

“You haven’t read it yet.” She looked up at Fliss rolling her eyes, but before she could comment Frank started to laugh as he had and his chuckles continued as Fliss read the words out-loud.

“Mary and Alex Adler would like to invite you to their Mom and Dad’s wedding.” Fliss took a deep breath at the word, looking at Mary who gave her a small smile. Whilst Mary had referred to Fliss when talking to other people as her mom, she’d never actually used the word directly to Fliss yet. But, now wasn’t the time to dig into that. Fliss cleared her throat and read on “Frank and Fliss met at the stables. Frank was smitten, Fliss was too. But they were too dumb to admit it straight away. And then Frank took her sailing (not driving) on a speedboat. They kissed, made a baby and now it’s time for a party. (And a wedding too).”

Fliss burst out laughing, as Frank tried to gain enough control to read the final bit at the bottom, which was situated underneath the details of time and venues, before it went on to state their address.

“RSVP to Mary (not Alex, because he can’t read!)” He managed to wheeze out, wiping at his eyes. “Oh, Stack, you’re killing me.”

“You like it?” She grinned and Frank nodded.

“Mary.” Fliss’ laughter died down as she took a deep breath. “It’s absolutely perfect!”

Once they had finished laughing at Mary’s Invitation Prototype, Fliss and Frank ate dinner together, Mary chatting away to the pair of them as she sat at the end of the breakfast bar, sipping a milkshake, informing them both about her day, before Frank took Alex to get him bathed and changed into his pyjamas.

“This bath is supposed to be for you.” Frank grumbled as Alex enthusiastically splashed at the water with his little hands, those little babbling noises emitting from his mouth as he glanced up at Frank with his big blue eyes, making another sound that could almost have been interpreted as a question. Which, maybe it was. “You heard me.” Frank looked at him. Alex studied his dad for a second before continuing with his splashing, laughing loudly as he tossed a plastic boat to the end of the tub before he stretched towards it, then realising he couldn’t reach the toy, promptly burst into tears.

“Seriously, Pal?” Frank rolled his eyes, stretching his right hand over to retrieve the precious item. As soon as he passed it back, the over the top tears stopped and Frank raised an eyebrow. “If you wanted it so badly why did you throw it away in the first place?”

Alex responded with another noise, this one a gurgle and Frank nodded.

“Okay, understood.”

At that Alex looked at him, cocking his head to one side, making another puzzled noise and tossed the boat this time over the side of the bath, a grin spreading across his face as he studied his dad.  Frank arched an eyebrow. “You know, just because I love you doesn’t mean I sign up for this whole throw and fetch shit you got going on.” He picked up the toy and tossed it back into the water. “That’s Thor’s job.”

“You know, if his first word comes out a swear, you’re in deep trouble.” Fliss arched an eyebrow as Frank turned his head over his shoulder to look at her as she stood in the bathroom doorway. At the sight of his Mumma, Alex gave a huge grin and let out another gabble of noises.

“There are worst things it could be.” Frank shrugged, looking back at him.

“Like what?”

“Trump.” Frank deadpanned and Fliss let out a chuckle as once more the plastic boat came out of the tub onto the floor.

“Right, I think play-time is done pal.” Frank looked at Alex, who glanced up at him as he made sure to keep one hand behind his son’s back whilst reaching for his little hooded towel, which was patterned with tiny little ducks. “Come on.” No sooner had he lifted Alex out of the tub, the eight month old started to protest, dramatically, screams once more hitting Frank’s ears. “Oh, hush…” Frank chuckled as he lay him down on the towel before wrapping him in it and picking him up, rising to a stand and gently jiggling the now hysterical baby up and down.

“Anyone would think we’re tryin’a kill him, not simply dry him off after he’s spent fifteen minutes in the bath.” Frank rolled his eyes, an amused expression on his face at Alex’s dramatics.

“Well, he’s a right little water baby, aint you Bean?” Fliss leaned over to kiss Alex’s head as his cries suddenly died down as he had become instantly distracted with the buttons on Frank’s shirt. He made a little “oooh” of approval, his tiny fingers reaching to the ones near the collar. “Ha, look at that, he’s easily distracted, just like his daddy.”

“Yeah, well, I won’t deny, I quite like undoing your buttons.” Frank teased, dropping a kiss to her mouth. “Shall I dress him or do you wanna do it?”

Fliss took a deep breath, of course she wanted to dress him, she wanted to do everything for her baby, but she also knew that Frank had been out of the house early every morning and this was the first evening since Monday he’d made it home before bath time. With a smile she shook her head. “It's okay, you can do it. I’ll clean up in here.”

“Leave it, I’ll do it later.”

“It won’t take me five minutes. Then once I’m done and he’s settled, I’ll head over to the yard so I can ride and finish off. I won’t be too long, just an hour or so.”

“Then we got some us time?” Frank asked, almost pleaded and she smiled.

“Then we got some us time.”

“Perfect.” Frank gave her a soft smile before he kissed her again and carried Alex into the nursery. Before long he’d managed to wrestle a very wriggly baby into a clean diaper, a fresh romper suit and headed downstairs. Mary was now sat on the couch, her eyes glued to something on the TV as Fliss was warming Alex’s bottle up.

“You going with Fliss, Stack?”

No answer. With a raised brow he turned to look at Fliss who was biting her lip, trying not to laugh as he switched his attention back to Mary.

“Earth to Mary.”

With a groan she looked at him. “What?”

“Less of the attitude.” Frank looked at her. “I asked if you were going to ride?”

“Oh, erm…” She hesitated and Fliss chuckled.

“She wants to stay here and spend some time with you.” She smiled as Frank looked at her, then to Mary.

“Wow, me over Monty, I’m flattered.” He smirked. Mary rolled her eyes.

“Don’t get used to it, it’s only because I’ve not seen you properly this week to hang out.”

Frank snorted before he sighed. “I know, I’m sorry. It won’t be forever.”

“It’s fine.” Mary shrugged, her eyes back on the TV. “Not like I’m neglected, is it?”

“Good to know you feel that way.” Frank nodded seriously, before he caught Fliss’ eye and she gave him a wink.

He placed Alex down on the play mat in front of the TV and within seconds the baby had flipped himself over and pushed up onto his hands, rocking back a little onto his knees, emitting more excited noises.

“Mary, I’m just gonna grab a drink.” Frank looked at the Alex, before he turned to Mary. “Keep your eye on your brother will you?”

“Sure.” She shrugged, her attention now completely on the baby as she dropped onto the floor and shuffled over to him, talking to him as she did so.

Frank watched for a moment, giving a silent groan as Alex flopped gently down face first onto the mat.

“Oopsie!”  Mary grinned, and Frank braced himself for the dramatic screams, but they never came as this time, Alex managed to right himself and roll back over onto his back, giving Mary an excited grin and a loud shriek as Mary waggled one of the toys from the baby gym over the top of him.

Satisfied they were okay, Frank headed into the kitchen where Fliss was busy finishing off the lunches for the next morning, dropping a kiss to her cheek as he reached into the fridge, grabbing a beer.

 “You wanna do bedtime as you’ve not had chance this week?” Fliss asked, nodding to Alex’s bottle where it stood in the jug of boiling water.

“He’s my son, course I wanna.” Frank frowned as he looked at her, flipping the top off his beer. “You know, it’s not like I’ve been working late on purpose, Fliss.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Fliss narrowed her eyes at him as he took a long pull of his drink. “And you know it. So less of the shitty tone, thank you!”

“Sorry, Honey.” Frank sighed, dropping a kiss to her lips. “Just, well, I didn’t think Mary would have bothered as much as she had.”

“She’s fine.” Fliss shook her head. “And she isn’t bothered as such, she just wants to get you to herself for a little while. I mean, let’s face it, how often does she get chance to do that now?”

“True.” Frank nodded. “Maybe I should take her out on Saturday somewhere, just the two of us. Would you mind?”

“No, course not.” She shook her head. “I can take Alex down to the beach with Bonnie. You can always join us later on.”

“Yeah.” Frank nodded. “Sounds good.”

“And tonight, why don’t you spend a bit of time in the pool before she showers?” Fliss suggested, as she slid her hands up round his neck. “Then maybe when I get back, me and you could-“

But whatever filthy water-based shenanigans she was about to suggest, Frank never found out, as at that moment Mary let out a yell.

“Oh my God! Alex is crawling, quick!”

In a flash the parents rushed over to where Mary was sat at one side of the play-mat, waving Alex’s huge stuffed elephant at him, as he unsteadily made his way over to her, one hand and knee moving at a time.

“Frank, quick!” Fliss nudged him as she dropped to her knees behind Alex, her hands settling either side of his little body, getting ready to catch him if she needed to.  

“I got it…” Frank muttered, as he crouched next to Mary, his phone out. “Alex, buddy, you reckon you can make it all this way to Daddy, huh?”

Another few little movements later, Fliss’ sharp eyes saw the baby’s arms beginning to wobble and, just as they gave way she grabbed him and pulled him backwards, swinging him up and pressing her to his chest, smothering his face in kisses.

“My clever little man!” She beamed as Alex laughed, grabbing at her hair as she kissed him. “Oh my baby, you’re getting so big!”

Alex clearly decided that his crawling efforts were done for the day as he made no attempt try again as Fliss held him in position on the mat. With a shrug, she gently placed him on his back where he began to grab once more at the toys hanging over him.

“Obviously had enough excitement for one night.” Frank chuckled as he reached over and tickled the baby’s belly, drawing a gaggle of laughter from him.

“I’m so glad we all got to see it.” Fliss beamed round at them both and Mary nodded enthusiastically. “Right…” She rose to her feet. “I’m going to go ride and finish off. I’ll be back in an hour, hour and a half.”

Once she was gone, Frank turned to Mary. “Fancy playing in the pool for a bit before bed?”

“Errr, yeah!”

“Okay, well give me half an hour or so to get him down and then we’ll head out. I wanna see if you can master a back flip this time instead of a front one.”

***** Alex went down, as usual, with minimum fuss and once Frank was happy he was settled he changed into his swim shorts and headed downstairs. Grabbing the baby monitor screen from the side in the kitchen, he and Mary headed out to the pool, Mary wasting no time in cannon-balling straight in. Not one to shy down from a challenge, when Mary told him to beat her splash, he did just that. The two of them enjoyed a fun filled forty minutes or so, racing one another (Frank let Mary win a few, but not all) play fighting, diving and generally larking around as the sun dipped behind the eye-line of the fence and the lights in the pool kicked in, reflecting against the bright blue tiles which lined it.

Frank climbed out of the pool to check the time on his phone, and realising it was now almost eight, he told Mary it was time to get out. She protested, but he shot her a no-nonsense stare and with a loud groan about how unfair life was, she climbed out and Frank wrapped her in a towel before giving her a drink of water and then packing her off upstairs for a shower, promising her she could read in bed before lights off at nine.

He showered himself, pulling on a pair of sweats and a well-worn light blue T-Shirt, and by the time he had finished and headed across the landing to tuck Mary in, she was already out for the count. With a smile, he placed her book down on her night stand, gently kissed her head and then flicked off the lamp before he moved to the next room to check on Alex. He was also fast asleep.

He headed back downstairs, grabbed another beer and settled in front of the TV, giving a snort as he glanced at the time. It was now ten past nine. So much for Fliss being just an hour. No doubt she’d ended up chatting to one of the clients about something, as usual, which had delayed her locking up. Firing her a good humoured, sarcastic text about how he should grow a mane, tail and two extra legs so he could get a look in, he tossed the phone down onto the coffee table, frowning as it instantly began to light up. It was Fliss.

 “Hey, Honey, I was only joking, take as-“

“Frank, there’s something wrong with Heidi.” She cut him off, her voice cracking. “She’s got colic and it’s bad. I called the Vet and he’s on his way but she won’t get up. I can’t get her on her feet to try and walk her round she’s just…”

Frank took a deep breath, his stomach falling as he digested her words. He wasn’t clued up on a lot of horse lingo or issues, but he knew colic was fatal to some horses, depending on the severity. And even without the fact that Fliss was clearly concerned, he knew that with Heidi being as old as she was this wasn’t good.

“How long is the Vet going to be?” he asked.

“They said about half an hour, he’s on his way but as it’s night it’s an emergency call so he’s coming from home.” She took a deep breath. “Frank, I’m gonna lose her.”

“Look, you don’t know that for sure.” He placated her gently as he stood up from the sofa. “Listen, let me grab the kids and we’ll come over.”

“Frank, they’re sleeping.” She began to protest, “And Mary will be so upset to see Heidi like this, and if the vet has to put her to sleep then…”

“Then she’ll be mad as hell she didn’t get to say goodbye.” Frank reasoned as he made his way into the hallway. “I don’t want you over there on your own, sweetheart. Not if…”

There was a pause. “I don’t want to do it on my own either.” She whispered and he took a deep breath as he headed up the stairs, taking the steps two at a time.

“And you don’t hafta.” He replied. “Give me five minutes. Do you need anything else?”

“No, I got everything here.”

“Okay.” He nodded, pausing outside Mary’s bedroom. “We’ll be with you in five.”

She sniffed. “Thank you.”

Frank stuck his phone in the pocket of his sweats before he opened Mary’s door and headed over to her bed. Standing on the bottom rung of the ladder of the cabin he gently leaned over. She was led, facing away from him, face snuggled into her pillow as Fred lay by her side. He raised his head questioningly at Frank as he softly brushed Mary’s hair off her cheek, pressing a kiss to her face.

“Stack, hey…come on, wake up.” Mary gave a groan as she pulled her covers up further, her eyes still closed. Frank spoke a little louder, his hand softly shaking her shoulder. “Mary, sweetheart, I need you to wake up, come on.”

She stirred a little, before she rolled onto her back, blinking sleepily at him before she frowned.

“Frank, it’s still dark!” She glared at him and he bit back the smirk at the fact she’d reverted to Frank, not Dad. Something she always did when she felt he was being a jerk.

“I know you haven’t been asleep long, but Fliss is at the yard and we need to go be with her. Heidi isn’t well, the vet is on his way.”

At that she sat up, all tiredness evaporating from her system. “What’s wrong with her?”

“It’s colic, Sweetie.” Frank answered gently. “But Fliss is on her own, so I need you to get dressed whilst I grab Alex, okay?”

“Okay.” She nodded, and Frank smiled softly before he turned and headed over to the nursery which was quiet bar the soft sounds of Alex’s little baby snores. In the stream of light that illuminated the room from the landing, he could see his son sleeping, halfway down the crib, head tilted to the side, the pair of them meticulous in the way they set him down at night. He crossed the room and gently picked Alex up out of the crib, the baby giving a little sigh as he did so but other-wise remaining asleep. He grabbed a little fleece blanket and as he made his way back out into the hallway, Mary appeared in her jeans and a red t-shirt.  

“Why don’t you bring your laptop or something, just in case we’re there for a while and you get bored?” Frank asked. “You can sit in the office with Alex.”

“It’s downstairs.” She answered. “I’ll go grab it.”

They headed down stairs and Frank settled Alex in his stroller which was by the kitchen door as Mary grabbed her stuff. Frank slipped his feet into his sneakers as Mary stuffed on her boots and he wandered into the laundry room and found a warm top for them each.

“Frank it’s like almost summer outside.” Mary looked at him, “It’s hot!”

“I’m well aware of the climate, thanks.” He looked at her, stashing the hooded tops and cardigan on the underneath space of the stroller, before he made sure that Alex’s little blanket was set around his legs. “But it might get a little breezy if we’re there later.”

Truth be told he had no idea why he was taking them, other than the fact it felt like something he should do even though it was still in the low 70s at night. He was a little lost, this was something he’d never dealt with before, and there was a sick feeling in his stomach that it wasn’t going to end well. But, there was no point worrying about it until they knew what they were dealing with. He had to be strong, be calm. Taking a deep breath he looked at Mary and nodded. “Get the door, Stack.”

By the time they had reached the Yard, Fliss had managed to coax Heidi to her feet. As Frank and Mary walked round the side of the barn Fliss was heading to the paddock, Heidi trudging behind her.

“Hey.” Frank looked at her, and she gave him a tight smile, not stopping.

“I’m sorry, but if I stop she’ll…” She began to explain but Frank waved her away.

“Do what you gotta do.” He watched as she cast a look over her shoulder. “I’ll settle these two in the office and then I’ll be out.”

After doing just that, instructing Mary to keep an eye on Alex and promising her he would come get her once they knew what was going on, he wandered back to the paddock and without a word simply took Fliss' hand in his as she continued walking Heidi. Frank could hear the horse was making grunting noises and every so often tried to stop and kick at her stomach, but Fliss kept walking, her face set. She didn’t say much, making a little small talk, but Frank simply stayed by her side as every so often they changed direction.

“Where the hell is this vet?” Fliss gave an exasperated sigh and looked around, almost as if she expected to see him.

“It’s not been that long yet, Sweetheart.” Frank soothed her.

“Well it feels like forever.”

Frank kissed her head as they continued walking and about five minutes later a dark blue Hyundai pulled up the drive and Fliss let out a sigh of relief as she saw it was Scott, their usual vet and not some random on-call one. She led Heidi onto the main area of the yard, the horse rapidly becoming even more agitated. Fliss gently ran her hand down her neck, as she turned to Scott and gave him a quick low down and he nodded, patting Heidi.

“Okay old girl, let’s see what’s going on…” Scott hooked the stethoscope into his ears and moved to listen to her belly, taking a deep breath as he looked at Fliss. “Yeah, there’s absolutely no gut noise at all. It’s definitely colic, but you know that already…” he unhooked the ear pieces, leaving the item hanging around his neck before he moved to her head and examined her nose to get a look at the mucas membrane colour, then did a quick check on her gums which Frank noticed were pale instead of the usual pink.

“She’s in shock.” Fliss sniffed a little, noticing the change in colour and Scott wrinkled his nose.

“Not uncommon if she’s in a bit of pain.” He stood back. “Okay, I’m going to give her an anti-spasmodic and some pain relief which should help, and a mild sedative so I can do an internal examination.”

 “Yeah, whatever you need to do.” Fliss nodded as Scott turned to head back to his car to prep what he needed.

“Internal examination?” Frank looked at Fliss, “Like, is he…” He mimed fisting something and despite herself, Fliss let out a snort of laughter.

“That’s exactly what he’s gonna do.” She shook her head as she gently stroked Heidi’s face, the mare giving another grunt and huff as she butted Fliss out of the way a little. “Still a sassbag, eh girl?”

“Like her mom.” Frank looked at Fliss and she shrugged, turning over her shoulder as the vet approached, two large syringes in his hand.

“Look, can you call my mum and dad?” Fliss looked at Frank. “I don’t think…well, Dad especially is going to want to be here if…”

“Sure.” Frank nodded and turned away, obligingly.

He wandered back into the office, Bill who answered the phone instantly asked him what was going on and when he explained he simply stated they would be there as soon as they could be and hung up.

“Is she going to be okay?” Mary asked, as Frank checked on Alex where he was still sleeping in his stroller.

“I honestly don’t know Stack, but as soon as I do I’ll tell you okay?”

“Okay.”

“You’re doing a good job in here, watching him.”

“Don’t patronise me, Dad.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s asleep, and I’m reading. Not like it’s hard.”

Frank blinked, before he gave a little scoff and turned to head back onto the yard.

The Vet was just finishing giving Heidi the first jab and he gently rubbed the horse’s neck and then nodded to Fliss.

“Okay so that’s the pain relief and anti-spasmodic administered. Take her back in the paddock and give her another couple of minutes’ walk round whilst it kicks in.”

Fliss nodded and led the horse away, waving off Frank’s offer to come with her, Thor trotting behind.

“What’s the chances, Scott?” Frank turned to the man and he pulled a face.

“It’s hard to say.” He sighed. “If she was younger I’d be optimistic but with horses that age, well everything like this can be a risk. If this doesn’t work then I’ll know more after I’ve done an internal.”

To their despair it didn’t work, and if anything after another minute of walking around Heidi had gotten even worse and her bright, chestnut coat was now damp with sweat, her chest area and parts of her chest covered in a thin sheen of white foam.

“Scott, she’s in agony.” Fliss sniffed as Frank curled an arm round her.

“The sedative will help more with the pain.” Scott assured Fliss, pulling out the second needle which he administered into the horses neck. “Atta girl. We’ll give that a minute to work.”

As Scott snapped on a pair of rubber gloves, Frank and Fliss both turned to look as they heard another car heading up the gravel driveway onto the yard. Verity and Bill appeared shortly after, exchanging a look before Bill headed straight to Heidi, giving her a soft stroke on the nose before Verity did the same.

“You okay, Titch?” Bill asked, dropping a kiss to her head and she swallowed.

“Not really.” Her eyes flicked to Scott as he moved behind Heidi whose head was now slumped down, resting on Fliss’ shoulder as the sedative had kicked in. No one spoke for a moment, before they all heard a heavy sigh from Scott as he pulled his arm back and shook his head.

“I’m sorry, Fliss.” He sighed, and immediately her face crumpled and she took a deep breath.

“Don’t say it, please.” She begged, her chest tightening painfully as her voice cracked.

“Her gut’s twisted. The only option is surgery, but given her age and the stress that would put on her heart…”

He trailed off as Fliss shook her head, wiping her nose on the back of her sleeve. “I’m not putting her through that.” She whispered, “It’s not fair. She’s too old.”

“In that case then, well, you know what I’m gonna say.” Scott dropped his head as Frank softly placed his hands between Fliss shoulder blades as she nodded and took a deep breath “I really am so sorry.”

“It isn’t your fault.” Fliss shook her head, sniffing loudly. “I don’t want her in pain longer than she needs to be. Can we…can we get on with it, please?”

The Vet nodded. “I won’t be able to arrange for her body to be collected until the morning.” He looked at Fliss who took a shuddering breath, more tears rolling down her face. “So errr, where do you want to….”

“Why don’t you use the barn at the back?” Bill cut in gently. “I can move the tractor out for the night. There’s enough room for her to go down peacefully and she can stay in there until someone can collect her.”

“Yeah, it’s clean in there and a soft landing for when…” Fliss took a deep breath before she began to cry as she pressed her face into her beloved horse’s neck, her shoulders shaking as Frank gently rubbed at her back.

“The kids are in the office.” He turned to Bill and Verity, “Mary’s gonna…”

“We’ll sort it.” Verity assured him. “I’ll take Alex back to the house.” She turned to Fliss and gave her arm a gently squeeze before she gently scratched at Heidi’s wither, her head bowing as she walked away.

The next five minutes passed in a blur for Fliss, and somehow she found herself in the barn at the back, as she led Heidi in, the mare following her faithfully.

“Do you want another couple of minutes?” Scott asked kindly.

“Just one, for us all to say goodbye.” Fliss nodded, as she stroked down Heidi’s nose, the tears pouring down her face. She turned to Mary who was stood with Frank, her eyes wet and Frank picked her up, carrying her over as the family crowded round.

“Goodbye, Heidi.” Mary sniffed, pressing a kiss to her nose as Frank gently gave the horse a scratch on the neck. “Frank says we all end up in the same place eventually, so we’ll see you again.”

At that Fliss let out a loud sob and clamped her hand over her face as she broke down. Bill wiped at his eyes as he dropped his arm round his daughter.

“Do you remember when we went to see her before we bought her?” He asked and Fliss let out a choked laugh. “She was in that field, and she came straight over, but so did that big black horse…”

“And she kicked it.” Fliss laughed. “Then she bit Steve. That’s why I picked her.”

At that Frank let out a soft chuckle.

“Yeah, he held a grudge about that, still does.” Bill smiled softly. “God, you had some moments with her. Falls, disagreements, battles of wills, but you got there in the end.”

“She’s been amazing.” Fliss smiled, pressing her nose to Heidi’s. “Turned herself inside out to please me. The best horse I could ever have had.”

Bill smiled, before he reached up and stroked Heidi’s face. “Night, old girl.”

At that he stepped back a little, the three of them plus the vet giving Fliss a moment alone with her old faithful.

“Dad’s right.” She smiled, her hand stoking Heidi’s nose, “You were an asshole for the first four months but, I knew you’d be special, I just had to get your trust. You gave me everything, baby girl, and I’ll never forget you. I’m gonna miss you so much. Your stupid temper tantrums if I don’t pay you enough attention, the fact you rule the pastures…” the tears poured freely down Fliss’ face as she took a shuddering breath, pressing her head to Heidi’s, taking a deep breath. “Sleep well.”

At that she turned to Scott and nodded, and he stepped forward.

“Okay, you’ve seen this before, right?”

“Yeah.” Fliss nodded, “But Mary hasn’t so…”

“Right, so, Mary, I’m gonna give her the first shot and that’s gonna knock her out pretty much, she’s likely to rock back and sit down like a dog before she flops sideways so, be prepared okay.”

“Kay…” Mary spoke in a quiet voice from where she stood in front of Frank. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and bent down.

“You sure you wanna watch this?”

Mary nodded. “Yeah. Heidi doesn’t know what’s going on. She should have her family here.”

Frank smiled, pressed a kiss to the top of her head and stood up, his hands remaining where they were as Bill gently strode forward and grabbed Thor’s collar, removing him from the barn and out of the way.

Within seconds of Scott administering the first injection, Heidi did just as Scott said. Fliss gently pushed back with the lead rope, guiding Heidi back and the horse fell onto her haunches before flopping sideways, her head landing heavily on the straw bales that Bill had positioned to cushion her blow.

With a loud sob Fliss dropped to her knees and cradled the horse’s head in her lap as Scott then bent over to give her the last injection.

“So now she’s just basically gonna fall asleep and never wake up.” He looked at Mary who nodded, giving a loud sniff as she reached up to grab Franks hand.

“You okay?” He asked and she nodded, wiping at her face with her other hand. Bill moved, dropping a large hand to the back of the small girl’s head as Fliss gently stroked Heidi’s face as the animal’s eyes closed.

With a final, laboured breath, the animal’s chest grew still and Scott bent over.

“She’s gone.” He looked at Fliss, who gave another loud sob, bending over to press her face into the side of Heidi’s cheek.

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix you.” She cried, her voice broken. “I’m so sorry.”

Frank was surprised to find his own eyes misting up, and as Mary turned to him, pressing her face into his T’shirt just above the waistband of his sweats, he glanced up at Bill who had tears trickling down his cheeks. He nodded to Frank who gently looked down at Mary, who stepped back and moved towards Bill as he opened his arms, allowing Frank to move into the barn.

“Hey, Lissy…come here.” He dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms round his girl who turned and pressed into him, her body wracked as she almost screamed out her sobs.

*****

It was pushing midnight before they made their way back to the house. Fliss had broken down once more as Frank and Bill had pulled the huge barn doors shut where Heidi’s body lay, covered by a tarp, ready for collection in the morning. The Vet had been nothing short of fantastic, as sympathetic and understanding as he could and for that Frank had thanked him profoundly as he’d been packing his kit up.  Without a word said between any of them, they walked down the little pathway and through the gate that connected into the gardens of the house and walked slowly across the gravel driveway. Fliss was walking a little ahead of them, every so often Frank would notice her hand falling to Thor’s head, almost as if she was checking her faithful dog was still with them as well.

She opened the back door which led into the mudroom and walked in, kicking off her boots and then headed into the family room where Verity was sat watching TV. She stood up immediately, took one look at Fliss and then she held her arms out.

“Mum…” Fliss choked and Verity swallowed, her own face creasing into sadness as Fliss stepped into the comfort of her mum’s arms, sniffing slightly.

“Oh, Sweetheart.” Verity pressed a kiss to her daughters head. “I know this is no consolation but she had the best life ever with you, she was so loved and looked after.”

Tearing his eyes away from Fliss, who continued to sniff softly as her mum held her, Frank gently turned to Mary who had tugged on his sleeve.

“You okay?” He asked, his hand gently cupping under her cheek and she shook her head.

“I’m just sad.”

“I know.” He agreed. “You will be for a while, and there’s nothing anyone can say or do that’s gonna make it better, but if you wanna talk about it…”

“No, I think I just wanna go to bed.” She shrugged slightly. “And give Fred a hug.”

“Alright.” He nodded. “You go up, I’ll come tuck you in, in a second.”

She nodded and then walked towards Fliss, hesitating a little, before she continued and gently reached up to lay her hand on Fliss’s elbow. Fliss broke away from her mum and turned to look at Mary, wiping her eyes. Mary blinked and Fliss gave her a soft smile, crouching down to give her a hug, kissing her head.

“I love you, Mom.” Mary’s voice cracked and Fliss pressed her face harder into her hair, pulling her even closer, before she pulled back a little bit and smiled.

“I love you too. And I’m proud of you. You were so brave then.”

Fliss straightened up as Mary walked from the room after bidding everyone a goodnight, before she turned to Frank who was watching her carefully, knowing from the way her face was crumpling that her emotions were about to boil over completely. “Frankie…she…” Fliss stuttered, her chest heaving as Frank stepped forward quickly. “She just…”

“I know…” He wrapped his arms round her and pulled her close as she began to sob, her face pressed into his t-shirt. He stood, his large arms holding her against him, one hand gently resting on the back of her neck, his thumb gently arching over the skin at the back of her ear as he slowly rocked her to-and-fro on the spot, pressing a kiss to her head.

“I’ll make us some tea.” Verity swallowed, and Frank looked at her gratefully as she passed, Bill following, the man gently squeezing Fliss’ shoulder. The room was silent apart from the clinking of mugs as Verity gathered the items she needed to make them all a drink, and Thor’s soft little whines of concern, the dog eventually sticking his head in between Frank and Fliss, nudging Fliss’s thigh with his nose, his noises of distress becoming more and more high pitched. Fliss looked down, Frank’s arm curling over her shoulder as she reached down and scratched behind his ear, before the dog stood on his hind legs, his large paws reaching Fliss’ shoulders as she stooped towards him as he gently licked the tears from her face, his noises dying down a little. Frank watched the animal, a warm feeling in his chest. He’d never seen him react in this way before. He knew from tales Fliss had told him that he’d often comforted her before once her shit bag ex had given her a battering, and he’d seen the dog seek her out when she was upset or worried, but never in such an overt way like this.

“I know you’re not keen on the idea.” Fliss sniffed, looking at Frank and he turned his eyes from the dog to her. “But, can he sleep on the end of the bed, just for tonight?”

Frank looked at her, then back to the dog. Having never had pets as a kid, the bond between a human and an animal was never something he’d really given a second thought to, that is until Mary had found Fred. But since meeting Fliss, seeing the way she was with Thor and her horses, seeing how Mary was with Monty, he’d started to really comprehend that the ties went beyond a simple love. They were bonds, bonds that transcended species, bonds that snaked their way around your heart and latched on with barbs and having one of those bonds wrenched away was not only excruciating but it was devastating.

In simple terms, it was like losing a member of your family, and that Frank could relate to. It was a physical pain, a searing knife which twisted in your heart every time you thought about the person you’d lost.

The lump in Frank’s throat grew even larger as he reached out and scratched Thor behind the ear, the dog turning to him and licking the underside of his forearm, his bushy tail wagging against Frank’s leg.

“I think we can make an exception for one night.” He smiled, looking at Fliss before he pressed a soft kiss to her temple.

*****

Frank was glad their bed was a kingsize. Whilst he never minded particularly that Thor would lounge on the bed with them before they were going to sleep, or in the mornings when they got up, having the big animal on there all night could have been a problem, but as it stood, the dog was perfectly happy to curl up round the peak in the covers which Fliss’ feet made, and she pointed out to Frank that he’d probably hop off and get on his basket at some point during the night.

“He used to do that, anyway.” She shrugged. “When I was in the annex that is. Asshole never let him on the bed. If he was ever away for a few days and I let him or Loki up, I used to have to change the bedding so he wouldn’t find out. One day I forgot and…well, you can figure the rest.”

“Shhhh.” Frank kissed her neck softly as he pulled her closer, her back pressing into his chest wrapping his arms around her. “Try and get some sleep, Sweetheart. It’s late.”

“Thank you.” She whispered.

“What for?”

“Just being you.” She let out a deep breath and turned her head so she could look at him.

“Well, that is one thing I’m pretty good at.” He quipped and Fliss gave a soft chuckle before she took a deep breath.

“I know you’re busy at the shop, but is there any chance you could start late tomorrow?” She asked him softly. “I don’t wanna be on my own when they come to take her.”

“I’m not going in tomorrow.” Frank shook his head. “And Mary’s not going to school. We’ve had a late and upsetting night so I think we should all take it easy, spend some family time together. I thought maybe we could go for a drive, head down to Bay Vista Park.” He suggested. “There’s plenty of shade to sit in. We can take a picnic, climb some trees, me and Mary can have a game of Ultimate Frisbee, perhaps a swim. Hey, we might even spot some manatees.”

“Sounds great.” Fliss agreed, turning her head back round and laying down on the pillow. It was silent for a while, and Frank thought she’d drifted off to sleep until he felt her take a shuddering breath and her shoulders began to shake.

“Hey, come on.” Frank pulled her closer, pressing another kiss to her neck and she turned in his arms, pressing her face into his chest.

“I can’t believe she’s gone.” Fliss sniffed, as Frank’s hand ran up and down her back.

“I’m sorry, Sweetheart. I wish there was something I could do to make this better.”

“This is helping, a little.” She spluttered and Frank gave a soft chuckle, kissing her head again.

“Then you can stay like this all night.” He replied, closing his eyes as he simply held her close.

Eventually, Frank felt Fliss’ breathing grow even, and even though he couldn’t see in the dark of their room he knew she was asleep.

“Night, Baby.” He whispered, kissing her forehead and at that he heard Thor give out a little huff as the dog hopped down off the bed, his basket creaking before there was a soft thud indicating he’d bedded down there.

And, as Frank drifted off, he couldn’t help smile at just how the faithful dog had waited until he knew his precious human was asleep before he left her side. 

***** Chapter 22

Dedicated to  my gorgeous, wonderful, bad tempered but oh-so-loyal and loving chestnut mare, Sandybrook Hideaway. Keep waiting on that rainbow bridge until I find you again.

[brokenpieces-72]

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Soap, to Ivy and Cami: Well aren’t you two lasses a couple of cutie-pies.~

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30 to 40 for the ask ☺️ xx

30: Last time you’ve criedLast Sunday 🙈31: Ketchup or mustard?Ketchup, I hate mustard32: Where are you from?Cork33: What are your Short and long term goals?Short term; pass my driving test, and learn a lot at placement. Long term; get a career I love, live in a place I love, settle down with someone who makes me happy and get a dog 😍34: Favorite subject in school English35: Ideal first dateI don't think I really have an idea first date, but I guess something nice and chilled, not too formal36: Longest relationship you’ve hadAlmost 2 years 💑37: Last person you texted has to save you from a burning building, who is it?My best friend 💖38: Last food you ate is now what you have to eat for the rest of your life. What     is it?Breaded cod, mashed potatoes, peas and white sauce 😂39: Soda or Pop?Neither, but if I absolutely had to pick I'd say soda 40: Who is your celebrity crush?Camila Cabello, J Cole, and more, but for some reason my brain's going blank 😂Thank you, I'm so sorry for taking so long to get to this! 💖 x

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WhatsApp here -> https://wa.me/917808195077 to order. 💥 FREE COD 💥 FREE Return & 100% Refund Catalog Name: Hand Blender - Electrical Hand Blender/Mixer/Egg Beater ⚡⚡ Quantity: Only 5 units available⚡⚡ Details: Description: It has 1 Piece of Electrical Hand Blender (2 Beaters & 2 Whiskers Included) Material: Plastic and Stainless Steel Dimension : 17.8 x 7.1 x 12.5 Power : 220 V 50/60 Hz 180 W Product Weight (in gm): 1000 Packaging Dimensions (in cm): 25 x 20 x 10 Total No. of Pieces: 1 Features: * 7 Speeds: Combine ingredients at speed one for slowly stirring in chunky ingredients, speed four for mashing potatoes, speed seven for beating egg whites and whipping meringue. * Lightweight mixers are designed for power with 7 speeds that are ideal for mixing, stirring, beating and whipping Designs: 3 Dispatch: 2-3 days 🚚 Delivery: Within 7 days (at India) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_bu7v0DcG7/?igshid=10phz323l5pf0

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New Trini-Jamaican Mash Up. Salt Cod Fish Fritters x sweet mango aioli, Mac Pie, you want this! by Chef @nadiasimoneday at @laslapnyc 74 Orchard St bet Broome & Grand (at Las’ Lap) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8b4AP-BfaT/?igshid=nsxv6yfl5fwn