#corey swan by hopeneverbroken

[simmingkatie-writes]

Corey and Ian walk along the small dirt path, their hands intertwined. Corey is talking a mile a minute, but honestly Ian isn’t hearing much of what he’s saying. Instead, he’s watching. 

He’s watching the way Corey’s eyes shine with excitement, his lips as they pull into different shapes. He’s watching his hair, shining in the specks of sunlight coming down through the trees. He’s so beautiful, he thinks.

As they walk, the sky begins to darken. Thunder rumbles in the distance. 

“Is it supposed to rain today?” Corey asks. This time his lips form a frown, and this is what draws Ian’s attention to his words. 

“I don’t think so… but then, we are in Glimmerbrook. I didn’t think to check the weather here,” Ian responds, gazing up at the sky. As he does, a large drop of water smacks into his face, just below his eye. “Oh… guess that answers that. We’d better find some place to keep dry.”

But Corey has already come to this conclusion. He’s excited, pointing ahead of them. 

“Ian, look! A greenhouse! We can stay dry there. Plus, we’ll be able to see all the cool plants!” Corey is racing ahead, towards the greenhouse. 

Hope the owners don’t mind us taking shelter here, Ian thinks, following Corey into the glass building.

They are surrounded by gorgeous plants of all kinds. The air feels cleaner in here, but also humid. The windows are cracked open at the top, swinging outward. They allow the smell of the rain in, without actually letting the rain reach their occupants. 

Corey walks through the greenhouse, gazing at all the plants. 

“I’ll bet you didn’t know this, but I really love plants. Flowers, especially.”

The rain pounds on the glass roof, slides off the windows. Thunder crackles overhead. It’s beautiful in its own way. But it pales next to the man Ian shares the greenhouse with. Ian settles on the brick of the greenhouse floor, watching Corey wander through the plants. He can’t think of any thing more he’d rather be doing, any one he’d rather be trapped in this greenhouse with. Truthfully, he wouldn’t even mind being stuck out in the rain with him.

After he’s seen all there is to see, Corey joins Ian on the floor. 

“Sorry I didn’t check the weather. I guess this must really suck for you, huh?” Corey says, looking a little embarrassed. 

“What? No way. This is amazing. I like plants, too. I just have a black thumb. I’ve never been able to grow anything. Not to mention…. There’s some really great company in here.” He wraps his arm around Corey, gazing into his eyes and smiling. Corey’s face turns red, and if it’s even possible, Ian thinks it makes him that much more beautiful.

“Corey?”

“Hmmm?”

“Would you mind terribly if I kissed you right now?”

But he didn’t get the chance. Corey was already kissing him.

@hopeneverbroken​

[simmingkatie]

Ian stood outside of Corey’s bedroom door, listening to the silence coming from within. He hadn’t seen Corey since eliminations, when he had left the balcony without a word to anyone. Ian was used to Corey being the bright light of the challenge, always smiling and bringing everyone’s morale up.

Now, hours later, Ian was worried. The house was quiet as others settled into bed. Ian tried to tell himself that maybe Corey had just been tired, and gone to bed early, but that didn’t feel right. No, something in his gut told him that this was more than that. 

Slowly, Ian lifted his hand and quietly knocked on the door. He pressed his ear to the door, listening for Corey’s sweet, chipper voice inviting him in. Instead, he was greeted by a gruff “what?” 

“Corey? It’s Ian… Are you okay?” Silence. There was no response. “Please, may I come in, sweetie?” Ian closed his eyes and listened harder. 

Finally, a soft “I guess so,” came, and Ian slowly opened the door. 

Corey was laying on his bed, turned away from the door. He didn’t turn to greet Ian as he entered. 

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Ian closed the bedroom door behind him quietly, but stood near it, not wanting to make Corey uncomfortable. Still, it was a moment before Corey replied.

“I just… need some time. To get myself together. I’m sure I’ll be okay in the morning.” His voice was raspy, like he’d been crying.

“Corey… sweetie, talk to me. Please, what’s wrong?” Ian was worried. He’d never seen Corey be anything other than a ball of energy and light. But then, did he really know Corey -or anyone in the house, for that matter- that well? They’d only known each other for a few days.

“The elimination ceremony.. It was just hard, is all. I was so scared. I really like you, Ian, and I’m not ready to go h-home,” finally, on the last word, Corey’s voice broke, and he began to sob. 

Forgetting all his reservations, Ian rushed to Corey and climbed into the bed with him, pulling Corey’s small frame against his own. 

“Shhh… please, please. It’s okay. You’re not going anywhere, sweetie. You think I’d let someone like you go? Please. Even I can see that you’re too good for me, no way am I letting you slip through my fingers,” Ian shushed him, holding him tightly. 

After a few minutes, Corey’s sobs quieted and his body relaxed against Ian’s. 

“Thank you, Ian…” He whispered. Ian could tell he was on the edge of sleep, his breathing becoming slow and steady. He smiled to himself, glad that he’d been able to help in Corey’s time of need. Slowly, he could feel sleep creeping up on him, too.

@hopeneverbroken​

[simmingkatie]

Ian stood on the large balcony, feeling the breeze on his face. His heart fluttered in his chest as he looked around at the 10 men before him. They were all kind, handsome, and respectable men. But today, he had to break two of their hearts. How had he gotten himself into this? 

Claire stepped forward and placed her hand on Ian's shoulder. 

"You can do this, Ian," she whispered to him. Her smile gave him courage, and he nodded. 

Taking a deep breath, Ian stepped forward and said, "You may attempt to extinguish your flames now."

10 men blew on their candles. 10 flames flickered. 2 went out.

[simmingkatie]

Claire sat on the front steps on the mansion, her face in her hand.  It had been a crazy day. As soon as she saw Ian and his candidates out the door, the surprises had begun. Now, she sat waiting for the boys to return in the quiet of the night.

It wasn’t long before their limo turned the corner. Claire stood and brushed herself off, making sure her outfit was in place. This would, after all, be on camera. The makeup crew had spent over and hour fixing her after the mess of this day, and she wanted them to be proud of their work.

The limo pulled to the curb and one by one, the handsome men tumbled out. They all looked happy, laughing as they chatted with each other. Ian was the last to exit the vehicle, and he smiled up at Claire. 

“Heya, sweetie! What’s up?” Behind his smile, Claire could see the confusion in his eyes. He knew something was up. 

“Good evening, gentlemen. I have an announcement to make, if you all wouldn’t mind giving me your attention for just a moment.” 

The crowd, for indeed it was a crowd, fell silent. Every eye was on her. It was a good thing Claire had never felt any stage fright. 

“Shortly after you left for Club Chez this morning, a water pipe burst in the upstairs bathroom. Why this happened is still unclear.” There were gasps all around, emotions seemed to range from mild surprise to sheer terror. Claire took a breath, silently prayed to the Watcher that she wouldn’t have any emotional breakdowns on her hands, and continued before anyone could truly panic.

“Please, don’t worry! We have gathered all of your belongings. Clothes and such have been sent for cleaning. Anyone who brought a laptop or other electronic device, we made sure to get those out before any damage could be done. Truly, if your things were not on the floor of your bedroom, they are fine! However… We are concerned about structural damage to the mansion, as well as damage done to the appliances in the kitchen. Not to mention we’re down at least one bathroom.” Claire was losing the crowd, she could tell. Murmurs were rising. She decided to toss the script she had been given out the window. 

“Hey, hey! Guys! Really, it’s okay. I promise. This is honestly a good thing for us all! The Bachelor has another mansion… In Del Sol Valley.”

“Hang on… We get to stay in the Del Sol Valley mansion!?” Ian was almost bouncing up and down in excitement. Claire laughed.

“Yes, Ian! Sure, we’re saying goodbye to the Oasis Springs Mansion. But honestly? The Del Sol Mansion is easily twice this size and has a view! Please, get excited! I sure am!”

[simmingkatie]

Ian lounged by the fire, his eyes closed and a smile on his lips. The day was going so well. So much better than it would have gone if they’d been out camping in the woods.  Bears lived in the woods. What on Earth had the producers been thinking, honestly? Were they trying to kill him? He took a long sip of his drink and sat listening to the fire crackle, the music softly playing over the speakers. It was nice to have this moment to himself in all the chaos.

From across the room, Enzo sat watching Ian. He looked so at peace, so handsome lit by the flames from the nearby fireplace. How could he interrupt a moment like that? Instead, he sat back, a silent observer. Everyone needed a moment to themselves sometimes. He’d let Ian have this one… Even if he hadn’t had much time with the bachelor. He had seen the way Ian was running himself ragged, trying to keep everyone happy and satisfied. He needed this moment of peace.

Corey walked in the lounge area, and glanced Ian’s way. Enzo wondered if he intended to go speak to him, and if he, Enzo, should stop him. Was that his place? But Corey just gazed at Ian for a moment, then came to sit next to Enzo.

“He looks so peaceful over there, doesn’t he? Be a shame to drag him back into the noise of the date.” Corey half whispered, smiling at Enzo.

“Indeed. I was thinking the same thing.” Enzo grinned. Corey sure was cute, and when he smiled that way… Well, Enzo almost felt at peace himself.

@thealienships @hopeneverbroken

[simmingkatie-writes]

The storm from Glimmerbrook rolled slowly into the valley. Thunder rumbled, and the sky flashed as if full of fireworks.

Inside, the group gathered, unbothered by the angry weather outside. 

They talked, laughed, and ate. As the storm raged, they bonded.

[simmingkatie]

No story post today, I’ve got to finish up poses and write the scenes, but enjoy this glorious shot of our boys. ♥