#drawing some French to stay awake

[mcyt-crack]

helep

[ellssbellss]

day 1

prompt: cuddling/nightmares

- @allaboutnalu - @thenaluarchive -

-> word count: 3.5k

-> summary: after a long solo mission, natsu collapses onto his hammock, ready for the day to be over. but his body won't let him rest, his mind instinctively drifting to a certain blonde mage. of course, he knew spending the night apart from her would stir up some longing in him, and that it would ignite his insomia into full flames.

but did he really want her with him so much that he conjured her into his living room?

or

natsu is always sneaking into lucy's bedroom, but what happens when the roles are reversed?

.oOo.

restless

Before he even opened his eyes, Natsu was awake. 

Which sucked, because considering he could hear the soft snores of his little buddy in the hammock next to his, he wasn’t supposed to be. Happy had always been the early riser between the two of them, knowing that the best time for fishing was when the sun was just barely dragging over the horizon. 

Still, he couldn’t help it. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the feeling of sudden alertness that had taken over his body. Slitting his eyes open, he stayed in the comfort of his hammock, ratty and worn and his. Having been sleeping on his side, he kept his arms around the pillow he was cuddling while surveying his environment. 

Growing up in the forests of who-knows-where ever since he was little blessed him with the instincts he carries with him today. He knows what it’s like to feel danger when it’s drawing near; a buzzing, hardening rock in the bottom of his stomach. 

This wasn’t that feeling. 

It was more of an excited awareness that had buzzed up to his brainstem. His gut told him something was coming, but he didn’t have to worry. He just needed to be awake when it arrived. Or, if it was already inside this hut he called a home, he needed to notice it. 

Sleepy emerald irises pondered over the rickety, cozy space he had previously labeled his safe haven. The dragon slayer could make out his clothes strewn over the couch and his dining chairs– well, chair– or the charred-over pieces of floorboard that peeked out under a rug that Lucy had picked out for him, saying that it would brighten the place up a bit. Some might disagree with him, considering the shoes on top of his kitchen counter and the pile of dry goods in his closet, but nothing seemed out of place. Not to him, anyway, because he knew where everything was. 

Huffing a breath of smoke, Natsu shrugged. Maybe it was his insomnia, rearing its ugly bed head for the fourth time this past week. It was a battle he never truly won. Being an energetic, sparking fire wizard who practically embodied the concept of carpe diem, sleep wasn’t something that came easy to him. Now, as the war of Alvarez ended with him questioning his own sense of identity and new nightmarish images of a certain celestial mage, it was practically nonexistent. 

The only way he got a goodnight sleep was when he was at Lucy’s apartment. 

Not only was her bed expensive, big, and soft as hell, but it usually came with a sleeping, safe key holder by his side. One that he could bring close to his chest when she was unaware, hearing her heart drum steadily in her chest under the moonlight that cascaded through her french window. Her scent drifted off of her in constant, jasmine waves; twisted with all kinds of perfumes and soaps, of course, but it was still her. 

Even just the thought of her sent his mind into a drowsy, dream-like state, and he stuffed his face into the pillow in his arms, already regretting his rash decision to not walk the rest of the way to her apartment. 

The mission he had gone on was long, sore, and without the blonde Heartfilia. So when he realized that the walk back would take him right to his own little hut that he had abandoned for an apartment building on Strawberry Street, his heavy legs brought him through his own front door. Placing the fur ball that was snoring on his head into well-worn blankets, Natsu took little time to kick off his shoes and fall into the bed of rope string, out like a light as soon as he hit the pillow. 

He, like always, would see Lucy in the morning. 

Closing his eyes, Natsu willed himself to relax. He had slept in this hammock many times, and it had been comfortable to him. Before he met Lucy, he was proud of the way the woven, coarse fabric dug into his skin, even if it itched throughout the night. Now, it simply didn’t feel right. 

He scoffed at the thought, shifting again over the rough strands. Right, before he met Lucy. Because everything about his life had changed after. 

Images of golden blonde raced into his mind, and he flipped onto his back, letting the sway of the hammock rock him back into his dreamless sleep, before that sense of alertness came back full force. 

And it brought a scent with it. 

Opening his eyes with a new surge of what the fuck?, he sniffed the air again, inhaling the faint trails of vanilla, morning dew, and jasmine that swirled into his home. Mavis, had he really been thinking about Lucy so much that he was imagining her smell, too? Had he hit his head too hard during his mission yesterday? 

He made a note to see Wendy tomorrow, see if she could find anything screwed up in his brain. Granted, that wasn’t already there. 

But then he heard a branch crack outside his window. Sensitive ears picked up crunching leaves and rustling dirt, and suddenly he wasn’t scared that he was crazy. 

Watching out of the corner of his eye as his front door creaked open gently, he wondered if Lucy was the crazy one. 

Clearly, she was trying to sneak in. His partner tip-toed in, highly aware of the rotting condition of his home’s structure. A sliver of moonlight followed her tense shoulders as she squirmed her way in, and he swallowed his laugh at the way she winced as the door shut behind her with a soft click. 

Immediately, her wide, doe eyes shot to him, lying on his back with a pillow under his head and arm, and he stayed incredibly still. When she saw he didn’t move, she relaxed against the doorframe, and he realized that she didn’t want to be caught. 

Lucy Heartfilia, proud provider of a Lucy Kick! whenever he so much as thought about sneaking through her window, was inching across his floorboards, her bunny slippers catching on the splintering wood. 

Oh, this was gonna be so good. 

He evened out his breathing, barely fluttering his eyelids so that he could see the shadows of her movement in the darkness. To her, he probably looked serene, totally unaware of the way she avoided the spots in his floor that were weak, practically hopping around in her loose sweatpants and small tank top. 

But little did she know that he was just waiting for the perfect moment. 

He couldn’t wait to see her face when he jumped at her, screaming something like “Gotcha!”...or “Fooled ya!”...or something. Whatever, he’d figure it out in the moment. Point is, it would knock her off her ass, and he’d have teasing material for days. 

The silhouette of the celestial mage continues her hopscotch across his living room, getting closer and closer to the hammock strung in one of the corners. She was coming over to him? Even better! Now he’d be able to see her up close when he pulled his joke. 

But he waited patiently, watching as she made her way over here. Gently hopping over a dip in the wood, she seemed to slip on one of his vests, and the smallest squeal left her lips as she nearly crashed to the ground. 

“Shit.” She breathed, her arms flailing as her body teetered. With incredible balance, she swayed on one foot until she was stable again. Hands over her mouth, she looked at Natsu first, finding he hadn’t moved an inch. Then, her eyes fell on Happy, who truly was out for the count. Nothing but a fish hand delivered by Carla could wake the exhausted Exceed before he chose to be. 

Natsu watched as her shoulders relaxed, long blonde strands brushing against the exposed skin as she made her way to him. He switched his positions casually, going back to laying on his side so that he could see her better, and relished in the mini heart attack it gave her before he settled in. 

Another relieved breath left her lungs, and she whispered into the darkness. “How does he do this every night?” She mumbled, swallowing nervously as she took one big step over a large pot with questionable liquid inside. “And didn’t I just clean this place up?”

The blonde mage uttered angrily once more, and Natsu resisted his smirk as his name was half-heartedly insulted under her breath. Her words meant nothing when she was literally sneaking into his house to be near him. 

Or to tell him something. Or to yell at him? The dragon slayer swallowed softly, resisting a confused glance at his partner when he realized he didn’t know why she was here. 

He had been so excited to see her, and to mess with her, he failed to question it. 

Was she angry at him? No, did she find the underwear that he had accidentally singed in his and Happy’s recent game of ‘Panty Ball’? He thought he hid it well, stuffed between the wall and her dresser where no one could see. It was her fault for coming back so late, leaving him with nothing to do. 

Internally, he groaned, noticing her form was just inches away now. Well, at least he’d have one moment of glory before he was banned from her apartment for life. 

Finally, her slippered feet made their way to the edge of his hammock, and his ears perked up at her sigh of relief. His barely open eyes watched as she ran her fingers gently over the fabric of his bed, so close to his skin but never touching it. 

She did it with so much tenderness that his plan to jump out at her was delayed, his curiosity taking over his chaotic urges. 

Moonlight cascaded through the window, giving a spotlight to her form as she looked down at him, or he assumed, as he could only see her legs from this angle. Was she just gonna stare at him all night? She was so weird. 

Then, she unknowingly answered his question as she carefully knelt beside him. 

Under her weight, the floors detested softly, and her neck came into view through his slitted lens. And his stomach launched into his throat as her hand gently, nervously, placed her delicate fingers over his heart. 

Her touch was soft but sure, and she made sure to only touch her fingertips to his sculpted skin, right where his pulse was the strongest. He watched as his best friend’s throat bobbed with a swallow, her attention on him as she watched his chest rise with each breath. 

Everything about her was so hesitant, so quiet and contained that he felt that alertness again, but this time it wasn’t a peaceful nudge into consciousness. It was a feeling of worry and slight panic. 

Then, through blurry focus, he saw her bottom lip quiver gently as the smell of salt filled the little air between them, and the feeling grew tenfold. 

Silently, Lucy was crying. 

All plans to prank her were thrown to the wind that blew lamely through the air. After a sharp intake of breath, Natsu grabbed her hand that was against his chest, the one that held her guild mark, and opened his eyes wide, sitting up with a jerk. 

“Lucy…” He hissed, crushed at the wetness in her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

Her brown eyes were blown wide, and she ripped her hand from his grasp as she fell back onto her butt, a loud ‘KYAA’ echoing into the forest. 

“Natsu! You scared me!” Following the silence of the midnight air, her voice fell into a hushed nag, and he cocked an eyebrow at her. Her voice started shrill, but then she lowered it as Natsu put a quick finger to his mouth, gesturing to the sleeping cat a few feet away. 

“Really? You sneak into my house, and start accusin’ me?” He lowers his finger, as well as his tone. “Why’re you cryin’, Luce?”

She swallowed wetly, scurrying back onto her feet as she hastily wiped at her eyes. “I’m not! And I didn’t sneak in, the door was unlocked, so…”

“Lucy.” The longer he looked at her, pale skin bathed in moonlight and shadows, the more he saw the redness of the corners of her eyes and the tips of her nose. He hears her hitched breaths, or how she sniffles wetly while tucking a hair behind her ear. It’s not that she’s crying now.

She had been. For who knows how long. 

“Please, I won’t even ask why you’re here. I swear.” He looks up to her as he leans on his elbow. “Just tell me why you’re cryin’.”

Lucy’s weight shifted, her left foot behind her and the other one forward, as if she was ready to run away at any moment. She fidgeted with her hands, looking into his eyes for a moment before blinking away her tears and shaking her head. “I…wow, I shouldn’t have come here.” 

Her shoulders shake with her pity laugh, and she runs her fingers through her yellow locks. “I’m sorry for waking you Natsu, I didn’t…I mean, I don’t know why I thought this was a good idea.” 

Before she turns on her heel, Natsu’s hand shoots out, stopping her in her tracks. She doesn’t turn around to look at him, but he still sends her a pleading pout anyway. He throws off his blanket, sitting properly on the swinging hammock underneath him. 

“Luce, stop.” His plea gets a turn of her head, a shudder of breath from his teammate. “C’mon. You know I won’t be able to sleep now, not after seeing you like this.” 

Her brown eyes finally meet his green ones, the hue catching onto the shine of the moon so perfectly because of her tears. There is so much yearning in her gaze that she can’t seem to put into words, so he makes it so she doesn’t have too. 

Pulling on her wrist, he brings her closer, and she doesn’t resist. Trudging towards the small hanging, woven canvas, Natsu helps her sit next to him, her feet dangling off the side. 

“Can we just…sit here for a second?” She asks quietly, looking straight ahead. 

He doesn’t take his eyes off her. “‘Course we can.” 

They fall back then, letting the hammock catch their backs, the force swaying the rope back and forth in a gentle motion. But when he goes to pull his hand away from her wrist, she grabs it. She brings his hand closer to her, her fingers wrapping around his wrist, and her thumb pressing into his pulse point. 

His own touch finds her other hand that’s curled into her side, and they sit there, looking up at the haphazard, but stable, roof overhead. 

Natsu counts about seventeen beats of his pulse against her skin before she takes a breath. 

“You didn’t come over tonight.” She says, barely above a whisper. 

“I got back from a job that kinda wrecked me, and this house was closest on the way back.” He explained, his own voice gravelly from sleep. “Figured I’d spend the night here and find you in the morning.” 

“Sorry I woke you then. Sounds like you need your sleep.” 

“Don’t be.” Natsu shook his head, squeezing her hand. “I couldn’t sleep anyways.” 

He felt her nod sympathetically, her thumb pressing deeper into his wrist. “Me either.” 

The dragon slayer looked back at her, watching as her eyes flitted over the dust particles flying across the moonbeams above. His eyes traced over her cheeks as she worried the inside of them, clearly debating whether or not to say more. 

So he decided to give her a push. “Why not?”

Her head rocked from side to side. “It’s stupid.” 

“Probably,” She shot him a glare only to see his crooked smile. “But give it a try anyway.” 

A long breath blew past her lips, and she looked down at their conjoined hands, watching as Natsu’s thumb absentmindedly ran over the pink symbol tattooed on her skin. 

“I,” She laughed wearily into the night air, seeming to already beat herself up for even saying this out loud. “I had a bad dream, so I didn’t want to be alone.” Lucy’s eyes rolled in their sockets, annoyed. “Like a child.” 

The fire dragon slayer hums next to her, facing the front. He knew what bad dreams were, what they meant to the wizards of his guild. They meant being surrounded by grief and loss; by scary amounts of blood that you just couldn’t stop, no matter how hard you tried. Especially after the war, he walked into the otherwise lively guild hall to see more and more tired faces, his family trying to process the emotional toll that his brother’s actions had taken. 

His jaw coiled as Lucy sniffed wetly. Natsu never wanted Lucy to go through that. If he had the choice, he would take every ounce of her hurt, every iota of fear and suffering so that she wouldn’t have to carry more pain then she already did. 

But he’d accepted long ago that she was a warrior who fought in the same battle he did, on his side no less. Without her, he wouldn’t be alive. He wouldn’t be able to hold her hand like this, swinging in the hammock of his makeshift home, surrounded by her constant irritated glances and unconditional love. Natsu roars through human lungs because of her; he loves through a beating, bloody heart because of what she did for him.  

So, if she had nightmares, or any other obstacle she couldn’t face alone, it didn’t matter what he wanted. He would give her what she needed. A dragonslayer by her side, ready to fight whenever she called. 

Her soft voice brought him out of his thoughts, and he squeezed her hand to let her know he was listening. “But I couldn’t help it. I saw you…you…” 

Lucy breathed a shuddering breath, and Natsu knew there would be tears in her eyes if he looked her way. So he didn’t. “You were gone, and I couldn’t bring you back.” 

“So, I had to come here, to see you and make sure that it wasn’t real. That your heart was beating and you didn’t leave me again.” Her voice dropped off at the end there, and his teeth almost broke with the crack in her voice. 

They swung there for a moment before the fire mage spoke again, his eyes tracing the brick of his roof. 

“You’re right,” The rasp in his tone was more pronounced, rumbling in his chest. “That’s pretty stupid.” 

Before Lucy could whip her head to him so hard her neck would crack, he broke his hand out of her grasp and placed it on her head. He pulled her into his chest, making sure her ear was right over his heart so that his partner could hear how loudly it drummed. 

The pink-haired boy heard her gasp, and he felt the cold of her tears dripping onto his skin, which evaporated almost immediately after. His other arm came around her shoulders, and he leaned back. Natsu adjusted them so they laid long ways in the hammock, pulling his blanket over them as he settled the celestial mage on his chest. 

“I told ya, Luce,” He reminded her, placing his chin on her hair. “We’re gonna be together from now on. So no one’s leavin’, alright?” 

Lucy froze in his hold before melting slightly, kicking off her bunny slippers as she molded herself to her partner’s torso. “Yeah, alright.” 

She snuggled into him more, clearly not in the mood to fight, or yell, or whatever weird thing she did when he brought her this close. Her skin was cold from her trek into the forest, so he pulled her closer, making sure the cheap quilt reached over her shoulders. 

Lucy fit into him with ease, like the shining, perfect key in his tarnished lock. 

His pillow that he was holding earlier in the night also fell to the ground, being replaced with an exhausted star spirit wizard, and he mentally slapped himself in the face for picking his ratty old apartment over the beauty and comfort in his arms. Slowly, they swung, until Natsu chuckled into the darkness. 

“We really gotta work on your sneakin��� skills, Luce.”

She slapped his chest, her voice slurred. “Shut up. Your floor is too crowded, there’s nowhere to step. You live in a pigsty.”

“You gotta be stealthy. Like a ninja.” 

She pulled on his scarf, and his cackle bounced off the poorly-constructed walls. “Shut up and go to sleep, Natsu.” 

Despite her tone, she snuggled into him more, her nose tickling the crook of his neck. “You’re such a pain.” 

He just laughed, letting one of his legs drop out of the hammock, making room as he pulled her even closer. 

When Happy woke up the next morning, with sunkissed colors of pink and gold streaming through the windows, he put his hands over his mouth at the sight, an evil laugh whizzing by his whiskers. 

hope you loved it as much as I love them lol, stay tuned tomorrow!

day two

[piastrixpole]

chapter five

pairing: oscar piastri x carlos sainz

genre: written, love island au

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Two days passed in relative calm, a strange lull that allowed the islanders to settle into a rhythm. The villa had grown quieter, with everyone getting used to the routines of villa life—sunbathing, chatting by the pool, and the occasional game to keep things lively. Oscar had found some peace in the mundanity, enjoying his conversations with Logan and banter with Alex, letting the tension with Carlos simmer down by staying as far away from him as possible. But, of course, nothing stayed quiet for long in the villa.

It was mid-afternoon, the sun hanging lazily over the horizon when the unmistakable chime of a text alert sounded. Carlos, stretched out on a lounger with his sunglasses perched on his nose, sat up and reached for his phone.

“I’ve got a text!” he called out, immediately drawing the attention of everyone lounging around.

The others, Oscar included, turned toward him as Carlos read the message aloud, his tone taking on an amused edge:

"Carlos, Alex, and Pierre. Francisca wants to get to know you better. Get ready for a date tonight, 7 p.m. sharp. Wear something that’ll make her heart race."

The sound of giggles, gasps, and whispers erupted across the villa as Carlos smirked, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief. Alex, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Oscar before cracking a grin. Meanwhile, Pierre, who had been quietly minding his own business on the opposite side of the pool, suddenly looked like he’d been jolted awake.

Oscar, however, felt his stomach drop slightly. “Here we go again,” he muttered under his breath, already bracing for whatever chaos this new bombshell was about to stir up. He leaned toward Logan, who was sitting beside him, eyebrow raised. “What d’you reckon? You think this Francisca will turn heads?”

Logan gave him a teasing nudge. “If Carlos is involved, there’s bound to be drama. But I’ve got nothing to worry about, right?” She winked playfully.

“Right, of course. I’m completely unbothered,” Oscar replied, though the truth was far less clear in his own mind.

Pierre’s voice suddenly cut through the noise, his French accent thick as he read his own text aloud, shaking his head in disbelief: “Francisca, huh? Well, I guess I’ll have to charm her.”

Alex let out a laugh, clearly more amused than concerned. “Looks like the villa’s about to get shaken up again. Let’s see what Francisca’s got in store for us.”

Oscar watched as Carlos, Alex, and Pierre exchanged excited glances. The three boys were now the centre of attention, and a fresh wave of speculation rippled through the villa. Whispers of "Who’s Francisca?" and "What’ll she be like?" circulated among the girls, all of them wondering if this new bombshell would upset the balance of the villa.

Oscar, meanwhile, couldn’t help but feel an odd sense of relief that his name hadn’t been in that text. But that didn’t stop the nagging thought that with Carlos going on a date, things were bound to get complicated—again.

The rest of the day was a haze for Oscar, his thoughts drifting back to Carlos more than he’d like to admit. Carlos, out on a date with Francisca. The visual kept coming back, like an annoying loop. He’d seen Carlos saunter off earlier, throwing his usual cocky grin over his shoulder as he headed out. It shouldn’t have bothered him. But he hated the thought that it did.

He found himself nodding along to Logan’s stories but feeling distant, not fully tuned in. She was talking about her course or a funny lecture incident—something he’d usually jump at to bond over—but his focus was fraying at the edges. A pang of guilt hit him every time he noticed his thoughts wandering, every time he forced himself back into the present with Logan.

Logan was kind, smart, and easy going, and he genuinely liked her. He wanted to like her even more, if only he could keep himself from wondering what Carlos was doing on that date. The whole mess of emotions left him unsettled, guilty that Logan wasn’t getting his full attention, and aggravated by the fact that someone else was drawing his thoughts away from her.

Oscar wouldn’t really consider himself a gossip, but here he was, sprawled out on the balcony with the girls as they speculated over every possible detail about Francisca’s upcoming dates. From below, the occasional clang of weights and banter from George and Daniel echoed as the two boys worked out in the makeshift gym. Oscar caught himself glancing down at them, mildly envious of their ease, especially since his mind had been stuck on Carlos and this new girl for the better part of the day.

"So, which one do you think she’ll actually go for?” Carmen asked, her tone light but interested as she absently adjusted the hem of her sundress.

“Carlos is an obvious choice, right?” Logan added, leaning forward with her hands wrapped around her knees. “I mean, he’s got that whole smouldering vibe, like I’m-dangerous-but-deep kind of thing.” Her comment drew laughter from the girls, and a flash of discomfort flickered across Oscar’s face. He’d never admit it, but hearing Carlos described in a way that sounded almost admiring didn’t sit well with him.

He forced a shrug, trying for a tone he hoped was casual. “Maybe she’s looking for more than… all that.” His voice was low, but the dry tone wasn’t lost on the girls. Maxine raised an eyebrow, catching his expression

“Right, right. Because you would know all about what’s deep and meaningful?” She grinned, nudging him playfully.

Oscar smirked, feigning aloofness as he stretched his arms back, letting his eyes wander across the villa grounds. “Hey, I’m just saying, there’s more to a person than perfect abs and an accent.”

Logan gave him a look, her eyes sparking with quiet humour. “You really don’t like him, do you?” She tilted her head, her curiosity now aimed at him instead of Carlos.

“It’s not that,” Oscar hedged, scratching the back of his neck. “Just… not feeling the hype, I guess.” He shifted uncomfortably, feeling Logan’s gaze linger on him as the conversation around them swirled with renewed energy.

Maxine raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto her lips. “Come on, you’re definitely at least a little threatened.”

“I just don’t trust him not to do anything shady.” Oscar shrugged, his voice gruff but his eyes darted away, betraying him.

The girls burst into knowing laughter, and Oscar rolled his eyes, trying to play it off even as he felt a faint flush creep up his neck. But despite his attempt at aloofness, he kept an ear on every whispered prediction, every speculative comment about how Carlos might dazzle Francisca on the date. He hated feeling this wound up about something he couldn’t control.

Logan leaned a little closer, her tone softer so only he could hear. “You know you’re allowed to care, right?”

Oscar looked at her, taken aback by the warmth in her expression. The hint of a smile tugged at her lips, and something about her gaze felt… understanding, almost comforting.

He sighed, finally conceding, if only to himself, that maybe Logan was onto something.

Oscar shifted, feeling the weight of her words sink in. Maybe it was the way she was looking at him, with a sincerity that made his defences feel flimsy. He didn’t have to play it off with Logan. She saw right through him anyway.

“Alright,” he muttered, just loud enough for her to hear. “Maybe I care a little. But only because—” he hesitated, searching for the right words, “—because it’d be annoying to see him go after someone else while he’s clearly been, y’know, eyeing you too.”

Logan’s expression softened, her eyes holding his with that same warmth. “I get it, really,” she said, her voice gentle, almost reassuring. “But if it helps, I’m not interested in being anyone’s second choice. Especially not Carlos’.” She gave him a nudge. “I’m here for my own reasons. Not to be a part of some conquest.”

The sincerity in her words felt like a relief, easing a bit of the tension Oscar hadn’t realized he’d been holding onto. He gave her a half-smile, feeling a bit of that infamous British reserve slip.

“Good,” he replied, his tone lighter now. “Because for what it’s worth, I think you’re way too smart for him. He doesn’t stand a chance.”

“Oh really?” Logan’s eyebrows raised, her voice amused but curious. “And who do you think I should be spending my time with, then?”

Oscar leaned back, arms stretching behind his head as he put on his most relaxed, unaffected expression. “Oh, I don’t know. Someone who won’t talk over you. Who’ll let you win an argument every now and then.” He winked, feeling more playful, more at ease. “Someone who’s just as interested in what you have to say as what you look like in a bikini.”

Logan laughed, her cheeks flushing a bit as she nudged him again, her smile wide. “Noted, Mr. Relationship Expert. I’ll keep an eye out.”

As the others continued to chat, Logan settled comfortably beside him, her shoulder brushing against his as they shared the occasional look or comment. Oscar could feel himself start to relax, the earlier tension melting into something easier, something that didn’t feel like he was always on the edge of a fight.

As dusk settled over the villa, a soft, golden light brushed over everything, casting long shadows and a warm glow on the gathered islanders. Oscar shifted on the outdoor couch, trying not to glance too often at the entrance, but the absence of Carlos, Pierre, and Alex lingered like an unspoken tension. The three were still out on their dates with Francisca, who seemed to have injected an unexpected energy into the villa without even being there.

Oscar let his mind wander. He wondered about this Francisca. Maybe she’d be loud and assertive, someone with an energy that filled the space, like Carmen or Charlotte. Or maybe she’d be more reserved, the type who got people leaning in to hear her better, mysterious in her quiet. He could see both types fitting in here, somehow. As curious as he was, a quiet sense of guilt kept him from voicing it out loud.

He cast a sidelong glance at Logan, who sat cross-legged next to him, chatting easily with Carmen and Charlotte. Things with Logan had been easy so far—effortless, even. She was witty and grounded, with just enough curiosity to match his, and he found himself looking forward to her company. But even so, it was early days. He wasn’t exactly ready to plant himself on one path without exploring all the others yet.

The conversation faded as heads turned at the sudden burst of laughter and chatter by the villa entrance. There, stepping into the golden glow of dusk, was Francisca, flanked by Carlos, Alex, and Pierre. She was stunning—caramel curls bouncing around her shoulders, warm tan skin, and a snug light blue dress that fit her with effortless confidence. She moved with an assuredness that made her presence impossible to ignore, and her loud, warm laughter filled the space as she exchanged an easy joke with Alex.

Francisca’s gaze swept over the group as they gathered around her, her brown eyes twinkling with mischief. She held herself with confidence, her brown eyes sparkling with something playful and daring as she took in the group.

Without hesitation, she moved towards the group, greeting everyone with a dazzling smile. “Alright, I hope you all weren’t having too much fun without us,” she said, glancing from face to face, her tone carrying a natural authority. There was something about her presence that seemed to pull the villa into her orbit, each of the islanders straightening up, intrigued.

She gave a lingering look to the girls, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips as if sizing them up with playful curiosity, then turned to the guys. When her gaze landed on Oscar, her eyes lit with interest. “You’re Oscar, right?”

Oscar nodded, not missing the slight uptick in her grin as she extended a hand toward him. He reached out, her grip firm yet warm.

“I’ve been hearing about you,” she said, tilting her head in a way that made her caramel curls fall to one side. There was a hint of something unspoken in her eyes, a subtle challenge.

Francisca leaned in just enough that her words were a soft murmur, barely audible to the others. “I don’t think you’d want to know everything,” she whispered, her lips quirking into a sly grin before letting her hand linger on his for just a second longer than necessary.

As she pulled back, Carlos shot Oscar a quick, unreadable look, his arm still hovering possessively near Francisca’s shoulder. But she had already turned, sweeping the group with her bold gaze, ready to leave her mark. And even though she’d just arrived, it was clear Francisca was already making herself at home, leaving a ripple of energy in her wake.

The islanders gathered around the firepit, a lively hum of anticipation thrumming through the group as they eyed Francisca, who sat comfortably in their midst. She stretched her arms along the back of her seat, taking her time as she looked at each of them, the edges of her lips curling into a playful smile. Even with the warm firelight casting shadows over her face, her confidence glowed. The villa was hers to command, and everyone knew it.

She paused, letting the suspense thicken. “Well,” she began, brushing a strand of caramel hair from her shoulder, “I, of course, think you’re all very attractive. Not quite as attractive as me, but hey—” she broke off with a wink, a quick flash of teeth as she grinned, drawing laughter from a few of the girls.

“Oh, she’s confident,” Logan murmured to Carmen, and Carmen nodded, arching an eyebrow with a grin.

Francisca’s gaze flitted to Logan briefly, reading the room as she leaned forward, her attention bouncing between Carlos, Pierre, and—unexpectedly—Oscar. Her smirk deepened as her gaze lingered on him, just long enough to turn his casual expression into one of surprise.

“But,” she continued, leaning forward, her caramel curls slipping over one shoulder, “I’ll be honest—I do have my eye on a few of you.”

Carlos, who was feigning indifference with his arm draped over the back of his seat, couldn’t hold back a small smirk as her gaze slid back his way. “Should we be worried?” he asked, raising an eyebrow, though his voice was light with amusement.

Francisca’s smile held a bit of a challenge. “Worried?” she mused, her voice playful. “Maybe. But only if you think you’re competition.” She directed this to Carlos with a glint in her eye, but her attention didn’t linger long—she moved on to Pierre, who met her look with an appreciative nod, and then back to Oscar, who shifted slightly under her gaze, trying to brush off the small jolt of surprise.

She lifted her chin, her tone dropping lower as she addressed the group. “I like people who know what they want,” she said, the words pointed, “and who aren’t afraid to go after it.”

Oscar found himself leaning back, a mix of curiosity and something else he couldn’t quite pinpoint simmering inside him. Despite himself, he couldn’t help but admire her confidence, even if he’d never admit it out loud. He glanced at Logan, who seemed equally intrigued yet wary, as if sizing up this new arrival who clearly wasn’t here to make friends.

In her subtle, almost invisible way, Francisca had thrown down a gauntlet, and every islander present felt the stakes of it, especially the boys.

Once they were satisfied with the content they had to create a dramatic segment of the following nights show, the producers ushered them over to a large table which Oscar hadn't even noticed them bringing outside and setting up. On top of it they had carefully arranged a game of beer pong and it didn't take a genius to figure out what was about to go down.

The islanders gathered around the long table set up in the garden, cups arranged into triangles on each end, glowing under the garden lights. The warm evening air was charged with a competitive energy as they split into two teams: boys versus girls. The laughter and teasing had already started before the game even kicked off, each side exchanging playful barbs as they jostled for position around the table.

Francisca positioned herself at the front of the girls' team, gaze fixed on the boys as she held up the first ping pong ball. She flashed a wicked smile. “Hope you boys are ready to lose,” she teased, flashing them a wink.

Carlos smirked, crossing his arms confidently. “We’ll see about that.”

Francisca’s aim was as good as her charm. The ball arced through the air and landed directly in one of the boys’ cups. Carlos picked it up, and with a dramatic sigh, flipped over the cup to reveal the dare inside: “Compliment your most attractive opponent…in the most dramatic way possible.”

He grinned, setting his sights on Logan. “Logan,” he started, his tone suddenly theatrical, “you’re the finest sight I’ve ever seen in this villa. Even the sun pales in comparison to you.” He placed a hand over his heart as he spoke, drawing exaggerated “oohs” and giggles from everyone.

Logan rolled her eyes, laughing as she took her turn. So much that she missed the easy shot with the distractions. In the background the rest of the boys were jeering loudly at Carlos for answering Logan and not Charlotte, teasing him that he was asking for trouble there.

Once the game had hit its stride, the dares grew even bolder, the flirtation intensifying as everyone got a little looser, laughing and teasing over each new prompt. It was Pierre’s turn, and he managed to sink a shot in one of the girls' cups. Francisca picked it up, glancing at the bottom of the cup and grinning mischievously as she read it aloud: “Act out three different sex positions with an islander of the opposite sex.”

The group erupted with laughter as Pierre dramatically clutched his chest in mock innocence, then caught Francisca’s eye. “Shall we, mademoiselle?” he asked, extending a hand to her.

Francisca tossed her curls, laughing as she accepted. If Oscar had learned anything about Pierre in the short time they'd been confined in the villa together it was that he seemed obsessed with bringing up the fact that doing it doggy style was his favourite position when having sex. So it was no surprise to him when he had the displeasure of witnessing Pierre get Francisca down on all fours in front of him. She matched his energy though.

They struck two more exaggerated poses, each more ridiculous than the last but none as passionate, at least on Pierre's end as the first. “I think that’s one way to leave an impression,” he grinned as they returned to their teams, leaving Francisca blushing and the rest of the villa in fits.

Carmen took her time as she approached the table, eyes alight as she prepared to take her shot. The girls cheered her on, and with a flick of her wrist, she sank the ball perfectly into one of the boys' cups. Daniel, smiling coyly, lifted it and peered at the bottom. He laughed as he read it aloud, “Show us your best party trick.”

Daniel leaned back, crossing his arms with a grin that showed he was more than ready for the challenge. “Alright, don’t blink,” he said, holding his drink aloft as he took a few steps back, scanning the group for a good spot.

With that, he dropped to the ground and started into a series of quick, slick breakdance moves, spinning on his back and then switching into a handstand with impressive ease. The group cheered him on, their laughter and shouts filling the villa’s garden as he went through each step with practiced skill. Just when everyone thought he’d finished, Daniel threw himself into one final spin, rolling back to his feet and striking a victory pose with a wink in Carmen’s direction.

The applause and laughter were immediate, the energy infectious. Carmen clapped, shaking her head with a look that was half impressed, half amused. “Guess you’ve got some moves, Daniel,” she teased, crossing her arms. “Didn’t expect that out of you.”

Daniel sauntered over, mock-bowing. “Glad I could keep you entertained,” he said, flashing a grin. The others nudged him playfully as they all huddled back around the table, still laughing and trading compliments about his unexpected skills.

Oscar chuckled, leaning over to Alex. “Did not expect that from him,” he whispered.

Alex shook his head. “Mate, I’d pay to see him try that sober.”

Just as Oscar was about to respond back to Alex he noticed Carlos shifting towards the front of the group. And suddenly all words left his mind. All his brain could zero in on was Carlos leaning forward, his eyes glinting with mischief as he tossed the ping pong ball, and with the luck of a seasoned flirt, it landed smoothly in one of the girls’ cups. Logan picked it up with a grin, reading the dare at the bottom. “Seductively chat up another islander.”

Carlos raised an eyebrow, locking eyes with Oscar, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Oscar, mate,” he said, voice dropping into a slow, playful drawl. “Hope you’re ready for this.”

The group’s collective cheers and teasing intensified as Carlos approached, clearly basking in the attention. Oscar shifted, a half-smile tugging at his lips, caught between amusement and embarrassment. Carlos moved back beside him, leaning in close enough that Oscar could feel the warmth of his presence. A beat passed, and then another, as Carlos tilted his head, looking at him through half-lidded eyes.

Oscar’s brows raised slightly, but he didn’t pull away, caught in the magnetism of the moment. Carlos’s hand casually found its way to the back of Oscar’s chair as he leaned in, his voice lowering. “You've been avoiding me hermoso...I can’t stop thinking about our little… moment after the recoupling,” he said, his fingers brushing lightly against Oscar’s shoulder. “If you’re interested, I could make it a bit less innocent next time.”

Oscar’s face heated as he tried to keep his composure. “You’re relentless, aren’t you?” he replied, a little breathless, knowing exactly what Carlos was hinting at.

Carlos’s hand found its way to Oscar’s lower back, fingertips barely grazing his skin. “Well, can you blame me?” he murmured, leaning even closer, his voice barely a whisper. “If I’d known you were this easy to ruffle, maybe I’d have chosen you at the firepit instead.”

Oscar swallowed, laughing to shake off the growing tension. “Yeah, I don’t think that would’ve gone over well with… everyone else.” He looked away, hoping Carlos couldn’t see the colour rising to his cheeks.

Carlos grinned, clearly enjoying the effect he was having. “Maybe. But I’d say you would've been worth it.” He winked, pulling back just enough to leave a lingering warmth on Oscar’s back, before sauntering away, leaving Oscar stunned and the group buzzing with laughter.

As the laughter around the table died down, Alex sidled up next to Oscar, keeping his voice low but his grin wide.

“Mate,” he murmured, nudging Oscar with his elbow, “you could cut the tension between you two with a knife.”

Oscar shot him a look, trying to play it off with a shrug, though the blush lingering on his face betrayed him. “You’re imagining things,” he muttered, attempting to sound casual, but Alex just chuckled knowingly.

“Oh, sure,” Alex said, his eyes twinkling. “I mean, it’s not like he just whispered sweet nothings in your ear in front of everyone. The whole villa’s practically swooning.”

Oscar huffed, rolling his eyes, but couldn’t quite stop the grin that tugged at the corner of his mouth. “He’s just messing around. That’s Carlos for you.”

“Maybe,” Alex replied with a smirk, “but I don’t see him doing that with anyone else, not even Charlotte.”

It was now time for Alex's turn and he found himself faced with a dare that made him pause—“Snog the islander you fancy the most that you’re not coupled up with.”

A ripple of laughter and gasps moved through the group as Alex raised his eyebrows and looked around, scanning his options in an exaggerated manner that made everyone laugh even more. But his eyes quickly settled on Lily, who had been watching him with an amused, teasing smile. There was no mistaking the spark between them.

“Well then,” he said, flashing her a grin as he stepped closer. “Guess I’ve got no choice but to follow the rules.”

Lily’s laughter softened into a smile, her eyes twinkling as he leaned in. There was a hint of anticipation on her face, but she held her ground, clearly up for the moment as Alex closed the gap between them. With the rest of the villa’s cheers and whistles in the background, he pressed his lips to hers, their kiss lingering just a bit longer than strictly necessary.

When they finally broke apart, Lily’s cheeks flushed, but her grin stayed steady. “Not bad,” she said, giving him a playful nudge.

Alex laughed, brushing it off like it was no big deal. But the way his eyes lingered on her even after he moved back to his spot told a different story. And if the rest of the villa noticed how their glances met every so often afterward, neither of them seemed to care.

As the game progressed, the atmosphere grew more electric with each round of beer pong. The playful banter and laughter echoed around the garden, but it was Daniel’s next turn that brought a fresh wave of excitement.

Charlotte who had taken centre stage for the girls retrieved the dare beneath the cup.

She squinted at the note, her lips curving into a playful grin. “Kiss the islander to your left,” she announced, glancing over at Logan, who was seated right next to her.

A ripple of anticipation ran through the group as Charlotte turned to face Logan, who raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. “Guess that’s me, then?” Logan replied, her tone teasing but playful.

“Looks like it,” Charlotte quipped, leaning closer, her eyes sparkling with delight. “You ready for this?”

Logan chuckled, her cheeks already tinged with a light pink. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to kiss the gorgeous Charlotte?”

“Flatterer,” Charlotte shot back, giggling as she leaned in, their faces just inches apart.

With a shared grin, they closed the distance, lips brushing softly at first, but quickly turning into a deeper kiss. Logan felt a thrill run through her as Charlotte's hands found their way to her waist, pulling her in closer.

“Not bad Logan, I think I understand why Oscar's so obsessed with you,” Charlotte murmured against Logan’s lips as they pulled back slightly, both breathless.

Logan giggled at that "shut up, I think I should be the one saying I totally get why Carlos stole you."

"Keep complimenting me and I'll do it again," Charlotte teased, playfully nudging Logan’s shoulder.

Maxine took that moment as an opportunity to interrupt as she gleefully whooped, her ball bouncing into a cup in front of George and even louder when he announced that the dare was that they had to swap clothes for the rest of the game.

"Come on then princess," Maxine teased "we can't wait to see you in a dress."

George raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. “Princess? I think you're just jealous that I'm going to pull off that dress better than you Max.”

“Right! Let’s make it quick,” she said, her excitement bubbling over. They glanced at each other, then bolted toward the villa, laughter trailing behind them as they dashed inside.

Once they were off camera, Maxine dashed into the bathroom, her heart racing with excitement. She yanked off the black dress that clung tightly to her frame, the fabric feeling warm against her skin. With a quick tug, she passed it outside through the slightly cracked door, a cheeky grin spreading across her face.

“Here you go, princess!” she called out, her voice teasing.

“Thanks, your majesty!” George replied, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. He quickly exchanged the dress for his shorts and linen shirt, pushing them through the gap in the door. Maxine could hear the rustle of fabric as he hurried to change.

“Make sure you do it justice!” she added, taking his shorts and linen shirt and throwing them on, eagerly waiting for her chance to see the results.

She covered her mouth in mock disbelief. “Oh my god, you look… actually kind of hot!” she exclaimed, unable to hold back her laughter. “I didn’t think you could pull off a dress like that!”

“Please, this is just the beginning. I’m going to rock this,” he said, doing a playful twirl that made the hem of the dress swish around him.

Maxine gestured down to George's shorts which were oversized on her and loose linen shirt "I think one wrong move in this and the shorts are going to fall off," Max joked "but I'm not showing my ass for free."

“You’re still cute, even in my baggy clothes,” George replied, giving her an exaggerated wink.

As Maxine and George stepped back into the garden, the laughter and banter of their fellow islanders filled the air. The warm glow of the string lights hung above them, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The rest of the group paused, turning to gawk at the two of them.

“Wow! Look at you two!” Charlotte exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight. “George, you absolutely slay that dress!”

“Thank you, darling!” George replied, striking another pose, letting the fabric drape dramatically as he tossed his hair back with flair.

Francisca giggled, clapping her hands in delight. “I can’t believe how good you look! Seriously, George, you might have found your true calling.” She shot him a teasing wink, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Maxine playfully pushed George to the side, stepping into the spotlight herself. “And let’s not forget about my stunning look!” She gave a twirl, the oversized shirt swaying around her. “Fashion week, here I come!”

“More like a fashion freak!” Daniel teased, leaning back on his elbows and laughing. “But I kind of love it. You both look ridiculous!”

George threw a mock-glare in Daniel's direction. “Ridiculous? I prefer ‘fabulous,’ thank you very much.”

Oscar, watching from the side, couldn’t help but chuckle. “You both should definitely consider a career change. This might be the best thing I’ve seen all day.”

“Speak for yourself!” Maxine shot back playfully. “I think you should get in on this too, Oscar! A little less boring, a little more daring.”

As the teasing continued, the islanders settled back into their playful banter, the atmosphere warm and vibrant. George and Maxine exchanged triumphant glances, relishing the light-hearted camaraderie they had fostered in their short time in the villa.

Then came Oscar’s turn, and he picked up a cup with a dare that made him raise an eyebrow, laughing to himself as he read aloud: “Give the shortest islander of the opposite sex a snog.”

There was no mistaking who that was. All eyes turned to Francisca, who flashed Oscar a playful look as she took a step toward him, tilting her head up expectantly "trust me, I give the best kisses, cariño.”

Oscar felt his heart race at the flirty nickname. “You think you can handle me, then?” he shot back, trying to keep his tone light even as his pulse quickened.

“Handle you? Oh, I have no doubt, guapo,” she purred, biting her lower lip for emphasis. “Let’s see if you can keep up with me, or if you’ll be left in the dust.”

She leaned in, closing the space between them, and pressed her lips against his in a playful yet electrifying kiss. The laughter and cheers of their friends faded into the background as Oscar felt himself melting into the moment, caught up in the magic of it all.

When they pulled away, Francisca’s smile was infectious. “See? I told you I give the best kisses,” she said, her voice laced with satisfaction. “Just wait until you find out what else I’m good at, guapo.”

Oscar chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. “I think I’m in trouble.” he thought to himself in the aftermath.

With only a few remaining cups before the game was won Oscar zoned out. The laughter echoed around him but he found himself momentarily lost in thought, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on him. The energy was vibrant, but in that moment, he felt a whirlwind of emotions swirling in his mind, leaving him both exhilarated and uneasy.

How had he ended up here, in this whirlwind of attraction and tension? Just weeks ago, he was living his ordinary life, blissfully unaware that Lando would approach him with the unexpected news. The idea of being on a reality show felt like a distant nightmare—one he had never really considered, let alone wanted. But somehow, the chance to escape his routine and explore something thrilling drew him in, despite the uncertainty. He had expected chaos, but he had never anticipated feeling so invested in the connections he was forming.

Logan’s warm smile flashed in his memory, her laughter like music to his ears. He couldn’t help but think about how easy it felt with her—like they were on the same wavelength. Their connection was undeniable, filled with shared glances and soft touches that lingered longer than necessary. Yet, doubt crept in. Was he leading her on? Could he really commit when his heart was still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions that Carlos had stirred in him? But then again nothing was set in stone between them. She seemed to have a connection with Charlotte during the game as they laughed and whispered together after sharing that kiss. Was she exploring other options too?

Carlos. Just the thought of him sent a rush of conflicting feelings through Oscar. The way Carlos had flirted with him, how they had stood so close after the recoupling, sparked something deep within him. His charismatic confidence had a way of disarming Oscar, making him question everything he thought he knew about himself. It was thrilling and terrifying all at once, and he found himself caught in a web of attraction that was hard to escape.

Then there was Francisca, the bombshell who had sauntered into the villa with a flirty energy that could light up the night sky. Their playful banter during the game had been intoxicating, and the kiss they had shared lingered on his lips, igniting a flutter in his stomach. But he felt guilty for the distraction she represented. Was he really allowing himself to get swept up in the chaos of it all while Logan waited for him to figure things out?

And Alex—his closest ally and confidant—had been watching the unfolding drama with a knowing smile, occasionally throwing him teasing glances whenever Carlos was around. Oscar had always appreciated Alex’s easy going nature and playful sense of humour, but lately, he found himself noticing how the sunlight caught the golden flecks in Alex’s eyes or how his laughter seemed to resonate deep within him. It was a feeling that made Oscar’s heart race in a completely different way.

As Oscar paced along the edge of the pool, he couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. There he was, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, trying to figure out what he wanted while also potentially crushing on his best mate. The thought was amusing yet terrifying. Could he really have a crush on Alex too? Maybe he was just being dramatic—this was a reality show after all.

Panic bubbled beneath the surface as he tried to process it all. The heart of the matter lay not just in the flirtation but in understanding his own desires before he could navigate the complicated landscape of love in the villa. He had to confront his feelings, not just for Logan or Carlos or Francisca, but for himself. What did he truly want?

With a determined exhale, Oscar resolved to take control of his narrative, to seek honesty in his relationships, and to be true to himself. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the villa, he knew he had to figure it out soon. Otherwise, he risked losing the one thing he had always valued: authenticity in a sea of pretence. In this whirlwind of emotions, Oscar found the clarity he needed; he had to embrace this unexpected journey and uncover the truth of what he desired amidst the chaos of the villa.

After all, whether it was a connection with Logan, the tension with Carlos, or the surprising attraction to Alex, Oscar knew that the journey was just beginning. And if nothing else, he was determined to make the most of this chaotic, beautiful mess he found himself in.

[khaleesiofalicante]

I had the best time at the Palace of Versailles and found a lot of inspo for LDV, so I thought I'd share some stuff with you too x

Here's the chapel where David's investiture took place. It's called the 'Palace Chapel' and has two floors. I researched about this when writing the fic. But it was amazing to see it in person! (that dude in the first pic was playing the piano by himself and it was so chilling)

The ceilings of the palace were something else (I could see David staying awake looking at these)

Albert's bedroom 🫣 (the king's chambers)

The Hall of Mirrors where cakegate happened!!!

I personally thought the Battle Gallery was prettier than the Hall of Mirrors. I can definitely see this being David's least favourite room (it's basically a big space with huge paintings about all the important battles)

For me, the best part of the palace is the gardens. I found a LOT of inspiration there. It was just the most beautiful and calming space. I definitely see David spending a lot of time there. We will definitely see it in LDV!

(Garden outside view)

(Garden inside and outside the maze)

One of the big things I confirmed during the tour is that the palace area itself has multiple palaces inside. Something like that. I definitely see Albert living in Versailles, and David living elsewhere - not in the 'main' palace.

The Grand Trianon is a château (palace!!) situated in the northwestern part of Versailles. It's around a 15 minute walk away from the main palace and historically it was for the dauphin (eldest son of a french king) or the princesses.

So, the Grand Trianon is where David would live. I spent quite a bit of time there - wondering what David would do in each room. Lots of inspo for his characterisation. It even had a music room!

Here are some pics I got there! Also, if you do go to Versailles, definitely recommend going to the Grand Trianon (you have to get seperate tickets for it)

David's bedchamber (spoiler alert - they fuck here oops)

Some rooms in David's palace, including the family drawing room and the war council room.

Some random things/aesthetics that I loved:

Finally, this particular bit hit me while I was walking so I quickly wrote it down in my phone.

One of my favourite things about the palace was all the gigantic portraits of the kings and queens. They are so beautiful and breathtaking. Some of my faves:

I saw these and thought, there'd definitely be one of David like this and this line hit me of when Max first sees David's official portrait.

Despite the ridiculous size of the painting, Max can’t help but feel that it somehow fits. It feels right.

The painting.

Because David isn’t meant to be shot on a camera or captured on a phone.

No. No. No.

His face is something that needs to be immortalized with effort.

He wonders who painted this. How long did it take them? Hours? Days? Weeks?

Did they paint it from a reference photo or did David pose for this?

Either way, it sounds like a good way to spend your time - to look at David and commit every inch of him to your memory.

Because he isn’t meant to be photographed. He is meant to be painted - with oil and colours and blood and sweat. 

Max wonders if he could take this home with him. If David breaks up with him today, then can Max take the portrait home as a consolation prize?

Could he take it back to the White House, put it up in his room and waste away looking at it for the rest of his life?

Not a bad way to go all things considered. 

[themadlostgirl]

NDY AU (9)

*Wow. Going back to the OG! Well OG adjacent since this is part of the little au I wrote but it doesn't matter. We're here! And that is another request off the books and finally done haunting my inbox!

I swear I know they are there and I had every intention of writing them sooner but time doesn't exist and suddenly a couple days turns into a couple months.*

Pairing: Peter Pan x fem|Reader

Prompt: A little bonus chapter to the end of the NDY AU I wrote forever ago. The curse is broken! (Fair warning it is a long post)

~~~

It is amazing how time can fly.

My life was about as normal as it could get considering everything. I went to school, went to work, did homework, went to bed. In between all the monotony of routine though was my single bright spot. Peter. My Peter.

Ever since we had met we had been inseparable. He had unlocked a part of me that I had never known was there. Something rebellious and wild and unashamed to be completely myself. I loved who I was when I was with him. It felt like I had been asleep for a long time and now I was finally awake.

My parents still didn’t approve of him no matter what I told them or what Peter did. They saw him as a nuisance and a terrible influence on me. I think they assumed that I would outgrow him at some point but they could not be more wrong. I loved him and if it weren’t for the fact that we had tried once and failed we would have run off together. Started a whole new life together just the two of us. It felt like forever ago.

Peter and I found ourselves now in the trailer that Peter had officially started staying in permanently after the whole mess with his dad happened. He had taken a generator and was keeping it warm and livable that way so he didn’t freeze to death in the winter. We were laying on the bed, not a strip of clothes between the two of us. I was stretched out across the covers and Peter was sitting cross legged next to me with one of his notebooks in hand.

No matter how many times we had done it since that first time on the beach I got such a thrill when we had sex now. Like it was some big forbidden thing we shouldn’t have been doing. Which was ridiculous considering how good it felt. I couldn’t sneak Peter into my house so we had taken to coming back to the trailer when we felt frisky.

As we had been laying there in the post coital glow I had spotted his notebook and asked him to draw me like one of his French girls. He didn’t understand the reference and I had to explain it was from a movie and in it the one character draws the female lead naked. He liked that idea very much. He liked it a little less when I kept singing Celine Dion and told me to lay still.

“Are you almost done?” I asked.

“Give me a minute, pet.” he said, “Perfection takes time.”

“I don’t need it to be perfect. The only people who are gonna see it are you and me.”

“It does need to be perfect because the figure that I am drawing is perfect. A perfect model and an imperfect drawing just won’t do.” he said with a smile. “Now stop wiggling. I swear I’m almost done. I’m just getting the shading right.”

I stayed still for a few more minutes before Peter declared his masterpiece done. I immediately sat up and asked to look at it. He handed me the notebook and I felt my face go hot as I looked at the picture. I knew that Peter was a good artist but I don’t think I was prepared for just how good a drawing it was. That definitely was me, naked as could be. Not a detail blurred or erased.

“I think this has to be my best portrait yet.” he leaned over, leaving a kiss on my shoulder. “What do you think?”

“It’s great. I’m actually a little shy now. It didn’t really occur to me how intently you were focused on me that entire time.”

“Hard to focus on anything else.” he turned my head to kiss me. “And now that I’ve immortalized you in graphite perhaps we can have some more fun.”

“Not likely.” I pushed him back. “We’ve been here forever and I need to get home.”

“Ugh!” he flopped back against the bed. “No. Stay here. We could both live here if we wanted. No having to run home, we can just stay in bed all day.”

“You are insatiable.” I rolled my eyes and stood up as I started searching for my clothes. “I will be back to see you tomorrow but if I don’t get home soon then my parents are going to be on my ass. So, are you going to keep pouting or are you gonna walk me home?”

“Fine. I’m coming.” Peter got out of bed too and started dressing. “Any plans for the weekend?”

“Babysitting.”

“Oh come on! Can’t you cancel? I thought you stopped taking weekend babysitting jobs.”

“I did. But Ms.Mills asked me to watch Henry. Henry is literally my only exception to my no weekends rule. Sorry.”

“Henry Mills. Stealing my girl.” Peter wrinkled his nose.

I tugged on my shoes. “Oh yes, the eleven year old is going to steal your girlfriend. The competition is fierce out here.”

“Is he still on that whole thing about all of us being characters from a fairy tale?”

“Yep. It’s been getting worse since his bio-mom came to town. I swear, the amount of times that kid has run off into things he shouldn’t be getting into is staggering. He doesn’t need a babysitter he needs a leash.” I linked my hand with Peter’s as we started the walk back into town.

“So much weird shit has been happening since she arrived.” Peter said. “I mean, Ms.Blanchard got accused of murder after being outed as a mistress. There was that fire at town hall. The sheriff died. It’s been bad. Don’t get me wrong the chaos is entertaining but it is a lot.”

“Yeah. Hopefully things will be winding down now.” I sighed. Peter saw me back to my house and kissed me goodbye before strolling back up the way he came. I went inside and had another uncomfortable dinner with my parents before absconding to the safety of my room. That was another thing, my relationship with my parents was never good but it had only been getting worse as of late. It was as if the thin veil of a functional family had been stripped away and we were left to come to a single conclusion. We couldn’t stand each other.

The idea of moving into that trailer with Peter sounded more pleasant by the hour. If it weren’t for the fact that I knew my parents would call someone on me to drag me back I may have taken him up on it.

The weekend came and I went over to watch Henry. He looked miserable poor kid. “Things not going well, buddy?” I asked.

“Not really,” he muttered. “No one believes me. I don’t know what to do to make them understand.”

I really didn’t get the whole storybook thing but I did know something about people not listening to me. My parents never listened when I tried to tell them Peter was a good guy. I could imagine Henry was feeling the same kind of frustration.

“Maybe I can help.” I told him. “You have a list of who you think who is, right? Let’s go over it again. Maybe if we can figure out who everyone is then it’ll help them understand it isn’t just a coincidence.”

“Maybe.” he said. He half-heartedly pulled out his book and a pad of paper. He started going over the ones he knew for sure. “You know, this entire time I realized I never tried figuring out who you were.” he turned to me.

“You think I’m in here too?” I asked.

“You have to be.” He said and started flipping through the stories. “I just don’t know which one. There’s not a lot of stories about teenagers in here. Tell me more about what you like to do. Who are your friends?”

“I like to read and I get good grades.” I said. “I uh…I don’t really have a whole lot of friends. I have a boyfriend though that I really love.”

“Boyfriend? Have you always had a boyfriend?”

“I don’t talk about him much. Not everyone likes him. They don’t see him as I do.”

“Who is it?”

“His name is Peter.”

“Peter…” Henry scratched his head. “Last name? Sometimes the entire name has clues.”

“Pangle. Peter Pangle.”

“Pangle? Really?”

“What?”

“What is he like? You said people don’t like him.”

“No. He’s a bit of a jerk. Immature. He likes to draw and his favorite book is Lord of the Flies. His favorite color is green. I don’t know Henry, any of this ringing any bells?”

“Immature, likes green and books about boys trapped on an island.” Peter’s eyes went wide. “And he’s your boyfriend?”

“Yes. What does this--” Henry ignored me as he started scribbling something down in his notebook. “What epiphany did you just have?”

“It’s just a hunch but I feel pretty good about it.” he showed me the page. “Your Peter is actually Peter Pan and since you are dating him then that most likely makes you Wendy Darling.”

“You think we’re Peter and Wendy?” I tried to bite back a laugh. “Doesn’t Wendy have brothers? I’m an only child.”

“Maybe the curse separated you.” Henry said. “But it makes sense. You take care of kids as a job and Wendy was taken to Neverland to be a mother figure to the Lost Boys. It makes sense.”

“Perhaps.” There was a part of me that was kind of hoping that Henry’s theory about who I was would unlock something but I could only shrug. Wendy Darling? It didn’t feel right. Peter though…he does have a lot of similar traits to Peter Pan now that I think about it. If anything this would be something entertaining to tell him about later when I saw him.

After I was done babysitting Henry I returned home and stayed up late talking to Peter over the phone. I told him about Henry’s theory and I could hear him groaning over the phone. “Peter Pan? Really?”

“Oh shush, it could have been worse. You could have been Pinocchio or something.” I told him.

“I only have one kind of wood on me.” Peter said.

“You are disgusting and a pervert. I’m going to bed now.”

“Oh come on ‘Wendy’” he teased, “Don’t hang up on me. I want to talk more.”

“Don’t call me Wendy. And I would love to stay up longer but I really am tired.” I yawned to emphasize my point. “I’ll talk to you in the morning, okay?”

“Okay. Goodnight, pet. Love you.”

“Night. Love you too.” I hit end call and rolled over to go to sleep.

The next day more chaos ensued in town. I was sitting at home, book in hand when I heard sirens going blaring down the street. What emergency was happening now? I went to ask my mom and she informed me that one of her friends in the hospital said that Henry Mills had been taken to the ER after having fallen unconscious due to some unknown factor.

“Oh god, poor Henry.” my heart went out to him. He was a good kid. I really hoped that he would come out of this alright. I decided to go check on him and went to the hospital.

It was strange seeing him laid up in bed with all the tubes and wires surrounding him. He was so still. I had always known Henry to be so full of life. This was wrong. He couldn’t die like this. He needed to live. It was so important that he lived!

I didn’t stay long. I couldn’t stay there and see him like that. I didn’t want to go home either so I decided to kick around on the beach, watch the waves lap at the shore. What I would have given for a balmy beach and warm white sand. Maybe one of these days when I finally graduated and could ditch this town.

It was as I was standing there looking out over the dreary grey of the dark ocean I felt something slam through me. It was like I had gotten hit by a wave and it left me staggering on my feet as memories slammed into my brain. An old life. My life.

My head shot up as I remembered who I was and where I had come from. I stared at the woods and started running. Peter! My Peter!

My legs kept pumping as I willed myself to go faster. I needed to find Peter. I had to!

My pace stumbled to a stop as I noticed something rushing over the forest floor and swallowing the trees in sinister purple fog. I could feel it in my bones, the way it tingled and set my hair on edge. This was magic. I braced knowing I couldn’t outrun it and instead let it encompass me. The rush of it fell over me and away as the fog dissipated and I was still standing where I had been. I was still here. Good. Hopefully that meant Peter was too.

I was rushing up the trail and saw someone barreling down the other way. “Peter!” I shouted. “Peter Pan!”

“Lost girl!” Peter ran to me and tackled me in a hug. “It’s you. It’s us! I remember!”

“I know.” I held him tight, scared to let him go. “Peter…Peter…”

“It’s alright, precious.” he pressed a kiss to my head. “We’re not going to be separated again. Never again.”

“Twenty eight years…” I felt like I couldn’t breathe. “We’ve been stuck here for twenty eight years.”

“I know. I know.” he soothed me. “But we had each other. Even that damn curse couldn’t keep us apart.”

“That it couldn’t.” Tears were leaking down my face. “Do you still remember our lives here?”

“Yes.” he wiped the tears away. “I remember you saying that you loved me.”

“Yeah…I guess I did.” I had been carefully dancing around that for decades back on Neverland. Yet a couple years stuck in a curse finally loosed the feeling from my tongue. “You said you loved me too though.”

Peter’s face went pink. “Right.” he cleared his throat. “I suppose I did.”

“Do you still feel that way or was that just the curse talking?” I asked, scared of the answer.

He softened, pulling me in for another kiss. “No precious, that was not the curse talking. I love you. I do. I swear.”

“Your word is your bond.” My face hurt from how wide I was smiling. “I know we’ve been here together this whole time but I feel like we were still miles apart.”

“Not anymore. Never again, lost girl.” Peter said. “I told you before when the curse was about to hit us that I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. It was only a matter of time until I found you.”

“And you were insufferable.”

“Yet you came around to my charms once again.”

“Somehow. How you can charm anything is a wonder.”

The smile on Peter’s face started to drop and darkness entered his eyes. “Peter? What’s wrong?”

“That fucker hurt you.” he said, his words like ice. “I’m going to go kill him.” he started walking back towards town, tugging me along.

“Who are you talking about?”

“The man this damn curse had me convinced was my father.” he growled, his grip on my hand almost painfully tight. “He hurt me. He hurt you. I’m going to kill him for that.”

“Oh…right.” I had almost forgotten about that. It seemed like a lifetime ago. How long ago was that even? It could have been years at this point but I simply couldn’t gauge when it happened. Still, the fear I had felt was real and so was the anger rushing through my veins now. “After we kill him can we return to Neverland?”

“Of course.” Peter’s smile turned cruel and calculating. “And there was one good thing about this curse, it gave us access right to the Heart of the Truest Believer.”

My heart skipped a beat as I realized he was right. “And I’m his trusted babysitter. I’m sure we could convince him to come with us. If the kid wants nothing else, it’s adventure. And what land is more perfect for that than Neverland?”

“Gods I’ve missed you.” he pulled me in again to plant a kiss on my cheek. “Come now, Lost Girl. We have a new game to play.”

(1) (Previous)

[ladythornofrivia]

The Imperfection of Sound

In a world of sound, reader is deaf. Until she meets Ran Haitani, who shows her that life is more than just hoping for a miracle.

Pair: Ran x Reader

Warnings: Mature Content, Inappropriate Moments and Adult Language. (if you’re under 18, you can’t read this). Spice. (Spice is nice 😏😎😉)

Author’s Note: For those who are sad from reading the last chapter—I’m sorry. Enjoy this chapter.

(Please report if someone decides to steal/plagiarize my story. And notify me. Thank you.)

Chapter 4: Heavenly

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Ran felt sick throughout the night. He couldn’t bear himself to stay awake, so fell asleep after drinking hot chocolate with chewy marshmallows. He cleansed himself in a lazy fashion—just unbraided his two braids and cleansed his face, brushed his teeth. Then for his outfit, he tossed it aside into the laundry basket for a clean pair of black boxers and loose grey-blue shirt.

He looked up at the mirror, the dark circles under his eyes were deeply outlined and shaded.

If only I’ve been straightforward with her like I did with the others. How I treated others. What made me hold back in the first place? Was I afraid over my confidence? Doubtful? I wish she could tell me. Damn, I hate miscommunication. I didn’t think she’d jump into conclusions. But then, all girls are self-conscious once they see something that makes them uncomfortable. If only I said, “I like you, (y/n), please be my girlfriend.” Everything would’ve been so much easier. I used to be careless of what I said, still sure of myself. What the hell happened to me? I should get some sleep. Tomorrow is a new chance.

Then Ran tucked himself into cold sheets, easing his anxious thoughts roaming. He breathed in…one, two…

Three.

Darkness enveloped him.

•••••

A suckling noise drained into his ears while dainty fingers slipped into up and down motions, kissing noises planted on him.

His throat grumbled, his back hand rubbed his eyes, forcing himself awake to someone straddling him on the bed. With a quick action, his eyes open at his own blanket, formed like a huge tent. When he grabbed the clouded bed sheets, it unveiled a girl. Not just any girl. It was you, pleasuring his long cock with your hungry and pretty mouth. Your hand is dainty compare to his thick girth, sliding in up and down motion still while your lips kissed the tip of his cock, as if French kissing it. The white leak coated on your tongue. Your eyes gazed at him with desire, not the innocent kind, despite your eyes try to claim as one.

“Such a naughty girl,” Ran said with a faint smirk. The widened pupils on his violet eyes relaxed. “Go on, princess, I want you feel my cock in your mouth.”

His hips thrust on your mouth, receiving a low moan droning from you, as you kept sucking his stiff cock, humming.

Usually, Ran met a couple of girls outside of the club. One thing in common girls liked to do is to be seductive towards him, with low hums and subtle touches here and there.

With a final shove into your hungry mouth, his hot semen spurted and drained passed through your throat. As he pulled it out, you swallowed every last liquid. Instantly, he grabbed and pulled you, sharing a deep languid kisses with him. His hand rested at the back of your head as he shoved his tongue against yours. Languid kisses became more lively and desperate—faster and hungrier.

Automatically you plunged his hardened cock into your wet folds, grinding fast as you could, then pounding your ass each time you came down from riding his cock, your lips parted, drawing a loud moan as your head threw back. With a rosy blush on your cheeks, your eyes looked at him with pleasure, you tossed your long hair, riding him faster, moaning desperately.

Ran’s hands groped your breasts, pinching your nipples, as he watched you moaned louder than the last. Your flush skin and face, skin to skin, with yours and his, everything is perfect.

Heavenly.

If only I could tell her how beautiful she sounded.

His arms pulled your upper body down to meet his lips once more, shares deep kisses.

He flipped you over, laying on your backside, as he unsheathed his cock and licked your clit. Nipping them, your hand made its way onto Ran, grinding your pussy until you squirted.

Pulling away, seeing the mess you created on his bed from your wet pussy—your clit is puffed, numbed from Ran’s nipping and licking. Hurriedly, Ran your legs, wedging his cock into your cunt once more, his hands wrapped your legs around his waist as he cradled your head, pressing his lips against your forehead, then tracing his lips down to your jawline, neck then collarbone, then bringing it back up to your lips before heading out to the wide, marbled balcony after unlocking his the sliding door with one hand. With the heaviness of his cock still inside you, each time he moved, the walls in your cu t clutched tighter.

“I’ll be gentle,” he said, kissing your forehead before he thrusted, which resulted you screaming with ecstasy on top of your lungs, tears spilling out from your face as you locked your grip behind his neck as you felt your body bouncing from his cock shoving and bruising your walls, immediately immersed, and the arousal grew stronger.

He quickly untangled your legs as you faced toward the high-end view of Roppongi, bent forward as the side of your face pinned down on the wide marble railing as he railed harder. As his pacing went sloppier, yet harsher, he tugged you back, your back pressed against his chest as his lips pressed against your cheek lovingly, whispering, “You like that? You’re so fucking cute when you look like this. People in Roppongi would see how fucking beautiful you are…how your tight cunt is fucking good—your gorgeous body, gorgeous lips, your seductive moans…all hot and hungry for me…if you ever get a chance to get pregnant, I’d still fuck you to oblivion, my little goddess. I love you (y/n)—I love you.”

The semen spurted in you as the last of your arousing screams pierced into his ears before—

•••••

Ran lunged his body forward, covered in drooping sweat. It was still dark—at midnight. He hasn’t gotten any sleep since he last saw you. It was all a big misunderstanding. The girl he randomly clashed with was the birthday girl Rindou mentioned. She wanted to inquired Ran where he was at that night, as Ran tried his best to be civil. He wanted to meet you, by the building where you and him first met—overly self-assured and suave. But with you, his charm dissipated, as if he has forgotten how.

He’s bewitched by your queenly spell.

He kept reading the old messages over and over, the times where he and his heart elated by you, having selfie pictures together and random jokes you guys shared—and inside jokes that you two could only decipher.

But everything seems broken. He couldn’t look at it anymore. He didn’t want to be sober—filled with despair at a new darkened day.

I wish she could answer me. I want to make things right, but I don’t know how.

The birthday girl professed she wanted Ran as her birthday present. Meaning, she offered her virginity to him since her ex broke up with her due to business and education.

As much as Ran politely declined, she still kept pursuing for his attention and affection. He tried not to be obvious to push her away but rather grabbed her by the shoulders to halt her, and that’s where he saw you, your eyes are all but a fatal mourning and betrayal. And now Ran tries in anyway he can to message you, but no answer. He wanted to explain, he’s going to explain, but the outcome was as horrible. How will be able to reach you now?

Just as he was about to contact one of the Tenjiku members to search you, a long outline of hardened cock protruded from his bed blankets.

He wished that everything in his heavenly dream was real.

In the meantime, he has to find a way to mend your heart and pull you back into his world, as you delve into his once and for all.

Taglist: @galactict3a @mrssano04 @penguinlovestowrite @akemiixx01 @f1yh1gh @onyx-blossom @goldenbeskar @sehunnies-hunnie96 @colored-tr-panels

[kerubimcrepin]

Episode 32 - Pupuce's Life

Finally, an episode where I won't have to say anything At All.

To extract some value from this ep despite how it is kinda boring, I will overanalyse this room now.

Firstly, Kerubim is so orphancoded. He's so old and sleeping on a bunk bed with no lower bunk.

I like to think that, in the orphanage, Kerubim and Atcham got into bloodied battles where they scratched the shit out of each other over who gets the top bunk, and due to not being hairless Kerubim always won and bullied him into sleeping on the lower one.

I like to think it was one of Atcham's many tragic backstories. Like that's when The Darkness truly began to grow.

I genuinely think it's fucked that Joris, at 7 years old, is sleeping in a cat bed. But also, that's not even one tenth of the most insanely evil things about their household.

They have so many potatos and so much bread... Heaven on earth.

Ever since I mentioned it in one of my earlier posts, I had wanted to elaborate just a bit on some other evidence for my headcanon (or, well, pretty-much-canon?) of Joris being a night owl, and this moment of Joris just blatantly oversleeping is as good time as any to bring it up:

We often see Joris awake at night, or staying up very late without any issues.

Perhaps, it is due to Kerubim himself often staying up late, and also due to, y'know, the child neglect that was probably happening before Simone, that he developed a circadian rhythm that has him being so okie-dokie staying up late.

I won't even point out that there's a random knife on the floor. I am fucking numb to the sheer neglect in this household by now. Kerubim could leave rat poison in Joris's bed and I would be like "oh that silly goofster!"

But I will point out that it seems that Kerubim often leaves Joris alone with Simone, and I will be real — in my heart of hearts I know that this fucker left Joris home alone since he was like four whenever he needed to do something. Or he'd be like "uhhh go across the street and sit at miss Julie's, brb" and be gone for hours. He probably left him home alone over overnight too. You can't tell me I'm wrong.

It would be out of character for him to get someone to actually babysit. Especially with how shit their home was.

"No, little pupuce, don't go into SCP-914!!"

"Oh mon dieu, c'est un scp full of evil clonen !"

Kerubim is insane. All these pictures of his ex, and none of his son. He really is insane.

I think Kerubim still draws, at least in some capacity. No other reason for there to be oil paints in their home.

Though perhaps Kerubim is into the idea of his son getting poisoned by expensive-ass professional-grade paint. Maybe he's just into that.

"ASTRUB CITY" repeated twice. + "Dofus Pets 2" (obviously.)

Also, jellyvision movie theatres are real. And so are traffic lights. Though I didn't bother screenshotting the second thing.

Oh this one is even better than that time we found out that someone at Ankama called a person named Emilie a bad word in this kids cartoon. You'll love this.

I'm sorry french person from 2013, but I've been translating this text with a huge grin on my face. You ARE the interesting find.

This ad is so beautiful. Thank you, Kerubim.

The man might pretend that he doesn't like Pupuces as a species all he wants, but his actions speak louder than his words. He's never beating the love allegations.

They are all so bad at taking photos... Also! This confirms that at least a Single photo of Joris, as well as Simone, is on a wall somewhere in the house. Big day for regaining belief in Kerubim's normalcy.

This says "ANNIV PUPUCE", which finally made me realize, that there are three champagne glasses on the table, one in Joris's hand, as well as some weird looking food with candles in it (probably pupuce's food?).

This changes EVERYTHING. Kerubim is no longer an evil fucking cat/enemy #1 of this blog. Kerubim has been forgiven.

[callsign-magnolia]

I Hope You Dance // Chapter 53

MATURE CONTENT (18+)

A/N: This is cross posted to my Wattpad, so if this seems familiar that is why!

TW: Mental abuse, emotional abuse, slight physical abuse, death and loss.

Description: When Caila meets Rooster, sparks fly. But, she's already married, to a man who she thought loved her, and won't let her go. Rooster will fight for her, he just has to convince Caila to fight for herself.

Word Count: 6.2k

Chapter 52 | Masterlist

I sat on Bradley’s bed the rest of the night, my fingers running through his curls and occasionally I placed kisses on his head. I took a picture and sent it to Mav, telling him he was awake and not to come till the morning. I would text and call everyone tomorrow, I don’t want too many people in here at once. That night I slept the best I had since he’d been in here. His arm stayed around my waist and my fingers in his hair as his head rested on my chest. The next morning I woke up to voices and turned to see Mav standing on the other side of the bed as Penny sat in the chair. “Oh, hey.” I said and sat up. “I guess you got a little more sleep than last night.” Penny said and I nodded. “I definitely did.” I said as I looked down at Bradley, kissing his head. “I’m starving.” He said, his head falling back on his pillow. “I’ll go see if you can have breakfast.” I said before getting up and making my way out to the nurses station. His day nurse, Ella, had been kind but quiet. “Hi.” I said and she looked over at me from her screen. “Good morning.” She said, “Um, Bradley was wondering if he could eat?” I asked and she looked back at the screen. “It says he can after some blood work and a CT scan. He was talking and I didn’t want to interrupt.” she said and I smiled. “Want me to ask?” I asked her and she nodded. I peeked my head in and he looked at me. “You can eat after blood work and a CT scan. Want her to go ahead and draw your blood?” I could see him pale slightly but he nodded. “He said yes.” She nodded and stood. “I’ll get everything ready.”

Within a few minutes she came back with a few tubes and a needle. “I have an IV in, can’t you get blood from that?” He asked and she shook her head. “There’s no blood return.” She said quietly as she got set up. “I really don’t wanna be stuck again.” He whispered to me. “I already have a tube sticking out of my chest and I’m scared to move.” He said and I felt for him. “One quick stick and then you're done.” I said and he turned his head into my chest and I squeezed his hand. “You’re still afraid of needles?” Mav laughed out. “Yes! I am okay!” He snapped and Mav just grinned. Ella got his blood drawn and removed the tube. “Now time for your CT.” She said. “I’ll be right here when you get back.” I said as I stood from the bed. He grabbed my hand, kissing it as Ella pushed the bed out of the room, his hand holding mine till the very last second. “I think he’ll make a great recovery.” Penny said, her hand rubbing Mav’s arm as he stood next to her. “Me too.” I said. He already seemed to be doing pretty good.

Bradley was gone for about an hour and just as he came in he was brought his food. “Eggs, bacon, french toast? Am I drooling?” He asked, looking up at me as I ran my fingers through his hair. “A little. Eat up.” I said and he did. “It can’t be that good. It’s hospital food.” Mav said and Bradley shook his head. “It’s actually really good.” He said, food still in his mouth. “Okay, no one's gonna take it from you and don’t talk with your mouth full.” I said and he swallowed. “Yes, mom.” He said. Soon Mav and Penny left and I took a shower in the bathroom attached to his room. “Oh I feel so much better.” I said as I came out, I looked at Bradley and smiled. He had Mr. Snuffles up on the bed with him, tucked into his left side and he read the card attached to the flowers mom sent. “Your mom send these?” He asked and I nodded. “She did. Her and dad were gonna fly out but there was nothing they could do so I managed to talk them into staying put.” He chuckled. “Should we call them?” He asked and I realized I never text anyone but Mav to say he was awake. “Sure. Let’s surprise them.” I said. I facetimed moms phone and it rang so long I thought she would never answer.

“Hell-OH!” Mom yelled when she saw Bradley grinning at her through the phone. “Oh thank god! DAVID!” She yelled and she rushed through the house. “What?! Something happen to Bradley?” He asked and my heart swelled knowing my parents care about him so much. Mom turned the phone towards him and it took dad a minute to register what he was seeing. “Wha- YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Dad yelled with a smile on his face. “Good to see ya, son!” He said, making us laugh. “When did you wake up?” Dad asked. “Yesterday evening.” He said. “We hadn’t told anyone but Mav till now.” I said. “What about the team?” Dad asked. “I’ll text them once I get off the phone with you. Bradley wants them to come in a few at a time. He doesn’t want them crowding.” I said and I turned to him. His eyes were drifting closed and I could tell he was exhausted still. “Well, we’ll let you go. Text us with updates, we can talk later.” Mom said and I nodded, letting her go. “Get some sleep, honey.” I said, kissing his head. His arm went around my waist and I smiled, knowing I wouldn’t be able to go anywhere any time soon.

Throughout the week the team came in to visit, all cheering and crying tears of joy to see Bradley awake. Cyclone even came in to speak with him. Bradley had been worried that he wouldn’t be able to fly again, but his doctor and Cyclone reassured him that he would be back in the skies but only after ten to twelve weeks. He was bummed about it, but it was all worth it if he made a full recovery. Come Saturday we were getting ready to go home. I packed all of our stuff, Bradley was dressed and ready, the only thing left is for the doctor to remove his chest tube. “You may have some slight discomfort as I remove this.” Rooster squeezed my hand and buried his face in my shoulder. The doctor cut the stitches and slowly pulled the tube out, a hiss escaping Bradley as he did so. “All done.” I could immediately tell a shift in Bradley, he seemed more relaxed, relieved. “Macy will be in with your discharge paperwork and care instructions in just a few minutes.” We nodded and he left. Roo sat up and swung his legs off the bed. He’s only been up a handful of times this week and he’s a little unsteady so I immediately reach for him. “Need help?” I asked and he shook his head. “No, I just need off this bed.”

He stood and stepped away, slowly wandering around the room. “Feels good to just use my legs.” He said, stretching his legs as he did so. I just watched him. There was a moment where I never thought I’d see him alive again, let alone up and moving. “What?” He asked, noticing that I was watching him. “I’m just glad you're okay.” I said, leaning back on my hands as I leaned against a table in the room. He smiled, walking over to me, his hands falling to my waist. “I told you, I’m not going anywhere.” He said before leaning down and kissing me. There was so much passion behind it, something we’ve been missing since he’s been in here. “I love you, Mags.” He whispered as he pulled away. “I love you too, Roo.” I wrapped my hand around his neck and kissed him one more time before Macy came in. “Alright. These are your care instructions.” She handed the packet to Rooster, he couldn’t get incisions wet for three more days, no physical exercise for six weeks. “The physical exercise also includes sex.” “WHAT?!” He asked loudly and I slapped my hand over his mouth. Macy tried not to giggle but one escaped. “Yes. No sex. It could increase your heart rate and your stitches could pop. If they pop, you’ll bleed out in minutes, before anyone can get there to help you.”

I turned to him and he looked at me with pleading eyes but I shook my head. “No sex.” I said sternly and he huffed. We went over the rest of the instructions before we signed the paperwork. “Thank you so much.” I said before pulling Macy into a hug. She seemed shocked but hugged me back. “You’re welcome.” She said before forcing Bradley into a wheelchair. “I can walk.” He said and she chuckled. “Hospital policy, I’m just doing my job.” She said and he pouted the entire walk to the front doors. Macy stood with him while I pulled the jeep up to the doors. Macy helped him in and soon we were off and headed home. “It’s weird being the passenger.” Roo said, reaching over and taking my hand. “Thank you.” He said, lifting my hand and kissing the back of it softly. “For what?” I asked, squeezing his hand slightly. “Staying. Not leaving me alone in there.” There was something in his voice. I couldn’t read it and that bothered me. We stayed quiet the entire ride home, the only noise being the road and the radio. Once we pulled into the driveway I put the car in park and turned to him. “You know I’d never leave you, right?” I asked and he nodded. “I do. But you easily could’ve sat here at home, waiting for a phone call instead of sitting in that uncomfortable chair.” I just smiled at him, sitting up and running my fingers through his hair. “I wanted my face to be the first thing you saw when you woke up. So I wasn’t going anywhere. Plus if anything happened I wanted to know immediately, not twenty minutes after the fact.” He just smiled at me, his hand gently gripping the hand in his hair and holding it. “I’m glad you were the first thing I saw. It sounds weird, but god I missed you.” I smiled, leaning down and kissing him. “I missed you too.”

I pulled away and slid out of the jeep. “Now, let’s get you inside. I’m hungry and I’m sure you are too.” I said as I opened his door. Thankfully the jeep doesn’t sit too high off the ground so he could easily slide out. “Your cooking sounds amazing.” He said before reaching into the back. “EH! You’re not allowed to lift anything over ten pounds!” I stopped him. “I got the bags, you just take your ass inside and sit down.” He huffed but didn’t argue. He did reach inside and grab my purse and the flowers, neither weighing more than ten. Pick your battles. He likes helping out, so I’ll let him do little things here and there. He’ll go crazy if I make him lay in bed all day. We got inside and the dogs lost their minds. “Sit.” Bradley said and both dogs immediately sat, tails going a mile a minute. Rooster set my purse by the door with the flowers before sitting on the floor. I put all of our dirty clothes in the washer and put everything else away before I went into the kitchen. Amelia ate a good bit of the food, mostly stuff that would go bad like sandwich stuff. I pulled out some chicken to put in the airfryer and some pasta. I seasoned the chicken lightly before tossing it in then prepped everything else.

As that cooked I walked back into the living room to find Rooster had moved to the couch, Dahlia’s head in his lap and Sadie curled up next to him. “How does chicken pesto pasta sound?” I asked as I leaned over the back of the couch. He turned his head to look at me, smiling widely. “It sounds so good.” I smiled and kissed him before coming around and sitting next to him. I grabbed his hand and leaned my head on his shoulder. “It’s good to be home with you.” I muttered, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “I agree, pretty girl.” Once dinner was done we sat down and ate just enjoying the time together. There was a moment that I thought I would never have time like this again. After dinner I got him settled upstairs in the bed and went to take my shower. “I wish I could take a fucking shower. Those sponge baths did shit to make me feel clean.” I felt bad for him. The man showers religiously and after a week, he probably does feel like shit. “Are you sure I can’t take a shower?” He asked and I sighed. “You heard Macy. You can’t get your incisions wet for three more days.” He huffed and leaned his head back. I could tell he was frustrated and I hated it. I turned and took notice of the giant jetted tub that we have yet to use.

“You know. If we’re really careful, you could take a bath.” He sat up immediately. “You think?” He asked and I nodded. “I’ll have to help you to make sure you keep your incisions dry.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me. “So you’ll get in with me?” He asked. “No. I will sit on the edge of the tub and help you, but I will not be getting in the water with you.” He pouted but slowly stood. No matter what he says, he knows he’s weak and he knows he has to be careful. “Why not?” He asked as he slowly walked by me. “Because, I know how you get when I’m naked and I will not have you dying in our bathtub.” I said, referring to the stitches in his aorta. “Fine.” He huffed. “At least help me get undressed? It hurts if I lift my arm too high.” I gave him a small smile and nodded. I helped him carefully pull his shirt off and helped him with his pants before starting the water. I didn’t let it get too high, not wanting the water to reach the incision on his left side where his chest tube was.

Once I turned off the water I helped him in and he sat down. “Just being in the water feels nice.” I smiled, brushing his hair back. “I love you.” He said as he looked up at me with those big brown cow eyes. “I love you too.” I leaned down and kissed him gently before I carefully helped him wash his body and his hair. Once we were done I could see he felt better, more relaxed. “My turn. Go lay down and I’ll crawl in bed with you once I’ve had my shower.” He smiled and leaned down, kissing me softly. “Okay.” He whispered and walked into the bedroom while I cut the shower on. I washed away all the stress of the last few days. It was nice to be home, in my own shower, knowing my fiance was peacefully laying in bed waiting for me. Once I was done I dried off and slid into one of Bradley’s t-shirts before walking into the bedroom.

There, lying on the bed was Bradley. He was on his back, arms outstretched as his chest slowly rose and fell. I smiled and made my way over to the bed. I pulled the covers back, moving his arm before I slid in. “Mm, honey?” I couldn’t help but grin as I curled into him, my hand resting on his chest, right next to his incision. “I’m right here.” I whispered. His arm curled around my shoulder, pulling me close before he drifted back off to sleep. I just laid there, taking in everything. This was real. He would live. We would get to sleep next to each other, have meals together… we still get to have our wedding. Losing Rooster was a hard concept to grasp, but never being able to marry him made my chest ache. It felt as if someone took their hands and pulled my rib cage apart before reaching in and ripping out my heart. Part of me wanted to stay awake, soak in every moment of this, to know it was real. But his even breathing made me sleepy and soon, I was drifting off to sleep right next to him.

The next day we were lazy. Roo got up and walked around the house, we took a short walk on the beach to get him up and moving, but other than that we laid on the couch and cuddled. Of course Mav called to check on him. That would become a daily thing for a while. I know Mav was terrified of losing him, and he has every right to be, but I think Rooster is already annoyed after the third call today. “I’m fine.” He said after he hung up with Mav. “I know.” I said as I rubbed his back. “But you aren’t acting like that.” I pursed my lips and nodded. “But I get to see you all day, touch you, talk to you. All these things that solidify that you’re really here. Mav was… really scared. I think he’s still scared, scared that he’s going to call and you will never pick up.” I said and he sighed. “Maybe you call him tomorrow, or send him a meme every now and again. Something to help solidify that you’re still here and I’m sure he’ll calm down soon.” I said as my phone dinged. “Is it Mav?” He asked and I shook my head. “Penny. She’s apologizing for Mav calling so many times. She said she’s hiding his phone from him now.” Rooster chuckled. “He may just drive over here.” I nodded in agreement. “He really might.”

The rest of Sunday was spent in the kitchen. I was prepping stuff so Bradley could have easy and healthy lunches. Lots of protein and foods that would be good for his heart. He helped a little, getting tired easily so he would occasionally go nap or just rest. Going to bed Sunday night was easy. It was getting up Monday morning that was hard. It was storming outside, a very uncommon sight for San Diego. “You think you’ll be in the air much?” Roo asked as I pulled my hair back into a bun. “Knowing Mav? He’ll use this as an excuse for severe weather training.” Roo gave a light chuckle from the bed. “Probably.” He laid on his back, arm tossed over his eyes to shield them from the bathroom light. Once I was done I grabbed my flight suit and slid it on. “You gonna be okay today?” I asked and he nodded. “I’ll miss you.” I couldn’t help but grin and walk towards the bed, leaning over him as I got close. “I’ll miss you too.” He moved his arm and I kissed him gently. “But I will be fine. If I need you, I’ll call.” I nodded as I laced my boots up.

I went downstairs to get my coffee ready, Bradley and the dogs close behind. We silently went about our routine. Bradley let the dogs out and fed them while I got my coffee ready. “Okay. I love you, I will be home soon.” I said as I turned to him. He smiled down at me before leaning down and kissing me. “I love you too.” He followed me to the door, his own mug of coffee in hand before I opened the door. I turned for my bag, yelling as I saw him bend down to grab it. “You cannot lift anything heavy yet.” I scolded as I hoisted my bag over my shoulder. “Yes ma’am.” He sassed. “I’ll check in around lunch time.” I said before he kissed me one more time. “Okay, honey.” With that I walked out the door, pulling the hood of my rain jacket over my head. I quickly tossed everything in the jeep before practically diving in myself. Bradley stood on the porch waving as I backed out of the driveway. I waved back before heading off to work.

“Today you will be doing some severe weather training.” Mav announced in our morning briefing. “I told Bradley we’d be doing weather training.” I leaned over to Coyote as I whispered. “I want you in groups of threes. We’ll be practicing flight maneuvers.” We all nodded. “Dismissed.” With that we stood and made our way out to the hangar. First up was Phoenix and Bob, Fritz, and Coyote. I checked over my jet as they went up before Mav walked over. “How is he?” I just smiled at him before I sat in a chair. “Doing surprisingly well.” I answered. “No pain or anything?” He asked. “He’s on a lot of medication for pain and infections and everything in between. His incisions still look fresh and he’s dying for an actual shower.” Mav nodded and sat next to me. “I’m worried about psychological effects.” I nodded in agreement. “So far he sleeps like a baby. No nightmares, but I keep waking up intermittently to check on him.” He just nodded and smiled at me.

“I’m glad he has you.” Mav said, tossing his arm around my shoulder. “He wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for me.” “Don’t start that.” Mav snapped. “Stop blaming yourself for every little thing that goes wrong in your relationship. I’m tired of hearing it and so is Bradley.” I was stunned by his response. Mav has usually been level headed with a few exceptions. He sighed and it was silent for a moment. “Caila, I’m sorry.” I shook my head and stood. “No. You’re right.” With that I walked away. I couldn’t really be mad at Mav, he was right. But so was I. Soon it was my turn to get in the air with Hangman and Omaha and Halo. We were doing so good. “Get him off me, Magnolia!” Omaha called out. “Hang in there! I’m coming!” Just as I almost had Hangman in my sights, lightning struck way too close for comfort. We had multiple other lightning strikes that followed. “Should we land?” I asked through the comms. The rain was splattering against my canopy, making visibility next to nothing. “You’re team leader Magnolia. That’s your call.” Another lightning strike and I made my decision. “Everyone bring it in.” We all landed one by one, my landing last as I wanted everyone else to land before me. As soon as I got my jet onto the tarmac, I was out and rushing inside. “I’m already sick of this rain.” I said as I stormed past Mav and Phoenix, soaked to the bone.

I didn’t shower on base, deciding it wasn’t worth it. The rain hasn’t let up all day and after work was no different. I hit a stupid amount of traffic on the way home and by the time I actually got there, I just wanted to curl up with Rooster. I made it inside, bringing in just a little water and not a whole damn puddle and as I set my bag down I saw Rooster napping on the couch. He looked so peaceful. He was lying on his back, one arm tossed back behind his head, the other resting on his belly. As I stepped closer I was startled by Sadie who poked her head out from under the blanket. “Keeping daddy company?” I asked, reaching down and petting her before she laid her head on his leg. I left Bradley asleep as I went upstairs and showered. He needed his sleep. Sleep would help him heal and a lot of the medications he’s taking right now make him sleepy. Once I was done, I found he was still asleep as I came downstairs. I needed to figure out dinner so I went into the kitchen and started rummaging around. I decided to just grill some chicken, brown rice and lots of fresh veggies. Most of it is good for his heart and I wanted him to feel as good as possible as quickly as possible.

When dinner was almost done I went to wake him. I sat next to him on the couch, smiling at how peaceful he looked. I brushed some of his curls back gently and he inhaled deeply. I kissed his forehead, his cheeks, his chin and as I kissed his eyebrow his eyes opened. “Mm, hi honey.” He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into him. “Careful, Roo.” I said, pulling away slightly. “I just wanna hold my fiance, is that too much to ask?” He groaned and I chuckled. “No, but I don’t wanna hurt you.” He smiled up at me as his hand threaded through my hair. “You never could.” He pulled me down into a kiss and I couldn’t help but relax into it. After a minute I pulled away. "Dinners almost ready." I told him and he inhaled deeply. "Okay, I'll be in the kitchen in a minute." I stood and held out my hands, helping him up gently. His face scrunched as if he was in pain as he stood. “When was the last time you had any medicine?” I asked and he looked at his watch. “Five hours ago.” I pursed my lips. “I’ll set out your medicine with dinner.” I said before standing on my toes and kissing his cheek.

I plated everything and set all his medications out on the island and he came in just as I put all my food on my own plate. He was rubbing his chest just around his scar. “Here.” I slid some water to him as he sat down. “Thanks.” He muttered before taking the handful of pills and swallowing them with the water. I smiled before sitting next to him with my own food. “How was your day?” He asked as he cut into the chicken. “Long. The rain never stopped and we had to end our exercise early because of all the lightning. I was soaked all day.” He chuckled. “Kind of glad I wasn’t there to endure that.” He said and I glared at him. “I love you but you get cranky if you get soaked from the rain.” He said, grinning before he leaned over and kissed my cheek. “You’re not wrong.” I replied. We talked and ate and once we were done poor Bradley looked like he would fall asleep. “C’mon. Let’s get you in bed.” I said quietly as I cut off the kitchen light. He slowly got up and I wrapped my arm around his waist. “I really want another bath.” He muttered and I sighed. Bradley is a man that showers every day and I can’t really tell him no. “Okay. We’ll get you a bath and then bed.”

We made it up the stairs and he sat on the toilet as I pulled out some towels for him and cut on the water. “Will you get in with me?” He asked as I leaned over. His hands rested on my hips and pulled me back till I stood between his legs and he rested his forehead on my back. “I’ve already showered.” I answered. “Please.” I let out a slow breath. I wanted to tell him no, but then I remembered how close I came to losing him. “Okay.” I could feel him smile against me. We both stripped and I helped him in before getting in and sitting on the opposite side, facing him. He gave me a small smile as I tossed my legs over his. “We should make use of this bathtub more often.” He said, leaning his head back and winking at me. “Mhm, I know what you want to use it for.” I said with a smile. “You can’t tell me that you don’t want to use it for the same thing!” He said as he leaned forward, gripping my thighs and hauling me into his lap. I gasped loudly. I knew he wouldn’t let me go so I helped slide myself into his lap, not wanting him to overexert himself. “You shouldn’t do that.” I scolded him.

“I didn’t hurt myself, so don’t worry.” I huffed, shaking my head. “I’ll always worry about you.” He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me as close as he could get me, my forehead resting on his. I smiled at him, my thumb running across the scars on his jawline. “I love you.” I whispered and he grinned. “I love you too, pretty girl.” I kissed his lips gently before I sat up. “We should probably get you washed up before the water gets cold.” He nodded and I leaned back, grabbing the soap and a rag. His arms stayed around me as I lathered the soap across his body. “I did something today.” He blurted out. I raised a brow at him. “What’d you do?” I asked, carefully cleaning around his incision. “I made some changes to my life insurance policy.” I stilled. “What?” I asked, my eyes moving to his. “When I met Nat and we became friends, she was the beneficiary. I knew she’d use it to pay off any funeral debts if it came to that. When we got together I never really thought about it. But after what happened, I didn’t want you to have to worry about anything.” I stared at him for a moment. I dropped the rag and my hands drifted up to the sides of his neck. “Bradley. I don’t want your money.” I said and he nodded, one hand coming up and lightly holding my wrist. “I know, honey. I know. But if something does happen to me I just want the peace of mind knowing that you’re taken care of. Just to know that finances is one thing you won’t have to worry about makes me feel better.”

I sighed, tears coming to my eyes. “Financial ruin doesn’t matter. Because if you’re not here I don’t know how I’d go on living.” He furrowed his brows, his handscoming up to my own cheeks. “Hey, don’t say that.” I shook my head. “It’s true though. When you were in the hospital I had this god awful dream.” I took a deep breath, willing the tears away. “You died. You didn’t make it. Mom was helping me get ready for your funeral.” My breath caught in my throat and he shushed me. “Hey, I’m here.” I shook my head. “Seeing you in a casket Bradley, even in my dream I just wanted to die.” I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and held him tightly. “It’s okay. I’m here and I don’t plan on going anywhere for a long, long time.” He said as he pressed a kiss to my neck. His words sat heavy on my chest and only one thought crossed my mind, and I’m sure it crossed his. Goose didn’t plan on going anywhere for a long, long time either. I didn’t dare say it out loud, but we both knew it. Anything can happen in our jobs, even outside of it. Once I calmed myself, I sat back and wiped my cheeks.

“Come on. Let’s finish up and get in bed.” He said and I nodded. We finished in the bath and finally got out. Rooster slid into some boxers and I slid on some panties and one of his old Phillie’s shirts. With that, we climbed into bed, his arm going around my waist and pulling me into his side. “You’re gonna have to stop pulling me, I definitely weigh more than ten pounds.” I said and he chuckled. “I’d pop a stitch for you anyday.” He said, turning on his side and nuzzling his nose into my cheek. “Well let’s not do that. Remember what Macy said?” I asked, closing my eyes and resting my hand on his chest. “Yes, honey. I remember.” He huffed and then it went quiet. Within minutes Rooster was out like a light and I wasn’t far behind him.

The next morning I got up and left early, deciding I needed to hit the gym. I left Rooster a note just so he didn’t worry. I walked into the gym, immediately heading for the weights and saw Hangman on the leg press. “Mornin’.” He grunted out. “Mornin’.” I replied quietly. Hangman finished as I headed for the leg curl machine. I got set up and started. “You okay?” Hangman asked as he finished his set and stood up. “Hm? Oh, yeah. I’m just tired.” I replied. “How’s Rooster?” He asked. “He’s okay. Sleeping a lot. He can finally get his stitches wet today so I know as soon as I walk through the door he’ll be begging for a shower.” Hangman scrunched his face. “Has he not bathed since he came home?” I giggled. “Yes, he has. But it’s been baths and the man showers daily. He’s begged me every night since he came home for a shower.” He nodded. “Why can’t he just take one when he gets up?”

I shook my head. “If the shower gets too hot, which is likely because he loves steaming showers, he can pass out. I’d rather be home so if anything happens I can get to him.” He nodded. “He hasn’t… hasn’t had any nightmares has he?” I shook my head. “No. I hope he never does, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. It was all so traumatic. I’ve been waking up at least twice a night to check on him.” He gave me a small smile. “Worried?” He asked and I nodded. “Worried something will happen in the middle of the night and when I wake up he’ll be dead.” I finished my reps and sat up. “He told me last night that he changed the beneficiary to his life insurance policy. He changed it to me because after what happened he was worried I wouldn’t be taken care of.” I chuckled. “As if that would happen.” Hangman chuckled and agreed. “Well what matters is he’s still here and on the mend.” I nodded as he pulled me into a side hug.

We finished working out and I showered before getting ready in my flight suit. We went through the motions of the day, sitting in lectures, going through simulations and flight training. Finally when the end of the day came, I didn’t bother showering in the locker room and just made my way home. Like I predicted, Rooster was standing in the living room in only his boxers when I got home. “Hi honey.” He seemed tired but happy to see me. “Hi, why are you up?” I asked. “I was waiting on you to get home so I could shower.” He had a large grin on his face. “I figured you would be. Just didn’t expect you to be standing in the living room waiting on me.” I said as I set my bag on the floor. “Have you had a shower yet?” He asked, coming closer and resting his hands on my waist. “I knew you’d ask so I purposefully drove home without one.” He grinned and laced his fingers through mine. “C’mon honey. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

He grinned at me as he pulled me upstairs towards our room. He slowly unzipped my flight suit, his lips attached to mine. “Don’t get worked up now.” I told him. “You’re only telling me that because you’re getting worked up.” He said before attaching his lips to the skin just below my ear. “You’re right, I am.” I said as I stepped out of my flight suit. We finished stripping and Rooster got into the shower. The water was warm, but not too hot. Bradley carefully washed his incision and I helped him wash everywhere else. “I never thought a shower could feel so amazing.” He said, standing under the shower head. I smiled, running my hands through his hair, washing out the shampoo. “I’m just glad you feel so good today.” He nodded. “I feel better today than I have since it happened.” I gave him a tight smile. “That’s good.” Bradley lathered my body with soap before helping me wash my own hair. It was quiet, sweet even. When we got out he helped me make dinner and we ate, curled up on the couch. “Bradley?” I asked after we were done eating. I was laying down on the couch, him between my legs with his head on my stomach. “Yeah, pretty girl?” He asked. “I love you, so much.” I said, running my fingers through his curl. He buried his face in my stomach, his mustache tickling my skin as he smiled. “I love you too, pretty girl. So much more than you could imagine.” He said before placing a kiss to my stomach.

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Taglist: @mak-32 @rosiahills22 @fanboyswhore9 @kmc1989 @sunderland-6 @mygyn @halstead-severide-fan

[ourtearsofrain]

Chapter 17- It's Time for Us to Pray

Pairings: Jake Kiszka x Reader

Genre: fluff (gentle morning Jake), angst

Word Count: little over 1.9 k

Warnings: battle scene, descriptions of killing during battle

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The soft light of the morning filtering into the room through the large window by Jake’s bed wakes you. Sometime in the night, the two of you had completely switched positions as you now lay with his back against you, your arm across his chest as he holds it. You tighten your hold, pulling his body even closer towards you as you nuzzle your face into the hair at the back of his head.

He mumbles in his sleep, turning in your embrace to tuck himself in to your front, his face finding a home in the crook of your neck as he settles back in. You’re content the way you were, letting yourself relax fully against his body as you try to drift back to sleep, not wanting to wake him just yet. Just as you’re about to fall asleep again, his voice pulls you right back out of it, mumbled into your skin as he wakes up. “G’morning, querido.”

You smile to yourself before responding. “Good morning, baby.” He says nothing more as he sighs against your skin, relaxing into you as he begins to let himself fall asleep.

You tap his shoulder lightly, drawing a sleepy “Hm?” from him.

“As much as I want to stay here with you, we should probably go give Sam a break at the helm.”

He scowls against your skin. “He’s fine. He wanted to take it anyway.”

You run your fingers through his hair lightly, gently detangling the waves. “He needs some rest before tonight, Jake.”

Jake looks up at you with a small frown, knowing you were right but not wanting to leave his place beside you. “You’re right… five more minutes?”

Smiling, you place a gentle kiss to his forehead. “While I want to say yes, we both know that if we stay here for much longer, we’ll both fall asleep again.”

He sighs as he sits up, bending back down to kiss you slowly. He finally pulls his lips away from yours, beginning to move the blanket off your bodies. “I hate that you’re right.”

You say nothing as you climb out of his bed, beginning to dress as he does the same. “Hey,” Your voice captures his attention, looking at you as he bends to pull a boot on. “What did you call me? Querido?”

He smiles at you, slightly shy as he works to get his other boot on.  “It’s Spanish. Means dear or darling. A bit formal version of it but, my father used it so much for my mother when I was growing up that it practically became a second name for her.”

“You speak Spanish?”

“Yeah, and French. Joshua, Samuel, and Daniel do too. There are many Spanish and French pirates that sail these waters, so our father wanted us to be prepared. Give us a fighting chance at being able to talk through any quarrels before turning to fighting.”

You follow him to the door as he unlocks it. “An interesting, and smart approach. My father thought talking through issues at sea was pointless, so we spent our training sessions with a sword instead of books. Maybe that’s why Helena is… the way that she is.”

He offers you a small look of apology before he begins up the stairs towards Sam, half asleep at the helm as he steers. In his focus to stay awake, he doesn’t notice you or Jake approaching him until he feels Jake’s hand on his shoulder, gently shaking him from his daze.

“Where are we, Samuel?” He snaps his attention to Jake before pointing at the map beside him at a spot in the middle of the sea, a little over halfway to the island. “Thanks, Sammy. Go get some rest, I can take over again.”

“Thanks.” Sam offers a small, tired smile before he leaves, making his way to his quarters to try and get some sleep before night came.

Jake surveys his map, glancing up to the sails as he does the mental math of how long the rest of your journey would take. “Wind’s on our side, should get there right after sundown.”

“Do you have a plan?”

He answers with a nod before explaining.  “We drop anchors just offshore and send half our men out on tenders. The rest of them stay here to guard the ship. We took out about two thirds of her crew when we found you and Samuel, so she must be running on reserves. Once on land, we scour the island from two directions, my crew and I from one side of the island, and Joshua and his crew from the other. Hopefully we find them at the same time and have the element of surprise to help us.”

You begin to sweep through your memories of the island to find anything that could pose an unaccounted-for risk or change in his plan. You nod slowly when you find none, his plan solid and as fool-proof as it could be.

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Just as Jake had said, you reach the island right after night falls upon the ship. He silently signals to his men to stop the ship, not wanting his voice to carry across the water if any of Helenas crew were close by as the ships anchors drop into the water below.

“Before we go, you’ll need these.”  You turn towards him, seeing a dagger and sword in each hand as he holds them out to you. Taking each from him, you test the weight of the sword, looking up at him with a small smile.

“Is this a good one?”

He smiles back at you, remembering his twins’ words and repeating them with a playful tone. “Yes, it’s a fucking good one.” He watches fondly as you strap the blade to your hip. “That was my mother’s sword.”

Your attention snaps back to him, beginning to unbuckle the sheath to give it back to him as you shake your head.  “I can’t take this, Jake.”

“I want you to take it, please. It’s yours now.”

You sigh, knowing any attempt at arguing would be pointless, his mind was made up. “Thank you. I promise I’ll take care of it.”

“I know you will.” Is all he says before making his way towards the last tender as Sam stands next to it on the deck, waiting for you.

Your anxieties bubble in the pit of your stomach with each stroke of the oars as the small boat steadily makes its way to the shore, only slightly calmed when Jake places a light hand on your thigh in the dark. You take lead of the group when you reach the shore, knowing the lay of the land far better than any of the pirates with you, Sam and Jake included.

Your body goes into autopilot as you lead the group through the forests of the island, your gut leading you towards where you knew a small hut used to sit, where your family would stay when they visited the island throughout your childhood. You reach the tree line, seeing a few small fires scattered across a freshly cleared field surrounding a run-down building, a singular lantern flickering from within its walls. Helena’s men sit around each fire, unaware of their company as they talk amongst themselves.

In your mind’s eye, you see the field in the bright daylight, wildflowers covering the ground as far as you could see. She ruined it. She destroyed the one thing our mother loved most about this place. Despite your efforts to contain your emotions, a tear trails down your cheek as you observe the field, your body obscured from the view of the field as you stand behind a tree. Jake appears by your side silently, offering a quiet, “Are you ok?” when he sees you hastily brush the tear away.

You say nothing, nodding as you bring your focus back to the field. You see the glint of a blade on the other side of the clearing, your eyes focusing on Joshua as he stands at the ready hidden within the trees. Jake sees him too, nodding to you and bringing a hand up to beckon his men forward as you all begin silently towards Helena’s men, crouched low to the ground as you walk in hopes of covering as much ground as you could while they were still unaware of your presence. Across the field, you see Joshua do the same, Danny at his side with their crew behind them as they begin towards the nearest fire.

Halfway across the field, one of Helena’s men glances over, spotting you. His eyes go wide as he shouts at his crewmates.

“Shit.” Is all you hear from beside you before Jake stands fully, sprinting towards the enemy as his own crew follows close behind. You break into a run, finding Jake’s side once more as you rush into battle, your sword drawn. You barely need to use it though, as Jake begins quickly cutting down any man that so much as glanced in your direction. You hear a twig snap behind you, and you turn with your sword raised to block the blow of a pirate behind you.

Having expected you to not notice or block his attack, he stumbles, regaining his balance as he makes his way towards you. Before you can even try to slash at him, Sam appears out of nowhere, catching the man off guard as he sneaks up behind him, slitting his throat quickly and offering you one look before he disappears from your sight again.

You hear a door slam open and look towards the sound to see Helena standing in front of the hut, her sword drawn as anger paints her features. She looks through the scene unfolding before her, her gaze settling on you and twisting her face into an expression of pure rage that you were still alive. With your focus on Helena, you don’t notice the pirate charging towards you until Jake rushes in, cutting her down just before she reaches you. He follows your gaze, understanding what had captured your attention as he too sees Helena. She grins at you madly before sprinting towards the tree line across the field from you.

You make a move to follow her before Jake catches your wrist. “Don’t! Can’t you see, that’s exactly what she wants!”

You try to shake his grip off. “I know! This is the only chance; I must take it Jake.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“JAKE!” Joshua’s scream rips his attention away from you, his eyes going wide with fear as he sees his brother being backed against the side of the hut by three pirates, only a small, curved dagger in his grip as his sword lays on the ground 15 feet away from him.

Jake’s gaze flits back to you, his internal battle visible on his face.

“Go help Josh, I can take care of Helena.” He says nothing, his fear of losing either of you keeping him frozen in his spot. “Jake, do you trust me?” Your breath catches in your throat as you ask.

Tears come to his eyes as he looks at you.  “With my life.” Is all he says quietly before drawing you into a quick kiss.

You look at him one last time before sprinting towards the path you knew Helena had taken, hearing only the clash of metal behind you as Jake joins his brother. You spare a glance back as you reach the edge of the field, seeing the three men who had cornered Josh lying unmoving on the ground as he finds his sword, rushing back into the fight with Jake by his side.

Knowing Jake was safe, you turn your focus back to Helena as you run straight into the forest.

--------------------------------------------------------

A/N: the title, of course, is taken from the lyrics to Waited All Your Life

taglist: @gretnavannfleet @aioba1503-sdm

[harryforvogue]

Part One | Chapter Three: Harry

London, England

December 1915

Christmas at the Styles' is quite different from how it is back home in Champagne. Having been brought up there in near isolation, being surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces can be quite frightening, and while I've decided to stay close to my friend for most of the morning, she's a socialite who insists on introducing me to everyone she sees and then disappearing for hours. She has a very big family and more people have gathered in this tight house than I've ever seen in my own home.

My friend, Thea, is the eldest daughter of the family I'm staying with for Christmas break. She's the only name I have remembered so far, but I'm sure when we're all a bit sober, I'll be able to recall and put names to faces.

People are still arriving, even though it's 9 in the evening. As I look around, holding a glass of wine to my lips, I notice that there are no signs of this party stopping anytime soon. While I'm growing tired by the second, it seems like this family is going to stay awake to see 1916 happen, and when they all kiss each other at midnight, they'll fall asleep as well. There are still 6 days until the New Year, but this family is certainly laughing and drinking as if it's their last month.

I drink as much as the average person does, having given into the invitations with some of Thea's older cousins. I find myself a bit tipsy, accidentally bumping into the corners of tables and chairs and laughing strangers as I find a place to sit. Most parties back at home aren't this lively, which comes as a shock to the English people I've stayed with because we seem to give off the impression as being well balanced in our daily and nightlife. That may be a part of French culture that I'm not all that familiar with because it's not how I was raised.

I was raised by my parents to be proper and courteous and docile even when I wanted to throw a tantrum and get my way. The first lesson I received was that things won't always go my way and it's my right to be the bigger person and accept it. Parties meant drinking and loud brash comments one could not take back.

But I am not that person who is proper and courteous, no matter how much it was drilled into me. I get angry easily, despite my better judgement, and I'm not often a good conversationalist.

I feel out of place right now. Thea is nowhere to be seen, so I sit down in the family room and watch the relatives hang by the fire, drinking and having a wonderful time. The small prick of tiredness has begun to grow and soon I find myself nearly fallen over, asleep.

When I'm very tired, I become a bit delirious. I'll hear ringing in my ears and stiffen as I fall asleep, and perhaps that's why I don't notice the person beside me. The room spins until I find the magnetic center, falling towards it. My temple hurts from the hard object poking at my temple, but it's support, regardless of how uncomfortable. The hum of busy people becomes a white noise, my brain shutting off, everything coming to a rest.

Suddenly, there's a voice, just a small murmur in my ear. The cracking of the fire nearly draws me back to the warm sleep I so desperately try to accept, but then the hard person nudges me. Forcing myself into an upright position, I open my mouth to apologize to whoever I've fallen on.

"It's fine," the drowsy voice says. "I was just making sure you're alright. Don't know what to do when people pass out, that's all."

My vision focuses on a man about my age with thick brown curls falling into his eyes, an amused expression on his face. His eyes, however, are just as tired as mine, a light green shade that reflects that orange flames from the fire.

"Sorry," I mutter, dragging my hand under my mouth because I've been one to accidentally drool in my sleep. "I just nodded off."

The man hums, raising his glass to the stairs. "Have you been given a room yet?"

"Yes. It's just that I don't want to be rude and head upstairs early." I put distance between us, scooting away. "Sorry, I just landed on you."

He ignores my embarrassed apology for a second time. "I can tell them to keep it down if you want to head to bed. It's not a big deal," the stranger offers with a new concerned expression. "You're Thea's guest, right? I'm sure they'll want you to sleep well after your travels."

I shake my head, looking back at the fire to wake myself up from the bright light. "Oh, no. That's alright. I'll just be up until they sleep."

The man leans in a bit. "Are you sure? It's not a big deal."

"It's alright." I pause, glancing over my shoulder. Sleep fogs my memory and my reactions are late. "Sorry, how do you know I'm Thea's guest? Everyone here is a guest."

With a quirk of his brow, the man says, "Right, well, it's just that I know everyone here except you, and you're the only one here speaking like... that."

I look back to the bright flames. "I see. I'm working on it but it's nice to know my efforts are failing."

"Trying to lose the accent?" the stranger asks, concerned once more. "Why? It's quite nice to hear something different."

The drowsiness is causing me to complain to a stranger. I barely register my shoulders shrugging and my mouth opening to speak again. The lightheadedness settles in, eyes defocusing despite the brightness of the flames. "People say they can't understand me. Leads to them not taking me seriously."

From the corner of my eye, I see the stranger sit back against his seat and shrug his own shoulders. "I understand you just fine. And I'm taking this conversation quite seriously even though you're nodding off as I continue."

I sigh, pressing a palm to my eye. "Sorry. Your voice is just... it's putting me to sleep."

Knowing I've said the wrong thing, the stranger and I sit in silence. A moment passes and he says, "What's your name?"

"Annaliese. It's nice to meet you."

The man laughs quietly, causing me to divert my attention back to him. As my eyelids grow heavy, my vision swims a bit, and I'm suddenly unsure if I'm dreaming or just that lightheaded. "Why are you laughing?"

"Well," he says casually, throwing an arm over the backside of the couch, showing off a pair of dimples. "You're saying it's nice to meet me but I haven't even told you my name."

I tilt my head back as it suddenly feels too heavy for me to hold upright. His voice sounds far away. "What's your name?" I hear myself asking. I have asked this question to at least fifty people today and I will not remember his, but I have to be friendly to all of Thea's guests.

The smile is evident in his voice. "How about I tell you tomorrow, so you'll actually remember it?"

"Sounds like an excellent idea."

The silence returns and I blink my eyes to keep myself awake, but the final nail on the head is when the man beside me stands up and holds his hand out. I don't know him, but he looks warm and inviting, so I put my hand in his. He hoists me up. My body leans on him for support unintentionally, however, he doesn't seem to mind except when he has to walk me up the stairs. There, he struggles a bit, and if I were in my right mind, I'd help him.

Lightheaded and dizzy, I'm willing to go anywhere, as long as I'm half carried like this. In a sober and less tired state, I'd be mortified, but I can't be bothered to lift a single foot until he murmurs in my ear that I must if I'm going to make it safely. Safely? Where are we going that the journey is expected to be dangerous? I want to ask, but it's in that exact moment that we stop. He pushes open a door for me and sits me down on the bed.

"Oh," I whisper. "It's my room."

The stranger laughs. "Glad I got it right. I'll tell them to keep it down. You get some rest." I need to change out of my clothes, but he lingers for a bit. "Are you alright?"

"So tired."

"Right. Well. Goodnight."

I think he smiles at me.

"You don't need to tell them to keep it down. The way I'm about to sleep, not even a gunshot will wake me up."

The stranger's footsteps are heavy as he walks away from me, closing the door until it's almost shut. The final thing I remember is his voice assuring me, "I'm sure nobody will be firing any guns tonight."

***

Apparently, I can't handle my alcohol well because everyone is chirpy in the morning while I cradle my head at the dining table, letting Thea laugh and poke me. I want nothing more but to head back to bed, but the family woke up early and began making a ruckus. I had fallen asleep in my clothes and they irritated me too much for me to sleep in.

I'm massaging my own head when a cup of coffee is put in front of me, and then the seat across from mine is taken by the man I vaguely remember from last night. He looks far more refreshed than me, light eyes awake and alert. He nods at the drink.

"It'll help."

I frown down at it, wrapping my hands around the mug. It smells lovely, but a bit too strong for my taste. Sipping cautiously at the bitter coffee, I peer at the man, tilting my head. He looks at me over his mug too, though from the movement of his throat, I can tell he's not taking small sips like me, but somewhat bigger gulps. Freshly showered and shaved, he looks handsome in his regular shirt and trousers, crossing one leg over the other comfortably.

"Harry," he says when he puts the mug back on the table. "We met last night when you were pissed."

"I wasn't pissed," I protest, putting my mug down as well, keeping my hands around it. The warmth causes goosebumps to rise on my arms. "I was just sleep deprived."

"Of course. My mistake. Did you sleep well?"

"I did."

He nods. "Good."

Thea returns to the table with a bowl of fruits, stabbing her fork into an apple slice. "You came home late last night," she tells Harry as she chews. "Mum said you'd be home by afternoon."

"I was visiting someone on the way."

Thea's eyes shine. "The girl you're seeing?"

Harry's eyebrows raise and he leans in with narrowed eyes. "How do you know about her?"

"Everyone knows. You think you can sneak off and go on dates and just expect us to stay in the dark?"

"I thought putting a few miles between myself and this house would give me the ability to breathe a bit better, but of course, I was wrong."

Thea bites into her apple. "When are you not wrong?"

I finally piece it together. This is Thea's brother, Harry, who goes to Kings College. He's graduating this spring. As if he knows I'm thinking about him, he looks over at me and says, "I thought Annaliese was going to be here a bit later? You said the 27th."

He's talking as if I'm not here. Having dealt with this before, I sit up straighter and answer for Thea. After all, he's speaking about me, not her. "Found no reason to do Christmas alone."

He nods as he takes a sip. "It's just that you've taken my room."

It makes sense. I couldn't figure out for the life of me why the guest room had a closet filled with men's clothing and professional attire. "I won't touch anything," I tell him honestly.

The amused expression that frequently finds its way onto his face returns, this time his eyes shining as well. Thea's audible chewing serves as a background noise as I lean in to listen to him when he speaks. The kitchen is filling up and the Styles family can be quite loud.

He doesn't answer my promise, instead saying, "Is there a nickname I can use for you? Annaliese is quite mouthful."

At that moment, I forget all my manners and the etiquettes I've been taught by my parents and the years of private schooling. This is a question I've heard too many times, and it irritates me to no end when I have to answer politely, providing them with any nickname, such as Ann or Annie. Perhaps it's my hangover mind that rejects all notions of politeness, but I suddenly can't take this question anymore. With my arms crossed over my stomach, I tell him, "No. It's either Annaliese, or it's nothing."

A smile spreads across his face. "But I cannot pronounce it right."

Thea is called by her mother to help in the kitchen. She leaves before I can answer her brother.

I say, "I'd like you to try pronouncing it correctly. That would make me happy."

"But I can't."

"Figure out how to pronounce it correctly."

"Is it German or French?"

"Both."

"Hmm," he says thoughtfully. "Alright. I'll just have to say your name frequently in order to get it right."

"It's really not that difficult."

Harry tilts his head and then stands up, neatly pushing his chair back in. "I'd still like to practice." My eyes don't follow him as he walks away. I can't help but be intrigued by the conversation, eager to hear from him again.

At least my mom was right about one thing. Drunk men are vastly different from their sober selves.

***

I continue to see glimpses of Harry as the nights go by because gatherings are held nearly every night. They go well into the morning and most people don't get to their beds until 3 in the morning. I am not one of these people. The Christmas carols have stopped and now the relatives of the family I'm staying with have turned to bellowing songs about the New Year. I don't know any of them.

I learn that Harry can be social when he wants to and that he loves telling stories about people he's met. He's very hard to avoid. It's also very hard to get him to stay quiet for long. The man loves to talk about anything and everything. He has an opinion for everything so getting sucked into an argument is very possible.

Harry and I have been talking more. I learn about how his dream job is to teach history while working with historians when he has spare time. He particular loves learning about ancient cities and ruins. Harry has a lot of opinions, but he also has a lot of facts. He's an intelligent man.

Aside from that, Harry's also very attractive. I don't become used to his looks for a while, my cheeks burning when I catch his eye from across the room or when he sends me that ridiculously attractive smile after he's decided he's won during a heated conversation between us.

I can't help the slight jump of my heart when I see him throughout the day and I've become excited to witness the next party even though I usually wouldn't have. He's charming, to say the least. How cliche is it for me to have a crush on my best friend's brother?

Harry's the life of the party every night. But he's also dead tired like Thea and I every single night.

It's New Year's Eve. Thea is nearly asleep next to me. Harry too, on the other side.

Finally, Thea decides to get up and head to her room, mumbling something about sleeping like the dead. Harry and I are left on the same couch once more, eyelids heavy.

"You can fall asleep on me again if you want," Harry murmurs, a deep sound vibrating from his throat that makes me want to take up on his offer. "Annaliese."

I glance at him. "Yes?"

"Nothing. Was just testing your name to make sure I got it right. Did I?"

"You did," I tell him, desperately trying to force my voice to stop being so high pitched. "I'm beginning to think you were just faking not saying it correctly. You're funny."

"I have been known for being quite a funny guy."

"Only when you're drunk maybe."

"What am I like when I'm not drunk?"

"I don't know. Maybe we should talk when you're not drunk."

He laughs and leans in. "I'm rarely ever drunk, Annaliese. What you see is the real me."

We continue our banter until I physically can't keep up and he offers to take me back to my room, half dragging as usual. I need to time my departure better. I can't be on the verge of collapse all the time.

He brings me to my door and lets me rest against the doorframe. The gentle music grows fainter, and colder air makes us shiver.

I look at him for a long time after my vision focuses on him, taking him in. He looks less tired than me now, while I'm about to drop. I reach behind me to open the door but Harry suddenly steps forward and stops my hand from twisting the handle. The close proximity forces me to get a whiff of his scent, alcohol mixed with some spice.

There's suddenly a loud cheer from downstairs and a shout of "Happy New Year!"

Harry doesn't say anything, but I notice that he's beginning to lean in. Suddenly excited, I lean in also, closing my eyes. His mouth is warm and hesitant, but when I wrap my arms around him, he holds my waist and kisses me firmly, pressing my back against the door. He tastes like the candy canes I've seen him eat all day today, peppermint on his lips and tongue. Having that taste in my mouth causes me to want to press myself closer to him while he's completely unaware of his effect on me.

"Annaliese," he whispers against my mouth, barely audible. "Annaliese."

I tilt my head back and open my eyes, dragging my hands down his shoulders. I hold his sleeves tightly. "Harry."

"Am I saying it right?" he grins, leaning in to kiss my neck softly. I give him more access, my breathing shaky.

"Yes."

"I like saying it."

"I like saying yours. Harry."

"Sounds good when you say it in your accent. From your throat." His thumb brushes against my throat as he says the word. "But you know what? I think like kissing you even more."

With that, he presses kisses to the other side of my neck. Embarrassingly enough, I'm nervous and I can't help but swallow anxiously. His kisses tickle so good. Harry smiles as he pulls away. "What?"

"Sorry! Sorry, no it's nothing."

"Sorry?" he repeats, brushing his lips up my jaw. "I don't like when people apologize to me. Don't do that."

He slowly pulls away and rests his forehead on mine, smiling sleepily. He steps back and reaches for my hand still on his neck. He kisses my palm and then sighs, "I've got to leave you now or you'll die from how tired you are. Goodnight, Annaliese. Happy New Year."

And that is the first time I think about how lovely it was to have Harry's mouth on mine. I hope he kisses me again soon.

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Saturday, June 8th - Sunday, June 9th

KENNEDY: OK. One drink. I can work with that. Let's start with the easy stuff. How long have you known? That you're gay. WILLOW: Wait. That's easy? And you just assume that I'm—I'm gay. I mean, presume much? KENNEDY: (grins) OK. How long have you enjoyed having sex with women? WILLOW: Hey! What, you think you have some special lesbidar or something?

~~The Killer in Me~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Relationship Status by veronyxk84 (Buffy, Dawn, PG-13)

I Don't Play Well With Others by Val_Creative (Buffy/Angel, not rated)

The Two of You by frogfarm (crossover with Supernatural, Willow/Lenore, T)

A Different World by TannaraMoonvale (crossover with Supernatural, Scoobies, T)

take note by CallMeVampy (Giles/Anya, T)

Seas the Day by honeygirl51885 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Relationship Status by VeroNyxK84 (Buffy, Dawn, anthology rated PG-13)

Ready For More by MaggieLaFey (Buffy/Spike, Adult Only)

[Chaptered Fiction]

Recommencer - Chapter 16 (COMPLETE!) by FridayQueen (Buffy/Faith, M, in French)

Hero - Chapter 3 (COMPLETE!) by Xyex (Buffy/Willow, Buffy & Kendra, Buffy & Joyce, M)

origin of species - Chapter 1-2 by eagle_eyes (Cordelia, AtS ensemble, T)

stay awake with me (worm your way back in) - Chapter 1 by pumpkin_berry (Buffy/Faith, M)

In Any Life, Ch. 14 by Spikelover4ever (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

I Shall Dress In Aeternum, part 1 by BlueZeroZeroOne (Highlander crossover, Buffy, FR15)

The Watcher-Who-Lived, Ch. 1 by TheDullahan (Harry Potter crossover, Amy, FR18)

A New Game, Ch. 1 by Balder (Buffy, Joyce, Xander x Dawn, FR18)

Out For A Walk... Bitch, Ch. 19-20 (COMPLETE!) by MaggieLaFey (Buffy/Spike, Adult Only)

Truth Hurts, Ch. 1-5 (COMPLETE!) by Geliot99 (Buffy/Spike, R)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Drawing: angel they could never make me hate you by egonkula (Angel, Acathla, worksafe)

Vid: Buzzer by ladyofthelakes (Faith)

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Buffy by lystacre (worksafe)

Xander and Anya in OMWF by mistyintherivers (some nudity)

A Faith/Dawn manip by bratsallwomansized (everyone is clothed)

Spike screenshots captioned by text posts by jamie-the-scene-kid (worksafe, some NSFW text if you zoom in)

Comic: Not A Date, part 5 by Grief Counseling, Dusty (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Date Night by all choseny (Buffy/Spike, collection rated PG-13)

Buffy's Christmas List by Dynamite (Buffy/Spike, collection rated NC-17)

Angel game just designed by girlpire (Angel, worksafe)

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[Reviews & Recaps]

dead man’s party is so good by initiumseries

first time watch [season 1 up to episode 6] by Specialist-Orchid-80

What's an underrated badass moment (preferably from someone besides Buffy)? by Ok_Area9367

Season 5: The Gift by Tall_Secretary4133

[Recs & In Search Of]

Buffy omnibus 1,2,3 for sale by nonnatwo

[Fandom Discussions]

[the song] ‘i look in peoples windows’ is SOOO angel by bangelism

Re: thoughts on Kennedy by laufire

The most special Tillow moment for me... by maybebitterxox

The scoobies are always questioning Buffy's logic and instincts... by kookygobbledygook, unmarkedcards

This episode has Angel get drugged, inducing euphoria which in turn makes him evil, but... by nicnacsnonsense, ymfingsteadilyon

Spike being able to attack the scientists by zorilleerrant

[Thematic parallels between Angel and Willow] by 5bi5, lightdancer1

Did Riley make the right choice? by November and others

How would you change/recreate the show? by NoShip

Something I noticed about Angel and Faith's friendship by Other_Thing_2551

Why did they write Connor out of Angel? hosted by OptionNo1672

[AtS] Season 3 episodes 2 and 3 switched? by HazelCheese

This is what Xander sees when he looks at Angel by drawandpaintbyfire

What series would each character binge? hosted by ErrForceOnes

Spike's behaviour in Seeing Red is perfectly in character by figinmyteeth

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The vast majority of [Spike's] close relationships were with women. by beeemkcl

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[imstillhere-butallislost]

Hi! At the time of writing I got out of surgery 6 hours ago at grs Montreal. Double incision with nipple grafts. Here is my big post detailing eeeeverything about my actual surgery experience and the day leading up to it.

First of all, I just want to say for everyone considering grs Montreal that the clinic no longer does drainless top surgery. I was told in my consultation that they ONLY do drains now because they don't want to take any chances with healing.

It's worth stating that my support person was with me the whole time really, just not when I was dressing or when I was taken from the recovery room to actually go get surgery. You will not be alone!

I had to fly in to Montreal for surgery, and will be flying back home on Sunday.

It was pretty nerve wracking trying to set up and understand everything through email because I was in a different province, but it all worked out. The clinic payed for all of the car rides, and my province reimburses the plane tickets and covers the hotel stay. The clinic also covers 50 dollars of Uber eats credits per day.

The night before I had to take a shower and use hair removal cream and antibacterial soap. Let me tell u that Hair removal cream was ROUGH. It didn't take everything off and it also have me a lot of irritation under my arms. But I got it done and got a drive to the clinic the next morning after I showered again.

At the clinic, you are immediately given paperwork. You do this, and then you wait. I waited maybe about 2 hours or so before being called and told it's time for me to go out of the waiting room. I met with a nurse, went over more paperwork and had some vitals taken, then she took me to get dressed in a hospital gown and take a pregnancy test.

This starts a long hour and a half being unable to produce any liquid to be able to take a pregnancy test. I couldn't do it, so I just got to go upstairs for surgery with another person. It was pretty strange to have people all around you switching from French to English to speak to different people. I got out in a big room with room for maybe 6 beds, for people waiting to go in to surgery and people recovering from surgery. The other patient I came up with had a little stuffed octopus, was pretty cool. Once again I was asked to take the pregnancy test, but I wasn't allowed to drink since midnight the previous night so I just couldn't. They could NOT do the surgery without a pregnancy test due to anesthesia. I had to be hooked up to an IV before surgery in order to get fluid in me so I could take the test, but it was done and it was negative (yay!).

After the test, I was immediately taken away from the recovery room and moved into a very very small room directly outside the surgery room. This is where I had the surgery guidelines done on my chest immediately. Everything happened very quickly after the pregnancy test,because they had been waiting on me to be able to do it. The drawing of the guidelines was a little strange for me bc the surgeon (Dr laungani) had to remove most of my robe, but it was all fine.

I was taken into the surgery room and told to get up on the table, they had me lay down like I was Jesus on the cross, and then the mask was going over my face and the anesthesiologist told me to think happy thoughts and then I was out. No counting or anything, I was just out.

And then I woke up in a different room, vision blurry because i had anesthesia and also didn't have my glasses. I was asked how I was feeling and well, I was feeling completely fine. Maybe a little slight pain but nothing major. I remember thinking for a slight second that o was dreaming, but then I remembered everything that had happened earlier in my the day.

From that point I stayed awake the entire time and was wheeled to the recovery room. In the recovery room they knew again asked how I was and did vitals, and I said my pain was about a three out of 10 and was given Tylenol. All of the nurses were extremely nice, one apologized for all the pressure to make sure I took the pregnancy test earlier which was nice. I was allowed to lay down for like an hour, drank some water and ate because I was sooooo hungry, the clinic gave me one piece of cheese. I had big ice packs on me, and there was a huge stain on my body from stomach to neck and shoulders, which I was told was an anti septic. I was able to wipe that off, have a demo on how to empty drains and what my meds all do, and then I was able to leave after I used the bathroom and got dressed. I was able to do all of this on my own relatively easy, and then I was able to go back to where I was staying and that's where I've been!

Ive already emptied my drains on my own and am able to get up and walk around, i have pretty minimal pain right now and am only using Tylenol instead of the strong pain meds they prescribed. But yeah that's it, comment or DM me if you have any questions or anything!

[warmhealerr]

18+ - Minors Do Not Interact.

Adult content sometimes. Even if it weren't the case I just don't want minors here. My Instagram is not my Tumblr.

I am Barnabas, though you can also call me Barney! I use he/they pronouns interchangeably.

I'm a hobbyist who writes and draws. I am currently deep in a DND phase kickstarted by BG3. I am fond of all things Gith- peoples, though Githyanki especially. I also love Deep Gnomes, and undead, go figure.

I am otherwise writing The City Of Dust aka TCOD (name to be changed) which I might post about from time to time. It has been my personal passion project for 7 years now.

If that information matters to you I am a French in France who stays awake at ungodly hours and wants out of here HAHA.

BOUNDARIES/"DNI"

I feel childish adding more to this section for some reason but it is necessary, so might as well get on with it.

I know how to curate my online experience like any other, and I also love dark media and kink, but I genuinely politely ask that you do not follow me (assuming you've read this) if you post or reblog fetish incestuous content (emphasis on the word fetish). I like quickly checking and/or following people's blogs when it seems we've common interests! There's only so much curating I can do when someone with no specific warnings anywhere on their account does not tag it, which has been a more common occurrence than I'd prefer. This also goes for adult/minor fetish content. Please and thank you.

No gen AI.

I otherwise block whoever I please for reasons completely unrelated to former points. My blog history and bio might give you insight as to what. I also do not like people who revel in being the most shocking, mean spirited, judgemental and edgy in the room.

Finally, petty intercommunity validity discourse is the bane of my existence.

TAG INFO AND MORE UNDER THE CUT

NOTE 1

I suffer from serial social media liking disease. Apologies, I don't mean to spam/be obnoxious.

NOTE 2

I am ND and very mentally ill. My casual everyday (like you are reading right now) writing might be noticeably overcompensating, too cold, too warm, far too descriptive, or redundant alongside suffering at times from poor punctuation and vocabulary (though that is also on the fact English is not my first language). I am well aware though I'm trying to avoid awkwardness, sorry about that.

TUMBLR STUFF

ASKS

I welcome any ask no matter its content (that includes asks of an adult nature).

TAGS

I am God awful at tagging things even though I have been using Tumblr for at least 5 years now. I am especially forgetful when it comes to character or ship tags. This is an attempt at changing that.

#rambling for when I talk about... Nothing.

Feel free to request ship or character tags (as I usually forget them) in my ask inbox. My ship tag format usually goes #x/y.

I usually do not tag suggestive content (I just don't think about it, this blog is already 18+). I will tag explicit sexual stuff with #nsft.

Content warning tags will use a single word, like #gore. This is to avoid typing gore cw instead of cw gore (for example) in case someone doesn't have that former tag iteration blocked.

I usually do not phobia tag (I might sometimes tag specific living beings like #bugs or #spiders. It is for archive navigation purposes but perhaps you could find it useful to hide them).

Feel free to request CW tags in my ask inbox.

MY TAGS

#myart for my visual art : from sketches to fully rendered, anything goes. I describe my rendered art for the visually impaired, and/or comprehensive visual clarity for an easier analysis. I usually do not describe sketches especially if posting a bunch of them.

#my writing for any kind of writing I put out. I don't write lots of polished stuff though. It's mostly summaries, script drafts and ideas I use to communicate with myself first, and then other people. It's hardly literature imo.

My individual OC tags go "#charactername tag" for easy navigation purposes.

"#Fist of the Comet" additional tag for Ta'rath post BG3 campaign

"#underdark siblings" for Joufos/Oulmat/Zilkon, their other family members and Oulmat's patron.

#TCOD for TCOD (until name changes).

I will add more tags here once relevant. Thank you.

Ta'rath spin...

[smokietaylor]

Weekly tag Wednesday! Thanks @nymacronfor the tag

(I know it's not wednesday but we're here now)

Name: Taylor

Location: Canada 🍁

Age: 31

You have an unexpected extra day off work or school! What are you going to do?

Honestly probably absolutely nothing, maybe work on some fanfic or play video games. Works really been burning me out the last 3 months.

What is your favorite way to spend a summer day?

Summer is not my favourite time of year, I can't regulating my body temperature for shit so I will be staying inside thank you. The only upside to summer is that there is no snow.

What is your favorite way to spend a winter day?

I'm still likely to stay inside lmao although I do like to ski even though I'm not something I do often.

What do you do to unwind at the end of the day?

My routine when I walk in the door from work Step 1: Arrive home, drop backpack at the door, say hey to the roommates if up they're still awake Step 2: Go downstairs to my bedroom Step 3: Remove extremely uncomfortable uniform Step 4: Find this closest pair of sweats on the floor Step 5: Go back up stairs, sit on my porch and smoke some weed

Do you play any sports?

I don't do... sports 😂

Other than fanfic, what is your favorite genre to read?

I almost exclusively read fanfic but I am trying to get back into reading real book. I would say I lean towards romance though🤭

What is your comfort movie/tv show?

movies: The Road to Eldorado, Shrek 1-3, Atlantis, Despicable me, Mitchel's vs. the machines, A knights Tale, The Princess Bride, Free Guy, Deadpool (all of them)

series: Gravity falls, Futurama, Steven Universe, Star vs. the forces of evil, ATLA, Ted Lasso, Family guy, Simpsons, and American Dad

There are more but that's all I can think of off the top of my head

Do you write or draw?

I write, I do not draw... only if colouring pages count 😂

What other arts or crafts do you do?

I do cosplay photography as a side job

Describe your perfect breakfast:

Over-easy eggs, Toasted white bread, hash browns, bacon with a side of either pancakes or french toast. All with the classic ADHD 3-drinks of coffee, water and orange juice.

tagging: Tagging whoever because I don't know right now.

[potions-with-daddy-faraway]

Dream With Daddy 🌙

I was in Berea Southwest of Cleveland, like 2005 September - November at BW conservatory and it looked different: I was in like a loft in a sorta big room with 2 other girls like a dorm. Like before but harder … but first my blanket kept rolling and I opened my eyes and saw it in dim lighting. André Rieu sent little clicking noises and drummed Bolero etc. said to make me feel better. Alas/Again, I cried and said I really wanted him to pick me up and whimpered many times spaced out. So my feelings partly from my hands made my blanket roll on me. Finally it pressed really hard, now I have the feeling his loud Bolero did it. He’s been on my YouTube in the night and I turned it on again waking up 7 A.M. it was so hard I cried out to him. I said my heart and also those right toes. I said I’d be okay. Staying awake if possible helped. I woke up, saw the “kids,” tried to catch some like moving/shifting pictures of snow, etc. His music seems like a trick, not happy as seems. Personal in some reception.

I really felt the pressure a lot. It made my heart thump sorta not too hard. My right hand is feeling a lot of resistance at times. I decided to move there last night watching the blonde American soprano with André Rieu maybe French last name a lot of times from recent touring of the U.S.A. and Canada. For my Gramma drawing outta me I wanted to move here for the magic I experienced last time. She died going to the nursing home with a hurt hip in December after living next to my aunt Barb, a daughter, a long time, in Mid West Florida now. She talked to me more than anyone, y phone growing up every weekend for like 45 minutes. She helped raise me as a toddler, coming to Florida from Up North.

[headstrongblake]

@thewholecrew: grant, kassy & octavia | all american universe

octavia shifted uncomfortably with their agreement, the remnants of her nightmare still looming over her like a cloud. letting out a short breath, her fingers dangerously tightened around the glass of water before she put it out of reach, swapping it for the edge of her brother's blanket. echoes of that evening filled her ears, including the sharp gasp she made as strange hands clamped down on her mouth and around her ankles. the shrieks she let out as she realized what was happening. all of it briefly drowns out kassy and grant, letting the men's features flash in her gaze. but she snaps back when grant speaks, drawing her attention as she blinked.

"i want to see him, my brother." is her immediate response as grant concluded that they would look into the connection between her brother's attack and hers. if they were to go to the prison to talk to him, she wants to go too. between his attack and hers, they've missed too many visits already, and she needs him. her fingers bunched up the fabric of his blanket in her palm, putting a protective layer against her nails over top. if the same people who tried to kill her were the ones who also got to her brother inside? her lips anxiously rubbed together, hating the thought of what someone might try to do to him again.

again, octavia silently nodded, her forehead creasing with distress at grant's questions. for the first time, she wanted to answer them, spill every bit of detail from that horrible night because if that made the nightmare go away, she'd do anything—anything for one restful night's sleep—to no longer need but just want her best friend and grant around. "three...two startled me awake," she recalled, nodding as the memory of being torn from bed sent goosebumps rising along her skin. look who’s awake. "but there was a third; his voice was different than the one calling the shots, but he came at me with the guy who pulled me out of bed..." this would be over faster if you just stayed down.

octavia tried to recall telling details. some feature that could help grant, but all that came to mind were the man's piercing eyes, nearly black with intensity. her gaze shifted toward the pillow kassy was practically strangling in her grips, trying to wrack her mind for something useful. "...it was really dark," she explained, frustration kinking her brow. "but i heard one of them mutter another language...it was really fast, a bit choppy." her shoulders lifted. it sounded nothing like french or spanish. "and..." octavia's voice broke, fear suffocating her words as shimmering hues lifted to kassy. kassy would tell. she'd tell everything if it meant protecting someone else from getting hurt too, octavia reminded herself before she looked at grant. "the guy in charge i think, he sent the other two away after...however long," she truly had no idea. the beating felt endless that night. "but he stayed, alone. he stuck around, did this until...i think he thought i was dead." as she spoke, her hand gestured to the fading bruising around her neck. "that man had a dragon tattoo on his throat...took up his whole neck."

@headstrongblake: grant, kassy & octavia. / verse: all american.

octavia's silent nod had kassy suck in a quiet but sharp breath, dark eyes watching her as her own mind took off in a spin. she had been the first one to see octavia, had found her laying just to the right of them on the floor covered in glass and blood, her place torn apart. she would have thought she was dead had she not heard her groaning in pain. tears welled up in her eyes at the memory and she hugged the pillow in her lap tighter, trying not to think about it but god, if she couldn't help how her mind slid so easily to what happened, how could octavia not? aside from her mind trying to protect her by blocking such trauma.

she tried not to stare, keeping her hands tightly around the pillow she looked down at the space between the three of them while octavia took the advil and a sip of water. when octavia spoke grant stiffened, torn between desperately wanting to know every minute detail so that there was some chance to find and hunt down whoever laid hands on her but also to know what happened, to hear what she went through when he wasn't here to protect her? he steeled himself, giving her a slow nod of his own as his gaze too went to kassy. she looked up to meet octavia's eyes to offer a quick nod and small reassuring smile that fell the moment her best friend's attention was off her and she clutched the pillow tighter instead of reaching out.

grant's honey gaze met octavias and again he gave a silent nod to her request, "we understand," he spoke for the both of them, kassy and him, and for the first time kassy let him. his jaw clenched at the anger he heard in her voice, hands flexing where they rested in his lap but he kept his gaze on octavia, listening intently to every word she spoke, even if when she mentioned her state, how they had hurt her enough to knock her out made both his and kassy's blood boil. she couldn't look up, her gaze on the pillow she was trying not to tear apart as she let out a quiet, pained breath. grant listened, slowly digesting every bit of information she gave him, mulling it over in his head before he straightened and cleared his throat. "okay, good... this is good. we can connect this with what happened to your brother and look into... any possible fueds your family has had with the other clubs..." he murmured, brows furrowing together in thought.

he didn't want to push her or overwhelm her but he needed more, not only did he need that but he needed to know who to look for, more details there. he swallowed, lips drawn in a downturned line, "...do you remember how many there were? two? three? more? ...and... any details at all of what they looked like....?" he tried to be gentle with his questioning despite the glare kassy gave him but he could see in her eyes too she wanted to know, she wanted them dead as badly as he did. she'd been the one to bring it up only a couple hours before this. "i... understand how difficult... and painful this could be to explain... take your time, octavia..." he said gently as kassy nodded in agreement.