#excited to see more! i love that we're back to meeting the companion's family right off the bat

[wheretheeternalare]

I thought the dw christmas special was good! no more stupid than any other dw christmas special and fifteen and ruby are amazing

[thelucyaddams]

You're very sweet, princess

Azula x fem reader

(Y/N) only wanted to spend some time on the beach and relax. That was only until she noticed a strange group of teenagers playing volleyball. One of the girls caught her eye and (Y/N) found herself enjoying the time they spend together.

It was a very hot but beautiful day on Ember Island. It was perfect for some relaxing time on the beach.

(Y/N) isn't the only one to think that since the whole beach was crowded.

The firebender sat on her towel sunbathing and watching the people around her. There were many families according to the children that were running around or building castles made of sand.

Some teenagers sat together in a group or played some games. Just like the ones that were playing a game of volleyball nearby.

(Y/N) watched them playing for a second and soon found herself quite interested in the match.

To be more specific it was the one team that caught her interest.

Three girls and a boy were playing like they were professionals. Really they were that skilled and totally crushed the other team.

Especially one of the girls seemed to be pretty strong. Her dark hair was styled into a top-knot that was decorated with some firenation headpiece. Only her bangs on either side of her face were free from the bun. The headpiece told (Y/N) that this girl like her companions must be noble or at least her family must be wealthy.

(Y/N) looked up and down her body and decided that she was very stunning. Even with that determined and kinda scary look on her face. Or especially because of that look. (Y/N) wasn't quite sure.

Suddenly the volleyball landed right in front of her and (Y/N) blinked a little confused for a second before she realized what happened.

She looked up only to see the beautiful girl coming her way. Out of all the players it was her who came after the ball!

(Y/N) swallowed before she stood up and picked up the ball to hand it back to the girl.

Her hands trembled a little which she hoped the girl wouldn't notice.

Golden eyes pierced their way right through her. It made (Y/N) nervous.

"Girl, would you hand me the ball now or are you looking for trouble?", the girl said in a serious and slightly annoyed voice.

(Y/N) blinked again only to realize she was standing right in front of the dark haired girl with the ball in her hands without moving any further. Embarrassing...

"Oh no, no, here...", (Y/N) stuttered and handed the ball to the other girl.

The girl only rolled her eyes pulled the ball out of (Y/N)'s hands and turned around to go back to the others without saying 'thank you' or anything else.

"Wait!", the nervous firebender managed to say.

The dark haired girl actually stopped walking and turned her head around a little to look back at (Y/N) over her shoulder.

"I watched you playing for a bit... You're really really good! I like your style... Crush them for me would ya?", (Y/N) managed to say.

The other girl raised an eyebrow but smirked kinda proud.

"Please, tell me something I don't know.", she replied and sighed with emphasis, "If you really want to see how I crush my enemies for my own interests you should come over and watch from the sides.", she added again putting emphasis on her words.

Especially when she said 'for my own interests'.

(Y/N) smiled about the quite unusual invitation which she accepted.

"Why not. Watching you up close will be much better."

The dark haired girl smirked even brighter before finally walking back to the other players followed by (Y/N).

The firebender watched in awe as the girl made her words come true and actually defeated her 'enemies'.

People might say her little speech at the end was a little... exaggerated and crazy. Not for (Y/N) though. She kinda liked it and admired the girls passion.

"Liked what you saw?", the dark haired girl asked out of the blue and gazed back at (Y/N).

"Definitely, I'm curious what you can do in a fight.", (Y/N) answered.

"Careful with those words when you're talking to Azula. It might be your last day on earth.", one of her teammates said.

It was a girl with black hair, dark eyes and a very gloomy expression.

"Don't listen to Mai! I appreciate your interest in my skills. I think I can show you one or two moves.", the girl named Azula said.

"It's so good to meet new people. What's your name? I'm Ty Lee!", the brunette among the group said.

Her expression was the complete opposite of Mai. She seemed to be very excited and happy but also energetic.

Then there still was the young boy. He had a scar around his left eye which was obviously caused by fire.

"The name's (Y/N). Nice to meet you all."

"Well, (Y/N) and you girls are very welcome at our party tonight.", two boys that walked up to them said all of the sudden.

"The place is just up the hill. You can't miss it. My name is Chan by the way and this is my friend Ruon-Jian."

"Oooh a party! We should totally go!", Ty Lee exclaimed excitedly.

"I go when (Y/N) 's going.", Azula said.

The firebender blushed slightly.

"I guess a party doesn't sound too bad.", she accepted the invitation sheepishly.

"Brilliant. It's decided then. We'll come.", Azula spoke for all of them.

"Hey, what about me?", Zuko protested.

His sister rolled her eyes.

"You're obviously with us, dum-dum.", she said.

"Yeah, alright. Meet us right after sunset.", was all Chan said before leaving them.

"So what was your name again?", (Y/N) asked the boy.

"Just call me Zuko."

"Or Zuzu.", Azula teased him earning a glare by her brother.

(Y/N) chuckled.

"Alright, guess I'll meet you later.", the firebender said waving them good bye.

"Yes, see you later, (Y/N)", Azula mumbled her possessive gaze never leaving the girl until she was out of sight.

The princess sighed.

"Come on, let's prepare for that party.", Azula said and started walking away followed by the others.

-------------------------🔥-----------------------

Slightly annoyed and even jealous Azula watched Ty Lee who was surrounded by all those boys while she was standing here alone without any attention.

That was only until a sweet voice spoke up next to her.

"Sorry, I'm late but I hope you're still up to enjoy this party."

Azula turned her head and got a very strange feeling in her guts when she saw (Y/N).

"That's why I'm here am I not?", Azula replied unusually nervous.

Her eyes went up and down (Y/N)'s body and took every bit of her skin that was visible. She looked truly stunning in that traditional firenation gown.

(Y/N) blushed when she took notice of Azulas gaze especially when it stayed on her trace of an abs.

"Well, you looked a little lost over here.", the firebender replied sheepishly only to earn a slight scoff by Azula.

"You don't really know me yet so I should tell you that I never get lost.", Azula answered arrogantly, "But I guess I could use the company and since you're here now... Tell me about yourself."

"Oh well, I'm a firebender I guess. My father is an admiral in the army. He is leading the fleet called 'The Dragon'. One of those elite spy units..."

"Admiral Huan, I see. Means you're from Fire Fountain City but as soon as your father got promoted you got a nice house in the capital."

(Y/N) was taken aback by how much Azula knew.

"How..."

"I guess I know a lot about the war especially about the men that fight for our nation. What about you? Did you join the army?"

"No, I really want to but father wouldn't let me. Not after what happened to my brother... Not after we lost him and mother... She never supported the war. It was a forced marriage so at some point when father wasn't home she left.. She just left us alone."

Azula didn't speak for a second. She was surprised by how easily (Y/N) opened up to her. Also she got this strange feeling in her stomach again when she realized their similarity. They both lost theirs mother's.

(Y/N) shock her head.

"But enough about it. We're at a party let's grab a drink and maybe we could dance for a bit?", the firebender tried to change the topic.

Azula only nodded.

So that's what they did. Trying some of the drinks. The fire cocktail definitely had something to like it. They also danced. Both of them had a hard time to relax and enjoy the music at first but after a while they both made fun of it and managed to move less stiff.

Zuko and Mai watched in surprise from afar when they saw Azula actually having fun and looking less scary for a bit.

Ty Lee on the other hand smiled. She was happy for her friend to enjoy herself instead of thinking about war and how to torture other people.

-------------------------🔥-----------------------

(Y/N) gazed up at the sky watching the stars while the little campfire in front of her warmed her body. But it wasn't just the fire that provided her warmth. It was the girl next to her as well.

Azula and (Y/N) were the last ones to enjoy the night. Zuko, Mai and Ty Lee already left.

After what happened at the party they just wanted to have some quiet moment.

Azula had opened up about her mom a little. (Y/N) felt nothing but sympathy for the girl. She knew to well how it was to lose your mother.

But when Azula confessed that her mom thought she was a monster (Y/N) felt nothing but anger. Even though they had just met this afternoon she felt like Azula was misjudged.

She couldn't see anything in her that would make her a monster. Even if she had some characteristics that made her... different it doesn't mean she was bad. No, she was just human just like anyone else.

"Would you still like to join the war?", Azula asked out of the blue.

(Y/N) shoot her a slightly confused look before answering.

"Yes, I guess. But father..."

"Oh believe me I have my ways to ensure you can join me in the fightings. In fact there's no one else that can make it happen. Your father won't have a choice but to let you go.", Azula explained.

"If that's so... then I'd love to join you."

"Brilliant. You and I we will rule the whole world and bring our nation to victory together!"

(Y/N) chuckled and leaned towards Azula a little to plant a sweet kiss on her cheek.

Azula looked completely taken aback and tried to hide the blush that appeared on her face.

"You're very sweet, princess.", the firebender whispered.

It took the princess aback even more.

"You know?"

"Well, a boy with that scar... His name's Zuko and his sister is called Azula. You know a lot about war and are utterly talented and you definitely aren't normal... Too many hints.", (Y/N) explained.

Azula smirked.

"Well, look at that she's not only beautiful but also clever... I like that.", the princess whispered getting her courage back.

"You know what I would like?"

Azula raised an eyebrow but closed her eyes when the firebender gave her another kiss. But this time on the lips.

Oh yes, they'd definitely rule the world together.

[bumbershots]

Mistletoe & Wine

A/N: Hello this is my collaboration for @goldenbluesuit very well put together Christmas song fic challenge. It’s my first time participating and my first time posting my writing here as well (I’m sort of new, I have no friends) so, I’m kind of nervous and English is not my first language (sorry for any mistakes) thanks to my boyfriend for being a Brit so he could help me with the “slang” and for reading this about fifteen times and listened to Mistletoe and Wine by Cliff Richard throughout the entire week with me lol. Thanks for  taking the time to read this :) If you want to befriend a twenty six year old Aries, or just send me an ask click here.

Word count: 2.8k

Summary: Harry meets a woman that is not here to stay, he will need to decide if that will keep him from making the most of the very few days they have together or dread the imminent separation.

It was raining when her flight landed in London. The kind of rain that doesn't pour heavily, instead it settles over the city for days. And although she can't afford to take a cab, she steps out of the airport just to stare at the endless grey of the sky and wrap herself in her coat because of how cold it was. After a few more minutes she goes back inside to find the way to get out of there on the tube, she knew it to be possible after all the research she's been doing since the age of twelve on the internet.

Soon enough, the man she approached to ask for help, confirms that a train is leaving in a few minutes and she can easily get off at Hammersmith, he even helps her buy the ticket and recommends to get an oyster card if she is going to use London's Underground often. But she doesn't know, she relishes in the element of surprise that is surrounding her life for the next 3 weeks. It excites her to an unfamiliar degree to see people come and go into the carriage, it almost makes her miss her stop, but she manages to get off just in time, her hands clutching the heavy suitcase that contains all her nicest and warmest clothes. She follows the crowd up the stairs and out of the station, the busy street revealed before her is straight out of those books she restlessly studied at school, people wearing trench coats and long scarfs hurry in hopes to avoid the rain and then a red double-decker bus passes by. The cherry on top.

The spontaneous decision to spend Christmas in England instead of her home country was made months ago, on the night of her birthday, although her closest friends would say that she's been dreaming of it since she read Harry Potter. No one gave her a hard time for it, in fact, almost all her friends and family members went to the airport to wish her a safe trip. Her grandmother was cheeky enough to slip a twenty pound note when hugging her goodbye.

Every day of the first week went by in a blur, visiting museums, galleries and walking around the city, getting soaked in its beauty and the endless rain. By the beginning of the second week, a bit tired of the scarce options from the hotel's breakfast, she ventured out, burying half of her face in the scarf she bought the day before at Primark, her feet guiding her almost out of instinct to the little cafe at the end of Hercules road. The place is warm and the menu seems to have it all for a very fair price. After a couple of minutes the Full English wins, she iterates the order to the woman behind the counter and adds a cup of tea handing over the money.

"Get a seat love, I'll bring it over." The elder lady says making the girl smile and thank her before scampering across the room to sit by the window at the four seat table tucked in the corner.

It doesn't take long for her food to arrive and for her to dig in, feeling kind of full almost at the end, she slows down then, a trick her father passed down on her. Let it settle in for a few minutes before going back at it. Works every time. She gets lost on the daily life happening before her eyes, the people walking by, some in a rush maybe to get to work, others in a rush to get to the shops early and buy presents. She could easily tell the difference between one and other. The elderly couple walking to the market, slower than anybody else, arms linked and without a care in the world. A girl around her age doing "the walk of shame" elicited a smirk on her lips. Good for her.

"Do you mind if I take a seat?" She almost missed the question by the stranger standing there. "There's no empty seats elsewhere I'm afraid, I won't bother you." He was right, in the span of thirty minutes the place was full to the brim with families, the three seats at her table the only ones free so, she nodded and even managed to smile in a friendly way. Unfortunately for her, the green eyed stranger did the same, a sweet dimple on his left cheek more prominent than on the right one and she had to eat a spoonful of beans in an attempt to hide her blush.

Two weeks in the country, almost two weeks, and the best looking man on it decides to show up on a greasy spoon cafe when she's eating what's left of her sausages and beans. His food is delivered by the same lady from earlier, of course it is something that looks healthy. The sudden need to fly away from the place pops in her head, it's not a bad one, he doesn't even know her name. She wants to know his. She remembers how he said he wouldn't bother her, it's almost disappointing, she wants to be bothered.

The situation seems to be straight out of a rom-com, she is cutting the banger in little pieces, as if the formula to spark conversation with the mystery guy keeping her company is hidden in them. But after five minutes she sighs quietly, knowing that her own shyness won't let her even glance at him again. She will have to do her best to remember him and observe from the corner of her eye until the last piece of minced pork is consumed by her. And maybe she will gush about how gorgeous he was with her friends once she is back home, describing his shiny emerald eyes for them, sharing a sigh when she recalls how dreamy his accent was and squeal upon the memory of his raspy voice.

Ten minutes later her last bite is chewed and swallowed, the cup is empty as well. She's about to grab her coat draped on the back of her chair. "I'm going to have to break my non-disturbing you promise but... um, that's a sick cardigan." His voice doesn't sound confident as before, he even clears his throat, but his eyes never leave hers.

"Thanks, my grandma knitted it for me." She forgets about her coat and straightens out a bit for him to appreciate the colourful patchwork and extends her left arm to show the over-sized sleeve. Her companion hums in approval. "She hates it."

"What?" His green eyes widening in disbelief and she just shrugs.

"As soon as I put it on she went on and on about how horrible it was, the wrong proportions and how it all seemed better off in her mind." They share a giggle and don't notice that their empty plates have been taken away and the place is no longer swamped by people. "But I like it, I like it a lot, does a good job keeping me warm." And makes her look lovely, he thinks but doesn't say.

Instead he licks his lips before speaking again. "I'm Harry." He offers his left hand and she quickly eyes the cross tattoo.

"I'm a tourist." She says before adding her real name, earning a deep chuckle from him before letting go of his hand.

The set of circumstances in which she met Harry is dreamy for sure, but something about him made the set of affairs so real. When he asked about the places where she'd been the scoff afterwards and the roll of his eyes made her ask what was wrong about them. But he didn't answer, with a shake of his head and a deep sigh he asked for her phone number. The promise to show her the real London lingered in the air as they parted ways outside of the corner cafe.

Her heart raced at the very sight of him outside Borough Market the following morning. "Morning love, alright?" he greeted her before hugging her tight and quick. It was so genuine it made her wonder if she really just met him the day before. "Do you like doughnuts?"

"Who doesn't?" she says with that grin he worries will wait for him in his dreams.

"Wisest words ever spoken." Harry's arm is wrapped around her shoulders, guiding her on their quest inside the huge market.

The early morning is spent too soon, Harry guides her to talk to the stall owners, they are so passionate about their produce, most of them willing when possible to give them a sample. The highlight is the stop at Bread Ahead, they buy more doughnuts than what she thinks they need. They eat them all while sharing a Monmouth coffee. Harry shares with her stories about almost every stall they passed by. "I'm not a fan of red meat, and oysters." She keeps record of it, basking in his lovely anecdotes that seemed to summon the sun from it's hiding place. "We're granted a sunny day in winter!" He celebrates and it's impossible not to join him. "Let's go to Richmond Park."

Of course she nods in agreement and follows him down the street where he parked his car before she gets in the passenger seat. The stranger danger alarm, should've gone off in her head. But there was something about him, like he was holding her in place. As she heard Harry speak about his job, it started to make more sense in her head. Harry was a lot like this country, foreign, new, exciting and hers for the next few days. He made that clear when they parted ways at the end of the day.

"Come home with me for Christmas." Harry asked her on what would be the beginning of her last week in London, while having a picnic on Primrose Hill.

"With your family?" Her eyebrows were shot up when he nodded, fighting back that deadly smirk of his. "All your relatives will be there?" He nods again and she scoffs completely agitated. "Don't be daft Harry!" She voices out her feelings borrowing an expression of his.

He laughs and it's impossible for her not to join him, her face growing hotter by the second. "I don't want to go without you, and mum will love to have you there," that's what she fears.

"I don't know Harry, might be weird." He disagrees right away.

"It's close to Liverpool, we could spend a day or two over there." The past week he's been trying to learn as many things from her as possible and if he chooses his words carefully he can convince her. "Pay a visit to Anfield, The Cavern." His fake nonchalant attitude makes her roll her eyes, "Strawberry Fields is there too, you know?" She agrees and he kisses the back of her hand to mask the proud grin on his face.

In the past, she was always careful not to let a partner know how deeply she cared about them. The thought of being vulnerable made her lose her mind, thinking it was a sign of weakness. But seeing Harry drive through the English countryside, singing at the top of his lungs to Mistletoe and Wine by Cliff Richard and smiling just for her. It made her want to tell him, but not even all the words in every single language ever spoken by humanity could be enough to give him an idea of how much she cares for him.

There hasn't been a proper kiss between them, it puzzled her at first. Because his gaze seemed to be constantly directed to her lips. But then there was all the touching, holding hands, tucking her to his side when walking, his tender touch before hugging her goodbye. And the way he was always running his hands through her hair.

"She's a friend," he introduces her to his mum Anne and sister Gemma, after saying her name, chewing on the word like it's that mint gum he carries in his purse everywhere he goes. "Was a bloody tourist when I first met her but now... she's a proper Londoner." She doubts it, but she agrees on them being friends and she likes it, a lot.

They help Anne and Gemma to set the table and the finishing touches for dinner. Only three more family members show up and she chastises Harry for making her believe that all of his offspring was going to attend. That's how they usually spend Christmas Eve back home, she explains.

It saddens him, the thought of her going back to her home country in five days time. All the way across the Atlantic, six hours behind him. It's almost unfair.

"Tell me more about it," Harry's curiosity is genuine, thinking that he would love to know more about her traditions. Perhaps even be lucky enough to share them someday.

"We don't have these," she regrets taking a tube of brightly coloured paper. "We have piñatas though." She adds proudly and Harry's jaw hangs open in surprise.

"No fucking way!" He is immediately told off by his mum as they all take a seat at the table. "I thought that was only allowed for birthdays."

"There's no rules for that!" She takes the Christmas cracker out again and Harry takes it from the other end. "So, I just pull it?" He nods and it makes a noise revealing the present.

"You get the crown." Harry unfolds it before helping her fix it atop her head. "And the little toy, what is it?oh... I get the joke!" His family groans, his sister hiding her face in hands, but all she sees is the glint in Harry's eye before he reads. "Who's Rudolph's favourite pop star?"

"I don't know," she's the only one that was going to ask him. And she really wanted to know.

"Beyon-sleigh!" Harry watches in delight how the girl before him snorts at the silly and not so funny joke.

"That was awful." She confessed.

"Agree, next year we'll make our own. Riddles only." His mum adds and Harry protests right away but is shushed by Gemma's voice reading out loud the riddle from her cracker.

Next year, she will probably be spending the day with her numerous family, she thinks. Harry will be here again, telling awful jokes, pulling away Christmas crackers. Perhaps he will bring another person with him. She tries to push the poisonous thoughts down with a big gulp of wine. Only succeeding when Harry's left hand rests on her knee, his thumb rubbing circles on her skin exposed by her ripped jeans while he listens to his sister talk about her podcast. It marvels her how he is there, for everybody.

After dinner they play family games and Harry makes a fake tantrum after his cousin Chloe claims his companion for her team.

"She's mine!" He argues, his long arms embracing her easily. She ends up joining the other team, but the quick kiss she bravely gave to his neck before he let her go, confirmed the words he spoke.

There is a three step process Harry follows to know he's fallen in love. If he finds himself talking about them with every living soul, if he does something they like just because it makes him miss them less and finally if he takes them home to meet his mum. He knows that for the past few days, there was no other topic to discuss with him than the girl sitting beside him in the sofa. He's been drinking tea every morning, just because it reminds him of her. He watches her talk to his mother about how much they like Rod Stewart and knows that he's in too deep.

It should bother him, because she will leave. And all these moments spent, will be just distant memories for him to torture himself over and over again. He wants to feel the angst of knowing that maybe she will forget him, maybe she has a partner back home. He gives up on trying to feel miserable, agreeing with that song from earlier. It is a time to rejoice in the good that we see, a time for living and believing.

Right now all he sees is her, he sighs before tucking her by his side, her brown doe eyes meeting his briefly before sneaking an arm around his waist. She continues to chat with Anne and Gemma even after the rest of the guests leave, still holding onto him. Harry can see the fondness radiating from his mother and sister for the girl in his arms. He sees trust, and he smiles thinking of a new beginning.

What a beautiful sight.

[alj4890]

The Two of Us ~ Fluffy Friday

(Lord Jackson Walker x Lady Nicky Beaumont) from the While We're Young series with @krsnlove

Fluffy Friday Masterlist

"Wow, it must be love." Emily Beaumont watched her older sister pack the oversized backpack. "I can't believe you are really going to do this."

Nicky shrugged. "Jax loves it and really wants me to try it. Since I care about him, it won't hurt me to give it a shot."

Emily snorted. "Beaumonts don't do camping."

Nicky rolled her eyes. "Now you sound like Mom."

"Hey! Mums is the best! You can't say that we don't typically share the same opinion."

Nicky shoved in a few more clothes. "I know she is and I know we do." She looked up at her sister and grinned. "Guard your heart, Em. One day you will fall head over heels for someone and will be doing things you swore you would never do."

Emily's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I think I will know he is not my true love if he asks me to rough it for the weekend." The sisters both burst into laughter.

Maxwell knocked on the open bedroom door. His grin dimpled even more at seeing his girls laughing. "Jackson's here, Nicky."

She slung her backpack over her shoulders and staggered backwards from the weight. Emily reached out and steadied her. "Whoa. Probably shouldn't have packed so much."

She walked downstairs and her heart fluttered at seeing Jackson. He looked so ruggedly handsome in his jeans and his flannel shirt. His eyes lifted up at her and he smiled. When she got to the bottom of the stairs he took her backpack from her.

"Ready?" He asked. She nodded and hugged her parents and sister goodbye. Jackson promised to keep her safe and that they would see them on Sunday.

Once they were in his jeep, she relaxed and decided to give this a fair chance. This was the first time they would be able to be completely alone on a vacation. She would have preferred a hotel room and exciting nightlife, yet she wanted to see what Jackson loved so much about camping.

Jax reached for her hand while he drove. He glanced over at her and grinned. He couldn't believe she agreed to this. Since they had made their relationship official at Christmas, he had wanted to get away from their friends and family and it be a time for just the two of them. His father had once said that to really know someone, you should travel with them and see how they handle things.

They had traveled together with their families and the court since they were infants. This would be a whole new experience. He pressed a kiss to her hand. "Excited?"

"I think so." She pulled her hair back into a ponytail. "I think what I am most excited about is a chance to be alone with you without interruption."

She bit her lip when his heated gaze moved over her. "Funny. That was what I was thinking."

After a few hours of driving, they arrived at the spot to begin the hike. He pulled their bags out and helped her with her backpack. While straightening the straps he pulled her into a deep kiss. She smiled against his lips. When they broke apart he kept his forehead against hers, simply enjoying holding her close.

"Are we actually going to hike or are we going to stay here?" She slid her arms up his chest to end up looped around his neck. "I won't complain if we stay here and continue this." She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him again. After a few moments, they broke apart.

"Tempting, but I have a spot that I've picked just for you." He laced his fingers with hers and led her down the trail. His dry humor had her laughing and distracted from the long hike. He thought this might be the most fun he had ever had walking in nature.

Nicky gasped when he led her to an opening looking out over the ocean. "Oh Jax! This is beautiful!" He grinned and pulled out the tent.

"I thought my girl might like it." He assembled the tent with ease, grinning at her compliments. "Ready to make it comfortable?"

She nodded and unrolled her sleeping bag. Her cheeks colored at the thought of sleeping next to him. They had never done so before. What if he snored? What if she snored? Or worse...what if one of them talked in their sleep and said something embarrassing. She would never be able to look him in the eye again. He slid in next to her and saw the panic in her eyes.

"Uh, Nicky...you okay?"

"Yep. Great." He cocked his eyebrow at her and waited. She stared down at their sleeping bags. "I don't suppose there are two tents we can use."

"No. Just the one. Why?"

"No reason." She said quickly while scrambling out of the tent that seemed to shrink when he entered. He frowned as he watched her take off to sit by the cliff.

He started a fire and joined her to watch the sun set. He wrapped his arms around her and placed her in his lap. He nuzzled her neck and felt contentment wash over him as he smelled her jasmine lotion. He felt her relax in his embrace and held her closer.

"Do you want to go for a walk along the beach?" She asked.

"We can tomorrow. I think we ought to eat and turn in early." She stiffened in his arms. He let out a groan. "Would you please tell me what's wrong?"

She plucked some grass and fiddled with it. "Sleeping with you."

Her words hit like a punch to the gut. "What?"

"It is going to be awkward if we talk or make noise." She replied, not meeting his eyes. "I really hope it doesn't happen."

Did she not find him attractive at all? He had not planned on their first time together happening this weekend. Their relationship was still so new. But he desired her with an intensity that grew stronger every day. To hear that she didn't feel the same cut deep. Should they break up? If she wasn't physically attracted to him, why bother dating?

She glanced at his face and saw the shock and raw pain. Oh no, she thought. He must be a snorer and I have hurt his feelings. "Jax, it's okay. I won't tease you or complain if you snore or talk."

Snore? Why would he snore during..."Nicky? What are you talking about?"

"I'm worried I will snore or talk in my sleep. I've been told that I sometimes talk but thankfully do not snore. But with all this fresh air, anything is possible." She glared at him when he started laughing. "I'm being serious!" She shoved out of his lap and stood before him with hands on her hips. "Jackson Walker! I am sharing a legitimate concern here."

He hopped up and kissed her. "I don't care if you sing in your sleep and snore in between songs. I only want you beside me."

Her anger faded away by his words and the tender way he looked at her. His hands cupped her face. His thumbs smoothed her soft skin. "I bet you are beautiful when you are asleep." He said softly.

"Jax..." She could feel herself melting against him. He took her hands and tugged her over to the fire. "Come on. Let's eat."

By the time they got to the smores, the stars were out. He grabbed a blanket and wrapped the two of them up as they sat in companionable silence. He could get used to this. Holding her might be his new favorite activity. When she yawned, he pulled her into the tent and unzipped the sleeping bags.

A flirty smile appeared on his lips. "You know," he looked up at her, "these sleeping bags can be attatched to make one big one."

She met his eyes and blushed. "Really? You learn something new everyday."

"Shall we?" He held the ends up.

She chewed on her lower lip. "Why not? We do need to be close for warmth."

"I couldn't agree more." His voice was gravelly while his eyes traveled down what would be his heat source this weekend.

Jackson realized his father was right. During their weekend away, he saw Nicky in a whole new light. He saw her gentle humor and patience make a leaky tent during a sudden downpour fun. She was up for trying any of the new experiences he suggested, usually resulting in private jokes they would share for years to come. Nicky's sunny outlook changed the way he saw things that he had seen thousands of time before. He thought he was already pretty crazy about her to begin with. This weekend made him fall even more for her.

She also saw him differently. He had always been attentive to her, yet his entire focus was on making this weekend unforgettable. She saw his silly romantic side when he knocked on the tent. He presented her with silk roses and asked if he could take her on a date. The date consisted of roasted hotdogs and a walk on the beach. He kept her warm during their walk with kisses and his arms wrapped around her. She loved every moment of it. As they snuggled in the tent at night, he would whisper how much she meant to him and how crazy he was about her. Her own heart was overflowing with her feelings for him. She knew it wouldn't be long before they confessed they were in love.

Sunday came much too soon. He stood with her outside in her driveway, reluctant to return to their normal lives. He slid a hand into her hair while pulling her hips close. He kissed her tenderly goodbye. "Thank you for this weekend." He mummered against her lips.

"I'm glad we did this." She whispered.

He grinned. "How about we plan on taking another trip? Maybe a week long one." He chuckled when her eyes widened at the thought of camping for that amount of time. "A trip to one of your favorite cities and hotels."

She smiled, excited about going away again. "As long as it's with you, then it sounds like the perfect plan to me."

Tagging those who wanted extra fluff 😉@brightpinkpeppercorn @riseandshinelittleblossom-deact @zaffrenotes  @fullbeaumonty  @speedyoperarascalparty  @bobasheebaby  @tmarie82   @littleblossom-18 @cocomaxley  @ehkw1989  @hopefulmoonobject @leelee10898  @itsstillnotwhatyouthink   @littlecrookedheart @mrswalkerwrites @debramcg1106 @krsnlove @littleblossom357 @ritachacha @lodberg