#is that the sort of lie bea wants........

[whoslaurapalmer]

✨️✨️portable plot wall poster board✨️✨️

[hardbeingcasual]

“wish you could see it’s been a rough ride.”

california nat scatorccio fem reader

♪ california, beabadoobee

this is how tomorrow moves masterlist

yj masterlist / masterlist

warnings. no actual warnings just : short oneshot not fully proof read.

about. you and Nat make plans for when you get rescued.

The sky glistened as you and Nat laid on the natures floor, staring up at it. The Yellowjackets decided to throw some sort of party, “Doomcoming” everyone called it, but you and Nat disappeared away from the rest of the group, though.

It was almost perfect, the soft wind blowing your hair everywhere, the cold air nipping at your skin and causing a shiver to go throughout your body. due to the close proximity you could feel Nat’s hair tickle your shoulder from where she was laying, but you didn’t seem to mind.

Nat clears her throat, making you whip your head to her, “So,” She moves on her side, leaning her elbow on the ground and her hand supporting her head so she can look at you, “If we were to get out of here, where would you go.”

You scoff, “Well, I’ll try to graduate school, and then…” You mockingly place a finger on your chin, pondering your choices, “I’d go to california.” You shrug almost nonchalantly, making Nat raise an eyebrow.

“California?” She observes your face for a hint of lie, but can’t seem to find anything, you nod in response, dragging your eyes from the sky to find her green ones.

You shrug, “I heard it’s nice.”

Nat nods along, “Okay, sure.” She keeps your stare, afraid if she looked away just for one second you would be gone too. Everyone seemed to be dying lately… she didn’t want you to join them. She traces her fingers over your hand, hesitatingly, before capturing your hand in hers, “We will go to California, together.”

Your heartbeat echoes in your eardrums as you feel her soft skin against yours, swallowing the lump in your throat. “Okay, sounds like a plan.” You spoke nervously, hoping she didn’t hear the shaking in your voice.

Natalie smiles down at you, her smile brightening like the moon above the both of you. You swore you could get lost in her smile. You copy her, a smile on your face as you match hers.

In this moment, you hope that soon you could go home, hand in hand with Nat and make your way to California.

You want to fulfill that promise one day, sooner or later. But you knew, you needed out of the wilderness now if you wanted to keep it.

𝓃otes!

i really didn’t know what to for california by bea but i’m desperate to continue this masterlist

requests r open !

[banana-pancake5]

You mentioned in your initial Trinna post that her haircut had some lore… would you care to share :3

Also I offer Beatrix to Trinna as a potential friend and here are my official reasons :D

1) she too dislikes the attention from her wings

2) she wouldn’t get her own cabin till after the war assuredly so she would be chilling in Hermes, so they could know each other from that

3) they just have very similar vibes like idk every angy girl that feels the stuff needs her chill friend that struggles to feel the stuff you know???

4) They both have more experience than usual with the Greek side of the family so bondingggg

5) idk if Trinna like to do deadpan humor stuff but bea would probably find that hilarious

(This is all no pressure and just for fun btw XD)

DUHHDHUNDUHNSHUNS THIS HAS TAKING ME TOO LONG SO IM JUST GOING FOR IT NOW

Haircut lore: sooooo I just have a basic idea for this, but she cut it for practicality. When she was probably around 12 (when she had long hair) she was given a quest. She was SO excited for the quest since it was her first one, buuuuut it didn’t go too well. She still managed to complete it, but at one point she was losing a fight and the monster was able to grab her by the hair, which hurt a TON and left her in a very bad situation. Someone (maybe an oc I could make??) intervened and saved her. That same day she ran to her mom’s house and cut all her hair so it would never happen again.

Hm interesting idea… however, May I offer a counter point?

THEY WOULD BE THE BESTIES EVER.

(Little snippet of what Trinna is doing there and her initial reaction. I also didn’t know how exactly Bea would respond …..)

Trin & Bea’s First Meeting:

Trinna sat atop a high cliff within the camp’s boarders. She hid herself in the shadow of her wings, attempting to separate herself from the world around her. Camp had always been her home, the only one she ever really knew, but now it felt so foreign. It was like she was in another’s skin. Everything felt wrong. Whether she was training or sitting with her half siblings as they all laughed until it hurt, she was tense. She couldn’t laugh with them. She couldn’t focus on her training. She couldn’t do anything, and she knew the reason. The one person who knew her, the one person who understood her, the one person who truly felt like family, left her behind. Those words rang in her head, “The gods don’t care about us, Trin! Can’t you see that!?” It was uncanny seeing Luke act with such anger toward the gods, and what made it worse is that Trinna sat on the cliff side, wishing she could see what Luke did. She wanted to say yes to his absurd idea. To join Luke in “dethroning the gods.” It was an idiotic plan; she knew that, but if she knew how camp would be after he left, she might have just accepted. And that’s what she hated. She would’ve accepted. She knew she had no reason to and maybe it was dumb to think it would fix her, but maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad. Maybe Luke was right, the gods didn’t actually care. Maybe her father was just toying with her when he responded to her letters, but… it never felt like it. And if that was the case, if Hermes really didn’t ever care about her, then she would really have no one. That could’ve been the real reason she denied Luke’s idea. If she had joined him, she would have been accepting that her whole life was a lie, that everything that happened was a facade. She couldn’t accept that, but it doesn’t change how awful camp had become. Not only did everything feel wrong, but everyone acted like she was just about to snap at any moment. The camp knew Trinna hung around her brother a lot, they must’ve suspected that she was still in contact with him. Maybe they even thought she was a spy of some sort. It just made the whole “you’re the new counselor” idea a living nightmare. How could she be a counselor? Sure, everyone always thought she was anyway, but that was Luke’s job! He was better with people, Trinna was better at being annoyed by people. That whole problem was pretty easy to sort out though, she just told the Stoll brothers they were in charge. Of course, she had to get involved if they ever went too far, but that was nearly never the case because half the time it was too entertaining not to allow.

These thoughts went on and on as she waited for the day to pass— until she was interrupted. A strange sound and a gust of wind caught her attention. She lowered her wing and peered at whoever made the sound, unrealistically hoping to see Luke coming to cheer her up, but expecting the Stoll brothers coming to pester her with her own responsibilities. She stared at the shadow underneath a pair of purple sneakers hovering a foot off the ground without processing how it defied the laws of physics. Then the sneakers landed in the grass, and the initial thought “wait, that’s not how that works” hit her like a truck, immediately followed with, “whose shoes are those?????” She looked up to see the person who had interrupted her thoughts and leaped to her feet with her wings fully spread out in excitement. “NO WAY!?!???!!!” Trinna exclaimed, she stared in utter shock at the large, raven-like wings attached to the girl in front of her. The excitement overshadowed the off-putting aura and mystery of the stranger. Trinna stammered for a moment, then just pointed at the girl and managed the word, “WINGS?!”

——

YESYESYESYESYES THEY WOULD GE GREAT FRIENDS. AND TRIN DEFINITELY LOVES MAKING DEADPAN JOKES THATS PERFECT

I can imagine both of them chilling in the Hermes cabin talking about their Greek parents (Trinna would be so jelly that Bea has actually been able to meet with and talk with her’s)

[pitter-patter-pottah]

*Cutely puts all of this stuff in your hands*

(Note: to get most of the incorrect quotes, I just used an incorrect quote generator and changed some words around a bit to make things extra hilarious just for funzies, but a there are a couple- the first three, I think- that I got from other users ( @incorrectbatfam and @hmslusitania  ), I asked them for permission but they have yet to respond to my requests, so I went ahead with this without them and I hope they are okay with it lol 😂)

Yuèliàng: Who's the most likely to get you out of trouble?

Ominis: Well, definitely not Sebastian.

Sebastian: I think I am the one most likely to get you out of trouble.

Ominis: You'd be getting me out of trouble that you got me in!

Sebastian: I think we should get dinner not as friends

Yuèliàng: You want us to be enemies?!?

[One (1) near world ending divorce later]

Sebastian: Is it too late to explain I meant we should go to dinner as like. As a date.

Yuèliàng: Oh...

Yuèliàng: That would be nice, actually. It's a deal, we'll do it it's not gonna be the only time that we do it.

Yuèliàng: You were wanting to kiss me all night?

Sebastian: Yes.

Yuèliàng: Even when you were yelling at me?

Sebastian: Yeah, then too.

Yuèliàng: So is this some sort of recent new development in your life?

Sebastian: Wanting to kiss you? No. It’s sort of always been there. Like white noise.

Sebastian: LOOOOOOOVE IS AN OOOOOOOOPEN DOOOOOOOR-

Ominis: If it's any sort of love with me, I think I just might close that door.

Yuèliàng: Don't forget to lock it with colloportus.

Sebastian, with a wounded, pouty face: You don't love me, Yuèliàng?

Yuèliàng: I never said that- if you're the one who's banging on the love door, then I'll gladly undo the lock with alohomora.

Yuèliàng: Sebastian and I don’t use pet names. Ominis: I see. Hey, what do bees make? Yuèliàng, furrowing her eyebrows: Honey? Sebastian, in a flirty voice: Yes, dear? Yuèliàng: Shakes head and sighs Ominis: Don't ever lie to my face again. Yuèliàng: What about to your rear end? Sebastian, raising an eybrow and smirking: I thought I was your boyfr- or, er, best friend, not him. Yuèliàng, smirking back: Have you ever heard of love or friendship triangles?

Ominis: I literally cannot believe I let you talk me into this. Sebastian: I literally said “I have an idea,” and you just went along with it without question.

Yuèliàng, grinning: We got a free day now. What do you wanna do? Eat? Sleep? Nap? Snack? Teach me some fun new evil spells? Sebastian, smirking and unbuttoning his shirt flirtily: All of the above as long as you're with me, especially the evil spells and the sleeping. And we're going to do the latter extra snugly… in the same dorm room… and the same bed.

Sebastian, holding a fork: You know your talking a lot of s--- for someone who has 2 perfectly good eyeballs each cost about $16,000 on the blackmarket. Yuèliàng: Merlin knows my eyesight is not the greatest, I wear specacles for a reason... Sebastian: I hope your eyesight is good enought to see my intense, passionate love for every bea-yu-tiful thing about you... *Lip smack*

Ominis: I’m so excited! Sebastian: We’re gonna have the best costumes, get the most candy… Ominis: And have the biggest stomach aches ever! Sebastian: Yeah!

Sebastian: If you want my advice- Ominis: No offense but you’re the last person I want relationship advice from. You tried to kill your significant other. Multiple times. Sebastian: First off, that was before we started dating. Secondly, she also tried to kill me. Yuèliàng: It’s true. It was mutually attempted murder, yay! Was a very entertaining pastime for us.

Sebastian: I’m a multitasker! Sebastian: I can disappoint fifteen people at once. Mostly people by the name of Ominis.

Sebastian: texting Hey can you pick me up I’m drunk. Sebastian: Oh you don't have to anymore. I'm home now. Yuèliàng: Yes, I'm aware of that after dropping you off at home.

Ominis: I never understood why people cared so much about their dumb friends until I got a dumb friend myself. Ominis: Picks up Sebastian Ominis: I’ve only befriended Sebastian for a day and a half, but if anything happened to them I would kill everyone in this room and then myself. Sebastian: If you kill yourself, I'll have to ressurect you as an Inferius, and you wouldn't have as much personality that way.

Yuèliàng: Knock, knock. Sebastian: Who's there? Yuèliàng: Boo! Sebastian: Boo who? Yuèliàng: Why are you crying? Sebastian: I'm not crying. Yuèliàng: Hello notcrying, I'm Yuèliàng.

Sebastian: You’re starting to look like me more and more every day— Ominis: Bursts into tears Sebastian: Why are you crying? Ominis: You’re ugly! I don’t want to look like you! sobs Sebastian: How would I know whether I'm ugly or not, when you can't see anything?

Ominis: How the hell did you crash the car?! Yuèliàng: So, at first, I was just driving. And my navigation told me to go straight. Yuèliàng: I was like "woah, that's LGBT+phobic". Instead, I went pan. And, THAT'S when I got into an accident. Ominis: … Sebastian, with a proud smile: And THAT'S who I'm in love with, ladies and gentlemen, and non-binaries.

Yuèliàng, having recently lost her glasses: KILL THE SPIDER! MWHAHAHA! Sebastian: ….That’s a gecko—

Ominis: Sebastian, that’s disgusting. You’re only giving free stuff to pretty people. Yuèliàng: Yeah, you should be ashamed of yourself. Sebastian: Oh yeah? gets really close to Yuèliàng How about a muffin on the house, baby? Yuèliàng, giggling: I guess I’m pretty.

Yuèliàng : Coca Cola can remove rust from metal, imagine what it’s doing to your body. Ominis: Pfff, getting rid of the rust, idiot. Yuèliàng : THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS! Sebastian: Hmm… I've been drinking soda and my body's rust free… not sure where you're getting your facts from…

Yuèliàng: Pulls a jug of butterbeer from out of nowhere Sebastian: Where did you get that? Yuèliàng: My pocket. Sebastian: How do you keep a jug of butterbeer in your pocket? Yuèliàng: Magic, duh. We do go to a wizarding school, have you been paying ANY attention to how to use accio in Charms class?

Sebastian: It’s not gonna work, I’m not a snitch. Ominis dressed up as a cop: Fine, let's try something else. Tag a friend you recently committed a crime with. Sebastian: Lmao, my lovely @Yuèliàng .

And now for le textposts (I originally was just gonna do only one textpost but the more the merrier lol, btw the first one contains one of my Slytherin MCs, Yuèliàng Nagereboshi, also known as these nicknames: Yu, Fab-Yu-lous, and Delulu Yuyu):

[cricketnationrise]

Dearest Cricket! Congratulations on 500 followers!! I would like to request Alex Claremont-Diaz, in Kensington Palace, at 11:11pm (this feels a bit like playing clue!)

Vibes/rating completely up to you!

❤️lizzie_bennetdarcy

omg it IS like clue, that's such a fun way to think about it. i'm feeling a bit wistful this afternoon, so have some post-canon, insomniatic, yearning Alex 💜🦗

read the rest of the ficlets here!

❤️🤍💙❤️🤍💙

11:11pm, kensington

11:03pm

With one eye on the clock and the other—

Oh, who is he kidding? Alex has both eyes on the clock as he paces anxiously.

Only, it’s after eleven already, and Henry was scheduled to be back at Kensington at ten-thirty, and Alex flew across the ocean today just to surprise his boyfriend. And he’s tired. The worst part of insomnia is that he still gets sleepy. Still gets lethargic, his eyes stingy and droopy, his body feeling like a stretched out rubber band. It would be one thing if his inability to sleep manifested in such a way that he didn’t feel like he had to sleep. But instead he gets the worst of both worlds: exhausted and unable to just fucking rest.

It’s a small comfort that Henry deals with the exact same thing.

11:06pm

Alex wasn’t even going to be in London this weekend, originally. He had exams scheduled for Monday and Henry was… informed he’d be attending three back to back events as a representative for the Crown while Philip and Martha cooed and fawned over their newborn daughter and Bea was already confirmed elsewhere. Alex doesn’t mind the crazy schedule, is excited to meet Henry’s first nibling — but he hates that Henry was pulled away from their home without so much as a cursory check to see if his schedule would allow it. And Alex especially hates that he wouldn’t have been able to attend these events if his schoolwork allowed, that he wouldn’t be able to be a calm moment in the midst of the storm for Henry.

It was that, ultimately, that had him asking his professors to take his exams early, citing a family obligation — he didn’t lie, he just… didn’t correct his teachers’ assumptions that it was a Claremont-Diaz obligation — and flying into Heathrow this evening, a good-humored Cash in tow.

Alex’s head whips around at the creak of the floor from the hallway, but he slumps down again when the noise moves on. Just the night shift patrolling the hall.

11:08pm

The thing is, Alex doesn’t ever want Henry to have to be alone. Not if he can help it. That’s what being together means for Alex — that neither of them have to be on their own if they don’t want to be. And every time Henry gets called back to London for something like this, it’s like a little more of him gets washed away, eroded by the Crown’s expectations.

So if Alex can be there, next to Henry, holding his hand, being a bulwark for him against all of the royal bullshit— 

Alex will move heaven and earth to be by his side without a second thought.

11:11pm

Alex sees the time and stops pacing. 

June had been the one to tell Alex about the eleven-eleven tradition, back in Austin, before their parents had split. June used to yell out the time and make a wish, Alex! whenever they were in the same room. And Alex had closed his eyes and wished for all sorts of things: a bike with no training wheels, extra dessert that night, no homework on Friday.

It’s been years since he made a wish, since he pushed his desires out into the universe and hoped for it to return.

But Alex is right at the ‘not-giving-a-fuck’ level of tired, the point of the night where all he wants is to coil himself around Henry. So he closes his eyes tight, and wishes.

A simple wish, but earnest.

I wish Henry were here.

And like magic, like the universe heard Alex and decided to answer, he hears Henry’s voice, bidding Shaan goodnight, on the other side of the door.

[kiwiana-writes]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Thanks @cha-melodius and @stereopticons for the tags! I know I’ve done this in the past, but it’s been a hot minute…

How many works do you have on ao3?

239!

What's your total ao3 word count?

822,937—but that’s a collaboration-boosted lie. Per my writing tracker, words that I have personally written and published on AO3 is 693,613

What fandoms do you write for?

Mostly RWRB these days, but the majority of my back catalogue is Schitt’s Creek, with a few others sprinkled in for fun. The Pairing definitely made my brain whirr… we’ll see.

Top five fics by kudos:

With so much of my heart (that none is left to protest), RWRB, 65.5k, the Much Ado About Nothing stage actor AU

Kinda think that I might be his type, RWRB, 12.8k, Alex and Bea fake date and Alex gets a little distracted by Bea’s brother

We were supposed to find this, RWRB, 3.3k, soulmate AU

We always walked a very thin line, Happiest Season, 2.7k, Riley character study/alternate ending

All the Lonely Starbucks Lovers, RWRB, 5.8k, barista Henry repeatedly putting his foot in his mouth in front of his coworker crush

(This is how I learned Puck It has been knocked out of my top five 😭)

Do you respond to comments?

Yes! And absent a Schitt’s Creek resurgence of some kind that sees me absolutely inundated I don’t see that changing.

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Five ways it could have ended (and one way it still could), Schitt’s Creek, 1.2k, for the love of god read the tags

What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Like… most of them? I love to end on a good HEA haha. For sheer joy, though, it’s probably With so much of my heart (that none is left to protest)

Do you get hate on fics?

From time to time. I’m very free with the delete button. Weirdly, it occasionally pops up in the AO3 comments but mostly seems to come to me via anons on tumblr??? I have no idea why.

Do you write smut?

It’s been known to happen, I guess 👀

Craziest crossover:

I haven’t written any AO3-era crossovers! A few fusions/media AUs, but no crossovers.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not to my knowledge.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Nope. I’ve only been asked once, and they wanted to post off AO3 which is a big heck nope for me (and my permissions statement has now been updated to reflect that)

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Heck yeah I have. I’ve done several anthology-type collaborations where we each wrote a chapter in a fic, and I’ve fully cowritten fics with @ships-to-sail several times. We have another collab coming up for @aroyallybigbangrwrb and I’m also cowriting The Big Secret AU with @indestructibleheart which is essentially us one-upping each other on emotionally devastating ideas until someone writes them down. Good system 😂

All time favorite ship?

Stop making pansexuals choose things.

What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Look, the chances of kinktober 2021 being finished at this point are slim 😂

Schitt’s Creek kinkverse… I don’t know. I have little snippets written of future fics and they’re great but… idk. Maybe I’ll write one vignette-y wrap up fic one day.

What are your writing strengths?

Narrative POV, dialogue that feels like the characters, epistolary bullshit, smut apparently.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Coming up with actual plot lmao. Visual descriptors — I’m not even remotely a visual person so I really really struggle with writing the sorts of things people can visualise. Also like… the passage of time? A scam.

Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

Love it. I’ll shoulder tap a fluent speaker if I need an actual sentence/anything Google isn’t super reliable for. Forever heartbroken that there are no fics in my second language in AO3 and no reason for me to be able to sprinkle it into my own writing (though one of the subscriber shindig prompts might be about to change that 👀)

First fandom you wrote in?

HP

Favorite fic you've written?

Stop! Asking! Pansexuals! To! Choose! Things!

I don’t know there are 239 of the bloody things 😂 I’m far more interested in what other people’s favourites are than what my own is!

I have no sense of who’s done this already so apologies if this is a double up but tagging @agame-writes @affectionatelyrs @anincompletelist @cricketnationrise @getmehighonmagic

@happiness-of-the-pursuit @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @indestructibleheart @inexplicablymine @nontoxic-writes

@read-and-write- @rmd-writes @sparklepocalypse @welcometololaland @whimsymanaged and, as always, anyone who wants to play!

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 295. brb x oc

a/n: no rooster but,hey, don't you fuck with the bradshaws man. (comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none uwu

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

1/

/253/254/255/256/257/258/259/260/261/262/263/264/265/266

/267/268/269/270/271/272/273/274/275/276/277/278/279/280/281/282/283/284/285/286/287/288/289/290/291/292/293/294

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @novastories @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix @lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2

@emilybradshaw @louisahale @leobabbyyy @booklover2sblog @ktjmac @graciereads @bigpoppajes @taytaylala12

@caitsymichelle13 @becks-things @caatheeriinee07 @fanboyswhore9 @jesfreedark @katiemcrae @lilmonstrjedi @hobiismyhopeu @teacupsandtopgun @insominac23 @gh0stsgoodgirl @mygyn @chavivaelisheva @kmc1989 @enchantingharmonyalpaca

-

Three days since the sudden video call and Beatrice was back at her routine, sort of, now she added yoga back in her life. She had no time with Nikki, but apparently, now that she had three kids she could do it?

True, she had to wake up much earlier but she didn’t mind, she loved how silent her neighborhood was this early. She checked on the kids - and the dogs - from the door. Eleanor and Jack were taking turns staying with Nicole and the twins, while Jolene preferred to lie in the hallway between the two doors in case she hears any of the kids cry.

She also loved joining Beatrice early because that meant that momma time was happening. “Come on Jojo.” Bea whispers to the pittie “I’m gonna get ready for yoga.”

Jojo, sensing the excitement in Beatrice's voice, wagged her tail vigorously. She followed Beatrice into the living room, her paws tapping lightly on the floor. The serenity of the early morning enveloped them as Beatrice prepared for her yoga session.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of dawn filtering through the curtains. Beatrice unrolled her yoga mat, a vibrant splash of purple against the neutral tones of the floor. Jojo settled on the couch nearby, her eyes fixed on Beatrice as if ready to participate in the yoga routine.

Beatrice took a deep breath, grounding herself before starting. The quietude of the early morning allowed her to center her thoughts and embrace the calm that yoga offered. 

God she missed it.

She moved through a series of gentle stretches, each movement deliberate and intentional.

As Beatrice flowed through her practice, Jojo observed with keen interest. Beatrice occasionally reached down to stroke Jojo's fur, a comforting touch that mirrored the soothing rhythm of her yoga routine…and a subtle crack on her joints from lack of practice. “Ow.” 

In the midst of her routine, Beatrice's mind wandered to Rooster. The recent video call had brought a mix of emotions, from the warmth of connection to the underlying concerns about the security of their communications. But she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment and the grounding practice of yoga.

And the fact that he was okay.

“It’ll be,” another grunt, “His last mission before his promotion.” and as her knee went down she had to hold back another wince, “Fuck I’m so rusty.”

Jojo, lowered her head on her paws, watching the scene with those big honey eyes of hers. “I mean,I’m happy, you know Jojo? Rooster wanted this for a long time…I just hope it doesn’t take too much of a toll on him.” she frowns “Almost feels like…they are testing him for the worst outcomes almost, but that’s impossible they can’t do that.”

“I mean, it's not like we haven’t been through deployments before, but...” Beatrice's voice trailed off as she shifted into a more challenging pose, her muscles protesting once again at the lack of regular practice. “Ffffuck–This one feels different. Maybe because it's the last one before his promotion. It’s a significant step forward, but it comes with its own set of worries.”

She paused, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. As her body stretched and flexed, Beatrice continued, “I'm proud of him, you know? He's worked so hard for this promotion. But it's bittersweet. The higher up you go, the higher the stakes. I can't help but worry about the toll it might take on him, physically and mentally.”

Jojo, attentive to Beatrice's words, let out a soft whine, as if expressing empathy. Beatrice chuckled, “You get it, huh? You've been my yoga buddy for years. You've seen me through deployments and you know how I get.”

The morning sunlight painted a gentle tapestry on the walls, it was small but it was there and Beatrice's movements flowed seamlessly, albeit with a few joints popping. “But we've got our routine, don't we, Jojo?”

She transitioned into a seated pose, her hands resting on her knees. Jojo, then got up and walked over to nuzzle Beatrice, offering a silent reassurance. “You're right, girl. Rooster's a strong one, and we're a team. We've weathered storms before, and we'll weather this one too.”

As she closed her eyes, Beatrice let the calming energy of her practice envelop her,inhaling and exhaling repeatedly.“I just wish he didn't have to go through this alone. That's the hardest part, you know? The distance.” she opens her mouth to continue but stops when she hears sounds coming from down the street.

In the direction of Miranda’s house.

Now, both of them were looking at the window, outside was slowly getting brighter because of the sun but it was still dark enough that no one would see anything. Beatrice scoffs “I’m not going to look outside.” with her eyes still locked on the window. “...but it is very early,too early for so much noise.”

Beatrice's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't resist stealing a quick glance out the window. Jojo, sensing her owner's curiosity - and being curious herself-, stood by her side, ears perked up. The sounds from Miranda's house were growing louder, and Beatrice couldn't help but wonder what could be happening at such an early hour.

She shook her head, scolding herself for getting distracted during her yoga session. "Focus, Bea. Don't let the neighbors become a morning show." She chuckled, redirecting her attention to the yoga routine. However, the distant noises persisted, drawing her thoughts away once again.

"What do you think, Jojo? Should we investigate or pretend we're blissfully unaware?" Beatrice joked, but her eyes lingered on the window. Jojo responded with an enthusiastic wag of her tail, as if signaling her readiness for anything.

Also, every neighborhood has good gossip.

Beatrice sighed, conceding to her curiosity. She stood up, rolling her yoga mat as she headed towards the window, a bit annoyed to be sticking with sweat but ignoring it for right now. Jojo followed closely, standing behind Beatrice as the woman peeked through the curtains, her eyes blinking around in hopes she could see what was happening.

As Beatrice cautiously parted the curtains, the early morning light revealed a quiet street, bathed in the soft hues of dawn. The distant sounds had subsided, leaving only the rustling leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. Everything seemed normal, but a peculiar sense of unease lingered in the air.

Jojo stood at attention, her ears alert as she scanned the surroundings. Beatrice squinted, trying to discern any unusual activity. The neighbor's houses stood silent and still, giving no indication of the disturbance she had briefly heard.

"I must be imagining things," Beatrice mumbled to herself, shaking her head. She turned away from the window, determined to resume her yoga routine and not let the morning mystery distract her.

As she unrolled her yoga mat once again, preparing to resume her practice, another sound caught her attention. It was a distant hum, a low murmur that seemed to grow louder with each passing moment. Beatrice furrowed her brows, the curiosity intensifying.

“Is that…a fan?” she frowns, then  ignores her mat completely to rush back to the window and her eyes widened “....she’s not decorating for Halloween now,right?” As someone who loved Halloween, she’s not against early decorations…but this was very odd.

There was a giant skeleton that was amazingly facing right at her house.

It couldn’t be on purpose,right?

Right?

“...no time for paranoia,Bea.” she tells herself, “Some people just like decorating early.”

Beatrice leaned in closer to the window, her eyes narrowing as she tried to make sense of the peculiar sight. The giant skeleton, adorned with eerie details, indeed seemed to be facing directly at her house. A shiver ran down her spine, and she instinctively glanced around, half-expecting someone to pop out and reveal it was all a prank.

Jojo joined her at the window, her tail swishing with confused excitement. 

As Beatrice scanned the surroundings, she noticed more details that added to the surreal nature of the scene. The houses were eerily quiet, and the usual signs of a waking neighborhood were absent. No early joggers, no neighbors fetching newspapers, just an unsettling silence broken only by the faint hum and occasional creaking of the giant skeleton's joints as it swayed in the morning breeze.

A realization dawned on Beatrice. "This is too strange for just early Halloween decorations," she muttered to herself. "Did I miss a neighborhood memo or something?"

Unless.

Miranda wanted to compete.

“...by putting Halloween decorations early? No–” but Miranda looks back and her house and both Beatrice and Jolene disappear from the window.

As Beatrice pondered her next move, the hum from outside grew louder, almost drowning out the rhythmic creaking of the giant skeleton. The eerie silence in the neighborhood heightened the surreal atmosphere, making Beatrice's surroundings feel like a scene from a mysterious thriller.

Well,she did peek back outside.

The sight that greeted her intensified her confusion. The giant skeleton, now fully illuminated by the morning light, appeared even more elaborate than she initially thought. Its bones were intricately detailed, and a subtle glow emanated from its eye sockets. It was as if the skeleton had a life of its own, a sentience that unnerved Beatrice.

Recording the scene in her brain, Beatrice squinted her gaze on the skeleton's face, capturing the eerie details. As she did, a sudden realization hit her – the skeleton wasn't just facing her house; it seemed to be making deliberate eye contact. It was as though its hollow eye sockets were fixed directly on her.

A chill ran down Beatrice's spine, and a shiver coursed through her body.

Jojo, sensing her owner's unease, let out a low growl, her fur bristling. Beatrice patted Jojo's head, trying to reassure herself as much as her loyal canine companion. “It’s fine,Jojo.”

Miranda has proven to be a very strange woman that clearly has issues with Beatrice. Beatrice…felt…a fire she never did before. It was strange, started from her heart and went all the way up to her throat.

The lioness has her cubs to protect.

And her eyes snapped back up before she stepped back from the window. She didn’t like how Miranda was making this personal, she also didn’t like how every time Rooster talked to her, there was something off about Mark.

Beatrice remembers that her nonna always defended her dad and her uncles and aunts even when they were older. A mother’s job is never done,she’d say…and Beatrice,now a mother of three, understood that.

Miranda wanted to be petty. She wanted to elicit a reaction.

It was barely five in the morning, and the neighborhood should be peacefully asleep. Yet, here she was, drawn into an unexpected rivalry with Miranda over Halloween decorations. The situation seemed absurd, but there was an undeniable challenge in Miranda's arrogance that struck a nerve.

Jojo, still alert to Beatrice's mood, paced around the living room. The low growl persisted, echoing the tension in the air. Beatrice took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. She wasn't about to let Miranda's pettiness disrupt her peace.

It’s July, she should worry about her kids, her husband,her dogs, her house. Not Miranda.

Why was she so annoyed?

Beatrice glanced at the clock, realizing how early it was for such peculiar activities. She shook her head, trying to brush off the weirdness of the situation. "This is ridiculous," she mumbled to herself, deciding to focus on the more pressing matters of the day.

However, as she attempted to move away from the window, her eyes were once again drawn to the bizarre spectacle outside. The giant skeleton, now bathed in the soft morning light, seemed to have taken on an otherworldly quality. Its intricate details were highlighted, and the glow from its eye sockets intensified.

It was an impressive display, and Beatrice couldn't deny that Miranda had gone to great lengths to create an attention-grabbing Halloween decoration in July. Yet, the intention behind it felt off, especially considering the early hour and the fact that no one else in the neighborhood seemed to be stirring.

Beatrice's irritation grew as she considered Miranda's arrogance in turning a simple Halloween decoration into a bizarre competition. Why did it feel so personal? Was it just the early morning exhaustion, or was there something more to Miranda's actions?

With a determined exhale, Beatrice decided to focus on her own priorities. She had a family to take care of, and petty neighborhood rivalries weren't worth her time and energy. Still, a lingering fire simmered within her, a fierce protectiveness that extended beyond her own household.

As she moved away from the window and into the kitchen, the scent of fresh coffee beans caught her attention. She decided a strong cup of coffee might be the perfect remedy to shake off the strange events of the morning. The rhythmic hum of the coffee maker soon filled the kitchen, providing a comforting backdrop to her thoughts.

Jojo followed her into the kitchen. The loyal canine companion settled near Beatrice, her watchful eyes reflecting a readiness to defend her owner from any perceived threat.

While the coffee brewed, Beatrice couldn't help but replay the peculiar moment with Miranda in her mind. She questioned why Miranda, who seemed to revel in pettiness, would choose such an unusual time to initiate a rivalry like that. She frowns, rubbing her fingers and then licking her lips.

“...they’ve always made it personal,I think.” she mutters, “From the second they arrived to this neighborhood…they were on mine and Rooster’s throats.”

From the moment they had moved into the neighborhood, it seemed like Miranda and her family had targeted Beatrice and Rooster. The reasons were unclear, but the tension had persisted.

Her eyes narrowed. “...I need an extra opinion on this.” she mutters, “And I hope Ev doesn’t think I’m going crazy.”

[foulbearobservation]

I'm so deeply intrigued by the family dynamics of the slasher au. At any point does Suzanne have the "be careful with my daughter or they'll never stop finding you" talk with Camila? Does Michael remember Lilith from his childhood, and if he does, how does he react to his big sister being an internationally wanted killer? Does Lilith have a relationship with Jillian, or did she cling to Suzanne? Please feel free to ignore this if it's too spoilery (or you don't want to answer). I just adore this au and want to know all of the things.

Parts of this are theoretically "spoilery" but who knows when the fuck slasher au will actually come out so like. who cares lmaoo

michael does sort of vaguely remember lilith from his childhood, he's abt 8-10-ish years younger than lilith so she's around for part of his late childhood but she disappears when he's like 14 (a few years before his mothers "die" in the car crash) then it's like a big time skip for like a decade and change until he's an interpol agent and actual slasher au happens

he's. well. I don't think he's shocked when he discovers she's a killer and the one he's looking for, but he doesn't tell anyone that he knows her, so bea and ava are out of the loop on that one!! ooh drama!!

lilith does have a relationship with jillian! it's not as close as she is with suzanne. jillian is like. she's trying not to overwhelm lilith when she initially escapes from adriel.

I think it's smthn like one night while lilith is up stalking the house late cause she can't sleep she comes across jillian making coffee at like 3 am and she's like "shouldn't you be... not doing that at 3 am. suzanne told me I shouldn't."

and jillian is trying to be a cool mom to this very traumatized teenager who lives in her house like a shadow. "I won't tell her if you won't"

lilith shifts uncomfortably. "I don't like to lie to suzanne." she doesn't like to lie in general, really, if she can avoid it. she's very good at choosing her words very carefully.

"then you don't have to." jillian gestures with her mug "I'll take the blame on this one, she knows about it. do you want some?"

and anyway I think jillian and lilith bond over weird medical history and being awake at like 3 am. nd sometimes suzanne wakes up at like 6 am for her morning yoga on the balcony and lilith joins her and lilith obviously hasn't slept, but she has a small smile on her face and excitedly explains how people used to drill holes in their heads so that's something like progress.

[conquerthenight]

Platonic or romantic Ich, Maxim and Frank. You choose! I just want them all to be happy, so make it as fluffy as you like.

The second half is slightly NSFW, you have been warned.

The sound of yet another knock on Ileana’s door caused her to jump out of her skin. She had told Bea that she’d join the others downstairs in a few moments, but for some reason the wig for her costume absolutely refused to stay pinned to her head, try as Clarice might to keep it still, and she couldn’t have it falling off in front of the guests. What sort of impression would that make? And she so wanted to make a success of the first costume ball she was to host. “I think we’d best go without it” She said to Clarice, deciding she couldn’t keep everyone waiting. Maxim would no doubt understand that she had copied the portrait of Caroline de Winter without the wig. Ileana couldn’t wait to reveal the surprise to him.

“Yes, madam. It’s proving more trouble than it’s worth” Clarice said, gingerly placing the wig onto the bed before putting the white hat onto her head to complete the ensemble.

There was another knock. “Ileana, is everything alright in there? The first people are pulling in” Frank called through the door.

Oh, Frank. Ileana loved him dearly, but she couldn’t have him seeing her costume, for she hoped to surprise him just as much as Maxim. It wasn’t exactly the done thing to love two men at once, but then again, it also wasn’t the done thing for two men to openly love another, and Maxim and Frank had welcomed her into their relationship with open arms back in Monte Carlo. She wouldn’t change that for all the riches in the world. “Just a moment, love. I don’t want to spoil the surprise” She giggled to herself.

Oh, to see the look on their faces. Ileana knew they’d be so pleased.

Frank opened the door and entered anyway, wearing a sailor’s getup, complete with an eyepatch and pirate hat. Ileana could see his eyes widen, and she could tell that his reaction was not the kind of shock she’d hoped for in the least. “You can’t go downstairs in that, dear” He said after gathering his bearings.

Ileana just looked at him with confusion. “Why not? Do you not like it?” She asked. If that was the case, at least Frank was being honest about it. They were quite similar in the fact that they wore their hearts on their sleeves, unlike Maxim who tended towards keeping his distance.

“No, it’s not that. It just that…well, Rebecca copied the Caroline de Winter portrait for last year’s ball” Frank explained, mortifying Ileana.

Everything seemed to come crashing down in that moment, and she told Frank everything. Mrs. Danvers had said that portrait was Maxim’s favorite. She had taken the suggestion at face value without even stopping to think that the housekeeper’s behavior had been suspicious. She had been so cold to Ileana ever since her arrival at Manderley. How on earth could she have been so stupid?

Frank just smiled and tapped her shoulder. “Well, there was no harm done. At least you found out before anyone else saw it” He said, chuckling a little.

Ileana had to admit, it was a bit funny, even if Mrs. Danvers’ intentions had been to humiliate her. She laughed a little as well after a moment. “You’re right, I should change out of this. Could you step out for a bit?”

Frank obliged, but not before giving her a quick peck on her lips. “I’ll tell them the dress didn’t fit. They’ll never know. Maxim will probably thank you, he won’t be the only one in normal evening wear this year” The door shut behind him.

As Clarice helped her out of the white gown and into a blue evening dress, Ileana let out a long, relieved sigh. She had come so close to causing a terrible crisis. Luckily Frank had been there to prevent it.

As Frank had predicted, Maxim wasn’t at all disappointed by the turn of events. He had merely asked what had happened to the costume she ordered, and the white lie slipped out with no further questions asked. “Next year, you ought to tell me what you’ll wear in case the shops screw it up again” His comment was only half joking, but Ileana was glad he seemed in a good mood.

“Don’t worry, darling. When that time comes, you’ll be the first to know” She was not joking at all, having learned from her close call earlier.

She spent the night dancing, mostly with Maxim and Frank, acquainting herself with the guests, and even had a glass of wine or two. For just a few hours, the shy girl Ileana had been seemed to vanish, replaced by someone livelier, though she did still find herself struggling for words a few times.

By the time the guests had all departed for the night, Ileana was very pleased with how the night had gone. Her beloveds seemed of the same mind, and the three of them adjourned to Maxim’s room to do a little celebrating of their own.

“I have to say, darling, I hadn’t expected you to pull this off as well as you did” Ileana wasn’t sure if Maxim’s words were meant as a compliment or condescension. She decided to take it as the former when her husband kissed her with a passion that she hadn’t seen from him since their honeymoon.

Frank ran his hand through Maxim’s hair, giving him a playfully scolding look. “Maxim de Winter, I hope you were talking about the ball” He said.

Maxim then kissed Frank in a similar manner to how he had kissed Ileana. “Does that answer your question, my beloved?” He teased.

“Very much so” Frank smirked, lightly slapping Maxim’s ass.

Maxim grimaced. “You’d best be on your guard. I just might take my revenge for that” He rolled his eyes. “But in all seriousness, I hardly recognized our shy little wife tonight”

Ileana couldn’t hold back a deep crimson blush, though it really didn’t signify because the room was completely dark. “I’m just glad I managed to get through it, what with the mishap with the dress and all” She immediately covered her mouth when the words slipped out.

“Something wrong, darling?” Maxim asked.

Ileana shrugged her shoulders, figuring she may as well let Maxim in on what happened. “I was planning on copying the portrait of Caroline de Winter. Mrs. Danvers mentioned you loved that painting so I thought it would be a fun surprise, but a certain someone told me that Rebecca did it first” She turned to kiss Frank on the cheek, partly to thank him, and partly to put off seeing Maxim’s reaction in case he didn’t take the story well.

Her moment of worry was for naught, as Maxim laughed at what Ileana had told him. “That’s our Frank for you, darling. Saving us all from disaster” He said. “By the way, I wouldn’t trust a word Danvers says” Maxim was most definitely mocking her naivety in taken the housekeeper’s suggestion, but Ileana was in such good spirits that she didn’t care.

Ileana could feel the two men each wrap an arm around her, and she felt that this was absolute heaven. It occurred to her then that telling Maxim the rather amusing story was the only time she had thought of Rebecca since it happened. Maybe that’s how it should have always been, and she vowed it would stay that way from here on out.

“So much for taking revenge” Frank said with a triumphant smile.

Ileana grinned, shaking her head. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you from Maxim’s wrath” She laughed once more.

Maxim looked at them both with mock offense. “As if I would ever unleash my wrath on you, Ileana” He placed his hand on his chest.

“You have done and you know it” Frank retorted.

Ileana knew he was right. She hadn’t forgotten the cupid incident, or the boathouse a few weeks ago, but Maxim had yet to snap since then, and she felt he was more than forgiven, especially after how he had just pleased her and Frank. “Water under the bridge, darling” She assured.

“You’re far too sweet for your own good, Ileana” Maxim brushed his hand against her cheek. “But if you like, I could always beg you two for forgiveness”

“Well when you put it that way…” Frank began, his impish tone clearly giving away his desires.

Ileana hardly slept that night, and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

[hrh-henrywales]

About Henry:

There is no fate but the one you make for yourself.

And then there is also the fate you are born into.

There was no mistake on what Henry’s role would be in his life. Every since he was born, he knew. Hell, millions of people knew before he did. The third child of the Crowned Prince of Wales. Fourth in line to the throne, so far. Even if he knew he didn’t have half the commitments his older brother Phillip, or his older sister Bea had, that didn’t exactly spare him of the duties that came along with belong to a Royal family. And not just any Royal family. The British Royal Family.

Whether or not people believed in monarchies any more, there was always a sort of invisible pull that managed to get the world’s attention on the British Royal family, no matter how many other monarchies there were in Europe, they were the ones always in the public eye, always prawn to news, gossip, scandals, paparazzi following every move they made. And whereas his brother, and younger sister Bea more or less devoured every bit, Henry never did. Not when he was young, and much less now that he’s an adult young man.

He never lacked of anything he needed to be happy, and it would be a lie to say that he lacked the love of his family because of that. He had that too, even if most times he felt like an outsider, and like everyone thought of him being an oddball because he didn’t like to draw people’s attention. Ever since he was a child, he loved to hide in the horse’s barn, to take care the horse his grandfather had given him for his fifth birthday. He also hid at the barn to practice with his guitar and violin, the one true time he felt like he was being himself. That, and also writing. He loved to write, and not something in specific, but whatever came to his mind.

The barn was his safe place, right until Shaan, his personal aid ever since he could remember came along and reminded him of his engagements for the day. There, and the music room where the piano was. His mother’s piano, and he was good at playing it too.

More than anything, it was a safe place where he could be at peace with himself, with the knowledge he didn’t have to pretend for everyone else, not only the fact that he didn’t like being in the public eye, but also that he was gay, something only his sister Bea knew, and who he had sworn in secrecy about it.

After finishing high school at Eton Academy, like all males in the British family did, he took a gap year while he decided what to do, or where he wanted to go next. Most of that year he dedicated himself to master his skills at polo, and swimming, and was also relishing on the fact that he got to live alone for the first time, making Kensington Palace his home; or at least, as alone as a royal Prince could be.

In the end, he decided to move away from the hectic life of London, and he enrolled at St. Andrews School, in Scotland, and there he had a glimpse of what a normal, almost regular college life was. He was always grateful for that sense of normality Scotland provided for him during those years, and it is now a place he held dear to his heart. 

After 4 years, and with a degree on International Affairs, he enrolled in the Royal Air Force, where he spent a whole year learning his way around aircrafts and helicopters, and also enjoying the fact that to the men on his squad he was simply another one of them, and not a royal person.

Once his time on the Royal Air Force was done, he took a year to travel, going to Greece, Egypt and Italy. He was always obsessed with what are considered the three cradles of civilization, but more than that, he got to see a whole new aspect of the world in itself to which he didn’t have any access growing up, behind the guarded walls of Buckingham Palace. Ideas started to stir in his mind, but he has yet to put them all down and think what can it be done, how could he actively help some of the major concerns in the world, with something more than just a nobility title.

So, you can now find him at Oxford University, when he is about to start a Masters in Economy and Global Politics. One step at the time, in the hope for a better world.

[fcrox]

A thick fog, nothing else could have described what was going on and until the other witch had lifted the spell, no clarity was given. And then only shock. Beatrice had not been prepared to snap out of a daze, having moved about on autopilot only to come face to face with someone like Bellatrix Lestrange. The Lestranges in general were on her list of those the brunette wished to avoid. Nothing good could come out of it, of that, she was sure.

Instead of eating as told all she could muster was the strength to hold the spoon; a mix of retaliating stubbornness and shock that seemed to have stripped most of the things she would see herself do from the list of things Beatrice Abbot was capable of. And then those words rung through to her, causing her to snap her head up at the witch. Only then did she notice how hard she’d been staring at the soup in front of her as though she could simply wish it all away if she only tried hard enough. Some may have called her foolish but truthfully it was a simple and pure desperation.

“I’m not with the Order.” It wasn’t a lie. No, there had only been one conversation with Alice about her wish to join. Despite that, thus far the witch hadn’t heard back from the other. Perhaps she would have to ask again. Or there was simply more to be sorted. “I’ve never been with the Order.” Her eyes moved, scanning the other. Would Bellatrix believe the truth when it was laid out right in front of her? At the end of the day Bea had no plans to voice whatever she may have known about the Order. It was easier, though, in times when lying wasn’t necessary simply because the truth itself made it easier.

Finally, as though out of sheer stubbornness did she end up allowing herself a spoon full of soup only to realize that the whole situation had ruined the taste entirely. What was the point anyway. “What do you want, exactly?” The past few minutes may have been foggy, like a layer that had come to rest on her like cotton, but she did remember the words. There’d been mentions of Edgar, someone knew was unlike to come visit.

Through it all her fiery Gryffindor demeanour came through, shining almost too bright for her own good. “I am not with the Order nor am I aware who is with the Order. If information is what you seek, I can’t help you.” Nor would she. - @bellatrix-lestrxnge

It seemed Bellatrix's spell was too strong. How thrilling. Despite her gestures for Beatrice to sit down and join her, she still busied herself with every other thing for her non-existent dinner party. Watching the other witch with a foul smirk, she leaned back in her seat, dragging her palm against the table cloth in a slow movement. Snagging a few threads with her wedding ring, she cared nothing for it and simply considered what to do with Beatrice next. Her plan was already well-formed, designed specifically to suit her urges and the functional requirements of this evening. But that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy a little reckless spontaneity while moving between steps.

"Are you alright?" Falsely cloying, she placed her words heavily and disarmed Beatrice while she was at it. She caught the wand and held it up, studying the gentle magic that pulsed from wood to fingers, while Beatrice fussed over the cake. "It's not like you to be so forgetful. Tea would be lovely. Milk and three sugars, please!"

Sliding the wand into her dress, she sat back and waited patiently - though not that patiently. She did want to move things on, after all. So once Beatrice reappeared, tea in hand and cake placed down, she didn't delay any longer. Forcing Beatrice into a chair with another spell, she then locked her into place, arms flat atop the table as though pinned by heavy chains, her body unable to move from the seat. For a moment, she revelled in the surprise piercing Beatrice's expression even through the Confundus. But it was only a precursor to what would come next; a veiled realisation that would soon be unleashed with horrific fervour. She removed the Confundus, eyes flickering over her plaything's with the look of a vixen in sight of the fattest rabbit she had ever seen.

"Welcome back, Abbott." She smiled, pure wickedness sparking her features like destructive wildfire. It was an expression that betrayed pure joy. She delighted in causing alarm, her pleasure an unholy devastation. "Thank you for the soup." Gesturing, she released one of Beatrice's wrists, having no fear of the freedom - she could reach nothing but a spoon and her bowl. "Eat up. Wouldn't want it to go cold. I did have you set a place for Edgar, but I'm afraid he won't be having soup. I might let him have some cake, though. If he's a very good boy." And with that, she sat back and took a refreshing gulp of her tea, then an indulgent bite of her cake.

"How long have you been in the Order? Answer sensibly. Let's not make this unpleasant." Or more unpleasant. Bellatrix had no intention of leaving without a little indulgence. She deserved it. No one worked harder for the cause than her.

[leet911]

Rooms

Beatrice lies awake in bed and stares at the ceiling. Doctor Salvius had been very generous, letting them all stay in her villa, letting them pick from any of the available rooms. But Mother Superion had taken charge right away, commandeering one wing and assigning rooms. She had called names and pointed to doors. And Beatrice’s heart fell when her name was called, because Ava wasn’t placed in the same room.

Ava had looked at her, questioning but not crestfallen. Beatrice gave a small nod, almost imperceptible. Ava had seemed accepting, nonchalant, and somehow that crushed Beatrice more than anything else.

So Beatrice lies in bed and tells herself that this — this is not a love story. No matter how much she may want it to be. This is saving the world. But the bed beside her is empty, the now familiar warmth missing, and Beatrice knows she doesn’t get to expect more, that Ava doesn’t owe her anything, even if they did spend the last two months sleeping next to each other.

And Beatrice would never say anything, never do more than lie next to Ava and yearn — watch Ava breathe, roll around in her sleep, get tangled in the sheets. Watching Ava sleep always made her smile. There was something peaceful about it. Ava didn’t like to sleep. It was almost childlike. She would fight to stay up longer, do more things, go see the world. It was endearing, even if she did need her rest. Beatrice would give anything to be able to let Ava go live her life.

She sighs, looks over to the wall that stands between her and Ava. For a moment, she imagines Ava phasing through the wall, a smile on her face, and the image is so stark Beatrice sits upright to clutch a pillow to her chest.

This is not a love story. But Beatrice is standing, even as she repeats the mantra in her head. Because she remembers Camila’s words too. She remembers Shannon and Mary and Melanie and all the Sister Warriors that came before.

When Beatrice opens the door though, Ava is standing right there, pillow in hand and she seems just as surprised.

“Ava?” Beatrice glances up and down the darkened hall.

“Hi.” A sheepish smile. It’s just like Ava always is, and part of Beatrice wants nothing more than to pull Ava into her room, close the door, and press her up against it.

“What are you doing?”

Ava holds up her pillow. “Trying to decide whether to knock or just phase through the door.”

And Beatrice melts. She wants to tell Ava that she misses it, the feeling of Ava nearby, the reassuring warmth, the sound of her breathing. She wants to say that she misses Ava, even if she’s just down the hall, because they’re used to being together now, and sleeping apart feels too much like losing. But they don't talk about those sorts of things.

Instead, she takes Ava's hand and leads her into the room. They crawl into bed without a word, and it's just like every other night, even if the surroundings are different. Beatrice lays on her side of the bed and Ava curls up next her, so they are touching the length of their bodies.

"Goodnight, Bea." Ava whispers, and Beatrice shivers in the dark. Because even if this can’t be a love story, it’s still her and Ava’s story.

[halcyon-girls]

Could you write a stellatrix where Beatrix feels threat by someone from Stella's past? Stella reassures her that she's not leaving her.

I went with a dignitary/prince visits Alfea for the day. Beatrix would have been fine had it not been for the fact that he seemed far too well acquainted with her girlfriend.

-----------

Beatrix watches with curious eyes in the common room as Rosalind announces the arrival of some sort of dignitary, or was it a prince? Regardless, he seemed to be from a neighbouring kingdom of Solaria. Not that she cared not at all.

She scribbles her notes from class into her notebook, pushing at the top of her pencil to extend the nib. He was nothing to her and would continue to be so.

That was until she watches her girlfriend bow and greet him. He places a kiss on her knuckles that causes Beatrix to narrow her eyes and press her pencil that bit harder onto her page, the nib snapping off.

She tilts her head to listen in. ‘Hello princess, it has been quite some time, has it not?’ He questions a smile on his face and her hand still in his.

‘It has,’ Stella replies curtly, a smile pressing tightly at her cheeks. ‘Allow me to be your guide around Alfea for the day.’

He laughs deeply. ‘Nothing would please me more.’

Beatrix hears a crack. Great. Her nib-less pencil was now not even a pencil. A deep crack sits at the centre of it, threatening to snap it completely in two. 

She grits her teeth and slams her notebook shut, rising from the bench. She would not bare watching this man ogle her girlfriend for a second longer. But neither could she bare seeing Stella’s smile as he spoke.

She chooses to exit the room and find somewhere else, quietly seething as she stomps her way back to her suite. She shuts the door behind her without so much as a hello to her other suitemates. 

She slides into the chair at her desk and taps her bent pencil on the corner of it. It was probably nothing, right? Her girlfriend was likely being forced into some dignitary relations work by her mother. It was fine. She was fine.

But… Beatrix couldn’t get the thought out of her mind. They were familiar in a way that was more than just passing acquaintances. In a way that had Beatrix feeling more than a little threatened in spite of her attempts to reassure herself of the opposite. 

Not wanting to know for as long as possible, she avoids Stella. Each time Stella catches her eyes or waves, still at that boy’s side, Beatrix swiftly walks the other way. She feels a twinge of regret in seeing the way that Stella’s smile fall and her eyes form that faint shine that normally has Beatrix running into her arms to reassure her. 

She knows she’s being irrational but every time she sees his smirk, or the way he leans in to say something only Stella could hear, her fight or flight kicks in. It seems flight keeps winning.

The rest of the day passes by very much the same. He pushes, but she doesn’t. Stella’s pout grows more apparent.

She finds herself ending the day with a walk back to her suite, feeling every bit horrible about the day's events. Her fingers grasp the door handle leading to her suite but just before she turns it, she feels a hand on her arm pulling her down the hall and around into a secluded corner.

‘You’ve been avoiding me,’ Stella states.

Beatrix looks down. ‘No, I’ve just been busy.’

The grip on her arm loosens, fingers grazing her own instead. ‘Please don’t lie to me Bea, today was hard enough.’

Beatrix grits her teeth, feeling wetness at the corner of her eyes. ‘For you?’ She looks up, staring into Stella’s eyes. ‘I had to watch that boy practically drape himself over you for the entire day.’

Stella’s lips fall. ‘I begged him to stop. To relent. My mother had intended a partnership for us in our childhood that she and I have now firmly declined. He was out of line.’

Beatrix frowns. Now it was her that was feeling awful. She reaches for Stella’s hands, squeezing them. ‘I’m sorry, I just-’ she huffs. She was just foolishly jealous while knowing Stella had remained firmly at her side even when she had given her plenty of reasons to not be. ‘I was just threatened by him. Worried that he was better and that you would be guided towards the noble prince instead of the orphaned girl.’

She feels herself being pulled forward into Stella’s arms, a kiss placed on her forehead. ‘Never doubt my love for you for a second, Bea.’ Stella leans back, a smile on her face. ‘Only you have made me so safe and assured in who I am. That will never change.’

Beatrix sniffs, a tear falling down her cheek. ‘Not even for rich princes?’

Stella laughs loudly. ‘Especially not for rich princes.’

Beatrix nudges Stella’s side. ‘Can I ask for something he cannot?’ 

She feels Stella nudge her back. ‘Enlighten me on what that would be.’

‘Kiss me,’ Beatrix requests, raising a brow at Stella, ‘Princess.’

Stella runs her hands down Beatrix’s side until they’re resting on her hips. She offers no answer, just leaning down until their lips were ghosting over each other, teasing her. 

Not one to back down, Beatrix closes the gap, pressing her lips against Stella’s. She leads her in the kiss until they’re both gasping for air, cheeks flushed and smiles forming. ‘Now that is a good reminder.’

Stella tilts her head. ‘Of what?’

Beatrix places a hand on the back of Stella’s neck, pulling her back down. ‘That you’re my girlfriend.’

They kiss until they’re both satisfied that the other was here to stay. That there were no threats and that they loved only each other. It was enough. It was more than enough. 

‘Now, how about we make up for that lost time?’ Stella questions, pulling Beatrix down the hall.

Beatrix laughs. ‘How are you going to achieve that?’

Stella twirls, pulling Beatrix while walking backwards. ‘I’m going to give my girlfriend the royal tour.’

Beatrix allows herself to be led through the tour of the school she’s been at for years. It was well worth it to hear the way Stella laughed and joked about each room they entered. She especially enjoyed the kisses delivered at Stella’s whim.

She wasn’t sure if she’d be able to avoid the fear again, not with how beautiful Stella is. But next time, she thinks she’ll let fight win instead of flight.

[fleetsummers]

"We-ell-lll," Fleet demurred, batting his lashes a little, "I'll admit that firepit is an embellishment on what I did, which is basically a circle of rocks and some sticks in the middle with a pinecone starter. And that--" Fleet tapped his fingertips against Clint's broad chest, "--is why you are in charge of the fire. I acquitted my Beaver Scout skills from when I was six, and that's as far as it goes."

The hand on his back was warm and firm and nice, and Fleet took his opportunity to lean back against it before Clint let his hand fall. "Thank you," Fleet said, shimmying his shoulders a little at the compliment to his outfit -- hardly the Arc'teryx sort of ensemble he'd had in his before-life, but very good for Redwood, and he was pleased that Clint made note of it. "If you know what you want and you get in good with Bea, she can work wonders in upcycling."

Fleet relinquished the picnic basket happily when Clint, all low-key gallant, made an offer to carry it, saying, "There's two blankets in there just in case, and there's a log at the fireside we can sit on, so we're all set. And it's a good stable log so we won't--" Luna made herself known just then, and Fleet broke into a grin, dropping down to hold her face.

"Hi sweetie! I don't mind if she comes, Clint," he said, looking up at Clint so the other man would be clear on what he was saying. "We'll be outside, she can run around and stuff and come lie down by the fire if she wants. I didn't bring any food for her, though, unless she's big on roasted apples."

Clint spent the day pacing, adjusting, he was pretty sure he had changed his shirt at least five times before he settled on a sweater with a leather jacket over it. He was sure he wouldn't look as sharp as Fleet, but he wanted to try his best anyway, something warm for the chill in the air that was becoming more prominent but not his usual flannel and rough jeans. Catching himself in the mirror again, he was grateful for the haircut Mayra managed to give him, it helped him look less scruffy and worn down, not to mention keeping his hair out of his eyes. Luna whined at him, sensing his anxiety. "What th'fuck is wrong with me...?" He muttered to himself and knelt down to hold her face in his hands, she nuzzled through giving him a lick on the face before he ran his fingers down her back through her fur, letting out a sigh and trying to ground himself again. He didn't know why things like this caused him so much anxiety, it was an unknown, he wanted to make a good impression to Fleet, he wanted to see where things would go but he didn't feel like he could trust himself to not fuck it up.

And then came the knock, causing Clint to practically launch to his feet again, chewing on the inside of his bottom lip, he strode up to the door and opened it, surprised to not see Fleet's face but a basket shoved in front of him. "Fleet-!" He barely managed to exclaim before the other rattled off the plans for the night, Clint couldn't help the smile that found it's way to his lips as he listened to the other sound so excited about their date. "Y'built a firepit?" He didn't want to insult the other by telling him he was surprised, but he was definitely surprised, Fleet didn't seem the type to purposefully engage in physical labor like that. He laughed instead "I'll take good care of it, it'll be our spot." He promised and bent down a little to accept the peck on the cheek, his hand finding itself between Fleet's shoulder blades. "Don't know how y'manage t'look as good as y'do with th'way things are, but y'look fantastic." He smiles down, his hand dropping away, and takes the basket from him before straightening up. "I can carry this, do we need t'bring a blanket, in case it gits too chilly. Ain't gonna lie, I'm a bitch when it comes t' th'cold." Luna whines at their feet popping from one front paw to the other like she's ready to go. "Nah, girl. Yer stayin' here."

[28whitepeonies]

Hi Bea, hope it's okay for me to ask this, being part of the spectrum it's quite hard for me to understand things and evaluate them. Been IA for a past few months and I finally got to hear the new Louis' Zach Sang interview!! and I'm quite confused on why some people here said that Louis confirmed that he indeed have a choking kink but I've replayed it several times and I never heard him said yes about that? Am I just stupid or ? All I've understand that he's an andrenaline junkie. Help me out?

Hi friend

You are welcome in my inbox any time.

You are not stupid. If I think anyone is stupid, it is the people listening to that interview and coming away saying that Louis confirmed anything of the sort. I went back and listened again to remind myself exactly how that part of the convo went and because I want to be really clear about what Louis said, and for ease of reference, I've transcribed that section and put it under the cut.

I think it is reasonably clear what Louis is telling us here, and I think anything fans are saying about how this proves he has a choking kink is them justifying their behaviour. He talks a lot in general about how much he loves the energy of live shows, and the way that he almost feeds off that. What he described in Zach Sang was why he loves going down to barricade so much - that feeling he gets stepping out on stage is amplified, it's ten times stronger and better when he's down there with fans. He describes that as being the best part of the performance by far. I think it is clear this is a part of the show that Louis really loves.

None of what he loves does he describe as being related to the way fans behave and he does talk about it getting too much when a fan put their hands on his genitals. To suggest that anything Louis said in that interview, or elsewhere until now, means he consents to it, never mind that it signifies his enjoyment of it, shows a blatant disregard for what consent actually means and is genuinely quite terrifying. And every time a fan says something like "oh but look at hime he loves it" or "omg he's got a choking kink" they contribute to the environment where someone feels they can put their hands on his genitals without his permission.

I want to also take a second to focus on what he said about that Burberry shirt which was ripped and he said that wearing a button up was his 'first mistake'. I think it's quite likely Louis won't wear a shirt like that again, and that's an example of him being faced with a choice over changing what he wears to avoid fan's being able to pull his clothes off or wearing what he likes and being faced by that behaviour and I think that's representative of the bigger issue here.

Louis clearly loves the experience of being in the pit but being in the pit means fans touching him without his consent in a manner that could be quite harmful (whether that's a hand round his throat or a hand on his genitals). But I want to be really, really clear about this - Louis going back to barricade does not equal consent. I’d also like to be clear that whatever kinks Louis might have aren’t relevant - that wouldn’t make this a consensual interaction.

[The transcript is below.]

Zach: I see photos of you on the barricade... you allow people to touch you

Louis: Yeah, oh yeah man sometimes it gets pretty crazy

Zach: Oh you've been choked

Louis: Yeah do you know what that happened at like one show and then I swear like every other show now someone's got their hand on my neck. It got a little bit weird when someone grabbed my dick one show and that was a little bit extra, that was a bit too much.

Zach: A little bit?

Louis: Yeah, yeah, but I'm not going to lie, and without going into specifics about whatever they do when I'm down there, the feeling that I get when I walk out for the first song and I see the crowd for the first time, that's like one-tenth of the feeling when I go down into the pit. It's like that feeling kind of bottled up and thrown over you, and there's so much energy and so much intensity in those moments that it is by far my favourite part of the show.

Zach: It is gross, seeing people stick their fingers in your mouth

Louis: That was weird!! Did you see that yeah?! I watched the video and I think I thought that was the mic or something, I looked a little bit confused in that video. I don't even remember it, that's the other thing, once you're down there it all happens so quick and it's so chaotic. Like I remember watching that video back and I don't even remember it happening.

Zach: That energy does make you think, it changes perspective, as it relates to music and impact and really understanding who you are performing to

Louis: Definitely, definitely, not quite got round to fully immersing myself in the crowd. Maybe next tour.

Zach: To be honest, they're getting very personal and handsy. [To the camera] Like watch your hands.

Louis: It gets intense I will say that. Across South America, different gravy that. It was amazing/scary at the same time. Incredible. I had a shirt ripped off me, a nice Burberry shirt, a button up that was my first mistake, I went with a button up shirt. I went down and they literally just pulled it from me and just completely ripped it to shreds.

Dan: That must be a weird experience though? Because with One Direction you guys never got to get that close to the crowd did you?

Louis: No, I feel like there might have been in the earlier days, I personally did do a bit of that. I don't know on what song, you're hardly going to go down to WMYB and immerse yourself in the pit, but yeah it is. I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I had an experience even remotely similar to that. It is by far the best part of the show and I've seen some of my fans speculate like 'Why does he like that? It looks scary and intense or whatever' but that's kind of why it's exciting. There is an element of danger to it that makes it feel really amazing. Like I said before, if you understand what a feeling of adrenaline is, it is like times ten in that moment. It's unavoidable, it is on top of you almost.

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 275. brb x oc

a/n: im not the happiest with this chapter but my day is a bit off 8) (comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none uwu

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

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-

As Beatrice got up from the bed, the dull throb of a headache pounding behind her temples, she knew without a doubt who was at the door. It was her brothers. They had an uncanny way of showing up when she needed them most, and today was no exception.

The migraine that had been plaguing her since morning had only grown worse, and she had been unable to shake it despite her best efforts.

With slow, measured steps, Beatrice made her way to the front door. Each footfall sent a sharp lance of pain through her head, but she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of gratitude for her brothers. 

As chaotic as they could be.

As she opened the door, the trio of Michael, Guillermo, and Leonardo stood there, each sporting expressions of concern. Michael held a bag of groceries, Guillermo had a concerned furrow between his brows, and Leonardo, offered a sympathetic smile and a wave.

"Hey, sis," Michael greeted her, his voice warm and reassuring. "We heard you weren't feeling too well, so we thought we'd come by and check on you."

Beatrice managed a small smile despite the throbbing pain in her head. "Thanks, guys. I've had this headache all day, and it just won't go away. I appreciate you coming over."

Guillermo immediately stepped forward, his larger hand resting on Beatrice's forehead as he felt for signs of a fever. "You do feel a little warm," he noted. "How's your headache? On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the worst?"

Beatrice winced as she considered the pain. "I'd say it's around an eight. It's been pretty relentless."

Leonardo gently took the bag of groceries from Michael and stepped inside the house. "Let's get you something to eat, sis. And we'll find you a quiet place to lie down and rest."

“Is your bed made?’ Michael asks, “And is Nikki asleep? Should we check on her?”

Beatrice nodded, her relief evident in her expression. "Yes, Nikki's down for her nap. made the bed this morning, so it should be ready." She pointed up to the stairs and watched as the dogs surrounded Leonardo as he carried the food. "Feel free to put the groceries in the kitchen. I'll join you in a moment."

Guillermo’s huge hand touches her forehead once more and he tsks, “You are really warm, Bea.” his voice is one of concern, like often is, but his gaze is soft, “Do you want me to carry you up to bed?”

“I’m not five anymore,Gui.” she pauses, “...but it’d be kinda nice.”

She leaned into her older brother, allowing him to scoop her up effortlessly. But Guillermo was so much bigger than Rooster so she still felt like a child in his hold.

As Guillermo carried Beatrice upstairs, Michael followed close behind, ready to help with any other tasks. "Leonardo, go ahead and put the groceries away. We'll take care of Beatrice," Michael directed.

Leonardo nodded and began to sort through the bags, putting perishables in the refrigerator and non-perishables in the pantry. 

Once they reached Beatrice's bedroom, Guillermo gently placed her on the bed, her head resting on the soft pillows.

"Thanks, Gui," Beatrice murmured, giving her brother a grateful smile. "I know I should be more independent, but it's nice to have my big brother look after me sometimes." and he covers her up with the blankets.

Guillermo chuckled, his hand resting on her forehead again to check her temperature. "You can always count on us, Bea. Do you need anything else?Some tea?"

Beatrice's eyes fluttered closed for a moment, and she considered the offer. "Tea does sound good," she replied with a soft smile. "I'll take some chamomile tea if that's okay."

Michael, who had been watching from the doorway, chimed in. "Chamomile it is, then. I'll get that brewing for you." With that, he turned and headed downstairs to prepare a soothing cup of tea, almost bumping into Leonardo, who had finished putting away the groceries, "You know, Bea, it's perfectly okay to ask for help when you're not feeling well. You don't have to be superwoman all the time."

Beatrice chuckled, although it quickly turned into a groan as the pain in her head flared. "I know, Leo. It's just hard sometimes. I have so much to do…” she whispers “And with Roos, and Nikki and the twins and the bar and–”

Leonardo sat down on the edge of Beatrice's bed, a warm and expression on his face. "You're a mom, a wife, and a hardworking employee. It's only natural that you'd have moments where it feels overwhelming.” he smiles more, “Hell, even before having the kids you were doing a lot, you were always there for me when me or Cyn couldn’t have Bianca.”

Beatrice appreciated the words, her brows however furrow and her lips turn down as a jolt of pain shoots through her head, “I know.” she says softly, ‘I know,I know I should stop…but it’s hard sometimes. I want to help.”

"It's your strength and kindness that make you want to help others, Bea.” he arches his brow with a smile “ But it's also important to remember that taking care of yourself is a way of ensuring you can continue being there for your loved ones."

Beatrice sighed and nodded, closing her eyes briefly. "You're right, Leo. I need to take better care of myself. It's just hard when there's always something to do, and I don't want to let anyone down." She gently touched her temple, feeling a throbbing pain once more.

Leonardo placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, then another on her forehead "There's no shame in asking for help or taking a break when you need it. Your well-being is important to all of us." he tilts his head, “Especially Rooster.”

Beatrice opened her eyes and met Leonardo's gaze, " He called you didn’t he?"

“Messaged.” Guillermo corrects, ‘Early in the morning, said you weren’t feeling well. He was like a madman letting us know everything you should have or not…” and Bea could see the corner of her brother’s lip turn into a smirk only to disappear again. For someone who didn’t know what to make of Rooster when he first met him…she was glad to see Guillermo being more open about her husband like that.

Beatrice was grateful for the concern of her brothers, even though she sometimes wished they wouldn't make such a fuss.

Which was like asking a cat not to meow.

 But as she looked at Guillermo, she couldn't help but smile. "Roos has a way of making sure everyone knows when I'm not feeling well. He's been a bit overprotective lately."

Leonardo chuckled, patting her shoulder reassuringly. "Well, you're married to a Navy pilot, after all. It comes with the territory."

Beatrice nodded and rubbed her temples again, trying to soothe her throbbing headache. "Yeah, he does have a way of worrying like no other. And with his upcoming deployment, I think he's feeling extra protective."

Guillermo, whose massive body was close to the window, spoke in a calm "It's natural, Bea. He's about to go on another mission, and with Nicole and the twins to look after, he wants to make sure you're well and supported."

Beatrice frowned and leaned back into her pillows, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I know he's just looking out for us, but I don't want to be a burden to him or to you all. I want him to focus on his mission and not worry too much about us."

Leonardo gave her a warm smile, his green eyes rolling with amusement. "You're not a burden, Bea.He just wants to make sure you're not alone in it. You know that."

Beatrice chews her lower lip but then smiles a little bit, hands dropping to her lap “Thank you, Leo. You're right, and I'll remember that."

As they continued to chat, Michael returned with a steaming cup of chamomile tea, handing it to Beatrice with a flourish "Here you go, sis. This should help with the headache." He flashed her a kind smile.

Beatrice took the tea and sipped it slowly, the warmth soothing her tense muscles. "Thanks, Michael. You guys are too good to me."

“I’m better,right?”

“Michael.”

Beatrice giggled, then sipped more of her tea,”You all are great. Truly.” her headache, while still present, did disappear a little as she swallowed her tea.

Leonardo patted her hand gently, then stands up from the bed with a grunt. "Alright, we better leave you to sleep a bit, you need the rest.”

Beatrice's smile grew, handing the mug out to Guillermo as she got comfortable on the bed. "Okay…where will you guys stay?”

Guillermo accepted the empty tea mug from Beatrice and handed it to Michael. "Downstairs. Watching tv. We just want to make sure you are alright."

Beatrice’s eyes were heavy but she smiled, “Okay…you can…feel at home,alright?”

They exited the room once they were almost sure she’s fast asleep but they left the door slightly ajar, allowing Beatrice to hear their hushed conversation in the hallway. 

"Leo, did you see the way she winced when she touched her head? She's still in pain," Guillermo said, concern evident in his deep voice.

Leonardo nodded, his brow furrowed. "I noticed, Gui. Bradis right – she's not one to complain, and if she's admitting to having a headache, it must be pretty bad."

Inside the room, Beatrice listened to their conversation and smiled to herself,the sleep now being too hard to ignore. She adjusted the covers and settled in to rest, knowing that her brothers were just a shout away if she needed anything.

-

Rooster wasn’t going to worry because she had her brothers with her at the house…but he was still going to get her something once he left to go home. Everything was pretty much in order for the upcoming deployment and Rooster was just giving a quick rundown - with what he knew - to the recruits.

His fanboys?

Yes.

“Alright,” he taps the file, ‘You have all been told what you are going to do…” he leans on his hands as he stands up in front of his desk, “This is the info we got, this is what we’ll work with..McAllister, it’s you and me again once we leave, you okay with that?”

McAllister, sat up straight in his chair, his chest puffing out slightly with pride and he cannot contain his smile . "Absolutely, sir. I'm ready to follow your lead and make this deployment a success."

Rooster nodded in approval, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Just remember, this isn't a solo mission. We work as a team, and you can rely on your fellow recruits here to have your back." he clears his throat, “Not like last time.”

The other recruits nodded in agreement, waaay too excited to say anything else, smiling from ear to ear.

As the briefing continued, Rooster couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in guiding the recruits. He remembered his own days as a wide-eyed, inexperienced trainee and appreciated the opportunity to help shape the next generation of pilots. And not to mention, he knew these kids were good.

Very good.

During a brief break in the briefing, Rooster received a text from Beatrice. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and even without seeing he knew it was his wife. He clears his throat, then nods once, “Dismissed.”

After the recruits had left, Rooster took a moment to review the text message from Beatrice. Only it wasn’t Bea, it was Michael…using Bea’s phone. He just told him that Beatrice was still asleep, her headache as very strong and she was running a fever,so they let her sleep in their bedroom for a little while longer…and were now taking care of Nicole.

Rooster's heart sank as he read the message from Michael. He hadn't anticipated that Beatrice would be feeling so unwell, especially with Nicole to take care of. He quickly typed out a response:

"Thanks for letting me know, Michael. Keep Bea and Nicole comfortable, and tell her I'll be there as soon as I can."

His brother in law’s reply was only a thumb up.

With a heavy sigh, Rooster looked down at the phone screen, their wedding picture as the background and his heart just hurt. He couldn’t go home yet, there were still things to be done…so he just shook his head and pocketed the phone again, arranging the files on his desk.

Until a voice interrupted him.

“Rooster?” he stops fixing the papers “Hey, it’s Mark. Can we talk for a bit, are you busy?”

He almost lied and said that he was busy, but he chose not to. He just clenched his eyes and then inhaled deeply, mentally preparing himself for whatever this conversation would be about, “No.” he says, “Come on in.”

Mark walked into the room, a smile on his face. He shut the door behind him and took a deep breath before speaking. "Thanks for making time to talk, Rooster."

Rooster gestured for Mark to take a seat, his features carefully neutral. "Of course, Mark. What's on your mind? Is this about the deployment?"

“Yes,well,” he smiles more, “We’ll be sharing this mission together.”

“Hmhm.” Rooster wasn’t impressed, “What do you want to talk about then?”

Mark took a seat across from Rooster, and he could sense the tension in the room. He cleared his throat and started to speak. "Look, I know our history hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. But I also know that we're both professionals, and this mission is important."

Rooster listened intently but kept his expression neutral. 

Mark continued, "I just wanted to say that I'm willing to put our past issues aside and work together as a team on this deployment.”

Rooster raised an eyebrow, studying Mark closely. He appreciated the sentiment but wasn't sure if he should fully trust Mark's words. "I appreciate the offer, Mark. I’d like to do that." did he believe it? Not really.

"That's all I wanted to hear, Rooster. Let's make this deployment a success."

Rooster gave a curt nod in agreement. "Absolutely.”

The one word answers were clearly going over Mark’s head, since he smiled bright and clapped his hands together, “Good!Good! Hey, we should have another double date again. It was fun last time,wasn’t it?”

Rooster’s head coiled back in surprise. It was a disaster. Mark and Miranda made both of them feel terrible, not to mention how they made his wife feel about working at the bar, “...what?”

Mark's smile faltered slightly at the mention of the previous double date. He glanced down at his hands for a moment before meeting Rooster's gaze again. "I know things got a little awkward last time, but I thought maybe we could try again. We're all adults here, and I think it would be good to socialize outside of work."

Rooster couldn't deny the logic in Mark's words, but he still had reservations. Big ones "It's not just about being adults, Mark. I need to make sure it's an enjoyable and comfortable experience for everyone involved, especially Beatrice." he lowers his brows, “My wife’s wellbeing is my main focus.”

Mark nodded but Rooster didn’t think he was listening. "Of course, I want it to be enjoyable for everyone too. I'll make sure Miranda knows to be...more considerate this time."

“Uh-huh.”

“She said that the Hard Deck, while not her favorite space, is really fun!”

Rooster stares at him and he wonders if he’s going crazy and Mark things those words are in any way supportive. He strains a smile, “...sure.”

"I'll consider it, Mark," Rooster said cautiously, not committing to anything. "Is that all?”

Mark nodded again, his expression earnest. "Yeah! That was all man! Thanks for listening to me."

“Mhm.” he smirks, strained still, “Sure.”