#it’s split between pjs and some restaurant and I was on the restaurant side without making a purchase

[sagihairius]

I love Scream Queens specifically because one time my car almost got towed from the grind’s coffee shop parking lot

[gottalovetheletos]

Bright Lights, Big City. Series. Chapter 7. (Christmas Special)

Authors note: First of all I would like to wish everyone a very happy holidays and new year!! I wish you all love, health and wealth 💖.

I am 3 followers away from 300. Thank you everyone for following, reading, liking and commenting. I appreciate every single one of you. 

 I hope you don’t mind the phone image. I’m trying something new. 

 Okay this wasn’t meant to be that long but it’s happened so... My bad lol. 

IF YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW SAYING SO AND I WILL TAG YOU. 💖💖💖

Warnings: 

Finally I get to write some SMUT. 

This does have a daddy kink (Name only for now) Sorry if you don’t like it. But I do lol. 

Naught lingerie.

Word Count: 4,328.

Bright Lights, Big City. Chapter 7.

If you haven’t read it here’s: CHAPTER 6

From the beginning. Chapter 1

CHAPTER 7

I didn’t sleep a wink the whole night. I kept thinking about the pros and cons of this three person relationship. How would I tell my friends? How would they tell their mom? Did she already know about their previous three person relationship?

*The next day*

  I looked at my calendar in the kitchen. Christmas eve. My god. Already. I needed to clear my mind so decided to take the dogs to the woods. I loaded all three in the car.

I let the dogs off their leashes and got lost in thought again. ‘I’ve never done anything so.... out there before. Maybe I should just go for it. Yes, I’m gonna go for it. On the way home I popped into the grocery store to pick up some last minute things for my lonely Christmas tomorrow. I wasn’t that close with my family after my past, they didn’t want anything to do with me. Once I’d finished I walked into the lingerie store across the street. I needed some new bras and matching panties. I saw something very Christmas-ey that caught my eye. I paid for my things and drove home. I decided to message the boys to see if they were free to come over, they did.

“Hey, come in” I welcomed them in. “I led them into the kitchen where we sat at my breakfast table, I had made their favorite drinks and already laid them on the table waiting for them. “I’ve made a definite decision, I want to do this” the boys smiled at each other. “Great” they said in unison. “Oh and while you’re here I wanted to give you your presents for Christmas”. I walked off to get them from underneath my tree.  

“Wow, thank you” Jared spoke. “Thanks babe” Shannon smiled. “We’ll open them tomorrow” he added. “Got any big plans for tomorrow?” Jared asked taking a sip from his drink. “Oh absolutely, I plan on having Christmas dinner with the dogs and getting drunk alone whilst watching crappy TV” I sarcastically spat. “Spend it with us” Shannon blurted out without hesitation. “But what about your mom?” I asked concerned. “She’ll be fine. We’ll just have to hold off on any romantic things for now. Like we’re just friends. You can stay over too, there will probably be alcohol involved” Jared beamed. “Sounds good, thanks guys. Are you sure you’re mom will be okay with this?” I asked concerned. “Yeah, bring the dogs. She’ll be busy with them all day” Shannon laughed. “Right we gotta go. We’re actually picking mom up from the airport soon. We’ll see you tomorrow gorgeous!” Jared stood first, then me, then Shannon. I gave them both a kiss and saw them out. I went straight upstairs and packed my bags so I was prepared. I found an ugly Christmas sweater and paired it with a plain tank top and leggings. ‘I’ll wear that to his’ I thought. After I’d packed my bag I went back out to the store to buy their mom a gift. Once home I wrapped the gifts for her and I had bought the boys a little something extra too. Before I knew it the whole day had vanished. It was nearly 5 pm. I was just about to start making dinner when my phone rang. I picked it up without looking to see who it was. “Hey, Do you wanna come out for dinner with us?” “Jared?” I asked, still not knowing who it was. “Yeah?” he answered back. “Oh. Sorry I didn’t recognize your voice” I giggled. “Um. Isn’t you’re mom with you? I’m already imposing tomorrow. I don’t think you’d want me there tonight too” I added. “Actually it was her idea. She said seeing as she’s meeting you tomorrow we may as well do it now” he told me. “What exactly does that mean” I laughed. “I don’t know, but please just come to dinner with us. Shannon will be there too”. “Oh god, J. What are you trying to do to me?” “Pleeeaasseee” he begged. “Okay give me an hour to get ready” I jokingly huffed. “Perfect we’ll pick you up” he hung up the phone. 

I managed to get ready in the time frame I was given. 

I had just slipped my arms into my coat when the door bell rang. “Hang on” I shouted as I tied the belt of the coat up. I opened the door to a very dressed up Shannon. He came in and shut the door behind him. As the door closed he lunged in for a kiss. “You look beautiful. Mom and Jared are standing outside of the car so they can say hi properly. Well so mom can say hi properly” he corrected himself. I took a deep breath. “Okay, I can do this. I might need a little help getting through this” I winked, walking towards him for another kiss. He grabbed the back of my neck deepening the kiss. “I would’ve wrapped your hair around my fist but it looks too good” he whispered in my ear. “Maybe when we’re doing nasty things to each other you can wear it down” he added. “Mmm.. I’ll remember that”. I grabbed my clutch and locked the door behind us. Thank god for liquid lipstick, otherwise we’d have to wipe the evidence from our faces. We walked down the driveway to the car parked along the sidewalk. “There she is” Jared announced. “Mom, this is the amazing, beautiful woman we’ve been telling you about” he gestured towards me. “Don’t over do it sweetie. I’m just a normal being” I shouted back. “Hi, Ms Leto. How are you?” I held out my arms for a hug which she accepted. “Hi sweetie, I’m good thank you. Ready for some food. Also please call me Constance. Ms Leto is so... formal” she answered. “As you wish” I replied. “Shall we make our way to the restaurant then?” Jared asked. We all nodded. Constance and Jared sat in the back, Shannon drove and I hopped into the passenger seat. Jared and his mom were catching up and Shannon and I were listening in. “So are you all packed for tomorrow?” He asked me, momentarily taking his eyes off of the road. “Yes, I’m very excited” I told him. “Maybe I’ll pay you a visit before bed” he whispered. I smiled and looked out the window nervously.  His hand landed on my knee in an attempt to comfort me. We arrived at the restaurant and the valet boy took the car and gave Shannon the ticket. We walked inside where we were shown to our table straight away. Perks of being with Jared and Shannon I suppose. Shannon helped his mother take off her coat while his brother helped me. His hand slowly grazed my ass. “You look fucking perfect in that dress Y/N” he whispered. We sat around the square table. One person to each side of the table. Mid way through our meal Jared came out with. “Hey Y/N why don’t we make this Christmas a 2 night thing. We can take you back to your house and you can grab your bags and some extra PJ’s and come home with us” I looked at the other two faces who were smiling. “I mean is that okay with you Constance. I’m already imposing on Christmas day...” “Y/N, you are not imposing. We’d be happy for you to join us if you want to” she cut me off. “Uh, Yeah, Okay, why not”. 

 We carried on with dinner and once we’d finished the boys split the bill and we made our way out to the car. Shannon drove everyone back to mine. I quickly ran inside and up to my room to get my bag. I packed some spare pajamas and my new underwear and the very Christmas-ey lingerie just in case. I also packed some ‘protection’ ‘just in case’ as well. I grabbed every ones gifts and put them in another bag. I leashed up the dogs and made sure I picked up their over night bag too. Once I made sure I had everything I locked the door with my three bags and three dogs. Jared ran out the car and helped me with my bags. I put the dogs in the trunk of the car and my bags in my foot well. I crossed my legs and belted my self in. 

 “By the time we’d gotten in it was about 10. “Shall we get in our jammies and put on some movies?” Constance asked. “Yes! I love that idea” I sang. Jared showed me into a guest bedroom. He pushed me against the wall, he whispered into my ear “If we had more time I’d rip that dress off of your body and fuck you right now” he leaned in and his soft lips crashed into mine. “All in good time” I said breaking the kiss. He left the room and I walked into the en-suite. I showered quickly and put on my night dress, panties and slippers. 

I braided my hair and walked out into the hallway where I ran into Constance who was about to make her way downstairs. We walked down together chatting about our lives and made our way into the dimly lit living room where the boys had already planted themselves. 

Constance took a spot on the armchair (that she claimed whenever she was round Jared’s house) and wrapped herself up in the fur blanket that was on the back of it. So I was left to sit in between the boys who were also covered with blankets. They opened up their blankets so I could sit in between them and covered me as well as themselves. I leaned into Shannon who put his arm over me and I put my legs onto Jared who stoked them every so softly. Jared put on the first movie. Whilst it was playing I looked around at these faces that made me so happy. It was the first Christmas where I didn’t have to spend it alone with the dogs. Speaking of the dogs, Blue had made his way onto Constance’s lap. “Blue, no, get down you are too big” I tried to tell him. “He’s fine. Y/N. Honestly. He’s lovely” she defended him. “Okay but if he starts to squish you just roll him off” I laughed. We continued watching the movie. Shannon’s hand was roaming my body. Caressing my boobs and thigh under the blankets . Sending tingles right through me. 

  Once the movie had finished another one followed. While Constance picked another festive themed movie he slid his hand down into my panties and slowly started rubbing my clit. I froze not knowing what to do. His mother’s back was about 10 feet away from us. I was definitely tingling. His hands doing all the right things. He withdrew his hand as Constance came to turn the light back off and sat back in her chair. Once her concentration was back on the TV his concentration was back on my sweet spot. Like I said to Jared, it had been 5 years since I’d been intimate with someone so this was turning me on.. Majorly.. he used his middle finger to sweep up through my wetness and used it to help his finger glide effortlessly around my sensitive bud. I saw Jared smiling. I knew he knew what was going on under the thick faux fur blankets as he quickly sprung into action and pulled me a little closer to him using my legs. His hand swiftly pulled my panties down to my ankles then off. He slid them down the side of the sofa. His hand now rushing to my burning core. He was using my arousal to slowly ease his fingers into me. My eyes rolling back slightly at the pleasure I was receiving from both brothers. Shannon pace met his brothers, slow and steady. Jared fingers working some sort of magic on me. I was trying my hardest not to moan. The build up was rising and my grip on Shannon’s leg tightened. He let out a small chuckle. Constance looked over at us, checking we were okay. The movement under the blanket ceased and they boys managed to look like they were really engaged in the movie. As soon as her head was turned, the movement started again. This time a little faster. Shannon’s hand making my body jerk from time to time and Jared’s making me want to grind down on him. “Shannon I’m close” I whispered. “I’ll be back guys. Can you pause the movie. I have to pee. Too much wine maybe” Constance giggled. ‘Thank fuck, what good timing’ I thought. Without removing himself from me Jared paused the movie and Constance left the room to go and pee in the upstairs bathroom. Once they heard that she was half way up the stairs both of them continued what they had started at a pace that my body couldn’t keep up with. Shannon’s finger stroking just the tip of my sensitive spot and Jared curling his finger up. Almost silent moans escaped my lips as the knot in the pit of my stomach came undone. I was writhing under the pleasure that just their hands were giving me. Imagine what the rest of their bodies could do to me! They allowed me to ride out my orgasm and cleaned up the mess. Just as Shannon leaned over to put the tissues in the bin Constance came back into the room. “Okay, you can play it now” She beamed. Not having a clue as to what has just gone on. 

 Once the second movie had finished we all went up to bed. After about half an hour. I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about our time on the sofa. It was turning me on again. I decided to put on my Christmas-ey lingerie. I took a selfie in it and started a group chat for me, Shannon and Jared. 

I heard a quite rumble of foot steps approaching my door. I sat on the edge of the bed with my legs crossed. The door swung open and they both walked towards me. I stood up and Jared made his way behind me he began to kiss my neck. “We’re gonna treat you real good princess” he breathed sounding somewhat Joker like. Shannon walked over and kissed me, his soft tongue begged at my lips. I allowed him. They both stopped. Jared joined his brother round the front. They both then grabbed an end of the ribbon each and tugged. The ribbon fell to the floor revealing my whole naked body before their eyes. I laid back onto the bed and Shannon was first to pounce. He peppered kisses all the way up my legs. Once Jared was undressed he came and positioned himself behind me. I propped myself up on him. I then opened my legs up to Shannon. He was starting slow and gentle. Like he wanted it to last a lifetime. He was lapping up all of me. “You taste so good baby”. I hummed at the ecstasy. Jared’s hands running up and down the skin on my chest. Goosebumps were forming. “You’re fucking perfect” Jared whispered in my ear, still with his hands flowing all over me. Shannon was thrusting his tongue in and out of me. “Uh, fuck.. Don’t stop. I’m so ready to cum” I squirmed. “No, not yet. You need to cum around one of us” Jared said pulling out the drawer to the table beside the bed. Turns out I didn’t need to bring protection. He had a whole drawer full. They both ripped open the silver foil packets and placed the condoms over themselves and Shannon was now undressing. As they did Jared started with “We’re gonna play a game. We get 30 seconds each to fuck you we have to switch once our 30 seconds is up and you have to try not to cum. Now since Shannon got to taste you, I get to go first”. “I like the sound of this game” I told them. “Good! On all fours Princess”. He teased me, running his dick up and down my entrance flicking my clit with the tip of his finger. Slowly he eased his way in, giving me time to adjust “Holy crap, you’re tight Y/N” he grinned. The first full thrust made me moan. His dick was so long, it hit my g-spot. “Fuck that was powerful” I moaned. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg baby. Right, 30 seconds starts now” another powerful thrust he was pounding me so hard I had to bite the pillow. There’s no way I was gonna make it through this ‘game’. For the full 30 seconds my mouth was connected to the pillow. “Times up” Shannon shouted. He positioned himself behind me and entered me. His dick was wider than Jared’s. “Fuck you are tight” Shannon moaned. He began to thrust, he pulled me up by my arms and held them behind my back as he was pounding upwards. I had no pillow to bite into now. I was moaning out loud. Shannon pulled out. I collapsed on the bed. “Right let’s make it 1 minute” Jared said. “Ride me” I climbed on top of his rock hard erection and did as I was told. His hand on my hips guiding me and letting me know what speed to go. As I bounced down he thrust-ed up. “Uh fuck Jared”. Call us Daddy” he demanded. “Fuck Daddy, you feel so good” My legs were beginning to buckle. It was Shannon’s turn. He took me from behind again. “Do you want to be called Daddy too?” I asked in between thrusts. He grabbed my neck “Yes Princess”. He pushed me forwards. “I’m close” Jared was sat in front of me. “Let me suck your dick daddy” I held him in my hand and flung off the condom knowing full well it was going to be Shannon making me cum...This time... I placed him in my mouth and began lick up and down his shaft. I forced him into my mouth. I took him whole. “Good girl” he moaned. I was moaning around him too. I ran my tongue around the tip. He wanted more, but I wanted to tease. He wrapped his hand around my hair and guided me, once again. You could tell the man liked to be the dominant one. Shannon’s hand crept down to my clit. Forcing me to grind down on his dick. I once again moaned around Jared. I could feel it again. The knot in my stomach, it was forming. I was ready to let go. Jared let go of my hair and let me come up for air. “I’m gonna cum” Jared’s hand was around my neck forcing me back down. Shannon’s hand rubbing my clit faster and faster. Here it comes. The euphoric feeling was here once again. I was moaning and grinding. Riding out my orgasm on Shannon. “Uh yes baby, I’m gonna cum. Take it like a good girl” Jared released. I licked him up like a lolly pop. Shannon was next to cum. The contractions of my pussy must have sent him over the edge because before I knew it he was draped over me and his movements grew sloppier. 

“Will you both stay the night?” I asked them. They both agreed. We cleaned ourselves up and got into bed. I had a gorgeous man either side of me. Before we drifted off to sleep I said “I’ve never had a threesome before and I think that’s the most non-vanilla thing I have ever done. Thank you” They both giggled and snuggled up to me. We all fell asleep straight away. 

  I was the first to wake. I gave Jared a kiss then Shannon. “Merry Christmas” 

I put my night dress back on and the boys dressed back in their pajamas. There was a delicious smell coming from downstairs. “Mom must have made breakfast” Jared said to Shannon. We walked down together. “Morning everyone Merry Christmas” Constance greeted us. “Morning, Merry Christmas” We said in unison. We sat at the breakfast table and ate together. “Shall we take the dogs on a Christmas walk?” She suggested. “Great idea” I enthused. We finished up at breakfast and got dressed. I opted for a Christmas sweater and leggings and threw on my old hiking boots. 

I looked in my overnight bag and found some nice socks that felt Christmas-ey too. After we were all dressed we met down stairs and left for our walk. Jared lived in a very wooded area it was beautiful. I offered for Constance to hold the leash of Blue as both of them seem to have bonded. Jared had Tank and I had Nellie. Jared took my hand whist his mom and brother were talking in front of us. “Did you sleep well?” he asked. “Yes thank you. Plus I woke up to the two of the most gorgeous men on the planet by my side... sides..?” I giggled then placed my head on his shoulder. He let go of my hand and placed his arm around me, whist mine found its way around his waist. Constance turned around. “If people didn’t know better, they’d think you two were dating” We chuckled at her comment. “She’d struggle to choose between us” Jared joked back. 

 Once we were back from our walk the boys went off to do something together. I stayed with Constance in the kitchen. “Can I help?” I asked her. “Sure” she smiled and handed me a bowl of cake batter. “So how come you’re here for Christmas? What’s your story sweetie?” she sparked some conversation. “I don’t have family from around here and my story. Well, I wasn’t the best kid. So I left, not wanting to cause my folks any trouble. I was sofa surfing for a while. Then the charity I work for now actually helped me out and I got a job with them. I am now a manager for some of the projects which is how I got to know your lovely boys. I was going to spend Christmas alone at home with the dogs and a bottle or two of wine, but the offer came up to spend it with you three. I hope that’s okay?” I basically told her my life story. “Oh honey, You know. I think you’ve changed for the better. You actually sound like my boys. When they were growing up I didn’t have a clue what they were up to. Then they found music to occupy themselves and managed to turn it into their career”. Her words actually made me miss having loving parents. I started tearing up. I had to leave, she can’t see me cry. As I walked towards the door when she said “and Y/N, I’m glad you’re spending this day with us” I used my sleeve to quickly wipe the tears away and turned back to her. I rushed over and gave her a big hug. “Thank you” I whispered in her ear, my voice broke. She squeezed me. Deep down I think she knew how much I needed this hug. 

  “I’m gonna take a bath and cool off if that’s okay? Thank you for letting me help in the kitchen” “No problem. I’ll see you at dinner time” she smiled. I ran up to my room and started to run the bath in the joining bathroom. I removed my clothes and stepped into the tub full of water. I slid down and felt the water rush over my face. I slid back up and watched the steam dance around the room. A figure appeared at the doorway. It was Shannon. “Hey beautiful, mom said you were a bit upset. So I’ve come to see how you are”. He walked towards me and sat on the edge of the tub. “Your mom is so nice. To be honest I miss having my family around” I admitted. “Pass me the shampoo” I passed him the bottle “ In time I hope Jared and me can be your family” he proposed. “I’d like that” I accepted. Not another word was spoken. He was so sweet. He washed my hair and helped dry me off. As I got dressed Shannon sat on the bed just watching me. I put my hair in a bun and basic make up. 

“I’m gonna see how every one’s doing downstairs. Don’t want them talking do we” he chuckled as he pulled me in close, then kissed the tip of my nose. 

 Shannon slipped out of the room and joined his brother in the living room. I was close behind. I walked in on them both chatting away to each other. 

Jared was seated on the floor and his older brother on the sofa. I sat in between them Jared grabbed my feet and took off my slippers and started giving me a foot rub. I sank into the chair. “Best Christmas ever!” I laughed. “Dinner!” Constance shouted from the kitchen. We all sat at the dining table. “I just wanna say thank you for all putting in a little time to help me today” she said sincerely. “Dig in” she added. After the meal we all sat on the couches once again. Stuffed. I was squished in between the boys again. “I’ve said it once but I’ve got to say it again. Best Christmas ever. Thank you” We spent the rest of the night laughing, drinking and having a very Merry Christmas. 

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Chapter 8 

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Tag List:

@shannonfreakingleto​

@meghan12151977

@pheenixpeterson

@blondiefrommars

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[jflashandclash]

The Attrition of Peace

Forty-Three: The Pax Brothers

We Crash the Wrong Person’s Vacation

 Note: I do something a little different with the point of view in this chapter. I hope it isn’t too distracting! Let me know if it is!

             In the ensuing chaos—of Alabaster snarling a quick, “Dawn will make your ghosts worthless,”

           And the boar with a bowtie withdrawing a pocketwatch from a pocket that involved cartoon logic to say, “Oh, my good boy, we have plenty of time,”

           And Reyna’s and Melinoe’s troops engaging—Pax frantically searched for his friends who were less trained in the art of not dying during war.[1]

           He didn’t catch sight of Kally or the others as Reyna and Alabaster shoved him and Axel backwards across Camp Half-Blood’s boundary lines. But, he did see another figure.

           Off to the side of the Roman wedge formation and the line of ghosts, there was a girl with a leather jacket, multi-colored hair, and a crowbar and sledge hammer in either hand. Atë didn’t have her usual bounce to her, nor her serial-killer-doll stare. Her shoulders slumped. She looked sad while waving her crowbar at Pax in some form of parting. Either that or a threat. With his family, you could never be sure.

           Despite being out of breath, Pax puffed up his cheeks and popped them. He turned from Atë, the ghost army, and the Roman defenses and ran alongside Axel towards the creepy pit of nothingness and frowny faces that had destroyed half of Hera’s cabin.

           He and Axel donned their helms for ease while running, the Silver Tongued Snake’s head narrowing his peripheral with more darkness. He stayed close to Axel, knowing his brother had better spooky time vision.

           As they stumbled back through what was left of the strawberry fields, towards the central hearth of camp, Pax wondered if this was the best choice. He hadn’t thought the ultimatum would be—A: let Euna vacation in Tartarus or B: abandon his friends to a ghost army and the Roman army, both of which probably wanted to kill them.

           Pax snapped back to the present when Axel hissed, “You didn’t tell me campers were up.”

           Ahead of them, Pax could see one of the many lumps had risen from the ground, hopefully a camper.

           Without breaking stride, Axel sprang over the camper, using the camper’s shoulder for balance. Meanwhile, Pax skid between the campers legs and rolled back into a run. In their split second of passing the camper, Pax recognized the trembling child of Hermes as Chris Rodriguez. And he was pretty sure the Leonis Caput and Silver Tongued Snake had just made Chris pee his PJ pants. Memo to self: mock Chris forever.

           “In the words of Alabaster,” Pax responded as they saw the gaping hole in front of Cabin Two. Several sleepy campers gathered around it, gawking down and saying they needed to find Chiron. “’Jack’s voice wasn’t exactly soothing.’”

           In retrospect, Pax wished he’d have said something cooler when they bolted past the gawking teenagers. Like, “Zeus’s farts smell like Aphrodite’s perfume,” since neither god would know which one he’d insulted, or “Weasels forever!” to commemorate the Triple W team that he, Axel, and Alabaster had left in the Paxmobile.  

           He didn’t have time to add on before Axel stepped into the narrow corridor with Pax following after. With each step down, the walls narrowed. By the time Pax counted step fifteen, he could feel cool stone press against the arms of his weasel sweater. The light from the campfire above them had dwindled to a mocking hint of glow off Axel’s golden helm.

           With that and the dim light of Pax’s celestial bronze daggers, all he could see was the looming Nemean Lion pelt descending ahead and the red plumes of the helm undulating in the tunnel’s slight breeze. Pax remembered stories of the Leonis Caput “stalking the labyrinth,” as the monsters liked to call it—the monsters that placed bets on how Pax’s brother would kill Roman captives.

           After Pax saw Axel win his first coliseum fight to secure their entry into Camp Othrys, Axel forbid Pax from attending the whole “stalking the labyrinth” shindig. Something about how Pax wasn’t old enough to watch R rated films? Pax had never thought about it much, since it was prime prank time, but now, he wondered if this was how the Roman victims saw his brother.

           The updraft blasted Pax’s face with the smell of… seawater? Why seawater? It would be awesome if Euna took a detour to some beachfront real-estate, but that didn’t seem to fit the whole bent on godly destruction thing.

           Axel stopped moving.

           Pax could taste salt when he swallowed. He got the uncomfortable urge to scramble back up the stairs, until the plumes on the Leonis Caput helm faded into the darkness.

           “I can’t see where we’re going,” Axel said. Pax could hear his brother puff his cheeks.

           Pax swallowed again, trying to rid himself of the ocean taste. Something felt wrong about the smell of openness in this black confinement. “Aren’t you supposed to have like, bat sense or whatever?” he squeaked.

           “I’m not sure this is part of the labyrinth,” Axel said, “If it is, either something is blocking my view, or it hasn’t linked fully into the network yet. I’m not sure how this works if Jack bent the labyrinth to his will. The labyrinth is a living thing. It doesn’t like to be controlled.”

           Axel’s voice trembled and Pax slowly put the pieces together. Cages. Confinement. Control. Santiago.

           Pax wanted to tease Axel for getting claustrophobic, but that would be like punching a honey badger in the nose: both upsetting because honey badgers are cute and because they are incredibly dangerous.

           “There’s a door here,” Axel finally said, “Be on your guard.”

           “Oh, I wanted to relax with Reese’s Sticks and Kool-Aid the whole trip to Tartarus,” Pax whispered.

           The door didn’t open the way he was expecting. Instead of hearing the click of a knob or the ominous swing of a dungeon gate like Pax had heard in video games, the barrier gave way noiselessly.

           The brightness blinded the Pax brothers when they stepped out of the darkness. Instead of some dank cavern, they exited into overcast sunlight. The brothers paused to allow their eyes to adjust to the brilliance, their bodies to the warm breeze, and their noses to the intensity of salt and smoke.

           When they’d adjusted, neither moved. Both were too stunned.

           They were on a huge ship.

           A grey ocean bled into a colorless sky every direction they looked. Parts of the deck were smoldering, the smoke curling to disappear into the bleached landscape. Various charred boards looked like they were patched together with broken dreams and wishful thinking.  

           There was a hollow carnival atmosphere to the ship, like an abandoned theme park. A pool was in the center, filled with crystal clear water and formerly white patio chairs with blue towels scattered around. A bar extended from the deck into the pool for easy access.

           Before the Pax brothers recognized any of the people drearily shambling past the broken spots in the floor, they saw the posters on the bar shack’s outer wall: one was for an Orpheus Metal concert. The depiction of Jack’s maniac grin above his emaciated body felt uncomfortable. Axel and Pax looked so much younger with their drums and guitar. That was back when Axel had long hair in a ponytail and Pax had pink highlights.[2]

           A few feet away, another poster depicted Percy Jackson with a drawn on mustache. Several knives and tail spikes protruded the wall, illustrating someone’s target practice.

           Axel didn’t need to see the mast’s statue of a princess in chains to state, “This is the Princess Andromeda cruise ship.”

           They both puffed up their cheeks and popped them.

           Axel and Pax removed their helmets and attached them to their belts so it was easier to look around.

           Pax felt himself tremble. He glanced at the door they’d come through, only to find a Johnny Rocket’s entrance. The circular window in the center of the door showed the remains of a food fight in the restaurant. But there were no grinning Camp Othrys members. Just a few people scrubbing the floor with their heads down. Something about them looked familiar.

           “But… but why is it here? And… and how? Did the whole ship decide to take a joy ride out of Tartarus? Are we in Tartarus already?” Pax whispered.

           Axel shook his head. He clenched his jaw, trying to pretend the sight of their dilapidated ship didn’t bother him. “What did Jack say when he sang?”

           “What? The song about geography?”

           “No,” Axel shook his head, “It’s about being there for a lover and conquering geography to get to them, right?”

           “I don’t listen to old people music and I was a little preoccupied with the earth splitting to listen to lyrics. But, if it was something about that, then why are we on a ship looking for Jack’s lov—”

           Then Pax saw her.

           He felt like he’d eaten a full backpack’s supply of walnuts. The world tunneled until everything was fuzzy but her black, jagged hair and her mutilated, scarred face. Pax didn’t know he’d stopped breathing until he gasped out, “Flynn.”

           She was mopping the deck, staring at the boards with that icy, absent glare she often got when Jack wasn’t around. Like when he’d last seen her at the Massacre of Mount Othrys, her legs and lower waist looked crippled and crushed from where Jason Grace had blasted a pillar onto her and Krios, and from when Pax couldn’t protect her like he’d promised Jack he would.

           The random shades doing chores on the boat weren’t strangers. They were their friends that died during the war.

           Pax could feel his cold sweat when Flynn looked up at the sound of her name. Her eyes softened for an indiscernible moment, then they narrowed. Get the fuck out of here, she mouthed.

           Yep. That was Flynn.

           But Pax couldn’t move. He felt too nauseous. He wanted to curl up and sob on Axel’s arm, but he also wanted to never touch another human again.

           Axel would have normally noticed his brother’s increase into hyperventilation, but movement from one of the only non-ghosts aboard distracted him.

           A beautiful woman stretched out on one of the white beach chairs. There was another non-ghost beside her, lounging on a chair facing away from them. All Axel could see was the man’s muddy sandals.

           She folded up her tanning reflector, set it on the stool beside her, picked up a bottle of suntan lotion and a fruity drink, and stood.

           For an instant, Axel thought it was Reyna. The woman’s hair billowed in loose, black waves down her back. A complicated, revealing purple swimsuit clung tightly to her caramel skin, one with way too many unnecessary straps. Something Reyna would never wear.

           “Fei Lin, my wonderful daughter, you missed a few spots on the deck. And you forgot it’s rude not to properly welcome guests,” the woman said with a warmth of a pillow used to smoother puppies.

           She’d walked up to Axel before he smelled the aroma of roses intermixed with the smoke and seawater.

           Faster than he could block, Aphrodite slapped him across the face with the bottle of suntan lotion. “You,” she said with the same tight sweetness, “scorned me for a demigod. And not just any demigod, one that gets all sweaty and gross from fighting too much, and reads really boring books!”

           Axel thought about breaking Aphrodite’s neck. The more childish side of him wanted to uncork that suntan lotion bottle and pour it on her hair, since he knew it would make her squeal and amuse Pax.

           But Pax was trembling so violently, Axel feared the shakes might dislodge a floorboard and drop them into the mess hall. Pax probably wouldn’t notice Aphrodite’s cringe.

           They didn’t have time for the Goddess of Love. He hadn’t registered that she’d stopped her night visits when they got to New Rome. Too much had happened.

           And this wasn’t the place for a confrontation. He needed to get Pax away fast.

           Axel focused on Aphrodite’s ear, to prevent himself from identifying any of the ghosts around them, and to decrease the effectiveness of her love magic. Despite his attempts, he was furious to find himself thinking about nipping her lobe.

           “Why did you bring us here?” he demanded, trying to find something wrong on Aphrodite to ward off any attraction.

           “Eris brat, take this,” Aphrodite instructed, handing the bottle to his little brother.

           Pax squeaked as the charmspeak took over. He reflexively extended a trembling, sweaty hand. Tears streaked down his cheeks when he glanced from the goddess to Flynn, who had gone back to swabbing the deck.

           Aphrodite began to rub herself down with the lotion, moving her straps in a way that made Axel avert his gaze. Each motion was so deliberate and tender. He tried to picture Reyna’s face when they were cleaning up the war tent, the way her cloak had loosened on one side to look goofy and lopsided, the strands that had come out of her braid—

           “Stop that,” Aphrodite snarled, the sweetness temporarily dissipating. When Axel glanced back at her, she went back to smiling and applying lotion.

           “I didn’t bring you here. I was just having a pleasant, quiet vacation with one of my lovers and your friends interrupted it. The Plague Bringer and the clueless daughter of Demeter, right?” She sighed and went to flip her hair, though the locks had shortened to a dark, pixie cut and her eyes shifted from dark to brilliant blue. “It seems like Jack was looking for his love as a way to lead him and his friend to Tartarus. Oh, Jack and Flynn’s love story!” She grabbed the suntan lotion from a flinching Pax and hugged the bottle to her chest. “Such a delightfully tragic one. Just a pity the heroine forsook her beauty and cut up her face.”

           Flynn had stopped mopping. She glared at her mother in a way that told Axel—if Flynn’s charmspeak worked on Aphrodite, Flynn would force her mother do worse than cut up her face.

           “Flynn’s still beautiful,” Pax whispered.

           Aphrodite dabbed the lotion along the ridge of her brow and gave the bottle back to Pax. He jumped. “That’s cute and sweet of you to say that, Ajax. Peitho[3] and I were wondering if saying that makes you feel better about what happened.”

           “Which way did they go?” Axel interrupted. Out of all their fallen comrades, Pax had the hardest time with Flynn. Pax could make jokes about everyone else, and reminisce on stories, or cry about how much he missed Alabaster, but never anything about Flynn. Axel didn’t need Aphrodite teasing his little brother when the dead girl was in front of them.

           A glance down at Pax confirmed Axel’s suspicion. Pax was biting his lip to keep himself as together as the softhearted kid could.      

           “Hm?” Aphrodite asked, “Did you say you wanted my help?” In a gesture that looked absentminded, she took the suntan lotion from Pax and motioned it towards Axel. Meanwhile, she licked the rim of her fruity drink.

           Axel had nothing to bargain. He could try to kill her again, but that had left him on his knees, pining over her for weeks. He knew what she wanted, but he could never humiliate himself like that. As much as the smell of her perfume made him want to droop his eyes, they were surrounded by the destruction caused by negligent, vengeful, and sadistic parenting by her and gods like her.

           A thunk came from the chairs by the pool. Aphrodite’s boyfriend stood up, stretched, and slung an AK-47 across his back. He wasn’t wearing a shirt over his muscles, but did have a scarf tied around his head to hide his face, like a Somalian pirate. His sunglasses blazed with a backlit fire. Just the sight of him made Axel furious.

           Aphrodite sighed and tossed her suntan lotion onto the ground.

           “Oh, you’re not going to be able to follow your friends off this ship. If you want to tail them, you’ll have to go a different route, assuming I let you,” Ares said, smirking.

           Axel scowled. Any worry he had about Aphrodite’s wiles evaporated in the presence of the war god. He reflexively went to grab his sword hilt, only to remember that all his weapons other than his obsidian blades were in pieces in the Paxmobile. He didn’t even have his frying pan.

           “What in Xibalba are you doing in Tartarus?” Axel snarled.

           “What in Tartarus are you doing in Tartarus,” Pax corrected quietly.

           The war god gave a billowing laugh. “We’re not in Tartarus! What? Did you forget I control the souls and vessels of all the fallen losers in battle? Hades and I had a field day—”

           “—Fields of punishment day—” Pax said.

           “—drawing lots on who got your crew.” Ares reached over and ruffled Flynn’s hair. Axel could feel her hatred. He remembered how she’d publically humiliate people if they dared to initiate contact with her at Camp Othrys. Well, everyone other than Jack or Pax.

           Although Axel hadn’t always agreed with Flynn’s brutal methods, he found himself wondering how he could free her and the rest of his crew from servitude to this godly child. But where else would their souls go? Could they have a worse fate?

           Ares released Flynn. He cracked his neck. “I couldn’t justify getting Jack though. He had to get his own specialized eternal torment. Though, it looks like he’s got the Orpheus curse now.”    

           As much as Axel wanted to obliterate his least favorite couple off this ship, Euna and Jack were getting further away every second, and Pax looked closer and closer to a mental breakdown.

           Axel set a hand on his brother’s arm.

           Pax flinched.

           Axel withdrew and frowned. “Ajax, let’s get out of here. I’m sure we can find another labyrinth entrance somewhere on the ship. I think we had one in the boiler room.”

           If there was one thing Axel knew gods hated, it was being ignored. He went to gently corral Pax towards the Johnny Rocket’s entrance.

           “Oh, you think I’m going to let you go after you helped Hephaestus gather the parts for his giant rat trap?” Ares asked.

           Rat trap? Axel paused. He remembered Hephaestus hiring him for a retrieval quest in exchange for the location of Leo Valdez.

           “Ugh, Stygian ice is SO bad for your skin!” Aphrodite complained. When Axel glanced back, he could see both she and Ares rub their arms at the distasteful memory.

           Despite everything, Axel crackled a smile. He hoped Hephaestus enjoyed hatching whatever trap he’d concocted.

           Pax released a nervous laugh. Since Axel had directed him away from Flynn, color started to return to his face.

           Ares seemed too relaxed with their reactions. The war god lowered his hands, resting one on the pistol grip of his rifle. “I gotta hand it to you, kid. Normally, I like punks like you with all of your spirit and anger—”

           “—oh, it’s monologuing time—” Pax said.

           “—but, at least pricks like Percy are useful. You… I haven’t hated anyone as much as you since Ghandi.”

           “Give me a medal of honor,” Axel grunted.

           “After upsetting this fine lady—” Ares gestured beside him to where Aphrodite was examining her perfect nails like she wasn’t part of the conversation. “—I’ve been thinking a lot—”

           “That must have been very difficult for you,” Pax said sympathetically. Axel probably should have stopped Pax’s side commentary, but he was a bit too proud of his little brother to do so.

           The war god seemed unfazed as he finished, “—thinking about what to do with you.”

           “I’ve beaten you before, Ares,” Axel reminded him, struggling to ward off a smirk.

           Though… Axel wasn’t sure he could defeat Ares now. He had no weapons but his claws and teeth. He was exhausted from fighting Percy and Reyna. And he needed to keep Pax safe and hunt down Euna and Jack. Plus, there was the ghost army at Camp Half-Blood with Reyna…

           Axel thought about continuing to ignore Ares to find the closest labyrinth entrance. Then every ghost on this ship—all their dead friends—would be sent after him and Pax to drag them back to the deck.

           He was not in the strategic position to smirk. Axel sighed.

           “No… no…” Ares chuckled and unslung his rifle. As though to emphasis how unnecessary the weapon would be, he leaned it against the closest patio chair. “You’re not going to fight me. See, I’ve been Googling the best godly punishments. Normally, I just kill people.” Ares shrugged. “But I found out Hera had a way more brutal suggestion.”

           Axel wanted to make some snarky comment about a 4,000 year old man going to his mother for advice, but the words died on his lips.

           “Some little myth about a guy named Hercules? Something about his first family…?” Ares said.

           Aphrodite giggled.

           Axel couldn’t puff up his cheeks and pop them. His insides felt frozen.

           Ares couldn’t do that, could he? That wasn’t normally in Hera’s department of power either but, she was the queen of the gods—

           But Axel could already feel his claws lengthening without his consent.

           From the energized grin on Ares’ face, the god knew what Axel was thinking. He slung an arm over Aphrodite’s shoulder and pulled her close as they watched Axel struggle with himself. “I know you love to hunt and battle, kid. Now you’ll hunt and battle the things that you love. I think that’s well within Aphrodite’s and my domain.”

           Throughout their trip down Jack’s corridor and onto the ghost ship, and—really—throughout most of his interactions with the Greek gods, Axel hadn’t been scared. Annoyed and enraged? Definitely. Now, for what Axel thought was the first time ever, he found himself trembling in fear before a god.

           When Pax saw Axel’s shaking hands reach up and clutch his head, Pax asked, “Um, Lord of Primordial Awesome?”

           “Ajax…” Axel whispered, “Run.”

 We’re almost at the end! Only one chapter and an epilogue to go!!!! :D Thanks for reading! *ehem* please don’t kill the author.... >>’‘

Footnote:

[1] As Mel pointed out: books Pax should write.

[2] This is actually a continuity error from Ch 21, Blood of a Mayan. Making a note here for me to fix it (since I care deeply about my character’s hair… apparently?) XD

[3] Goddess/personified spirit of persuasion, seduction, and charming speech.

[jordan102791]

Pixie Love Note part 10

"Thank you for watching them mama," Piper said. "I'm not sure how late I'll be out, so I appreciate you letting them sleep over tonight."

"Sugar, you know I will always take any chance I can get to have my precious angels over here," she said with a grin so full of love you knew what she was saying had to be absolute. "Besides, you need to get out and have some fun, or at least relax, every once in a while. I mean, it's not like you're really getting a break at home alone with them. And those hours you pull, I'm surprised you don't just pass out on your feet some days. Now, scoot. Go enjoy yourself."

"Yes, ma'am."

*****

Piper pulled into the gravel driveway that ran back a ways from the road. A generous lawn that looked well cared for to the right, with a modest wooden fence lining it. The manicured yard lead straight to a colonial, not small by any means, but certainly not as big as one would have expected for a rockstar's home.

She couldn't see the full extent in the dim light of night, but the river of starlight streaming through the clouds told her an impressive back yard went all the way back to the woods surrounding the place. She switched off the ignition and took a deep breath. She hitched her purse up on her shoulder, hopped down from the truck and made her way across the flagstone pavers to the door.

She rapped on the door and instantly heard shuffling on the other side and what sounded faintly like a voice shouting they'd get to her in a second. The door swung open, spilling light out at her feet before being blocked out again by the mountain of a man in front of her. He stood simply staring at her, for what she might have estimated as an hour, but was mere seconds.

"Hi," she said shyly.

He returned her greeting, finally pushed out of his stupor. She was even better than he'd remembered, and not a single one of his fantasies had really done her justice. The tightening in his chest and other places a bit lower confirmed what his eyes saw. His eyes tracked from the top of her head all the way to feet and tjen sprang back up to her pants. "What the hell are those? Are they llamas," he asked with a chuckle.

"Yep," her mouth curving up on one side. "Told you I'd wear my ugliest, comfiest pajamas."

"You did. You definitely did, I just wasn't expecting llamas I guess," his eyes meeting her own.

"Just wait. They get better." His eyes shot up, creasing his forehead.

"I'm really not sure it's possible for these to get before," his lips working to keep the laughter from leaking out.

She reaches up over her shoulder tugging something up over her head. He stares for just a moment before the leaking laughter becomes a sudden dam burst. "Are those ears?"

"They are in fact ears," her gentle laugh tinkling up his spine.

"I didn't know they made pjs like that that weren't a onesie or for anyone over the age of 6."

"Well now you do."

Still laughing, he says with watery eyes, "I so need to get some of those. I know what everyone's getting for Christmas this year."

"I think it looks quite dashing myself."

"Oh absolutely. Honestly, you're completely adorable in those and your plans have failed. Anyways, come on in. We don't need to stand on the porch all evening."

Piper nervously shifted on her feet a moment as he stepped out of the doorway. Stepping inside she was faced with a warmth and decor that she could only have credit to the homey feel a woman gives a place. "Did your sister decorate," she asked before she could stop herself.

A teasing smile warmed his face. "Now why would you assume it was Amanda?"

"Bc this doesn't look like how I would imagine a single man decorating his house. Usually those are stark and bare. This feels cozy and has a life to it all. It's a home not a house."

"Well, you'd be right. Our mom started it, but Amanda's definitely added and updated over the years. I'm not real great on the interior design front. If it were me there'd probably have been a single picture on still white walls." He chuckled.

Slipping his hand around her's, he leads her down the hallway towards a heavenly smell. They step into a kitchen Piper might very well kill someone to have, granted with as much as she works in a restaurant, she doesn't usually feel like cooking a whole lot by the time she gets home. A white marble island with gray veining sits in the middle of the room. The kitchen is lighter colored and feels so open and airy. Light walnut stained cabinets. The appliances each, within a few years old, the overhead lights glowing off them. It's all been very well put together, a lot of thought put into each piece. Function and form twisting together.

"Doll, you might wanna shut your mouth. You're starting to drool," Wulf snaps her out of her kitchen induced stupor. "Pix, get away from that. Leave it alone," he says a bit loudly directed towards the stove.

She hadn't realized he'd still been holding her hand until he released it, heading straight for the tiny woman peeking into the pot on the stove. Leaving her hand empty and cold, wonton for his warmth back. But she knew that was a dangerous thought and quickly pushed it down. She watching as Wulf's long strides eat up the distance to the woman. Places his hand to her shoulder she peeks up at him with a sheepish smile. Piper's struck by just how adorable she is. She's an itty bitty thing, with large hazel eyes hiding behind a pair of glasses. Her caramel hair cropped short, not quite buzzed, but short enough she probably wouldn't need more than five minutes with it in the morning. Her small, straight nose reminded Piper of little fairies in her daughter's books.

"Pix, leave the food alone. It'll be done soon, but you have to stop fiddling with it so it can finish."

"It needed stirring."

"No, it didn't. You just couldn't leave well enough alone to let it simmer. Now, go take a seat."

Amanda finally turns to see Piper from across the kitchen, watching their whole interaction. A small smile gracing Piper's face. A wide grin spreads across the woman's face as her energy is renewed and she bounds across the floor to Piper.

"You must be Piper," Amanda squeals.

"I am."

"Jase has told me so much about you." Piper's eyebrows inch up her forehead.

"Pix," Wulf says with a note of warning.

"Well, he has. I've so been looking forward to meeting you. Ya know, you're the first woman Jase's really brought home like this."

"Pix, will you stop?"

A sly smile on his sister's face as she barrels on through. "Well he brought girls home when he was younger, but more in the sneaking them in and back out before dawn kinda brought home. But never brought them home to meet me," a warmth filling her face as she takes Piper's hand in her cool one.

"Oh. Ummm..." Piper begins stammering. "We're just friends. It's not like that at all."

A knowing gleam sparks in her hazel eyes. "Right. Of course."

"I'm just here as his friend and so I could meet you."

"Yes, I did ask him to get to meet you. Gotta make sure there's a woman to look after big brother when I'm gone."

Any remaining smile on Piper's face instantly fading. "I'm really sorry. I... I..." Piper's stuttering begins again. "I should get out of here, so you can spend time alone together."

Wulf leaps around the counter, placing a hand to each woman's shoulder, but it's Pix that answers first. "No, no. You should stay. He needs some fun in his life, and I need to see other faces besides his ugly mug. It's ok. I've accepted everything. We've all gotta go some time, so don't be sad." Piper turning to look into Wulf's face reveals a glassy shine in each of his eyes. "And like I said, Jase needs someone who will look out for him."

Piper looks to Wulf for confirmation. "Stay," he says nodding. "Please."

"Ok. So... What's for dinner?"

*****

"So you made all of this?"

"Yea, I usually do the cooking when I'm home. I got in a bit of practice as a kid between spending so much time at the doctors with Pix," Wulf said gesturing to his little sister. "And then when our mom got sick, Pix was still pretty young. And well, dad couldn't boil water. So mom taught me a bit and I taught myself the rest."

"Can you cook too, Amanda?"

"Enough to get by, but I really do love when Jase is home to do it for me," she says with a warm smile for her brother.

"I can't really blame you, this is really good."

"Do you cook Piper," Amanda asks.

"Uhh... Well I can cook, but I'm usually exhausted by the time I get home from work, so it's definitely nothing as fancy as this these days. I spend enough time in a kitchen at work anyways," she says with a small laugh.

"Are you a chef?"

"I wouldn't go as far as to say chef, I do fill in back there from time to time, but mostly I'm a server in a little mom and pop place on 3rd."

"You're not talking about Dukes, are you?"

"Yep. That's the place." Piper follows a knowing glance from sister to brother. "What? What was that look?"

"Well, back when my brother could go places without being bombarded by everyone, he was obsessed. I mean obsessed, with their meatloaf and chili. He probably went there at least 5 days out of the week."

"And that pie," he adds dreamily. "You can't forget that pie. Apple something with that crumb topping."

"The apple maple pecan pie?"

"Yes, that's the one. So good."

"Ya know, I've taken on most of the pie and chili making duties there..."

"You what?" His eyes lighting up. "You know how to make them?"

"Of course. Ranch too."

"Mmmmm... They do have the good ranch," Pix throws in.

"God, will you marry me and make me pie and chili everyday," Wulf asks teasingly.

"Uhh... No, but I can make them for you some time. Or bring some over for y'all after work sometimes."

"That would be amazing and I'd love you forever."

"Uhh... Right," Piper shifts uncomfortably in her seat.

"When do you work? Maybe I can stop in and say hi some time," Amanda asks.

"I'm there most of the time. Lots of split shifts, unless I request off time. So, there's a good chance that you'll run into me there if you go in."

"Sounds like you work a lot," Amanda states.

"Yea, I suppose. Gotta make ends meet."

"So you need money," Wulf asks arching an eyebrow. Pix shooting him a look.

"I mean, there's only one income coming into my house. I have to pay my bills and buy groceries and put gas in my truck, so yea I guess I need money. Who doesn't? I have a few people who'd probably loan me money, but I don't like borrowing money from people, so I just work my ass off instead."

The tension running out of Wulf's shoulders. "So you don't have to work all those hours, but you choose to?"

"I don't think I'm choosing it. I have to work or rely on someone else and my life isn't their responsibility. So work it is," Piper added with a smile.

"Most people wouldn't care how it affects other people. They'd take whatever money they could get their hands on and live life as easily as possible."

"That's not really me. My mama always taught me to stand on my own two feet."

Pix gives her an appraising look before approval alighting her face and looking to the way her brother's watching the brunette beauty. Amanda sees the tiredness around her eyes, but it makes her no less beautiful. Amanda's not sure if Wulf has realized it yet, but she notices the gleam in his eye that she's never seen with another girl. Yes, she decides. This is who she'll be leaving her brother with when she goes.

*****

Wulf finishes loading the dishes in the dishwasher after practically shoving Amanda out the doorway to the living room to pick out a movie. "Need any help," Piper asks.

"Nope. I've got this. Why don't you help Pix pick something out to watch. I'll be out in just a second after I get all this loaded up," he tosses over his shoulder.

She wanders down the hallway, stopping to check out the family photos hung on the walls. A lot of them including a man and woman with a young Amanda and Wulf that could only be their parents, happiness flowing from each of their faces. Each picture drowning in love.

Entering the living room, the small woman's already flicking between movie options. A cuddly brown sectional that looks softer than Piper's bed stretches from one wall to the other. "Hey, come take a seat," Pix says when she spies Piper peering around the corner. "What kind of movies do you like? Romcom, horror, comedy?"

"I don't get to watch many movies these days, so I'm really down to watch anything you want."

"Hmmm... Ok. Oh, I know. This one."

"Really?"

"Yep. 'Tommy Boy' is one of Jase's favorites. We used to watch it with our parents all the time growing up."

"Yea, my mama and I used to love watching it together too. It's been way too long since I've seen it. Good choice," Piper adds as she settles into the plush couch.

"What are we watching," Wulf asks as he joins them. "Oh. Excellent," he says before either woman can answer.

He plops down on the couch near Piper, but not so close that they're touching. Amanda flips off the lights, plunging the room into darkness only the glow of the screen illuminating the room.

*****

The dimness of the room makes Piper's ability to stay awake harder than she thought it would. Her eyelids getting heavy. She curls her feet up underneath her, trying to get comfortable and keep her awake. The bottom of her pants riding up her leg. The shiny pink skin just above her ankle exposed.

"What's that," Pix asks as she points to the space.

"Pix." A single word, so full of warning. Amanda had always been one to asks questions that might seem rude in mixed company, Wulf wasn't even sure why he tried anymore. He couldn't stop her. He supposed it was the result of all those years of others asking her those rude questions.

"It's fine," Piper says laying a hand on his forearm to soothe him. "Ummm... It's from a car accident about three years ago now. Scraped it up pretty badly, but it's fine now," a sad smile on her lips.

"Sorry to hear that, but glad you're qll right," Amanda replies.

"It's all right."

Nothing but the dialogue of the movie filling the air again. It's not long before Piper's eyes are closing of their own accord, her head tipping back against the back of the couch. Her breathing deepening and becoming steady. Her body rolls slightly to slump against his shoulder, she barely stirs as a stray golden hair tickles at her face.

Jason looks over her head to his sister, question alighting each of his features. A devilish grin fills his baby sister's face as she stands from the couch and creeps to the stairs leaving them alone in the darkness.

She makes a quiet snuffling noise that has him smiling. He leans down to kiss her dark hair and lay his cheek upon it and watch the rest of the movie. Breathing in her calming scent, like fresh lavender meadows by a cool stream.

It struck him with how natural it felt for her to snuggle against his shoulder sleeping there. It was different, but he liked it. He could get used to it, and that scared him most of all. She said she didn't want this, but he wasn't sure how much of a choice he had anymore.

*****

The movie ends and Wulf shuts off the TV, the darkness taking over the space. His large head reaching up to brush her Chocolate hair back from her face. "Piper," he says trying to wake her gently. "Sweetheart, the movie's over." No response from the sleeping woman. "Piper, baby, time to wake up." Her eyes tighten as she snuggles in closer to his firm chest.

He exhales a heavy breath. He can't let her sleep down here alone by the door. It's a nice neighborhood, but his mom would be rolling in her grave if he left a defenseless woman by the door in the dead of night as he crawled down into his bed upstairs. He just take her up to sleep in his bed while he comes back to take the couch for himself.

He stands, gathering her up into his strong arms, her left arm flopping down. He bumps her up higher and tosses her hand up against her stomach. His thumb rubbing against the black strip of ink marking her finger. Wondering when she got it and why again. He starts up the stairs, her face nuzzling against his neck, her cheeck bone grazing the underside of his jaw.

A large puff of breath from her nose raising goosebumps down his back. His lower belly tingling. Her warmth pressed firmly to his chest. Her body begins to squirm like she's trying to crawl inside him, her lips pressing to his stubbled skin. Gently her mouth moves, seeking more of his salty sweet skin.

"Piper?" He tries to turn and look into face, tucked under his jaw. Her tongue snaking out to lap up more of his essence.

"Mmmm... Jason," her voice still dreamy.

"Sweetheart, if you want me to keep my promises to behave, I'm gonna need you to stop that."

She mumbles something incoherent before sucking his skin into her mouth, turning her body slightly to press a firm breast to his chest.

"Seriously, a man only has so much control and you're teasing me awful hard considering you only wanted one night," he says coming to his bedroom door. "So, unless you say that you want me, I'm gonna lay you right here and run back downstairs before I can change my mind about leaving."

He lays her down against the dark comforter. Her eyes opening to small slits in the darkened room. "Jason? Where are you going?"

"Nowhere if you don't want me to. Do you want me to stay with you?"

She nods. Her sleep-addled brain not able to think of a single reason he should leave.

"Sweetheart, you've given me some mixed signals here. I'm gonna need you to say it."

"Stay," she rasps out quietly.

"As you wish," he says moving her further into the bed.

[soysaucevictim]

Week 4 + SNOWFIGHT 2019 shenanigans, in this one.

-

Dec. 14

Again, I woke up a bit before 1PM. :P

Did a bit of the former usual (I had been participating in the YouTube Walkout, the past few days), before getting in some exercise.

First, today’s DD. 20 superman stretches with EC. Wasn't sure about my clothing choices while doing it, but this wasn't an issue. This was pretty doable, all around.

Second, Day 14 of the ‘19AC. 30″ alt arm/leg raise hold. It was a bit sloppy and I took at least one false start before doing “good enough“, to do it in one go.

Third, Day 7 of the FCP. Endurance, Level 3. I wasn’t sure if this workout meant to specify any rest times in between exercises, so I decided to spend the allotted 12′ keeping the arms lifted. That was certainly tough, but I felt I was capable of doing it!

(After moving in the new recliner, which may or may not be counted as “planned exercise”, and laundry and cleaning... part of which was because bro was clearly unhappy about some stuff and I kind of wanted to take some slack for him. I got this all done rather late.)

Fourth, and intermittently, as mentioned - SNOWFIGHT 2019. This time, it’s squats, not burpees, so I think I may be able to properly stick this one out (if I can manage my time well). This day, I had 8 snowballs thrown at me, and I dodged all of them (before midnight rolled around).

Fifth, Day 18 of the KMC. 160 side kicks, switch legs halfway. My right hip has been acting up the past few days (possibly aggravated by ill-fitting PJs), so I think this was reasonably helpful. Was a bit challenging to get in in one go - but still very doable.

Sixth, Day 18 of the DHC. 1′ dead hang. Hit failure at about 50" again. Did make up the time, very soon after. But I'll keep trying my best. If I can improve my first set times much before the challenge is done, I’ll be happy enough, at this point.

Last, Day 18 of the DGC. I’m grateful:

That Dad seems to be happy about the recliner.

That my plan for furniture placements worked out.

For these fun Fitstivities from DAREBEE.

One of the last things I did today was drafting this post and watching my bro game, before turning in too late again.

-

Dec. 15

I woke up closer to noon today.

I got started on exercise pretty early, today.

First, and intermittently, SF‘19. This day, I had 79 snowballs thrown at me, and I dodged 74 of them (before midnight rolled around).  After the first 15, I also started to do the rest of the event’s squats with 3.5 lbs wrist weights for ech hand. That was a pretty enjoyable decision!

Second, today’s DD. 10 circle push-ups without EC. I just felt my form was too sloppy - a bit too sore and tired.

Third, Day 15 of the ‘19AC. 1′ O-pose. I still very much enjoy this exercise - it’s very meditative.

Fourth, Day 8 of the FCP. Cardio, Level 3. I rested a bit under 1′ in between sets to make it a bit more challenging. Did get a bit winded, but I think my feet didn’t appreciate the slight abrasion built up during it all. Still, it was quite fun!

Fifth, Day 19 of the KMC.120 turning kicks + 120 turning kicks. Did it in one go on 60/60 + 60/60. Pretty doable work.

Sixth, Day 19 of the DHC. 2x10″ dead hangs. I didn’t do a separate warmup this time, since those jacks did p good to accomplish that. This was pretty manageable - as expected.

Last, Day 19 of the DGC. I’m grateful:

That the Impossible Whopper is so good? I know it’s got a lot of salt in it, but as long as BK offers it, my enthusiasm for that restaurant would remain relatively warm. (Other offerings are p underwhelming.)

That Grandma will be able to get me to my appointment tomorrow.

For how useful applications like Excel are (it makes tracking stuff like SF’19 manageable.)

(I realize a lot of these items have been food-related... but they’re pretty easy to think of. :P )

After showering, more SF’19, and YouTube - I went to bed. In the red zone, which was not the best decision - since I had to be up early.

-

Dec. 16

Because I had appointments, I got up around 8AM. And it definitely could’ve been a far smoother experience. My alarm either didn’t go off or I didn’t hear it or whatever - but I woke up to some honking outside.

I didn’t expect the county transport to come get me to the facility - having arranged to get picked up by Grandma. So I opted not to get into the van and started scrambling to get ready. I then buzzed her phone a few times, getting increasingly distressed about if she forgot or was held up.

Thankfully, she did get me to the facility on time, and I regret frustrating and waking up my brother from all my pacing and loudness. I had to spend a few hours getting an assessment and service plan done with the therapist - which was pretty productive work.

Got home, I noted feeling unsettled at some point when home. I think it was because of feeling some sympathy for my brother and what’s going on with him. Other than that, YouTube, and Twitter, I did my exercise.

First, and intermittently, SF‘19. This day, I had 164 snowballs thrown at me, and I dodged 149 of them (before midnight rolled around).

Second, today’s DD. 10 jump squats with EC. This, plus some dodged snowballs, helped some of my frayed nerves, today. :P

Third, Day 16 of the ‘19AC. 2′ side splits. This was a pretty fun challenge.

Fourth, Day 9 of the FCP. Challenge, 100 climbers. Done in 1 set. This was also doable.

Fifth, Day 20 of the KMC. “12 balance kicks side & turning both each leg, no putting your foot down.“ I just remembered that I was able to meet this requirement.

Last, Day 20 of the DHC. 1′10″ dead hang. I managed it in ~55"+15". My first failure time is definitely improving - so I know I'm making progress! :D

Despite needing to get up early again tomorrow, hit the red zone again. orz

-

Dec. 17

I woke up a bit after 8AM, today.

First, and intermittently the last day of the SNOWFIGHT ‘19. This day, I had 149 snowballs thrown at me, and I dodged 169 of them (including some catch-up from older posts).

I dodged all 400 snowballs thrown at me, for this event (if it were burpees, I might’ve dropped out earlier!) I let a lot of my stock melt by the end... but, I managed to spend more than half of the ammunition I had on other Bees (434/802)! Yay for spreadsheets, my dudes.

Second, today’s DD. 1′ plank punches with EC. I counted 44 punches thrown in the time given and enjoyed that punching part the most. I definitely could've used some more sleep, though! :,D

Third, Day 17 of the ‘19AC. 1′ knee balance hold  (back arch balance hold). Not much to say other than I love this exercise!

Fourth, Day 10 of the FCP. Abs & Core, Level 3. I think “keep the plank throughout” was a typo, since there was only one plank in the whole sequence. But overall, it was pretty fun.

Fifth, Day 21 of the KMC. 100 double side kicks. Did it in 50/50, in one go... more or less, a computer alarm did go off and interrupt it for a few seconds. But that was largely a consequence of doing it way too damn late.

Last, Day 21 of the DHC. 2x10″ dead hangs. Pretty manageable work. Even though I don’t like disrupting my schedule so badly - this was merciful given my energy levels.

I was so exhausted by the end of it, that I didn’t get around to DGC but did get to bed in the yellow zone again.

-

Dec. 18

I woke up proper about 1PM, today. :P

Mostly wound up  on the unusual business... and getting back on Steam. So I wound up not getting around to making dinner and exercising very late. Maybe it’s from some jet lag from having to run on too little sleep 2 days in a row. T_T

First, today’s DD. 15 diamond push-ups with EC. Still think my form for this variation is consistently better than standard grip. Have no idea why, but I'm not complaining! :P

Second, Day 18 of the ‘19AC. 1′ one arm plank, 30″/30″ in one go. Tough, but largely because I chose not to put the timer on the floor. :/

Third, Day 11 of the FCP. Tendon Strength. This was pretty challenging too, but that’s tendon strength work for you. Did feel pretty nice afterwards, though.

Fourth, Day 22 of the KMC. 140 turning kicks + 140 turning kicks. Split the kick types into 2 sets, with a pretty short rest (probably about ~20″.)

Fifth, Day 22 of the DHC. 1′20″ dead hang. I'm at a point where I know I can't expect to keep one-shotting things. But I am noticing progress. My first set was a full 1'! Those last seconds were pretty tense - as my left hand was failing before my right - I managed to beat my PB!

Last, Day 20 of the DGC. I’m grateful:

That Grandma got me to that appointment in time, earlier this week.

That my therapist managed to take a bit of time to check-in before we went into the assessment and service plan work.

[Retroactively, from Jan. 1 - ] for how good peppermint is in coffee.

After jotting most of this down, I went to bed, a bit late.

-

Dec. 19

I woke up around 8AM, today.

Got to the facility, socialized and worked on some more art before going to WRAP and Grounding Grps. Also while there, I did today’s DD. 50 squat hold side bends with EC. Did this one wile I was out at the facility, today. I had fun with it! 

Got home, did a lot of the usual for some hours until getting the rest of my exercise taken care of.

Second, Day 19 of the ‘19AC. 2′ side leg raise hold. This took some doing, but I’m just glad I got through it.

Third, Day 12 of the Fit Christmas Program. Challenge, 200 high knees. I split this into 2 sets of 100, after a warm-up of a few march steps. Manageable, if a bit winding.

I’m pretty happy with my foray with this short and sweet program. It was nice to be able to Level 3 (for the relevant days), one-going the Tendon Strength, and doing most of the Challenge Days in no more than 2 sets (jumping jacks and high knees).

Fourth, Day 23 of the KMC. 3x 20 slow side kicks + 20 fast side kicks. Also doable work - takes a bit more focus to deliberately do slow kicks.

Last, Day 23 of the DHC. 2x10″ dead hangs. Given lack of sleep, I liked the timing for an easier day. Not much else to really say other than that.

I think because tired and distracted... didn’t do the DGC stuff. Again. And I STILL got to bed too damn late again. :I

-

Dec. 20

I got up  about 2PM, today. Oops.

Did a bit of the usual as well as some errands, trying on a binder, and doing a bit of impromptu sewing, before exercising.

First, today’s DD. 1′ flutter kicks with EC. I'm pretty sure I managed to hit 100 reps by the time was up. I made the effort to keep lower back flush against floor - so that engaged my abs so much more and took some willpower by the end.

Second, Day 20 of the ‘19AC. 1′ get-up hold. Did the 30″/30″ in one go. Definitely a challenge, I did get to trembling and had to be mindful of how much tension occurred in my hamstrings. But I got through it, without leg cramps or anything.

Third, Day 24 of the KMC. “14 balance kicks side & turning both each leg, no putting your foot down.“ This took a bit of focus, but I’m still doing pretty well for these days of the challenge.

Fourth, Day 24 of the DHC. 1′30″ dead hang. I managed it in ~4 sets (55"+20"+10"+5"; give/take a couple seconds.) That was pretty intense! Though I didn't meet my PB, I'm just happy I was able to hold on for at least 50" in the first set. Left hand keeps failing a bit faster than the right and my forearms felt like jelly afterwards. Pffft!

Last, Day 21 of the DGC. I’m grateful:

For the recent days my bro has been doing the dishes for me - I have been more distractable lately.

For iced coffee drinks, like those from Dutch Bros.

For guacamole. Because that is the shit in burritos and sandwiches. :U

I’m going to go ahead and post this now, draft the next week’s post, and attempt to wind down. It’s almost 5AM. 8I

[silverhands-etcetera]

Walking After Midnight.

I am so dehydrated. I took pretty good care of myself for the first three days of the tour. Water, exercise, etc. Things fell off on that first Sunday -what happened then? oh yeah, let’s blame France..

Switzerland was all sunny skies and parasailers as we split from Interlaken. In a couple hours we were back in France, and in a heavy rain out on the highway. We got a tray of sandwiches from the gig, so we avoided paying Switzerland prices for lunch, and headed back into the land of the Euro, -specifically, France again. on the way to Saarbruken, Germany.

Bottles of water inside the van & torrents of rain outside. It’s all grey and we’ve got PJ Harvey setting the audio moods, it’s working perfectly. I know that all of us in the band don’t meet in the middle on every kind of music. When we crossed into France the first time, coming from Germany, Aimee & I were in the front seat, she was driving (3rd position) and we were cranking out the Scorpions as a last shout out to Germany. In fact, we were listening to “Blackout” at the moment we crossed the border. I love the Scorpions. I’m not certain that everybody (or anybody) who was in the back seat at the time can even stand them.

We listen to a lot more music in this van than most band vans I have been in. Tastes vary, but I think everybody in here is gonna be cool as long as nobody plays the Eagles. There’s a world of stuff out there that I don’t know well, or know about at all. I don’t even have much music on my phone & I rely on these guys to curate the playlist for the long drives. I don’t take the time to listen to music on my own anymore, it’s a thing I need to change in my life. I count on time with my friends to keep music flowing into my ears.

—

By the time the roads straightened out & the mountains were down to reasonable levels, the sun was poking through the clouds. We were back in Germany -basically in Saarbrucken and it was early afternoon. The town is just minutes across the French border, and we were booked to play an Irish pub. Showtime wasn’t until 10 pm, and we were rolling in at 3:30. Idle hands..

The road into our part of town had us passing by a little platz with a Woolworth, a pharmacy, a bratwurst stand & a couple other odd stores. Streets extended out in every direction from the square, with retail possibilities on every corner, and then some. The town had a lot to offer, it seemed.

We checked into a bnb just up the street from the platz, and were hit by a deafening odor of sweet rot as we cleared the threshold of the building, that followed us up the stairs to our top floor room, but mercifully did not permeate our dwelling space. Every trip up & down the stairs was an exercise in lung capacity, as we all held our breath for the whole duration of the space between our apartment door & the street.

The lodging itself was lovely, modern & clean. But talk within the band centered around speculation over what the source of the odor in the hallway was. Best we can tell, it was a pile of garbage/dead things, or spoiled kimchee. Jokes about stinky things are the best. Basic humor that you can loop back around to with every new turn in a conversation.

—

Sherri & Aimee & I set out walking down to the little platz that we passed on the way in. I saw a Woolworth’s down there (I know, right?) and I wanted to look for a belt. I thought I could do without one on this trip, but my new jeans were a little contrary to this. Aimee saved me early on in the trip by offering me the one that she brought with her, and I was making it do. But everyone’s gotta keep their own pants up, so I needed to find my own. I wouldn’t wanna make my bad planning be responsible for somebody else’s saggy britches, we need to all look our tip-top, rock & roll best every day on this trip.

The Woolworth’s was a bust for good belts for me, but Sherri did find a cool backpack, and we kept on moving down the street. Lots of wonderful looking bakeries & candy shops all around the square, but no groceries visible to us. Down one of the side streets was a €1 store, and there was a rack of nylon strap belts right at the door. Nothing to write home about, but I reckon it’ll keep the gravity off of my pants until I get home, and the sign on the rack said it was only €1. I picked a grey one & took it to the cashier, who rang it up and gave me a number that was definitely not 1, or 1 plus tax. We had a very short talk in two languages where she tried to explain to me why it was so, and I tried to tell her I wasn’t gonna be buying the belt.

We went back out to the street, where the proprietor of the next shop had a rack of clothing out on the sidewalk, and a beautiful grey/brown Labrador was lounging unperturbed on a long bench. It was a second hand store, and most of the stuff on the rack was just random women’s clothing, but hanging on the end was an old black leather belt, with a simple chrome buckle. It might be just a large child’s belt, and it has been modified with extra holes to extend its grasp a few inches from its original design, but it fit me perfectly on the center hole. I told the shopkeeper that I would buy the belt if I could take a picture with her dog, and she more than happily obliged. I got to make a new friend. She was a quiet & noble dog who left me with a kiss on my ear as I snapped the photo.

With my new-found trouser security, we carried on down the street to see what else the town had for us. Plenty of bars, and a few closed restaurants, still more bakeries. We’d passed a vegetable shop on the way, & we decided to head back to round up some healthy fixings to take back to the apartment. An older couple were working the counter together, where we made our requests deli-style, through bits of English & French answered to us in German by the sweet woman who was gathering and carefully selecting every potato or onion as though her livelihood depended on our return business. We managed to pull together all the components for a supper & a breakfast, paid our order and asked her where we could buy some beer.

“ah, bier!” she said, and waved us outside. Pointing back to the square she said “to the Voolvorth, in the basement”

The Woolworth’s was actually just the street level of a larger shopping center, an entrance to the side put us on an escalator (descender?) going down to a discount grocery store. We were just looking for something to drink with supper, and our bargain sniffing tendencies sought out the cheapest Pilsner in the stack, which was on a special sale. I selected two or three bottles, and then reconsidered. This is a pretty good deal, we should get more. As I was mulling this over, Aimee spoke up & asked “should we just get a whole case?” (Case=20 one-liter bottles) Of course, she was right to ask this, and wise in making such a suggestion.

A little quick math & conversion told me that we were looking at a transaction of roughly five gallons of beer for about seven dollars. At these prices we would be foolish not to spend the money we saved on a bottle of their finest $6 whiskey.

Nothing to see here, just three smallish americans carrying 20 liters of beer about seven blocks up to their rental flat for supper.

—

Saarbrucken is actually a bigger town than it appeared to be on our little walk around the square. GPS directions in the van put us out on a highway for several kilometers and dropped us in a totally different town square with a completely different feel. This place was bustling, Lots of high fashion shopping and bars that were leaning closer to the nightclub side of things than the local taverns we saw earlier.

We’re at Old Murphy’s, an Irish Pub, -which apparently any country can have. They share a pedestrian square with several other bars, and there’s no way to get a car within two blocks of the place. Michael pulled into the taxi lane & put on the flashers while the rest of us started hauling gear into and across the cobblestones, past the shops and their window dressings with ten foot tall models in their underwear staring us in the eye like vacant, capitalist Mona Lisas, and the early drunks reveling among the tables & chairs all across the square. The ground was still damp from rain, but the evening was warm. The carrying was fine, but rolling the big amp cases across the uneven stones had to be done frustratingly slowly. It’s all good though, the lengths it takes to get to and from the gig are what I feel like I get paid for. Once we go on, I’m just happy to be there.

The stage was in the basement, in a little cavern of a room with arched ceilings and stucco walls. PA speakers were already hung and a SUPER basic powered mixer was set up. Aimee had to move & stack a row of full beer kegs to build herself a bunker to set the drums up in, and once she was settled in, the only access or egress was made by climbing over the kit. We tucked Michael’s amp halfway under the ride cymbal, put the bass amp on the floor under the crash, and set Sherri’s amp on top of it, so I had a full stack of amps to lean against.

The staff was all hip, edgy-looking young dudes, with the right tattoos, and they set us up with a round of beers. After the first set, the younger looking one with the bun in his hair, told us that they’d never had a band as “huge” as us there before. I’m not sure if he meant huge measured in size, or in decibels, but he really loved us, so we took the compliment and he took the tip jar around the room to get us some extra cash.

People filed in and out of the packed basement all night, but the first three tables stayed glued to their seats watching the show. I reckon we were pretty loud for that space, even filled with bodies and chatter, as it was almost the entire evening. But I was enjoying opening up the songs a little, and I loved the proximity to the drums. I could feel a little concussion of air pushing onto me every time Aimee hit the rack tom. Sherri’s amp was actually shaking me as we played. The music was a physical experience. It was another marathon set, all the way to 1 am, and the boys at the bar kept the pints of Guinness coming.

—

We broke down the gear and Sherri sold a few records to the folks at the front tables. I never got their story -were they already fans? did they find the show by accident?

We rolled all the amps & gear out in about five trips, and came back to do one last check. I asked one of the bartenders if they could spare us a pitcher of ice, and he was kind of perplexed and asked my why. I told him we had a bottle of bad whiskey back at the house, and he gave me a solid nod.

I waited by myself with the last armload of gear until the bartender came back with our ice, in a plastic grocery bag, full to the top and tied off. Then off I went, some random american, carrying the shittiest functional hi-hat stand on the planet, & a rented yamaha drum throne over his left shoulder, with a bag full of ice in the other hand, walking alone across a square in Saarbrucken to his waiting friends.